bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light Microscope as a Teaching-Learning Tool in Histology Practical in Undergraduate Medical Education in Bangladesh- Students’ View
Authors: Ahmed Rukshana , Shamim Khondoker Manzare , Talukder Humayun Kabir
Published: December 2024

Objectives: This study was aimed to find out the views of students regarding light microscope as a teaching-learning tool in Histology Practical class in undergraduate medical education of Bangladesh. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from a period of one year. Data were collected from 1st year students of 10 medical colleges. A semi-structured survey questionnaire having multiple response answers was used for obtaining information from the students. Results: A majority of the students figured out ‘groups of students sharing one microscope’ and ‘difficulty to identify specific structures on slides’ as their most encountered difficulty with microscopes and glass slides respectively. Conclusions: Students facing difficulties with use of light microscope in histology practical sessions.
Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy July 2021, Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 28-31
Assessment of Grammar Skills of Bangladeshi Medical Undergraduates in the Context of Understanding English Used in Anatomy
Authors: Waheed Md Imran , Shamim Khondker Manzare
Published: December 2024

Context: English is the primary language of instruction in medical curricula worldwide. This study was aimed to assess the ‘grammar skills’ of Bangladeshi medical undergraduates related to their English comprehension in Anatomy. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on two hundred seventy eight 1st year medical students. They attended an English language test following Cambridge English Language Assessment system with 30 questions based on passages from general anatomy, general histology, and general embryology textbooks. Results: The correct response was 62% for the ‘grammar skills’. About 29% of the undergraduates appeared to have English proficiency at the ‘high’, 51% at ‘intermediate’, and 20% at the ‘low’ level. Conclusion: More in-depth study on each grammar skill with a larger number of questions can be done in order to create better understanding about the strengths and weaknesses of medical students.
Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy July 2021, Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 37-42
Comparative Study of Cranial Measurement between Bengali and Manipuri Adult Male
Authors: Dutta Kanta Sree , Ashrafuzzaman Md , Chowdhury Pratik , Bhattacharjee Sharmista
Published: December 2024

Background: Present research work focuses to identify the differences of cranial measurements among two ethnic groups, Bengali and Manipuri male, based on different cranial parameters. This study can provide the basic framework for formulating standards of the cranial dimensions and indices for Bengali and Manipuri male. Materials and methods: The study was cross sectional in nature with some analytical component, carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram, from July 2016 to June 2017. Two cranial variables were measured by physical procedure and one index was calculated from the measured values on 100 Bengali male and 100 Manipuri male, aged between18 to 50 years. All collecting data were analyzed by SPSS-20 using unpaired student ‘t’ test. Results: This study showed that mean maximum cranial length of Bengali and Manipuri were 19.09 ±1.05cm and 19.08 ±.92cm respectively; mean maximum cranial breadth were 15.08±.61cm and 15.82±.57cm respectively, and mean cephalic indices were 79.20 ± 4.64 and 83.01± 2.67 respectively. Bengali (44%) and Manipuri (42%) had very long type of head based on maximum cranial length. Based on maximum cranial breadth 71% of Bengali had medium head and 65% of Manipuri had broad type of head. Bengali had dolichocephalic (37%) and mesocephalic head (37%) whereas Manipuri had brachycephalic head (66%). Conclusion: This study provided some base line data for comparative evaluation of cranial measurements between Bengali and Manipuri adult male.
Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy July 2021, Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 43-48
Bacteriological Etiology of Empyema Thoracis Patients Admitted in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Chatterjee Mohua , Islam Naylla , Hasan Rasel Mahmudul , Faruque Farhana , Ali Ashraf Muhammad , Saha Dipannita , Haque Azharul
Published: December 2024

Empyema thoracis is the most common complication of pneumonia and is associated with severe morbidity and mortality. Management of empyema thoracis is complex and needs a multimodal approach. Antibiotic therapy is very crucial in management of empyema thoracis and epidemiological data is essential to ensure appropriate antibiotic therapy. This study aimed to explore the bacteriological profile of empyema thoracis in a tertiary care hospital. This cross-sectional study was carried on 30 patients admitted in the Department of Medicine and Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital (SSMC & MH), Dhaka over a period of six months (March to September 2021). Mean age of the patients was 38±10.94 (SD) years and male–female ratio was 2:1 (66.7% male). The most common symptoms were found cough (86.7%) and fever (83.3%) including major presenting symptoms expectoration (76.7%) and chest pain (70.0%); other symptoms were loss of appetite (50.0%), malaise (46.7%) and hemoptysis (10.0%). The major etiology was the thoracic empyema (56.7%) followed by pneumonia (16.67%), lung abscess (10.0%), liver abscess (6.7%), lung cancer (3.3%), secondary infection (3.3%) and undetermined cases responding to antibiotics (3.3%). Bacteriological profile showed that majority of the cases (56.7%) were Mycobacterium Tuberculosis; others cases were S. aureus (6.7%), S. pyogen (6.7%), E. coli (3.3%), Klebsiella (3.3%) and Pseudomonas (6.7%). It was concluded from the study, more than half of empyema thoracis was etiologically tubercular.
Bangladesh Med J. 2023 Sept; 52(3): 27-34
Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by portal vein thrombosis: A case report
Authors: Syed Jamil Abdal Syed , Shahin Md Abu , Islam Md Ariful
Published: December 2024

