bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lombalgies et Thérapeutique manuelle
Authors: Bonneau Dominique
Published: June 2021

Les thérapies manuelles sont un complément utile à la prise en charge conventionnelle des lombalgies mécaniques de l’adulte. Elles font suite à l’élaboration d’une démarche diagnostique pour laquelle nous proposons un algorithme décisionnel qui permet un balayage des potentielles étiologies qu’elles soient rachidienne, articulaire périphérique ou viscérale. L’attitude thérapeutique manuelle a pour objectif la réinitialisation des capteurs cutanés, tendinomusculaires et ligamentaires. Elle repose sur des techniques de mobilisation articulaires, d’étirement ou de raccourcissement tendino-musculaire et de stimulations cutanées dont les modalités varient en fonction des capteurs potentiels. La rigueur de la description et la reproductibilité des techniques sont le préalable indispensable à l’évaluation de ces protocoles.
La transe cognitive auto-induite : caractéristiques et applications thérapeutiques potentielles
Authors: Grégoire Charlotte , Sombrun Corine , Gosseries Olivia , Vanhaudenhuyse Audrey
Published: June 2021

La transe cognitive auto-induite est un état de conscience modifiée volontaire, tout comme l’hypnose et la méditation. Elle se caractérise par une conscience modifiée de l’environnement, une absorption intense dans l’expérience immersive, une imagerie interne très développée, ainsi qu’une modification des processus somato-sensoriels. Cette technique est héritée des pratiques traditionnelles chamaniques mongoles, où elle est en général induite par des rythmes de percussions au cours d’un rituel. Dans ce contexte, le but du chamane est d’accéder à la transe pour pouvoir entrer en contact avec des « esprits », considérés traditionnellement comme garants du maintien de l’harmonie, afin d’en recevoir des informations utiles à leur communauté. Malgré son utilisation fréquente dans différentes cultures, ce phénomène de transe n’a été que très peu étudié scientifiquement. Ainsi, seules quelques études nous renseignent quant à ses caractéristiques phénoménologiques et neurophysiologiques. Ses potentielles applications thérapeutiques sont, elles, toujours méconnues. Néanmoins, nous savons que d’autres états de conscience modifiée, comme l’hypnose et la méditation, ont des bénéfices sur diverses variables liées à la qualité de vie. Nous avons donc mis au point plusieurs études rigoureuses, afin de mieux comprendre ce qu’est la transe cognitive auto-induite et ses potentielles applications, notamment en comparaison avec l’hypnose et la méditation. Cet article s’intéressera dans un premier temps aux pratiques chamaniques traditionnelles, avant de faire un état des connaissances actuelles concernant les caractéristiques phénoménologiques et neurophysiologiques de la transe cognitive auto-induite. Enfin, ses potentielles applications thérapeutiques seront abordées.
Politique africaine : la naissance heureuse d’une sociabilité scientifique inédite
Authors: Copans Jean
Published: June 2021

Jean Copans, un des fondateurs de Politique africaine en 1980, propose à la fois un témoignage sur son quart de siècle d’expérience éditoriale et un commentaire du projet de la revue et de ses évolutions jusqu’à aujourd’hui. Il insiste sur l’esprit d’entreprise œcuménique qui a présidé à son fonctionnement d’un point de vue aussi bien convivial qu’intellectuel et d’emblée pluridisciplinaire. Il souligne ses objectifs transafricains puis diasporiques, tout en relativisant l’exclusivité conceptuelle de son regard par le bas. Ces perspectives analytiques se sont malheureusement confrontées à un contexte institutionnel et politique peu réceptif qui laisse presque toujours entier le problème du développement d’études africanistes africaines autonomes.
Le politique par l’intime. Histoires d’amour, de masculinités et d’engagements au Mali
Authors: Rillon Ophélie
Published: June 2021

Les études féministes ont contribué à politiser la vie privée et, ce faisant, à réinscrire l’analyse des carrières militantes dans les différentes sphères de la vie. Cet article invite à étendre la réflexion aux trajectoires militantes masculines afin de saisir comment l’intime travaille le politique et, inversement, ce que le politique fait à l’intimité de la vie des hommes. S’appuyant sur l’étude de parcours biographiques de militants anticoloniaux et socialistes du Mali, cette recherche propose des pistes de réflexion pour explorer le poids des expériences amoureuses dans le façonnement des parcours d’engagement masculins, ainsi que les effets de la violence politique sur la vie affective et familiale des détenus politiques.
Où sont les travailleurs ?
Authors: Eckert Andreas
Published: June 2021

Cet article part de l’observation que la « question du travail », presque disparue des études africaines depuis les années 1980, est de retour. La renaissance actuelle de cette thématique, liée à l’intérêt profond suscité par le travail informel et précaire, va de pair avec la considération d’une grande variété de formes de travail, depuis celui des femmes qui exécutent des tâches domestiques jusqu’aux activités de contrebande. Il s’agit, dans cet essai, de réfléchir sur l’état de la recherche sur le travail et les travailleurs en Afrique, en se basant sur les évolutions majeures qui ont marqué les relations et les pratiques de travail depuis la décolonisation.
L’objet de la parenté et la matérialité en rétrospective
Authors: Archambault Julie Soleil
Published: June 2021

