bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond Human Boundaries: Exploring the Proficiency of AI Technology and its Potential in Psychometric Test Construction
Authors: Lenhard Wolfgang , Lenhard Alexandra
Published: August 2023

The substantial advancements in artificial intelligence, notably the Generative Pretrained Transformers exemplified by GPT4, have instigated comprehensive discussions on the potential and challenges of AI. Following on from research on automatic evaluation of open-ended responses using latent semantic analysis (LSA) undertaken in our team two decades ago, we take an updated look at the possibilities today. In this brief report, we re-evaluate our findings in assessing the linguistic capabilities of computational linguistics and review the performance of current approaches using language subtests of intelligence tests of the Wechsler series and tests of reading comprehension. The results show that current language models perform at the upper end of the spectrum of human abilities and that they therefore offer tremendous opportunities in test development, as well as in the automatic evaluation of open-ended responses.
Patterns and Trends of Out-migration in Syangja District of Nepal
Authors: Parajuli Chandra , Naupane Bibek K. , Khatri Bishnu B. , Koirala Arjun
Published: August 2023

When migration occurs, it has a significant impact on the lives and livelihoods of individuals, communities, societies, and the nation. In this regards, the paper aims to examine the patterns and trends of out-migration in Syangja district of Nepal. As key data sources, government records, Nepal Census Data 2021, and related reports were used for analysis. This research has employed a descriptive research approach for the analysis of the trends and patterns of migration in Syangja district. On the basis of secondary data, the information on the population growth, migration pattern and trend, causes of migration, and the preferred destination has been presented and discussed. The article has also discussed the factors influencing decisions on migration. The study reveals that people of Syangja had chosen to migrate both within the country and outside. The main reasons for migration were primarily employment and education, which is considerably lacking in Syangja. The findings indicate that migrants expect a higher standard of living as a result of their migration. Understanding the migration patterns and trends which are helpful for the policymakers and decision makers to formulate the district specific policy and strategy as well as to regulate and harness the benefits of migration.
Women Empowerment Reinvented: Recognizing the Role of Religiosity in Gender Equality
Authors: Bhatta Joshi Yashoda
Published: August 2023

Religious practices world-over play a significant role in shaping societies, cultures, and people’s beliefs and attitudes towards life. In Nepal, religion has been an integral part of the social fabric with women playing an active role in various religious practices. This paper mainly reflects the self-experience of ‘situated reality’ of Far-West Nepal by the author with the supportive literature from relevant sources. The discussion shows that women’s assertive presence at ‘religious space’ of their family and community has a positive impact on their social empowerment, enabling them to access resources, participate in decision making, and challenge gender-stereotypes. It has improved their self-confidence, enhanced their social status, and given them a sense of identity. Moreover, it has provided them a platform to activate their agency, build social capital, challenge patriarchal norms, and promote their rights. This paper concludes suggesting that women’s religious engagements can be a powerful means of achieving gender equality and their social empowerment.
Distribution of dust color temperature, dust mass and planck’s function around C-rich AGB star: IRAS 19558+3333 using IRIS, AKARI, and WISE Surveys
Authors: Kandel Ramchandra , Chaudhary Ashok , Chaudhary Keshab , Jha Ajay Kumar , Jalan Muskan , Subedi Anil , Khatiwada Kushal , Upadhyay Devendra Raj
Published: August 2023

The dust properties of C-rich AGB (Asymptotic giant branch) star IRAS 19558+3333 located at right ascension (R.A.) (J2000) = 19h 57m 48.440s and Declination (J2000) = +330 41h 21.250s was studied. The FITS image of this AGB star was obtained by SkyView Virtual Observatory in IRIS, AKARI, and WISE surveys respectively. The flux of ambient medium in the wavelength range of IRIS 60 μm and 100 μm, AKARI 90 μm and 140 μm and WISE 12 μm and 22 μm was calculated along with the physical properties like dust color temperature, dust mass, Planck’s function and visual extinction of the candidate at a distance of 3415.420 pc. The minimum and maximum dust mass is found to be 1.606× 1021 kg (8.030 × 10−10 M⊙), and 7.013 × 1020 kg (3.506× 10−10 M⊙) in IRIS, 2.739 × 1022 kg (1.369× 10−8 M⊙), and 1.292 × 1022 kg (6.460 × 10-9 M⊙) in AKARI and 2.297 × 1020 kg (1.148 × 10−10 M⊙) and 3.013 × 1019 kg (1.506 × 10−11 M⊙) in the WISE survey and the dust color temperature of the corresponding C-rich star average value was found to be 24.230 ± 0.229 K in IRIS, 16.780 ± 0.189 K in AKARI and 123.750 ± 0.430 K in WISE survey. The temperature in WISE was higher than that of the AKARI and WISE surveys.
Phytochemical analysis of Schizophyllum commune Fr. and Microporus xanthopus (Fr.) Kuntze from Phulchowki, central Nepal
Authors: Bhatt Lok Ranjan , Dawadi Prabin , Shyaula Manita , Khadka Christina , Raut Jay Kant
Published: August 2023

