bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online learning to play the piano: perspectives and achievements / Aprender a tocar el piano en línea: perspectivas y logros
Authors: Pan Hanchao , Wu Wenliang
Published: July 2024

High-quality training of future musicians requires systematic improvement of teaching approaches. Hence, the primary goal of this research was to determine the effectiveness of a piano training programme introducing new features and possibilities in the framework of distance learning. With this aim in view, the learning process presupposed the use of the Xiaoyezi AI Piano Tutor online platform for information and knowledge sharing, engagement in daily practice sessions under the Leimer-Gieseking method and development of technical skills through application technique. The findings suggested that strong knowledge is observed among 56% of students after the first semester and among 82% of students upon completion of the second semester. Student’s t-test showed that sufficient (1.03) and poor (1.08) knowledge indicators in the two semesters have almost the same values, because the tabulated number of degrees of freedom (2.571) is higher than the calculated value. The survey revealed that 35% of students improved their cognitive skills; the programme helped 11% of students learn to play other musical instruments. The SWOT analysis determined that the strengths of the online learning process within the developed programme outweigh its weaknesses.
Comparing gender equality policies in the Swedish and Spanish film industries: Defining the problem beyond the male norm
Authors: Calderón-Sandoval Orianna , Jansson Maria
Published: July 2024

Gender equality measures are now common in the policies of European film industries and can be an important tool for rendering visible gender inequalities. Recent research, however, indicates that top-down institutional gender mainstreaming might mean better conditions for some women in certain aspects, but structural inequalities tend to remain, including lack of an intersectional approach. In this article, these issues are addressed by analysing gender equality policies currently implemented in the Swedish and Spanish film industries. Following Carole Lee Bacchi’s argument that the way in which a problem is represented must be analysed backwards, by looking at the solutions suggested, we unpack what inequalities gender equality measures render visible and, in so doing, highlight the aspects that remain invisible. We also discuss how such problem representation plays out for women in the film industries of both countries and consider the counter-practices women deploy to cope with continuing gender inequality in the film industries of Spain and Sweden. Our main argument is that Swedish and Spanish gender equality policies, despite having increased the presence of women film workers, still fail to render visible the structural basis of inequalities cemented by androcentric film governance structures and a male norm around which the film industry has been built.
#CannesYouNot? Oppositional and asymmetrical versions of believability in the Depp/Heard case
Authors: Boyle Karen , Flynn Emma , House Melody , Rathnayake Chamil
Published: July 2024

Johnny Depp’s contentious return to the red carpet at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival sparked fervent debate online about domestic abuse, believability, #MeToo and the rehabilitation of men accused of abuse. In this article, we analyse two oppositional hashtags that became central to this discussion on Twitter: #CannesYouNot, created by supporters of Depp’s ex-wife Amber Heard; and #YesYouCannes, the response offered by Depp’s supporters. Drawing on a dataset of 18,000 tweets, we combine a network analysis with a qualitative analysis of the top tweets using each hashtag in order to understand how the hashtags circulated, their affective orientations and the evidence they use to support their positions. Our findings show that networked media allow the (re)construction of existing hierarchies of power; thus, we argue that although these appear to be straightforwardly oppositional hashtags, they operate asymmetrically in ways that have implications for our understandings of issue publics as well as ramifications for feminist digital activism.
Getting emotional: Emotions and ‘journalistification’ in Norwegian music reviews, 1981–2022
Authors: Larsen Ingebjørg Sofie
Published: July 2024

Whether emotional experience should be part of a critic’s evaluation has been a central but contentious issue in the history of music criticism. In this article, I trace how music critics in Norway treat emotions through three stages from the historical transition from an ‘aesthetic’ to a more ‘journalistic’ paradigm of arts journalism. I analyse an archival dataset from the dailies ‘Aftenposten’, ‘Dagbladet’, ‘Bergens Tidende’ and ‘Arbeiderbladet’/’Dagsavisen’ in 1981, 2001 and 2022. The qualitative analysis reveals that, paradoxically, emotions became more prevalent and explicit at the same time as the ‘journalistic’ paradigm, which is characterised by the strategic ritual of objectivity, became more present in the reviews. I argue that the way the journalistic paradigm increasingly intersects with emotion in these reviews has theoretical implications for the study of arts journalism and the subgenre of music criticism, challenging the dichotomy between emotions and objectivity that exists in both journalism studies and the history of music criticism.
Extending the professional borders or maintaining the status quo? Union membership as boundary work
Authors: Mathisen Birgit Røe , Knudsen Anders Graver
Published: July 2024

