bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malignant Melanoma of Anorectum: A Report of Five Cases
Authors: Kumar Daleep , Ali Aun , Saeed Summaya , Samo Khursheed , Shahid Madeeha , Nafees Rubab
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND: Anorectal melanoma (ARM) is an extremely rare, highly aggressive form of a tumor with the worst prognosis. ARM contributes 0.5% of all melanoma cases. Its presentation is similar to that of adenocarcinoma of the rectum, hemorrhoids, or solitary rectal ulcer, the incorrect clinical diagnosis or delayed diagnosis is often made. The definite diagnosis is only made through histopathology in which immunohistochemical stains positive to S-100, Melan A, and HMB-45 which differentiates it from adenocarcinoma of the rectum. Because of the limited number of patients and retrospective design of studies to date, there is no proven efficacy of abdominoperineal resection (APR) over local excision (LE) in terms of survival. Furthermore, this neoplasm is quite resistant to chemoradiotherapy. It has a median survival of 18 months and a 5-year survival rate of only 6%. PRESENTATION OF OUR CASES: Here, we report 5 rare cases of anorectal malignant melanoma presented to our institute between 2018 to 2022, who were treated with APR and diversion colostomy. The first case is a 27-years old young female with typical complaints, she was diagnosed ARM with locoregional metastasis. Only a diversion colostomy was performed and referred to an oncologist for palliation. Our second case is a 68-years old male with a similar complaint who presented relatively early and was diagnosed with localized disease. Conventional APR was performed and referred for adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, but the patient refused. However, the lump recurred after 6 months of tumor excision. The third case is a 29 years old male again early presentation with a similar complaint labeled as localized diseased. The conventional APR was performed followed by adjuvant chemoradiation; patient presented with metastatic disease after 6 months. The fourth case is a 60-years old male with typical history and diagnosed with localized disease. Conventional Extra-levator APR was performed followed by adjuvant therapy, but patient developed recurrence of disease with mets after 4 months. The fifth case is a 39-years old female diagnosed as ARM, had advance disease and metastatic deposits at the time of presentation, refused any palliative treatment. The study aims to evaluate our experience in treating this neoplasm. CONCLUSION: Because of the rarity of this neoplasm, no proper trial has been conducted so far. The role of chemoradiotherapy is questionable and the surgical approach varies from radical APR to conservative LE. No surgical approach has been standardized in terms of survival.
Comparison of overall survival prognostic power of contemporary prognostic scores in prevailing tumor indications
Authors: Becker T. , Mailman Marc , Tan Sandy , Lo Ernest , Bauer-Mehren A.
Published: May 2023

Background: Prognosis of overall survival is instrumental for patient management and can improve conduct of clinical trials and real-world data analysis. With the shift towards cancer immunotherapy, modeling of overall host fitness becomes increasingly important. Here, we compare the performance of contemporary prognostic scores constructed from routinely measured biomarkers. Patients and methods: We used patient data from the Flatiron Health electronic-health record de-identified oncology database and from 16 clinical studies sponsored by Roche. A total of 64,233 patients were analyzed, covering the most prevailing solid tumor and hematology cancer types. We compared the Royal Marsden Hospital score (solid tumors), international prognostic index (IPI) (blood tumors), the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, and the ‘Real wOrld PROgnostic score (ROPRO)’. OS was modeled from the start of treatment using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression. Results: All investigated scores proved to be prognostic, both in RWD and clinical trial data, and in all indications from the respectively intended range of application. The ROPRO uniformly outperformed other prognostic scores. Concordance indices / hazard ratios in the range of [0.64;0.73]/[2.80;4.50] were found for ROPRO, and in the range of [0.53;0.65]/[1.55; 3.10] for the remaining scores. In hematology trials, the IPI came close to the performance of ROPRO. Conclusions: Strong and easy-to-apply prognostic scores for overall survival exist. The usage of all investigated scores can be recommended. With moderate extra effort, the implementation of ROPRO can create considerable improvement.
The Decline in the Number of Plastic Surgeries Under the Novel Coronavirus Epidemic in Japan Was Attributed to the Decline In Patients with Acute Diseases such as Trauma and Malignant Tumors
Authors: Fujioka Masaki , Fukui Kiyoko , Yoshino Kentaro , Idemitsu Marie
Published: May 2023

