bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surviving the edge: Strategies for maximizing recovery in near-hanging cases: A case series
Authors: Yadav Arvind Kumar , Mall Suhas Kumar , Nagasubramanyam Vempalli , Gupta Rahul , Pandey Arun Kumar , Sireesha Konda
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Hanging is a common method of suicide/homicide in India. We report a series of three cases of suicidal hangings and one accidental strangulation case seen over 4 months in the Department of Trauma and Emergency Medicine. All our patients presented in very critical condition and were treated with early aggressive management resulting in excellent outcomes.
Patient safety culture: Insights from a cross-sectional study among healthcare professionals
Authors: Tadia Vijay K. , Kotwal Neelam , Jalaunia Rahul S.
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

The classical definition of patient safety given by the IOM is, “the prevention of harm to patients.” To expect error less performance from human beings working in a complex, highly challenging, and stressful health care environment is unrealistic. The emphasis must be on fostering a culture of safety that involves multiple stakeholders including healthcare workers, healthcare organizations, and patients.

Aim:

To assess the culture of patient safety among healthcare professionals.

Settings and Design:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-validated survey instrument in a tertiary care pediatric hospital.

Methods and Material:

The data were collected over a period of 1 month (from 4th January 2022 to 5th February 2022) using pre-validated questionnaire based on “Surveys on Patient Safety Culture™ (SOPS™) Hospital Survey Version 2.0 (SOPS Hospital Survey 2.0)”. Both web-based and paper-based questionnaire forms were distributed among the health care workers.

Results:

Totally, 61% of the respondents had average positive response to patient safety, 75% positive response about communication of patient safety error and 74% about teamwork in crisis. A total of 74% responded that supervisors or clinical leaders support them in pursuit of patient safety, 73% about proper handovers. About 69% mentioned about a culture of organizational learning and continuous improvement, 59% reported any patient safety event, 49% believed in support from Hospital management and 42% believed that if a patient safety error is reported it is responded to positively by the seniors by taking corrective measures.

Conclusions:

The study presented with a plethora of outcomes that can be used for promoting safe healthcare. A policy for continuous improvement should be implemented to ensure the culture of safe and sustainable patient care.
The silent menace: Worm bezoar causing acute intestinal obstruction
Authors: Shiva Shiva , Kumar Sahil , Singh Pankaj , Kumar Sanjeev , Kumar Suresh
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Intestinal obstruction represents a critical surgical emergency with a myriad of potential causes, ranging from mechanical blockages to functional impairments. In contrast to developed nations, where the usual causes of obstruction are adhesions, strictures, and metabolic derangements, infective etiologies, like tuberculosis and parasitic infestations, are more common in developing countries. We present a case report of a 22-year-old man presenting with acute intestinal obstruction due to a massive ascariasis infestation. The patient exhibited classical symptoms of intestinal obstruction, including abdominal pain, distension, and vomiting. Imaging studies revealed multiple air–fluid levels, suggesting a small bowel obstruction. Emergency surgical intervention was performed, and a substantial number of live worms were extracted from the small intestine, relieving the obstruction. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged with anthelmintic therapy and instructions for improved sanitation practices. This case underscores the importance of considering worm bezoars as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with acute intestinal obstruction, particularly in endemic regions, and highlights the significance of prompt surgical intervention for resolution. Additionally, it emphasizes the critical role of public health measures in preventing and managing parasitic infestations.
A retrospective study of 5S behaviours of Physical Activity (PA) among suburban Mumbai population with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)
Authors: Parikh Kosha , Thosani Shikha , Joshi Ameya , Hajirnis Apoorva , Seth Chandani
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Background:

T2DM is a chronic metabolic disorder to manage the same lifestyle modification is cornerstone. In 2022, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) published a consensus report targeting the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), which emphasised the importance of regular aerobic and resistance exercise. Both forms of physical activity (PA) can improve blood glucose, HbA1C levels, flexibility and balance. The ADA and EASD has categorised PA behaviours into 5 S. The 5 S stands for:- Sitting, Stepping, Sleep Sweating, Strengthening. The current study aims at auditing these 5S behaviours in suburban Mumbai population with its impact on HbA1C and body mass index (BMI).

Methodology:

A Retrospective, questionnaire-based study was conducted in the Endocrinology outpatient department of tertiary care institute in Mumbai suburban district. The demographic details, anthropometric measurements, HbA1C levels, sleep cycle and daily PA schedule including the 5S behaviours were recorded. The data generated was then statistically analysed using the IBM SPSS software v. 23.

Results:

The study included a total of 356 T2DM participants. Prolong sitting had a statistically significant correlation with BMI (P value = 0.003) and HbA1c levels (P value = 0.001), similarly strength training had a positive correlation with HbA1c (P value = 0.048) as well as with total sleep hours (P value < 0.0001). Behaviour like drowsiness was positively correlated with changing shift duty. Additionally, in the present study, it was also observed that more than half of the study population (55.8%) did not track their daily steps.