Disruption and changes within the profession of journalism instigate boundary disputes. In this article, we analyse boundary work ‘in the making’, with the debate about membership rules within the Norwegian Union of Journalists as a case. The research question asked is: How do positioning and rhetoric in the membership debate evoke boundary struggles in journalism, and how do they reflect the internal professional hierarchy? Theoretically anchored in the sociology of professions, this study is based on qualitative text analysis of debate articles in the specialist magazines Journalisten and Medier24, as well as qualitative interviews. The findings suggest two main positions. On the one hand, a struggle to protect pure professional identity, values, and integrity. On the other, arguments regarding union power and impact and the contention that in today’s digital media landscape journalism in practice involves a wide range of competencies. The two positions suggest a tension between white-collar professionalism and blue-collar unionism. This study contributes to our understanding of the shifting boundaries of journalism, and how changes in external conditions also impact upon internal professional identity.
Adaptive cyclic content ratiogram: a new signal decomposition method for bearing concurrent fault diagnosis
Authors: Yi Cai , Tao Ye , Tang Jiayin , Xian Xiaoyu , Yang Fengkun , Zhou Qiuyang , Lin Yunzhi , Wang Hao , Lin Jianhui , Zhang Weihua
Published: July 2024

Fast kurtogram (FK) has been proven to be an effective tool for resonance frequency band detection, which is widely used in bearing fault diagnosis. However, FK is not robust to impulsive noise, and its frequency band segmentation rule is fixed, which leads to over-decomposition or under-decomposition of the fault resonance frequency band in its signal decomposition results. Therefore, an adaptive cyclic content ratiogram is proposed in this paper. Firstly, based on the energy distribution of vibration signals on different frequency components, the frequency spectral segmentation is performed adaptively, and multiple sub-signals containing different frequency components are obtained. Secondly, the ratio of cyclic content (RCC), which cannot only more accurately characterize the cyclostationarity of bearing fault impacts but also be insensitive to impulsive noise, is applied to evaluate the fault feature information contained in each sub-signal separately. In the meanwhile, considering that fault characteristic frequency information is required in the process of RCC evaluation, the proposed method performs adaptive fault characteristic frequency detection for each sub-signal based on the envelope spectrum. The RCC maximization is used to locate the fault resonance frequency band. Also, combined with the estimated fault characteristic frequencies, the proposed method can achieve the extraction of concurrent fault features. Simulation and experimental data verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Comparing Obtura Vascular Closure Device to Manual Compression for Achieving Hemostasis After Percutaneous Transfemoral Procedures: A Randomized Study
Authors: Devasia Tom , Premchand Rajendra Kumar , Sinha Santosh K. , Rewatkar Atul , Parikh Keyur , Arneja Jaspal
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

This trial was designed and aimed to compare safety and efficacy of Obtura™ vascular closure device (VCD) to manual compression (MC) among patients undergoing transfemoral catheterization.

Material and Methods:

This prospective, randomized, controlled, multicenter trial of Obtura VCD against MC randomized patients in 1:1 (n=268; 134:134) ratio. Safety and efficacy were measured by primary endpoints (time to hemostasis [TTH] and deployment success) and secondary endpoints which included technical success, device-related adverse events, and time to ambulation (TTA).

Results:

The procedural access using right femoral artery was performed in 95.52% of patients in Obtura VCD versus 96.27% in standard MC method, whereas 2.99% of patients in each group underwent left femoral access. Bilateral access was performed in 1.49% (n=2) versus 0.75% (n=1) in Obtura VCD versus MC, respectively. Both the technical success and deployment success were 100%. Patients in Obtura VCD group had shorter TTH (3.26±3.39 vs 23.95±8.24 minutes; p<0.0001) and TTA (155.44±125.32 vs 723.84±197.98 minutes; p<0.0001) than MC group. No access site complications (re-bleeding, infection, arteriovenous fistula, and transient access site nerve injury) were noted at 2-week, 1-month, and 3-month follow-ups. There were 4 (3%) and 6 (4.5%) cases of hematoma, respectively, in Obtura VCD versus MC and 1 case (0.7%) of post-procedural arterial pseudoaneurysm each in both the groups which were successfully resolved and patients were discharged with no further complications. Further follow-up was without any adverse events.

Conclusions:

The study demonstrated favorable safety and efficacy of Obtura™ VCD with a significantly short TTH and TTA compared to MC.

Clinical Impact

In patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, vascular closure devices (VCDs) can achieve hemostasis faster after successful implantation of the device with fewer complications such as bleeding and ambulation can be achieved faster. In terms of effectiveness, Obtura VCD was found to be better than manual compression in achieving early hemostasis and higher technical and deployment success was accomplished. Obtura VCD does not require enlargement of the route through the tissues, uses the same existing arterial sheath as its conduit, and does not cause patients’ access sites to feel uncomfortable while it is being deployed.
Retrieval of n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate Cast Migrated to the Dorsalis Pedis and Posterior Tibial Artery During Embolization of the Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery Using the Stent Retriever Device: A Case Report
Authors: Genez Samet , Yilmazsoy Yunus , Özer Hamza
Published: July 2024

N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) is commonly used in interventional radiology procedures for its efficacy in vessel occlusion, yet it poses risks of embolic material migration. We present a unique case of NBCA cast migration during deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) embolization, leading to occlusion of the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial arteries, subsequently retrieved using a stent retriever device. A 68-year-old woman with a history of heart valve replacement presented with a large intramuscular hematoma. N-butyl cyanoacrylate embolization of DCIA resulted in cast migration, occluding distal arteries. Retrieval was attempted using a stent retriever device, successfully restoring arterial flow. N-butyl cyanoacrylate use necessitates attention to vascular anatomy and test injections to mitigate complications. Stent retriever devices, originally designed for acute stroke thrombectomy, offer a viable solution for embolic material retrieval in vascular interventions. This case highlights successful NBCA cast retrieval in lower extremity arterial occlusion using a stent retriever device. Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial in mitigating complications associated with NBCA use. Stent retriever devices present a valuable tool for NBCA cast retrieval, preserving arterial perfusion in affected areas.