Mushrooms are widely known for their therapeutic properties, which can be attributed to the secondary metabolites they produce. This study aims to evaluate different phytochemical constituents of two saprophytic mushrooms, namely Schizophyllum commune Fr and Microporus xanthopus (Fr.) Kuntze, collected from forest around Phulchowki, Lalitpur, Nepal. The total phenolic, flavonoid, vitamin C, β-carotene, and lycopene contents of S. commune were found higher than M. xanthopus (143.21 ± 0.003 vs. 108.45 ± 0.112 mg GAE/100 g; 91.55 ± 0.121 vs. 49.72 ± 0.073 mg QAE/100 g; 26.67 ± 0.015 vs. 3.15 ± 0.170 mg AA/100 g; 0.036 ± 0.001 vs. 0.013 ± 0.002, and 0.026 ± 0.002 vs. 0.01 ± 0.004 mg carotenoid/g; respectively) in the methanolic extracts. This study suggests that these mushrooms might have some medicinal values.
Forest structure and biodiversity patterns along elevational gradients in eastern Nepal
Authors: Gachhadar Pramila Kumari , Mandal Tej Narayan , Baniya Chitra Bahadur
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to assess the forest structure, composition, and diversity pattern at different elevations in Morang District, eastern Nepal, using stratified random vegetation sampling technique in five forests: Bhaunne, Raja-Rani, Murchungi, Adheri, and Sagma. Trees, shrubs and herbs of each forest was sampled through quadrat of 20 × 20 m2, 5 × 5 m2, and 1 × 1 m2 each respectively. A total of 315 plant species belonging to 82 families and 255 genera found by this study. A total of 50 quadrats each for trees, shrubs and herbs sampled during this study. A total 10 quadrats studied for each life form from each forest. This study obtained 5,037 individuals across all forests. The highest number of species (55) was recorded from Raja Rani forest, and the highest tree density (985 ind ha-1) was observed in Adheri forest. The highest density of shrub (24400 ind. ha-1) and herbs (44.1 ind.m-2) were recorded in Sagma forest. The Shannon Wiener index value of herb layer was found to be the highest (3.79) at Bhaunne forest. This value for shrub layer was 2.98 and tree layer was 3.12 at Sagma which was the maximum among forests. The concentrations of dominance value were high for herb and shrub layer in Bhaunne forest, and it was maximum for the tree layer in Adheri forest. The forest species composition were significantly different (p ≤ 0.001) among each other. Total basal area of shrub layer and tree layer recorded were maximum (111.52 m2 ha-1 and 612.08 m2 ha-1) in Sagma and Adheri forest, respectively. The number of trees decreased with increasing elevation, while shrubs increased, and herbs showed a U-shaped trend. The dominant tree species were Senegalia catechu, Shorea robusta, Terminalia alata, and Schima wallichii in Bhaunne, Raja-Rani, Murchungi, and Sagma forest, respectively, with Shorea robusta being dominant in Adheri forest. These findings have important implications for forest management and conservation efforts in the region.
Kompetencje pracowników uczelni badawczych w Polsce
Authors: Kożusznik Barbara , Filipowicz Grzegorz , Flak Olaf , Więcek-Jakube Katarzyna , Chrupała-Pniak Małgorzata , Fafiński Michał , Pyszka Adrian , Smorczewska Barbara , Węgrzyn Anna
Published: August 2023

The book discusses the competencies required for effective research and support staff together with an assessment of their level of development. In Europe and worldwide, there is a slow but systematic increase in the number of universities appreciating the issue of managing the potential of university staff using the concept of competences, but it is still a rather novel approach for many universities. The research results presented in this publication confirm the complexity of the issues discussed. This is particularly true in the search for the relationship between competences and performance at the level of individual employees, research teams (together with their supporting staff) as well as entire universities. It is worth starting by stating that social competences constitute a significant component in the set of professional competences – both of research and support staff. It is possible to observe a rather pronounced variation in assessments, as well as the occurrence of a gap between expectations and assessment (i.e. the so-called 'competence gap'). Equally important are the findings concerning not only the level of expectations and assessments of individual competences, but also their relationship to performance. It turns out, for example, that in the case of the assistant position, competences such as analytical thinking, conscientiousness and cooperation were the most important in achieving high efficiency, whereas in the case of adiunkt, above-average competences in terms of striving for results and organising one's own work were crucial. In our view, this confirms the thesis that the development of academic staff is a multi-faceted process in which different competences play a key role at different stages of the process. It is not enough to be solely 'strong in content' to be successful. This is an important message especially for those who are just starting their scientific career. Finally, it is worth emphasising that the competences of staff groups (research staff and support staff) cannot be developed separately, but always in close combination with each other. It is not enough to have excellent researchers to build a scientifically strong university. It is equally important to strengthen the potential of support teams and in this respect – as it seems – Polish universities have a lot to do.
Cáncer de cérvix y su asociación con el virus del papiloma humano
Authors: Yanes Chacón Alison Nicole , Villalobos Campos Nazareth Pamela , Cubas González Sergio Andrés
Published: August 2023