A 24-year-old female got admitted in a remote hospital with one and half month previous history of gradually increasing swelling of the abdomen followed by swelling of the both legs and face without any discernable etiology. Later she is diagnosed as a case systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on clinical features and serology. She had neither any history of having pro-thrombotic risk factor nor any history of deep vein thrombosis. Her Anti-β2 Glycoprotein 1 (Ab IgM & IgG) was marginally positive. Her ultra-sonogram of abdomen showed moderate ascites, gross thrombosis & stenosis in portal system (main trunk of portal vein, both proximal branches of portal vein, splenic vein at pancreatic area, superior mesenteric vein at confluence) that were 100% blocked that also supported by CT scan of abdomen and Doppler ultra-sonogram. Her Doppler ultra-sonogram of lower limbs were normal. She was treated initially with albumin infusion, enoxaparin, warfarin, aspirin, hydroxychloroquine and medium dose prednisolone.
Bangladesh Med J. 2023 Sept; 52(3): 47-51
Factors Affecting Successful Creation of Arterio-venous Fistula for Hemodialysis
Authors: SMG Saklayen  , Laila Akter Zahan  , Rusama Nuzhat  , Wahidul Azad Polash  , Lulu Marzan Hashi
Published: December 2024

The preferred vascular access method for efficient hemodialysis is the arterio-venous fistula (AVF). There is a rising trend in AVF establishment conducted by nephrologists, aiming to alleviate the workload of vascular surgeons and expedite the prompt care of individuals afflicted with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This descriptive observational study was conducted at the Department of Vascular Surgery, Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital and Research Institute during the period of June 2017 to July 2022. During the data collection period 1700 patients sought care in the Department for arterio-venous fistula creation, among them complete data of 1103 patients were included in this study. Majority of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients were referred from the Department of Nephrology, BIRDEM for AVF creation in the mentioned timeline.  Data were collected pre-designed data collection sheet and data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version- 25. This study shows that most of the patients (80.8%) were in ages 30 - 59 years and more than two-third (67.6%) of them were male; male-female ratio was 2:1. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was detected in nearly half of the patients (47.2%) and more than two-third (67.2%) of them were suffering from hypertension (HTN). Higher failure rate (73.3%) of AVF creation among patients of age group 30-59 years was significant. Failure rate for male patients was 57% and female patients was 43%. The AVF creation failure rates were 100% for patients with hypertension and for diabetes patients was 60.5%. Complications were found in 15.2% of patients. Post-operative edema and hematoma formation were more common (3.2% and 3.5%, respectively) in comparison to other complications. Among the complicated cases, 7 patients (4.2%) required intervention to correct stealing syndrome and AVF salvage was attempted in 43 cases (25.6%); medical management was pursued in 32(19.0%) cases. Majority (51.2%) of cases who were experiencing complications required AVF ligation. This research demonstrates that several significant clinical factors influence the successful establishment of an arterio-venous fistula (AVF) for hemodialysis factors include advanced age, being male, having diabetes (DM) and hypertension (HTN), having a history of Maintenance Hemodialysis (MHD) prior to AVF creation, choosing the wrist or arm as the AVF site, utilizing specific veins (cephalic and basilic) and specific arteries (radial and brachial).
Bangladesh Med J. 2023 Sept; 52(3): 1-7
ERKEN MODERN OSMANLI’DA DELİLER VE DELİLİK ÜZERİNE
Authors: Dinçer Bahadır Şaziye
Published: December 2024

Rüya Kılıç, Erken Modern Dönem Osmanlı’da Deliler ve Delilik kitabında deliliğin Türkiye’deki serüvenini incelemiştir. Neden böyle bir gereksinim duyduğunu kitabının giriş kısmında şu cümlelerle ifade etmiştir: “Türk psikiyatrlarının kendi mesleklerinin tarihine duydukları ilgi sonraki tarih yazımını etkilemiştir. Bu yazıma hâkim olan, modern psikiyatri tarihinin, 19. yüzyılda Osmanlı’ya girişiyle başlayan bir ilerleme hikâyesi, doktorların özverili çalışmalarıyla sağlanan başarı hikâyesi olarak kurgulanmasıdır.” Yazar, bu satırların devamında Osmanlı tarihçilerinin bu konudaki “sessizliğinden” söz etmektedir. Bu sessizlik hakikaten, yazarın altını çizdiği gibi “dikkate değerdir”. Sonuç itibariyle hastalık da ona karşı üretilen çözümler de sosyal bir olgudur. Dolayısıyla tarihçinin geçmişe uzanan merceğinin bunlara uzanmaması beklenemez.
Trafik Kurallarına Aykırılık Sonucunda Ortaya Çıkan Suçlarda Bilinçli Taksir Kabul Edilmesi Meselesi
Authors: Çelik Başbozkurt Özlem
Published: December 2024