C’est à travers un examen historique de la place de l’objet au sein des études africanistes de la parenté que cet article propose d’aborder certaines transformations tant théoriques qu’empiriques survenues au fil des années. L’article soutient que les études africanistes de la parenté se sont penchées sérieusement sur le rapport aux objets bien avant le «  materiality turn  » et que cet avant-gardisme s’explique, du moins en partie, par une réalité ethnographique, à savoir le rôle fondamental que jouent depuis longtemps les objets dans la production et la négociation des relations de parenté en Afrique. Les études africanistes « classiques » préfigurent donc en quelque sorte une orientation théorique future sur la matérialité. Suite à un aperçu historique de cet important champ d’étude, j’examine deux « objets de parenté » choisis pour leur rôle transformateur dans la constitution et la redéfinition des rapports de parenté : les téléphones portables et le ciment. Alors que les objets eux-mêmes changent, leur rôle dans la construction des relations de parenté demeure cardinal. En effet, si les sociétés africaines ont longtemps préféré convertir les objets en relations sociales, les objets en sont d’autant plus valorisés socialement.
Gouverner dans la peur. Pouvoir, médias et disqualification au Cameroun
Authors: Tcheuyap Alexie
Published: June 2021

Avec la pluralisation des espaces médiatiques, la perpétuation des autoritarismes a entraîné une transformation des modes de contrôle de l’expression et de neutralisation de la contestation en Afrique. En s’appuyant sur l’analyse des énoncés politiques et des contenus médiatiques, cet article questionne l’usage politique de la peur tel qu’il transparaît dans certains médias. Il analyse la structuration institutionnelle de la presse, plus particulièrement au Cameroun, ainsi que la manière dont celle-ci construit un discours de la peur pour diaboliser des adversaires politiques.
Poursuivre le dialogue sur la politisation
Authors: Bennani-Chraïbi Mounia
Published: June 2021

Au lendemain des soulèvements qui agitent le Maghreb et le Proche-Orient à partir de 2011, il semble plus que jamais légitime de lancer des passerelles entre l’étude des résistances, des mouvements sociaux et des révolutions, et ce par-delà les distinctions d’ordre politique ou culturel. Dès les années 1980, Politique africaine figure parmi les pionniers de ces « appels d’air(e) ». Cet article mobilise la notion de « politisation » pour poursuivre le dialogue amorcé il y a quelques décennies. À partir de l’analyse d’actions protestataires qui ont eu lieu au Maroc en 2018, il invite aussi à penser ensemble des politisations différentielles.
Contribution à une histoire de la démographie africaine. Regard sur l’Afrique francophone
Authors: Kobiané Jean-François , Pilon Marc
Published: June 2021

Cet article retrace l’évolution de la démographie, en tant que discipline, de l’époque coloniale jusqu’à aujourd’hui, mais restreinte à l’Afrique subsaharienne francophone et aux démographes africains. Cet exercice réflexif met en lumière une histoire très liée à la construction de la statistique publique, un rôle majeur de la communauté internationale tant pour la collecte que pour la formation et la recherche,une structuration de la recherche fragile et une pratique de la démographie de plus en plus pluridisciplinaire allant vers une diversification des thématiques.
Le long tournant décolonial dans les études africaines. Défis de la réécriture de l’Afrique
Authors: Ndlovu-Gatsheni Sabelo J. , G.-D. N.
Published: June 2021

Cet article s’intéresse au long tournant décolonial et à la manière dont il a pu troubler d’autres tournants qui ont touché les sciences humaines et sociales. Le tournant décolonial continue d’animer les luttes visant à libérer les études africaines des imbrications coloniales, des modèles impériaux mondiaux, du carcan des area studies et de l’actuelle économie mondiale du savoir. Cette approche permet non seulement de révéler d’invisibles dynamiques épicoloniales dans les études africaines, mais aussi les tensions internes, les ambiguïtés, les ambivalences et les contradictions qui existent dans le mouvement de réécriture de l’Afrique en tant que processus décolonial. En fin de compte, cet article présente un cadre décolonial façonné par la décolonisation renaissante et insurgée du xxi e  siècle et fondé sur la reconsidération de la pensée elle-même («  rethinking thinking  ») au sein des études africaines et du programme décolonial plus large de réécriture de l’Afrique par les Africains.
L’analyse électorale à l’épreuve de la décomposition politique
Authors: Négrier Emmanuel
Published: June 2021

Les élections municipales 2020 sont l’occasion de discuter de trois hypothèses causales : la stabilité électorale résulte d’une prime au sortant qui est confortée en cas d’abstention massive ; le vote des villes est le siège d’une nationalisation des compétitions électorales ; une abstention massive donne plus de poids à la dimension rationnelle du vote contre ses dimensions émotionnelles. Nous en discutons en deux temps. Le premier sera consacré à un panorama des élections municipales en Occitanie, au travers des principales tendances observées. L’impression qui domine est celle d’une stabilité assez remarquable des pouvoirs municipaux établis, à l’exception notable de quelques cas emblématiques. Le second temps sera consacré au scrutin de Montpellier.
Les voix sans grain de café-concert : paradoxe d’une réception critique
Authors: Wisniewski Marine
Published: June 2021

