bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of White Matter Hyperintensity Progression with Cognitive Decline in Patients with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Hirao Kentaro , Yamashita Fumio , Tsugawa Akito , Haime Rieko , Fukasawa Raita , Sato Tomohiko , Kanetaka Hidekazu , Umahara Takahiko , Sakurai Hirofumi , Hanyu Haruo , Shimizu Soichiro
Published: February 2021

Background: White matter hyperintensities (WMH) on MRI have been reported to increase the risk of conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, effects of the progression of WMH on the cognition of patients with MCI remains unclear to date. Objective: To investigate the association between WMH progression and cognitive decline in amnestic MCI patients. Methods: Thirty-eight subjects with amnestic MCI were analyzed prospectively every year for 2 years. Fourteen MCI subjects dropped out on the final visit, and therefore 24 subjects with MCI were analyzed for the entire duration. The volumes of periventricular hyperintensities (PVH) and deep WMH (DWMH) were measured on T2 FLAIR using the 3D-slicer. The associations between PVH/DWMH progression and cognitive decline were investigated. Results: An increase in DWMH volume significantly correlated with changes in Mini-Mental State Examination and category verbal fluency scores, whereas an increase in PVH volume did not correlate with changes in any item. Conclusion: DWMH progression was closely associated with a decline in frontal lobe function and semantic memory, suggesting that WMH progression might affect some AD pathophysiologies in amnestic MCI patients.
Publicly auditable conditional blind signatures
Authors: Grontas Panagiotis , Pagourtzis Aris , Zacharakis Alexandros , Zhang Bingsheng
Published: February 2021

This work formalizes Publicly Auditable Conditional Blind Signatures (PACBS), a new cryptographic primitive that allows the verifiable issuance of blind signatures, the validity of which is contingent upon a predicate and decided by a designated verifier. In particular, when a user requests the signing of a message, blinded to protect her privacy, the signer embeds data in the signature that makes it valid if and only if a condition holds. A verifier, identified by a private key, can check the signature and learn the value of the predicate. Auditability mechanisms in the form of non-interactive zero-knowledge proofs are provided, so that a cheating signer cannot issue arbitrary signatures and a cheating verifier cannot ignore the embedded condition. The security properties of this new primitive are defined using cryptographic games. A proof-of-concept construction, based on the Okamoto–Schnorr blind signatures infused with a plaintext equivalence test is presented and its security is analyzed.
A smart portable ECG monitoring system with high precision and low power consumption
Authors: Bai Baodan , Zhao Yufang , Chen Xinrong , Chen Yingmin , Luo Zhangyuan
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a smart low-power wearable ECG monitoring and analyzing system which has an advanced architecture and low power consumption has been developed. There is a single channel ECG monitor that removes all loose wires from the system and minimizes the footprint on the user, ECG data can be continuously monitored for up to 14 days without affecting daily life. In addition, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), smartphone APP, analysis software and management platform have been added to the system for remote monitoring and whole process of heart health management. Clinical test to compare our wearable monitor with the Holter recorder are conducted on 108 groups under different ambulatory conditions. The results confirmed that it is equivalent to Holter in the clinical diagnosis of arrhythmia. This system can free patients from the short-range monitoring with lead wire entanglement to realize the long-term detection in daily life, early detection and early intervention; more convenient connections between patients and doctors, efficient use of medical resources, remote monitoring to reduce the burden of the medical and health system.
A Comparison of Depressive Symptoms in Medical and Psychology Students in Germany – Associations with Potential Risk and Resilience Factors
Authors: Kindt Tordis , Rabkow Nadja , Pukas Lilith , Keuch Lea , Sapalidis Alexandra , Piloty-Leskien Anna , Röhler Jonas , Proyer René , Watzke Stefan
Published: February 2021

Background: Previous studies have shown that medical students are more prone to suffer from symptoms related to depression than other students. Even though there is some evidence that psychology students also experience such symptoms, research concerning the mental health of future psychologists is scarce. Objective: The aims of this study were threefold: (a) to determine the prevalence of symptoms related to depression among medical and psychology students (b) to investigate risk factors, which may have a potential influence on the development of depressive symptoms and (c) to examine resilience factors in order to indicate possible approaches to improve the mental health of the students. Methods: A total of 673 medical and psychology students completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) to assess depressive symptoms, a neuroticism scale, and a standardized questionnaire for 13 risk and eight resilience factors derived from the literature. Results: While the results of previous research concerning the prevalence of depressive symptoms could be replicated for medical students (22% exceeding the cut-off in the BDI-II), psychology students demonstrated an even higher prevalence (28%). Ten potential risk factors and five potential resilience factors could be identified, which also showed a cumulative effect: The more risk factors students reported, the more depressive symptoms they experienced; the inverse effect was observed for resilience factors. Conclusions: Not only medical but also psychology students show elevated depressive symptomatology. In the university context, notably, the pressure to perform represents a potential risk factor, whereas the presence of just two resilience factors such as emotional support and study satisfaction contribute to a decrease of symptoms.
T Cells Limit Accumulation of Aggregate Pathology Following Intrastriatal Injection of α-Synuclein Fibrils
Authors: George Sonia , Tyson Trevor , Rey Nolwen L. , Sheridan Rachael , Peelaerts Wouter , Becker Katelyn , Schulz Emily , Meyerdirk Lindsay , Burmeister Amanda R. , von Linstow Christian U. , Steiner Jennifer A. , Galvis Martha L. Escobar , Ma Jiyan , Pospisilik J. Andrew , Labrie Viviane , Brundin Lena , Brundin Patrik
Published: February 2021