2918 sayılı Karayolları Trafik Kanunu ile belirlenen trafik kuralları kişilerin can güvenliğini korumaya yönelik kurallardır. Bu kurallara aykırı hareket edilmesi sonucunda meydana gelebilecek trafik kazalarında bir kimsenin yaralanması veya ölmesi söz konusu olabilmektedir. Bu neticeler bakımından sürücünün sorumluluğunun yani ceza hukuku açısından manevi unsurunun belirlenmesi gerekli ve önemlidir. Her ne kadar kasten bir kimsenin üzerine araba sürülerek öldürülmesi ve yaralanması mümkün olsa da bu olaylarda akla gelen ilk manevi unsur taksirdir. Taksirli suçun oluşabilmesi için belirli unsurların bir arada meydana gelmesi aranmaktadır. Bunlardan esaslı olanlar kişinin dikkat ve özen yükümlülüğüne aykırı davranması ve neticenin öngörülebilir olmasıdır. Dikkat ve özen yükümlülüğü, korunan hukuki değerin zarar görmesini engellemeye yönelik toplumsal ortak tecrübelerden veya yazılı hukuk kurallarından oluşan kurallar bütünüdür. Yazılı bir hukuk kuralının ihlali aynı zamanda dikkat ve özen yükümlülüğünün ihlali anlamına da gelmektedir. Neticenin öngörülebilir bir netice olması ise taksiri kaza ve tesadüften ayıran faille benzer özellikleri olan kişiler tarafından neticenin tahmin edilebilir olması anlamına gelir. Bu iki unsurun varlığı taksirin varlığını gösterir. Ancak öngörülebilir neticenin fail tarafından öngörülüp öngörülmediği ayrıca önemlidir. Çünkü bilinçli taksirin oluşması için her ne kadar netice fail tarafından istenmese de fail tarafından somut olayda öngörülmüş olmasını gerektirir. Hukuk düzeni tarafından düzenlenmiş ve muhatabı olan kişi tarafından bilinen yazılı bir hukuk kuralının varlığı ortaya çıkan neticenin öngörülebilir bir netice olduğunu göstermektedir. Bu noktada öngörülebilir bu netice bilinçli taksirin kabulü için yeterli midir sorusu ortaya çıkmaktadır. Yargıtay kararları ile daha da tartışmalı hale gelen bu soruya çalışma ile cevap verilmeye çalışılacaktır.
Ceninin Hukuki Statüsü Bağlamında Gebeliğin Bizatihi Gebe Kadın Tarafından Sonlandırılmasının Türk Ceza Hukuku Bakımından Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Kelep Pekmez Tuba
Published: December 2024

Gebeliğin sonlandırılması meselesi pek çok farklı alanı meşgul ettiği gibi hukukun da önemli tartışmalı alanlarından biridir. Çeşitli menfaatler dengelenmeye çalışılarak ceza hukukunda da bazı suç tipleri ile yasaklanan bu hareketin en önemli noktalarından birini ise gebe bir kadının kendi gebeliğini sonlandırmasının cezalandırması oluşturmaktadır. Türk Ceza Kanunu m. 100’de yer alan suç tipi gebeliğin gebe kadının kendisi tarafından sonlandırılmasını yasaklamakla birlikte, bu suç tipi ile ilgili olarak hem korunan hukuki değer hem de mağdur başta olmak üzere pek çok sorunlu alan bulunmaktadır. Bu makalenin amacı bu suç tipi ile ortaya çıkan sorunların giderilmesi bakımından suç tipinin incelenmesidir.
Vergide Şeffaflık Gündemine Küresel Bir Bakış
Authors: Özgenç Selçuk
Published: December 2024

Bu makalede, OECD tarafından başlatılan Vergilendirmede Matrahın Aşındırılması ve Karın Kaydırılması (BEPS) projesi sonrası, vergide şeffaflık açısından gelinen nokta, OECD tarafından yayınlanan üç güncel rapor (gayrimenkuller, gerçek faydalanıcı, kripto varlıklar) ile ele alınmakta, bu raporlardan hareketle çıkarımlarda bulunulmaktadır. Çok katmanlı-taraflı ve kesişenli bir özellik gösteren vergisel şeffaflık çalışmalarının hukuki açıdan ortak hassasiyet alanı vergi mükellefi bakımından özel hayatın gizliliğinin ve ticari sırrının korunmasıdır. Yeni küresel vergi düzeninin, bu alanların korunmasına yönelik kurduğu cümle ve taahhütlerin mükellef bakımından nasıl hayata geçtiğini ölçümlemek özellikle bu üç rapor açısından şimdilik zor görünmektedir. Bununla birlikte, olması gereken hukuk açısından idare ve mükellef menfaatleri arasındaki dengenin eşit olması, vergi gelirlerini artırmaya yönelik şeffaflık girişimlerinde söz konusu dengenin bir diğeri aleyhine bozulmaması gerekmektedir.
Um modelo biopsicossocial para avaliação da imagem corporal em adolescentes: Uso de mídias, comportamento alimentar e de construção muscular em foco
Authors: Souza Rosana Sandri Eleuterio de , Vieira Ericles de Paiva , Melo Gislane Ferreira de
Published: December 2024