El cáncer de cérvix es el responsable del 7% de las muertes mundiales por algún tipo de cáncer en las mujeres. En la mayoría de los casos se disemina localmente y a través de los ganglios linfáticos. Los distintos genotipos de virus de papiloma humano (VPH) como el 16,18 son los de alto riesgo oncogénico, siendo responsables de las lesiones displásicas del cérvix.
El factor de riesgo más importante en la génesis del cáncer de cérvix es la infección persistente por el virus de papiloma humano (VPH) de alto riesgo, el cual es causa necesaria pero no suficiente para la producción del cáncer de cérvix. Para la prevención los dos factores más importantes son la vacunación contra VPH y pruebas de cribado mediante citología.
Ictericia neonatal: manifestación clínica frecuente en pediatría
Authors: Salazar Porras Daniela , Aguilar Hernández Lilliana Marcela , González Alfaro Fernando José
Published: August 2023

La ictericia neonatal consta de la aparición de coloración amarillenta en la piel y las membranas mucosas, particularmente en las escleróticas, la cual se presenta durante los primeros días de vida de un recién nacido, y es considerada uno de los motivos de consulta más frecuentes en periodo neonatal.
Esta condición se debe al exceso de bilirrubina en la sangre, que se acumula en los tejidos cuando sus niveles en suero superan un cierto umbral.
Según las estimaciones, a nivel global se presentan alrededor de 481 000 casos de hiperbilirrubinemia e ictericia en recién nacidos cada año, de los cuales aproximadamente 63 000 sobreviven, pero quedan con alguna discapacidad crónica grave.
Se han identificado diversos factores que aumentan el riesgo de desarrollar ictericia en los recién nacidos, siendo los más relevantes la prematuridad, la lactancia materna, el género masculino, una edad gestacional inferior a las 37 semanas, la presencia de sangre extravasada y la reabsorción de hematomas como el cefalohematoma, una mayor masa eritrocitaria en caso de policitemia, un aumento de la circulación enterohepática, infecciones intrauterinas, incompatibilidad ABO o Rh, infecciones del tracto urinario no tratadas en la madre y sepsis neonatal.
El diagnóstico de ictericia neonatal causada por hiperbilirrubinemia se sospecha comúnmente por la coloración amarillenta del recién nacido, pero se debe confirmar mediante la medición de los niveles de bilirrubina en suero, aunque ahora también se utiliza la medición transcutánea. Para tratarlo, se utilizan la fototerapia y la exanguinotransfusión.
Adenomiosis: una mirada a esta compleja patología ginecológica
Authors: González-González Fiorella , Rivera-Gómez Alexander
Published: August 2023

La adenomiosis corresponde a una patología ginecológica benigna, la cual se presenta frecuentemente en pacientes femeninas, en donde ocurre una invasión hacia el miometrio por parte del endometrio, provocando cambios microscópicos y macroscópicos en el útero. La incidencia y la prevalencia son difíciles de estimar; sin embargo, afecta aproximadamente a 35% de las mujeres, esto en relación con los factores de riesgo. Existen múltiples teorías acerca de por qué ocurre esta patología, dentro de las relevantes se encuentran la invaginación embrionaria, la presencia de metaloproteinasas, la alteración en la modulación de receptores estrogénicos y progestágenos, entre otras. Los signos y síntomas predominantes son la dismenorrea y el sangrado uterino anormal. Para tener un diagnóstico certero se realiza una biopsia posterior a la histerectomía; sin embargo, hoy en día el ultrasonido (US) y la resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN) son herramientas útiles para el diagnóstico. Actualmente, el tratamiento de elección corresponde a la histerectomía; por otra parte, existen alternativas en caso de que continúe con el deseo de reproducción. El pronóstico es individualizado e incierto según cada paciente.
Anemia ferropénica en niños de 6 a 24 meses en Atención Primaria en Costa Rica
Authors: Navarro Cotto Wilson , Rojas Araya Mauricio , Hunter Chaves José Daniel
Published: August 2023

La ferropenia (FeP) consiste en la deficiencia de los depósitos sistémicos de hierro (Fe), con potencial efecto nocivo, especialmente en la infancia. Si la situación se mantiene o se agrava en el tiempo, se desarrollará una repercusión clínica mayor, conocida como anemia ferropénica (AFe). La AFe es la patología hematológica más frecuente de la infancia. Esta anemia es producida por el fracaso de la función hematopoyética medular en la síntesis de hemoglobina (Hb) debido a la carencia de Fe. En Costa Rica (CR), la AFe es un problema de Salud Pública leve que cuenta con una brecha que deja al descubierto las poblaciones vulnerables, como los de bajo nivel socioeconómico. En esta revisión sistémica, se plantea llegar a una metodología que permita al profesional de la salud tener un mejor conocimiento sobre el abordaje clínico y terapéutico de esta patología, en la población infantil entre 6 y 24 meses de edad.
Twelve recommended SBC indicators for family planning: Indicator reference sheets
Authors:   Breakthrough RESEARCH
Published: August 2023

This document provides 12 indicator reference sheets to accompany the “Twelve Recommended SBC Indicators for Family Planning” reference brief. Indicator reference sheets help program implementers define measurable indicators of their programs’ successes and failures, ensure data quality, and help users correctly interpret data produced by an organization. These proposed reference sheets, for indicators adapted from the social and behavior change (SBC) indicator bank for family planning (FP) and service delivery, will help nations, donors, and implementing partners strengthen their measurement of SBC activities and programs—for continuous learning, improved programming, and increased advocacy for greater investment.
Documenting the costs of social behavior change interventions for health in low- and middle-income countries
Authors:   Avenir Health
Published: August 2023