Introduction] Since the first infected person was confirmed in Japan on January 15, 2020, the novel coronavirus has become a serious crisis management issue, and people's lifestyles have changed significantly. We examined how plastic surgery patient trends have changed over the past three years of the COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: We compared the average number of surgical patients during the five years before the outbreak of COVID-19 and the number of cases during the epidemic (January 2020-December 2022). In addition, we classified the surgeries performed during this period into acute-stage diseases (trauma, malignant tumors, acute infections) and non-acute-stage diseases (chronic ulcers, benign tumors, congenital anomalies), and examined changes in surgical tendencies. Due to the COVID-19 epidemic during this time, the period during which surgery was recommended to be postponed was approximately 340 days. [Results] While the number of surgeries in all departments decreased significantly (-6.2%), the number of plastic surgeries decreased by 13.2%. Comparing the acute disease group and non-acute disease group, there was no significant change in the non-acute disease group, while the acute disease group showed a significant decrease of -17.8%. In particular, surgery for trauma decreased significantly by -18.2%, and surgery for malignant tumors decreased by -25.4%. 　The decrease in injuries is considered to be related to the fact that the number of traffic accidents in 2020-2021 was the lowest on record, and that the number of injuries was on a downward trend nationwide due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The decrease in malignant tumors is considered to be related to the 30-50% decrease in the number of people undergoing health checkups in 2020-2021. [Conclusion] 1. The number of plastic surgeries has decreased compared to before the COVID-19 epidemic. 2. The number of surgeries in the acute disease group decreased significantly, and the decrease in the number of surgeries for trauma and malignancies was marked. 3. Even during the COVID-19 epidemic, the impact on the decrease in the number of surgeries was less pronounced in the second half.
Airway Management for the Critically Ill Patient in the Emergency Department
Authors: Stahl Jennifer , O’Donnell John
Published: May 2023

Airway management is both a fundamental skill and resuscitative treatment that has taken a prominent role in emergency medicine. In the past few decades there have been many advancements in airway management particularly in critically ill patients. Technology has been developed and adapted to provide improved visualization for endotracheal intubation as well as supportive strategies for oxygenation and optimization of medications. In this review we will discuss the current practices and literature in airway management of critically ill patients including medication optimization and airway visualization techniques for first pass success.
Physical Factors of Food Influencing the Postprandial Blood or Plasma Glucose Level: A Narrative Review
Authors: Bipat Robbert , Magali Indira , Soekhoe Rubaina , Toelsie Jerry
Published: May 2023

Emerging evidence suggests that a high postprandial glucose level in plasma or blood is an important factor for the etiology of non-communicable disorders like the metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. A high sugar content of the food naturally increases the postprandial glucose level. However, quite a few studies provided proof in the past that the physical properties like viscosity, temperature, and water content of the food we consume also may influence the level of this parameter. The aim of this study is to give a narrative review of present findings that showed the physical properties of consumed food influenced the postprandial glucose level. The online databases Medline, Pubmed, Google Scholar and Hinari have been searched for publications on “plasma glucose” and “temperature” or “viscosity” or “solubility” or “water content”. All articles dealing with the influence on the postprandial glucose level in the blood have been included. Articles written in a language we could not understand or without a proper translation into English have been excluded. In general, most available studies showed that the physical properties temperature, viscosity, and water content of consumed food influenced the postprandial glucose. An increased temperature, increased viscosity and decreased water content of the food is generally associated with a higher postprandial glucose level in blood or plasma after consumption. Further detailed studies in both preclinical as well as clinical trials should be considered to obtain more detailed results regarding this.
Radiotherapy in Lung Cancer: Ally or Foe of Immunotherapy?
Authors: Matiello Juliana , Dalenogare Maiara , Berton Danilo
Published: May 2023

Radiotherapy is the most common local treatment for lung cancer. The spectrum of its use ranges from the treatment of early-stage tumors in patients who are not candidates for surgery to the treatment of advanced, unresectable tumors and, very frequently, of metastatic lesions. With great interest, radiotherapy has also been currently cited as a source of neoantigens, stimulating the immune system and enhancing the effect of immunomodulatory drugs. However, the side effects of irradiation on the lung parenchyma and on the immune system can turn it into a hidden foe, impairing patients’ quality of life and survival. Pneumonitis and immunosuppression are two of the side effects of radiotherapy that best exemplify this hidden damage. Studies have shown decreased survival in patients who develop radiation pneumonitis or have a large volume of immune tissue irradiated. Irradiating less lung tissue will reduce damage to lung function and loss of immune cells. However, this alone is not sufficient for dose protection in lymphoid tissue, given the circulation of lymphoid cells in the great vessels and heart and their production in thoracic vertebral bone marrow. Identifying the optimal total dose and the most appropriate daily dose to reduce damage and boost the immune system is the target of our investigations. Although we still do not have an optimal algorithm for dose, fraction, and cost-effectiveness for radiation doses delivered to healthy tissues, we know which path to take.
Malpositioning of Long-Staying Central Venous Catheters in the Pediatric Population: Incidence and Potential Complications. A Single-Center Retrospective Study and a Narrative Review of the Literature.
Authors: Kouna Niki , Noutsos George , Koufopoulou Christina , Panagopoulos Dimitrios , Kattamis Antonis
Published: May 2023