Clinical Impact

This case highlights the innovative application of stent retriever devices for retrieving migrated NBCA casts, traditionally used for stroke management in peripheral arterial occlusions. This adaptation offers clinicians a new, effective tool for managing embolization complications, such as unintended material migration that can cause severe ischemia. Implementing this technique could change clinical practice by providing a reliable method to swiftly address and resolve potentially limb-threatening situations, thereby improving patient outcomes and procedural safety. This advancement in interventional radiology enhances clinicians’ ability to handle complex embolic events with greater confidence and efficacy.
“‘A Period Favorable to Economic Imperialists’: Railroads and the Hidden History of Slum Clearance in Cleveland, 1910–1930”
Authors: McCarthy John
Published: July 2024

Between 1910 and 1930, the Van Sweringen brothers of Cleveland, allied with many of Cleveland’s business leaders, undertook three railroad projects--including the nationally renown Union Terminal--that collectively displaced between 15 and 20,000 working class residents from two neighborhoods near downtown long believed to be slums. They also erased a significant portion of Cleveland’s oldest section of its downtown, and even dramatically altered the city’s food economy by reorienting the city’s produce district. This “hidden era” of slum clearance predates postwar urban renewal and indicates railroads may have had a greater role in urban redevelopment than previously thought.
A modified model predictive current control of SRMs for torque ripple suppression
Authors: Huangfu Liqun , Cen Chen , Zhang Tao
Published: July 2024

In this paper, the model predictive current control (MPCC) is proposed to reduce the torque ripple of a switched reluctance motor by realizing precise current tracking. The Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) is employed to establish the cost functions of MPCC, which can select optimal control variables. Besides, the Kalman filter is employed to estimate the system state to reduce the influence of disturbance. In addition, the PI controller is replaced by automatic disturbance rejection control (ADRC) to further improve the robustness of the system. Finally, experimental results are shown to verify the effectiveness regarding distinguished tracking performance, dynamic response, and robustness of the proposed MPCC. It can be found that the improved MPCC proposed in this paper can achieve lower torque ripple, distinguished current tracking performance, and dynamic response performance.
Knowledge, prevalence and factors associated with anaemia among women of reproductive age in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wiafe Michael Akenteng , Yeboah Georgina Benewaa , Gyamerah Emmanuel , Konlaa Happy Dubique , Ibrahim Ikimah , Benewaa Anita
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

Anaemia is a global public health concern. Anaemia in women of reproductive age has negative outcomes on their health and reproduction.

Objective:

This study assessed the knowledge, prevalence and associated factors of anaemia among non-pregnant and non-lactating women of reproductive age in Northern Ghana.

Design:

This is a cross-sectional study.

Method:

A systematic random sampling was used to select 317 participants from the Tamale Metropolis. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the sociodemographic, knowledge level of anaemia and iron foods. Haemoglobin levels were determined using URIT-12. Haemoglobin status was classified according to the World Health Organization standards. Descriptive statistics and chi-square were used in the statistical analysis.

Results:

The mean age (SD) of participants was 26.4 ± 6.9. A large proportion (68.8%) of the women had knowledge about anaemia, and the source of information was mainly health professionals (56.4%). More than half of the participants knew of the symptoms (80%), causes (83.9%), prevention measures (81.2%), consequences of anaemia (64.2%) and iron-rich food sources (76%). A greater share of the participants, however, had no knowledge of both iron-enhancing foods (53.7%) and iron-inhibiting foods (51.8%). The prevalence of anaemia was high generally (63.1%) and was highest among females at the tertiary institutions (43%) and who were single (60.5%). A significant association existed between income status and haemoglobin status ( χ2 = 6.3, p = 0.044).

Conclusion:

The majority of participants knew about anaemia; however, they had limited knowledge of iron-enhancing and inhibiting foods. The prevalence of anaemia was high among women of reproductive age. Integrating economic empowerment and nutrition education with the inclusion of iron-enhancing and iron-inhibiting foods could help to reduce the high prevalence of anaemia among women of reproductive age.
Stenopool: A Comprehensive Platform for Consolidating Diabetes Device Data
Authors: Selmer Christian , Green Allan , Madsen Simon , Johannesen Martin , Jensen Magnus T. , Nørgaard Kirsten
Published: July 2024

Background:

The growing adoption of diabetes devices has highlighted the need for integrated platforms to consolidate data from various vendors and device types, enhancing the patient experience and treatment. This shift could pave the way for a transition from conventional outpatient diabetes clinics to advanced home monitoring and virtual care methods. Overall, we wished to empower individuals with diabetes and healthcare providers to interpret and utilize information from diabetes devices more effectively.

