bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Присуство на анти-ТФ4/хепарин антитела кај пациенти профилактички третирани со еноксапарин после ортопедски оперативен зафат
Authors: Јордановска-Гучева Натали , Карталов Андријан , Кузмановска Билјана , Самарџиски Милан , Гучев Филип
Published: December 2022

Хепарин-индуцираната тромбоцитопенија (ХИТ) е предизвикана од антитела кон тромбоцитниот фактор 4 (ТФ4)/хепарин комплексот. Таа значително го зголемува ризикот од крвавење и тромбоза кај пациентите, што е особено есенцијално во постоперативниот период. Во оваа студија ја проценуваме стапката на сероконверзија на анти-ТФ4/хепарин антителата кај пациенти со ревматоиден артритис и остеоартритис по имплантација на протеза на колк или колено лекувани профилактички со еноксапарин. Целта на истражувањето беш да се процени ризикот од хепарин-индуцирана тромбоцитопенија преку евалуација на индукцијата на анти-ТФ4/хепарин антителата кај пациенти со ревматоиден артритис и остеоартритис по имплантација на протеза на колена или колк, лекувани профилактички со еноксапарин. Материјал и методи: Беа испитани 36 пациенти, на возраст од 18 до 80 години, по имплантација на протеза на колк или колено, лекувани профилактички со еноксапарин. Пациентите беа поделени во две еднакви групи, односно пациенти со ревматоиден артритис (РА) и пациенти со остеоартритис (ОА). Пациентите беа следени за време на хоспитализацијата на Клиниката за ортопедски болести за појава на ХИТ. Во два наврата беше земена венска крв, од периферна вена, за имунолошки иследувања. Прв пат тоа беше направено пред почеток на лекување со еноксапарин, а втор пат постоперативно, 10 дена по оперативниот зафат. Беа нотирани демографски податоци, анти-ТФ4/хепарин антитела, седиментација на еритроцити (ESR), CRP, RF, CCP, ANA, појава на ХИТ. Резултати: Немаше сигнификантна разлика во вредностите на анти-ТФ4/хепарин кај пациентите со ОА и РА предоперативно. Стапката на анти-ТФ4/хепарин антитела кај пациентите со РА беше сигнификантно пониска од онаа кај пациентите со ОА (7,14% наспроти 27,27%, р=0,034). Немаше сигнификантна поврзаност на вредностите на анти-ТФ/4 антителото со вредностите на ESR, CRP, RF, CCP или ANA. Заклучок: Резултатите укажаа на намалена инциденција на анти-ТФ4/хепарин антитела кај пациентите со РА во споредба со оние со ОА. Ова укажува дека постои разлика во анти-ТФ4/хепарин имуниот одговор кај пациенти со РА наспроти оние со ОА, профилактички лекувани со еноксапарин, по ортопедски оперативен зафат за имплантација на протеза на колк или колено.
Проценка на оралното здравје кај геријатриски пациенти
Authors: Мијоска Анета , Ковачевска Гордана , Јовановски Сашо , Бајрактарова-Валјакова Емилија , Даштевски Благоја , Петков Марјан , Забокова-Билбилова Ефка , Србиноска Даниела , Трпевска Весна
Published: December 2022

Геријатриската популација во  Македонија претставува специфична група која има потреба од континуирана евалуација на нивното орално здравје. Според податоците на СЗО во 2010 година, 12 % од населението во Македонија било на возраст 65+ години. Стареењето е процес со различни специфични промени во сите системи и органи, вклучувајќи го и орофацијалниот систем. Најчестите состојби поврзани со возраста кај геријатриската популација се губење на забите, пародонтопатија, преканцерозни лезии и орални карциноми, ксеростомија, ресорпција на резидуалниот алвеоларен гребен и целокупна дисфункција на орофацијалниот систем. Големо е влијанието на извршената протетичка терапија кај геријатриските пациенти врз нивното целокупно и општо здравје. Целта на оваа студија беше да се процени состојбата на меките ткива кај геријатриските пациенти, особено кај пациентите со протетички третмани, нивното орално здравје и влијанието на оралното здравје врз квалитетот на животот. Материјал и методи: Спроведовме опсервациона студија на пресек кај геријатриските пациенти, а геријатрискиот индекс за проценка на оралното здравје (GOHAI) беше употребен за да се изврши евалуација  на нивното орално здравје и влијанието на оралните состојби и извршениот дентален третман врз квалитетот на животот. Резултати: Испитаниците со просечна возраст од 72,88 години пријавиле повеќе општи и системски заболувања, а главните фактори на ризик за промените на оралната мукоза биле пушењето и пиењето алкохол. Вкупна анодонција е забележана кај 37,5% од испитаниците и делумна анодонција кај 62,5%. Просечниот период на носење протези изнесуваше 7,8 години. Вкупната оценка за квалитетот на животот и оралното здравје на испитаниците варираше во интервалот 1,93 ± 0,65, а просечната вредност кај субјектите со протетички конструкции за p> 0,05 (p = 0,19) беше нешто повисока во однос на субјектите без било каква протетичка изработка. Заклучок: Резултатот на GOHAI-12 во студијата имаше ниска вредност, помалку од 50 што покажа дека испитаниците беа со слабо орално здравје. Според резултатите од самооценувањето, имаше слаба до умерена перцепција за нивното оралното здравје. Потребен е интегриран пристап за да се постигне критично позитивно ниво на општото и оралното здравје кај геријатриските пациенти.
Straight wire and segmented technique in canine retraction-case reports
Authors: Trpevska Vesna , Tanatarec Ivan , Srbinoska Daniela , Mijoska Aneta
Published: December 2022