Background: α-Synuclein (α-syn) is the predominant protein in Lewy-body inclusions, which are pathological hallmarks of α-synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Other hallmarks include activation of microglia, elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as the activation of T and B cells. These immune changes point towards a dysregulation of both the innate and the adaptive immune system. T cells have been shown to recognize epitopes derived from α-syn and altered populations of T cells have been found in PD and MSA patients, providing evidence that these cells can be key to the pathogenesis of the disease. Objective To study the role of the adaptive immune system with respect to α-syn pathology. Methods: We injected human α-syn preformed fibrils (PFFs) into the striatum of immunocompromised mice (NSG) and assessed accumulation of phosphorylated α-syn pathology, proteinase K-resistant α-syn pathology and microgliosis in the striatum, substantia nigra and frontal cortex. We also assessed the impact of adoptive transfer of naïve T and B cells into PFF-injected immunocompromised mice. Results: Compared to wildtype mice, NSG mice had an 8-fold increase in phosphorylated α-syn pathology in the substantia nigra. Reconstituting the T cell population decreased the accumulation of phosphorylated α-syn pathology and resulted in persistent microgliosis in the striatum when compared to non-transplanted mice. Conclusion: Our work provides evidence that T cells play a role in the pathogenesis of experimental α-synucleinopathy.
Exposure to serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors or serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and sexual dysfunction: Results from an online survey
Authors: Patacchini Arianna , Cosci Fiammetta
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) is characterized by sexual and emotional symptoms associated to the exposure to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) or Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI). OBJECTIVE: The present study provides a comprehensive picture on demographic and clinical characteristics associated to PSSD. METHODS: An online survey was run on subjects self-declaring as affected by PSSD. The survey collected socio-demographic and clinical data via questions created ad hoc and three standardized scales (Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, World Health Organization Wellbeing Index). RESULTS: A total of 135 subjects (115 males; mean age 31.9 ± 8.9 years) was analysed. The syndrome was more represented among young, heterosexual males after the exposure to SSRI/SNRI at relatively high doses. The major findings involved the temporal sequence of symptoms: 118 subjects had symptoms both during and after SSRI/SNRI administration, and 17 only after, thus deposing for a iatrogenic action of SSRI/SNRI. Different variables, represented by both emotional and sexual symptoms, accounted for the variability of the severity of the sexual dysfunction as well as of wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the present results, PSSD is a complex iatrogenic syndrome in need of being further studied and understood.
Inferior alveolar nerve damage secondary to orthodontic treatment: A systematic scoping review
Authors: AlAli Ahmad M. , AlAnzi Talal H.
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: Neurosensory impairment is a common complication following inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) damage. OBJECTIVE: To document and report the various causes, diagnosis, and management of IAN damage secondary to orthodontic treatment. METHODS: An electronic search for studies that reported IAN damage in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment was performed up to July 15, 2020 using MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed databases. Descriptive analyses and linear regression model were performed. RESULTS: A total of 15 case reports were identified including 16 patients with an overall mean age of 23.3. All the included studies reported temporary sensory alterations which manifested as anesthesia (19%, n = 3), paresthesia (75%, n = 12), or combined (6%, n = 1). The majority of cases managed by stopping the orthodontic force (75%, n = 12), followed by appliance adjustments (19%, n = 3), providing a bite plate (13%, n = 2), and/or providing pharmacological management (38%, n = 6). Full recovery median duration reported in all cases following the aforementioned managements was 17.5 days. CONCLUSIONS: IAN damage secondary to orthodontic treatment is emerging in the literature in recent years. Identifying high risk patients with close proximity to the IAN canal is a must to formulate a proper treatment plan to avoid such complications.
Harvest date and variability in lipid bioactive compounds in Pistacia atlantica
Authors: Benguechoua Mebarka Imane , Benguechoua Madjda , Gourine Nadhir , Silva Artur M. S. , Saidi Mokhtar , Yousfi Mohamed
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND:

The present work stands as an endeavor to uncover the ideal harvesting time of leaves in which they exhibits the maximum contents of bioactive molecules such as essential fatty acids, tocopherols and carotenoids.