Understanding the costs associated with social and behavior change (SBC) interventions for health is critical for budgeting, price setting, program planning, and economic analysis. Breakthrough RESEARCH performed a literature review and analysis to identify, classify, and synthesize published costs associated with SBC programming in low- and middle-income countries.
Behavioral sentinel surveillance survey in Nigeria: Endline technical report
Authors: Hutchinson Paul , Aisiri Adolor , Anaba Udochisom , Omoluabi Elizabeth , Akinyemi Akanni , Ozoadibe U.C. Ifunanya , Abegunde Dele
Published: August 2023

This technical report presents results from the Behavioral Sentinel Surveillance (BSS) endline survey undertaken by Breakthrough RESEARCH/Nigeria in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states between October 1 and November 10, 2022. BSS surveys are intended to assess changes in indicators targeted by the integrated social and behavior change (SBC) activities of the USAID-funded Breakthrough ACTION/Nigeria project. The Breakthrough ACTION/Nigeria project, which began in 2019 and is slated to run until 2025, focuses on the health areas of malaria; family planning; and maternal, newborn, and child health plus nutrition (MNCH+N) in Kebbi and Sokoto states, as well as malaria-only SBC activities in Zamfara State. The project uses three primary SBC approaches: advocacy outreach to opinion leaders and community influencers at the state and local government area (LGA) levels, direct engagement of community members through community dialogues and group meetings, and SBC messaging campaigns through mass media and digital media. The primary objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of integrated SBC programming, as implemented by Breakthrough ACTION/Nigeria in Kebbi and Sokoto states, with single-focused vertical SBC programming, used by Breakthrough ACTION/Nigeria to target malaria outcomes in Zamfara state.
Cost-effectiveness analysis comparing integrated and malaria-only social and behavior change programming in Nigeria: Final report
Authors:   Avenir Health
Published: August 2023

In Nigeria, the Breakthrough ACTION project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Nigeria, is working closely with the Nigerian government to improve the practice of priority health behaviors, with a focus on maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition, family planning and reproductive health, malaria, and tuberculosis. Within the broader program, Breakthrough ACTION uses different social and behavior change (SBC) approaches in different states. In northern Nigeria, Breakthrough RESEARCH compared the cost-effectiveness of the integrated SBC approach addressing multiple health areas in Kebbi and Sokoto states to a malaria-only approach in Zamfara. This cost-effectiveness study examined whether the additional cost required for an integrated SBC approach (as compared to a malaria-only approach) is a cost-effective investment. Additionally, this study examined malaria-specific impacts within an integrated SBC program compared to a malaria-only program.
Cost-effectiveness analysis for integrated social and behavior change programming by the Resilience in the Sahel Enhanced II program in the Maradi and Zinder regions of Niger
Authors:   Avenir Health
Published: August 2023

In March 2020, Breakthrough RESEARCH began applying their Guidelines for Costing Social and Behavior Change Health Interventions to the Resilience in the Sahel (RISE) II program in Niger for a cost-effectiveness analysis that will run until 2022. The purpose of this document is to share the findings of the application of the guidelines and provide an example and guidance for social and behavior change researchers and implementers on how these guidelines can be applied to other case study applications.
Comment mesurer l’impact du changement de comportement des prestataires
Authors:   Breakthrough RESEARCH
Published: August 2023

Développé par Breakthrough RESEARCH, ce guide a pour but d'aider les planificateurs et les concepteurs de programmes à mieux comprendre les initiatives de changement de comportement des prestataires (CCP) et leur impact sur la prestation et la qualité des services. Ce guide vise également à faire progresser la mesure du CCP en fournissant des cadres et des exemples illustratifs de la manière dont la mesure du CCP peut éclairer la planification et la conception des programmes. Enfin, le guide propose des moyens de continuer à développer la base de données probantes pour les approches et l'impact du CCP.
Utilisation des approches de segmentation du public pour renseigner les programmes intégrés de planification familiale et de santé maternelle au Niger
Authors:   Breakthrough RESEARCH
Published: August 2023

Comprendre les déterminants comportementaux spécifiques et les obstacles à la recherche de services de santé reproductive et maternelle est essentiel dans l’élaboration des programmes de changement social et comportemental (CSC) pouvant mieux répondre aux besoins de la communauté. Les interventions CSC efficaces peuvent intégrer la segmentation du public, la pratique consistant à diviser un public en sous[1]groupes basés sur des facteurs démographiques, psychographiques et/ou comportementaux pour développer des approches CSC sur mesure qui sont les plus susceptibles de trouver écho parmi chaque sous-groupe du public. Ce dossier présente les résultats de l’étude des profils du public pour les femmes en âge de procréer au Niger, en mettant l’accent sur trois comportements de santé reproductive et maternelle. Il est destiné à renseigner les activités intégrées de CSC mises en œuvre par les partenaires de Resilience in the Sahel Enhanced (RISE) II financés par l’USAID en vue d’améliorer les résultats sanitaires.
The Cytotoxic Activity of Annona muricata Linn Leaves Ethanolic Extract (AMEE) on T47D Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Fertilita Soilia , Sandhika Willy , Suprabawati Desak Gede Agung
Published: August 2023

