bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The progression of the tobacco epidemic in India on the national and regional level, 1998-2016
Authors: Shaikh Rufi , Janssen Fanny , Vogt Tobias
Published: February 2022

Background

Evidence regarding the progression of the tobacco epidemic remains fragmented in low- and middle-income countries. In India, most of the studies that examined tobacco consumption focused on one time point, on the country as a whole, and on men. Despite important gender differences in tobacco consumption, vast economic and cultural differences exist within India. We, therefore, assessed the progression of the tobacco epidemic in India on both the national and the regional level, by gender.

Methods

We use information on current tobacco use among Indians aged 15–49 from three rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) (1998-99, 2005-06, 2015-16) to estimate the age-standardized sex specific smoking and smokeless tobacco prevalence across India and its states.

Results

Age-standardized tobacco use prevalence in India increased between 1998-1999 and 2005-2006, and declined from 2005-2006 to 2015–2016, simultaneously for men and women. There are substantial spatial differences in the progression of the tobacco epidemic in India. While tobacco use declined in the majority of states, we observe high and increasing use for men in the north-eastern states of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, and for women in the western state of Gujarat and north-eastern state of Manipur. We observed even more states with a recent increasing prevalence in either tobacco smoking or smokeless tobacco. Throughout, prevalence of tobacco use has been higher among men than women for all Indian regions, and remained higher than the national average in the north-eastern states.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that India and the majority of its states experienced a ‘compressed tobacco epidemic’ in which the prevalence of tobacco consumption increased and decreased simultaneously for women and men over a comparatively short period of time. Despite the overall progress India made in reducing tobacco use, further lowering tobacco consumption remains a public health priority, as the prevalence of smoking and/or smokeless tobacco use remains high in a number of states. We therefore conclude that tobacco regulations should be expanded with the aim of reducing the overall health burden associated with tobacco consumption across India.
Determining intention, fast food consumption and their related factors among university students by using a behavior change theory
Authors: Didarloo Alireza , Khalili Surur , Aghapour Ahmad Ali , Moghaddam-Tabrizi Fatemeh , Mousavi Seyed Mortaza
Published: February 2022

Background

Today, with the advancement of science, technology and industry, people’s lifestyles such as the pattern of people’s food, have changed from traditional foods to fast foods. The aim of this survey was to examine and identify factors influencing intent to use fast foods and behavior of fast food intake among students based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 229 university students. The study sample was selected and entered to the study using stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using a four-part questionnaire including Participants’ characteristics, knowledge, the TPB variables, and fast food consumption behavior. The study data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16.0) using descriptive statistics (frequencies, Means, and Standard Deviation) and inferential statistics (t-test, Chi-square, correlation coefficient and multiple regressions).

Results

The monthly frequency of fast food consumption among students was reported 2.7 times. The TPB explained 35, 23% variance of intent to use fast food and behavior of fast food intake, respectively. Among the TPB variables, knowledge (r = .340, p < 0.001) and subjective norm (r = .318, p < 0.001) were known as important predictors of intention to consume fast foods - In addition, based on regression analyses, intention (r = .215, p < 0.05), perceived behavioral control (r = .205, p < 0.05), and knowledge (r = .127, p < 0.05) were related to fast food consumption, and these relationships were statistically significant.

Conclusions

The current study showed that the TPB is a good theory in predicting intent to use fast food and the actual behavior. It is supposed that health educators use from the present study results in designing appropriate interventions to improve nutritional status of students.
Age, period, and cohort effects on trends in outpatient addiction care utilization in the general Berlin population from 2008 to 2016
Authors: Specht Sara , Schwarzkopf Larissa , Braun-Michl Barbara , Seitz Nicki-Nils , Wildner Manfred , Kraus Ludwig
Published: February 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to decompose independent effects of age, period, and cohort on trends in outpatient addiction care utilization resulting from alcohol (AUD) and illicit substances use disorders (ISUD). Decomposing trends in addiction care utilization into their independent effects by age, period, and cohort may lead to a better understanding of utilization patterns.

Methods

Individuals seeking help in Berlin outpatient addiction care facilities between 2008 and 2016 with an age range of 18–81 years for AUD (n = 46,706) and 18–70 years for ISUD (n = 51,113) were standardized to the general Berlin population using data from the German Federal Statistical Office. Classification of utilization as AUD- (F10) or ISUD-related (F11, F12, F14, F15, F16, F18, F19) help-seeking was based on primary diagnoses according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. Age was measured in years and period as year of data collection. Cohort was defined as the mathematical difference between period and age. Age, period, and cohort analyses were conducted using the intrinsic estimator model on AUD- and ISUD-related outpatient addiction care utilization.

Results

Age effects on AUD-related utilization were highest in 18- to 19-year-old and in 39- to 59-year-old individuals. ISUD-related utilization declined almost continuously with increasing age. Period effects on AUD- and ISUD-related utilization were small. AUD-related utilization was highest in cohorts born from 1951 to 1986. ISUD-related utilization increased in cohorts born between 1954 and 1973 where utilization peaked, followed by a decline of the same order.