Methods:

Stenopool integrates most diabetes devices for glucose monitoring and insulin administration in our clinic. The platform was initially developed with inspiration from open-source software, and the current version is a unique digital platform for managing and analyzing diabetes device data. The development process, outcomes, and status are described.

Results:

Since November 2021, Stenopool has been used in our outpatient clinic to integrate over 30 different diabetes devices from around 7000 individuals. Data are primarily uploaded via wired connections, but also using semi-automated and automated cloud-to-cloud data transfers. The platform offers a streamlined workflow for healthcare providers and displays data from various glucose meter, insulin pump, and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) vendors on a single screen in a manner that healthcare providers can modify. A data warehouse with data from Stenopool and electronical health records is nearing completion, preparing the development of tools for population health management, quality assessment, and risk stratification of patients.

Conclusion:

Using Stenopool, we aimed to enhance diabetes device data management, facilitate the future for virtual patient care pathways, and improve outcomes. This article outlines the platform’s development process and challenges.
Interdependent Leadership: Proposing a Leadership Model in a Complex World
Authors: Strubler David C. , Kwon Chang-kyu , Kotori Juna
Published: July 2024

The hypermodern environment in which today’s organizations and society exist presents a need for the development and application of effective transformational leadership practices. As such, this article presents an interdependent leadership model and its six core tenets, which may guide organizational behavior and change in turbulent times. We argue that this emerging leadership model is appropriate in responding to the complexity of the contemporary organizational landscape and propelling the sustainable growth and advancement of all stakeholders in a larger ecosystem.
Surgical management of giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma: Case report
Authors: Achour Youssef , Bakali Youness , Bahij Mahdi , Sekkat Hamza , Mhamdi Alaoui Mouna , Sabbah Farid , Hrora Abdelmalek , Raiss Mohammed
Published: July 2024

Tumors originating from soft tissues are uncommon, among these tumors, liposarcomas are the most frequent. These tumors remain asymptomatic for a long time, and only revealing themselves when they reach an important size. In such cases, treatment is difficult, requiring extensive surgery procedures that can excise several adjacent structures, potentially completed by adjuvant radiotherapy. Despite successful treatment, the recurrence rate remains very high. We report the case of a giant liposarcoma requiring a monobloc extensive resection involving the removal of the tumor, left kidney, left adrenal gland, and a portion of the posterior abdominal wall.
The welcoming value in (re) constructing one another: (Re) documenting a post materialist Borderlands approach to inclusive early childhood identity studies
Authors: Domingues Michelle Angela , Parnell Will
Published: July 2024

As two Remida Reggio-inspired early childhood teacher educators, we (re)consider our research embedded in longtime writings and workshops together. (Re)cycling our public/visible thinking with Remida-inspired reuse materials’ educational ecologies, we (re)write together here to find new ways of envisioning our shared identities as related to a reuse materials pedagogical journey. Our methodological approach is (re)documentation. By (re)documenting—revisiting over time/space the pedagogical narrative material—we salvage and offer ourselves new life and identity(ies). We make (re)visible a presentation shared again and again over 3 years, entitled Co-constructing Identities with Reuse Materials. Our presentation is generated within a creative reuse center situated in a social-constructivist infant-toddler and preschool program. Our recyclables include presentation slides-notes, and revised scraps of literature review repurposed from a dissertation. Our hope is to share a way to really see into our co-collaborators’ lives as (re)documentarians living IN and WITH documented experiences.
Comparative seropositivity of Listeria monocytogenes in the serum of pregnant women with and without a history of abortion by serological and culture methods
Authors: Vafai Sahel , Maroofi Naghadehi Mardin , Keshavarzi Fatemeh
Published: July 2024

Objective:

Listeria monocytogenes is a major cause of miscarriage and postpartum infections in infant. Determining antibody levels against listeriolysin O can be valuable for diagnosing both invasive listeriosis and febrile gastroenteritis. However, serological methods that detect antibodies against incomplete forms of listeriolysin O can be more specific. The objective of this study was to identify ( Listeria monocytogenes) in the serum of pregnant women using serological and culture methods.

Methods:

Clinical samples (120 cases) were collected from pregnant women with a gestational age of less than 20 weeks. Diagnosis of Listeria monocytogenes was conducted using culture methods to identify anti-Listeria antibodies. Statistical analysis of the results was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics version 23.0 (New York, USA), Pearson’s Chi Square and fisher tests.

