bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of automated pop-up alerts on simultaneous prescriptions of antimicrobial agents and metal cations
Authors: Matsumoto Takanori , Matsumoto Taichi , Tsutsumi Chiyo , Hadano Yoshiro
Published: September 2024

Background

Antimicrobial agents (AMAs) are essential for treating infections. A part of AMAs chelate with metal cations (MCs), reducing their blood concentrations. That drug-drug interaction could lead to a reduction of therapeutic efficacy and the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria. However, prescriptions ordering concomitant intake (co-intake) of AMAs and MCs are frequently seen in clinical settings. A method for preventing such prescriptions is urgently needed.

Methods

We implemented pop-up alerts in the hospital's ordering and pharmacy dispensation support system to notify the prescriptions ordering co-intake of AMAs and MCs for physicians and pharmacists, respectively. To assess the effectiveness of the pop-up alerts, we investigated the number of prescriptions ordering co-intake of AMAs and MCs and the number of pharmacist inquiries to prevent co-intake of AMAs and MCs before and after the implementation of pop-up alerts.

Results

Before the implementation of pop-up alerts, 84.5% of prescriptions containing AMA and MCs ordered co-intake of AMAs and MCs. Implementing pop-up alerts time-dependently reduced the proportion of prescriptions ordering co-intake of AMAs and MCs to 43.8% and 29.5% one year and two years later, respectively. The reduction of tetracycline-containing prescriptions was mainly significant. Before the implementation of pop-up alerts, the proportion of prescriptions in which pharmacists prevented co-intake of AMAs and MCs was 3.4%. Implementing pop-up alerts time-dependently increased proportions of such prescriptions to 20.9% and 28.2% one year and two years later.

Conclusion

Implementing pop-up alerts reduced prescriptions ordering co-intake of AMAs and MCs and accelerated pharmacists to prevent co-intake of AMAs and MCs. The implementation of dual pop-up alerts in the hospital's ordering and pharmacy dispensation support system could help prevent co-intake of AMAs and MCs.
Contribution of fortified foods and dietary supplements to total nutrient intakes and their adequacy in Japanese adults
Authors: Sugimoto Minami , Asakura Keiko , Shinozaki Nana , Murakami Kentaro , Masayasu Shizuko , Sasaki Satoshi
Published: September 2024

Background

This study examined how fortified foods and dietary supplements contributed to total nutrient intakes and their adequacy in Japanese adults.

Methods

Nutrient intake was estimated from 4-day dietary records of 392 adults (20–69 years) in total intake considering intakes from fortified foods and dietary supplements and in base diets without considering their intake. Users were defined as participants who used at least one fortified foods and/or dietary supplements during the 4-day recording period. The proportion of participants whose intake was below the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) or exceeded the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese was calculated.

Results

In 122 identified users (31% of participants) of fortified foods and/or dietary supplements, the mean contributions of fortified foods and dietary supplements to total intake were < 4% and < 21%, respectively, for all 25 examined nutrients. Users were more likely to meet the EAR than non-users for six nutrients in the base diets and nine nutrients in the total intake. Among the users, the prevalence of participants below the EAR decreased by ≥ 10% in the total intake compared with the base diet for five nutrients. No nutrient intake from the base diet exceeded the UL in users and non-users; however, vitamin B6 intake in 2% of users exceeded the UL of their total intake.

Conclusion

Although the users of fortified foods and/or dietary supplements had better nutrient intake than non-users in base diets, fortified foods and dietary supplements helped the Japanese users achieve adequate intakes of certain nutrients without a risk of excessive intake (except for vitamin B6).
Impact of dengue fever on depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Salazar Buenaño Julio P. , Zurita Alvarado Fabián A. , Weyand Ines , Rosero Montezuma Tamara , Tapia Boris , Solis Olive Cecilia , Rosero Karen , Bermudez Pablo , Gobbi Federico , Bottieau Emmanuel , Huits Ralph
Published: September 2024

Background

Physical symptoms of dengue have been documented extensively, but knowledge gaps on dengue-associated mental health hazards remain. We investigated the frequency of psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress) and neurocognitive performance during the first year after a dengue episode.

Methods

Using DASS-21 scores at 3, 6, and 12 months, we assessed depression, anxiety, and stress in anti-dengue IgM-positive adults and matched controls during the 2021 dengue season in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador. Patients with DASS-21 scores ≤ 4 were considered normal; those with scores of 5–7, 8–10, and ≥ 11 indicated mild, moderate, and severe depression, respectively; cutoff scores for anxiety and stress were ≥ 5 and ≥ 9, respectively. We also assessed ‘delayed matching to sample’ (DMS) and ‘spatial working memory’ (SWM) using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery.

Results

We enrolled 102 cases and 78 controls. At 3 months, 90 cases and 70 controls were available for follow-up, among these 40/90 (44.4%) cases and 12/70 (17.1%) controls had DASS-21 scores ≥ 5 (RR 2.7, 95% CI [1.5–4.7]). Dengue remained a predictor for depression after adjusting for age, sex, and COVID-19 status. We observed no difference in anxiety between the groups, but stress scores increased at month 3 (RR 1.87, 95% CI [1.01–3.4]). DASS-21 scores normalized during follow-up. DMS and SWM did not differ between groups at 3 and 6 months. At month 12, cases had lower SWM than controls did (p value < 0.001).