Conclusions

Age and cohort effects were the strongest drivers of trends in AUD- and ISUD-related outpatient addiction care utilization. Onset of help-seeking in earlier phases of AUD development should be enhanced as well as help-seeking for AUD and ISUD in general. The highest cohort-related rates in the baby boomer and following cohorts for AUD and ISUD underline an increased demand for addiction care.
Expressions of actor power in implementation: a qualitative case study of a health service intervention in South Africa
Authors: Schneider Helen , Mukinda Fidele , Tabana Hanani , George Asha
Published: February 2022

Background

Implementation frameworks and theories acknowledge the role of power as a factor in the adoption (or not) of interventions in health services. Despite this recognition, there is a paucity of evidence on how interventions at the front line of health systems confront or shape existing power relations. This paper reports on a study of actor power in the implementation of an intervention to improve maternal, neonatal and child health care quality and outcomes in a rural district of South Africa.

Methods

A retrospective qualitative case study based on interviews with 34 actors in three ‘implementation units’ – a district hospital and surrounding primary health care services – of the district, selected as purposefully representing full, moderate and low implementation of the intervention, some three years after it was first introduced. Data are analysed using Veneklasen and Miller’s typology of the forms of power – namely ‘power over’, ‘power to’, ‘power within’ and ‘power with’.

Results

Multiple expressions of actor power were evident during implementation and played a plausible role in shaping variable implementation, while the intervention itself acted to change power relations. As expected, a degree of buy-in of managers (with power over) in implementation units was necessary for the intervention to proceed. Beyond this, the ability to mobilise collective action (power with), combined with support from champions with agency (power within) were key to successful implementation. However, local empowerment may pose a threat to hierarchical power (power over) at higher levels (district and provincial) of the system, potentially affecting sustainability.

Conclusions

A systematic approach to the analysis of power in implementation research may provide insights into the fate of interventions. Intervention designs need to consider how they shape power relations, especially where interventions seek to widen participation and responsiveness in local health systems.
Meta-analysis of economic evaluation studies: data harmonisation and methodological issues
Authors: Bagepally Bhavani Shankara , Chaikledkaew Usa , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Attia John , Thakkinstian Ammarin
Published: February 2022

Background

In the context of ever-growing health expenditure and limited resources, economic evaluations aid in making evidence-informed policy decisions. Cost-utility analysis (CUA) is often used, and CUA data synthesis is also desirable, but methodological issues are challenged. Hence, we aim to provide a step-by-step process to prepare the CUA data for meta-analysis.

Methods

Data harmonisation methods were constructed specifically considering CUA methodology, including inconsistent reports, economic parameters, heterogeneity (i.e., country’s income, time horizon, perspective, modelling approaches, currency, willingness to pay). An incremental net benefit (INB) and its variance were estimated and pooled across studies using a basic meta-analysis by COMER.

Results

Five scenarios show how to obtain INB and variance with various reported data: Study reports the mean and variance (Scenario 1) or 95% confidence interval (Scenario 2) of ΔC, ΔE, and ICER for INB/variance calculations. Scenario 3: ΔC, ΔE, and variances are available, but not for the ICER; a Monte Carlo was used to simulate ΔC and ΔE data, variance and covariance can be then estimated leading INB calculation. Scenario-4: Only the CE plane was available, ΔC and ΔE data can be extracted; means of ΔC, ΔE, and variance/covariance can be estimated accordingly, leading to INB/variance estimates. Scenario-5: Only mean cost/outcomes and ICER are available but not for variance and the CE-plane. A variance INB can be borrowed from other studies which are similar characteristics, including country income, ICERs, intervention-comparator, time period, country region, and model type and inputs (i.e., discounting, time horizon).

Conclusion

Out data harmonisation and meta-analytic methods should be useful for researchers for the synthesis of economic evidence to aid policymakers in decision making.
Modelling spatiotemporal trends in the frequency of genetic mutations conferring insecticide target-site resistance in African mosquito malaria vector species
Authors: Hancock Penelope A. , Lynd Amy , Wiebe Antoinette , Devine Maria , Essandoh John , Wat’senga Francis , Manzambi Emile Z. , Agossa Fiacre , Donnelly Martin J. , Weetman David , Moyes Catherine L.
Published: February 2022

Background

Resistance in malaria vectors to pyrethroids, the most widely used class of insecticides for malaria vector control, threatens the continued efficacy of vector control tools. Target-site resistance is an important genetic resistance mechanism caused by mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (Vgsc) gene that encodes the pyrethroid target-site. Understanding the geographic distribution of target-site resistance, and temporal trends across different vector species, can inform strategic deployment of vector control tools.

Results

We develop a Bayesian statistical spatiotemporal model to interpret species-specific trends in the frequency of the most common resistance mutations, Vgsc-995S and Vgsc-995F, in three major malaria vector species Anopheles gambiae, An. coluzzii, and An. arabiensis over the period 2005–2017. The models are informed by 2418 observations of the frequency of each mutation in field sampled mosquitoes collected from 27 countries spanning western and eastern regions of Africa. For nine selected countries, we develop annual predictive maps which reveal geographically structured patterns of spread of each mutation at regional and continental scales. The results show associations, as well as stark differences, in spread dynamics of the two mutations across the three vector species. The coverage of ITNs was an influential predictor of Vgsc allele frequencies, with modelled relationships between ITN coverage and allele frequencies varying across species and geographic regions. We found that our mapped Vgsc allele frequencies are a significant partial predictor of phenotypic resistance to the pyrethroid deltamethrin in An. gambiae complex populations.

