bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spongiosum-combined glanuloplasty reduces glans complications after proximal hypospadias repair
Authors: Lyu Yi-Qing , Yu Lin , Xie Hua , Huang Yi-Chen , Li Xiao-Xi , Sun Li , Liang Yan , Chen Fang
Published: March 2021

We aim to design a new glanuloplasty procedure combined with spongiosum to reduce the incidence of glans dehiscence and coronal fistula after proximal hypospadias repair. Patients who underwent urethroplasty by dorsal preputial island flap for proximal hypospadias between January 2014 and December 2016 were reviewed in this retrospective cohort study. Those who underwent spongiosum-combined glanuloplasty comprised the new-maneuver group, whereas those who underwent conventional glanuloplasty comprised the control group. The incidence of complications was then compared. In the new-maneuver group, dysplastic corpus spongiosum alongside lateral Buck's fascia (0.3–0.4 cm wide) on both sides of the urethral plate was separated from the proximal normal spongy tissue, joining into the glans wings to increase tissue volume and covering the neourethra in the glans penis. In the control group, the neourethra was covered with superficial fascia under the coronal sulcus. As a result, the new-maneuver and control groups comprised 47 and 28 patients, respectively. In the new-maneuver group, no glans dehiscence was detected; however, two (4.3%) patients had coronal fistula, two (4.3%) had urethral stricture, and four (8.5%) had diverticulum. In the control group, two (7.1%) patients had glans dehiscence, eight (28.6%) had coronal fistula, four (14.3%) had urethral stricture, one (3.6%) had diverticulum, and one (3.6%) had penile curvature recurrence. The new-maneuver group had less incidences of coronal fistula (P < 0.001), glans dehiscence (P = 0.033), and urethral stricture (P = 0.008) but had a higher incidence of diverticulum than the control group (P = 0.040). It clearly demonstrates that spongiosum-combined glanuloplasty can significantly reduce the incidences of coronal fistula and glans dehisce.
Serum amyloid P component
Authors: Sonesson Annika , Malm Johan , Rylander Lars , Giwercman Aleksander , Hillarp Andreas
Published: March 2021

Serum amyloid P component (SAP) is present in seminal plasma, on spermatozoa, and in different tissues of the male reproductive tract, but its function is not known. The aims of this study were to determine if the concentration of SAP in seminal plasma is associated with commonly assessed semen parameters and to investigate if SAP could be a new, indirect biomarker for these parameters. In a cross-sectional study of 203 young volunteers, the concentration of SAP in seminal plasma was measured with a in-house developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Scatter plots, Pearson's correlation coefficients (r), and linear regression models were produced, and SAP showed a statistically significant correlation with sperm concentration (r = 0.75), sperm number (r = 0.68), semen volume (r = −0.19), progressive sperm motility (r = 0.24), and sperm immotility (r = −0.20). When the study group was dichotomized, SAP could be used to discriminate samples with a sperm concentration < or ≥5 × 106 ml−1, 15 × 106 ml−1, or 40 × 106 ml−1, and in receiver operating characteristic curves, the corresponding areas under the curves were 0.97, 0.93, and 0.82, respectively, with P < 0.001 for all three cutoff values studied. The concentration of SAP in seminal plasma showed a strong, positive correlation with the concentration of spermatozoa in semen. SAP may be used as a new indirect potential biomarker for sperm concentration in fresh and in frozen, stored samples. In addition, it is envisaged that the assay could be developed into a home fertility test to differentiate between a low and a normal sperm concentration.
Testicular volume in infertile versus fertile white-European men
Authors: Boeri Luca , Capogrosso Paolo , Ventimiglia Eugenio , Cazzaniga Walter , Pozzi Edoardo , Belladelli Federico , Pederzoli Filippo , Alfano Massimo , Abbate Costantino , Montanari Emanuele , Valsecchi Luca , Papaleo Enrico , Viganò Paola , Rovere-Querini Patrizia , Minhas Suks , Montorsi Francesco , Salonia Andrea
Published: March 2021