Introdução: O uso de mídias sociais está fortemente ligado à alta prevalência de insatisfação com a imagem corporal, transtornos alimentares e comportamentos de mudança corporal em adolescentes. Objetivo: Posto isto, o presente estudo tem como objetivo testar um modelo biopsicossocial para avaliação da influência do uso de mídias na insatisfação com a imagem corporal e nos comportamentos de restrição alimentar e de construção muscular, de acordo com o sexo e a faixa etária de adolescentes brasileiros. Método: Participaram do estudo 304 adolescentes (60,2% do sexo feminino), com idade entre 12 e 16 anos (13,8±0,81 anos). Estatísticas descritivas foram computadas e as correlações entre as variáveis do estudo foram examinadas entre meninos e meninas, separadamente. O modelo foi testado usando Path Analysis. O ajuste do modelo foi avaliado usando o índice de ajuste comparativo (CFI), índice de ajuste global (GFI), erro quadrático médio de aproximação (RMSEA). As análises foram realizadas usando o programa estatístico Jamovi. Resultados: O teste do modelo hipotético, após verificação dos índices de modificação, revelou um bom ajuste aos dados, embora apontando diferenças nos caminhos para meninos e meninas. Conclusão: Concluímos que o modelo biopsicossocial testado é adequado para avaliar as relações entre o uso de mídias sociais, insatisfação corporal, comportamentos de restrição alimentar e construção muscular entre adolescentes brasileiros de ambos os sexos.
Právo na spravodlivý proces podľa Dohovoru a judikatúry ESĽP v Slovenskej republike
Authors:   Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Jančát Lukáš
Published: December 2024

Dohovor o ochrane ľudských práv a základných slobôd a judikatúra ESĽP k nemu predstavuje rozhodujúci právny nástroj evolúcie práva na spravodlivý proces v členských štátoch Rady Európy a Európskej únie vrátane Slovenskej republiky, ktorý ovplyvňuje minimálnu mieru procesných záruk jednotlivcov v súdnych, ale aj správnych konaniach.
Primárnym zámerom vysokoškolskej učebnice je vyplniť medzeru spočívajúcu v absencii uceleného učebného textu pre študentov bakalárskeho stupňa štúdia na UPJŠ v Košiciach, Právnickej fakulte pre plánovaný predmet Právo na spravodlivý proces v konaní orgánov verejnej správy, a študentov doktorandského stupňa štúdia na tejto fakulte pre predmet Ochrana základných práv a slobôd v trestných veciach podľa judikatúry ESĽP.
Táto učebnica je však určená aj ako doplnková učebná pomôcka pre študentov denného a externého bakalárskeho stupňa štúdia v rámci prehlbovania vedomosti z predmetu Správne právo II, ktorého výsledkom vzdelávania má byť osvojenie si poznatkov o správnom práve procesnom v Slovenskej republike, ako aj predmetu Európske správne právo, ktorého výsledkom vzdelávania je aj nadobudnutie poznatkov o vplyve práva Rady Európy na vnútroštátne administratívne právo Slovenskej republiky.
Irradiation of Drosophila melanogaster Leads to Increased Autophagy in Multiple Adult Tissues
Authors: Trinca Terrence M , Malik Bilal R
Published: December 2024

Abstract
A common source of tissue toxicity is ionizing radiation to which humans can be exposed in a variety of ways including environmental contamination, radiotherapy, space and aviation travel. Radiotherapy is the most common method used to treat majority of cancers. However, the irradiation of patients can lead to many negative secondary effects causing irreparable internal organ damage due to its genotoxic effects and disruption of oxidative state of cells which, if left unresolved, can lead to cell death. Cells use autophagy as a homeostatic mechanism to remove debris and damaged organelle. However, it is not known whether autophagy is affected by radiation. Drosophila melanogaster has become one of the most trusted model organisms to study human disease and various biological pathways. Here we used Gamma radiation exposure to determine, for the first time, whether radiation influences autophagy in two different tissues in Drosophila: the midgut and the brain.
Dynamic ensemble-based machine learning models for predicting pest populations
Authors: Singh Ankit Kumar , Yeasin Md , Paul Ranjit Kumar , Paul A. K. , Sarkar Anita
Published: December 2024

Early prediction of pest occurrences can enhance crop production, reduce input costs, and minimize environmental damage. Advances in machine learning algorithms facilitate the development of efficient pest alert systems. Furthermore, ensemble algorithms help in the utilization of several models rather than being dependent on a single model. This study introduces a dynamic ensemble model with absolute log error (ALE) and logistic error functions using four machine learning models—artificial neural networks (ANNs), support vector regression (SVR), k-nearest neighbors (kNN), and random forests (RF). Various abiotic factors such as minimum and maximum temperature, rainfall, and morning and evening relative humidity were incorporated into the model as exogenous variables. The proposed algorithms were compared with fixed-weighted and unweighted ensemble methods, and candidate machine learning models, using the pest population data for yellow stem borer (YSB) from two regions of India. Error metrics include the root mean square log error (RMSLE), root relative square error (RRSE), and median absolute error (MDAE), along with the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) algorithm. This study concluded that the proposed dynamic ensemble algorithm demonstrated better predictive accuracy in forecasting YSB infestation in rice crops.
Diagnosis value of targeted and metagenomic sequencing in respiratory tract infection
Authors: Kuang Yukun , Tan Weiping , Hu Chaohui , Dai Zehan , Bai Lihong , Wang Jiyu , Liao Huai , Chen Haihong , He Rongling , Zhu Pengyuan , Liu Jun , Xie Canmao , Ke Zunfu , Tang Ke-Jing
Published: December 2024

Background

Targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) has become a trending tool in the field of infection diagnosis, but concerns are also raising about its performance compared with metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). This study aims to explore the clinical feasibility of a tNGS panel for respiratory tract infection diagnosis and compare it with mNGS in the same cohort of inpatients.

Methods

180 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples were collected and sent to two centers for mNGS and tNGS blinded tests, respectively. The concordance between pathogen reports of both methods and the clinical significance among samples with/without known etiology was further evaluated.