Conclusions

Our predictive maps show how spatiotemporal trends in insecticide target-site resistance mechanisms in African An. gambiae vary across individual vector species and geographic regions. Molecular surveillance of resistance mechanisms will help to predict resistance phenotypes and track their spread.
Intervertebral-spreader-assisted anterior cervical discectomy and fusion prevents postoperative axial pain by alleviating facet joint pressure
Authors: Xu Chen , Wang Ruizhe , Li Jingchi , Zhong Huajian , Zhang Zifang , Cui Cheng , Sun Baifeng , Tian Ye , Chen Huajiang , Shen Xiaolong , Liu Yang , Yuan Wen
Published: February 2022

Objective

To evaluate the relationship of postoperative cervical axial pain with different vertebral distraction methods used during ACDF procedures in cervical spondylosis patients.

Methods

Ninety-four single-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients with significantly loss of intervertebral disc height who underwent ACDF surgery in our institute between January 2018 and January 2020 were enrolled. Cervical spine lateral radiographs were taken preoperatively, 3 days, 1-month, 2-month and 6-month after the surgery. The intervertebral disc height (IDH), interfacet distance (IFD), JOA (Japanese Orthopaedic Association) score, NDI (Neck Disability Index) score, nVAS (Neck Visual Analogue Scale) score and aVAS (Arm Visual Analogue Scale) score were measured. The correlation of clinical parameters and intervertebral disc height was evaluated. Then the correlation of clinical outcomes and different distraction method was evaluated. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, one uses Casper pin distractor system alone for distraction (Caspar alone group) and the other uses spreader assisted distraction method (Casper + spreader group). In biomechanical study, four cervical spine cadavers were selected for facet pressure measurements under different vertebral distraction methods, and the facet joint pressure was measured using force sensors.

Results

Satisfactory cervical fusion and neurological recovery were achieved in all patients. No significant correlation of IDH, IFD, JOA, NDI or aVAS with nVAS score was found. No significant difference between the change in disc height and clinical outcomes was found. However, by comparing the clinical parameters of patients in different vertebral distraction groups, we found significant changes in the early nVAS and NDI scores (P = 0.11, P = 0.48) of the Casper + spreader group (3 days postoperation), and was associated with a better nVAS score at 2 months postoperation (P < 0.05). The biomechanical study in cervical cadavers also showed significantly and continuously decreased facet joint pressure in the spreader assisted vertebral distraction group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Spreader-assisted vertebral distraction method effectively alleviates postoperative neck pain in degenerative cervical spondylosis patients treated with ACDF. The mechanism may be related to the transient relief of facet joint pressure during the vertebral distraction procedure in ACDF.
Investigation and characterization of human gut phageome in advanced liver cirrhosis of defined etiologies
Authors: Naseri Mohadeseh , Palizban Fahimeh , Yadegar Abbas , Khodarahmi Mohsen , Asadzadeh Aghdaei Hamid , Houri Hamidreza , Zahiri Javad
Published: February 2022

Background

Liver cirrhosis is a major public health problem, accounting for high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The cirrhosis etiology is a broad and essential step in planning a treatment strategy. Many recent studies have documented that gut microbiome alterations play a vital role in the development and progression of cirrhosis and its complications. Nevertheless, there is insufficient data on the correlation between liver cirrhosis and gut phageome alterations in patients with advanced liver diseases. This study aimed to analyze the taxonomic structure and functional attributes of the gut phageome in six different etiologies of advanced liver cirrhosis.

Methods

We first retrieved metagenomic sequencing data from three datasets of fecal samples taken from cirrhotic patients with various etiologies. Subsequently, several bioinformatics pipelines were used to analyze bacteriophage composition and determine their functionality.

Results

A gene catalog of 479,425 non-redundant genes was developed as a reference to measure gene prevalence. The results of the analysis revealed a few significant differences among the cohorts at the phage species level. However, the alternations were more evident as there were more in-depth analyses of the functional resolution of the gut phageome.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the functional analysis of the gut phageome would provide meaningful markers to predict the progression of liver cirrhosis and facilitate the development of novel treatment approaches.
The effect of date palm on sexual function in infertile couples: a double-blind controlled clinical trial
Authors: Jahromi Athar Rasekh , Mosallanezhad Zahra , Hosini Fatemeh Saadat , Jamali Safieh , Sharifi Nader
Published: February 2022

Objective

Infertility has a significant impact on the sexual function of couples. The use of herbal medicine has been highly important throughout the history of medicine. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of date palm on sexual function of infertile couples.

Results

The present study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted on infertile women and their husbands who referred to infertility clinics in Iran in 2019. The intervention group was given a palm date capsule and the control group was given a placebo. Data were collected through female sexual function index and International Index of Erectile Function. The total score of sexual function of females in the intervention group increased significantly from 21.06 ± 2.58 to 27.31 ± 2.59 (P < 0.0001). Also, other areas of sexual function in females (arousal, orgasm, lubrication, pain during intercourse, satisfaction) in the intervention group showed a significant increase compared to females in the control group, which was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). All areas of male sexual function (erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction) significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.0001). The present study revealed that 1-month consumption of date palm has a positive impact on the sexual function of infertile couples.