Conclusions

Care providers should be aware of dengue-associated mood disorders and facilitate timely referral to mental health services. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to validate our observations regarding the impact of dengue on mental health and neurocognitive status in affected patients.
Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 infection suppresses the pathogenicity but increases the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol production of Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Bian Ruiling , Ren Huan , Jiang Mengge , Zhang Zhihao , Zhai Shiyu , Pang Tianxing , Andika Ida Bagus , Sun Liying
Published: September 2024

Fusarium graminearum is a prominent pathogen responsible for causing head blight disease in small grain cereals, leading to substantial agricultural damage. A recent study revealed the infectivity of a hypovirus, Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 (CHV1), in F. graminearum. However, the effects of CHV1 on the pathogenicity and development of the fungus remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects of CHV1 infection on F. graminearum and made several interesting discoveries. First, we observed that CHV1 infection attenuated the pathogenicity of F. graminearum and reduced its conidiation. CHV1 efficiently spread through various transmission modes, such as hyphal fusion and spores, including conidiospores and ascospores. However, the accumulation of the virus was reduced following transmission through spores. Interestingly, despite causing hypovirulence, CHV1 infection enhanced the production of deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin known to play a role in F. graminearum’s virulence and induction of DON production by a DON-inducing medium elevated CHV1 accumulation. The transcriptional expression of key regulatory genes involved in DON biosynthesis or toxisome formation was upregulated in response to CHV1 infection. Furthermore, our study revealed that CHV1 infection suppressed the formation of lipid droplets. Overall, our study provides insights of how the infection of a hypovirulence-inducing mycovirus affects the physiological and metabolic processes in F. graminearum.
Can combined tomosynthesis with unenhanced MRI be used as a predictive tool for lymphovascular invasion?
Authors: Hefida Fatma , Tantawy S. , Hamdy Omar , Zaky Mona
Published: September 2024

Background

The presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in cases with breast cancer is considered a bad prognostic sign. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) versus unenhanced magnetic resonance imaging (UE-MRI + DBT) in predicting LVI in women with pathologically confirmed breast cancer.

Methods

This prospective self-controlled study enrolled a total of 70 cases of pathologically proven breast cancer. All the patients underwent tomosynthesis, non-contrast, and post-contrast MRI. Depending on the broken halo sign seen in tomosynthesis, peritumoral edema, dark rim diffusion at diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values evaluated in MRI.

Results

The accuracy of LVI detection by tomosynthesis was 58%; unenhanced and enhanced MRI had the same results at 60%. The accuracy of detecting LVI was raised to 64% by combining the tomosynthesis results with unenhanced MRI.

Conclusions

Tomosynthesis parameters are promising tools in detecting LVI in breast cancer with better diagnostic accuracy in combination with unenhanced MRI.
Traversing the cavern: radiological manifestations of cavernous sinus pathologies
Authors: Dixit Rashmi , Agrahari Anjuman , Gupta Akarshi , Batra Radhika , Pradhan Gaurav Shanker
Published: September 2024

Background

Owing to their peculiar location, cavernous sinuses communicate with numerous head and neck structures via fissures and foramen which provide an easy access for pathologies to traverse to and from the cavernous sinuses to these vital structures. On routine brain imaging, diseases involving the cavernous sinuses can be easily missed if we are not vigilant to examine cavernous sinuses using dedicated thin sections of sellar and parasellar region.

Main body of the abstract

The various pathologic conditions involving cavernous sinuses either primarily or secondarily include neoplasms, vascular conditions, cystic/fat-containing lesions and infective/inflammatory conditions. Due to considerable overlap in clinical symptoms of numerous diseases affecting cavernous sinuses, timely and effective imaging evaluation of cavernous sinuses using multimodality approach with dedicated imaging sequences can help in formulating a clinically relevant differential diagnosis and alter patient management. Thin T1- and T2-weighted axial and coronal images with appropriately timed MR angiography and venography should be performed for diagnosis of cavernous sinus pathologies and delineation of pathologies arising from closely placed neurovascular structures in this region of middle cranial fossa. In this review article, we aim to discuss how to best image the cavernous sinuses for detection of cavernous sinus pathologies and imaging appearance of various pathologies involving cavernous sinuses.

Conclusion

Cavernous sinuses form an important pathway for spread of numerous pathologies to and from the intracranial compartment to nearby vital structures. A variety of conditions can affect these small paired venous structures including benign and malignant neoplasms, vascular lesions, and infective/inflammatory pathologies. It is therefore important that besides routine brain imaging, dedicated thin axial and coronal images along with contrast-enhanced imaging should be performed for diagnosis of cavernous sinus pathologies.
Voice analysis in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: El-hakeem Wafaa Helmy Abd , Mohamed Hamza Mohamed Abdelmohsen , Abdelmooty Emad Ahmed , Essawy Hany Gaber
Published: September 2024

Background

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting one in five women of reproductive age. Polycystic appearance of the ovaries in ultrasonography is associated with oligomenorrhea, and clinical and or biochemical hyperandrogenism. PCOS has been associated with voice alterations for many years. However, there is insufficient research on voice analysis in PCOS patients.

Objectives

This research aimed to examine the voice characteristics among women with PCOS.

Patients and methods

Our study included 25 women confirmed with PCOS and 25 control. A complete voice assessment was performed for all participants using primary demographic data, vocal symptoms, auditory perceptual evaluation of the voice, Arabic version of the Voice Handicap Index, acoustic analysis, and video laryngoscopic examination of the larynx.

Results

Our study revealed statistically significant differences between PCOS and control groups in phonasthenic symptoms, auditory perceptual assessment of the voice, acoustic parameters, and laryngoscopic examination.

Conclusion

PCOS women with hirsutism are complaining of vocal symptoms, changes in vocal characters, and deterioration of the acoustic parameters of the voice. High serum levels of androgen can cause the deepening of the voice, which is essential for the early detection of vocal symptoms in PCOS patients to prevent virilization of their voice.