Dans la seconde moitié du xix e  siècle, les cafés-concerts font entrer la pratique chansonnière, dont l’oralité se professionnalise, dans une ère nouvelle. Désormais attachée à un interprète identifié, l’exécution vocale d’une chanson s’individualise. Pourtant, les feuilletonistes passent fréquemment sous silence cette interprétation vocale, la voix des artistes de café-concert étant singulièrement absente de leurs comptes rendus, qui évoquent bien plus volontiers les corps en scène. Pour la critique, la chanson de café-concert s’incarne moins dans le « grain » d’une voix que dans un corps-écran, qui n’est pas « dans la voix qui chante » mais lui est extérieur, étonnamment étranger. Ce désintérêt pour l’oralité idiosyncrasique mise en œuvre au café-concert repose sur un parti pris idéologique, contribuant à priver de toute forme de résistance à l’uniformité un divertissement méprisé parce qu’il participe d’une culture de masse en voie d’industrialisation.
Et le verbe se fit chair(e). Défense et illustration de l’oralité à l’École des hautes études sociales
Authors: Al-Matary Sarah
Published: June 2021

Certains contemporains de Dick May – née Jeanne Weill – considèrent l’École des hautes études sociales, qu’elle supervise de 1900 à 1925, plus mondaine que le Collège libre des sciences sociales ou l’École libre des sciences politiques. Est-ce parce qu’elle est une femme ? Cet article s’attache à montrer en quoi la personnalité, le parcours et les sociabilités de Dick May l’ont encouragée à développer une conception de l’enseignement où l’oralité sous toutes ses formes est la condition du progrès démocratique. Ce que, dans l’organisation de l’EHES, les adversaires de la secrétaire générale tiennent pour des caractéristiques supposément féminines apparaît sous un jour nouveau lorsqu’on envisage l’ouverture à la littérature et aux arts comme un moyen de défendre une science sociale plus « humaniste » – une orientation qui distingue l’EHES des autres établissements supérieurs libres.
Huysmans écologiste ?
Authors: Seillan Jean-Marie
Published: June 2021

Est-il légitime de rechercher les prodromes de la pensée écologiste moderne chez des écrivains qui, comme Huysmans, ignoraient jusqu’au mot écologie  ? Pour le savoir, la présente étude a choisi de reparcourir l’intégralité de son œuvre (romans, nouvelles, critique d’art, chroniques, interviews, correspondance, brouillons, etc.) pour y relever les déclarations touchant de près ou de loin à ce sujet, et de les assembler par affinités. On verra d’abord que cet écrivain, servi par l’éthique du naturalisme et un esprit grincheux, n’a cessé de dénoncer, avec une extrême précision, les nuisances que l’industrialisation et l’urbanisation accélérées infligeaient au mode de vie et à la santé de ses contemporains. Et l’on verra aussi que ce croyant, censé n’aspirer qu’au ciel, a donné de ce qu’il observait sur la terre une analyse économique et politique qui n’a pas toujours perdu sa pertinence.
Medidas de minimización de impactos medioambientales en la organización y celebración de carreras de montaña ¿Qué opinan los participantes?
Authors: Farías-Torbidoni Estela Inés , Dorado Martínez Víctor , Martínez María Alejandra
Published: June 2021

Diferentes tipos de iniciativas han intentado aunar esfuerzos en la búsqueda de alternativas que contribuyan en la minimización de impactos medioambientales en la organización de carreras por montaña. Un buen ejemplo de estas iniciativas ha sido la reciente publicación de dos guías de buenas prácticas elaboradas a partir del trabajo de dos grupos de expertos. Pero proponer, no es lo mismo que aceptar. El camino hacia el consenso, en el caso de ser necesario, no es instantáneo, sino que es la suma de un intenso diálogo entre las partes implicadas, y de un ida y vuelta de aciertos y errores que solo pueden ser detectados con un adecuado seguimiento. Tomando como caso de estudio la Salomon Ultra Pirineu, dos fueron los objetivos perseguidos con la realización de este estudio: 1) avanzar en el conocimiento del perfil genérico de los practicantes de esta disciplina deportiva y 2) evaluar el grado de aceptación de las recomendaciones propuestas en ambas guías por parte de los participantes de este evento. Entre los principales resultados obtenidos destacan, por un lado, la presencia de un elevado grado de aceptación de la mayor parte de las recomendaciones propuestas en ambas guías (70%) y por otro, la constatación de la existencia de tres recomendaciones especialmente críticas, si al bajo grado de aceptación por parte de los participantes y alto grado de afectación hacia el medio natural hacemos referencia: desarrollo de las pruebas durante el horario nocturno y meses de primavera.
Fog Computing Based on Machine Learning: A Review
Authors: Samann Fady Esmat Fathel , Abdulazeez Adnan Mohsin , Askar Shavan
Published: June 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) systems usually produce massive amounts of data, while the number of devices connected to the internet might reach billions by now. Sending all this data over the internet will overhead the cloud and consume bandwidth. Fog computing's (FC) promising technology can solve the issue of computing and networking bottlenecks in large-scale IoT applications. This technology complements the cloud computing by providing processing power and storage to the edge of the network. However, it still suffers from performance and security issues. Thus, machine learning (ML) attracts attention for enabling FC to settle its issues. Lately, there has been a growing trend in utilizing ML to improve FC applications, like resource management, security, lessen latency and power usage. Also, intelligent FC was studied to address issues in industry 4.0, bioinformatics, blockchain and vehicular communication system. Due to the ML vital role in the FC paradigm, this work will shed light on recent studies utilized ML in a FC environment. Background knowledge about ML and FC also presented. This paper categorized the surveyed studies into three groups according to the aim of ML implementation. These studies were thoroughly reviewed and compared using sum-up tables. The results showed that not all studies used the same performance metric except those worked on security issues. In conclusion, the simulations of proposed ML models are not sufficient due to the heterogeneous nature of the FC paradigm.
L'évaluation du Plan Réussite en Licence : quelles actions pour quels effets ? Analyse sur les résultats des étudiants en première année universitaire
Authors: Morlaix Sophie , Perret Cathy
Published: June 2021