METHODS:

A large scale investigation was carried out for the leaves of Pistacia atlantica involving a large number of populations collected over a period of four months during the growing season. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using both DPPH and β-carotene assays. The chemical percentage variability of the fatty acids was investigated using statistical analysis methods (Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering “AHC”, also cited as CAH).

OBJECTIVE:

During the growth period, the effects of harvesting date on the total contents of lipids, tocopherols, carotenoids, fatty acids composition and also the antioxidant activities of the lipids were investigated.

RESULTS:

The content of myristic acid and other saturated fatty acids increased during leaf development, while linoleic, linolenic acids and unsaturated fatty acids decreased. The highest percentages of both linolenic C18:3 (27.25±5.92%) and linoleic acids C18:2 (17.68±3.80%) were obtained for the month of May at the first stage of leaves development (young leaves), but higher percentage levels of C18:1, were obtained for both consecutive months of August & September (28.83±6.50%; 27.79±8.63%, respectively) at intermediate developing stage. The lipids, tocopherols, carotenoids contents and the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were dependent on the harvest time. The antioxidant activity showed higher powers at the first developing stage (May). Two main clusters and two sub-clusters of the fatty acids were distinguished and were also depending clearly on the period of the collection.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results showed that the FA were dependent on the period of collection of the leaves. The main result of this study illustrate the nutritional potential (richness in MUFA such as C18:1, 2, 3) of the oil of P. atlantica leaves, which can provide opportunities for rational exploitation in the food industries or for medicinal purposes.
Identification of the functional food potency of çalkama: A traditional recipe with edible Mediterranean wild greens from Turkish cuisine
Authors: Altin Gokce , Bildik Fatih , Kasapoğlu Kadriye Nur , Genç Seda , Genç Mahmut , Özçelik Beraat
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND:

The phytochemical contents of traditional foods are necessary to further elucidate the impacts of the Mediterranean diet on health. Çalkama is traditional food prepared by using wild green plants including chard ( Beta vulgaris var.cicl), wild fennel (Foeniculum vulgare spp), common mellow ( Malva sylvestris L), common poppy ( Papaver rhoeas L), dock (Rumex spp), common nettle (Urtica dioica L), sow-thistle (Sonchus asper (L) Hill), common stork’s bill (Erodium circutarium (L)L Hé r) and wild leek (Allium ampeloprasum L).

OBJECTIVE:

In this research, the antioxidant activity and the flavonoid and phenolic acid composition were separately analyzed for each plant and çalkama.

METHODS:

Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and total antioxidant capacity of each plant and çalkama were measured spectrophotometric assays. Ultra-fast liquid chromatography (UFLC) was performed to detect specific flavonoid groups.

RESULTS:

It was detected that one portion of çalkama (100 g) contained approximately 250 mg of flavonoids. Particularly, quercetin and apigenin contributed to the main flavonoid source and chlorogenic acid was the major phenolic acid in çalkama.

CONCLUSIONS:

According to our findings, this food can be considered as a good phenolic and flavonoid source which protects its high antioxidant capacity through preparation and cooking processes.
Neural correlates of memory recovery: Preliminary findings in children and adolescents with acquired brain injury
Authors: Mouthon Anne-Laure , Meyer-Heim Andreas , Huber Reto , Van Hedel Hubertus J.A.
Published: February 2021

Background:

After acquired brain injury (ABI), patients show various neurological impairments and outcome is difficult to predict. Identifying biomarkers of recovery could provide prognostic information about a patient’s neural potential for recovery and improve our understanding of neural reorganization. In healthy subjects, sleep slow wave activity (SWA, EEG spectral power 1–4.5 Hz) has been linked to neuroplastic processes such as learning and brain maturation. Therefore, we suggest that SWA might be a suitable measure to investigate neural reorganization underlying memory recovery.

Objectives:

In the present study, we used SWA to investigate neural correlates of recovery of function in ten paediatric patients with ABI (age range 7–15 years).

Methods:

We recorded high-density EEG (128 electrodes) during sleep at the beginning and end of rehabilitation. We used sleep EEG data of 52 typically developing children to calculate age-normalized values for individual patients. In patients, we also assessed every-day life memory impairment at the beginning and end of rehabilitation.

Results:

In the course of rehabilitation, memory recovery was paralleled by longitudinal changes in SWA over posterior parietal brain areas. SWA over left prefrontal and occipital brain areas at the beginning of rehabilitation predicted memory recovery.