Correct positioning of the canines after their retraction is of great importance for the function, stability and esthetics. Aim: Two case reports were presented to compare the efficiency of two techniques for canine retraction, segmented mechanics using 0.017 x 0.025 TMA T-loop vs sliding straight-wire mechanics usingelastomeric chains. Material and methods: The first case describes orthodontic treatment with 0.017 x 0.025 TMA T-loop whereas the second case describes a 9 mm canine retraction using elastomeric chains. Results: Depending on the type of malocclusion both techniques for canine retraction can be used. Post treatment results showed canine retraction with good anchorage control and no mesial movement of the molars.Conclusion: Both techniques provide an optimum rate of tooth movement and none of the methods can be considered superior in terms of tooth movement or side effects, including rotation, tipping, root resorption, anchorage loss, as well as associated pain.
Understanding the health context for implementation of a new digital psychosocial intervention for improvement of the mental health in North Macedonia
Authors: Novotni Ljubisha , Markovska-Simoska Silvana , Blazhevska-Stoilkovska Biljana , Milutinovic Milos , Bajraktarov Stojan , Novotni Antoni , Jovanovic Nikolina , Spasovski Mome
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to identify the contextual attributes in North Macedonia and their characteristics relevant to the implementation of a new digital intervention to improve mental health, called DIALOG+. This research is the first of its kind in North Macedonia due to the analysis of contextual attributes that may affect the effectiveness of the intervention and its acceptability in various settings of mental health care. Some of the data processed in this paper were provided and analyzed by the National Mental Health Strategy 2018-2025 and other relevant accompanying documents from the World Health Organization and action plans, as well as through interviews with stakeholders (patients, carers, clinicians and policy makers) for their opinion before introducing the DIALOG + intervention and the report on the assessment of the situation in the centers where the implementation of the intervention should have started. The collected data were then mapped to a framework developed by the Ottawa Implementation Group, which included 14 contextual attributes. The results are summarized in 2 subgroups, and are presented as facilitators and barriers to implementation, specific to the mental health system in North Macedonia. The characteristics of DIALOG + (widely applicable psychosocial intervention) are in accordance with modern assumptions for psychosocial rehabilitation of patients with psychosis. Hence, we can conclude that it is a useful tool for professionals in monitoring and achieving the true vision and mission of these institutions. It will help patients reintegrate into society, become more independent and use their full potential in the pursuit of healthy and functional living.
Identification and management of child development -practice parameters
Authors: Pop-Jordanova Nada
Published: December 2022

The main characteristics of children are phenomena of growth and development. Child development could be defined as a complex unfolding of a series of skills and adaptations, with very predictable stages, that occur in multiple dimensions at approximately the same time and in approximately the same order.There are several types of developmental delays in children. These delays can affect child’s physical, cognitive, communication, social, emotional, or behavioural skills. Developmental delays are common in childhood, occurring in 10%-15% of preschool children in different forms. Global developmental delays are less common, occurring in 1%-3% of preschool children. The article gives some practice parameters for identification and management of child development based on the newest published articles included in the PubMed database.
Evaluation of (1,3)--d-glucan assay in diagnosis of invasive fungal infections with Aspergillus
Authors: Mirchevska Gordana , Cekovska Zaklina , Kaftandzieva Ana , Zafirovik Zorica , Trajkovska-Dokic Elena
Published: December 2022

Invasive fungal infections caused by Aspergillus are a significant problem in immunocompromised and critically ill patients and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis is still a big clinical and diagnostic challenge. Conventional methods are not sensitive enough, and therefore, there is a need for rapid, more sensitive methods for early diagnosis of invasive fungal infections with Aspergillus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance, sensitivity and specificity of serological panfungal (1,3)-b-D-glucan marker compared to conventional method for diagnosis of invasive fungal infections with Aspergillus. Material and methods: Specimens of 125 patients divided into 4 groups (group I - immune deficiency, group II - prolonged ICU stay, group III - chronic aspergillosis, group IV - cystic fibrosis), classified according to clinical diagnosis and EORTC/MSG criteria, were analyzed at the Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, with conventional and serological methods, during a period of two years. Results: A total of 71 isolates of Aspergillus were confirmed in this study. Four isolates were recovered from bloodculture of patients with primary immune deficiency. With BAL culture, Aspergillus was detected in the group of chronic aspergillosis (63.33%), followed by the groups of cystic fibrosis (56.67%), primary immune deficiency (51.43%), and the group with prolonged ICU stay (43.33%). Sensitivity and specificity of BAL culture were: 64.29% and 100%, 59.09% and 100%, 54.55% and 12.5%, 100% and 54.17%, in I, II, III and IV group, respectively. In 79.1% (53/67) from positive BAL cultures in all groups, A. fumigatus was confirmed, of which, 32.1% (17/53) in group III, followed by group I – 26.42% (14/53) and group IV – 26.42% (14/53), and 15.1% (8/53) in group II. Other species confirmed in BAL were A. flavus 16.42% (11/67) and A.terreus 4.48% (3/67). Sensitivity and specificity of the serological panfungal (1,3)-b-D-glucan (BDG) marker were: 64.71% and 85.71%, 50% and 87.5%, 36.36% and 50%, in groups I, II and III, respectively. No positive findings of the panfungal (1,3)-b-D-glucan (BDG) marker were found in the group with cystic fibrosis. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study have demonstrated that a positive (1,3)-b-D-glucan assay highlights the value of this test as a diagnostic adjunct in the serodiagnosis of invasive fungal infections with Aspergillus, and along with the results from conventional mycological investigation, helped in reaching a timely antifungal treatment with a favorable clinical outcome.
Phonological awareness in children with developmental language disorder
Authors: Vukovic Mile , Jovanovska Mira , Jerkic Rajic Lana
Published: December 2022