Trial registration The trial was retrospectively registered in the Iranian registry of clinical trials at 2020-10-07 (https://www.irct.ir/trial/51339; registration number: IRCT20200925048834N1)
Three positive solutions for a nonlinear partial discrete Dirichlet problem with $(p,q)$-Laplacian operator
Authors: Xiong Feng , Zhou Zhan
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we prove the existence of three solutions to a partial difference equation with $(p,q)$
(
p
,
q
)
-Laplacian operator by using critical point theory. Furthermore, based on the strong maximum principle, we prove that the three solutions are positive under appropriate nonlinearity assumptions. Finally, we also give an example to illustrate our main results.
Similar outcomes including maximum knee flexion between mobile bearing condylar-stabilised and fixed bearing posterior-stabilised prosthesis: a case control study
Authors: Shatrov Jobe , Sappey-Marinier Elliot , Kafelov Moussa , Gunst Stanislas , Batailler Cécile , Servien Elvire , Lustig Sébastien
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Prosthesis design influences stability in total knee arthroplasty and may affect maximum knee flexion. Posterior-stabilised (PS) and condylar-stabilised (CS) designed prosthesis do not require a posterior-cruciate ligament to provide stability. The aim of the current study was to compare the range of motion (ROM) and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using either a PS or CS design prosthesis.

Methods

A total of 167 consecutive primary TKAs with a CS bearing (mobile deep-dish polyethylene) were retrospectively identified and compared to 332 primary TKA with a PS constraint, with similar design components from the same manufacturer. Passive ROM was assessed at last follow-up with use of a handheld goniometer. Clinical scores were assessed using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs); International Knee Society (IKS) knee and function scores and satisfaction score. Radiographic assessment was performed pre and post operatively consisting of mechanical femorotibial angle (mFTA), femoral and tibial mechanical angles measured medially (FMA and TMA, respectively) on long leg radiographs, tibial slope and patella height as measured by the Blackburne-Peel index (BPI).

Results

Both groups had a mean follow-up of 3 years (range 2–3.7 years). Mean post-operative maximum knee flexion was 117° ± 4.9° in the PS group and 119° ± 5.2° in the CS group (p = 0.29). Postoperative IKS scores were significantly improved in both groups compared to preoperative scores (p < 0.01). The mean IKS score in the PS group was 170.9 ± 24.1 compared to 170.3 ± 22.5 in the CS group (p = 0.3). Both groups had similar radiographic outcomes as determined by coronal and sagittal alignment, tibial slope and posterior condylar offset ratio measurements. When considering the size of tibial slope change and posterior-condylar offset ratio, there was no differences between groups (p = 0.4 and 0.59 respectively). The PS group had more interventions for post-operative stiffness (arthrolysis or manipulation under anaesthesia) 8 (2.7%) compared to 1 (0.6%) in the CS group (p = 0.17).

Conclusion

Condylar-stabilised TKA have similar patient outcomes and ROM at a mean follow-up of 3 years compared to PS TKA. Highly congruent inserts could be used without compromising results in TKA at short term.

Level of evidence

Level IV, retrospective case control study.
How different shades of red T-shirts enhance the perceived attractiveness of Asian women in digital photographs
Authors: Hong Hye Rim , Kim Young In
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates whether different shades of red clothes increase women’s perceived attractiveness to men and women in digital photographs. We also examined whether there was any variance in perceived attraction according to the color shade of clothes due to personal physical color traits based on Personal Color Analysis System. Participants evaluated a woman’s attractiveness presented in a photograph featuring different skin and hair colors and t-shirts in four red shades. The results indicate that the four different red shades—low chroma/high value, low chroma/medium value, high chroma/medium value, and low chroma/low value—examined in this study can enhance female attractiveness on a digital photo. Significantly, the high chroma and medium value—often considered vivid—red had a greater appeal to males and females in most skin and hair color types. This study is the first to investigate the perceived attractiveness of Asians wearing red in the context of digital photographs. The findings give insight to people and marketers with a better understanding perceived attractiveness of red clothing in digital photos. Additionally, this study confirms that the value and chroma of color, which was overlooked in previous research, should be considered as variables in studies of clothing color meanings.
Influence of the scleral indentation technique on the re-detachment rate following retinal detachment surgery
Authors: Wakili Philip , Boden Karl T. , Szurman Peter , Rickmann Annekatrin , Schlosser Rosemarie , Bisorca-Gassendorf Lukas , Januschowski Kai
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine whether the choice of scleral indentation technique during primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery has an influence on the risk of re-detachment.

Methods

We included retrospectively 154 eyes with a primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treated in the Eye Clinic Sulzbach/Saar Germany, who were operated on by two experienced surgeons using the same basic surgical setup. Surgeon A performed an external 360° indentation, shaved the vitreous base using the light pipe cap, and used the operating microscope (opm) for direct visualization. Surgeon B performed an external 360° indentation, shaved the vitreous base using a simple indentor, and used an endoillumination (light pipe) with the opm and a handheld widefield lens for direct visualization.

Results

Comparing both indentation procedures, 15.66% (13/83) of patients operated on by surgeon A and 9.86% (7/71) of patients operated on by surgeon B had a retinal re-detachment within a follow-up period of 6 months (adj. p = 0.64, two-proportion Z-test).