Testicular volume (TV) is considered a good clinical marker of hormonal and spermatogenic function. Accurate reference values for TV measures in infertile and fertile men are lacking. We aimed to assess references values for TV in white-European infertile men and fertile controls. We analyzed clinical and laboratory data from 1940 (95.0%) infertile men and 102 (5.0%) fertile controls. Groups were matched by age using propensity score weighting. TV was assessed using a Prader orchidometer (PO). Circulating hormones and semen parameters were investigated in every male. Descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation, and logistic regression models tested potential associations between PO-estimated TV values and clinical variables. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to find TV value cutoffs for oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) and nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) status in infertile men. The median testicular volume was smaller in infertile than that of fertile men (15.0 ml vs 22.5 ml; P < 0.001). TV positively correlated with total testosterone, sperm concentration, and progressive sperm motility (all P ≤ 0.001) in infertile men. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, infertile status (P < 0.001) and the presence of left varicocele (P < 0.001) were associated with TV < 15 ml. Testicular volume thresholds of 15 ml and 12 ml had a good predictive ability for detecting OAT and NOA status, respectively. In conclusion, infertile men have smaller testicular volume than fertile controls. TV positively correlated with total testosterone, sperm concentration, and progressive motility in infertile men, which was not the case in the age-matched fertile counterparts.
Emerging role of cannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoid receptor 1/cannabinoid receptor 2 receptor agonists in cancer treatment and chemotherapy-associated cancer management
Authors: Shah Siddharth A. , Gupta Anand Shyamlal , Kumar Piyush
Published: March 2021

Cannabis was extensively utilized for its medicinal properties till the 19th century. A steep decline in its medicinal usage was observed later due to its emergence as an illegal recreational drug. Advances in technology and scientific findings led to the discovery of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound of cannabis, that further led to the discovery of endogenous cannabinoids system consisting of G-protein-coupled receptors – cannabinoid receptor 1 and cannabinoid receptor 2 along with their ligands, mainly anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Endocannabinoid (EC) is shown to be a modulator not only for physiological functions but also for the immune system, endocrine network, and central nervous system. Medicinal research and meta-data analysis over the last few decades have shown a significant potential for both THC and cannabidiol (CBD) to exert palliative effects. People suffering from many forms of advanced stages of cancers undergo chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting followed by severe and chronic neuropathic pain and weight loss. THC and CBD exhibit effective analgesic, anxiolytic, and appetite-stimulating effect on patients suffering from cancer. Drugs currently available in the market to treat such chemotherapy-induced cancer-related ailments are Sativex (GW Pharmaceutical), Dronabinol (Unimed Pharmaceuticals), and Nabilone (Valeant Pharmaceuticals). Apart from exerting palliative effects, THC also shows promising role in the treatment of cancer growth, neurodegenerative diseases (multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease), and alcohol addiction and hence should be exploited for potential benefits. The current review discusses the nature and role of CB receptors, specific applications of cannabinoids, and major studies that have assessed the role of cannabinoids in cancer management.
Hypericin induces apoptosis in K562 cells via downregulation of Myc and Mdm2
Authors: Arani Hamid Zaferani , Olya Maedeh , Mirahmadi Asra Sadat , Saleki Hossein , Atashi Hesam Adin , Marzouni Hadi Zare , Hoseinian Mohammad , Javidi Mohammad Amin , Zabolian Amirhossein
Published: March 2021

Background:

Nowadays, some studies have shown the effect of hypericin on cancer cells. However, considering the cytotoxicity of this plant and signs of anticancer activity in the plant, unfortunately, there is still no proper treatment for leukemia cancer cells. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the anticancer effect of hypericin in the treatment of leukemia cancer and its possible mechanism of action.

Methods:

In this study, the K562 cell line was treated with different concentrations of hypericin for 24 and 48 h. Detection of cell death was performed by 3-[4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl]-2,5-diphenyl-2-tetrazolium bromide assay. The rate of cell apoptosis was measured by Annexin V/propidium iodide assay using flow cytometry. The expression of Bax, Bcl2, Myc, Mdm2, and P53 genes was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction test, and immunocytochemistry (ICC) analysis was used for further evaluation of P53.