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women throughout the world, with new cases and deaths which continue to increase. Soursop leaves (Annona muricata L) have been used extensively in traditional medicine, including cancer. Acetogenin, alkaloids, and phenols contained in soursop leaves are known to have anti-cancer effects. Among them, acetogenin has the most dominant role and reported to have a cytotoxic effect on various cancer cell lines. This study aims to determine the cytotoxic activity of soursop leaf ethanol extract on T47D breast cancer cell line. Measurement of cytotoxic activity was carried out by the MTT method, and the viability percentage of T47D cells was calculated based on the absorbance values in the treatment, cell control, and media control groups of each replicate. The correlation between extract concentration and viability percentage of the T47D cell line was outlined in the regression equation to obtain the IC50 value. IC50 values of 109.91 ± 3.04 with R values 0.975 and R2 0.9508 obtained. R values close to 1 indicated a strong correlation between extract concentration and the percentage of living T47D cells. Meanwhile, the amount of R2 suggested that the level of AMEE had a 95.08% influence on the rate of cell viability, and the other 4.92% influenced by factors other than the AMEE dose. These results indicated that the ethanol extract of soursop leaves has a cytotoxic effect and has the potential to inhibit T47D cell proliferation in vitro.
The use of fetal bovine acellular dermal matrix for management of chronic wounds
Authors: GÜMÜŞ Tuna
Published: August 2023

Aims: In the treatment of chronic wounds, tissue growth must be addressed and optimized. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of the regenerative medicinal product Fetal Bovine Acellular Dermal Matrix (FBADM) in chronic wounds.

Methods: The patients were chosen sporadically and randomly based on availability to FBADM. Patients were assessed for adequate perfusion, debridement was performed, and wounds were ensured to be free of infection. FBADM was placed in the wound bed covered with a non-adherent contact layer, and a hydrogel sheet was placed to maintain adequate moisture. Offloading or compression was used as clinically indicated. Patients were then followed weekly. Digital photography was used to visually document healing progress.

Results: After 1-3 weeks wounds managed with FBADM had improved characteristics and healthy vascularized tissue that subsequently epithelialized from wound margins or grafted with split thickness skin grafts. Of the 14 wounds we achieved 69% complete healing, 24% non-complete healing after 12 weeks of FBADM application. 7% of the wounds needed skin graft surgery.

Conclusion: We found FBADM to be useful for treatment regimen of diabetic foot and leg ulcers, venous leg ulcers, surgical wounds, and wounds being prepared for skin grafting.
The interaction of dexamethasone with sugammadex and rocuronium during general anesthesia in rhinoplasty surgeries
Authors: ŞAHİN Taylan , EREN Eryigit
Published: August 2023

Aims: Sugammadex is a cyclodextrin specifically designed to reverse the action of rocuronium through encapsulation. Theoretically, it is possible that sugammadex can encapsulate cortisone. There have been conflicting results regarding clinical dexamethasone-sugammadex interactions in patients under general anesthesia. The primary outcome of the present study is to investigate any possible alteration in the efficacy of sugammadex as a reversal of rocuronium due to dexamethasone injection in rhinoplasty surgery. The secondary outcome is evaluation of clinical observation sugammadex in these groups of patients.

Methods: Adult patients with the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) II risk class undergoing rhinoplasty were included. All patients received standard general anesthesia with neuromuscular blockade using rocuronium. Patients were allocated to either the dexamethasone group or control group. The anesthesiologist measured the time interval between sugammadex injection and the recording of the 90% train of four. Additionally, the duration required for extubation after sugammadex injection was recorded. Finally, the signs of residual respiratory insufficiency and muscle weakness were checked in the post-anesthesia care unit until the 2nd-hour post-surgery.

Results: Sixty-one patients were enrolled in the study. The dexamethasone group included 30, and the control group included 31 patients. The comparison of demographic and surgical characteristics of these two groups showed no statistical difference. The duration required for extubation was higher in dexmethasone group compared to control group (p=0.001). The total rocuronium administration dose was higher in dexmethasone group (p=0.01). The time required for the recovery of the head, upper, and lower extremity lifting was longer in the dexamethasone group (p=0.001, 0.003, and 0.047, respectively).

Conclusion: The present study demonstrated an interaction between sugammadex and dexamethasone, which affected the reversal of neuromuscular blockade during rhinoplasty surgeries.
The efficacy of volumetric computed tomography histogram analysis in adrenal masses
Authors: NALBANT Mustafa Orhan , İNCİ Ercan
Published: August 2023

Aims: The rate of adrenal mass detection has increased due to the development of imaging modalities. It is vital to differentiate benign adrenal adenomas from other adrenal masses in order to establish whether an active management strategy is essential. Volumetric CT histogram analysis calculates the percentage of covered pixels in the negative attenuation region. The goal of this research was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of volume histogram analysis for adrenal tumors confirmed histopathologically as well as the ideal slice thickness for CT histogram analysis to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions with a density greater than 10 Hounsfield units (HU).