Children with developmetal language disorder have impaired developmental pattern of language structure. Literature data speak in favor of delay and/or difficulties in development of phonological, lexical, morphological and syntactic structure, but the nature of developmental language disorder (DLD) has still not been elucidated. The aim of this paper was to present and analyze data about phonological awareness in children with DLD based on a systematic literature review. Also, we wanted to point out some methods of assessment and stimuli/encouragement in development of phonological abilities. The research presented in the analyzed literature have shown that current knowledge regarding phonological awareness in children with DLD is mainly obtained from comparative stuides of children with developmental language disorder and children with normal language development. A large number of results has revealed that different components of phonological awareness in children with DLD are less developed compared to their peers with typical development. Studies have also presented current assessment techniques and importance of phonological awareness preventive stimulation progams, which are an important indicator/parameter for the development of reading and writing as well as for onset of impairments in learning these skills.
Developmental disorders of the hip treated at the Clinic for Orthopaedic Diseases – in a period of 10 years (2009-2018)
Authors: Komnenovik Marina , Bozinovski Zoran , Trajanovski Aleksandar , Saveski Aleksandar , Damjanovik Dejan , Atanasovski Igor
Published: December 2022

Developmental hip dysplasia includes a wide range of conditions such as subluxation, dislocation, hip instability, and teratological hip. The diagnosis  was confirmed by clinical examination, ultrasound  examination and anterior-posterior view radiograph  (AP). Treatment  varied  depending on the patient's age and the degree of dysplasia: Pavlik harness, closed reduction, open reduction  and corrective osteotomies. In this  study 242 patients were included, of whom  198 were female  patients and 44 male. All of the patients were treated with conservative treatment- closed reducation and spica casting. Left-sided dislocations were  more common than right sided dislocations with predominance in the female patients. The main treatment in follow-up patients was closed reduction with or without adductor muscle tenotomy   (m. add. longus). In cases with  unsuccessful attempt  of closed reduction, open reduction  was performed with or without adductor muscle tenotomy. Depending on the residual dysplasia, patients were additionally treated with pelvic osteotomies    (Salter 's inominate  osteotomy), varus derotation osteotomy, valgus osteotomy, proximal femoral resection, and  trochanter major  transposition. 167 patients were treated with closed reduction  and 3 with open reduction. The remaining patients were treated with closed reduction and additional surgery or with open reduction and additional surgery. Out of all treated patients, only 10 patients had recurrent dislocation of the hip, 7 female and 3 male patients. Closed reduction was performed again on two patients, and open reduction of the hip was performed on one patient. The average  age  of  patients was  21.5 months. By presenting the cases in a period of 10 years, it was conclud  that most  cases were  diagnosed later. Also, the standard closed reduction treatment  was successful even after the first year in said  patients. Depending on the residual dysplasia of the hip, in order to achieve better congruence of the joint, additional surgeries were  performed.
Treatment of venous malformations in pediatric population – three- year experience
Authors: Sokolova Roza , Memeti Shaban , Risteski Toni , Andonovska Biljana , Lumani-Bakiji Njomza , Stepanovski Aleksandar , Kocevski Borche
Published: December 2022