Results:

The results showed that hypericin has a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on the K562 (in much less dose compared with cisplatin). According to flow cytometry results, cell apoptosis after exposure to hypericin for 24 h was 53%, and ICC analysis on p53 confirmed this. Furthermore, after 24 h of exposure to hypericin with IC50 concentration, the expression of P53 and Bax genes increased and the expression of the Bcl2, Myc, and Mdm2 gene decreased.

Conclusion:

The results showed that hypericin exerts its cytotoxicity on K562 cancer cells by downregulating Mdm2 and Myc. Based on the data acquired from the present study and many investigations till now, hypericin can be a good option for leukemia cancer cells treatment.
Evaluation of newly identified Ikaros family zinc finger 1 loci in colorectal cancer
Authors: Sharma Bhanu , Shah Ruchi , Jamwal Rajeshwer Singh , Verma Sonali , Bhat Amrita , Bhat Gulam Rasool , Bakshi Divya , Singh Supinder , Angurana Shabab , Bhat Audesh , Vaishnavi Samantha , Kumar Rakesh
Published: March 2021

Aim:

In this study, we evaluated the association of rs6964823 of the Ikaros Family Zinc Finger 1 (IKZF1) gene with the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) within the population of Jammu and Kashmir (J and K).

Materials and Methods:

The variant rs6964823 of the IKZF1 gene was genotyped using the TaqMan allele discrimination assay for 578 individuals (182 CRC cases and 396 healthy controls). The association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms with the disease was evaluated using logistic regression.

Results:

It was observed that the variant rs6964823 (IKZF1) showed a significant association with an adjusted allelic odds ratio (OR) of 1.74 (1.34–2.27) at 95% confidence interval (CI), P ≤ 0.05. The dominant model (AA + AG vs. GG) was also applied, where the adjusted OR was 3.096 (2.011–4.76) at 95% CI, P > 0.05.

Conclusions:

It was found that the variant rs6964823 of the IKZF1 gene is associated with a higher risk of CRC within the population of J and K.
Understanding estimands
Authors: Gogtay Nithya Jaideep , Ranganathan Priya , Aggarwal Rakesh
Published: March 2021

Randomized controlled trials are the gold standard for determining the efficacy of a new intervention. Trials conducted for regulatory approval of an intervention compare the effect of the intervention with the standard of care or placebo to demonstrate efficacy. Randomization attempts to ensure that all known and unknown confounding factors are evenly distributed between the groups, and that the groups will be comparable at the end of the study, so that any inter-group differences in outcomes can be attributed to the intervention. However, in reality, intercurrent events may impact the assessment and subsequent interpretation of the outcome of interest. To address this, International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) in 2017, released an addendum to the E9 guideline (ICH E9 R1) putting forth the concept of Estimands and Sensitivity Analysis in Clinical Trials. This addendum addresses how these intercurrent events are to be handled using the Estimand concept, which is now expected to be detailed in a separate section of the study protocol. In this paper, we discuss what estimands are, and their likely impact on how regulatory trial protocols and their statistical analyses plans are written and implemented. We also look at the application of the concept of estimands to routine clinical practice.
Awareness and cognition of illness in Saudi Arabian patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Mosli Mahmoud , Saeedi Asala , Alnefaie Majed , Bawahab Noor , Abdo Lujain , Shobai Seigha , Alsahafi Majid , Saadah Omar
Published: March 2021

Background:

Crohn's disease (CD) is a progressive illness associated with high morbidity owing to the complications associated with the condition. Patients' awareness and cognition of such complications may carry significant psychological impact. The aim of this study is to assess the illness cognition of Saudi patients diagnosed with CD and to identify clinical associations.

Methods:

Adult patients with CD were asked to complete an illness cognition questionnaire (ICQ) between January and December of 2019. Additional data was extracted from the medical records. The ICQ composed of three domains: Helplessness (6 items), acceptance (6 items), and perceived benefits (6 items). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient characteristics and a linear regression analysis was used to identify associations with the ICQ score.