Trial registration

NCT06085170. Registered 20 August 2023—retrospectively registered,
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06085170&ved=2ahUKEwjEyLqUq6KGAxWxRPEDHb57DIQQFnoECBQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1xTurnA6mJEZ9PK0vQS8VL.
Thermo-economic-environmental analysis of a biomass-fueled natural convection dryer with thermal storage materials
Authors: Deb Arnab , Megeji Yese Dema , Das Ghatak Manjula
Published: September 2024

Using biomass as a fuel in dryers decreases reliance on fossil fuels and encourages the adoption of renewable energy sources, contributing to the overall energy security of the region. In order to achieve this, a biomass-fueled natural convection dryer has been developed, and the effects of thermal storage materials like paraffin wax and pebbles are assessed to evaluate the thermo-economic-environmental analysis of the dryer for ginger drying. The research aims to examine the energy and exergy efficiency and to verify the environmental and economic feasibility of using these thermal storage materials in the dryer. The experiments are conducted under different circumstances, including cases without thermal storage materials, using only paraffin wax or pebbles, and simultaneously using both materials. The results indicate that combining thermal storage materials yields the highest heat energy retention, maintaining higher temperatures for longer durations, and demonstrating superior energy and exergy efficiency. The dryer is also found to have a positive environmental impact with an energy payback period of 1 year and the potential to mitigate 22.82–22.89 tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime. The financial assessment of the dryer shows that it has a payback period of 0.31–0.37 years and can produce 2218.38–2223.91 kg of dried ginger annually.

Graphical Abstract
Multi-objective optimization of micro crystalline cellulose and montmorillonite filled poly lactic acid bio–composite and its characterizations
Authors: Zeleke Nehemiah Mengistu , Sinha Devendra Kumar , Kumar Santosh
Published: September 2024

In this research study, the synthesis of poly lactic acid (PLA) based bio composite material factors contributions were investigated through the Taguchi-based grey relational analysis (GRA) technique. Effects of micro crystalline cellulose (MCC) and montmorillonite (MTT) nano clay filler, sorbitol (S) plasticizer, and temperature (T) operating factor on the PLA matrix through melt-mixing preparation method. The tensile strength (TS), Young modulus (YM), flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), hardness, impact strength (IS), water absorption (WA), and density properties of bio composite material were investigated for each experimental setup (orthogonal array, L16). Additionally, neat PLA and optimal sample structural, thermal, and morphological properties were examined through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (X-RD), thermal gravimetry analysis/differential thermal gravimetry (TGA/DTG), and DSC and SEM analyses. The obtained result for optimal mechanical and physical properties of MCC/MTT/S/PLA bio composite was MCC at level 3 (6%), MTT at level 4 (9%), S at level 2 (10%), and T at level 4 (175 °C). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows that MTT has the greatest significant effect on mechanical and physical properties of MCC/MTT/S/PLA bio composite followed by MCC, T, and S. The confirmation test indicates that the improvement of weighted grey relational grade (GRG) from 0.7896 to 0.846 and the FTIR, XRD, thermal gravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicates that the good interaction between PLA and fillers, improvement of thermal and morphological properties of optimal (6MCC/9MTT/10S/175 °C) bio composite samples. Therefore, the multi-response characteristics of MCC/MTT/S/PLA bio composite can be highly improved by this technique.
Association of Maternal Thyroglobulin With Gestational Thyroid Function and Offspring IQ and Brain Morphology
Authors: Mulder Tessa A , Guxens Mònica , Rebagliato Maria Luisa , Dineva Mariana , Bath Sarah C , Hunziker Sandra , Sunyer Jordi , Delgado-Saborit Juana Maria , Irizar Loibide Amaia , Lertxundi Nerea , Muetzel Ryan L , Tiemeier Henning , Peeters Robin P , Korevaar Tim I M
Published: September 2024

Background

Low maternal urinary iodine concentration (UIC) during pregnancy is associated with adverse offspring neurodevelopment. Thyroglobulin (Tg) has been suggested as a more sensitive biomarker than UIC of long-term iodine status, but associations of Tg with neurodevelopment and the possible mediating role of thyroid function remain unknown.

Aim

To study whether maternal Tg is associated with (1) maternal and newborn thyroid function and (2) offspring IQ and brain morphology.

Methods

Participants were selected from 2 population-based prospective cohorts: Generation R (the Netherlands, iodine-sufficient) and INfancia y Medio Ambiente (Spain, mildly iodine-deficient) with maternal Tg and thyroid function data in the first half of pregnancy or in cord blood, early childhood IQ (age 4.5 and 6 years), late childhood IQ (age 9 and 13), or brain morphology at 10 years. Associations of Tg with TSH, free T4 (FT4), IQ, and brain morphology were studied with multivariable linear regression.

Results

(1) Tg was associated with lower TSH (−0.12 [−0.16; −0.08]) and higher FT4 (0.08 [0.05; 0.12]) in pregnancy (n = 4367) but not with cord blood TSH or FT4 (n = 2008). (2) Tg was associated with lower IQ in early childhood (β [95% confidence interval]: −0.06 [−0.10; −0.01], n = 2919) but not with IQ (n = 2503) or brain morphology (n = 1180) in later childhood. None of the associations of Tg with the studied outcomes differed by the iodine-to-creatinine ratio (ie, effect modification) or changed when adjusted for thyroid function.