Central Venous Catheters insertion is a very common procedure performed at the operation room and the Intensive Care Unit. In the paediatric population they are frequently used to administer fluids, blood products, resuscitation drugs, parenteral nutrition and chemotherapy. One of the reported complications, though a less commonly described one, is the inappropriate position of the tip of the CVC in a vessel other than the superior vena cava. In this study, we initially present the anatomy of the superior vena cava system and that of the internal jugular vein, the optimal catheter tip position as well as the possible suboptimal catheter tip locations. Subsequently, paediatric chest X-rays of our hospital with catheter tip malpositioning are illustrated, after internal jugular vein catheterization. Following, we discuss possible mechanisms of central venous catheters malpositioning, signs and symptoms which could help us identify a wrong placement and also how to prevent as well as how to fix one. Finally, an interrelation between malpositioning, malfunction and the existence of infection or thrombosis is investigated. Our study concluded that the right internal jugular vein should be the first choice in all cases of vessel implantation, mainly based on our statistical analysis results, which suggested that this vessel was associated with the least possibility of erroneous catheter placement. Another important clue of our study is based on the fact that the inappropriate positioning of a central venous catheter over the long term could be a significant predisposing factor of malfunction, along with infection and thrombosis.
Molecular Features and Targeted Therapy in KRAS wild-type Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Mathias-Machado Maria , Oliveira Leandro , Jesus Victor , Peixoto Renata
Published: May 2023

KRAS mutation is the major oncogenic event in approximately 90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. The subset of patients with KRAS wild-type pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas represent a distinct subgroup with a higher frequency of actionable genomic alterations. In this review article, we aim at exploring the more frequent molecular alterations found among KRAS wild-type pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, their prognostic implications, as well as the potential targetable therapeutic options beyond cytotoxic chemotherapy for this unique subset of patients.
Modified Bayesian survival analysis of Diabetes Mellitus in selected hospital facilities in Nasarawa, Nigeria
Authors: Omaku Peter , Musa Ganaka , Onyi Titus
Published: May 2023

Diabetes mellitus is a global chronic health problem affecting over 400 million people. The study focused on the commonest type of Diabetes-Type II diabetes. The disease is associated with morbidity and mortality. Bayesian survival model may be utilized to assess the risk factors associated with Diabetes. The study utilized secondary data from 532 diabetic patients from two General Hospital facilities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The aim of the paper was to apply a Bayesian survival model on diabetic dataset to assess some risk factors pertaining to the disease. This Bayesian model was modified to Diabetic Additive Models (DAMS) and further extended to the Diabetic Additive Constant Hazard Model (DACHM), the coded version C. DACHM (when all metrical covariates were coded) and Diabetic Additive Accelerated Failure Time Model (DAAFTM). The results show that C.DACHM outperforms the other model with least values of Watanabe Akaike Information Criterion (WAIC), Deviance Information Criterion (DIC), and a large predictive power measured by the Log Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (LPML). The C.DACH model suggests that; good management of type II diabetes patients aged 40 years and above in both hospitals reduced the risk of death. Considerably, low Body Mass Index (BMI) increased the risk of death of patients with the disease. Body Mass Index, BMI greater than 24.9 (overweight) are 5.41E-17 times at risk of death from diabetes than those of normal weight. High Systolic Blood Pressure, SBP, greater than 140 (high) increases the risk of dying from the diseases by 1.51 times than those of normal SBP. High Diastolic Blood Pressure, DBP, greater than or equal to 90 (high) increases the risk of dying from the diseases by 7.81 times than those of normal DBP. Male patients were 1.28 times at risk of death from diabetes than their female patients. Patients of General Hospital Keffi experience are 1.02 times at risk of death than those of the General Hospital Nasarawa. The research recommends patients’ drug compliance especially for patients above 40 years, maintenance of a healthy body mass index and maintenance of a healthy blood pressure.
The Impact of Censorship on Covid-19 Policy Formation in the United States
Authors: Wallis Victor
Published: May 2023

The dominant US response to Covid-19 has been shaped by the pharmaceutical industry. Doctors who proposed early treatments using vitamins and non-patented drugs were sanctioned, and their views were censored by corporate-liberal media. The new mRNA technology for vaccines was deployed with inconclusive testing results. Reports of vaccine-adverse events were marginalized. Underlying the population’s vulnerability to Covid-19 was a continuing increase in chronic illnesses, due to poor public health conditions, aggravated by the absence of universal healthcare. Dissident doctors whose response to Covid was censored found a platform with right-wing politicians and media. This gave enhanced political legitimacy, ironically, to the very forces that were most opposed to the kind of regulatory policies and system of universal healthcare that would have made the population less vulnerable.
The Role of Illness Severity and Emotional Distress in General and Cognitive Rehabilitation of Individuals with Post-COVID-19
Authors: Shabat Sheer , Marmor Anat , Tsenter Jeanna , Schwartz Isabella , Meiner Zeev , Shiri Shimon
Published: May 2023