Results:

A total of 88 patients were included, of which 55.8% were females, 18% were smokers, and 11.5% had undergone CD-related surgery. The mean age was 26.9 ± 7.7 years and the mean duration of disease was 54.7 ± 60.5 months. The mean score was 17.4 ± 3.6 for the helplessness domain, 13.4 ± 3.6 for the acceptance domain, and 13.5 ± 3.5 for the perceived benefits domain. We found associations between abdominal pain and acceptance (P = 0.048), extra intestinal manifestations and perceived benefit (P = 0.001), and treatment with mesalamine and helplessness (P = 0.03). In a linear regression analysis, albumin level was the only factor associated with helplessness (coef = 0.18, P = 0.048).

Conclusions:

A considerable proportion of Saudi patients diagnosed with CD generally reported a negative perception of their disease. Albumin level was associated with helplessness.
Geometric cycles and characteristic classes of manifold bundles
Authors: Tshishiku Bena
Published: March 2021

We produce new cohomology for non-uniform arithmetic lattices

\Gamma < \mathrm {SO}(p,q)

using a technique of Millson–Raghunathan. From this, we obtain new characteristic classes of manifold bundles with fiber a closed

4k

-dimensional manifold

M

with indefinite intersection form of signature

(p,q)

. These classes are defined on finite covers of

B

Diff

(M)

and are shown to be nontrivial for

M=\#_g(S^{2k}\times S^{2k})

. In this case, the classes produced live in degree

g

and are independent from the algebra generated by the stable (i.e. MMM) classes. We also give an application to bundles with fiber a K3 surface.
Irreducibility of a free group endomorphism is a mapping torus invariant
Authors: Mutanguha Jean Pierre
Published: March 2021

We prove that the property of a free group endomorphism being irreducible is a group invariant of the ascending HNN extension it defines. This answers a question posed by Dowdall–Kapovich–Leininger. We further prove that being irreducible and atoroidal is a commensurability invariant. The invariance follows from an algebraic characterization of ascending HNN extensions that determines exactly when their defining endomorphisms are irreducible and atoroidal; specifically, we show that the endomorphism is irreducible and atoroidal if and only if the ascending HNN extension has no infinite index subgroups that are ascending HNN extensions.
On a continuum limit of discrete Schrödinger operators on square lattice
Authors: Nakamura Shu , Tadano Yukihide
Published: March 2021

The norm resolvent convergence of discrete Schrödinger operators to a continuum Schrödinger operator in the continuum limit is proved under relatively weak assumptions. This result implies, in particular, the convergence of the spectrum with respect to the Hausdorff distance.
Quantum graphs on radially symmetric antitrees
Authors: Kostenko Aleksey , Nicolussi Noema
Published: March 2021

We investigate spectral properties of Kirchhoff Laplacians on radially symmetric antitrees. This class of metric graphs admits a lot of symmetries, which enables us to obtain a decomposition of the corresponding Laplacian into the orthogonal sum of Sturm–Liouville operators. In contrast to the case of radially symmetric trees, the deficiency indices of the Laplacian defined on the minimal domain are at most one and they are equal to one exactly when the corresponding metric antitree has finite total volume. In this case, we provide an explicit description of all self-adjoint extensions including the Friedrichs extension.

Furthermore, using the spectral theory of Krein strings, we perform a thorough spectral analysis of this model. In particular, we obtain discreteness and trace class criteria, a criterion for theKirchhoff Laplacian to be uniformly positive and provide spectral gap estimates. We show that the absolutely continuous spectrumis in a certain sense a rare event, however, we also present several classes of antitrees such that the absolutely continuous spectrum of the corresponding Laplacian is

[O, \infty)

.
Traumatismo cranioencefálico
Authors: Santos Rafael Reis do Espírito , Costa Greice de Lemos Cardoso
Published: March 2021