Results:

The number of positive samples by culture and ELISA was 24.16% (29) and 28.3% (34), respectively. Out of the 29 positive sample by the culture method, 10 individuals had no abortion history, 16 and 3 individuals had 1 and 2 abortions and no sample had 3 abortions. Maybe, the more abortions a person has had, the less likely they are to be infected. In the Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) method, 13 individuals tested positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies and 38 individuals tested negative. Additionally, among the positive individuals with 1, 2, and 3 miscarriages, 0, 17, and 3 people were positive for the IgG antibody and 0, 18, and 3 individuals were positive for the IgM antibody. The analysis results indicated that there was no significant relationship between culture and abortion history ( p = 0.316), IgG ELISA and history of miscarriage ( p = 0.672) and IgM ELISA and history of miscarriage ( p = 0.552).

Conclusion:

There was no significant relationship between infection with Listeria monocytogenes and abortion ( p ⩾ 0.05) in our samples. These results should be interpreted with caution due to the limitation of our small sample size.
Detection of wound healing disorders after major amputations by measurements of the microcirculation: A prospective single-center study
Authors: Zetzmann Katharina , Papatheodorou Nikolaos , Rühl Eva , Yagshyyev Shatlyk , Haney Briain , Moosmann Oxana , Li Yi , Meyer Alexander , Knieling Ferdinand , Behrendt Christian-Alexander , Lang Werner , Rother Ulrich
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

Although major amputations can often be avoided due to evolving methods of endovascular and surgical revascularizations techniques, in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia, it is still necessary in some cases. Aim of this study was the detection of wound healing disorders through intraoperative microcirculation measurements in major limb amputations.

Materials and methods:

In this single-center clinical study, patients with an indication for major amputation were enrolled prospectively. Cause of amputation, patients’ comorbidities including cardiovascular risk profile were assessed. Macrocirculation, as well as microcirculation were assessed. Microcirculation measurements were performed by fluorescence angiography with the administration of indocyanine green. A preoperative measurement was obtained at the amputation level, followed by three additional measurements of the amputation stump postoperatively. Wound healing was monitored and correlated with the microcirculatory findings, based on the perfusion parameters ingress and ingress rate, calculated in the indocyanine green fluorescence video sequences of the amputation stumps.

Results:

Forty-five patients were enrolled, including 19 (42%) below-the-knee amputations and 26 (58%) above-the-knee amputations. When considering the need for revision, a change in the microperfusion parameters was observed postoperatively. The mean value for ingress was significantly lower directly postoperatively in stumps requiring revisions (5 ± 0 A.U. versus 40.5 ± 42.5 A.U., p < 0.001). The mean value of ingress rate behaved similarly (0.15 ± 0.07 A.U./s versus 2.8 ± 5.0 A.U./s, p = 0.005). The evaluation of indocyanine green measurements when wound healing disorders occurred also showed nonsignificant differences in the mean values.

Conclusion:

Fluorescence angiography after major lower limb amputations appears to be an option of depicting microperfusion. Especially, the early postoperative detection of reduced perfusion can indicate a subsequent need for revision. Therefore, this method could possibly serve as a tool for intraoperative quality control after major limb amputation.
Severe obscure gastrointestinal bleeding from Meckel’s diverticulum with predominant ectopic pancreatic tissue
Authors: Jayawickrama Ashan , Mohamed Ozaal Omar , Ranaweera Gayani , Fernandopulle Nilesh , Subasinghe Duminda
Published: July 2024

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding represents about 5% of all gastrointestinal haemorrhages which is characterized by continuous or recurrent bleeding from an undetermined source after an initial bidirectional endoscopy. Meckel’s diverticulum is a rare but recognized cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. A carefully selected line of investigations is paramount to localize the causative lesion in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding which is a challenge in subacute cases. We present a case of 35-year-old female with thalassemia minor and mild anaemia presented with acute gastrointestinal bleeding from the ectopic pancreatic mucosa of an Meckel’s diverticulum where only a small focus of gastric tissue was identified histologically during the follow-up. This case discusses the rarity of this histological presentation of Meckel’s diverticulum as obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and the importance of intraoperative decision-making and intraoperative enteroscopy in cases of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding when other tests are negative.
ChatGPT sitting for FRCS Urology examination: Will artificial intelligence get certified?
Authors: Desouky Elsayed , Jallad Samer , Bhardwa Jeetesh , Sharma Harbinder , Kalsi Jas
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

The use of artificial intelligence (AI), including neural networks and deep learning, has rapidly changed many industries. One recent application of AI that has gained the attention of physicians and the general public alike is ChatGPT, a chatbot developed and released by OpenAI Inc. in November2022. We challenged ChatGPT to sit the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) Urology examination, both parts, to assess its performance and determine its eligibility for the title.

Methods:

We prepared a set of 100 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) for Part 1 and 8 viva scenarios for Part 2. We choose to use ChatGPT 3.5 that is the free version available online, and responses were documented during the simulation.

Results:

In Part 1 MCQs, Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) managed to answer some questions correctly with an overall score of 35%. However, in Part 2 Viva, its performance improved to an extent, demonstrating proficiency by offering detailed explanations and reasoning, achieving average score in some stations. ChatGPT’s performance raised some concerns on answering questions.