Conclusion

The rate of retinal re-detachment could be influenced by the indentation technique at the end of surgery favoring external indentation and internal visualization with an endoilluminator (chandelier light). We attribute this to the better visualization of the vitreous base facilitated by endoillumination. However, many variables play a role in the development of retinal re-detachment, requiring further studies with a larger number of patients.
Gamification suffers from the novelty effect but benefits from the familiarization effect: Findings from a longitudinal study
Authors: Rodrigues Luiz , Pereira Filipe D. , Toda Armando M. , Palomino Paula T. , Pessoa Marcela , Carvalho Leandro Silva Galvão , Fernandes David , Oliveira Elaine H. T. , Cristea Alexandra I. , Isotani Seiji
Published: February 2022

There are many claims that gamification (i.e., using game elements outside games) impact decreases over time (i.e., the novelty effect). Most studies analyzing this effect focused on extrinsic game elements, while fictional and collaborative competition have been recently recommended. Additionally, to the best of our knowledge, no long-term research has been carried out with STEM learners from introductory programming courses (CS1), a context that demands encouraging practice and mitigating motivation throughout the semester. Therefore, the main goal of this work is to better understand how the impact of a gamification design, featuring fictional and competitive-collaborative elements, changes over a 14-week period of time, when applied to CS1 courses taken by STEM students (N = 756). In an ecological setting, we followed a 2x7 quasi-experimental design, where Brazilian STEM students completed assignments in either a gamified or non-gamified version of the same system, which provided the measures (number of attempts, usage time, and system access) to assess user behavior at seven points in time. Results indicate changes in gamification’s impact that appear to follow a U-shaped pattern. Supporting the novelty effect, the gamification’s effect started to decrease after four weeks, decrease that lasted between two to six weeks. Interestingly, the gamification’s impact shifted to an uptrend between six and 10 weeks after the start of the intervention, partially recovering its contribution naturally. Thus, we found empirical evidence supporting that gamification likely suffers from the novelty effect, but also benefits from the familiarization effect, which contributes to an overall positive impact on students. These findings may provide some guidelines to inform practitioners about how long the initial contributions of gamification last, and how long they take to recover after some reduction in benefits. It can also help researchers to realize when to apply/evaluate interventions that use gamification by taking into consideration the novelty effect and, thereby, better understand the real impact of gamification on students’ behavior in the long run.
Clinically viable myocardial CCTA segmentation for measuring vessel-specific myocardial blood flow from dynamic PET/CCTA hybrid fusion
Authors: Piccinelli Marina , Dahiya Navdeep , Nye Jonathon A. , Folks Russell , Cooke C. David , Manatunga Daya , Hwang Doyeon , Paeng Jin Chul , Cho Sang-Geon , Lee Joo Myung , Bom Hee-Seung , Koo Bon-Kwon , Yezzi Anthony , Garcia Ernest V.
Published: February 2022

Background

Positron emission tomography (PET)-derived LV MBF quantification is usually measured in standard anatomical vascular territories potentially averaging flow from normally perfused tissue with those from areas with abnormal flow supply. Previously we reported on an image-based tool to noninvasively measure absolute myocardial blood flow at locations just below individual epicardial vessel to help guide revascularization. The aim of this work is to determine the robustness of vessel-specific flow measurements (MBFvs) extracted from the fusion of dynamic PET (dPET) with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) myocardial segmentations, using flow measured from the fusion with CCTA manual segmentation as the reference standard.

Methods

Forty-three patients’ 13NH3 dPET, CCTA image datasets were used to measure the agreement of the MBFvs profiles after the fusion of dPET data with three CCTA anatomical models: (1) a manual model, (2) a fully automated segmented model and (3) a corrected model, where major inaccuracies in the automated segmentation were briefly edited. Pairwise accuracy of the normality/abnormality agreement of flow values along differently extracted vessels was determined by comparing, on a point-by-point basis, each vessel’s flow to corresponding vessels’ normal limits using Dice coefficients (DC) as the metric.

Results

Of the 43 patients CCTA fully automated mask models, 27 patients’ borders required manual correction before dPET/CCTA image fusion, but this editing process was brief (2–3 min) allowing a 100% success rate of extracting MBFvs in clinically acceptable times. In total, 124 vessels were analyzed after dPET fusion with the manual and corrected CCTA mask models yielding 2225 stress and 2122 rest flow values. Forty-seven vessels were analyzed after fusion with the fully automatic masks producing 840 stress and 825 rest flow samples. All DC coefficients computed globally or by territory were ≥ 0.93. No statistical differences were found in the normal/abnormal flow classifications between manual and corrected or manual and fully automated CCTA masks.