Background and aims: Emotional distress is widespread among individuals recovering from COVID-19. The present study examined the relationships between illness severity and emotional distress and the outcomes of a general and cognitive rehabilitation program. Methods: Participants were 61 post-acute COVID-19 patients who participated in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. Data were collected at admission and discharge, 6 months later. Medical evaluations and self-reported emotional, neuropsychological and functional measures were used. Results: Mild illness was associated with higher levels of self-reported anxiety and depression and with lower self-reported executive functioning. Elevated anxiety levels and lower cognitive profile at admission were significantly linked to poorer cognitive outcomes, but not to motor or general functioning level at discharge. Conclusions: The results of the study indicate the significance of monitoring emotional characteristics, particularly anxiety, in post-COVID-19 individuals during multidisciplinary rehabilitation.
Antioncogenic potential of probiotics: Challenges and future prospective
Authors: Chattaraj Sourav , Mitra Debasis , Chattaraj Abhishek , Chattaraj Manasi , Kundu Meghna , Ganguly Arindam , Mohapatra Pradeep K Das
Published: May 2023

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that have shown to possess numerous health benefits. Recently, there has been budding interests in the utilization of probiotics as a prospective weapon for cancer deterrence and management. The antioncogenic attributes of probiotics were provided through various mechanisms such as immune modulation, production of anticancer compounds, and regulation of intestinal microbiota. The current study shed light on the antioncogenic probiotic strains and explored their anticancer mechanisms. However, the use of probiotics for cancer prevention and treatment also poses several challenges, including the identification of specific strains with the most potent antioncogenic effects, the optimal dosage and duration of treatment, and the hazards allied with the implementation of live microorganisms. Additionally, the heterogeneity of cancer types and patients' microbiomes further complicate the selection of probiotics for clinical applications. Hence, future study should concentrate on the development of alternative approaches such as the use of microbial-derived components, genetically modified probiotics, and synthetic biology to overcome these challenges and enhance the antioncogenic potential of probiotics.
In vitro pharmacological activities of methanol extract of Acmella oleracea leaves: A variety grown in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Md. Mahbubol , Akash Sajidur Rahman
Published: May 2023

is known as toothache plant belongs to the family of Asteraceae. It is treated as a medicinal remedy like tuberculosis, illness, cough, rheumatism, and illness.

This study was concentrated on the antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial & thrombolytic activities of methanol extract of leaves using in vitro model.

The antioxidant activity was estimated as trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity utilizing the DPPH and reducing power tests. The plant extract was tested for its cytotoxic action using a brine shrimp lethality bioassay, thrombolytic activity using clot disruption, and antibacterial activity using a disc diffusion assay technique against four distinct gram-positive also gram-negative bacteria.

ICvalue of standard ascorbic acid for DPPH was 7.8µg/ml and the IC50 of the methanol extract of leaves was 198.34µg/ml that was moderate effect at all compare with ascorbic acid. Thrombolytic assay of Streptokinase as a positive control showed 88.49% where the extract shows 18.69% lytic activity shows the assay. In this study, the sample of LC results of cytotoxicity assay was 1.431 µg/mL which can be treated as less activity. Moreover, the extracts showed low to moderate antibacterial activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial stains (zone of inhibition-10-26 mm). Vibrio Mimicus bacteria stains exhibited the highest level of activity, with a range of 23 for the diameter of the growth inhibition zone.

The current review shows leaf extracts of may be used as a source of antioxidant and thrombolytic activity, as well as a significant source of antibacterial and anticancer substances. Further research is required to evaluate in-vivo the pharmacological activity of leaves in order to identify the essential metabolites and potential mechanisms.
The Role of Vitamin C in the Treatment of Depression
Authors: Bidaki Reza , Mahdavi Firoozabadi Mahsa , Motamed Mahsa , Borujeni Sina Taherzadeh , Nadjarzadeh Azadeh
Published: May 2023

The Article Abstract is not available.
Onset of Mania by Vitamin B12 Injection in a 52-Year Old Patient with Refractory and Resistant Depression
Authors: Artoonian Valentina , Aghamollaii Vajiheh , Nadjarzadeh Azadeh , Bidaki Reza
Published: May 2023

Vitamin B12 affects and modify the function of multiple organ systems. Its deficiency may cause psychiatric symptoms in addition to hematologic, gastrointestinal, and neurologic manifestations. The present case study aims to report  a patient with vitamin B12 deficiency who coexisted with resistant and persistent depression, and experienced mania phase after the replacement of vitamin B12. For a patient with refractory and resistant depression  and evidence or a risk factor for vitamin B12 deficiency, it is required to check plasma levels and monitor psychiatric symptoms during vitamin B12 supplementation. There are some manifestations of B12 deficiency including bipolar disorder, mood lability, irritability, and psychosis due to deficiency but  we  didn’t  find  case  report  about  induce  of  psychiatric  presentation follow   correction  of  vitamin B12  deficiency .
Feasibility of Using Green Tea Powder as a Natural Antioxidant and Stevia as a Sweetener in Non-Fermented Layer Cake
Authors: Nateghi Leila , Zarei Fatemeh
Published: May 2023