Results

Overall, both methods displayed high agreement on pathogen reports, as the average percent agreement reached 95.29%. But tNGS presented a slightly higher detection rate per species than mNGS (PWilcoxon=1.212e-05; standard mean difference = 0.2887091), as detection rates for 32 out of 48 species were higher than those of mNGS. Due to limitations of panel coverage, tNGS identified 28 fewer species than mNGS, among which only 3 were considered clinically relevant. In reference to composite reference standard, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity combining both tNGS and mNGS reached 95.61%, 96.71%, and 95.68%, respectively, while positive prediction value (PPV) was low at 48.13%, which was caused by low agreement regarding opportunistic pathogens. tNGS and mNGS improved the etiology identification in 30.6% (55/180) and 33.9% (61/180) cases, respectively.

Conclusion

Collectively, tNGS presented a similar overall performance in pathogen identification compared to mNGS, but outperformed in some pathogens. This study also demonstrated that deployment of tNGS significantly improves etiology identification in routine practice and provides hints for clinical decisions. The low agreement between clinical diagnosis and NGS reports towards opportunistic pathogens implies that adjudication is essential for report interpretation. Finally, We proposed tNGS as a diagnosis option in clinical practice due to its cost-efficiency.
Lessons from paleoclimates for recent and future climate change: opportunities and insights
Authors: Kageyama Masa , Braconnot Pascale , Chiessi Cristiano M. , Rehfeld Kira , Ait Brahim Yassine , Dütsch Marina , Gwinneth Benjamin , Hou Alicia , Loutre Marie-France , Hendrizan Marfasran , Meissner Katrin , Mongwe Precious , Otto-Bliesner Bette , Pezzi Luciano P. , Rovere Alessio , Seltzer Alan , Sime Louise , Zhu Jiang
Published: December 2024

Paleoclimate information has played an instrumental role in showing how fast climate can vary and how large these changes can be. It provided the first vivid demonstration of the relationships between atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and surface air temperatures, as well as striking representations of climate change impacts and possible feedbacks within the climate system, such as those associated with vegetation or ice sheet changes. Here, a short review of recent advances in paleoclimate studies is provided, with the objective of showing what this information on past climates and environments can bring to research on current and possible future climates. We advocate that (1) paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental information can be leveraged for narratives about climate change, in particular at the local and regional levels, (2) paleoclimate data is essential for out-of-range tests of climate models, since future climates are also out of the range of recent climate information used for calibrating climate models, (3) paleoclimate data, in particular for the last millennia, is essential for taking multi-centennial and multi-millennial variability into account when describing trends related to anthropogenic forcings and attributing climate change signals, in particular for extreme and rare events, and (4) paleoclimates also provide extremely valuable information for initializing the slow components of climate models. In addition, we show how paleoclimate studies can be beneficial to put recent and future climate change into context and improve our knowledge on key processes. They can both benefit from and contribute to models and knowledge based on the study of recent and future climates.
Long-term patient-reported outcomes following congenital heart surgery in adults
Authors: Schaeffer Thibault , Bossers Pauline , Kienmoser Doris , Tutarel Oktay , Heinisch Paul Philipp , Ono Masamichi , Cleuziou Julie , Pabst von Ohain Jelena , Hörer Jürgen
Published: December 2024

Objective

To investigate the long-term impact of cardiac surgery on the quality of life in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHDs).

Methods

Patients who had undergone cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) at the age of 18 years or more were recruited in a single-center, cross-sectional study. The enrolled subjects completed online questionnaires to assess patient-reported outcomes: perceived health status and life satisfaction, psychological functioning, health behaviors, and illness perception. Clinical variables were correlated to the score results, and results were compared to representative samples from international and German national surveys of healthy subjects and ACHDs.

Results

We enrolled 196 ACHDs (54% women), including 55% with more than one cardiac surgery during their lifetime. The median age at the survey was 43 years, with a median of 13 years since their last cardiac surgery. The majority of patients reported improved subjective wellbeing after cardiac operation and were in functional New York Heart Association class I or II. The severity of underlying CHD, number of previous cardiac operations, and beta-blocker medication had the most substantial negative effects on illness perception. Measured quality of life and health risk behaviors were within the range of values internationally reported for healthy and CHD subjects, respectively.

Conclusions

ACHD, several years after cardiac surgery, reported a subjective improvement in their wellbeing, a life satisfaction comparable to that of healthy individuals, and low health risk behaviors. Illness perception is strongly correlated with the severity of the underlying CHD.
A systematic review of features and content quality of Arabic mental mHealth apps
Authors: Alnaghaimshi Noorah Ibrahim S. , Awadalla Mona S. , Clark Scott R. , Baumert Mathias
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Anxiety and depression are major causes of disability in Arab countries, yet resources for mental health services are insufficient. Mobile devices may improve mental health care delivery (mental m-Health), but the Arab region's mental m-Health app landscape remains under-documented. This study aims to systematically assess the features, quality, and digital safety of mental m-Health apps available in the Arab marketplace. We also contrast a set of recommended Australian apps to benchmark current strategies and evidence-based practices and suggest areas for improvement in Arabic apps.

Methods

Fifteen Arab country-specific iOS Apple Stores and an Android Google Play Store were searched. Apps that met the inclusion criteria were downloaded and evaluated using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and the Mobile App Development and Assessment Guide (MAG).