Venous malformations (VMs) are a type of vascular malformations that result in abnormal development of veins that become extensible over time due to an error in vascular morphogenesis. They usually appear in newborns or in early adulthood as a bluish, soft, swollen and eventually painful skin formation. Treatment includes conservative therapy, sclerotherapy and surgical excision. Aim of the paper is to evaluate the therapeutic effect of scleraotherapy in pediatric patients with venous malformations. Material and methods: In a three-year period, from 2019 to 2021, venous malformation was found in 33 patients aged 4 to 14 years (average age: 8 years). Pain as a symptom occurred in 8 patients. Two patients had lesions measuring up to 5 cm and 5 cm respectively, while in the remaining subjects the lesion was over 5 cm. Ultrasound was performed routinely in all subjects, and MRI in two patients. Conservative treatment was instituted in 13 patients with venous malformations of the extremities, surgical excision with local reconstruction was performed in 11 patients, and sclerotherapy with bleomycin under general anesthesia was performed in 8 patients. Combined treatment was used in one patient that presented with venous malformation of the upper arm that underwent partial sclerotherapy with subsequent operative excision due to a phlebolith. Follow-up examinations revealed regression of the change not only from functional but from aesthetic aspect as well. Conclusion: Sclerotherapy is the established golden standard, first-line treatment for venous malformations. Excellent results were achieved as the reduction of the lesions was below 50% of the initial size. However, the modality of treatment should be individualized to each patient as it can sometimes require a combination of more than one treatment option. Venous malformations are best treated early, but they usually recur over time. Treatment helps relieve symptoms and control the growth of vascular malformations.
Detection of biofilm production and antimicrobial susceptibility in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Jovchevski Radomir , Popovska Kakja , Todosovska Ristovska Aneta , Lameski Maja , Preshova Ardian , Selmani Mumin , Nedelkoska Sara , Veljanovski Hristijan , Gjoshevska Marija
Published: December 2022

Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are commensal which commonly colonize humans. As a result of their ubiquitous nature, reservoirs in hospital environment and resistance to many antimicrobial agents they are responsible for hospital – acquired infections. Additionally treatment of these infections is difficult because of the ability for biofilm formation. Aim of the paper was to determine the association between biofilm formation on medical devices and antibiotic resistance profile, compared to respiratory samples in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Material and methods: The study comprised 50 clinical samples (36 from medical devices and 14 as а control group from respiratory secretions). Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were identified by routine microbiological methods. Modification of the microtiter plate assay described by Stepanovic et al. was used to investigate the formation of biofilm. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to EUCAST guidelines. Results:  Of the 50 analyzed strains, 16 (32%) were non-biofilm producers, and 34 (68%) were producing biofilms. Out of these, 29 (58%) were from medical devices, and 5 (10%) from the control group. Acinetobacter baumannii showed biofilm formation in 19 (67.9%), of which 17 (60.7%) from medical devices, and 2 (7.1%) from control group. Pseudomonas aeruginosa produced biofilm in 15 (68.1%), of which 12 (54.5%) from medical devices, and  3 (13.6%) from the control group. Multidrug resistance was detected in 40 (80%). All strains of Acinetobacter baumannii were multidrug resistant (MDR). For Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 11 (73.3%) biofilm forming isolates were MDR, and 1 (14.2%) non-biofilm forming isolate was MDR. Conclusion: Biofilm production was higher in strains from medical devices. Eighty percent of isolates were MDR. This is a serious challenge for treatment of these hospital-acquired infections.
Mortality from malignant neoplasms in the Republic of North Macedonia in the period from 2010 to 2018
Authors: Vasileska Lidushka , Kjosevska Elena , Lekovska-Stoicovska Tanja , Kardashevski Aleksandar
Published: December 2022

The aim of the paper was to provide data on the situation and the trend of the mortality rate from malignant neoplasms in the population of the Republic of North Macedonia (RNM) in the period 2010-2018 along with the most common causes of death from malignant neoplasms in 2018, with a special reference to the distribution of mortality by sex and age. Material and methods: A retrospective study was performed using epidemiological descriptive methodology. Data were statistically analyzed. The mortality rates for malignant neoplasms were estimated at 100,000 inhabitants. Data are displayed in tables and figures in total number for the Republic of North Macedonia. The data for the number of deaths were obtained from the State Statistical Office and processed and analyzed at the Institute of Public Health of RNM. Results: A total of 19,727 people died in RNM in 2018, and malignant diseases accounted for 18.9% of the total mortality and they were the second-rated cause of death behind the cardiovascular diseases, with 3,734 deaths or a rate of 179.8 deaths per 100,000 citizens. Of the total number of deaths from malignant neoplasms in RNM in 2018, a larger number of men died compared to women, and most of them (31.3%) died from malignant neoplasms of the bronchi and lungs. In 2018, in RNM, females mostly died from malignant breast neoplasms (18.3%) and 13.1% from malignant neoplasms of the bronchi and lungs. In the period 2010-2018, the mortality rate from malignant neoplasms in people aged 0-64 years decreased by 87.5 in 2010 to 79.2 in 2018 per 100,000 population. The same phenomenon was present in the population over the age of 65; it was 881.1 per 100,000 population in 2010 and 805.1 in 2018. Conclusion: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in RNM as well as globally. In 2018, 1 in 5 deaths were due to malignant diseases in RNM, while in the world 1 in 6 deaths were due to cancer. About one-third from cancer deaths are due to the five leading behavioral and dietary risks: high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use.
Knowledge about human papillomavirus and associated factors among population in the Republic of Kosova
Authors: Kosumi Ernad , Isjanovski Viktor , Spasovski Mome
Published: December 2022