Conclusion

Fully automated and manually corrected myocardial CCTA segmentation provides anatomical masks in clinically acceptable times for vessel-specific myocardial blood flow measurements using dynamic PET/CCTA image fusion which are not significantly different in flow accuracy and within clinically acceptable processing times compared to fully manually segmented CCTA myocardial masks.
An unusual case report: normocalcemic markers and their relationship with multiple sclerosis in primary hyperparathyroidism disease revealed by radiological markers with the diagnosis of brown tumor
Authors: Er Nuray , Adiloğlu Selen , Acar Gülin
Published: February 2022

Background

Brown tumor is a giant cell focal bone lesion associated with hyperparathyroidism and is more common in long bones such as the femur, ribs, pelvis, and clavicle, rather than in the head and neck region. Brown tumors occur less frequently in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and are not usually a diagnostic marker of the disease. In addition, when primary hyperparathyroidism shows normocalcemic values and this disease is accompanied by multiple sclerosis, diagnosis becomes difficult.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old female patient presented with a painless, firm, irregularly circumscribed lesion extending from the upper palate to the nasal cavity. The lesion was first noticed by the patient about 2 months ago because it started to form asymmetry. The patient, whose anamnesis was learned to have Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), was immobile. The patient was using medication only for COPD. After radiological and clinical examinations, the image in the maxilla was thought to be Brown Tumor and blood values were examined. After the incisional biopsy was also performed, it was evaluated together with the blood results and the diagnosis of brown tumor due to normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism was made. As in this case, brown tumor cases in which the calcium level remains within normal ranges, that is, due to Normocalcemic Hyperparathyroidism, are extremely rare, and 7 cases have been reported in the literature.

Conclusions

In the presented case, the importance of the radiological and clinical markers of the brown tumor developing due to normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism in the diagnosis is stated, the relationship of MS and the effects of the drugs used for MS at brown tumor formation is examined, and the importance of the treatment follow-up with radiological findings is stated. The features of the much rarer subgroups of relatively common diseases should be well known, and it should not be forgotten that the less frequently observed features can sometimes be the first indicator. And when large-limited lesions are identified, additional systemic features should be sought instead of direct surgical intervention.
Diagnostic utility of 3D DIR MRI in the estimation of MS lesions overall load with special emphasis on cortical subtypes
Authors: Abdelrahman Ahmed S. , Khater Nivan Hany , Barakat Mai M. K.
Published: February 2022

Background

A number of magnetic resonance imaging studies have shown that a significant proportion of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions are located in the cerebral cortex and correlate with the patient's disability level. Double inversion recovery (DIR) has a higher sensitivity to detect cortical lesions and their different types. The aim of our study was to assess the superiority of 3D DIR as compared to FLAIR in detecting the different cortical subtypes and to enhance its role as a test for the clinical disability of the patient.

Results

The current study included 82 MS patients (60 female and 22 male with mean age of 34.5 ± 8.2 years); 59 cases having relapsing–remitting MS, 5 having secondary progressive MS, and 4 having primary progressive MS, as well as eight clinically isolated syndrome cases, and six radiologically isolated syndrome cases. DIR was superior to FLAIR in MS plaque number detection of cortical plaque-types 1, 2, 3 and 4 with a p value < 0.001. DIR was superior to FLAIR for detection of overall cortical types, juxtacortical and juxtacortical extended MS plaques with p =  < 0.001, 0.010 and < 0.001, respectively. DIR was significantly better than FLAIR for MS plaque number detection in the periventricular white matter, subcortical white matter, infratentorial region and the overall MS plaques burden with a p < 0.001, 0.038, < 0.001, < 0.001, respectively. No significant difference was noted between both sequences for plaques number detection in deep white matter and deep gray matter. A significant correlation between MS disease duration, number of attacks and EDSS and the overall cortical MS plaques types and the overall MS plaque burden.

Conclusion

3D DIR is a reliable tool and provides superior delineation in detecting cortical subtypes. In addition, DIR is of value in assessing the degree of clinical and cognitive impairment of MS affected patients.
The efficacy of TACE; how can automated feeder software help?
Authors: Abdelsalam Hassan , Emara Doaa M. , Hassouna Ehab M.
Published: February 2022

Background

This is a prospective study of 44 patients having 57 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions indicated for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and a control group of 41 patients having 55 HCC lesions. TACE in the study group was performed on an angiography machine with an installed automated feeder detection (AFD) software (EmboGuide; Philips Healthcare, Best, The Netherlands) and in the control group was performed on a similar angiography machine (ALLURA XPER FD 20, Philips, Holland), but lacking the AFD software. The aim is to evaluate the clinical utilization of cone-beam CT (CBCT) and (AFD) software in accurate detection of (HCC) arterial feeders, the effect of (AFD) software utilization on the outcome of (TACE) and its utilization effect on fluoroscopy time and radiation dose to the patient during the (TACE) procedure.

Results

The highest percentage of agreement was between the number of arterial feeders detected by EmboGuide and the actual number of feeders detect during embolization reaching 91.2% with p value < 0.001. The residual non-intended non-embolized areas among the study group at 1-month follow-up were found in 2 out of 57 lesions compared to 9 out of 55 lesions in the control group. The average dose-area product (DAP) among the study group was less than that of the control group.

Conclusion

CBCT using AFD software provides more information about tumor feeders with consequent more efficient targeted embolization, higher success rate of TACE and less patient exposure to radiation.
Foliar application of nutrients on medicinal and aromatic plants, the sustainable approaches for higher and better production
Authors: Shahrajabian Mohamad Hesam , Sun Wenli , Cheng Qi
Published: February 2022

Background

The most important advantages of foliar fertilization are to improve plant growth and crop quality, appropriately manage the nutritional status of plants, enhance disease resistance and regulate nutrient deficiencies.