Results

Twenty-two apps met the inclusion criteria. The majority of apps showed no evidence of mental health experts being involved in the app design processes. Most apps offered real-time communication with specialists through video, text, or audio calls rather than evidence-based self-help techniques. Standardized quality assessment showed low scores for design features related to engagement, information, safety, security, privacy, usability, transparency, and technical support. In comparison to apps available in Australia, Arabic apps did not include evidence-based interventions like CBT, self-help tools and crisis-specific resources, including a suicide support hotline and emergency numbers.

Discussion

In conclusion, dedicated frameworks and strategies are required to facilitate the effective development, validation, and uptake of Arabic mental mHealth apps. Involving end users and healthcare professionals in the design process may help improve app quality, dependability, and efficacy.
Fifty years of land use and land cover mapping in the United Arab Emirates: a machine learning approach using Landsat satellite data
Authors: Sultan Mubbashra , Issa Salem , Dahy Basam , Saleous Nazmi , Sami Mabrouk
Published: December 2024

This study analyses the spatiotemporal distribution of land use and land cover (LULC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the past 50 years (1972–2021) using 72 multi-temporal Landsat satellite images. Three machine learning (ML) classifiers, Classification and Regression Tree (CART), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF), were tested, with RF finally chosen for its higher performance. Spectral, spatial, topographic, and object aspect attributes were extracted and used as input for the RF algorithm to enhance the classification accuracy. A dataset comprising 46,146 polygons representing four LULC classes was created, with 80% allocated for training and 20% for testing, ensuring robust model validation. The algorithm was trained to develop a machine learning model that classified the data into four LULC classes namely: built areas, vegetation, water, and desert and mountainous regions, producing eight thematic maps for the years 1972, 1986, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2013, 2017, and 2021. The results reveal the dominance of desert and mountainous regions, with their coverage gradually declining from over 97% in 1972 to nearly 91% in 2021. In contrast, built areas grew from less than 1% to nearly 6%, while vegetation cover increased from 0.71% to 2.85%. Water bodies have exhibited periodic fluctuations between 0.4% and 0.35%. These changes are attributed to extensive urbanization, agricultural expansion, forest plantation programs, land reclamation, and megaprojects. Accuracy assessment of the classified maps showed high overall accuracy, ranging from 85.11% to 98.4%. The study provides a unique long-term analysis of the UAE over 50 years, capturing key developments from the 1970s oil boom through subsequent megaprojects at the onset of the new millennium, leading to reduced reliance on oil. These findings underscore the role of machine learning and geospatial technologies in monitoring LULC distribution in challenging environments, and the results serve as a vital tool for policymakers to manage land resources, urban planning, and environmental conservation.
Content of leisure activity guidance recognized as necessary in special needs education
Authors: Maebara Kazuaki , Yamaguchi Asuka , Yamada Yukiya
Published: December 2024

This study aims to clarify the content of leisure activity guidance recognized by special needs education teachers and identify gaps in recognition of these between teachers and vocational rehabilitation practitioners who collaborate in transition support. This study surveyed a total of 255 participants, comprising 129 special needs school teachers and 126 vocational rehabilitation practitioners. The participants responded to a survey on the importance of leisure activity guidance, which was developed through a literature review on leisure activity guidance in special needs education and interviews with special needs education teachers. Factor analysis identified four factors of leisure activity guidance: establishing a foundation for leisure implementation, expanding options for leisure activities, recognizing the value of leisure, and acquiring skills for leisure implementation. While special needs education teachers recognized the importance of leisure activity guidance, qualitative differences in perception were observed between them and the vocational rehabilitation practitioners. The study clarified the essential content of leisure activity guidance in special needs education. The findings are expected to contribute to the qualitative improvement of transition support from special needs education to broader society.
Classroom observations in elementary schools with Educational Climate Assessment Tool (EduCAT): the concurrent validity with Classroom Assessment Scoring System
Authors: Wikman Carina , Allodi Mara Westling , Ringer Noam
Published: December 2024

The classroom social–emotional climate is critical to students’ wellbeing and learning ability. In practice and research, an assessment instrument with strong validity is invaluable, providing crucial information about the classroom’s social–emotional and learning climate. This allows for a more accurate appreciation of the quality of the learning environment. A valid instrument is helpful and essential in improving the classroom climate in practice and demonstrating intervention outcomes in research. The primary aim was to evaluate the concurrent validity of the Educational Climate Assessment Tool (EduCAT)—a newly developed classroom observation instrument based on a solid theoretical framework and previous empirical research. The concurrent validity testing involved examining pairwise and multivariate canonical correlations between scores from the EduCAT scales (stimulation, improvement, structure, relationship, and influence) and scores from the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®) administered concurrently in 30 kindergarten to third grade (K-3) classrooms in four schools in Sweden. The pairwise correlation results show that the scores of the two observation instruments have strong and moderate positive correlations, as hypothesized. The canonical correlation identifies which scales in EduCAT correlate more strongly to scales in CLASS®. The results indicate that the observations measured with EduCAT tap similar aspects of classroom climate quality to those measured with CLASS®, thereby confirming the new protocol’s concurrent validity and instilling confidence in its use.
Potential candidates from a functional food Zanthoxyli Pericarpium (Sichuan pepper) for the management of hyperuricemia: high-through virtual screening, network pharmacology and dynamics simulations
Authors: Chen Meilin , Chen Xiaomei , Chen Qinghong , Chu Chenyang , Yang Shuxuan , Wu Chuanghai , You Yanting , Hung Andrew , Yang Angela Wei Hong , Sun Xiaomin , Zhou Lin , Zhao Xiaoshan , Li Hong , Liu Yanyan
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic syndrome caused by purine metabolism disorders. Zanthoxyli Pericarpium (ZP) is a medicinal and food homologous plant, and its ripe peel is used to treat diseases and as a spice for cooking. Some studies have shown that ZP can inhibit the formation of xanthine oxidase and reduce the production of uric acid.