Conclusion:

The findings of the present study emphasize the importance of reducing sedentary time, promoting strength training and enhancing sleep quality in T2DM management. Targeted interventions in these areas can help improve health outcomes and quality of life for T2DM patients.
A Narrative Review of Celiac Disease in India with a Focus on its Link with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Tharunika Sridhar , Mohan Viswanathan , Anjana Ranjit Mohan , Amutha Anandakumar
Published: January 2025

Celiac disease (CeD) is an autoimmune condition that is triggered when gluten, the protein component found in wheat, barley, and rye, is consumed. It is not only a disease of the intestines: it is a complex condition resulting from a combination of several hereditary variables working in conjunction with non-genetic reasons. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune illness associated with absolute insulin deficiency and severe hyperglycemia in those with genetic vulnerability. T1D is often associated with CeD due to its shared genetic predisposition and immune system dysregulation. CeD is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to a lack of knowledge of the condition among healthcare professionals and the general public. CeD is often mistaken for many other gastrointestinal disorders, which leads to delays in the treatment and management of the disease, thus leading to various other complications. To address this issue, this study was initiated with a comprehensive literature review from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, PGIMER, ICMR, and International Diabetes Federation Atlas Reports using keywords like “Type 1 Diabetes,” “Celiac Disease,” and “India.” Studies on CeD prevalence in India, genetic linkages to T1D, related variables, and clinical characteristics were included. Non-relevant populations, non-human studies, and old data were excluded. Narrative synthesis provided a comprehensive picture of CeD and T1D in India. This narrative review aims to enhance the understanding of CeD and T1D and guide the development of effective strategies from the public health perspective, to address CeD at an early stage.
Exploring the Occurrence of Autoimmune Disorders in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Comprehensive Analysis of Frequency and Associations
Authors: Uddin Zaheer , Askari Saima , Riaz Musarrat , Bashir Ihsan , Basit Abdul
Published: January 2025

Background:

It is well recognized that type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and autoimmune diseases are related; however, exact frequency of autoimmune diseases in T1DM is still unknown.

Objective:

To determine the frequency of autoimmune disorder associated with T1DM.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was performed at Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE), Baqai Medical University (BMU), Karachi. One hundred and fifty-one diagnosed patients of T1DM having age <35 years were selected by using consecutive sampling technique. Clinical evidence (sign and symptoms) supported by diagnostic tests (where indicated) were used to confirm autoimmune disorder in T1DM.

Results:

Out of 151 T1DM patient, male patients were 80 (53.0%) and female patients were 71 (47.0%) with a mean age of 17.10 ± 5.74 years. Autoimmune disease was diagnosed in 43 (28.5%) T1DM patients. Most commonly reported autoimmune and other disorder associated with T1DM patients was hypothyroidism diagnosed in 25 (16.6%) patients followed by celiac disease in 22 (14.6%) patients and Addison disease in four (2.6%) patients. Moreover, polycystic ovarian syndrome was found in 15 (21.1%) female patients.

Conclusion:

The substantial linkage observed between T1DM and autoimmune diseases underscores the critical importance of timely diagnosis for both conditions.
Investigating the Efficacy of Nano Bioactive Glass in Promoting Enamel Remineralization and Inhibiting Demineralization: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Qadiri Syed Yasir , Hossain Malik Mahmud Iqbal , Irum Bushra , Almobti Mohammed Naseer , Magbool Majid Ahmad Abdullah , Al Hutaylah Mohammed Hussain Mahdi
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Objective:

This study evaluated the effectiveness of nano bioactive glass 45S5 in promoting enamel remineralization and inhibiting demineralization, comparing it to traditional fluoride varnish and CPP-ACP treatments.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-five freshly extracted human permanent premolar teeth were sectioned and exposed to a demineralization solution for 48 hours. The teeth were then treated with fluoride varnish (Group I), CPP-ACP paste (Group II), or nano bioactive glass 45S5 paste (Group III) for 10 days. Vickers microhardness was measured at three time points: baseline, postdemineralization, and postremineralization. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by post
hoc tests for pairwise comparisons.

Results:

Significant differences in enamel hardness were observed across all treatment groups at baseline (P < 0.001). After demineralization, Group III (bioactive glass) exhibited the highest postdemineralization hardness (P = 0.050). Post remineralization, Group III demonstrated the highest hardness (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Bioactive Glass 45S5 showed superior remineralization and demineralization inhibition compared to traditional fluoride varnish and CPP-ACP treatments.
Partially reducible paraesophageal hiatal hernia with organoaxial gastric rotation in an asymptomatic child
Authors: Sengupta Sohini , Mishra Anmol , Pandit Narayan , Mishra Ankita , Sarkar Sabyasachi
Published: January 2025

Paraoesophageal hernias are an extremely rare variety of hiatal hernias commonly encountered in elderly. This article illustrates the case of a 3-year-old child with features of urinary tract infection but incidentally diagnosed with paraesophageal hiatal hernia with associated organoaxial gastric rotation and a preprandial intrathoracic stomach with no symptoms congruent with his diagnosis. The diagnosis was suspected initially on ultrasonography of the right hemithorax and confirmed with barium studies and computed tomography with oral contrast. Although an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was advised by the clinician, the patient never underwent the procedure during our follow-up period.
Fine-needle aspiration cytology of Virchow’s node: A 3-year experience in a tertiary care teaching hospital in South-Eastern belt of India
Authors: Katta Ramya , Chinnam Aparna , Prasad Uma , Bora Sreedhar
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

The present study was taken up to assess the role of fine-needle aspiration cytology in diagnosing left supraclavicular lymphadenopathy and assess if the Virchow’s node still has the same clinical corollaries in recent times, where there has been a drastic change in epidemiology and therapy of cancers.