Methods: The research analyzed the CT images of 127 individuals with 136 adrenal masses that were verified histopathologically after resection (57 lipid-poor adenomas, 21 pheochromocytomas, 47 metastases, and 11 adrenocortical carcinomas). For imaging, a 40-row MDCT device (Siemens Medical Solution, Erlanger, Germany) was utilized. 1 mm and 5 mm unenhanced CT images were obtained. Two separate radiologists manually assessed the Hounsfield units (HU) of the masses. The 5th to 95th percentiles of HU values, as well as the minimum, mean, and maximum values, skewness, kurtosis, and variance, were calculated. Interobserver agreement was determined by means of the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results: The HU parameters for the malignant group were all higher than those of the benign group, and the difference in the 5 mm slice thickness was more significant than the 1 mm slice thickness. The difference between HUmin (P=0.007), HUmean and HUmedian (P
Relation of parathyroid hormone with malnutrition in peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: TALI Emel , KAZANCIOGLU Rumeyza
Published: August 2023

Aims: Protein-energy wasting syndrome is a risk factor specific to ESRD is protein-energy wasting (PEW) syndrome. Clinical and experimental studies have suggested that secondary hyperparathyroidism plays a vital role in increasing energy expenditure in patients with ESRD. The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is used to evaluate nutritional status in various pathological conditions. Considering the effect of parathormone on malnutrition and studies indicating that parathyroid hormone causes weight loss, we aimed to investigate the relationship between malnutrition and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in our patients using GNRI.

Methods: Forty-nine patients without known malignancy, liver disease, or chronic inflammatory disease who underwent peritoneal dialysis were included in the study. Patient data were recorded from these files. Height and weight were measured. GNRI was calculated by the formula 14.89 × serum albumin (g/dL) + [41.7 × bodyweight/ideal body weight

Results: Forty-nine patients (29 females, 59.2%) were included in the study. Three (6.1%), seven (14.3%), and seven (14.3%) patients had severe, moderate, and mild malnutrition, respectively. GNRI was positively correlated with albumin, hematocrit, and calcium levels (r=0.757, r=0.355, r=0.423; p
YouTube™ as an information source for speech and language disorders
Authors: YAŞA İbrahim Can , ÇAPAR Serpil Hülya , PERKER Yiğitcan
Published: August 2023

Aims: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of the information provided by the top 100 videos when searching for "speech and language disorders" on YouTube™.

Methods: The results of the YouTube™ search were examined using the keyword “speech and language disorders”. The search was limited to the first 100 videos. Modified DISCERN, Global Quality Score (GQS), Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI), and the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) criteria were used for the evaluation of the videos. The Kruskal-Wallis H Test, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman's RHO correlation were used for statistical analyses. The significance level was taken as p
Design modifications and evaluation of the silicone artificial finger joints
Authors: Alnaimat F.A. , Owida H.A. , Al-Nabulsi Jamal I. , Al-Naami B. , Al-Ghraibah A. , Al-Ayyad M. , Altayeb Muneera , Al Sharah Ashraf
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND: There are many reasons that could lead to finger joint arthroplasty, and the most familiar reason is osteoarthritis. Silicone finger joint are the most commonly used implants. However, these implants might fracture with time and cause wear which will lead to chronic inflammation and synovitis for the patient and then implant failure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to improve the design of the silicone finger joint and simulate the different designs using finite element analysis (FEA) simulation. METHOD: Three different designs were drawn and FEA has been used in this study using Solidworks software. The first design is the silicone finger joint design without any modification, the second one is modified design with added ribs to the junction of distal stem and hinge and the third design was added filler material inside the body of the artificial joint. An axial force with 625 N that was applied on the upper part of the distal stem which is nearly represents the maximum value of the grip strength for normal males. RESULTS: The results showed improvement on the design in which the concentrated stress at the junction of the distal stem and hinge of the design was distributed. In addition, the Von Mises stress was stable for the modified design with added ribs and the added filler material designs after 15°. CONCLUSION: The design modification could improve the stress distribution and stability of the artificial finger joint and increase the lifetime expectancy of these implants.
Use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in preoperative planning before resection of a second branchial cleft fistula
Authors: Rink Maximilian , Jung Ernst-Michael , Bohr Christopher , Künzel Julian
Published: August 2023

In the head and neck area, a large proportion of clinically relevant fistulas occur in childhood. The present case describes the use of contrast enhanced ultrasound with intraductal administration of the contrast medium for preoperative visualization of the fistula duct in the case of a second brachial cleft fistula. This provided the surgeon with important additional information, such as the detailed course of the fistula and its relation to the large vessels of the neck. The method can help to improve surgical planning, reduce radiation exposure and to avoid imaging under general anesthesia, especially in children.
Chapter 12. The Neural Blackboard Theory of Neuro-Symbolic Processing: Logistics of Access, Connection Paths and Intrinsic Structures
Authors: van der Velde Frank
Published: August 2023