Conclusion:

AI is definitely an asset that can be used in our daily practice, yet it is crucial to take into consideration the concerns about the accuracy of data provided, including AI hallucination. ChatGPT failed to get the FRCS Urology title this time. Still in the early stages of development, further research is necessary to comprehensively understand their limitations and capabilities.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable
Juxtafoveal Retinal Arterial Macroaneurysm Diagnosed on Ancillary Imaging
Authors: Balas Michael , Mandell Mark A. , Arjmand Parnian
Published: July 2024

Purpose: To describe a case of retinal arterial macroaneurysm, a rare, focal arterial dilatation that is commonly found temporally within the first 3 orders of retinal arterial bifurcations. Methods: An observational case report was evaluated. Results: A 49-year-old man with prediabetes and hypercholesteremia presented with decreasing vision and a paracentral scotoma in the right eye. His ocular history was insignificant. There was significant intraretinal and subretinal fluid with perifoveal exudates. After 2 intravitreal injections of aflibercept for a tentative diagnosis of branch retinal vein occlusion, there was no improvement. Intravenous fluorescein angiography showed a small retinal arterial macroaneurysm less than 60 µm from the foveal avascular zone that was treated with low-power focal laser photocoagulation. This resulted in complete resolution of the macular edema with significant improvement in visual acuity. Conclusions: This rare and successfully treated case of an exudative juxtafoveal retinal arterial macroaneurysm highlights the importance of multimodal imaging in establishing an accurate diagnosis.
Social and physical environment effects on toileting disability among older adults in India
Authors: Fong Joelle H. , Selvamani Y.
Published: July 2024

Background

To examine the prevalence of toileting disability among older adults in India and its association with broad aspects of the physical and social environment.

Methods

We use data from the inaugural wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India and focus on adults aged 65 and older (N = 20,789). We draw on the disablement process model and existing frameworks to identify environmental factors and other risk factors that may be associated with toileting disability. Hierarchical logistic regressions are implemented to analyze the health impacts from physical and social environment characteristics.

Results

One in five older Indian adults had difficulties with toileting, and the prevalence rate of this functional disability varied across sub-national regions. We find that low neighborhood trust was associated with an increased likelihood of toileting disability, as was the use of assistive mobility devices. The negative effects of these social and external environment characteristics hold when we stratified the sample by rural and urban residency. Also, older adults in urban areas without access to toilets and using shared latrines had higher odds of being disabled in terms of toileting. Other factors important in explaining toileting disability among older adults included poor self-rated health, arthritis, currently working, living in the East or West region, and having functional limitations.

Conclusions

Poor person-environment fit can compromise older adults’ ability to perform self-care tasks. Policymakers need to look beyond the physical environment (e.g., dedicating resources to construct toilet facilities) to adopt a more holistic, multi-faceted approach in their sanitation policies. Improving the safety of neighborhood surroundings in which shared latrines are located and the availability of accessible toilets that cater to those with mobility impairments can help improve independence in toileting among older adults.
Bacteremia caused by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans with the intestinal tract as the portal of entry: two case reports and a literature review
Authors: Yamaizumi Kotone , Kyotani Moe , Kenzaka Tsuneaki
Published: July 2024

Background

Desulfovibrio desulfuricans (D. desulfuricans), a commensal anaerobic gram-negative rod endemic to the soil environment and human gastrointestinal tract, rarely causes bloodstream infections. We report two rare cases of bacteremia caused by D. desulfuricans in which the intestinal tract was the portal of entry. In addition, we summarize findings on D. desulfuricans.

Case presentation

Case 1: A 51-year-old man presented to the emergency department with the chief complaints of fever and right lower abdominal pain. He was admitted to the hospital with ascending colonic diverticulitis and received empirical antibacterial therapy with piperacillin/tazobactam. Blood culture revealed D. desulfuricans. The patient was discharged after 2 weeks of antimicrobial therapy. Case 2: A 95-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a chief complaint of fever. Owing to an elevated inflammatory response and pyuria, the patient was diagnosed with pyelonephritis and treated with ceftriaxone. Klebsiella pneumoniae was detected in her urine culture, while D. desulfuricans was detected in her blood culture. The patient was then treated with ampicillin/sulbactam for 14 days. The fecal occult blood test result was positive, suggesting a colonic mucosal lesion, such as a malignant tumor, may have been the portal of entry for D. desulfuricans bacteremia. Previous literature reviews indicate that D. desulfuricans bacteremia often results from liver or renal abscesses, intestinal lesions, among others, serving as the portal of entry. Although no specific underlying disease has been reported, it is more common in the older population. We encountered two cases of D. desulfuricans bacteremia and combined them with 15 cases from previous studies to explore the characteristics of the disease. The proportion of patients aged $$\:\ge\:$$60 years was 73.7%; overall, 73.7% had gastrointestinal complications, and 63.2% had abdominal symptoms at the time of presentation.