Background: Today there is an increasing demand for low-calorie and functional food products worldwide. Green tea powder (GTP) has antioxidant property due to its phenolic structure which makes it a good natural replacement for synthetic antioxidants. Stevia is a calorie-free product which can be substituted for sucrose in foods. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using GTP and stevia instead of flour and sugar, respectively, in the formulation of non-fermented layer cake.
Methods: To do so, different concentrations of GTP (10, 20, 30% w/w) and stevia (40, 60, 80% w/w) were incorporated into the formulation of cake. Ten treatments were designed and the rheological properties of dough including farinograph and extensograph characteristics were measured. Three dough samples with superior rheological properties along with control sample were baked. The physicochemical and sensory properties of the selected samples were compared with those of control sample.
Results: The layer cakes containing 10% GTP and 40%, 60%, and 80% stevia were selected as the superior treatments and their quality properties were compared with those of control sample. Increased concentration of stevia significantly reduced the specific volume and increased the firmness of the layer cake samples. There was no significant difference in total acceptance between the layer cakes containing GTP and stevia and control sample.
Conclusion: The treatment containing 10% green tea powder and 80% stevia was selected as the superior treatment regarding the nutritional and quality properties.
The Role of Policymakers in Potential Strengthening to Improve the Safety of the Vegetable in the Supply Chain: SWOT Analysis during COVID-19
Authors: Eskandari Soheyl , Rashidimehr Azadeh , Mohammadi-Nasrabadi Fatemeh , Salmani Yeganeh , Esfarjani Fatemeh
Published: May 2023

Background: Fresh vegetables can play an important role in health and food security. This study aimed to assess the safety of the vegetable supply chain in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic by strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis.
Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted in two phases in 2021. First, in the cross-sectional study, 192 staff were randomly selected from five major centers of vegetable retail centers. Then, semi-structured interviews were done with ten stakeholders, and a SWOT analysis was completed.
Results: Half of the participants had desirable hygienic practices, 39.6% had acceptable, and 8.9% had weak practice scores. The practice of participants whose educational level was BSc and above was better than that of illiterates (OR =15.38, 95% CI =1.61-14.57, P=0.01). SWOT analysis results identified a poor shelf-life of vegetables, weak technology in planting, harvesting, and distributing vegetables.
Conclusion: Policymakers can utilize the practical solutions for taking action in the potential strengthening of vegetable safety in the supply chain to improve public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Effect of Exposure to Dried Fruits on the Surface Micro-Hardness of Dental Enamel
Authors: Sardar Fatemeh , Ajami Behjatolmolouk , Hassani Fatemeh , Boskabady Marzie
Published: May 2023

Background: This study investigated the effect of exposure of enamel surfaces to dried fruit suspension including dates, raisins, and dried apricot on their micro-hardness changes.
Methods: In this in vitro study, fifty enamel sections of bovine incisor teeth were mounted inside the acrylic resin so that the enamel surface would not be exposed to the acrylic. After surface polishing, the initial micro-hardness was measured by a Vickers hardness-testing machine. The samples were randomly placed into five different solutions including apricot, raisin and date suspension, citric acid (positive control) or sorbitol (negative control), 5 times a day, each time for 5 minutes, and then in artificial saliva for 60 minutes. This process was repeated for 20 days. Eventually, the final micro-hardness of the samples was measured. Micro-hardness changes between groups were compared through ANOVA and TUKEY test using SPSS 23 software with a significance level of P<0.05.
Results: After exposure, the micro-hardness of the teeth was significantly reduced in all three suspensions prepared from dried fruit (P<0.05). Apricot and date had the highest and lowest effects on reducing the micro-hardness of teeth, respectively. Sorbitol solution did not have a significant effect on changing the micro-hardness of teeth (P=0.13).
Conclusion: The suspension of studied fruits (apricot, raisin, date) causes a significant reduction in micro-hardness of the dental enamel surface, indicating the negative effect of frequent consumption of dried fruits over long periods of time on dental health.
The Relationship between Dietary Intake, Obesity and Shift Working on Employees of Pasargad Petrochemical Company in Asaluyeh, Iran
Authors: Mohit Mohsen , Mousavinezhad Houri , Mohsenpour Mohammad Ali , Golestaneh Mohammad Amin , Yousefinejad Abbas
Published: May 2023

Background: Shift work in services and industry is increasing in developing countries, especially industrialized ones, due to the need for a flexible workforce and to achieve maximum efficiency. Shift working can cause problems for people's health and bodily functions. This study aims to determine the relationship between dietary intake, obesity, and shift working among employees of Pasargad Petrochemical Company.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 119 employees within the age range of 25-60 years and an average body mass index (BMI) of 25.67. Their food intakes were extracted using Food Frequency Questionnaires. Data analysis was performed through STATA data analysis software.
Results: 119 male participants with a mean age of 33.62 ±7.12 year were included in the study, of whom 64.7% were non-shift workers and 35.3% were shift workers. The daily calorie intake of the participants was 2864.54 ± 1184.43 kcal. Although non-shift workers consumed a higher but insignificant amount of energy, no statistical differences were found in dietary intake between shift workers and non-shift workers (P<0.05). Furthermore, multiple linear regressions regarding shift work did not have a significant effect on BMI and waist circumference.
Conclusion: Although no statistically significant relationship was found between food intake and shift work, it is suggested that future studies be conducted with a larger sample size because of the importance of shift work.
Evaluation of Selenium Status among Iranian Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review and Met-Analysis
Authors: Daneshvar Mojtaba , Yadegari Anahita , Hasanzadeh Mohaddeseh , Djafarian Kurosh
Published: May 2023