Conclusion

Higher Tg is associated with lower IQ in early childhood and higher thyroid function during pregnancy but not with IQ or brain morphology in later childhood. Further research should determine the value of Tg in addition to UIC for defining iodine status.
Fatal Generalized Metastatic Calcifications
Authors: Dierkes Friederike , Rakusa Julia , Scholte Johannes B J
Published: September 2024

Metastatic calcifications are a rare but potentially fatal complication of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). In this case, a 76-year-old man with a previously asymptomatic PHPT developed a hypercalcemic crisis with severe pancreatitis following elective urologic surgery. Despite initial treatment focused on pancreatitis and subsequent organ failure, hypercalcemia persisted, leading to rapid progressive metastatic calcifications in multiple organs. Parathyroidectomy during ongoing pancreatitis successfully reduced calcium levels but not the calcifications. After 4 months of complications and persistent pain, the patient declined further treatment and ultimately succumbed to the disease. The current literature primarily reports single-organ metastatic calcifications due to PHPT. This case represents the only lethal case of systemic metastatic calcifications in the current century. Physicians should be aware of the potential deterioration of hypercalcemia following elective surgery, particularly in the context of renal impairment. Rapid correction of calcium levels may prevent severe complications such as fatal metastatic calcifications.
Technology and Gender in Swedish Agriculture
Authors: Morell Mats , Osterud Grey
Published: September 2024

When milking machines were introduced on Swedish farms during the first half of the twentieth century, milking and taking care of cows had long been women's responsibility, and adult men seldom entered the cowshed. As dairying became a commercial operation and the number and yield of cows increased, farm wives, daughters, maidservants, and hired milkmaids continued to perform this work. By the end of World War I, however, so many young women had left the countryside that farmers had difficulty hiring enough milkmaids. When milking machinery became available, it promised to save labor and do the job more effectively than milking by hand. At the same time, adult men entered the cowshed and milked alongside women. But how were these simultaneous changes connected? This study analyzes advertisements for milking machinery in Sweden's most popular farm weekly. Manufacturers deliberately associated machine milking with images of masculinity. In the 1920s and 1930s, ads emphasized that both men and women could milk by machine. By the 1940s and 1950s, the ads depicted milking in an ungendered way, as a depersonalized technical process that was neither manly nor womanly.
Policy Feedbacks and Medicaid on Its 60th Anniversary
Authors: Campbell Andrea Louise
Published: September 2024

Context: Despite early skepticism about Medicaid's ability to withstand retrenchment as a program of “welfare medicine,” it has proved remarkably durable. Existing analyses explain durability from a policy feedbacks perspective—how program provisions affect the subsequent political environment and policy-making options. This article updates earlier feedback accounts to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) era.

Methods: The article examines extant findings on policy feedbacks in Medicaid at the elite and mass levels since the 2010 passage of the ACA.

Findings: Mass feedbacks have been modest. Medicaid expansion under the ACA only slightly increased beneficiary political participation, if at all. Medicaid attitudes among beneficiaries and the larger public have become somewhat more supportive. Elite-level feedbacks are the most powerful, with the federal contribution—increased for expansion populations under the ACA—inexorably shaping state incentives. However, continued rejection of Medicaid expansion and attempts to add conditions to Medicaid eligibility in Republican-led states with large shares of Black residents demonstrate that federalism, race, and the program's welfare medicine image continue to threaten the program.

Conclusion: Medicaid survives as the nation's largest health insurance program by enrollment, and it is deeply woven into the health care system. However, it remains chronically vulnerable and variable across states despite robust aggregate enrollment and spending.
Safety of Postembolization Antithrombotic Therapy After Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization
Authors: Chaliparambil Rahul K. , Krushelnytskyy Mykhaylo , Nandoliya Khizar R. , Mukherjee Shreya , Jahromi Babak S. , Metcalf-Doetsch William , Potts Matthew B.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) for the management of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) has been suggested as a preferred treatment in patients where reinitiating antithrombotic (AT) therapy is necessary. In this study, we evaluate whether reinitiating AT therapy before cSDH resolution after MMAE affects radiographic and clinical resolution.

METHODS:

This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent MMAE at our institution between 2018 and 2024. Clinical and radiographic findings were analyzed with standard statistical approaches. Kaplan-Meier curves for nonresolution compared AT and no-AT groups and compared AT resumption before and after 30 days after surgery.

RESULTS:

In 111 MMAE procedures, the median age was 73 years, 27.9% were female, and 80.6% were White. The median follow-up was 5.1 months. Forty-six patients (41.4%) demonstrated complete resolution of their cSDH. Eleven patients (9.9%) had reoperation after MMAE. The median cSDH depth was 14.0 mm, and the median midline shift was 3.0 mm. Thirty-two patients (28.8%) resumed AT before resolution. The median time to resumption was 35.5 days. Patients in the AT group were less likely to have radiographic resolution (21.9% vs 49.4%, odds ratios = 0.2872, 95% CI = 0.1113-0.7404, P = .0103) but comparable rates of reoperation and residual symptomatic presentations. Resumption of AT therapy before or after 30 days from surgery had no effects on outcome measures on univariate analysis. Major outcomes were similar between patients receiving antiplatelet-only or anticoagulant-only medications.

CONCLUSION:

Reinitiating AT therapy before cSDH resolution was associated with decreased rates of resolution, but comparable rates of reoperation and residual symptoms. Our results support the cautious reinitiation of AT therapy in patients requiring it after MMAE.
A Standardized Approach to MRI-Guided Stereotactic Laser Corpus Callosotomy: Technical Description and Pediatric Case Series
Authors: Kaufmann Timothy J. , Lehman Vance T. , Van Gompel Jamie J. , Wong-Kisiel Lily C. , Miller Kai J.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Corpus callosotomy is an effective procedure approach for treating medication-resistant drop seizures, which pose a significant challenge in patients with epilepsy. Laser interstitial thermal therapy offers an alternative to open surgery for performing corpus callosotomy that may limit approach-related comorbidities. Practices vary regarding the number of laser filaments used and staging; outcome data for pediatric patients remain relatively limited.