Conclusions:

We show that longitudinal sleep-EEG measurements are feasible in the clinical setting. While posterior parietal and prefrontal brain areas are known to belong to the memory “core network”, occipital brain areas have never been related to memory. While we have to remain cautious in interpreting preliminary findings, we suggest that SWA is a promising measure to investigate neural reorganization.
Could ionic regulation disorders explain the overlap between meniere’s disease and migraine?
Authors: Teggi Roberto , Colombo Bruno , Zagato Laura , Filippi Massimo
Published: February 2021

Ménière’s disease (MD) is an inner ear disorder characterized by a burden of symptoms and comorbidities, including migraine. In both disorders, ionic dysregulation may play a role as a predisposing factor. In recent years. aquaporins have been widely investigated, but the results are far from conclusive. We recently studied the genetics of ionic transporters and the hormone endogenous ouabain as predisposing factors for development of MD. In particular, we found two genetic polymorphisms associated with MD: 1) rs3746951, a missense variant (Gly180Ser) in the salt-inducible kinase-1 (SIK1) gene encoding a Na+, K+ ATPase; 2) rs487119, an intronic variant of gene SLC8A1 coding for a Na+, Ca++ exchanger (NCX-1). Ionic concentration in the brain also plays a role in the pathophysiology of migraine. In this brief review we summarize what has been published on MD and migraine.
Association between vestibular function and rotational spatial orientation perception in older adults
Authors: Anson E. , Ehrenburg M.R. , Simonsick E.M. , Agrawal Y.
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: Spatial orientation is a complex process involving vestibular sensory input and possibly cognitive ability. Previous research demonstrated that rotational spatial orientation was worse for individuals with profound bilateral vestibular dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: Determine whether rotational and linear vestibular function were independently associated with large amplitude rotational spatial orientation perception in healthy aging. METHODS: Tests of rotational spatial orientation accuracy and vestibular function [vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP)] were administered to 272 healthy community-dwelling adults participating in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Using a mixed model multiple linear regression we regressed spatial orientation errors on lateral semicircular canal function, utricular function (ocular VEMP), and saccular function (cervical VEMP) in a single model controlling for rotation size, age, and sex. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, and sex, individuals with bilaterally low VOR gain (β= 20.9, p = 0.014) and those with bilaterally absent utricular function (β= 9.32, p = 0.017) made significantly larger spatial orientation errors relative to individuals with normal vestibular function. CONCLUSIONS: The current results demonstrate for the first time that either bilateral lateral semicircular canal dysfunction or bilateral utricular dysfunction are associated with worse rotational spatial orientation. We also demonstrated in a healthy aging cohort that increased age also contributes to spatial orientation ability.
Optically transparent glass modified with metal oxides for X-rays and gamma rays shielding material
Authors: Hussein Khalid I. , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Grelowska Iwona , Reben Manuela , Afifi Hesham , Zahran Heba , Yaha I. S. , Yousef El Sayed
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: Metal oxide glass composites have attracted huge interest as promising shielding materials to replace toxic, heavy, and costly conventional shielding materials. OBJECTIVE: In this work, we evaluate shielding effectiveness of four novel tellurite-based glasses samples doped with oxide metals (namely, A, B, C, and D, which are 75TeO2- 10P2O5- 10ZnO- 5PbF2- 0.24Er2O3 ; 70TeO2- 10P2O5- 10ZnO- 5PbF2 -5MgO- 0.24Er2O3; 70TeO2- 10P2O5- 10ZnO- 5PbF2- 5BaO- 0.24Er2O3 ; and 70TeO2- 10P2O5-10ZnO- 5PbF2- 5SrO; respectively) by assessing them through a wide range of ionizing radiation energies (0.015–15 MeV). METHODS: The radiation-shielding parameters including mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half-value layer (HVL), mean free path, (MFP), effective atomic number (Zeff), effective electron number (Neff), and the transmission factor are computed in the selected range of ionizing radiation energies. Furthermore, the proposed samples were compared with the most common shielding glass materials. The optical parameters viz oscillator, dispersion energy, nonlinear refractive indices, molar, and electronic polarizability of these transparent glasses are reported at different wavelengths. RESULTS: The results show that the proposed samples have considerable effectiveness as transparent shielding glass materials at various ionizing radiation energies. They can be employed for effective radiation-protection outcomes. Sample C demonstrated slightly better shielding properties than the other samples with differences of 1.33%, 4.6%, and 4.2% for samples A, B, and D, respectively. A similar trend is observed regarding the mass attenuation coefficients. Nevertheless, sample B shows better optical properties than the other prepared glass samples. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the proposed novel glass samples have good shielding properties and optical characteristics, which can pave the way for their utilization as transparent radiation-shielding materials in medical and industrial applications.
CEO’s Key to IT Transformation & Organizational Agility
Authors: Kamble Prem
Published: February 2021

_It is well known that companies which succeed today are the ones that have the agility to change. The CEO is most suited to drive change in an organization and create an agile organization. You very well know that as a CEO, you need to be able to manage change to be agile. You have taken several Change management trainings and met experts. But you still find yourself struggling to cope with the change. _

_Something crucial is missing in your change management trainings._

_It is an irony that though IT is the biggest driver of change today, none of the change management seminars cover how to manage IT-Driven change. It may not be obvious, but it is a very specialized skill needing a mindset change._

_Although IT is the primary agent of change and CEOs need to manage IT-Driven change, research says that lack of CEO and top management support in IT is the primary cause of IT failure. High failure rates of IT and ERP projects should make CEOs sit up and notice._