Le premier cycle à l’université est caractérisé en France par une faible efficacité interne (proportion importante d’échecs et d’abandons notamment). En 2007, les pouvoirs publics annoncent le « Plan Réussite en Licence » (PRL) afin de réduire notamment le taux d’échec en première année. Cet article vise à évaluer l'efficacité des actions menées dans le cadre du PRL sur les résultats obtenus par les étudiants en première année. L'originalité de cette recherche tient non seulement dans le caractère novateur des analyses effectuées (peu de recherches sur l'efficacité du PRL), mais également à la multitude des facteurs de réussite pris en compte simultanément, certains se rapportant aux caractéristiques des étudiants, d'autres aux caractéristiques du contexte, telles que celles relatives au PRL. L'analyse est menée sur six cohortes d'étudiants inscrits en 1ère année et procède de manière comparative, les trois premières cohortes n'ayant pas bénéficié des actions PRL. Après avoir explicité nos choix méthodologiques, nous présentons les résultats des modèles économétriques réalisés. Ces derniers soulignent les difficultés à appréhender un effet positif des actions du PRL.
A Distributed Product-Service System for Mask Provision during COVID-19: an Action Design Research Study in Brazil
Authors: Santos Aguinaldo dos , Silveira Emanuela Lima , Duarte Gabriela Garcez
Published: June 2021

The provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for COVID-19 demanded initiatives beyond the sole provision of physical artifacts, urging the development of new services and system innovations in order to produce effective solutions. On this paper the authors report one of such initiatives, where a streetwear brand (ÖUS) and Paraná Federal University have joined efforts to develop a sustainable Product-Service System for mask provision, aiming at the protection of vulnerable school children in the surrounding area of a shoe manufacturing plant in the state of Ceará, one of the epicenters of the pandemic in the country. This consisted of an Action Design Research where, due to the pandemic context, all participants were in social isolation and, therefore, the Design process was carried out remotely. On the article the authors explore in depth the induction of a more distributed economy paradigm on the PSS Design. A distributed approach present itself more aligned with the health requirements during pandemic, with a higher potential to contain locally the flow of people. Furthermore, it also addresses the need for generating income locally, thus merging the health and economic concerns of the pandemic.
Open Design and 3D Printing of Face Shields: The Case Study of a UK-China Initiative
Authors: Li Simeng , Hao Liang , Chen Qiaoyu , Zhang Lu , Gong Ping , Huang Zhaohui , Huang Dongchen , Nie Ping , Dong Hua
Published: June 2021

At the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, many countries lacked personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect healthcare workers. To address this problem, open design and 3D printing technologies were adopted to provide much-in-need PPEs for key workers. This paper reports an initiative by designers and engineers in the UK and China. The case study approach and content analysis method were used to study the stakeholders, the design process, and other relevant issues such as regulation. Good practice and lessons were summarised, and suggestions for using distributed 3D printing to supply PPEs were made. It concludes that 3D printing has played an important role in producing PPEs when there was a shortage of supply, and distributed manufacturing has the potential to quickly respond to local small-bench production needs. In the future, clearer specification, better match of demands and supply, and quicker evaluation against relevant regulations will provide efficiency and quality assurance for 3D printed PPE supplies.
Interactive Voice Response systems for informing citizens about the COVID-19 pandemic: A study on Brazil's Disque Saúde
Authors: Motta Isabela , Lopes Jorge , Quaresma Manuela
Published: June 2021

In order to slow down the spread of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, it is vital to adopt measures to inform citizens about preventive actions. Such an operation requires a wide-ranged system that comprises a variety of interfaces as channels between citizens and healthcare authority’s information services. Amongst such interfaces, the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems can present benefits for informing citizens about the pandemic. Although the literature shows that IVR systems have been used for healthcare, the extent of the COVID-19 pandemic demands new examinations on the role of IVR systems on a multiplatform system for delivering information. This paper aimed to identify gaps and opportunities for the use of IVR systems to inform citizens about the COVID-19 pandemic. A case study was conducted by mapping the Brazilian Ministry of Healthcare’s channels of information about the coronavirus and analyzing the Disque Saúde IVR system – a phone-based ombudsman channel -  based on literature recommendations. The results showed that while IVR systems have great potential for accessibility, it is essential that all types of information are available and continuously updated for citizens. Furthermore, the vast and mutable availability of information in a pandemic scenario may be a challenge for the usability of such systems.
Design amid Emergency
Authors: Freire Karine de Mello , Franzato Carlo , Remus Bruna do Nascimento
Published: June 2021