Objetivo: Analisar os graus e as proporções dos traumatismos cranioencefálicos tratados de maneira conservadora no Brasil durante a última década. Método: Foram coletados os dados referentes aos tratamentos conservadores de traumatismo cranioencefálico no Brasil, disponibilizados no Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH/SUS), abarcando uma série temporal de 2010 até 2019. Resultados: Foram registrados 835.253 tratamentos conservadores relacionados ao traumatismo cranioencefálico de graus leve, moderado e grave. Este estudo constatou 68.061 óbitos em pacientes acometidos por TCE, o que equivale a 8,1% dos procedimentos conservadores realizados em cada grau de traumatismo cranioencefálico. Verificou – se que os óbitos gerais por traumatismo cranioencefálico tratados de modo conservador, tendem a aumentar conforme o grau de gravidade (p – valor < 0, 0001). Conclusão: A pesquisa correlacionada às proporções dos tratamentos conservadores do traumatismo cranioencefálico revela – se importante, sobretudo em um País com dimensões continentais e que, por conseguinte, há elevada heterogeneidade dos casos e diferentes TxM entre as regiões. É imprescindível que haja planejamento de prevenção e promoção à saúde para ponderar e discutir acerca do TCE, bem como para elaborar políticas efetivas.
Salud bucodental durante el embarazo
Authors: Acosta-Andrade Arison , Cedeño-Rodríguez Stephanie , Loor-Andrade Heidy , Yépez-Yépez Karol , Zambrano-Zambrano Melanie
Published: March 2021

La mujer embarazada adolescente es susceptible a padecer enfermedades periodontales, evidenciando que requiere más cuidados que generen hábitos correctos de salud. La movilidad y perdida de piezas dentales junto con las enfermedades periodontales son las afecciones más comunes en la población, manifestando que la prevalencia de enfermedades periodontales en mujeres adolescentes embarazadas es un tema poco indagado y de escasa atención. Se busca determinar la prevalencia de gingivitis y periodontitis que afectan la salud bucodental en mujeres adolescentes embarazadas. Se realizó la búsqueda de artículos tipo transversal en buscadores como Google Scholar, Elsevier, PubMed, Scielo Y Medline del 2010 al 2020 en español e inglés. La prevalencia en embarazadas adolescentes en Latinoamérica es de un 28,8% considerándose alta, de estas un 7.39% destacan en embarazos pubertos de 12 a 15 años con mayor frecuencia mientras que la prevalencia de enfermedad periodontal y gingival en embarazadas es del 81%, Constatando que un 47,66% poseen una escasa percepción en la salud bucodental durante el embarazo. La presencia de enfermedad periodontal constituye un factor de riesgo para el embarazo, evidenciándose en el momento del parto provocando partos prematuros, abortos, y bebés con bajo peso y talla al nacer.

Palabras clave: Salud oral; Embarazo; Adolescentes; Enfermedad Periodontal.
Malformaciones dentales y su relación con la succión no nutritiva en niños
Authors: Acosta-Andrade Arison , González-Pazmiño Lisbeth Jomaly , Cevallos-Delgado Ivonne Vanessa , Cobeña-Zambrano Kathya , Zevallos-Espinel Vielka Michelle
Published: March 2021

El preocupante aumento de la incidencia y prevalencia de los hábitos orales nocivos también conocidos como succión no nutritiva son aquellos que “constituyen una de las principales causas de alteraciones en los órganos y musculatura orofacial”. Se elaboró una revisión bibliográfica en la cual se realizó una búsqueda en 4 bases de datos electrónicas Google Scholar, PubMed, Scielo y Medline, cuya antigüedad sea máxima de 5 años, incluidos artículos transversales descriptivos. Se busca identificar los hábitos de succión no nutritiva que producen malformaciones dentales en niños. Los artículos analizados reflejaron que el 71,9% de la población infantil presentó el mal hábito de la succión digital, el 17% manifestó la práctica nociva de succión de biberón, mientras que en menor frecuencia el 11,1% demostró una manía de succión de chupón, que al ser ejercida periódicamente afectará de igual magnitud que el resto de los hábitos orales nocivos. Mediante esta revisión se concluye que la succión digital es el hábito nocivo más frecuente, debido a que los padres buscan entretener a sus hijos. Estos hábitos provocan una serie de malformaciones dentales, entre las que encontramos la mordida abierta anterior, sobrepase aumentado, mordida cruzada posterior, paladar profundo, entre otros.