_Fortunately, there is a way available now. There is just the right training for a new unique skill, which the author calls “Behavioral IT” skill, which unfortunately was not even identified, leave alone taught. CEOs can now hone their skills to manage this resistance to IT-Driven Change and ensure an agile organization. And the good news is that there is no need to know technology to be a good CEO.  CEOs and managers don’t need to know IT – They only need to know Behavioral IT._
Miglustat: A glycotransferase inhibitor for Covid-19 treatment
Authors: Tatlow Dean
Published: February 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) undergoes blood type specific glycosylation which has implications for infection susceptibility and replication without detection from the immune system. SARS-CoV-2 hijacks the host cell glycotransferase resulting in spike protein glycosylation resembling blood type antigens. Infection risk correlates to blood types that do not have anti-A and/or anti-B antibodies similar to that seen for ABO blood type recipients. The universal recipient AB is highly susceptible to infection lacking both anti-A and B antibodies, whereas blood type O has both antibodies resulting in less risk of infection. Once infected, SARS-CoV-2 obtains the blood type specific glycosylation of the host resulting in an effective camouflage against immune system recognition. Decoding the link between blood type and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) susceptibility exposes a role for miglustat a glycosyltransferase inhibitor in treatment. Use of the FDA-approved glycosyltransferase inhibitor miglustat can inhibit spike protein glycosylation revealing the SARS-CoV-2 virus for immune system recognition.
The process of renewal and development of cooperatives in Ho Chi Minh City (1986-2019)
Authors: Thuan Vu Van
Published: February 2021

Cooperatives are a major form of collective economy – an important economic component, the basis for the development of the national economy. The development of the collective economy has become a cross-cutting and consistent policy of The Communist Party and the State of Vietnam in the transition period to socialism. Since 1986, clearly defining that role and its importance, the Communist Party Committee of Ho Chi Minh City proactively had supportive policies, at initial stage, in terms of facilities, legal matters and change of business production direction. In the first ten years after the renovation, the development of the cooperative faced many difficulties due to the change of policy and mechanism from the subsidized centrally planned economy to the market economy. Since 1996, when the Law on Cooperatives came into existence, it created a legal basis, contributing to promoting the development of cooperatives in many economic fields. On that basis, Ho Chi Minh City paid more attention to the development of cooperatives. Directives and specialized resolutions on cooperatives were formulated, and specific policies on cooperatives were formed. As a result, over the past 30 years, cooperatives have gradually recovered and developed in many economic fields, becoming an economic component in the economic structure of the city. In addition, the cooperatives also contribute significantly to creating jobs, increasing incomes and improving people's lives in the city. In the current context, cooperatives in the City need to innovate more strongly to adapt and to develop.
A STUDY TO DETECT THE PROPORTION OF ALTERED SERUM CALCIUM, PHOSPHOROUS AND VITAMIN D3 LEVEL IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS ATTENDING CHEST OPD IN BURDWAN MEDICAL COLLEGE & HOSPITAL
Authors: Ta Rupam Kumar , Mukherjee Debashree , Sen Pronoy
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) is still a very common cause of morbidity & morbidity in India.[7] Calcium and phosphorus metabolism plays an important role in the healing of lesions in PTB. Vitamin D deficient individuals have a greater susceptibility to develop TB[14] and worse disease progression if infected with TB.[15] Due to paucity of studies this study was carried out to estimate the mean value of serum calcium phosphorous and Vitamin D3 level in newly diagnosed PTB patients and find out correlation among the altered values of these biochemical parameters.

Methods: This was an observational cross sectional hospital based study carried out on 120 patients attending Burdwan Medical College over a period of one and a half years. All patients of PTB were included, while patients with Sarcoidosis, hepatitis, chronic kidney disease, post menopausal women were excluded from study. Serum Calcium, Phosphorus and Vitamin D3 were estimated in these patients. Data collected was entered in Excel Spreadsheet, and analysed in SPSS version 19.0 using descriptive statistical methods, percentiles and scatter diagrams.

Main Findings: Serum calcium and phosphorus was not significantly decreased in our study. Moderate prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was found among newly diagnosed PTB patients. Significant correlation was found between altered vitamin D3, serum phosphorus and serum calcium level.

Conclusion: Since Serum vitamin D3 is significantly decreased in pulmonary tuberculosis it is essential to monitor the serum levels of vitamin D3 in PTB patients and provide adequate supplementation of vitamin D3.

Keywords: Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Calcium, Vitamin D3, Phosphorus
ROLE OF HIGH RESOLUTION ULTRASOUND IN THE DISORDERS OF ACHILLES TENDON.
Authors: Ramakrishna Narayanan
Published: February 2021

Background: The Achilles tendon is the most common tendon that can get injured. The tendon can get affected in a wide variety of conditions and present with varied clinical manifestations. A detailed knowledge of the conditions affecting this tendon, their clinical manifestations and their appearance in imaging studies will help narrow down the diagnosis and provide precise treatment.