Conclusions

We encountered two rare cases of D. desulfurican bacteremia. This type of bacteremia is more common in elderly people over 60 years of age and is often associated with hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal diseases.
Population genetic structure and phylogenetic analysis of Anopheles hyrcanus (Diptera: Culicidae) inferred from DNA sequences of nuclear ITS2 and the mitochondrial COI gene in the northern part of Iran
Authors: Askari Fatemeh , Paksa Azim , Shahabi Saeed , Saeedi Shahin , Sofizadeh Aioub , Vahedi Mozaffar , Soltani Aboozar
Published: July 2024

Background

TheAnopheles hyrcanusgroup is distributed throughout the Oriental and Palaearctic regions and can transmit diseases such as malaria, Japanese encephalitis virus, and filariasis. This investigation marks the inaugural comprehensive study to undertake a phylogenetic analysis of the constituents of this malaria vector group in the northeastern region of Iran, juxtaposed with documented occurrences from different areas within Iran and worldwide.

Methods

Mosquitoes were collected using various methods from nine different locations in Golestan province from April to December 2023. The collected mosquitoes were identified morphologically using valid taxonomic keys. DNA was isolated using the Sambio™ Kit. COI and ITS2 primers were designed using Oligo7 and GeneRunner. PCR and purification were performed with the Qiagen kit. Subsequently, sequencing was carried out at the Mehr Mam GENE Center using an Applied Biosystems 3730XL sequencer. The nucleotide sequences were then analyzed and aligned with GenBank data using BioEdit. Kimura 2-parameter was Utilized for base substitutions. DNA models were selected based on AIC and BIC criteria. Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood trees were constructed, along with a haplotype network. Molecular diversity statistics computed using DnaSP software.

Results

In this study, a total of 819 adult mosquitoes were collected.An. hyrcanuswas the second most abundant species, predominantly found in Kalaleh and Turkman counties. The sequenced and edited COI and ITS2 sequences were deposited in GenBank under specific accession numbers. Phylogenetic analyses using ML, BI, and NJ methods confirmed a monophyletic lineage forAn. hyrcanuswith strong support. Molecular analysis of IranianAn. hyrcanusfound 11 diverse haplotypes, with the COI gene displaying low diversity. The ITS2 gene revealed two clades - one associating with Iran, Europe, and Asia; the other originating from southwestern Iran. The haplotype network showed two main groups - one from southwest Iran and the other from north Iran. Iran exhibited six distinct haplotypes, while Turkey showcased the highest diversity.

Conclusions

An. hyrcanusin southwestern Iran exhibits a distinct haplogroup, suggesting possible subspecies differentiation. Additional studies are required to validate this phenomenon.
Value of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in distinguishing sinonasal lymphoma from sinonasal carcinoma: a case control study
Authors: Liu Chong , Wang Ye , Zhang Duo , Zhou Jin , Wu Yan , Guo Ying , Liu Rui-Chao , Xu Jin-E
Published: July 2024

Background

The study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) parameters in distinguishing sinonasal lymphoma from sinonasal carcinoma.

Methods

Forty-two participants with histologically confirmed sinonasal lymphomas and fifty-two cases of sinonasal carcinoma underwent imaging with a 3.0T MRI scanner. DCE-MRI and DWI were conducted, and various parameters including type of time-intensity curve(TIC), time to peak, peak enhancement, peak contrast enhancement, washout rate, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and relative ADC were measured. Binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were employed to assess the diagnostic capability of individual and combined indices for differentiating nasal sinus lymphoma from nasal sinus carcinoma.

Results

Sinonasal lymphoma predominantly exhibited type II TIC(n = 20), whereas sinonasal carcinoma predominantly exhibited type III TIC(n = 23). Significant differences were observed in all parameters except washout ratio (p < 0.05), and ADC value emerged as the most reliable diagnostic tool in single parameter. Combined DCE-MRI parameters demonstrated superior diagnostic efficacy compared to individual parameters, with the highest efficiency (area under curve = 0.945) achieved when combining all parameters of DCE-MRI and DWI.

Conclusions

Multiparametric evaluation involving contrast-enhanced dynamic MRI and DWI holds considerable diagnostic value in distinguishing sinonasal lymphoma from sinonasal carcinoma.
Gut microbiome and metabolism alterations in schizophrenia with metabolic syndrome severity
Authors: Zhao Hongxia , Zhu Guang , Zhu Tong , Ding Binbin , Xu Ahong , Gao Songyan , Chao Yufan , Li Na , Chen Yongchun , Wang Zuowei , Jie Yong , Dong Xin
Published: July 2024

Background

Schizophrenia (SCZ) patients undergoing antipsychotic treatment demonstrated a high prevalence and harmful effects of metabolic syndrome (MetS), which acted as the major cause of cardiovascular disease. The major clinical challenge is the lack of biomarkers to identify MetS episodes and prevent further damage, while the mechanisms underlying these drug-induced MetS remain unknown.