Palabras clave: Alteraciones; Alimentación; Lactancia; Desarrollo; Deglución.
Simplification Options for More Efficient Using of Angular and Linear Measuring Rules for Fire Control
Authors: Blaha Martin , Potužák Ladislav , Šustr Michal , Ivan Jan , Havlík Tomáš
Published: March 2021

The Army of the Czech Republic is part of a broad military (security) alliance (such as NATO, EU, UN), and is deployable both on its territory, but also on the territory of the states of the members of the alliance, or anywhere in the world. The article focuses on inference of principles and limits for more efficient using of mile rule in school and combat condition. The Linear and Angular issues (which contains mile rule) in perspective Artillery Fire Control System called PVNPG-14M are the important area of the present defence research of Fire Support Department of University of Defence in Brno. The efficient using of artillery rules is necessary condition for the case without automated command, control, and information systems. Only under conditions of comparable efficiency can tasks of the required quality be fulfilled in the event of a malfunction of the automated system. Decision-making processes carried out by the commanders in the present and in the upcoming future depend on the correct application of the presented rules. The paper defines appropriate Linear and Angular variables for common use by Artillery and Mechanized commanders. The presented results are based on the analysis performed in the classroom and at the same time during live combat exercises.
Student Perception of Traditional English Teaching Methods (CLT approach) and Comparison to Modern Methods (Using Technology)
Authors: AL-Madani Feras Mohammed
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to assess the perception of students regarding traditionally used CLT approach for teaching English language and its comparison to modern teaching methods based on technology. Survey was carried out using a quantitative analysis on 200 students of English language teaching institutes that are currently using CLT approach. Pre and post responses survey was carried out wherein their perspectives were assessed before and after exposure to technology-based ELT methods. Analysis was carried out using Wilcoxin test which revealed the impact of modern technological tools used in language teaching, such as, video conferencing, audio CDs, online oral versions, text-to-speech synthesis, interactive books, digital game-based learning and computer assisted language learning (CALL).
Non-operative Management of Benign Colorectal Anastomotic Stenosis in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery for Non-Metastatic Primary Rectal Cancer
Authors: Mercan Ümit , Erşen Ogün , Yüksel Cemil , Yalkın Ömer , Akbulut Serkan , Ünal Ekrem , Demirci Salim
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Benign anastomosis stenosis may develop in postoperative or long term period due to many reasons such as anastomosis leakage and anastomosis ischemia after colorectal surgery. While surgical treatment was commonly used in benign anastomosis stenosis in the past, surgery has left its place to more minimally invasive methods such as endoscopic treatments. There is no gold standard treatment method in the management of benign anastomosis strictures in the literature. In this study, we aimed to present our clinical experience in the treatment of benign anastomosis strictures in patients undergoing elective surgery for nonmetastatic primary rectal cancer. Material and Methods: One hundred fifty-six (156) patients who underwent resection and colorectal anastomosis between January 2013 and January 2018 were included in the study. 22 patients developed benign anastomotic stenosis has been determined and etiological factors and treatment modalities applied has been compared retrospectively. Results: In 22 patients, 9 patients were treated with digital or balloon dilatation, at least 2 sessions and up to 5 sessions. Four patients were treated with dilatation followed by stenting. The remaining 9 patients were taken to surgical treatment. Among whole patients with stenosis, it has been determined that 15 of them had neoadjuvant therapy history, 5 had anastomosis leakage and in 16 of them 28 mm circular stapler have been used. Discussion and Conclusion: Neoadjuvant treatment history, the presence of anastomosis leakage and the usage of 28 mm circular stapler have been detected to be the most important etiological factors in development of benign anastomotic stenosis. Endoscopic treatments should be tried primarily to treat benign anastomotic stenosis. High success rates can be achieved with endoscopic methods and patient quality of life can be improved. With this approach, the need for surgery will be reduced and possible postoperative complications can be prevented.