Aim: Aim of the study was to identify the most common pathologies that affect the Achilles tendon and to correlate the clinical presentation with the high resolution ultrasound appearance.

Settings and design: This was a prospective study

Methods and Material: 52 patients with suspected Achilles tendon pathology were evaluated. After taking a detailed clinical history and performing a clinical examination, HRUS was performed on all the patients. The disorders affecting the patients were characterised based on clinical presentation and ultrasound examination. Correlation was done between the clinical and HRUS presentation of these cases.

Results

The most common symptom at the time of presentation was pain which was present in 41 patients (78.9%). Other symptoms included loss of plantar flexion seen in 20 patients (38.4%), swelling in 36 patients (69%) and stiffness seen in 12 patients (23%).

Tears in the tendon were the most common type of pathology noted in 25 patients (48.07%),18 patients (34.6%) presented with complete tears and 5 patients (13.4%) with partial tears. Complete tears occurred more frequently at a site 3-4 cm from the calcaneal insertion while partial tears were most commonly insertional.

10 (19.2%) patients had findings suggestive of tendinopathy and their most common complaint was chronic pain and swelling.

5 patients (9.62%) had features of enthesitis. Among them 3 had psoriatric arthropathy and 2 had ankylosing spondylitis.

Conclusion

The spectrum of disorders involving the Achilles tendon are diverse and the clinical examination maybe imprecise, especially in acute conditions. HRUS offers a highly accurate tool that can diagnose these conditions and guide the management.

Keywords: Tendoachilles, Achilles tendon, Paratendinopathy, Tendinopathy, Tears, High resolution ultrasound
Formulation And In-Vitro Evaluation Of Cocrystals Of Pantoprazole Sodium For Immediate Release
Authors: Jain Shiwangi , Bansal Mayank , Sharma Ashutosh
Published: February 2021

Pantoprazole is extensively metabolized in the liver and has a total serum clearance of 0.1 l/h/kg, a serum elimination half-life of about 1.1 h, and an apparent volume of distribution of 0.15 L/kg. 98% of pantoprazole is bound to serum proteins. Elimination half-life, clearance, and volume of distribution are independent of the dose. Almost 80% of an oral or intravenous dose is excreted as metabolites in urine; the remainder is found in feces and originates from biliary secretion. The clearance of pantoprazole is only slightly affected by age, with its half-life being approximately 1.25 h in the elderly. Pantoprazole is an acid labile drug that requires protection from degradation in acidic media. Hence, co-crystallization of pantoprazole sodium with appropriate co-formers will inhibit its degradation in acidic medium ensuring fast release in the stomach. The acid-labile drugs for oral administration may also be protected from gastric acidity by inhibiting its degradation upon entering into acidic environment. So, the current approach includes co-crystallization of the provided drug with appropriate co-former which prevents degradation of drug by quick absorption and protects the drug from low pH. Apart from that, the formulations also modulate or control the drug release for an immediate action.

Keywords: Pantoprazole sodium, Co-crystal, solvent drop method, Co-former.
Evaluation of Students’ Awareness of Charter of Patients' Rights
Authors:   Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran., Ashrafizadeh Hadis , Maniati Mahmood ,   School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran., Adineh Mohammad ,   Chronic Disease Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran., Elahi Nasrin ,   Chronic Disease Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran., Molavynejad Shahram ,   Nursing Care Research Center in Chronic Disease, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran., Najafi Safa ,   School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Published: February 2021

Background: As an essential principle, the collective life of human beings can constitute a human society only when human rights are respected. Demanding and respecting the rights of patients, as an inevitable part of human society, requires familiarity with patient-involved individuals. The present study aimed to determine the awareness level of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (AJUMS) students about the Charter of Patients’ Rights (CPR). Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 200 senior university students who had been in contact with patients during their undergraduate program. They were invited from different faculties of the university. The data collection tool was a two-section questionnaire. The first section covered the demographic information, and the second included 29 questions about the 5 principles of the CPR. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS by descriptive statistics, and analytical tests, including Independent Samples t-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results: From the 200 study participants, 103 (51%) were female. The Mean±SD of students’ awareness was 14.50±2.3. The highest and lowest mean scores belonged to the areas of access to services and confidentiality. There was no statistically significant difference between the awareness score of students from different faculties (P=0.359). Conclusion: This study results suggested that the awareness level of the medical students about the CPR was unsatisfactory. Instituting ethical codes among students and providing them knowledge of their professional lives is an essential part of the university’s responsibilities.
The Effect of Group Movie Therapy on the Activities of Daily Living Among the Older Adults
Authors:   Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran., Yaghini Narges , Izadi-Avanji Fatemeh Sadat ,   Trauma Nursing Research Center, School of Nursing, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran., Miranzadeh Sedigheh ,   Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran., Akbari Hossain ,   epartment of Biostatistics and Public Health, Faculty of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
Published: February 2021