Above 70% of sexually active women and men will be infected with human papilloma irus at some point in their lives, and several may yet be infected in more than one circumstance. Around 80% of sexually active women acquire HPV infection, while for the most part, they are asymptomatic with the immune system-mediated clearance of contagion within 6–12 months. High-risk papillomavirus is accountable for causing cancer associated with the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and oropharynx. This survey aims to investigate the level of knowledge among residents in the Republic of Kosova regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and HPV-associated diseases and to discover the relationship between these factors. Material and methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed by investigating the knowledge concerning HPV infection in the population aged 18 to 35+ years. The study was conducted in the interval from June 2021 - August 2021. The sample included 500 participants. The questionnaire was anonymous, and participants were free to end the participation at any time, without finishing the questionnaire. Results: More than half of the respondents knew about HPV - 70.0%, and 29.6% did not know. Respondents with secondary and higher education showed 18 times more knowledge for HPV (OR = 18.1311 95% CI: 8.7465-37.5852) than respondents with primary education. To the question Can HPV cause cancer of the cervix, 37.2% (n=186) of the respondents gave a correct answer. The results presented that most participants knew what HPV was (70%), but they also revealed that most participants had low or moderate knowledge about HPV, which was a comparable result with earlier studies. A small number of participants in this survey knew that HPV could heal by itself (12.8%), which was similar to results presented in other surveys. Conclusions: It is important to improve the inadequate knowledge about HPV among the population in the Republic of Kosova. In order to do that, it could be significant to assess which factors affect the knowledge so that young women and all adolescents will get pushed to use protective measures against cervical cancer and have protected sexual behaviour.
Evaluation and relation of determinants of risk perception in the resident population living near industrially contaminated sites
Authors: Kosteska Sandra , Topuzovska-Latkovic Marija
Published: December 2022

The association between industrial pollution and human health is of high importance for public health. Living near industrially contaminated sites (ICSs) and being exposed to increasing concentrations of environmental pollutants along with disadvantaged social and economic conditions result in an increased occurrence of diseases. There are 16 identified industrially contaminated sites in the Republic of North Macedonia, and of all of them, chemical industry AD OHIS - Skopje and lindane dump located near the plant, according to almost all categorizations,has been evaluated to pose the highest level of ecological and health risk, although there has been no recent evidence about these issues. The main aim of this study was to obtain general information about risk perception of resident population living around and near AD OHIS in the Skopje region. Methods: A standardized and modified questionnaire was sent to the participants in an electronic form by e-mail and was published on social networks and municipalities’ web sites. The responses to the questionnaire were given anonymously and voluntarily. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods with calculating central tendency parameters and analytical statistical methods with correlation and Pearson χ2 test and independent sample test. Results: During the observation period, 220 people responded to the survey, with female respondents being predominant (70%). Analysis showed that there was no significant difference between genders regarding risk perception. According to Likert scale, with 95% CI, among anthropogenic sources, respondents stated they were extremely worried about air pollution and very worried or worried about water pollution, noise, waste and dangerous industry. The diseases that trigger a response of greater concern were those related to allergies, respiratory diseases and cancer. Age, education and information related to ecological risks significantly influenced on judgement of the environmental conditions in the living area of resident population (p<0.05). Conclusions: Investigation results showed that resident population in the exposed Skopje region has a high level of perception and is susceptible to ecological risks by anthropogenic and natural influence. There is a direct relationship between exposureand environmental health impact. Also, sociоeconomic characteristics (gender, age, education) and cognitive factors have influence on risk perception level.
Attitude and practice on Human Papillomavirus, Human Papillomavirus Vaccine and associated factors among population in the Republic of Kosova
Authors: Kosumi Ernad , Kosumi Milaim , Spasovski Mome
Published: December 2022

Аpproximately 50–80% of sexually active women are exposed to at least one HPV variant during their lifetime. Based on the 2015 annual report of the National Institute of Public Health of Kosova, 68 new cases of cervical cancer were detected. The aim of the study was to investigate the attitude and practice regarding Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections and the Human Papillomavirus vaccine in the population of the Republic of Kosova. Material and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the knowledge concerning HPV infections among the population aged 18 to 35+ years. The study was conducted during the period of time June 2021 –to August 2021. The sample included 500 participants. The questionnaire was anonymous, and participants were free to end their participation any time, without completing the questionnaire. Results: Regarding the claim "The HPV vaccine is safe", more than half of the respondents, respectively58.6% declare that they do not know, 33.4% of the respondents agree, 6.0% gave an incorrect answer / disagree, and 2.0% did not answer. The percentage difference between the unknown and correct answers is statistically significant for p<0.05. Conclusion: This study found out that the attitude towards the HPV vaccine among people of the Republic of Kosova is low to moderate. HPV vaccines should be included in the national immunization programs, since there is not still established national vaccination program for HPV vaccination.
Correlation of Fibroblast Activation Protein Expression and Incidence of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Siregar Effinia Kamila Hanum , Rivany Riza , Harahap Muhammad Rusda , Effendi Iman Helmi , Aldiansyah Dudy , Simanjuntak Roy Yustin , Ardiansyah Edy
Published: December 2022