This article presents the process for the “Design of services under the COVID19 emergency social protection plan”, drawn up by a team of researchers and designers from Porto Alegre in collaboration with the Porto Alegre City Government, and directed at the provision of essential benefits to homeless and other vulnerable people during the pandemic. The process was developed in an unprecedented way for the designers involved: without prior notice, within very short time frames and completely remotely, using only digital platforms. As such, the process was developed to respond to the emergency and amid the emergency. In this regard, the objective of the article is to discuss how to design amid emergency. The experience was guided by the methodological principles of action research and research through design. In addition to the design results, these being solutions aimed at the short, medium and long term, this article highlights the need, even in these circumstances, to aim for the prizing of difference, the suggestion of alternative views, social innovation, the systemic transformation of society and sustainability.
TLR and IKK Complex–Mediated Innate Immune Signaling Inhibits Stress Granule Assembly
Authors: Samir Parimal , Place David E , Malireddi R K Subbarao , Kanneganti Thirumala-Devi
Published: June 2021

Cellular stress can induce cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein complexes called stress granules that allow the cells to survive. Stress granules are also central to cellular responses to infections, in which they can act as platforms for viral sensing or modulate innate immune signaling through pattern recognition receptors. However, the effect of innate immune signaling on stress granules is poorly understood. In this study, we report that prior induction of innate immune signaling through TLRs inhibited stress granule assembly in a TLR ligand dose-dependent manner in murine bone marrow–derived macrophages. Time course analysis suggests that TLR stimulation can reverse stress granule assembly even after it has begun. Additionally, both MYD88- and TRIF-mediated TLR signaling inhibited stress granule assembly in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress in bone marrow–derived macrophages and the chemotherapeutic drug oxaliplatin in murine B16 melanoma cells. This inhibition was not due to a decrease in expression of the critical stress granule proteins G3BP1 and DDX3X and was independent of IRAK1/4, JNK, ERK and P38 kinase activity but dependent on IKK complex kinase activity. Overall, we have identified the TLR–IKK complex signaling axis as a regulator of stress granule assembly–disassembly dynamics, highlighting cross-talk between processes that are critical in health and disease.
Role of IL-6–IL-27 Complex in Host Antiviral Immune Response
Authors: Zuo Qi , Cheng Zhikui , Zhang Guoqing , Xia Yongfang , Xu Gang , Cao Wei , Yang Xiaodan , Fu Yundong , He Rui , Fang Peining , Guo Yifei , Nie Longyu , Huang Yu , Liu Lin , Zhan Jianbo , Liu Shi , Zhu Ying
Published: June 2021

The IL family of cytokines participates in immune response and regulation. We previously found that soluble IL-6 receptor plays an important role in the host antiviral response. In this study, we detected the IL-6–IL-27 complex in serum and throat swab samples from patients infected with influenza A virus. A plasmid expressing the IL-6–IL-27 complex was constructed to explore its biological function. The results indicated that the IL-6–IL-27 complex has a stronger antiviral effect than the individual subunits of IL-6, IL-27A, and EBV-induced gene 3. Furthermore, the activity of the IL-6–IL-27 complex is mainly mediated by the IL-27A subunit and the IL-27 receptor α. The IL-6–IL-27 complex can positively regulate virus-triggered expression of IFN and IFN-stimulated genes by interacting with adaptor protein mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein, potentiating the ubiquitination of TNF receptor-associated factors 3 and 6 and NF-κB nuclear translocation. The secreted IL-6–IL-27 complex can induce the phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3 and shows antiviral activity. Our results demonstrate a previously unrecognized mechanism by which IL-6, IL-27A, and EBV-induced gene 3 form a large complex both intracellularly and extracellularly, and this complex acts in the host antiviral response.
A Comparative Study on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Medical and Engineering College Students in North-East India
Authors: Karmakar Nabarun , Saha Jayati , Datta Anjan , Nag Kaushik , Tripura Kaushik , Bhattacharjee Partha
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Physiological stress among medical and engineering students is common as compared to other professional courses. Increased stress levels result in an increased prevalence of psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, drug abuse, and suicide ideation. This study aimed to assess and compare the level of depression, anxiety, and stress among medical and engineering students in North-East India.

Materials and Methods:

This institution-based epidemiological study was conducted among undergraduate students in engineering and medical college (310 students from each college) of North-East India from January 2017 to December 2017. Participants were interviewed with Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-42 scale to assess the different grades of stress, anxiety, and depression. Data were entered and analyzed by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 16.0, and P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results:

Greater mean scores among medical students indicated that they had more depression, anxiety, and stress in comparison to engineering students (P < 0.05). Gender, education, socioeconomic status, permanent residence, satisfaction with academic performances, smoking, and alcohol intake were found to be significantly associated with depression, anxiety, and stress in students from both courses (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

A vast majority of the students were suffering from mild to very severe grades of depression, anxiety, and stress which is a matter of concern. Early interventions are needed to reduce the development of this depression, anxiety, and stress among professional students in today's date.
A rare case of giant chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid differentiation
Authors: Mehra Ketan , Manikandan Ramanitharan , Dorairajan Lalgudi Narayanan , Sreerekha Jinkala
Published: June 2021

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with sarcomatoid differentiation is an infrequent entity. In the current era of advanced imaging techniques, RCCs are usually detected in early stages, and a localized giant tumor is rarely encountered. Recently, we encountered a patient with a localized giant RCC, which was 36 cm in the largest dimension and weighing 5.1 kg, which was resected entirely but presented relapse and succumbed within 3 months of surgery.
Helical tomotherapy for prostate cancer radiation therapy
Authors: Kunheri Beena , Lakshmi J. S. , Ravindran Greeshma C. , Haridas  , Marwaha Vishal
Published: June 2021

Background:

Radiation plays a major role in the management of localized prostate cancer (CaP). There are limited studies reporting the quality of life (QOL) and toxicity with CaP tomotherapy.