Background: The daily living activities are among the essential components of life and reflect an important aspect of functional independence in older adults. This study aimed to determine the effect of Group Movie Therapy (GMT) on the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) in older adults. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 48 older adults referred to Urban Comprehensive Health Service Centers of Kashan City, Iran. The study subjects were enrolled by a convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=24) and control (n=24) groups. GMT was performed in 6 weekly sessions. The Lawton’s ADL Scale was used for data collection. The obtained data were analyzed by the Chi-Squared test, Fisher’s Exact test, and Independent Samples t-test using SPSS. Results: There was no significant difference in the mean scores of Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) before the intervention between the study groups. A significant difference was found in the mean scores of IADL after the intervention between the study groups (P=0.001); however, there was no significant difference in the BADL values of the groups after the intervention. Conclusion: GMT is a non-invasive, low-cost, and non-risky way to improve the elderly’s autonomy in performing IADL. Thus, GMT is recommended as a method of behavior therapy.
The Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Metabolic Syndrome and Body Composition in Male Students
Authors:   Department of Vocational Science, Faculty of Montazeri, Khorasan Razavi Branch, Technical and Vocational University, Mashhad, Iran., Darzabi Teimour , Hejazi Keyvan ,   Department of Sports Physiology, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran., Shahrokhi Hossein ,   Department of Sports Injury and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran.
Published: February 2021

Background: Diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as the two major consequences of metabolic syndrome, can lead to some complications, like fatty liver disease. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ramadan fasting on metabolic syndrome and body composition in fasting and non-fasting male students. Methods: This was an outcome research with a quasi-experimental design. A total of 29 male students were selected by convenience sampling method. Those who intended to fast were placed in one group (n=15) and other students in the non-fasting group (n=14). The serum levels of biochemical and hematological factors and atherogenic indexes were measured three days before the fasting month and after Ramadan. The obtained data were analyzed by repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using SPSS. The significance level was set at P≤0.05. Results: The present study results suggested that weight (79.96±5.32 vs. 79.16±5.43 kg; P=0.001), body mass index (25.03±2.33 vs. 24.78±2.36 kg/m2; P=0.001), waist circumference (104.86±4.18 vs. 101.86±5.28 cm; P=0.001), hip circumference (96.33±6.58 vs. 95.42±6.14 cm; P=0.002), waist to hip ratio (1.09±0.06 vs. 1.07±0.07 cm; P=0.008), fasting blood glucose (86.46±4.74 vs. 79.93±7.54 mg/dL; P= 0.002), insulin (12.95±6.96 vs. 9.65±4.57 mg/dL; P=0.03), insulin resistance (49.74±2.70 vs. 33.89±1.49; P=0.001), and Triglyceride (TG) levels (75.00±15.15 vs. 67.93±16.26 mg/dL; P=0.03 ) have decreased significantly at the end of fasting period. The HDL-C levels (38.66±4.09 vs. 42.46±5.19 mg/dL; P= 0.004) significantly increased in the fasting group. Conclusion: According to the obtained data, fasting led to some alternations in body composition and serum insulin, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profile. Therefore, to benefit from this holy month, it is crucial for male nursing students to include nutrients in their diet during Ramadan.
Silent Victims of COVID-19
Authors:   Department of Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Navab Elham , Bahramnezhad Fatemeh ,   Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: February 2021

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Moving Toward Indigenous-Centred Perinatal Care in Urban Quebec
Authors: Blanchet-Cohen Natasha , Edith Cloutier , Carole Lévesque , Stephane Laroche , Stephane Laroche , Wawanoloath Maxime-Auguste
Published: February 2021

This article explores Abinodjic, an initiative of the Native Friendship Centre in Val-d’Or, Quebec, Canada, which aims to move toward Indigenous-centred perinatal care for Indigenous mothers and families. Drawing on the findings of a three-year collaborative developmental evaluation, this article describes the emergence and relevance of a model of perinatal care in which Mino Pimatisi8in (a wholistic view of well-being) is the overarching goal, and where parental experiences, healthy lifestyles, support networks, and cultural knowledges are four interdependent areas of intervention that support children’s well-being, in the context of culturally safe services and approaches. We discuss three key elements significant to the initiative: (a) valuing Indigenous ways of being, (b) centring relationships and supporting the social networks, and (c) being advocates, both directly for community members as well as for Indigenous Peoples generally within the health and social services system. Findings demonstrate the importance of situating perinatal care within a continuum of Indigenous-led social and health services, and providing specific outreach, support, and guidance that are relational, strengths-based, and empowering for Indigenous families.
The first message from the founding editor
Authors: Saengsupavanich Cherdvong
Published: February 2021

Maritime Technology and Research (MTR) (E-ISSN: 2651-205X) is launched to celebrate the 12th Anniversary of Faculty of International Maritime Studies, Kasetsart University, Thailand. 