Keywords: Rectal Neoplasms, Stenosis, Laparoscopy, Anastomostic stenosis
Implementation of a sensorized neonatal head model for gynechological training
Authors: Ricci Serena , Marcutti Simone , Pani Andrea , Chirico Marco , Torre Giancarlo , Cordone Massimo , Casadio Maura , Vercelli Gianni
Published: March 2021

"During labor it is very important to know the exact position and orientation of the fetal head when descending the birth canal. Indeed, incorrect evaluations may lead to dangerous situations for both the infant and the mother. Usually, gynecologists and midwives rely on their experience to determine the head position and to evaluate the risk level of each delivery. In this context, it is essential to train new physicians and midwives to correctly manage different types of delivery. Here, we present the design and implementation of a realistic sensorized neonatal head that could be used on low-cost birth simulators for training and evaluation of residents and midwifery students."
Physician/patient relationship following hospital discharge – new methods of therapeutic and care continuity
Authors: Ciliberti Rosella , Bonsignore Alessandro , Lorettu Liliana , Secchi Maurizio , Minuto Michele , Santi Pierluigi , Baldelli Ilaria
Published: March 2021

"Healthcare organization aims to shorten hospitalization times, both to facilitate patient turnover and to avoid the risks of the nosocomial environment. Between March and September 2018, patients that were discharged after hospitalization for scheduled reconstructive breast surgery were given a portable device with the Dr. Link app installed, created to allow real-time communication with physicians. Patients and physicians completed a satisfaction survey on their experience with the use of the device. Analysis shows overall patient satisfaction in terms of improvement in relationships and quality of life. Physicians reported more responsible patient behaviour, better compliance, and earlier treatment of complications. Continuous interactive assistance can improve the discharged patient’s quality of life and therapeutic path. However, the device risks becoming a negative tool if the health care professional has not made the proper initial emotional investment in the relationship, delegating the totality of the therapeutic relationship to the tablet."
ELECTROCHEMOTHERAPY: A novel treatment option for unresectable tumors
Authors: Mascherini Matteo , Di Domenico Stefano , De Cian Franco
Published: March 2021

"Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a combined treatment that exploits the administration of chemotherapeutic drugs and cell membrane reversible electroporation. ECT increases elective drug penetration into cytoplasma of treated tissues and allows a tissue sparing treatment. This article describes a single center experience of ECT for the treatment of unresectable cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors. Safety, tolerability and correlation between tumor’s characteristics and clinical response were the question of research. On the basis of the study, other important application should start."
Strategies for nose-to-brain drug delivery
Authors: Quispe Rodrigo , Trevino Jorge A. , Khan Faizan , Novak Vera
Published: March 2021

"Intranasal drug administration is an effective method that has shown promise for delivering drugs directly to the brain. This approach is associated with many challenges, and efficacy in bypassing blood-brain barrier (BBB) is debated. This review describes the pathways of nose-to-brain drug delivery, physicochemical drug properties that influence drug uptake through the nasal epithelium, physiological barriers, methods to enhance nose-to-brain absorption, drug bioavailability and biodistribution, and intranasal devices for nose-to-brain drug delivery. The mechanism of each device is described and supporting evidence from clinical trials is presented. This paper summarizes strategies involved in nose-to-brain drug delivery and provides evidence of potential efficacy of nose-braindelivery from clinical trials."
Augmented Reality - A curatorial tool
Authors: Lyons Nina , Smith Matt
Published: March 2021

"The flood of information in today’s society makes it difficult for undergraduate students to source quality support materials to help in their study, as many are illequipped to distinguish the good from the bad. Because of this, the lecturer’s role as curator of learning resources has developed and become a vital aspect of their job. It is no longer sufficient simply to provide reading lists. As more and more content of various levels of quality has become available online, some lecturers have taken it upon themselves to create personal websites with module content, a reading or resource list and extra materials to support their students’ learning. This paper looks at a simple approach where using AR can successfully bring online and published materials together to create a unique curatorial combination that takes support learning to a new space."
Virtual reality poststroke rehabilitation with localization algorithm enhancement
Authors: Marzec Małgorzata , Olech Michał , Klempous Ryszard , Nikodem Jan , Kluwak Konrad
Published: March 2021