Materials and Methods:

This is a single-institutional prospective observational study evaluating the acute toxicity and QOL of patients with CaP receiving tomotherapy from May 2018 to October 2019. Toxicity assessed using radiation therapy oncology group toxicity grading. QOL assessed using International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and QOL score.

Results:

A total number of 74 patients received radiation therapy (RT), of which 25 had postoperative RT and 49 had radical RT. The median age was 71 years. During RT, 8 (10.8%) had Grade 2 gastrointestinal (GI) and 4 (5.4%) had Grade 2 genito urinary (GU) toxicities. At 3 months, 1 (1.4%) had Grade 2 GI, 1 (1.4%) had Grade 2 GU, and 1 (1.4%) had Grade 3 GU toxicities. At 6 months, 1 patient had Grade 2 GU and no Grade 2 GI toxicity noted. In postoperative RT Group, 2 (8%) Grade 2 GI and 1 (1.4%) Grade 2 genitourinary toxicity reported during radiation. At 3 months, 1 (1.4%) Grade 2 GI, 1 (1.4%) G2 GU, and 1 (1.4%) G3 GU toxicities noted. At 6 months, no ≥ Grade 2 noted. In radical RT group, during radiation 6 (12.2%) Grade 2 GI and 3 (6.1%) Grade 2 GU recorded. At 3 and 6 months, no ≥ Grade 2 GI/GU toxicity was recorded. No Grade 3/Grade 4 observed in radical RT group. One patient in radical RT and one in postoperative RT had severe IPSS symptom score. Results are comparable to reported studies.

Conclusion:

Our initial clinical experience with helical tomotherapy in CaP confirms lower rate of toxicities and no significant worsening of QOL with RT.
Prostate permanent implant brachytherapy with BARC I-125 Ocu-Prosta seeds
Authors: Palled Siddanna R. , Saminathan Sathiyan , Pasha Tanvir , Naveen T. , Ganesh K. M. , Lokesh V.
Published: June 2021

Aim:

The aim of this study is implementation and establishment of standard operating procedure for permanent prostate implant brachytherapy technique using BARC I-125 Ocu-Prosta seeds.

Materials and Methods:

The transrectal ultrasound (US)-guided procedure was used for permanent implant procedure. The Best® Sonalis™ US Imaging System and Best NOMOS™ Treatment Planning system was used for volume study and implant procedure. The BARC provided I-125 Ocu-Pro radioactive seeds were implanted into the patient with help of Mick@ Applicator. The implant was performed based on pre-implant dosimetry and intraoperative planning performed during implant procedure.

Results:

The necessary quality assurance tests were performed for US system before clinical use. The boost dose of 110 Gy was prescribed to the prostate volume of 34.71 cc. About 48 seeds with activity of 0.35 mCi (each) implanted into the prostate volume with reference to intraoperative planning. At the end of procedure, the patient underwent abdomen fluoroscopic examination, to ensure the seed counts in the prostate volume. The day after the implant, the patient was discharged. One month later a planning computed tomography and treatment planning was performed for seed position and dose verification.

Conclusions:

Low dose rate permanent implant brachytherapy has the advantage of being a one-time procedure and the existing long term follow-up supports its excellent outcome and low morbidity. BARC-BRIT is supplying the loose 125I seeds. These seeds can be easily implanted into the patient using Mick applicator. However, the pre-implant seed preparation and implant procedure may result some radiation exposure to staff involved. The radiation dose can be minimized with good practice. This report is one patient pilot study and intended to test the implant systems and standard operative procedure henceforth for permanent implant brachytherapy procedure.
First case of acrometastases to the wrist reported from penile cancer
Authors: Cegla Paulina , Konstanty Ewelina , Fundowicz Magdalena , Pietrasz Katarzyna , Matuszewski Krzysztof , Heydrych Aleksandra , Piotrowski Tomasz
Published: June 2021

Penile cancer is a rarely diagnosed cancer that affects 0.4%–0.6% of all male population. Metastases to the bones from various human cancers are common; however, acrometastases are extremely rare with the most common primary tumor from lung, kidney, and breast. We report the first case of a patient with acrometastases to the left wrist reported from penile cancer.
Kaposi sarcoma of the adrenal gland
Authors: Derqaoui Sabrine , Znati Kaoutar , Bernoussi Zakia
Published: June 2021

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a low-grade vascular neoplasm commonly involving mucocutaneous sites, while adrenal gland involvement is exceptional. The anaplastic variant is a rare entity characterized by marked cellular pleomorphism, increased mitosis, worse prognosis, and an increased metastatic potential. The diagnosis remains on histology and immunohistochemistry. We describe two cases of primary adrenal KS to report on this exceptional presentation of KS: the first case is a 67-year-old female with anaplastic KS wit fatal outcome. The second case is a 56-year-old male who presented a classic KS of the adrenal gland. Until now, no standard efficient treatment regimens have been clearly identified. There is a need for a further understanding of anaplastic KS's biology, and collecting a sizable patient cohort remains essential to review treatment outcome.
Clinical presentation and course of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 in patients with various types of cancer
Authors: Acar Ramazan , Yilmaz Gulden , Savasci Umit , Aykan Musa Baris , Kiziloz Halil , Cuce Ferhat , Kadioglu Ekin , Filiz Mine , Fidan Gonca , Eksert Sami , Taskin Gurhan , Dogan Deniz , Arslan Yakup , Tasci Cantürk , Kayahan Neslihan , Dogan Tolga , Basgoz Bilgin Bahadir , Sertoglu Erdim , Erturk Ismail , Keskin Gul Sema Yildiran , Okcelik Sezgin , Yildiz Birol , Karadurmus Nuri
Published: June 2021

Objective:

Cancers have been reported to worsen the clinical course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. We aimed to demonstrate the real-life data on health outcomes in COVID-19-infected cancer patients.