MTR is a peer-reviewed journal covering all areas of Maritime Technology. It provides a forum for discussion of current issues, new idea and developments, as well as breakthroughs in coastal and oceanic arenas. The range of topics extends from coastal zone to deep ocean, including engineering, environment, logistics, as well as other management aspects. 

In addition to original, full-length contributions presenting new research and developments in the field, the journal also publishes review papers authored by leading authorities. The journal implements a double-blinded review system with at least 2 expert reviewers. Articles are freely available to all readers. 

MTR’s editorial committee members are academically well-known, ensuring high standard of the journal. I formally invite authors and readers to participate in MTR. Hopefully, MTR can be a venue for us to share our knowledge, advancing maritime technology. I welcome all submissions with great pleasure.

Finally, with great pleasure, I would like to introduce our founding team members; Dr. Supawat Chaikasem (Journal Manager), Mr. Kosin Sirirak (Journal Manager) and Miss Risa Fongsaichol (Journal Assistant), who have worked hard for our success.
CONCEPT FORMATION: PHYSICS TEACHER AND HIS KNOW-HOW AND KNOW-WHY
Authors: Demkanin Peter
Published: February 2021

Physics education is an easy job, making people happy. It is an easy job for all, including teachers and learners. Do you agree? I do, but probably it is good to try to discuss these words somehow in details. Quite often we see, even in our Journal, research results proving that Physics is not so popular. Physics courses require thinking, using correct words, not making too much algebra and calculation mistakes, using arguments. Really, a reasonable portion of pupils does not find Physics lessons as a source of happiness. What to do with these pupils, their teachers and the content they are taught? Neuroscientists, like M. Lieberman, are converging to interesting ideas: “Teachers are losing the education war because our adolescents are distracted by the social world. Naturally, the students don’t see it that way. It wasn’t their choice to get endless instruction on topics that don’t seem relevant to them. They desperately want to learn, but what they want to learn about is their social world - how it works and how they can secure a place in it that will maximize their social rewards and minimize the social pain they feel. Their brains are built to feel these strong social motivations and to use the mentalizing system to help them along. Evolutionarily, the social interest of adolescents is no distraction. Rather, it is the most important thing they can learn well.” (Lieberman 2013, p.282)
EFFECTIVENESS OF CREATIVE RESPONSIBILITY BASED TEACHING (CRBT) MODEL ON BASIC PHYSICS LEARNING TO INCREASE STUDENT’S SCIENTIFIC CREATIVITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
Authors: Suyidno Suyidno , Nur Mohamad , Yuanita Leny , Prahani Binar Kurnia , Jatmiko Budi
Published: February 2021

The Creative Responsibility Based Teaching (CRBT) model is an innovative physics-teaching model designed to enhance students’ scientific creativity and responsibility. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the effectiveness of CRBT model to improve scientific creativity and first year students’ responsibility on Basic Physics learning in academic year 2016/2017. This research used one group pre-test and post-test design on 144 students divided into 4 groups at University of Lambung Mangkurat, South Kalimantan (Indonesia). The data collection methods were conducted by using: scientific creativity tests emphasized on unusual uses indicator, problem finding, product improvement, creatively science problem solving, creatively experiment designing, and creatively product design; questionnaire of responsibility emphasized on: participatory indicator, respecting others, cooperation, leadership, and delivering opinion; and interviews. The data analysis technique was done by using paired t-test / Wilcoxon test, n-gain, and ANOVA / Kruskal-Wallis test. The results showed that there was a significant increase in students’ scientific creativity and responsibility at α = 5%, with n-gain average of moderate category, and both were not different (consistent) for all four groups. Thus, the CRBT model is effective for enhancing students’ scientific creativity and responsibility. Keywords: creative responsibility based teaching, physics learning, responsibility attitude, scientific creativity, first year students.
INTEREST OF LATVIAN AND LITHUANIAN STUDENTS IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS
Authors: Cēdere Dagnija , Jurgena Inese , Targamadze Vilija
Published: February 2021

Interest is one of the most important components for a successful teaching/learning process; unfortunately, nowadays students’ interest in science and mathematics is decreasing. The aim of the research is to explore the cognitive interest of 15-year- old students in science and mathematics. Students in Latvia and Lithuania participated in the survey; the data show that students’ cognitive interest in this area in both countries is mediocre. The factor analysis was used to single out four main dimensions of the cognitive interest – interest in the context, interest in mathematics, inquiry interest and enthusiasm. Students’ interest is higher in issues connected with practical life, the solution of real problems, but much lower if the problem to be solved needs effort, if they have to use mathematical tools. Enthusiasm is not characteristic for students. Only few respondents are willing to engage in science and mathematics in their leisure time. Latvian and Lithuanian students show slight differences in their interests. There are more Lithuanian students, who like mathematics and who are not afraid of difficulties. Latvian students, in their turn, show greater enthusiasm. Keywords: cognitive interest, science and mathematics, teaching/learning process.