Background : Ovarian cancer is one of women death causes and almost diagnosed at advanced stage which related to high recurrence rate therefore accurate biomarker is needed to predict recurrence rate.
Aim: This research purpose to determine correlation of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expression and epithelial ovarian cancer recurrence at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan.
Methods: This research is an analytic observational study with case control approach that will be carried out starting in May 2022 until number of samples is met. Immunohistochemical assessment for FAP expression uses Allred score because this system is simplest and has good sensitivity and specificity. The preparations were interpreted by two anatomical pathologists. The correlation between variables was carried out by chi square statistical test with 95% confidence interval and p < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The analysis results using Chi Square test showed that there was a significant relationship between tissue FAP expression and ovarian cancer recurrence (p = 0.004). The OR value obtained was 7.429 (95% CI = 1.778 – 31.040), which means patients with tissue FAP expression (+) had risk of recurrent ovarian cancer 7.429 times greater than patients with  tissue FAP expression (-).
Conclusion : There is a statistically significant correlation between FAP expression and epithelial ovarian cancer recurrence.
Self-education Program for Osteoarthritis Reduces Sodium Intake, Knee Joint pain, and Serum Interleukin-17A level in Osteoarthritis Patients
Authors: Achmad Anisyah , Suharjono Suharjono , Soeroso Joewono , Suprapti Budi , Siswandono Siswandono , Pristianty Liza , Rahmadi Mahardian , Nugraha Jusak , Surya Yoki , Isma Satria Pandu Persada , Rahadiansyah Erreza
Published: December 2022

Objectives: As it has been known that sodium may aggravate joint inflammation throuh IL-17A pathway and it can cause joint pain, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the Self Education Programs for Osteoarthritis (SEPO) intervention on sodium intake, knee join pain and IL-17A level in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Methods: This multicenter study was conducted in orthopedic and internal medicine outpatient wards in three hospitals. This research has received ethical approval. Patients were recruited based on accidental sampling, who met the inclusion criteria. SEPO intervention was carried out for 30 days, followed by provision of leaflets, posters, and handbook about osteoarthritis, daily WhatsApp education chat and/or video. Patients’ demographic, knee joint pain, and sodium intake data was collected during interview, using the Semi Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ_FFQ), and WOMAC (Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index) whereas serum IL-17A was determined by using ELISA. The effect of SEPO was analyzed statistically using Mann Whitney tests (p< 0.05).
Results: Total subjects recruited were 80, namely 30 patients in control group and 50 patients in treatment group. Majority of patients were female (74, 92.5%), age 56-65 yo (32, 40%), obese (54, 67.5%) and senior high school (23, 46%). Statistical results showed that following SEPO intervention daily sodium intake was lower (1289.45±457.98 mg) compared to the control group (2143.94±744.75 mg), p= 0.04. WOMAC score of control group (28±12.41) higher than treatment group (23.88±13.61), p=0.02. Serum IL-17A levels were also lower in the treatment group (3.974±1.06 pg/mL) than the control group (5.542±1.99 pg/ml), p=0.01.
Discussion: Education as a non-pharmacological therapy is needed to reduce disease progression. Education is provided according to the patient's needs. Educational models can be offline (face to face) or online (digital). SEPO intervention in patients with knee osteoarthritis can reduce sodium intake, knee joint pain, and may impact on reduction of serum IL-17A.
Comparison of Blood Lactate Concentrations in Patients with Closed Traumatic Brain Injuries after Surgical and Conservative Interventions
Authors: Kiaydemak Topan Sugara , Adhimarta Willy , Nasrullah Nasrullah , Ihwan Andi , Mulawardi Mulawardi , Zainuddin Andi Alfian , Prihantono Prihantono , Widodo Djoko , Islam Andi Asadul , Faruk Muhammad
Published: December 2022

Introduction: A major public health problem, brain injury can cause disability and death. Managing traumatic brain injury (TBI) can involve surgical interventions (e.g., evacuation and decompressive craniotomy) and/or conservative interventions without surgery (e.g., oxygenation, resuscitation, antibiotics, osmotherapy, and analgesics). Lactate, a biomarker that exerts physiological effects, is sensitive to the lack of oxygen and ischemia in organs such as the brain in both types of interventions. The aim of our study was thus to compare lactate concentrations in patients with closed brain injuries after conservative and surgical interventions.
Methods: In a cohort study, lactate concentration between patients with TBI in the conservative versus surgical intervention groups were analyzed using the chi-square test, the independent t test, and Spearman’s correlation test.
Results: Lactate concentrations in patients with closed brain injuries at the baseline, 24-hour, and 72-hour blood sampling time points did not significantly differ between conservative and surgical interventions (ρ > 0.05). However, reductions in lactate concentrations after 24 and 72 hours did significantly differ between the intervention groups, despite being more reduced in surgical interventions (ρ = 0.001) than in conservative ones (ρ = 0.002). Lactate concentrations were also significantly lower after 24 and 72 hours in the surgical intervention group for patients with epidural hematoma (EDH, p= 0.001) than ones without EDH (ρ < 0.001).
Conclusion: Lactate concentration is a reliable prognostic predictor for assessing the severity of brain injury other than the GCS, another common clinical predictor.
Depression in COVID-19-positive Vaccinated Patients during Isolation and its Relation to Chronic Medical Diseases in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Shaheen Somaya , Adel Shaden , Mahfouz Noha A.
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: Psychological disorders are common in patients who experienced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Thus, there is a need to assess the prevalence of these disorders following vaccination, particularly in non-hospitalized cases as most COVID-19 patients do not require hospitalization. The presence of specific chronic medical disease has been displayed to increase the severity of infection and may also cause negative psychological outcomes in these patients.