Background: Selenium (Se) plays an important role in numerous immunological functions of human health. It has been shown that maternal Se deficiency contributes to many pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), miscarriage, and even fetal growth restriction. Due to the evidence of importance of Se in pregnancy outcomes and the inconsistency of current shreds of evidence on Se adequacy in Iranian pregnant women, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of published studies. This systematic review explored studies reporting dietary Se intake, serum or plasma Se, and Umbilical cord Se in Iranian pregnant women.
Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Google scholar (in English and Persian), and Persian databases, including Scientific Information Database, IranDoc, Iranian National Library, Magiran, and Regional Information Center for Science and Technology, were reviewed.
 
Results: A total of 30 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled effect sizes show an overall value of 90.09 µg/l (95% CI: 81.89, 98.29) and 75.08 µg/d (95% CI: 63.01, 87.16) for serum and dietary Se. Geographically, the lowest serum Se was in Fars and East-Azerbaijan with values of 61.97 µg/l (51.38, 72.55) and 55.12 µg/l (48.5, 61.74), respectively. Dietary intake pooled estimate showed that the lowest Se intake was in West-Azerbaijan with a value of 42.80 µg/d (95% CI: 38.95, 46.65).
Conclusion: The current study shows that the overall serum and dietary intake of Se in Iranian pregnant women is acceptable. Some parts of the country need monitoring to prevent Se inadequacy and related-adverse complications in pregnant women.
Editorial – Surgically Managed Orbital Tumors: A Case Series from a Referral Center in Iran
Authors: Mashayekhi Arman
Published: May 2023

This is an Editorial and does not have an abstract. Please download the PDF or view the article in HTML.
Effect of Phacoemulsification on Intraocular Pressure in Eyes with Functioning Tube Shunts
Authors: Shamseldin Shalaby Wesam , Patel Sonali , Lam Sophia S. , Ganjei Allen , Garg Shukla Aakriti , Kolomeyer Natasha , Lee Daniel , Katz L. Jay , Moster Marlene R. , Myers Jonathan , Razeghinejad Reza
Published: May 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of phacoemulsification on intraocular pressure (IOP) in eyes with functioning tube shunts.
Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with a functioning tube who underwent phacoemulsification and had ≥24 months of follow-up. The primary end point was defined as surgical failure (IOP > 21 mmHg) at month 24, progression to no light perception (NLP) vision, glaucoma reoperation, or implant removal. Surgical failure defined as IOP >18 and >15 mmHg, changes in visual acuity (VA), IOP, and number of medications were assessed.
Results: Twenty-seven eyes of 27 patients with moderate or severe POAG were included. The mean age of the patients was 64.2 ± 10.8 years. The interval between the tube shunt and phacoemulsification was 28.8 ± 25.0 months. At the end of the study, four (14.8%) eyes met the failure criteria; the average time to failure was 9.3 ± 3.8 months. The causes of failure were high IOP in two (50.0%) and glaucoma reoperation in two (50.0%) eyes; however, no eyes progressed to NLP vision. Surgical failure defined as IOP >18 and >15 mmHg showed an increasing failure rate (18.5% and 48.5%, respectively). The mean IOP and medications number remained stable at month 24 compared to baseline (P = 0.131 and P = 0.302, respectively). Initially, VA showed improvement, with the greatest improvement at 6 months (P = 0.001), but at 24 months the improvement was no longer significant (P = 0.430).
Conclusion: Phacoemulsification in patients with functioning tubes did not change the mean IOP in most of the patients (86.2%); the number of medications also did not increase.
P100 Wave Latency and Amplitude in Visual Evoked Potential Records in Different Visual Quadrants of Normal Individuals
Authors: Mirzaee Saba Leila , Hashemi Hassan , Jafarzadehpour Ebrahim , Mirzajani Ali , Yekta Abbasali , Jafarzadehpour Abolfazl , Zarei Arghavan , Nabovati Payam , Khabazkhoob Mehdi
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Assessment of the pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP) responses in different areas of visual fields in individuals with normal vision.
Methods: This study was conducted on 80 eyes of normal subjects aged 18–35 years. All participants underwent refraction and visual acuity examination. Visual evoked potential (VEP) responses were recorded in different areas of field. The repeated measure test was used to compare the P100 latency and amplitude of PVEP among different areas.
Results: The repeated measures analysis of variance showed a statistically significant difference among different areas in terms of amplitude and latency of P100 (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). According to the results, the highest and lowest amplitude of P100 was observed in inferior-nasal and superior areas, respectively. The highest and lowest latency of P100 was related to the temporal and inferior-nasal areas, respectively.
Conclusion: This study partially revealed the details of local PVEP distribution in the visual field and there was a significant difference in the amplitude and latency of PVEP wave in different areas of the visual field.
Posterior Microphthalmos Pigmentary Retinopathy Syndrome
Authors: Saifuddin Adeel Syed , Mohideen KA Syed , Sharma Anuj , Shah Vinit , Shetty Adheesh
Published: May 2023