METHODS:

We illustrate a set of 4 standardized trajectories for performing MRI-guided stereotactic laser corpus callosotomy (SLCC). For this retrospective cohort study in a pediatric neurosurgery practice, the medical records and imaging were reviewed for 10 consecutive patients who had medication-refractory drop seizures and underwent SLCC. Data collected and analyzed included patient and epilepsy characteristics, procedural details, surgical approaches, and clinical follow-up results.

RESULTS:

Over 2 years, complete, single-stage SLCC was performed in 8 patients, and posterior completion SLCC was performed in 2 patients who had previously had open anterior corpus callosotomy. Four laser fibers were used in four-eighth complete SLCC, and 3 fibers were used in four-eighth complete SLCC. Seven of 10 patients were discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 1, with only 1 requiring a maximum stay of 6 days. Five of 9 evaluable patients reported no drop seizures at the last clinical follow-up. In the other 4 patients, 1 experienced them only rarely, another experienced less than 25% preoperative frequency, and the remaining 2 had less than a 50% improvement. In addition, improvement in other seizure types exceeded 50% in 8 of 9 patients. Notably, no perioperative or postoperative complications were observed, nor were there any sustained neurological deficits reported.

CONCLUSION:

Complete SLCC can be safely and effectively performed in pediatric patients. It is comparable in effectiveness with open surgery but has lower complication rates and shorter hospitalization.
Spinal Anesthesia for Multilevel Awake Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Single-Center Experience
Authors: Navarro-Garcia de Llano Juan P. , Fuentes-Fernandez Cueto Macarena , Roberts Andrew P. , Sanchez-Garavito Jesus E. , Shah Siddharth , De Biase Gaetano , Iyer Harshvandan , Ariwodo Ogechuku , Michaelides Loizos , Patterson Jennifer S. , White Kate E. , Bojaxhi Elird , Navarro-Ramirez Rodrigo , Buchanan Ian A. , Quinones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Abode-Iyamah Kingsley O.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Awake minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) generates minimal surrounding tissue damage and has been shown to be a safe, time-effective, and cost-reductive technique in single-level procedures. The purpose of this study was to advocate for the utilization of multilevel MIS-TLIF even in challenging cases as it has demonstrated positive outcomes.

METHODS:

Chart review was conducted for consecutive patients undergoing awake multilevel MIS-TLIF from 2020 to 2023. Various demographic, preoperative, and postoperative variables were collected and descriptively analyzed.

RESULTS:

Sixteen patients underwent multilevel awake MIS-TLIF at our institution during the specified period. Among them, 87.5% underwent a two-level procedure and 12.5% a three-level procedure. The median age ± IQR was 69.5 ± 11 years, with a slight male predominance (56.25%). Common comorbidities included hypertension (56.25%), obesity (37.5%), sleep apnea (25%), and type 2 diabetes (18.75%). The American Society of Anesthesiologists risk was 2 in 43.75% of patients and 3 in 56.25%. All patients presented pain, and 12.5% showed motor deficit. Intraoperative data showed a median of 196 minutes in the operating room where 156 ± 27.75 minutes corresponded to actual procedure time. The median estimated blood loss was 50 ± 70 cc. In the immediate postoperative period, 1 patient had nausea and emesis, and 1 reported fatigue. The median pain score during this period was 4.6 ± 2.03. Pain control medications were required for various patients, with methocarbamol (50%), hydromorphone (37.5%), and oxycodone (25%) being the most commonly prescribed in the postanesthesia care unit. No patient had new neurological deficits after the surgical intervention. The median length of stay was 2 days ±1.25. All patients were discharged with no complications.

CONCLUSION:

Multilevel awake MIS-TLIF emerges as a safe and effective technique for complex cases, enhancing patient quality of life with minimal blood loss and postoperative pain.
Monitoring in Small Firms: Experimental Evidence from Kenyan Public Transit
Authors: Kelley Erin M. , Lane Gregory , Schönholzer David
Published: September 2024

Small firms struggle to grow beyond a few employees. We introduce monitoring devices into commuter minibuses in Kenya and randomize which minibus owners have access to the data using a novel mobile app. We find that treated vehicle owners modify the terms of the contract to induce higher effort and lower risk taking from their drivers. This reduces firm costs and increases firm profitability. There is suggestive evidence that some firms expand. These results suggest that small firms may be able to utilize monitoring technologies to overcome problems of moral hazard and enhance their profitability. (JEL D22, D24, D82, J41, L25, L92, O14)
Efficiency and Equity Impacts of Urban Transportation Policies with Equilibrium Sorting
Authors: Barwick Panle Jia , Li Shanjun , Waxman Andrew , Wu Jing , Xia Tianli
Published: September 2024

We estimate an equilibrium sorting model of housing location and commuting mode choice with endogenous traffic congestion to evaluate urban transportation policies. Leveraging fine-scale data from travel diaries and housing transactions identifying residents' home and work locations, we recover rich preference heterogeneity over both travel mode and residential location decisions. While different policies produce the same congestion reduction, their impacts on social welfare differ drastically. In addition, sorting undermines the congestion reduction under driving restrictions and subway expansion but strengthens it under congestion pricing. The combination of congestion pricing and subway expansion delivers the greatest congestion relief and efficiency gains. (JEL H76, O18, P25, R23, R31, R41, R48)
Women Left Behind: Gender Disparities in Utilization of Government Health Insurance in India
Authors: Dupas Pascaline , Jain Radhika
Published: September 2024