AIM: This study aimed to measure the prevalence of depression in COVID-19-positive non- hospitalized vaccinated patients during isolation and to detect the difference in depression between patients with and without medical diseases within the study.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of a sample of patients from Abu Dhabi. A total of 194 participants were enrolled. All of them were COVID-19 vaccinated and tested positive for COVID-19. Participants were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9).

RESULTS: Depression was present in 10.8% of COVID-19 positive vaccinated patients while 89.2% had no depression according to their PHQ9 scores. A total of 18.5% of patients with chronic medical diseases had depression while 9.6% of patients without chronic medical diseases showed depression with no statistical significant difference in prevalence of depression between these two groups.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of depression was relatively low in this study compared to previous studies. No significant difference was found in the likelihood of developing depression between patients with and without chronic medical diseases. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the effect of vaccines on mental health.
Arteriovenous Fistula Anastomosis Diameter Association with the Ischemic Steal Syndrome Occurrence
Authors: Alsaadi Mohammed J.
Published: December 2022

OBJECTIVE: Symptomatic Steal syndrome is one of the major complications following arteriovenous access fistula (AVF). The aim of this study is to investigate the association between AVF anastomosis diameter and the incidence of symptomatic steal syndrome.
METHODS: A total of 103 patients with AVF were enrolled retrospectively in the study. There were two groups in the study, 77 patients with clinical symptomatic steal syndrome and 26 control with mature AVF with no symptoms. Anastomosis diameter was measured at the site of anastomosis and recorded at different fistula locations. Patient demographic, risk factors and access characteristics were recorded.
RESULTS: Symptomatic Steal syndrome was more common among female patients (75.4%). Symptomatic Steal syndrome was more prevalent in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), 77.8%, p<0.001. The mean anastomosis diameter in patients with Symptomatic steal syndrome was 3.74(±1.47) mm and in the control group 4.07(±1.79) mm, which indicates no significant difference in the anastomosis diameter, p=0.425. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated that cardiovascular disease [F (1,94) =15.691, p=0.008] and peripheral vascular diseases [F (1,94) =13.059, p=0.016] are associated with steal syndrome incidence.
CONCLUSION: The findings of this study conclude that there is no significant association between increased anastomosis diameter and the incidence of AVF steal syndrome.
Automated video game parameter tuning with XVGDL+
Authors: Ruiz Quiñones Jorge , Fernández Leiva Antonio J.
Published: December 2022

Usually, human participation is required in order to provide feedback during the game tuning or balancing process. Moreover, this is commonly an iterative process in which play-testing is required as well as human interaction for gathering all important information to improve and tune the game components’ specification. In this paper, a mechanism is proposed to accelerate this process and reduce significantly the costs of it, contributing with a solution to perform the game parameter tuning and game balancing using search algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. The process is executed in a fully automated way, and just requires a game specification written in a particular video game description language. Automated play-testing, and game’s feedback information analysis, are related to perform game parameters’ tuning and balancing, leading to offer a solution for the problem of optimizing a video game specification. Recently, XVGDL, a new language for specifying video games which is based on the eXtensible Markup Language (XML), has been presented. This paper uses XVGDL+, an extension of this lan- guage that incorporates new components to specify, within the video game specification, desirable goals or requirements to be evaluated after each game execution. A prototypical implementation of a Game Engine (termed XGE+) was also presented. This game engine not only enables the execution of an XVGDL+ game specification but also provides feedback information once the game has finished.

The paper demonstrates that the combination of XVGDL+ with XGE+ offers a powerful mechanism for helping solving game AI research problems, in this case, the game tuning of video game parameters, with respect to initial optimization goals. These goals, as one of the particularities of the proposal presented here, are included within the game specification, minimizing the input of the process.

As a practical proof of it, two experiments have been conducted to optimize a game specification written in XVGDL via a hill climbing local search method, in a fully automated way.
Simulating and Predicting Students’ Academic Performance Using a New Approach based on STEAM Education
Authors: Abdulwahid Nibras Othman , Fakhfakh Sana , Amous Ikram
Published: December 2022