Main body

The aim of this manuscript is to outline and emphasize the importance of foliar application of nutrients in order to increase both quality and yield of medicinal and aromatic plants. The searches focused on publications from 1980 to July 2021 using PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Scopus databases. The current manuscript presented many examples of potential of foliar application for medicinal and aromatic plants production systems. Foliar application of Fe and Zn on Anise; Se on Atractylodes; Zn sulfate on Basil, Costmary, Mint and Fenugreek; Se and Fe on Stevia; S and P on castor bean; Zn and Fe on Chamomile; Cu, Mg and ZnSO4 on Damask rose; N and P on Fennel; Se on water spinach and tea; K+ and Ca2+ on Thyme; Zn and K on Spearmint; Zn on Saffron, Ni on Pot marigold; Fe on peppermint, N and P on Mustard had positive and significant impacts.

Conclusion

Observed impacts of foliar fertilization consisted of significant increase of yield, enhanced resistance to insects, pests and diseases, improved drought tolerance and escalated crop quality.
From a Reformist Professor to a “Mouthpiece” for Capital: Tsunao Miyajima in an International Context
Authors: Kubo Shin
Published: February 2022

Tsunao Miyajima (1884–1965), qua economist, has gone unsung among historians of economics; however, his intellectual trajectory merits review in an international context. From the early 1910s to the middle of the1920s, he advocated the labor cause and social reform as a professor in Tokyo and Osaka. However, he converted his stance to its antithesis between the late 1920s and early 1930s, when he was acting as chief of the permanent Japanese employers' delegation to the International Labour Organization in Geneva. Observations on his volte-face, placed in the context of relations with famed economists at the time—such as Émile Waxweiler, Charles Gide, John Bates Clark, and Gustav Cassel—provide insight to a significant episode in the internationalization and international networking in economics and, more broadly, in global intellectual history. Furthermore, particular attention to his objection to the “Eurocentric” organization's attempt to impose minimum wage fixing machinery on and allegations of social dumping in Japan sheds new light on the international development of policy-oriented economics, namely, from the hitherto unheeded perspective of an emerging economy from Asia.
Η γυναικεία παρουσία στο εικονογραφικό πρόγραμμα του νάρθηκα των μεσοβυζαντινών ναών της Ελλάδας (843-1204)
Authors: Παπαγιαννίδου Γεωργία
Published: February 2022

Το θέμα της παρούσας εργασίας αφορά στην ανίχνευση της παρουσίας των άγιων γυναικών στο εικονογραφικό πρόγραμμα του νάρθηκα των μεσοβυζαντινών ναών της Ελλάδας (843-1204) και στη θεολογική της θεώρηση, σε συσχετισμό με τη θέση και τον ρόλο της γυναίκας κατά την περίοδο αυτή. Η μελέτη διαρθρώνεται σε τέσσερα κεφάλαια. Στο πρώτο, παρουσιάζεται ο νάρθηκας ως τμήμα του χριστιανικού ναού και η λειτουργική χρήση του, όπως αυτή αποτυπώνεται στις γραπτές πηγές της εποχής. Στο ίδιο κεφάλαιο το ενδιαφέρον μας επικεντρώνεται και στις ακολουθίες εκείνες οι οποίες αιτιολογούν τρόπον τινά τη θέση των γυναικών αγίων στον χώρο αυτό. Ακολουθεί το δεύτερο κεφάλαιο με τη μελέτη των μνημείων που διασώζουν τον εντοίχιο διάκοσμο του νάρθηκα. Μελετήσαμε και περιγράψαμε με συντομία το εικονογραφικό πρόγραμμα του χώρου δίνοντας βαρύτητα στις απεικονίσεις των γυναικών αγίων. Στο τρίτο κεφάλαιο και με βάση το υλικό που συγκεντρώσαμε τόσο από τις γραπτές πηγές όσο και από τα ίδια τα μνημεία, επιχειρούμε να τεκμηριώσουμε την παρουσία των γυναικών αγίων. Στο τέταρτο κεφάλαιο αναφέρονται επιγραμματικά ορισμένες εκφάνσεις της ζωής της γυναίκας – ανώνυμης και επώνυμης – κατά τη μεσοβυζαντινή εποχή. Η μελέτη αυτή ολοκληρώνεται με το τελευταίο μέρος, όπου παρουσιάζονται τα συμπεράσματα της έρευνά μας, και ανακεφαλαιώνονται τα κεντρικά σημεία της. Για την αρτιότερη, τέλος, εμφάνισή της εργασίας θεωρήσαμε σκόπιμο να παραθέσουμε δύο ευρετήρια: ένα προσώπων, τόπων και μνημείων, και ένα εικονογραφικό. Η εργασία ολοκληρώνεται με το παράρτημα των σχετικών παραστάσεων.
Inflationary phenomenology of quadratic gravity in the Palatini formulation
Authors: Λύκκας Άγγελος
Published: February 2022