Methods

This study divided 173 participants with SCZ into 3 groups (None, High risk, and MetS, consisting of 22, 88, and 63 participants, respectively). The potential biomarkers were searched based on 16S rRNA gene sequence together with metabolism analysis. Logistic regression was used to test the effects of the genus-metabolites panel on early MetS diagnoses.

Results

A genus-metabolites panel, consisting of Senegalimassilia, sphinganine, dihomo-gamma-linolenoylcholine, isodeoxycholic acid, and MG (0:0/22:5/0:0), which involved in sphigolipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, secondary bile acid biosynthesis and glycerolipid metabolism, has a great discrimination efficiency to MetS with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.911 compared to the None MetS group (P = 1.08E-8). Besides, Senegalimassilia, 3-Hydroxytetradecanoyl carnitine, isodeoxycholic acid, and DG(TXB2/0:0/2:0) distinguished between subgroups robustly and exhibited a potential correlation with the severity of MetS in patients with SCZ, and may act as the biomarkers for early MetS diagnosis.

Conclusions

Our multi–omics study showed that one bacterial genus-five lipid metabolites panel is the potential risk factor for MetS in SCZ. Furthermore, Senegalimassilia, 3-Hydroxytetradecanoyl carnitine, isodeoxycholic acid, and DG(TXB2/0:0/2:0) could serve as novel diagnostic markers in the early stage. So, it is obvious that the combination of bacterial genus and metabolites yields excellent discriminatory power, and the lipid metabolism provide new understanding to the pathogenesis, prevention, and therapy for MetS in SCZ.
The association between potential predictors and death of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Shiraz: a hierarchical multiple regression analysis
Authors: Mohebbi Zinat , Ghaemmaghami Parvin , Rajaei Melika , Keshtkar Mohammad Mehdi , Ghanbarzadeh Sina , Khoram Bagher
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Identifying clinical factors that increase the risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients is crucial. This enables targeted screening, optimizing treatment, and prevention of severe complications, ultimately reducing death rates. This study aimed to develop prediction models for the death of patients (i.e., survival or death) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Shiraz, exploring the main influencing factors.

Method

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using hospital-based records of 1030 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, who were hospitalized for treatment between March 21, 2021, and March 21, 2022, in Shiraz, Iran. Variables related to the final outcome were selected based on criteria and univariate logistic regression. Hierarchical multiple logistic regression and classification and regression tree (CART) models were utilized to explore the relationships between potential influencing factors and the final outcome. Additionally, methods were employed to identify the high-risk population for increased mortality rates during COVID-19. Finally, accuracy was evaluated the performance of the models, with the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve(AUC), sensitivity, and specificity metrics.

Results

In this study, 558 (54.2%) individuals infected with COVID-19 died. The final model showed that the type of medicine antiviral (OR: 11.10, p = 0.038) than reference (antiviral and corticosteroid), and discharge oxygen saturation(O2) (OR: 1.10, p < 0.001) had a positive association with the chance of survival, but other variables were not considered as predictive variables. Predictive models for the final outcome(death) achieved accuracies ranging from 81 to 87% for hierarchical multiple logistic regression and from 87 to 94% for the CART model. Therefore, the CART model performed better than the hirerical multiple logistic regression model.

Conclusion

These findings firstly elucidate the incidence and associated factors of the outcome (death) among patients in Shiraz, Iran. Furthermore, we demonstrated that antiviral medication alone (without corticosteroids) and high O2 increase the survival chances of COVID patients.
Traces of social culture in the lived experiences of emotional eating among Iranian obese women
Authors: Ebrahimi Ehteram , Mardani-Hamooleh Marjan , Khezeli Mehdi , Avatef-Fazeli Manouchehr , Habibi-Asgarabad Mojtaba
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Emotional eating is a situation with harmful consequences for the physical, mental and social health of humans. In this regard, the present study aimed to explain the role of social culture in the lived experiences of emotional eating in Iranian obese women.

Methods

This was a qualitative study conducted using the phenomenological approach. Purposive heterogeneous sampling method was used to select 17 women with body mass index of 30 and above who had emotional eating experience. Data were collected through semi-structured and face-to-face interviews. A guideline designed by the research team, whose content validity was confirmed by the expert panel, was used to conduct the interviews. Data were analyzed based on Diekelmann 7-step approach, and trustworthiness was evaluated by Lincoln and Guba criteria.

Results

The main topic of the findings was social culture and emotional eating, which was explained by three themes: “influence of social culture”, “language culture of eating” and “the culture of eating together”. Influence of social culture had three sub-themes: “a legal and popular entertainment”, “hospitality culture: encouraging guests to overeat”, and “coping with the social stigma of thinness and obesity”. The language culture of eating had two sub-themes of “association of common infinitives” and “the symbol of swallowing anger “. Also, “culture of eating together” included 2 sub-topics with the titles “pleasant symbol of belonging and love” and “the symbol of family cohesion”.

Conclusion

This study found that social culture through language, norms, and customs can initiate and/or reinforce emotional eating. The results of this study can be used in the design of interventions to improve emotional eating behavior in women by emphasizing the characteristics of Iranian social culture.