“For the entire nervous system is nothing but a system of paths between a sensory terminus a quo and a muscular, glandular, or other terminus ad quem.” William James (Principles of Psychology, 1890, p. 108, italics by James) This chapter provides a larger perspective and background on the neural blackboard architectures and the underlying theory that have been developed over the last decades. The aim of these is to model compositional ‘symbolic’ processing, e.g. as found in language, in a neural manner. Neural blackboard architectures achieve this with a form of ‘logistics of access’ that is different from symbolic architectures. In particular, conceptual representations remain ‘in situ’ and hence content addressable in any compositional structure of which they are a part. ‘Symbolic’ processing then consists of the creation and control of temporal connection paths in neural blackboards that possess a ‘small world’ connection structure. In language, a connection path provides the intrinsic structure of a sentence. In this way, arbitrary sentence structures can be created and processed, and simulations can reproduce and predict brain activity observed in sentence processing. Next to presenting an overview, the chapter will discuss theoretical and modeling foundations and compare them with forms of symbolic processing as found in other AI architectures.
Chapter 24. Few-Shot Continual Learning Based on Vector Symbolic Architectures
Authors: Karunaratne Geethan , Hersche Michael , Cherubini Giovanni , Sebastian Abu , Rahimi Abbas
Published: August 2023

Vector Symbolic Architecture (VSA) is a powerful computing model that is built on a rich algebra in which all representations—from atomic to composite structures—are high-dimensional holographic distributed vectors of the same, fixed dimensionality. VSA is mainly characterized by the following intriguing properties: (i) quasi-orthogonality of a randomly chosen vector to other random vectors with very high probability, aka concentration of measure; (ii) exponential growth of the number of such quasi-orthogonal vectors with the dimensionality, which provides a sufficiently large capacity to accommodate novel concepts over time; (iii) availability of these vectors to be composed, decomposed, probed, and transformed in various ways using a set of well-defined operations. Motivated by these properties, this chapter presents a summary of recently developed methodologies on the integration of VSA with deep neural networks that enabled impactful applications to few-shot [1] and continual [2, 3] learning. Resorting to VSA-based embedding allows deep neural networks to quickly learn from few training samples by storing them in an explicit memory, where many more class categories can be continually expressed in the abstract vector space of VSA with fixed dimensions, without causing interference among the learned classes. Experiments on various image datasets show that the considered neuro-symbolic AI approach outperforms pure deep neural network baselines with remarkable accuracy, scalability, and compute/memory efficiency.
Chapter 25. Learning Logic Explanations by Neural Networks
Authors: Ciravegna Gabriele , Giannini Francesco , Barbiero Pietro , Gori Marco , Lio Pietro , Maggini Marco , Melacci Stefano
Published: August 2023

The opaqueness of deep neural networks hinders their employment in safety-critical applications. This issue is driving the research community to focus on eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) techniques. XAI algorithms can be categorized into two types: those that explain the predictions of black-box models and those that create interpretable models from the start. While interpretable models foster user trust, their performance is normally inferior to traditional black-box models like neural networks. To fill this gap, this chapter presents an extensive framework introducing special neural networks known as Logic Explained Networks (LENs). The most notable advantage of this approach is that LENs achieve performances that are comparable to the state-of-the-art neural networks while providing concise First-Order Logic explanations. Moreover, LENs are designed to learn various types of explanations, such as local or global, by associating related task functions or directly explaining a single class based on the others and/or the input data. They can offer explanations for their behaviour or that of other black-box models. Finally, LENs can be applied in many learning scenarios: they can be trained using supervised or unsupervised learning and applied across different domains like tabular data, computer vision, natural language processing, and relational tasks.
Chapter 29. Latent Trees for Compositional Generalization
Authors: Herzig Jonathan , Berant Jonathan , Bogin Ben
Published: August 2023

Despite the success of neural networks in many natural language processing tasks, recent work has shown that they often fail in compositional generalization, i.e., the ability to generalize to new structures built from components observed during training. In this chapter, we posit that this behavior, in standard architectures such as LSTMs and Transformers, stems from the fact that fragments on the output side are not explicitly tied to fragments on the input side. To address this, we introduce models that explicitly construct latent trees over the input, which are used to compositionally compute representations necessary for predicting the output. We show the compositional generalization abilities of our models exceed the abilities of pre-trained Transformer models on several datasets for both semantic parsing and grounded question answering.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness Attenuates the Deleterious Effects of Sleep Apnea on Cerebral Structure and Perfusion in the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study
Authors: Edmunds Kyle J. , Driscoll Ira , Hagen Erika W. , Barnet Jodi H. , Ravelo Laurel A. , Plante David T. , Gaitán Julian M. , Lose Sarah R. , Motovylyak Alice , Bendlin Barbara B. , Okonkwo Ozioma C. , Peppard Paul E.
Published: August 2023