Η θεωρία της Γενικής Σχετικότητας ιδρύθηκε σε μια πολλαπλότητα χωροχρόνου Μ εξοπλισμένη με έναν μετρικό τανυστή g, ενώ η connection στο M ταυτίζεται με τη Levi - Civita, που είναι η μοναδική συμμετρική connection που διατηρεί τη μετρική. Παρόλο που υπάρχουν βάσιμοι λόγοι για να υποθέσουμε τη συνθήκη Levi-Civita, αποδείχθηκε ότι γενικεύοντας αυτές τις υποθέσεις, η συνθήκη Levi-Civita μπορεί να αναπαραχθεί στο επίπεδο των εξισώσεων κίνησης της Γενικής Σχετικότητας για μια metric-affine connection. Δεν άργησε να παρατηρηθεί ότι η ισοδυναμία της Γενικής Σχετικότητας μεταξύ των δύο περιγραφών, δηλαδή το γνωστό φορμαλισμός μετρικής και το φορμαλισμό Palatini (ή first-order formalism) κατά τον οποίο η connection είναι ανεξάρτητη από τη μετρική, δεν ισχύει για πιο περίπλοκη μορφή της δράσης, όπως για παράδειγμα δράσεις που περιλαμβάνουν όρους καμπυλότητας υψηλότερης τάξης ή/και μη-τετριμμένες ζεύξεις μεταξύ του τομέα της βαρύτητας και της ύλης. Σήμερα, αυτοί οι τύποι θεωριών συναντώνται στη μοντελοποίηση του κοσμολογικού πληθωρισμού, όπου έχουν βρει μεγάλη επιτυχία. Δεδομένου ότι το παράδειγμα του πληθωρισμού είναι συνδεδεμένο με τους βαρυτικούς βαθμούς ελευθερίας και συνεπώς την παραμετροποίησή τους, είναι ενδιαφέρον να κατανοήσουμε πώς οι προβλέψεις αυτών των μοντέλων διαφέρουν μεταξύ των δύο φορμαλισμών. Για παράδειγμα, ένα από τα μοντέλα πληθωρισμού είναι το μοντέλο Starobinsky ή μοντέλο τετραγωνικής βαρύτητας, R+R^2, το οποίο βρίσκεται σε συνεχή επαφή με τις παρατηρήσεις. Ωστόσο, στον φορμαλισμό Palatini, ο βαθμός ελευθερίας που προέρχεται από τον όρο R^2 δεν διαδίδεται και ως εκ τούτου δεν είναι σε θέση να οδηγήσει σε μια πληθωριστική φάση. Επομένως, για να πραγματοποιηθεί το σενάριο του πληθωρισμού στον φορμαλισμό Palatini, το μοντέλο Starobinsky πρέπει να συνδυαστεί με ένα θεμελιώδες βαθμωτό πεδίο που θα αναλάβει το ρόλο του πεδίου πληθωρισμού (inflaton field). Σε αυτή τη διατριβή ερευνούμε διάφορα μοντέλα πληθωρισμού, ξεκινώντας με μοντέλα που είχαν προηγουμένως αποκλείστει από τις παρατηρήσεις, όπως π.χ. το μοντέλο φ^2, κ.λπ., όπου διαπιστώνουμε ότι ο όρος R^2 έχει σημαντικό ρόλο επιφέροντας μια επιπεδότητα στο τελικό δυναμικό (στο σύστημα αναφοράς Αϊνστάιν). Ο μηχανισμός αυτός δίνει έτσι την ευκαιρία σε αυτά τα μοντέλα να έρθουν σε επαφή με τις παρατηρήσεις. Σε αντίθεση με τη διατύπωσή των μοντέλων αυτών στο συνηθισμένο φορμαλισμό μετρικής όπου ο πεδιακός χώρος είναι δισδιάστατος, βάσει του μηχανισμού Palatini-R^2 καταλήγουμε σε ένα μονοδιάστατο πεδιακό χώρο ο οποίος διευκολύνει την αναλυτική μελέτη των μοντέλων, οδηγώντας επίσης σε ενδιαφέροντα αποτελέσματα.
Single motherhood, social independence and non-communicable disease (NCD) outcomes among young females (15-24 years old) in South Africa
Authors: De Wet-Billings Nicole
Published: February 2022

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) acquired during youth follow into and affect adulthood. The association between young mother’s social independence and NCD status is of policy interest due to its effect on economic and social development. This study aimed to determine the causal relationship between social independence and NCD outcomes among young, single mothers in South Africa.

Methods: Data from the South African National Income Dynamics Survey (NIDS) in 2008 and 2017 was used to determine if single mothers developed hypertension, diabetes or asthma by various indicators of social independence, including highest level of education and employment status. The sample was initially made-up of unmarried females (15-24 years old) without any children in 2008. Both fertility and social independence was followed-up to 2017.

Results: In total, 66 young females developed an NCD by 2017 and 87% (n=57) of these women had a child in the interim period. Employment of young females increased from 4.78% in 2008 to 37.79% in 2017, but completion of secondary or tertiary education declined from 67.94% in 2008 to 56.01% in 2017. In addition, half (50.88%) of the young females were partially independent by 2017, with only 11.03% being fully independent at this time. Finally, logistic regression results showed that the likelihood of developing an NCD increased if young females with children were not socially independent.

Conclusions: The relationship between social independence and NCDs suggest that policies and programmes in South Africa need to incorporate socioeconomic status as a determinant of disease and in particular, need to address socioeconomic indicators as additive measures and not autonomous indicators.