Material and Methods:

The present study is a 3-year retrospective analytical study conducted in the department of pathology in a tertiary care teaching hospital.

RESULTS:

A total number of 106 cases were received during the study period. The mean age of presentation was 45.86 ± 17.71 years, and the male-to-female incidence of 0.65. Malignant pathology outnumbered benign pathology. The most common malignant pathology was metastatic deposits. The most common primary malignancy was breast carcinoma in females and lung carcinoma in males.

CONCLUSION:

With the changing epidemiology of cancers, left supraclavicular nodes can be more commonly involved by supradiaphragmatic malignancies when compared to the yesteryears.
Development and assessment of “college student to community strategy” for enhancing tuberculosis case detection
Authors: Joshi Bhavna Pramod , Tayade Deepak Narayan , Salve Shobha Bansi , Almeida Andrea Anthony , Dhawan Abhishek
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Tuberculosis (TB) elimination is the top-most public health priority for India. Taking into account the dire need to enhance the detection of TB cases, an innovative model was developed and implemented.

AIM:

The aim is to develop and assess “college student to community strategy” for enhancing TB case detection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

A quasi-experimental study was conducted in seven different nonmedical degree colleges. A total of 134 students participated in this study. Information, education, and communication (IEC) sessions describing the epidemiology, presumptive case definition, control, and prevention of TB were conducted. Pretest and posttest were administered to capture knowledge about TB, including identification of presumptive TB cases. Data were analyzed with SPSS V. 25.0.

RESULTS:

A total of 134 participants were included in this study. Only 108 (80.6%) participants were aware of TB before the IEC session. There was a statistically significant difference in knowledge about transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of TB before and after IEC activity. 118 (88.06%) participants felt confident regarding presumptive TB case detection. Two participants and three close contacts having presumptive TB symptoms were linked to the TB care pathway.

CONCLUSION:

College students who are equipped with the presumptive TB case detection knowledge can be instrumental in diagnosing the hidden burden of TB in the community. This will detect additional cases along with routine case detection through the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program.
Prevalence of insomnia and its association with itch in chronic pruritic dermatoses: A cross-sectional study from a tertiatry care hospital
Authors: Rajeshwari K. A. , Ravishankar Vinutha
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Sleep and itch are two important factors to be considered in understanding the psychosocial adaptation of chronic skin disorders. There are research gaps in understanding the interplay of these symptoms in patients with chronic pruritus.

OBJECTIVE:

The primary objective of the study was to estimate the proportion of insomnia in patients with chronic pruritus. The secondary objective was to determine the association of insomnia with the various dimensions of itch.

METHODS:

This was a 6-month cross-sectional study done from September 1, 2022, to March 1, 2023, conducted in the outpatient services of the department of dermatology at a tertiary care hospital. Operational definitions for chronic pruritus and insomnia were defined. A sample of 162 patients with chronic pruritus was included in the study through convenience sampling. The included participants were asked to fill in the 5D itch scale and Insomnia Severity Index scale to assess itch and insomnia, respectively. Descriptive analysis was carried out for quantitative and categorical variables. The itch scores were compared between insomnia and noninsomnia groups with Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and receiver operating characteristic analyses.

RESULTS:

Insomnia was reported in 66 (40.7%) of the patients with chronic pruritus. Irrespective of the dermatological diagnoses, total itch severity, degree, duration, and disability of itch were the factors associated with insomnia.

CONCLUSION:

There is an underestimated burden of insomnia in patients with chronic pruritus. The severity of insomnia was associated significantly with the total itch score, degree, duration, and disability dimensions of itch.
Exploring the impact of thyroid disorders on cognitive domains with Mini Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination: A prospective study
Authors: Sam Sona P. , Jose Riya , Poojary Bhavya , Wilson Merlin Maria , George Ann Elizabeth , Jeeragi Mallikarjuna V.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Cognitive impairment is a common issue among individuals with thyroid disorders, which can affect their cognitive abilities without completely interfering with their daily tasks. Early screening is important to provide social and psychological support and the best care and intervention. The Mini-Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (M-ACE) assessment tool has been found to be more accurate and reliable in identifying Alzheimer’s disease from mild cognitive impairment and control groups.

OBJECTIVES:

The study aimed to investigate the impact of thyroid disorders on various cognitive domains using the M-ACE tool and evaluate its practicality in assessing patients.

METHODS:

In a 6-month cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital, 202 thyroid patients were evaluated using the M-ACE tool to assess their cognitive status. The patient’s responses were scored to determine their overall cognitive status and the most affected cognitive domain. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and International Business Machines Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) version 25, with a significance level of P < 0.05.

RESULTS:

This study found that 29.21% of the patients had cognitive impairment, with memory being the most affected domain (MCI = 10.17 ± 1.33 and dementia = 6.83 ± 1.66). A significant difference was observed between groups with no cognitive impairment, MCI, and dementia (P < 0.00001).