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that age-related changes in cerebral health may be sensitive to vascular risk modifiers, such as physical activity and sleep. Objective: We examine whether cardiorespiratory fitness modifies the association of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity with MRI-assessed measures of cerebral structure and perfusion. Methods: Using data from a cross-sectional sample of participants (n = 129, 51% female, age range 49.6-85.3 years) in the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort study, we estimated linear models of MRI-assessed total and regional gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) volumes, WM hyperintensity (WMH:ICV ratio), total lesion volume, and arterial spin labeling (ASL) cerebral blood flow (CBF), using an estimated measure of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and OSA severity as predictors. Participants’ sleep was assessed using overnight in-laboratory polysomnography, and OSA severity was measured using the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), or the mean number of recorded apnea and hypopnea events per hour of sleep. The mean±SD time difference between PSG data collection and MRI data collection was 1.7±1.5 years (range: [0, 4.9 years]). Results: OSA severity was associated with reduced total GM volume (β=-0.064; SE = 0.023; p = 0.007), greater total WM lesion volume (interaction p = 0.023), and greater WMHs (interaction p = 0.017) in less-fit subjects. Perfusion models revealed significant differences in the association of AHI and regional CBF between fitness groups (interaction ps < 0.05). Conclusion: This work provides new evidence for the protective role of cardiorespiratory fitness against the deleterious effects of OSA on brain aging in late-middle age to older adults.
Genetic and Neuroimaging Analysis of SIGMAR1 for Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Che Xiang-Qian , Lin Guo-Zhen , Liu Xiao-Hong , Wang Gang , Zhao Qian-Hua , Ren Ru-Jing
Published: August 2023

Background: Recently, Sigma nonopioid intracellular receptor 1 (SIGMAR1) variants have been shown harboring C9orf72 pathogenic repeat expansions in some frontotemporal dementia (FTD) cases. However, no SIGMAR1 genotype analysis has been reported in a cohort absent of C9orf72 pathogenic repeat expansions to date. Objective: The present study investigated the contribution of SIGMAR1 independent of C9orf72 gene status to FTD spectrum syndromes. Methods: We directly sequencing the entire coding region and a minimum of 50 bp from each of the flanking introns of SIGMAR1 gene in 82 sporadic FTD patients (female: male = 42 : 40) and 417 controls. For the patient carrying SIGMAR1 variant, a follow-up 3T MR imaging was performed in the study. Results: Gene sequencing of SIGMAR1 revealed a rare 3′UTR nucleotide variation rs192856872 in a male patient with semantic dementia independent of C9orf72 gene status. The MR imaging showed asymmetrical atrophy in the anterior temporal lobes and the degeneration extends caudally into the posterior temporal lobes as the disease progresses. ESEFinder analysis showed new SRSF1 and SRSF1-IgM-BRCA1 binding sites with significant scores, which is predicted to affect normal splicing. Conclusion: We found a novel SIGMAR1 variant independent of C9orf72 gene status associated with semantic dementia phenotype.
Predicting Progression to Clinical Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia Using the Random Survival Forest
Authors: Song Shangchen ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Asken Breton , Armstrong Melissa J. , Yang Yang , Li Zhigang
Published: August 2023

Background: Assessing the risk of developing clinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia, by machine learning survival analysis approaches, among participants registered in Alzheimer’s Disease Centers is important for AD dementia management. Objective: To construct a prediction model for the onset time of clinical AD dementia using the National Alzheimer Coordinating Center (NACC) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) registered cohorts. Methods: A model was constructed using the Random Survival Forest (RSF) approach and internally and externally validated on the NACC cohort and the ADNI cohort. An R package and a Shiny app were provided for accessing the model. Results: We built a predictive model having the six predictors: delayed logical memory score (story recall), CDR® Dementia Staging Instrument - Sum of Boxes, general orientation in CDR®, ability to remember dates and ability to pay bills in the Functional Activities Questionnaire, and patient age. The C indices of the model were 90.82% (SE = 0.71%) and 86.51% (SE = 0.75%) in NACC and ADNI respectively. The time-dependent AUC and accuracy at 48 months were 92.48% (SE = 1.12%) and 88.66% (SE = 1.00%) respectively in NACC, and 90.16% (SE = 1.12%) and 85.00% (SE = 1.14%) respectively in ADNI. Conclusion: The model showed good prediction performance and the six predictors were easy to obtain, cost-effective, and non-invasive. The model could be used to inform clinicians and patients on the probability of developing clinical AD dementia in 4 years with high accuracy.
Role of Thioredoxin System in Regulating Cellular Redox Status in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Qaiser Hammad , Uzair Mohammad , Al-Regaiey Khalid , Rafiq Shafia , Arshad Muhammad , Yoo Woo-Kyoung , Arain Osama Zahid , Kaleem Imdad , Abualait Turki , Wang Lan , Wang Ran , Bashir Shahid
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and a public health problem. It exhibits significant oxidative stress and redox alterations. The antioxidant enzyme systems defend the cellular environment from oxidative stress. One of the redox systems is the thioredoxin system (TS), which exerts decisive control over the cellular redox environment. We aimed to review the protective effects of TS, which include thioredoxin (Trx), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), and NADPH. In the following, we discussed the physiological functioning and the role of the TS in maintaining the cellular redox-homeostasis in the AD-damaged brain. Trx protects the cellular environment from oxidative stress, while TrxR is crucial for the cellular detoxification of reactive oxygen species in the brain. However, TS dysregulation increases the susceptibility to cellular death. The changes in Trx and TrxR levels are significantly associated with AD progression. Though the data from human, animal, and cellular models support the neuroprotective role of TS in the brain of AD patients, the translational potential of these findings to clinical settings is not yet applied. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the emerging role of the TrxR-Trx system in AD.