We document large gender disparities within a government program that entitles 46 million poor individuals to free hospital care. We show that care is not free in practice and higher costs are associated with larger disparities. Lowering care costs increases female utilization but does not reduce gender disparities because marginal beneficiaries are as likely to be male as inframarginals. Long-term exposure to local female leaders reduces disparities by addressing factors lowering female care. In the presence of gender bias, subsidizing social services may fail to address gender inequalities without actions that specifically target females. (JEL H51, I12, I13, I14, J16, O15)
Ιδιότητες του κενού στο αστικό πεδίο και συλλογική ενεργοποίηση
Authors: Ζαχαριάδου Ιωάννα-Ελευθερία
Published: September 2024

Παρατηρώντας το αστικό πραγματικό, γίνεται αντιληπτό το γεγονός ότι μέσα στη σχεδιασμένη και λειτουργική πόλη αναδύονται κενά, τα οποία διαταράσσουν τη συνέχεια του νοήματος και της εννοιολογικής ροής της παρακινούμενης εμπειρίας. Όπως στο λόγο οι λέξεις και τα σύμβολα δεν επικοινωνούν πλήρως το νόημά τους, αλλά έχουν τη δυνατότητα να οριστούν σε σύγκριση με πρόσθετες λέξεις από τις οποίες διαφέρουν, έτσι και στους τόπους των ασυνεχειών η εννοιολογική τους αντίληψη συνεχώς μεταβάλλεται ανάλογα με την εναλλαγή των σημασιών. Θεωρώντας τον αρχιτεκτονημένο χώρο ως μία γλώσσα, στα υλικά χωρικά σημεία των κενών διαστημάτων της πόλης, στα οποία παρατηρούνται ασυνέχειες σε σχέση με την εμπειρία, προκύπτει η απόδοση νέων σημασιών. Έχοντας ως στόχο τη δημιουργία ενός λεξιλογίου περιγραφής του αποφατικού χώρου θεωρείται ότι κάτι τέτοιο πραγματοποιείται μελετώντας τα σημεία των χωρικών ασυνεχειών και των κενών διαστημάτων της πόλης. Μεθοδολογικά επιχειρείται η παρατήρηση και η καταγραφή των απροσδιόριστων χώρων που εντοπίζονται αποσπασματικά σε περιοχές του αστικού πεδίου της Αθήνας, με στόχο τη σύσταση του παραπάνω λεξιλογίου. Αναμενόμενο αποτέλεσμα της συγκεκριμένης διαδικασίας είναι η ανάγνωση του κενού ως προς τα ποιοτικά του χαρακτηριστικά, καθώς και ως προς τον βαθμό δεκτικότητάς του στην πολλαπλότητα της ελεύθερης ερμηνείας και νοηματοδότησης.
Το Πολυ-αφήγημα (Wimmelbook) ως μέσο για την ενδυνάμωση του αφηγηματικού λόγου και του οπτικού γραμματισμού στην Προσχολική Ηλικία
Authors: Παπαηλία Άρτεμις , Σιδηροπούλου Μαρέττα
Published: September 2024

Η παρούσα μελέτη διερευνά τη δυνατότητα αξιοποίησης του Πολυ-αφηγήματος ή αλλιώς “Wimmelbook”, ως παιδαγωγικό εργαλείο για την ενίσχυση των αφηγηματικών ικανοτήτων και του οπτικού γραμματισμού των παιδιών προσχολικής ηλικίας. Τα πολυ-αφηγήματα που χαρακτηρίζονται από τις πολυπρόσωπες οπτικές ιστορίες τους, παρουσιάζουν πολυάριθμες αφηγηματικές διαδρομές και προτρέπουν τα παιδιά-αναγνώστες να αναζητήσουν, να παρατηρήσουν, να συμπληρώσουν οπτικά ‘κενά’ και να ερμηνεύσουν/αφηγηθούν όσα βλέπουν. Το άρθρο υπογραμμίζει πως τα πολύ-αφηγήματα μπορούν να πυροδοτήσουν τη φαντασία, να ενισχύσουν τη δημιουργικότητα και να ενθαρρύνουν τις κριτικές οπτικές ικανότητες, καθώς τα παιδιά εμπνέονται να ακολουθήσουν τις διαδρομές των χαρακτήρων και να δημιουργήσουν τις δικές τους ιστορίες με βάση το οπτικό περιεχόμενο. Αυτή η διαδραστική και ενεργητική διαδικασία, ενισχύει τόσο την ανάπτυξη αφηγηματικών ικανοτήτων, όσο και την ανάπτυξη δεξιοτήτων οπτικού γραμματισμού. Η μελέτη εξετάζει τα πιθανά οφέλη των πολυ-αφηγημάτων για τα παιδιά προσχολικής ηλικίας, συνδέοντάς τα με θεωρητικές προσεγγίσεις που αντλούν από το πεδίο του οπτικού γραμματισμό και τα στάδια/μοντέλα αφηγηματικής επάρκειας από τον ευρύτερο κλάδο της γλωσσικής ανάπτυξης. Εστιάζει σε τέσσερα πολυ-αφηγήματα της Susanne Berner για τις τέσσερις εποχές, που έχουν εκδοθεί στην ελληνική αγορά. Συμπερασματικά, η μελέτη υποστηρίζει πως η ανάγνωση των εικόνων, παρόμοια με την ανάγνωση των κειμένων, προάγει τη γλωσσική έκφραση και την παραγωγή αφηγηματικών σεναρίων. Άρα, η συστηματική καλλιέργεια της ικανότητας αναγνώρισης, κατανόησης και ερμηνείας οπτικών ιστοριών - σχετίζεται στενά με τις γλωσσικές και αφηγηματικές δεξιότητες του αναγνώστη προσχολικής ηλικίας.
Αναλυτικά προγράμματα για την ανάπτυξη δεξιοτήτων και στρατηγικών για τον γραμματισμό στην Τεχνητή Νοημοσύνη (ΤΝ)
Authors: Γαβριηλίδου Ζωή
Published: September 2024