CONCLUSION:

In this study, thyroid disorders significantly affected attention, memory, language, and visuospatial domains of cognition, and memory was the most affected domain. This provides insight into the importance of early identification of cognitive decline, especially in thyroid patients. In addition, our findings suggest that the M-ACE questionnaire is a reliable and convenient tool for assessing cognitive status.
Sexual dimorphism and sex estimation: Review in forensic odontology
Authors: Negi Brijesh Kumar , Gurung Deepak
Published: January 2025

Sexual dimorphism traditionally refers to physical differences between males and females of a species. This variability is crucial for maintaining diverse phenotypic traits. In essence, sexual dimorphism reflects a complex interplay of genetic, gonadal, hormonal, and behavioral factors that shape the traits observed in males and females. Sex estimation involves determining whether skeletal remains belong to a male or female. This can be done through two primary approaches: nonmetric methods, which rely on visual inspection of skeletal features, and metric methods, which use equations based on measurements of skeletal dimensions. Because the degree of sexual dimorphism can differ significantly across populations, using population-specific equations generally yields more accurate results for metric sex estimation. Sex estimation by forensic odontologist can be done either by morphological analysis or by molecular analysis. A standardized method for documenting dental records is crucial for aiding in the identification of individuals following accidents or large-scale disasters. Furthermore, training specialized groups, forming interdisciplinary teams, and fostering international collaboration are essential components in the field of forensic medicine.
ADAR1 Gene Polymorphism and Hematological Analysis in Responders and Relapse Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Hameed Aseel Majeed , Al-Alwani Shakir , Zair Amira
Published: January 2025

Background:

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is defined by the Break point cluster region and Abelson Genes (BCR-ABL) fusion gene, which produces a continuously active tyrosine kinase known as the primary driver responsible for initiating and sustaining the disease. The RNA editing enzyme adenosine deaminase acting on double-stranded RNA 1 (ADAR1) converts adenosine into inosine in double-stranded RNA substrates. This enzymatic process is crucial in cellular RNA editing and can impact disease progression and therapeutic responses in CML.

Objective:

Analysis of ADAR1 gene polymorphisms, ADAR1 levels, and hematological parameters in Iraqi patients with CML.

Materials and Methods:

From January 2021 to February 2023, one hundred and twenty samples of whole blood were collected from patients with CML at the National Center of Hematology/Mustansiriyah University. The control group in this study comprised thirty samples of fresh whole blood. Total DNA genomic extraction was done to detect the ADAR1 gene polymorphism by sequencing. Furthermore, serum was used to detect ADAR1 enzyme level.

Results:

According to the age and male/female ratio, the patients’ groups were matching with control group. A group of CML patients on treatment, 65 out of 100 patients were on imatinib, while 35 were treated with other tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The patient groups in terms of age and gender ratio were matched with the control group. Among CML patients receiving treatment, 65 out of 100 were using imatinib, while 35 were treated with other tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In the newly diagnosed CML group, ADAR mutations were present in 35% of cases, and among treated CML patients, this proportion was 36%, whereas the control group showed no mutations (P < 0.001). The distribution of DNA polymorphisms—A/G, G/T, and G/G—was 42%, 30%, and 28%, respectively, among patients with CML, compared to 34%, 20%, and 46%, respectively, in the control group. There are significant differences between different groups according to genotyping of ADAR1 (P < 0.05). Based on ADAR1 mutation, there is a significant difference observed between the newly diagnosed CML group and the CML patients in the treatment group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Specifically, the differences between the new diagnosis CML group and the treatment group were not statistically significant (P = 0.326). Furthermore, both the new diagnosis CML group and the relapse group showed significant differences compared to the control group (P < 0.001). The P value associated with the correlation between ADAR mutation and these groups is <0.001, indicating a highly significant correlation.

Conclusion:

The current findings suggest that ADAR1 polymorphisms and ADAR1 enzyme levels in Iraqi patients with CML could potentially influence disease progression and deepen our understanding of its mechanisms. These factors may also contribute to disease development and affect how patients respond to treatment.
Technological Advances in Radiation Oncology
Authors: Rath Goura Kishor , Devnani Bharti , Gupta Atul Kumar , Aggarwal Depanshu
Published: January 2025

One of the most technologically advanced treatment modalities for cancer is radiotherapy (RT). Because of advancements in computer and engineering over the past few decades, RT approaches have undergone significant modification. Our goal is to draw attention to the latest advancements in radiation oncology, with an emphasis on both biological and technological innovations. Modern treatment methods using photon beams, including intensity-modulated radiotherapy, volumetric-modulated arc therapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy, and adaptive radiotherapy, will be demonstrated. A highly customized dosage distribution with the greatest amount of normal tissue preservation is feasible. Imaging, defining the tumor and the organs at risk, treatment planning, and, lastly, image-guidance for precise tumor localization both before and during treatment delivery will all be examined. The critical function that imaging plays throughout the entire process will receive special attention. In the case of adaptive radiotherapy, multimodality imaging that combines morphological, functional, and metabolic data is primarily responsible for the accurate identification of target volumes and the tracking of tumor response or change over the course of treatment. Furthermore, breathing adaptive approaches that correct for tumor movements caused by respiration require real-time imaging of the tumor. The recent popularity of particle beam therapy—specifically, the use of protons—as well as the relatively new experience with heavy particles like carbon ions will be briefly discussed. Lastly, we’ll examine the most recent biological developments in tumor targeting. In fact, the integration of radiobiological information to create more effective and individualized treatment plans has increased the efficacy of RT in addition to technological advancements.
Leprosy: A Mimicker of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Seth Gaurav , Singla Rajednder , Parwan Deepika , Gupta Astha
Published: January 2025

Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease which can affect the musculoskeletal system in one-third of the patients. Leprosy may manifest with symptoms that usually mimic classic autoimmune disease. A 71-year-old male presented to us with inflammatory arthritis with rheumatoid factor positivity and was being treated as rheumatoid arthritis. Skin and neuropathic symptoms with anticyclic citrullinated antibody negativity helped us keep leprosy as a differential. Therefore, a skin biopsy was performed which confirmed lepromatous leprosy. Initial presentation with musculoskeletal symptoms in leprosy can delay its diagnosis and treatment leading to increased morbidity.
Correlation of Pleural Fluid Analysis with Thoracoscopy Guided Biopsy in Undiagnosed Exudative Pleural Effusion
Authors: Vinod Athul , Mendiratta Manisha , Gupta Vipin
Published: January 2025

Background:

Despite having a high burden of tuberculosis (TB) and thus pleural effusions, there is very little data or studies available based in India on pleural fluid analysis and thoracoscopic-guided biopsy, and their correlation with each other. The aim of this study was to compare and correlate various parameters of pleural fluid analysis with thoracoscopic-guided biopsy especially in undiagnosed pleural effusions in Indian setting.

Patients and Methods:

This prospective observational study was carried out in a total of 40 patients above 18 years of age after obtaining institutional ethics committee clearance and written informed consent who were admitted in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Sarvodaya Hospital and Research Centre, from August 2022 to January 2024 covering a total duration of 18 months. The data were entered into MS excel and analyzed by SPSS statistical software. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, standard deviation, and t-test was used to determine level of statistical significance which was set at 0.05.

Results:

The mean age of the study participants was found to be 53.23 ± 19.95 years, male-to-female sex ratio was 1.6:1. The most common cause of exudative pleural effusion was tuberculous pleuritis (40%) followed by malignancy (22.5%). Shortness of breath (67.5%) and chest pain (50%) were the predominant clinical symptoms. Malignant pleural effusions showed a polymorphic predominant cytology while lymphocytic predominant cytology was present in chronic inflammatory effusions predominantly tubercular. Parapneumonic effusions exhibited elevated adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels and more neutrophils in pleural fluid, whereas tubercular effusions demonstrated increased ADA levels with abundance of lymphocytes. Metastatic adenocarcinoma was the most common type of malignancy found on histopathology. Necrotizing granulomatous inflammation and granulomas were the predominant findings on histopathological examination and imprint cytology, observed in 40% and 35% of the study participants, respectively. Pleural biopsy has a significantly higher diagnostic yield for TB as well as malignancy (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Medical thoracoscopy serves as an effective, safe, and well tolerate diagnostic tool for pulmonologists in assessing undiagnosed pleural effusions postthoracentesis.
Clinical Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Cronobacter sakazakii in the Northern Region of Oman
Authors: Sannathimmappa Mohan Bilikallahalli , Nambiar Vinod , Al-Alawi Osama Mohammed Salih Adnan , Al-Fragi Mouge Mohammad Salah , Al Mani Isra Mohammed Ali , Madan Zahra Merza Ahmed Hasan Ahmed , Al-Maqbali Salima , Aravindakshan Rajeev
Published: January 2025

Background:

Cronobacter sakazakii is an opportunistic pathogen that mostly affects neonates, infants, and elderly people with weakened immune systems. No study has reported the frequency and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of C. sakazakii from Oman, and thus this study was conducted to fill this gap in the literature.

Materials and Methods:

This single-center retrospective study included C. sakazakii isolates identified from different clinical samples of patients treated at Sohar Hospital, Oman, between January 2017 and December 2023. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were done using the VITEK II automated microbiological system in accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.

Results:

A total of 185 C. sakazakii isolates were included, most commonly from patients aged >60 years (42.7%) and <1 year (11.4%). C. sakazakii strains had high susceptibility (>80%) to most of the tested antibiotics; however, for beta-lactam antibiotics, it ranged from 0% to 50%. Approximately 26.5% of the strains were multidrug resistant. Independent risk factors for increased frequency of multidrug-resistant strains were urinary catheterization (P = 0.002), surgery (P = 0.021), previous antibiotic therapy (P = 0.047), and critical care unit admission (P = 0.048). About one-fifth of the patients experienced life-threatening C. sakazakii infections such as septicemia (15%) and pneumonia (4.7%). All deaths due to septicemia occurred in the >60 years (n = 12) and <1 year (n = 4) age groups.