In many countries, particularly in Iraq, the students’ academic performance (SsAP) system is based on the final grade scores in high school. This final high school grade may not reflect the students’ intelligence level or the interests that link the student to a relevant university. Also, skills are not used to predict score-related school or college. In this research, a seven-subject, one-grade, one-output (SOO) model was proposed to simulate the classic SsAP system to show that the predicting system is completely based on the previous year’s score and not on the students’ interests and skills. Moreover, a seven-subject, twelve-year, seven-output (STS) model, which used seven parallel deep neural networks with a scaled conjugate learning algorithm, was employed to determine the students’ science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) skills and interests across 12 grades and predict their corresponding most appropriate school. This article contributed to constructing two models: SOO model which simulates the classical Iraqi education system, and the STS model which predicts the acceptance of students according to the STEAM system, which is what makes it different from previous research. The results revealed that the SOO model properly simulated the classic SsAP system. Furthermore, the new approach based on STEAM education successfully predicted students’ academic performance in line with their skills and interests over a twelve-year period. The overall accuracy rate of the two proposed models (SOO and STS) is about 99% with 10-5 histogram errors between the target and the actual output. However, the optimized epochs of the SOO model are 1000 epochs while the STS model got 10–600 epochs.
Sequential fractional order Neutral functional Integro differential equations on time scales with Caputo fractional operator over Banach spaces
Authors: Morsy Ahmed , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Ravichandran Chokkalingam , Anusha Chandran
Published: December 2022

In this work, we scrutinize the existence and uniqueness of the solution to the Integro differential equations for the Caputo fractional derivative on the time scale. We derive the solution of the neutral fractional differential equations along the finite delay conditions. The fixed point theory is demonstrated, and the solution depends upon the fixed point theorems: Banach contraction principle, nonlinear alternative for Leray-Schauder type, and Krasnoselskii fixed point theorem.
Master-slave synchronization of Lurie systems with time-delay based on event-triggered control
Authors: Ma Chao , Wang Tianbo , You Wenjie
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates the master-slave synchronization of Lurie systems with time delay via the event-triggered control. Different from some state feedback control methods with a fixed sampling period or impulsive control with random sampling moments, the event-triggered control means that the controller is updated only if some event-triggering conditions are satisfied. A predefined triggering condition is provided by using the Lyapunov stability theory. Moreover, this condition is proved not to be commonplace. Finally, a numerical example is given to show the correctness of the proposed method.
Diversity of fermentative yeasts with probiotic potential isolated from Thai fermented food products
Authors: Punyauppa-path Sukrita , Kiatprasert Pongpat , Sawaengkaew Jutaporn , Mahakhan Polson , Phumkhachorn Parichat , Rattanachaikunsopon Pongsak , Khunnamwong Pannida , Srisuk Nantana
Published: December 2022

This research aimed to evaluate the diversity of yeasts recovered from fermented foods gathered from some areas of Northeastern Thailand. The fermented food items included Pla-som, Nham-pla, Kem-buknud, Isan-sausage, Pla-ra, Mhum-neu, Mhum-Khai-pla, Nham-neu, Nham-mu, Kung-joom, Som-pla-noi, and Poo-dong. Their probiotic characteristics were also investigated. A total of 103 yeast isolates of nine genera were identified using 28S rDNA sequencing. The yeast genera were Candida (20.3%), Diutina (2.9%), Filobasidium (1.0%), Kazachstania (33.0%), Pichia (3.9%), Saccharomyces (1.0%), Starmerella (28.2%), Torulaspora (2.9%), and Yarrowia (6.8%). Based on probiotic characteristic analysis of ten selected yeast strains, Kazachstania bulderi KKKS4-1 showed the strongest probiotic characteristics in terms of hemolytic activity, antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria, tolerance to low pH and bile salt and hydrophobicity. Isolated yeasts with probiotic characteristics may be useful in fermented food and animal feed production to improve their nutritional values.
Skew-symmetric games and symmetric-based decomposition of finite games
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Xinyun , Li Ting , Zhu Jiandong
Published: December 2022

In this paper, skew-symmetric games and a symmetric-based decomposition of finite games are investigated. First, necessary and sufficient conditions for testing skew-symmetric games are obtained by the semi-tensor product method based on adjacent transpositions. By using the obtained conditions for skew-symmetric games, a basis of the skew-symmetric game subspace is constructed. Then, the discriminant equations for a skew-symmetric game with the minimum number are derived. Furthermore, based on the basis of the skew-symmetric game subspace and that of the symmetric game subspace, a basis of the asymmetric game subspace is constructed, which completely solves the problem of symmetric-based decomposition of finite games. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to validate the obtained theoretical results.
Capital social, brechas digitales y transmisión intergeneracional del capital cultural en comunidades urbanas estadounidenses desfavorecidas: un estudio exploratorio
Authors: Chen Wenhong , Li Xiaoqian , Huang Elyse
Published: December 2022

Este estudio busca contribuir al modelo de red clásico del capital cultural, basándose en las teorías del capital social y la literatura sobre brecha digital e inclusión. Pretende examinar la influencia del capital social y las conexiones digitales en el capital cultural de los padres de comunidades urbanas marginadas en dos aspectos: el conocimiento cultural de estos y la participación cultural intergeneracional. A partir de una encuesta a hogares de una población de extremadamente desfavorecida, que vive en comunidades de viviendas públicas de una gran ciudad estadounidense, los resultados muestran que los padres con mayor capital social poseen mayor conocimiento cultural, que puede aumentar su participación cultural intergeneracional. Sin embargo, el capital social de estos no tiene efectos directos en la participación cultural intergeneracional. En cambio, los resultados sugieren que el acceso a Internet por sí solo no es suficiente para que la inclusión digital en las comunidades desfavorecidas aumente el capital cultural.