Στόχος της παρούσας δημοσίευσης είναι να ορίσει την έννοια του Γραμματισμού στην ΤΝ και να διερευνήσει τα χαρακτηριστικά αναλυτικών προγραμμάτων που καλλιεργούν δεξιότητες και στρατηγικές για τον γραμματισμό στην ΤΝ. Υποστηρίζουμε ότι πρόκειται για έναν γραμματισμό 4ης γενιάς που εμπερικλείει τα χαρακτηριστικά προηγούμενων μορφών γραμματισμού (λειτουργικός, κοινωνικός και ψηφιακός). Η δημοσίευση ξεκινά με μια ενδελεχή ανασκόπηση της έννοιας του γραμματισμού, ορίζει τον γραμματισμό στην ΤΝ με βάση την προηγούμενη βιβλιογραφία και υιοθετεί το θεωρητικό πλαίσιο των τεσσάρων διαστάσεων της εκπαίδευσης (Fadel et al., 2015) για να περιγράψει τα χαρακτηριστικά της εκπαίδευσης στην ΤΝ.
Impact of oregano (Origanum vulgare) supplementation on antioxidant status, and related gene expression in Black Sea salmon, Salmo labrax
Authors: Özel OT , Düzgüneş ZD , Gürkan SΕ , Çakmak E
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study was to to evaluate the effect of diets containing 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg kg-1 oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oil on antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GPx and SOD) in liver and muscle tissues and expression levels of their-relevant genes of Black Sea salmon (Salmo labrax) juvenile. This study was conducted in the freshwater recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Fish with average initial weights of 3.52±0.01g were distributed randomly in triplicate to 50 liter fiberglass tanks, and 45 fish were placed in each experimental tank. Fish were fed 3% level of live weight for 90 days. The addition of oregano essential oil had no significant impacts on CAT in liver and GPx in muscle (p>0.05), but increased SOD activity was observed in muscle. The increased GPx genes expression were observed in both muscle and liver tissues. The addition of oregano essential oil had no significant impacts on the mRNA expression of SOD in muscle, nevertheless increased SOD genes expression were determined in liver. In terms of the mRNA expression of CAT, control and 200 mg kg-1 concentration were similar to each other and had the highest level. Present study suggests that the addition of oregano essential oil can enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities, and related gene expression of Black Sea salmon (Salmo labrax) juvenile.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in a female Terrier dog
Authors: Yavas O , Gul Satar NY , Mutlu AM , Canatan U , Özfirat EC , Akkos A , Özyiğit MÖ
Published: September 2024

In this case report, two intestinal masses compatible with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is described in a nine-year-old female Terrier dog. The dog presented with complaints of anorexia and vomiting following the ingestion of food. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed two masses in the ventral aspect of the stomach and duodenum. The masses were 6.1×3.7×2.3 cm and 3.2×2×1.7 cm in size, and cut surfaces of the masses were grayish-white-yellow and had a solid appearance. The greater mass invaded the intestinal serosa and mucosa. Cut surfaces were grayish white – yellow and had a solid appearance. Following routine histopathological processing, masses were sectioned at 4 μm, stained with H&E, and immunohistochemically with anti-c-KIT (CD117) antibody. Microscopically, the tumor comprised cells with an oval vesicular nucleus, spindle-shaped eosinophilic cytoplasm and a prominent nucleolus. Mitotic activity was significantly increased (5-6 mitoses at ×400 magnification), and occasionally binucleated cells were observed. Large necrotic areas surrounded by inflammatory cells were noticed. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor is a neoplasm originating from intestinal Cajal cells. The tumor is mostly confused with leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma; immunohistochemical demonstration of c-KIT is performed for differential diagnosis.
Effects of feeding corn Stover silage treated with optigen or soybean meal on digestibility, rumen fermentation, blood biochemistry and growth performance of fattening lambs
Authors: Abu El-Hamed MA , Mohsen MK , Abdel-Raouf EM , Gaafar HM , Hassan NIM
Published: September 2024