Materials and Methods:

We analyzed the data of 43 COVID-19-infected cancer patients in our COVID-19 clinics between March 25, 2020, and May 9, 2020, retrospectively.

Results:

We determined that 1051 patients were followed up with COVID-19 infection and 43 (4%) of them were cancer patients. The mean age of the patients was 64.3 ± 12.3 years. Lung cancer is the most common cancer type among the patients (23.2%). Dyspnea (51.2%) was the most common symptom in the first admission. Typical ground-glass consolidation or patchy appearance with peribronchial thickening resembling bronchopneumonia on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was present in 29 (67.4%) patients. COVID-19 was diagnosed in 14 (32.5%) patients based on reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis of nose-throat swab samples without any sign of lung involvement on HRCT. Total mortality of the COVID-19 infection was 46.5% (n = 20). Presence of heart disease (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29–9.4), previous surgeries to the respiratory system (HR: 6.95; 95% CI: 1.29–27.7), and presence of dyspnea at admission (HR: 4; 95% CI: 1.31–12.3) were statistically significantly associated with death (P = 0.01, 0.02, and 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion:

Our practices supported that cancer patients were more affected by COVID-19 disease than the normal population. However, our findings can not be generalized due to being retrospective and single centered study, Also, we did not compare the findings with noncancer patients with COVID19 disease.
Evaluating the effects of metal artifacts on dose distribution of the pelvic region
Authors: Banaee Nooshin , Barough Mehdi Salehi , Asgari Sepideh , Hosseinzadeh Elham , Salimi Ehsan
Published: June 2021

Aim of the Study:

Some cancerous patients have hip prosthesis of metal elements when they undergo radiation therapy. Metal implants are a cause of metal artifacts in computed tomography (CT) images due to their higher density compared to normal tissues. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quantitative effects of metal artifacts on dose distribution of the pelvic region.

Materials and Methods:

Seven patients with metal implants in the pelvic region were scanned and CT images were exported to the Monaco treatment planning system. Based on the diagnosis of each patient, three-dimensional plans were implemented on CT images and dose distributions were extracted. At the next step, metal artifacts were contoured and electron densities of these new structures were modified to the extent of soft tissue. Finally, dose distributions and the differences were investigated by VeriSoft software.

Results:

The results of this study showed that if the electron density to metal artifacts is not assigned properly, it will increase the calculated monitor units (MUs) by almost 3.78 MUs/fraction which will significantly affect total dose distribution of treatment.

Conclusion:

For the precise implementation of the treatment and in order to minimize the systematic errors related to the calculated MUs, necessary corrections on the electron density of metal artifacts should be considered before the treatment planning. The issue will be more critical in advanced treatment modalities where dose escalation is needed.
Vitamin D in skin psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Authors: El Tawab Sarah , Eldeeb Marwa E. , Abdel- Fattahah Yousra H.
Published: June 2021

Background

Psoriasis can affect skin, as well as articular and extra-articular tissues. It has a multifactorial pathogenesis in which vitamin D has been implicated.

Objective

To assess vitamin D status in patients with skin psoriasis (PsO) and/or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and its correlation with disease activity and quality of life (QOL) in a cohort of Egyptian patients.

Patients and methods

This cross-sectional study included 45 patients, divided into group A (21 patients) with PsO and group B (24 patients) with PsA, as well as 38 healthy controls as group C. Disease activity and QOL were assessed in all patients. The serum total 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) level was measured for all participants.

Results

The median psoriasis area severity index was 8.4 (0.8–45.8) in group A and 10.9 (0.9–44.4) in group B. The median dermatology life quality index in group A was 7 (2–18) and in group B was 12 (3–30). In group B, the mean disease activity in PsA was 40.2±21.2 and PsAQOL was 14.5±4.18. Serum 25(OH)D levels were not statistically different among the three studies groups (H=4.213 at P=0.122). However, the receiver operating characteristic curve cutoff value (26.8 ng/ml) showed that group C had a statistically higher number of participants with normal vitamin D status compared with groups A and B.