Conclusions:

Cronobacter sakazakii isolates from the North Batinah region of Oman were most frequently isolated from elderly and infant patients and had high antibiotic susceptibility; however, the significant resistance against beta-lactams suggests their low effectiveness. The high number of multidrug-resistant strains coupled with the independent risk factors suggests the need for following stricter antibiotic stewardship protocols and infection control practices.
Prevalence and Clinical Outcomes of Eosinophilic COPD in a Saudi Population: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Alshehri Fareed , Alghamdi Muath , Aloqabi Fatinah A. , Ibrahim Ahmed , Tayeb Nisreen , Hassosah Mohammed , Abu-Zaid Ahmed , Fan Hanan , Vali Yusuf
Published: January 2025

Objective:

This study assessed the prevalence of eosinophilic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among a selected Saudi population and examined its correlation with baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes, exacerbation risk, and current management.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective single-center study was conducted over a 2-year period. The patients were divided into two groups based on the blood eosinophil count at the time of diagnosis: eosinophilic COPD (≥300 cells/μl) and non-eosinophilic COPD (<300 cells/μl) groups.

Results:

Overall, 156 patients were included, of which 76 (48.7%) and 80 (51.3%) patients belonged to the eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic COPD groups, respectively. There were no significant differences between both groups regarding age, gender, smoking status, coexisting morbidities, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and COPD severity (for all, P >0.05). Besides, there were no significant differences between both groups regarding the frequency and numbers of exacerbations, emergency room visits, in-patient hospitalizations, and intensive care unit admissions (for all, P >0.05). Among patients with eosinophilic COPD, 64 patients (84.2%) were correctly receiving the triple therapy of long-acting β2 agonists + long-acting muscarinic antagonist + inhaled corticosteroids, whereas 4 patients (5.26%) were incorrectly receiving the dual therapy of long-acting β2 agonists + inhaled corticosteroids. Univariate regression analyses revealed that heart failure, GOLD 3 severity, use of triple therapy, and use of non-invasive ventilation were significantly correlated with a higher risk of COPD exacerbation. Conversely, higher FEV1 was significantly correlated with lower risk of COPD exacerbation. The eosinophilic COPD phenotype was not found to be a significant independent variable of COPD exacerbation.

Conclusion:

This study found that among Saudi patients with COPD, there was no clinically important relationship between baseline blood eosinophil count and the rate of exacerbation.
The steady states of strong-KPP reactions in general domains
Authors: Berestycki Henri , Graham Cole
Published: January 2025

We study the uniqueness of steady states of strong-KPP reaction-diffusion equations in general domains under various boundary conditions. We show that positive bounded steady states are unique provided the domain satisfies a certain spectral nondegeneracy condition. We also formulate a number of open problems and conjectures.
Non-linear microlocal cut-off functors
Authors: Zhang Bingyu
Published: January 2025

To any conic closed set of a cotangent bundle, one can associate four functors on the category of sheaves, which are called non-linear microlocal cut-off functors. Here we explain their relation with the microlocal cut-off functor defined by Kashiwara and Schapira, and prove a microlocal cut-off lemma for non-linear microlocal cut-off functors, adapting inputs from symplectic geometry. We also prove two Künneth formulas and a functor classification result for categories of sheaves with microsupport conditions.
Reseña del Libro: Imágenes en tránsito. Fotoperiodismo y Transición española (1975-1982)
Authors: Lozano Triviño Elisa
Published: January 2025

Introducción: El libro Imágenes en tránsito. Fotoperiodismo y Transición española (1975-1982), escrito por Rebeca Romero Escrivá y Lorna Beatriz Arroyo Jiménez, analiza el papel del fotoperiodismo durante la Transición española, un periodo caracterizado por contradicciones entre la democracia emergente y los remanentes del franquismo. Utilizando imágenes icónicas, el libro examina cómo se capturaron y representaron las tensiones sociales y políticas del momento. Metodología: El análisis se centra en la interpretación visual de la Transición a través de fotografías clave, explorando temas como:

La representación de líderes políticos y exiliados.
El papel de las mujeres rurales en un contexto de marginación.
La resistencia cultural y los valores patriarcales transmitidos a través de las imágenes. Se incluye el trabajo de fotógrafas como Anna Turbau y Pilar Aymerich, quienes desafiaron los espacios dominados por hombres con perspectivas innovadoras.
Resultados

Contradicciones de la Transición: Imágenes como la del Guernica encerrado en una vitrina antibalas simbolizan las tensiones entre el cambio democrático y las estructuras franquistas aún vigentes.
Visibilidad de las mujeres rurales: Se retrata a las mujeres como víctimas de una ideología patriarcal, desafiando estos roles mediante testimonios y fotografías que documentan su resistencia.
Fotógrafas disidentes: El trabajo de artistas como Turbau y Aymerich destaca por desmontar discursos dominantes y ofrecer una visión renovada de la realidad femenina y social.