Eighteen male Rahmani lambs with 4 months old and weighed 25.47±0.17 kg live body weight were divided into three identical groups. In the first group, the lambs were fed on R1, which contained 60% concentrate feed mixture (CFM) and 40% corn stover silage (CSS) and considered as a control. Whereas, lambs in the second group were fed (R2) 50% CFM and 50% CSS supplemented with 0.5% Optigen® (slow-release urea) and the third group fed (R3) 50% CFM and 50% CSS supplemented with 3% soybean meal. Results indicated that the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) contents increased with soybean meal supplement, but nitrogen free extract (NFE) content in silage tended to decrease with Optigen and soybean meal supplementation. Content of DM reduced in R2 with optigen supplementation. Higher CF, NDF, ADF and ADL contents and lower NFE content in R2 and R3 than those of R1content and lower NFE content in R2 and R3 than R1. The R2 and R3 had substantially higher digestion of all nutrients (OM, DM, CP, CF, NFE, and ether extract (EE)) as well feeding values (DCP and TDN) than R1. Lambs in various groups had almost equal ruminal pH values. Concentrations of ammonia-N and total VFA's in rumen fluid were significantly higher (P<0.05) in R2 and R3 compared to R1. Blood plasma biochemical profiles of the various groups were almost identical, with only minor variations. Intake of DM and CP were slightly higher in R2 and R3 than those of R1. The TDN and DCP intake were significantly (P<0.05) higher in R2 and R3 than R1. The final live body weight, total weight gain, and average daily gain (ADG) were significantly greater (P<0.05) in R2 and R3 than those of R1. DM and CP conversion improved significantly in R2 and R3 than R1. The addition of corn stover silage supplemented with 3% soybean meal or 0.5 % Optigen was improving feed intake, digestion, feed conversion, rumen function, and body weight gain of growing Rahmani lambs.
Effect of Growth Performance and Survival Rate of Goldfish (Carassius auratus L. 1758) Fed Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Supplemented Diets
Authors: Balci BA , Aktop Y , Arslan MN , Ünver AÇ , Özbas M , Kilic H
Published: September 2024

This research evaluated the effect of different garlic (Allium sativum) levels on the nutritional characteristics, growth, and survival rate of goldfish (Carassius auratus).  Five different commercial experimental diets were prepared garlic was added at levels of 0 (Control), 5, 10, 15, and 20 g·kg-1. The experiment was carried out for 84 days. Diet 4 group, in which 20 g·kg-1 garlic was added to the trial feed, showed the best growth performance compared to Diet 0 (Control) and other groups (Diet 1, Diet 2, Diet 3) (p<0.05). The best growth in parameters such as body weight gain, percent live weight increase, and specific growth rate was in the Diet 4 group (p<0.05). It was determined that the statistical difference between the groups for the condition factor and survival rate parameters was insignificant. The highest feed conversion rate was determined in the Diet 0 group with the lowest Diet 4 group (p<0.05).  As a result, it has been determined that feeding goldfish with the addition of garlic up to 20 g·kg-1 (2%) in its diet will have a positive effect on growth.
Conjugated linoleic acid in meat
Authors: Govari M , Vareltzis P
Published: September 2024

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) consists of a group of geometric and positional isomers of linoleic acid. According to various studies, CLA has beneficial health effects against cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular malfunction, or enhance immune function. The most important isomers of CLA found in meat are cis-9, trans-11 CLA and the trans-10, cis-12 CLA. Naturally occurring CLA originates mainly from bacterial isomerisation as well as biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the rumen in ruminant animals and endogenous formation from desaturation of trans-fatty acids in the tissues of monogastric as well as ruminant animals. Several factors such as seasonal variations, animal breeds, management or diet are influencing the CLA content in meat. In ruminants, the CLA content in meat is usually higher than this of monogatric animals or chicken. The CLA content in beef and lamb is usually found above 1 mg/g fat, while in pork, horse and chicken meat is usually found lower than 1 mg/g fat. The storage (refrigeration or freezing) as well thermal processing such as cooking seems to have no effect on CLA content of meat.
Epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma in Syrian Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)
Authors: Vetter JR , Maidana LG , De Oliveira TES , Méndez-Morán DN , Dacak DA , Heurich-Suárez GM
Published: September 2024

Lymphomas are neoplasms characterized by the clonal proliferation of malignant lymphocytes, are considered one of the most common tumors recognized in hamsters. The objective of the present work is to describe a case of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in a Syrian hamster kept as a pet in Paraguay, diagnosed by histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques. We report the case of a 1-year-old, male, pet Syrian Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), that presented scabs, ulcers, erythema, crusting, and hyperkeratosis, with a case evolution of approximately 20 days. Days after the inspection the animal is found dead, and the body is subjected to post-mortem examinations. Histopathologic analysis with hematoxylin-eosin and inmunohistochemic assays for CD3 and CD79 lymphoid markers and ki-67 cell proliferation are performed on skin sections, confirming the diagnosis for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Clinical signs and skin lesions coincide with cited literature, and confirmation through inmunohistochemical assays offer a better diagnosis. To date, there is no known cause nor treatment for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in hamsters, and euthanasia is considered for animal welfare.
Factors effecting the lactation curve parameters of Brown Swiss and Jersey cows in Türkiye
Authors: Yıldırır M
Published: September 2024

The explanatory capacity of the lactation models depends on the successful prediction of the lactation process and the regulation of environmental factors affecting production parameters. Therefore, in this study, six different lactation curve models (Wood, Wilmink, Sikka, Gou and Swalve, Nelder and Cobby and Le Du) were used to compare lactation milk yield data in individual monthly interval. Yield records in the first five lactations (1-5) were used a total of 61525 lactations data belonging to 22955 Brown Swiss (BS) and 5178 Jersey (JR) cows. Except for the Cobby and LeDu curve model, the explanatory capacity for the lactation curve models of the other models was quite high and the adjusted R2 (between 0.95 and 0.99) and RSD (between 0.97 and 1.03) were found to be close to the others. Observed and estimated milk yield had higher milk yield in EU origin BS cows, while TR origins had higher milk yield in JR cows (P<0.01). Observed and estimated milk yield were higher autumn-winter season compared to the spring-summer season in both breeds (P<0.01). With this approach, Wood's curve model was able to make a successful prediction in terms of lactation dynamics and environmental factors affecting production for both breeds. Moreover, results with sufficient accuracy were obtained with the Wood model in terms of breed-origin and environmental factors (breeding region, parity, season and year) affecting lactation processes. The factors such as year of calving, season of calving and parity were the most important factors that accounted for the large amount of the variation.