Methods

Through network pharmacology, ZP’s potential targets and mechanisms for HUA treatment were identified. Databases like TCMSP, UniProt, and Swiss Target Prediction were utilized for ZP’s active ingredients and targets. HUA-related targets were filtered using GeneCards, Drugbank, and Open Targets. Core targets for ZP’s HUA treatment were mapped in a PPI network and analyzed with Cytoscape. GO and KEGG pathway enrichments were conducted on intersected targets via DAVID. Molecular docking and virtual screening were performed to find optimal binding pockets, and ADMET screening assessed compound safety. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed compound stability in binding sites.

Results

We identified 81 ZP active ingredient targets, 140 HUA-related targets, and 6 drug targets, with xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) as the top core target. Molecular docking revealed ZP’s active ingredients had strong binding to XDH. Virtual screening via Protein plus identified 48 compounds near the optimal binding pocket, with 2’-methylacetophenone, ledol, beta-sitosterol, and ethyl geranate as the most promising. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed binding stability, suggesting ZP’s potential in HUA prevention and the need for further experimental validation.

Conclusion

Our study provides foundations for exploring the mechanism of the lowering of uric acid by ZP and developing new products of ZP. The role of ZP in the diet may provide a new dietary strategy for the prevention of HUA, and more experimental studies are needed to confirm our results in the future.
Negative correlation between cardiometabolic index and testosterone in male adults
Authors: Xu Jing , Li Yue-Chun
Published: December 2024

Background

Insulin resistance (IR) is closely correlated with a deficiency or decrease of testosterone levels in males. Cardiometabolic index (CMI) is correlated with various diseases correlated with IR. The primary objective of this study is to explore the correlation between CMI and testosterone levels in male adults.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during the period from 2013 to 2020 were analyzed through a cross-sectional design. CMI was calculated by multiplying waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) with the triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C).

Results

A total of 5012 subjects were included in the final analysis. After controlling confounding variables, multiple linear regression analysis indicated an independent negative correlation between CMI and testosterone levels (β= -6.40, 95% CI: -8.95, -3.86, P<0.001) through the. In addition, a negative non-linear correlation was also found between CMI and testosterone (P<0.05), with CMI’s inflection point as 0.73. Subgroup analyses indicated a more significant negative correlation among those with normal weight and the elderly (p< 0.05 for all interactions). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of CMI (AUC =0.724, 95% CI: 0.709–0.740) was the largest compared with those of TG/HDL and WHtR.

Conclusion

Elevated CMI is significantly and negatively correlated with testosterone in male adults.
Different supplements improve insulin resistance, hormonal functions, and oxidative stress on overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ren Xiaoyan , Wu Wenjuan , Li Qiufan , Li Wen , Wang Xujuan , Wang Gang
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To investigate various supplements that improve insulin resistance, hormonal status, and oxidative stress in overweight or obese women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

A literature search was conducted on four different databases, which led to the discovery of twenty - five randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These RCTs evaluated the efficacy of various supplements in improving insulin resistance (IR), hormonal status, and oxidative stress among overweight or obese women diagnosed with PCOS. Subsequently, data extraction and analysis were carried out to determine the quality of the study’s methodological design and the potential for bias. Moreover, a meta-analysis was performed using the data from the RCTs.

Results

A total of 25 RCTs were carried out, and 1636 women were enrolled. All participants were overweight or obese. The standardized mean differences (SMD) were as follows: For fasting plasma glucose (FPG), it was -0.34 (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.49 to -0.19, p = 0.123, I2 = 30.8%); for insulin, it was -0.67 (95% CI, -0.83 to -0.52, p = 0.208, I2 = 24%); for fasting insulin (FI), it was -0.26 (95% CI, -0.52 to -0.00, p = 0.269, I2 = 21.9%); for homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), it was -0.59 (95% CI, -0.73 to -0.45, p = 0.015, I2 = 48.7%); for homoeostatic model assessment beta - cell function (HOMA-B), it was -0.51 (95% CI, -0.75 to -0.27, p = 0.547, I2 = 0%); for quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), it was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.76 to -1.12, p = 0.191, I2 = 27.5%); for total testosterone, it was -0.61 (95% CI, -1.14 to -0.09, p = 0.00, I2 = 78.5%); for testosterone, it was -0.38 (95% CI, -0.86 to 0.10, p = 0.03, I2 = 71.5%); for follicle - stimulating hormone (FSH), it was 0.16 (95% CI, -0.08 to 0.40, p = 0.470, I2 = 0%); for luteinizing hormone (LH), it was -0.56 (95% CI, -1.32 to 0.20, p = 0.000, I2 = 91.1%); for sex hormone - binding globulin (SHBG), it was 0.35 (95% CI, 0.02 to 0.69, p = 0.000, I2 = 78%); for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS), it was -0.27 (95% CI, -0.76 to 0.21, p = 0.001, I2 = 78.7%); for plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC), it was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.45 to 1.30, p = 0.004, I2 = 71.3%); for plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), it was -0.57 (95% CI, -0.79 to -0.36, p = 0.992, I2 = 0.0%).