Purpose: To report a case of a rare disease entity Posterior Microphthalmos Pigmentary Retinopathy Syndrome (PMPRS) in a 47-year-old female with a brief review of literature.
Case Report: A 47-year-old woman presented with a history of defective vision with an associated difficulty in night vision. Clinical workup was done, which included a thorough ocular examination showing diffuse pigmentary mottling of fundus, ocular biometry showing short axial length with normal anterior segment dimensions, electroretinography showing extinguished response, optical coherence tomography showing foveoschisis, and ultrasonography showing thickened sclera–choroidal complex. Findings were consistent with those reported by other authors with PMPRS.
Conclusion: Posterior microphthalmia with or without other ocular and systemic associations should be suspected in cases with high hyperopia. It is mandatory to carefully examine the patient at presentation and close follow-ups are needed to maintain visual function.
Doseganje višje dodane vrednosti v kmetijstvu z inovativnimi organizacijskimi oblikami poslovanja
Authors: Pogačnik Marijan , Vidic Franc
Published: May 2023

In agriculture, globalisation over the past decades has put pressure on prices, which have also reduced farmers' incomes. Given that agriculture is an economic activity, the responses of farm owners to these developments are both economic and sociological. The economic response is to reduce the purchase price per product, which is solved by shortening sales chains, direct sales and optimising technological processes and costs, while the sociological response is to leave farms without successors and, consequently, to abandon cultivation. Crop abandonment is problematic in the hilly areas of Slovenia, where there is also a lack of interest in renting farmland. As a result, rural impoverishment and urban in-migration are on the increase. These challenges can be addressed in the future by alternative forms of business, started by entrepreneurial entrepreneurs or other family members as start-ups, which then grow into complementary activities on the farm or other familiar legal forms of business (s.p. , z.o.o.). A prerequisite for this is the establishment of a business ecosystem, an enabling environment to encourage young people to innovate throughout the food chain. The outcome of our research work is a business model of a creative/innovative hatchery that could be put into practice with the help of various institutions.
What Does Environmental Happiness Mean to Students?
Authors: Radaković Jelena Andreja , Ćirović Marko , Milenković Nemanja , Pepić Marko , Petrović Nataša
Published: May 2023

The potential connection between environment and happiness is a relatively novel and understudied topic. This paper aims to contribute to this new research trend by investigating the long-term association between environmental protection and happiness by studying the correlation between the environment and students’ attitudes. There have been two types of academic interest in the relationship between the environment and happiness: first, there has been a real curiosity in how the environment influences individuals’ subjective well-being; second, there is a surge of interest in how proenvironmental actions affect individual's well-being, and how, in turn, people's emotional states can be used to prompt them into behaving in ways that are more ecologically responsible. The current concept of health is a complex interaction of environmental, organizational, and personal elements within the contexts and settings in which individuals live. Thus, broader environmental issues must be evaluated in the context of population health, as illustrated, for instance, in studies of migratory communities in which the impacts of a shifting life environment on health were shown to be considerable. Twenty-nine years ago, Chapter 36 of Agenda 21 proposed an education and sustainable development action plan. But even so, progress in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has so far been extremely slow. The authors of the paper have for precisely these reasons chose to conduct a survey amongst students of the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Serbia, with the aim of finding out what exactly do students know about environmental happiness, what are their current attitudes towards the state of the environment in Serbia, and how all of this affects their future. The questionnaire included 102 students. An analysis of the results was carried out using the SPSS 25 software package.
The Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Operational Planning Process, the Case of Domel
Authors: Roblek Matjaž
Published: May 2023

We present an example of good practice of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the allocation of production orders in Domel production. AI can predict the future realization of production orders and adjust its predictive algorithms to better match the future actual state of production. At the same time, it also learns optimal sequences and integrates them into the design of the optimal schedule of production orders on machines. An example of good practice is related to the use of new technologies in production and logistics.
Molecular Detection and Characterization of Hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and Fusion (F) Genes of Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) from Duck in NER India
Authors: Akter Fatema , Roychoudhury Parimal , Maibam Sabitri , Subudhi P.K. , Kumar Sanjeev , Konwar Nayanmoni , Dutta Satyabrat , Dutta T.K.
Published: May 2023