Discusión: El libro aborda cómo las imágenes no solo documentaron la historia, sino que también desafiaron narrativas oficiales, poniendo de manifiesto los conflictos no resueltos de la Transición. Asimismo, destaca la relevancia de estas fotografías en la construcción de una memoria colectiva y en la reivindicación de sectores marginados como las mujeres rurales y los artistas exiliados. Conclusiones: Imágenes en tránsito es un aporte significativo al estudio del fotoperiodismo y su rol en la memoria visual de la Transición española. A través de un enfoque crítico y centrado en la diversidad, el libro muestra cómo las imágenes documentaron no solo los avances democráticos, sino también las fracturas y resistencias en una sociedad en transformación.
Регулярность операторов Кальдерона-Зигмунда в областях
Authors: Vasin Andrey Vasil'evich
Published: January 2025

Пусть $D\subset \mathbb{R}^d$ - ограниченная липшицева область,
$\omega$ - модуль непрерывности высокого порядка гладкости
и пусть $T$ - сверточный оператор Кальдерона-Зигмунда с четным ядром.
Основываясь на недавнем Т(Р) критерии ограниченности, найденном автором с Е. Дубцовым, доказывается, что оператор $T$ ограничен в пространстве Зигмунда $\mathcal{C}_{\omega}(D)$,
если гладкость границы области $D$ на единицу выше гладкости $\mathcal{C}_{\omega}(D)$.
Основой доказательства являются оценки потенциалов с ядрами Кальдерона-Зигмунда от характеристической функции области с полиномиальной границей.
Библиография: 16 названий.
Локализация решений обыкновенных дифференциальных уравнений вблизи
неустойчивой особой точки
Authors: Kugushev Evgenii Ivanovich , Salnikova Tatiana Vladimirovna
Published: January 2025

Рассматривается динамическая система в достаточно
малой окрестности ее невырожденного неустойчивого
по Ляпунову положения равновесия.
Обсуждается существование локализованных в этой окрестности
траекторий системы.
Имеет место интересное явление общего характера - при добавлении возмущения к
правым частям уравнений особая точка, возможно, исчезает, но появляются решения,
которые не покидают малую окрестность исходной особой точки.
Библиография: 6 названий.
О весовых дискретных неравенствах Харди и Римана-Лиувилля
Authors: Prokhorov Dmitrii Vladimirovich , Stepanov Vladimir Dmitrievich
Published: January 2025

В работе получены критерии выполнения весовых дискретных неравенств
Харди и Римана-Лиувилля в пространствах последовательностей.
Библиография: 28 названий.
Uwagi o praktycznym aspekcie badań architektonicznych z wykorzystaniem wyników kwerend archiwalnych, na przykładzie rozpoznania badawczego architektonicznego reliktów cegielni miejskiej na Dajworze
Authors: Goras Magdalena
Published: January 2025

Współczesne rozpoznania badawcze architektoniczne obiektów zabytkowych mają wymiar ściśle praktyczny. Są związane z realizacją dokumentacji określającej specyfikę obiektu, dla którego proces adaptacji wymaga uzyskania pozwolenia konserwatorskiego. Artykuł prezentuje wykorzystanie źródeł archiwalnych pochodzących z Archiwum Narodowego w Krakowie, na przykładzie rozpoznania badawczego architektonicznego reliktów dawnej cegielni miejskiej na Dajworze, odsłoniętych w rejonie nasypu kolejowego przy południowym odcinku ulicy Halickiej w 2021 i 2022 r. w trakcie prac archeologicznych prowadzonych w związku z przebudową linii średnicowej. Badania archeologiczne prowadzili Anna Mazur i Krzysztof Mazur „AVCISSA Prace Archeologiczne”. Rozpoznanie badawcze architektoniczne wykonała Pracownia Badań Zabytków Architektury Marek Łukacz (PBZA). Informacje z materiałów archiwalnych pozwoliły sprecyzować przedział czasowy, w jakim uruchomiona została produkcja ceramiki budowlanej na Dajworze oraz zidentyfikować badaną murowaną strukturę ze zdwojonym piecem do wypału ceramiki. Połączenie kwerendy archiwalnej z badaniami architektonicznymi pozwoliło na pełne udokumentowanie i interpretację odsłoniętego fragmentu budowli.
3 x DNA. DNA w badaniach archiwalnych, genealogiczno-historycznych oraz jako nośnik informacji
Authors: Jarosz Adrian
Published: January 2025

Artykuł opisuje nowe możliwości badań z zastosowaniem analizy DNA. Opisano kilka przykładów wykorzystania nowej technologii w badaniach archiwalnych (historycznych) i genealogicznych, a także przedstawiono potencjał DNA jako nośnika informacji. Przywołane przykłady pokazują, że analiza genetyczna może potwierdzić albo obalić wcześniejsze przypuszczenia.
Wyzwanie i potencjał komercjalizacji kwerend archiwalnych
Authors: Sroka Łukasz Tomasz
Published: January 2025

W artykule podjęto temat wyzwań i potencjału związanych z komercjalizacją kwerend archiwalnych. Wyeksponowana została rosnąca aktywność nowych profesji w środowisku kojarzonym dotąd niemal wyłącznie z historykami i archiwistami (ewentualnie z przedstawicielami innych nauk humanistycznych). Dotyczy to przede wszystkim infobrokerów. Krótko omówiono przykłady realizowanych przez nich zadań oraz nowe trendy związane z szerokimi zmianami dokonującymi się w dziedzinie społecznej i gospodarczej. Kluczową rolę odgrywa tutaj synergia pomiędzy rozwijającą się gospodarką i nowoczesnymi technologiami a instytucjami tradycyjnymi, jak archiwa, biblioteki, muzea i uniwersytety. W odpowiedzi na te wyzwania rzeczone instytucje coraz częściej łączą siły i dzielą się doświadczeniami.
Mapy i archiwa – implikacje, przykłady, zastosowania
Authors: Szombara Stanisław
Published: January 2025