Conclusion

This study’s findings indicate that, in comparison with a placebo, supplements have a favorable effect on IR, hormonal functions, and oxidative stress in PCOS. Nevertheless, it is crucial to note that the above-drawn conclusions need to be verified by more high-quality studies, given the limitations regarding the number and quality of the included studies.
The development of patient-specific 3D anatomical models in minimally invasive parathyroidectomy
Authors: Haq Zahra J. , Ahmed Ahmed , Abdelsalam Alaa , Chegini Soudeh , Kurzawinski Tom R. , Morley Simon , McGurk Mark , Abdel-Aziz Tarek
Published: December 2024

Background

Surgery is the preferred treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism. Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy is only feasible with accurate preoperative localisation. Virtual 3D anatomical models can be constructed from patient-specific CT scans using segmentation software.

Methods

We aimed to create virtual 3D models from 4D-CT scans of parathyroid tumours using segmentation technology. We designed a small pilot study to assess the utility of 3D models within surgical practice. We assessed surgeon, trainee and patients’ opinion and satisfaction with the models. The NASA TLX survey was the primary data collection tool

Results

Creation of novel 3D models was achieved, these featured a 360-degree axis of rotation and transparency mode to assist in surgical planning. Models were used intraoperatively with the HoloLens 2 headset to locate parathyroid tumours real time before surgery. Total mean workloads for surgery planning when averaged revealed a decrease workload (39.45 vs 27.45) points with adjunctive use of models (p=0.002). Mental demand showed the greatest decrease in mean workload out of all the 6 subscales tested for in the NASA TLX (210.3 vs 136.7) points. Patient satisfaction score was statistically significant for the difference before and after seeing the 3D model regarding anatomical location (p=≤0.001),

Conclusion

In this work, we developed patient-specific virtual 3D anatomical models of parathyroid tumours for use in surgery using novel techniques, previously never applied to parathyroidectomy. Our initial success in model construction and subsequent opinion of surgeons, trainees and patients contributes to the developing body of literature in favour of virtual modelling for parathyroidectomy.
Air quality levels in the industrial city of Jubail, Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlQahtani Abdullah I. , Salama Khaled F. , Alwadei Manna M. , Aljassim Mohammed T. , Alsaif Abdulmalik Salman , Al-Warthan Mohammed , AlMulla Abdulaziz A.
Published: December 2024

Ambient air quality remains a significant health and environmental challenge in developing cities, primarily due to increasing gas emissions from fossil fuel use. Harmful outdoor air pollutants constitute a critical environmental and public health concern, as poor air quality directly impacts human health, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to assess ambient gaseous air pollutants—specifically sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC)—in Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia. Hourly fixed-site air quality monitoring data were collected from three monitoring stations distributed throughout Jubail, covering the period from January 2020 to December 2022, alongside recorded hourly meteorological conditions. Standard monitoring equipment was employed to measure pollutant concentrations at all three locations. Notably, the highest emissions of CO, SO2, and NMHC occurred in 2021, while the highest emissions of NO, NO2, and NOx were recorded in 2022, with 2022 generally exhibiting the highest gas emissions and 2020 the lowest. Variations in gaseous contaminants were observed, influenced by changes in meteorological conditions and human activities. However, the levels of gaseous emissions remained within acceptable limits according to the air quality index. Consequently, policies implemented during and after the COVID-19 lockdown effectively reduced the accumulation of gaseous emissions to below harmful levels. Maintaining these measures is crucial for ensuring ongoing air quality improvements.
Microplastic research trends in the Gulf region from a global perspective
Authors: Shabib Ahmad , Reshadi Mir Amir Mohammad , Maraqa Munjed A. , Rezanezhad Fereidoun
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Microplastic (MP) pollution research has experienced significant global growth, with an exponential increase in publications since 2015. Despite this surge, research focused on the Gulf region remains limited. This gap is particularly concerning given the Gulf's dense industrial activities and substantial waste production. This study provides the first bibliometric analysis of MP research globally and within the Gulf region, examining the current state and emerging trends while identifying specific topics for future studies.

Methods

A bibliometric analysis of peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 was conducted for global and Gulf region research. Bibliometric analysis employed several tools to identify trends, keyword networks, and research gaps, with manual refinement of keywords to enhance accuracy. The study also analyzed leading countries and institutions contributing to MP research.

Results and Discussion

The analysis highlights significant global contributions, with China emerging as a leader in MP research globally and Iran playing a prominent role within the Gulf region. While global publications have increased exponentially since 2015, the Gulf region's research output remains underrepresented, accounting for only about 1.1% of global publications. This underscores the need for enhanced regional research to better integrate the Gulf into the global discourse on MPs. Keyword analysis reveals that certain areas of MP research remain unexplored in the Gulf region. The trend analysis shows an evolving focus globally, shifting from basic interactions of MPs with marine environments to more complex issues such as environmental health and ecosystem impacts. This progression indicates a maturing field that increasingly addresses the broader implications of MP pollution.