Background: Newcastle disease is one of the major highly contagious disease of birds only next to the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection. Ducks are found to be natural reservoirs transmitting the virus to other birds-in-contact. The present study was conducted with the aim to isolate the NDV virus from free ranging ducks and detection of the genotype and pathotype based on HN and F genes. Methods: The virus was isolated in chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) primary cell culture and confirmed by cytopathic effects as well as by hemagglutination and hemagglutination inhibition tests. Molecular detection was performed using primers specific for HN and F genes. Amplified partial HN and F genes were cloned and sequenced. Phylogenetic tree was prepared based on both partial HN and F genes. Deduced amino acid alignment of protease cleavage site of F protein was performed to determine the strain. Result: The isolated virus could be confirmed by CPE as well as molecular detection by PCR. The target genes, partial HN and F genes exhibited an amplicon of 652 bp and 534 bp, respectively by PCR. On phylogenetic analysis, the present isolate was found to be genotype Xlll and on cleavage site analysis of fusion protein, which was found to be similar in pattern with velogenic pathotype of NDV.
Development Financial Institution (DFI) Employees’ Awareness and Perceptions of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Practices and Cybersecurity Techniques
Authors: Mpuchane Thatayaone , Gande Tapiwa
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess employees’ perceptions of anti-money laundering practices at the National Development Bank in Botswana. The study used a quantitative approach. A population of 84 respondents who are employees of a development financial institution (DFI), the National Development Bank (NDB) of Botswana was sampled in this study. Out of these, 36 respondents were selected through a stratified random sampling method to ensure representation in all strata. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data.  The study found that employees of National Development Bank understand the concept of money laundering and the stages involved in money laundering. Secondly, the study established that the main causes of money laundering were corruption, politicians and prominent person’s influence, and weak banking and financial systems. Thirdly, the study established that money laundering is harmful to the economy in different ways that include increased national crime, increased corruption, and negative effects on the economy. The study recommended that the management of NDB should adopt anti-money laundering/ combating/ counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) regulations laid out by regulating bodies including those of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Bank of Botswana and the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA). In addition to this, the bank management should expose its employee to continuous knowledge of ML/FT through in-house training and external workshops with other industry stakeholders. The bank should also adopt a robust record management system that is able to capture all transactions taking place within it. The system should be robust enough to flag suspicious ML/FT activities taking place through transactions carried out within the bank.
La Mesure de la Motivation chez les Jeunes Créatifs et Innovants dans le Système Éducatif Marocain : Validation de l’Échelle de Mesure WPI-E
Authors: Rih Fadwa , Limamy Khalid , El Alem Wafae
Published: May 2023

L'objectif principal de cet article est de comprendre les processus de motivation chez les jeunes créatifs et innovants dans le contexte éducatif marocain selon le genre et de proposer un processus de motivation personnalisé basé sur l’une des techniques d'apprentissage non supervisé à savoir l'analyse factorielle afin d'optimiser la performance de la créativité.

Afin d'atteindre cet objectif, une validation de l'échelle de mesure Work Preference Inventory adaptée au contexte éducatif, est proposée. Les résultats de la recherche montrent que la structure factorielle de l'échelle adaptée est tridimensionnelle, conformément à la version originale. Chez les filles, le premier facteur majeur explique 27.6% de la variance totale des variables initiales et dominée par la motivation intrinsèque à la connaissance (curiosité), suivi par la motivation intrinsèque à l'accomplissement (compétences) avec 20.8% et en dernier lieu par la motivation extrinsèque (identification sociale) explique 20.3%.  Chez les garçons, le premier facteur majeur est dominé par la motivation intrinsèque à l'accomplissement avec 20.8%, le deuxième facteur principal (la motivation extrinsèque) explique 19.4%, finalement le troisième facteur principal (la motivation intrinsèque à la connaissance) indique 19.1 %. Ces résultats pourraient permettre de mieux personnaliser des environnements d'apprentissage qui favorisent la créativité tout en tenant compte de la variable du genre.

 

The main objective of this article is to understand the motivational processes among creative and innovative youth in the Moroccan educational context across gender and to propose a personalized motivational process that is based on the unsupervised learning technique of factor analysis for optimizing the performance of creativity. In order to meet this objective, a validation of the Work Preference Inventory measurement scale adapted to the educational context is proposed. The research results show that the factorial structure of the adapted scale was three-dimensional, consistent with the original version. Among women, the first major factor explains 27.6% of the total variance of the initial variables and was dominated by knowledge intrinsic motivation (Curiosity), followed by achievement intrinsic motivation (Competencies) with 20.8%, and finally, extrinsic motivation (Social identification) explains 20.3%.  Whereas among men, the first major factor explains 20.8% of the total variance and was dominated by achievement intrinsic motivation, the second factor was the extrinsic motivation with 19.4%, while the third factor was knowledge intrinsic motivation with 19.1%. These findings could better customize learning environments that foster creativity while taking into account the variable of gender.