Artykuł opisuje w przekrojowy sposób tematykę map w archiwach. Zjawisko to zostało ukazane z kilku punktów widzenia. W części pierwszej autor pochyla się nad zagadnieniem obecności treści kartograficznych w dyskursie archiwalnym na przykładzie analizy dziesięciu tomów „Krakowskiego Rocznika Archiwalnego” oraz opisuje dostępność map w zasobie Archiwum Narodowego w Krakowie. W kolejnej omawia przykłady kolekcji kartograficznych, wybranych z nich map, opisów oraz wyzwań, jakie stwarzają w zakresie analizy treści. W części Mapy archiwów pokazuje możliwości zastosowania map interaktywnych w udostępnianiu i przeszukiwaniu archiwów z wykorzystaniem indeksów geograficznych. W kolejnej – Archiwa na mapach – porusza kwestię dostępności informacji przestrzennej o lokalizacjach archiwów oraz ich właściwości terytorialnej. Artykuł zawiera także opis czterech przykładów nowoczesnych geoportali i map interaktywnych prezentujących dawne mapy znajdujące się w zasobach archiwalnych. W podsumowaniu autor wskazuje wyzwania i potencjalne kierunki rozwoju udostępniania map z archiwów.
O pożytkach z archiwum dla pisarza – popularyzatora historii
Authors: Wollny Mariusz
Published: January 2025

Autor powieści historycznych ukazujących Kraków w XVI w. korzysta z licznych opracowań ukazujących ówczesne życie mieszkańców i funkcjonowanie władz miejskich. Pisząc o Krakowie okresu Młodej Polski przełomu XIX/XX w., mimo popularności tej epoki, autor zmuszony jest sprawdzić w archiwaliach realia pracy c.k. policji, których autentyczność jest walorem powieści.
Thoughts on the Trends in 21st-Century Liberal Arts Education : Seeking Possibility of Collaboration between Universities and Industry
Authors: Yamada Reiko
Published: January 2025

As society becomes increasingly complex and globalized, the demands on higher education to foster versatile, socially responsible graduates have grown. This study examines Japan’s efforts to modernize liberal arts education to better align with societal needs, particularly emphasizing data science, STEAM, digital transformation (DX), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Research by the Japan University Accreditation Association highlights a disconnect between university curricula and the skill expectations of industries, which prioritize abilities like logical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis. Despite reforms, communication between higher education institutions and industries remains insufficient, limiting collaboration on curriculum development and obstructing a cohesive societal impact. The concept of “21st-century liberal arts education” in Japan includes interdisciplinary approaches to address complex issues, fostering communication skills for global engagement, integrating digital literacy for a tech-centered world, and cultivating critical thinking. These principles reflect an educational response to a “VUCA” (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity) world, stressing literacies that prepare students to tackle global challenges. Case studies across Japan, the U.S., and the U.K. reveal parallel trends in collaborative education reform and active learning techniques. Japan’s universities have initiated project-based learning (PBL) courses, supported by partnerships with local businesses, that offer students real-world problem-solving experiences and promote “living education”. The study underscores the need for continuous dialogue and mutual understanding between academia and society to bridge gaps between university-led reforms and societal needs. Round-table discussions involving universities, industries, and governmental agencies reveal shared values but also emphasize the necessity for enhanced communication, especially regarding graduates’ competencies. Japan's “Innovation Commons” spaces represent an innovative model for community-university partnerships aimed at solving local issues, with broad implications for sustainable development and regional revitalization. In conclusion, the study advocates for strengthening public engagement in education through information dissemination, deeper societal integration, and collaborative curricular reforms that align with the SDGs and ethical challenges posed by digital advancements. The study recommends expanding ethical, legal, and social issue (ELSI) subjects and advancing financial literacy as critical aspects of civic education. Ultimately, this approach to liberal arts education aims to equip students with practical and ethical tools to contribute positively to society amidst evolving global demands.
A Study on the Educational Performance Analysis of Classical Education based on Academic Achievement Level
Authors: Kwon Soon Koo , Yoon Seungjoon
Published: January 2025

This study aims to evaluate the educational outcomes of incorporating classic literature into liberal arts education and to explore whether these outcomes vary according to learners' academic achievement levels. A survey was conducted with students enrolled in the “Reading Great Books” course at University A. Based on academic performance scores, participants were categorized into high- and low-achievement groups, and changes in relevant competencies, motivation, and lecture satisfaction were analyzed. The results showed that, across the entire sample, post-survey scores for all competencies, problem-solving self-efficacy, and lecture satisfaction were higher than pre-survey scores, demonstrating statistically significant improvements. Similar trends were observed in the analysis based on academic achievement levels. These findings suggest that engaging with classic literature enhances learners’ competencies and motivation, regardless of their academic achievement levels. Conversely, academic interest declined in the post-survey compared to the pre-survey, with situational interest showing a statistically significant decrease. This study highlights the significance of liberal arts education, demonstrating that courses incorporating classic literature effectively promote the development of students’ competencies and self-efficacy. Furthermore, the study underscores that these benefits are accessible to all learners, irrespective of their academic performance, reaffirming the necessity and importance of liberal arts education in higher education.