Conclusion

Although a higher percentage of vitamin D deficiency may be found among patients with PsO and PsA, 25(OH)D levels did not correlate with different parameters in both patient groups.
Primary livedoid vasculopathy with livedo reticularis
Authors: El Enany Galal , Nagui Noha , Nada Hanan , Fawzy Marwa M. , Sany Iman , Nada Ahmed , Abdel Kader Heba A. , El Ghanam Omar
Published: June 2021

Livedoid vasculopathies are a group of heterogeneous disorders featuring cutaneous ischemia. Common pathological features include perivascular fibrinoid deposition with absence of evident features of vasculitis. Livedo reticularis is a pattern of vascular reticular pigmentary changes that associate in some conditions and disorders, reflecting the underlying mechanism of predominantly arterial ischemic event. In this case report, we present a 43-year-old female patient who developed a bilateral multiple hyperpigmented nonpruritic lesions on both arms and thighs with spontaneous skin ulcerations of 3-month duration. The biopsy results revealed characteristics consistent with vasculopathy. The patient has showed a remarkable improvement on combination of cyclosporin and dapsone.
A typical case of juvenile psammamatoid ossifying fibroma
Authors: Lokesh K. V. , Swathi Gadadasu , Kiranmai Balli Haritha , Reddy V. Nikitha
Published: June 2021

Juvenile ossifying fibroma is an uncommon fibro-osseous lesion of jaws nature of short-term rapid growth characterized by excessive growth of bone, destruction, and more probable to reoccur. This lesion has more predominance to occur in younger individuals than older ones and mostly involves facial bones. The lesion mostly involves jaws, orbit, cranial bones, ethmoidal complex, skull base, and Calvaria. Radiographically appears as unilocular or multilocular appearance. The lesion was divided into psammomatoid and trabecular types histopathologically. The psammomatous type of juvenile psammomatoid ossifying fibroma principally involves the bones of the orbit and paranasal sinuses. This lesion is considered to have a higher recurrence rate than its counterparts, so it should be taken care of. This is a case report of a 17-year-old female patient referred to our clinic for a swelling complaint and was provisionally diagnosed as a periapical cyst. The radiograph of this swelling appeared as a multilocular mixed lesion upon viewing. An incisional biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis, ensuring it was a juvenile ossifying psammomatoid fibroma. The treatment for the lesion was surgical excision and succeeded by restoration. Lesions with different clinical presentations should be viewed cautiously, taken care of for a proper diagnostic approach, and should be followed for more extended periods to avoid recurrence.
A perception among general dental practitioners and postgraduates of Central India toward the use of “magnifying loupes” in clinical practice – A questionnaire-based survey
Authors: Madakwade Sangham Dinkar , Makade Chetana S. , Shenoi Pratima Ramakrishna , Kubde Rajesh , Thawale Himani Vilas , Tiwari Vinay Harishchandra
Published: June 2021

Background:

The introduction of magnification aids such as dental operating microscope and magnifying loupes is one of the most important technologies that have improved dental treatment quality and allow dentists to enhance their visibility and accuracy for diagnosis and treatment.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to determine the awareness, attitude, and prevalence of usage of magnifying loupes among the general dental practitioners and postgraduate students in Central India.

Methodology:

A close-ended validated questionnaire was structured to assess the awareness, attitude, and prevalence of magnifying loupes among the general dental practitioners and postgraduate students in Central India. Data were analyzed with simple descriptive statistics (SPSS Ver 22).

Results:

Almost 91.9% of the participants were aware of dentistry magnification, whereas only 47.17% of the participants were using them in their clinical practice.

Conclusions:

Although most participants were aware of the magnifying loupes, its practical usage was limited to only 47.17%.
Learning to Adapt in a Global Pandemic of COVID-19: Insights to Support Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Southern Africa
Authors: Ojo Emmanuel , Ramsarup Presha , Jenkin Nicola
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted all education sectors significantly during the full global lockdown between March and June 2020, including the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. During this period, the authors jointly led nine researchers who were postgraduate students in six Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries (Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe). Due to the restrictions during the lockdown, these nine researchers conducted a literature review and thirty interviews in local communities in these six SADC countries. This included both VET colleges as well as individuals in informal, small-scale and entrepreneurial activities. The authors refer to the qualitative data gathered by the interviews with these interviewees as ‘stories of adaptation’. In this paper we used these ‘stories of adaptation’ to explore the links between learning to adapt and expertise, and to consider how together these constructs offer insights into how VET can be strengthened to better support local communities.Two research questions were asked: (1) how do the notions of adaptive capacity and expertise as conceptual constructs help to understand vocational learning in a global pandemic? and (2) what insights can be drawn from the ‘stories of adaptation’ to strengthen the role of VET in local communities? Through a thematic analysis of the ‘stories of adaptation’, three key findings emerged: (1) capacity to adapt is a multi-level and multi-pronged construct; (2) use of digital platforms as well as local networks were key enabling mechanisms for adaptation; and, (3) learning and expertise are embedded in the capacity to adapt. Thus, we argue that building a responsive VET system for the SADC region is achievable by strengthening the nexus between learning, expertise and adaptive capacity. Keywords: adaptive capacity; expertise; global pandemic; vocational education
Factors Affecting Residents' Support for Tourism Development: Case of the Aurès Cultural Landscape
Authors: Serhane Karima Imène , Foufa Amina Abdessemed , Neglia Giulia Annalinda
Published: June 2021

The paper aims to understand residents' perceptions and opinions of tourism impacts and to determine whether there is a relationship between tourism impacts and support/participation in tourism in a developing region: The Aurès. A total of 360 questionnaires were collected from the inhabitants of 4 villages, selected according to their tourist frequentation. 50 items concerning demographic characteristics, tourism impacts and tourist support/involvement were used. The results indicate that the inhabitants generally have positive perceptions and opinions towards tourism development. Motivated by the economic factor and concerned about privacy issues, residents of villages with tourist traffic are more supportive of tourism development than others. From the perspective of the tourism development that the city government has initiated, these results provide useful information for the planning and management of future tourism projects.