"The work presents an analysis of the application of virtual reality technology in rehabilitation after the occurrence of stroke. The needs in poststroke therapy, as well as the requirements and technological possibilities were investigated, with the result being the creation of the application for post-stroke rehabilitation. Tests on the application, as well as analyzed studies have shown that this way of rehabilitation as an isolated therapy is not enough to improve the condition of patients. The combination of rehabilitation in a virtual and conventional manner provides a positive effect on the improvement of medical patient motor functions based on the surveyed patients."
A política nacional ambiental e sua omissão na proteção da dignidade humana dos povos tradicionais indígenas
Authors: Santos Nara Barreto , Schütz Jenerton Arlan
Published: March 2021

O presente estudo trata-se de uma revisão de bibliográfica e legislativa, numa abordagem qualitativa reflexiva, cujo objetivo é traçar um panorama sobre as políticas ambientais e uma crítica à sua omissão em relação aos povos tradicionais indígenas, uma vez que foram construídas sem o alicerce do princípio constitucional da dignidade da pessoa humana. Traz ainda uma possibilidade de pensar sobre uma dimensão de equilíbrio ecológico entre modelos econômicos que integram objetivos sociais e ambientais de forma a proteger as comunidades indígenas.
A CONTROLLED CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF KARPASASTHYADI TAILA NASYAKARMA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GREEVA ASTHIGATAVATA VIS- A-VIS CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS
Authors: K Asha Rani , K. S Umashankar.
Published: March 2021

Asthigatavata is one among Shoola and Shosha Pradhana Vatavyadhi characterized by Asthishosha (Osteoporosis), Asthibheda (Cutting pain in bony joints), Asthishoola, Sandhishoola (Joint pain), Bedhaasthiparvanam (Splitting pain in bones and joints), Mamsabalakshaya (Loss of muscle strength), Aswapna (Insomnia) and Satata Ruk (Continuous pain). When Kupitha Vata Dosha enters in to the Asthi present in Greevapradesha causes series of changes producing symptoms and this clinical entity is named as Greeva Asthigatavata. Cervical Spondylosis is seen in the general population with the incidence rate of 83 per 100,000 and occurs mostly in fourth and fifth decades of life. More disability is seen over the age of 50years. Its prevalence is similar for both the sex, although the degree of severity is greater for males. Aim: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Karpasasthyadi Taila Nasyakarma in the management of Greeva Asthigatavata vis-à-vis Cervical Spondylosis. Materials and Methods: It was a controlled clinical study with pre and posttest design. Total 100 subjects were incidentally selected and assigned into two groups viz., Group A (Control group) and Group B (Test group), with 50 subjects in each group. Subjects of Control Group were subjected with Greevabasti with Mahamasha Taila for 7 consecutive days and Astavarga Kashaya internally for 14 consecutive days from the first day of Greevabasti. Subjects of Test Group were subjected to Nasyakarma with Karpasasthyadi Taila for 7 consecutive days along with Greevabasti with Mahamasha Taila for 7 consecutive days and Astavarga Kashaya internally for 14 consecutive days from the first day of Nasyakarma. The study consisted of 3 assessments i.e on 0th day, 7th day and on 14th day. Result: In the study it was observed that Group B (CC=0.529) showed clinically and statistically highly significant results with respect to reduction of symptoms than Group A (CC=0.389) with high contingency coefficient value. Also, the overall assessment showed clinically and statistically highly significant result in both groups with p value 0.000. Conclusion: On comparing the overall effect of the study, trial group (Group B) showed better results than control group (Group A). Hence, Karpasasthyadi Taila has a better role in the management of Greeva Asthigatavata.
A REVIEW STUDY ON THE MODE OF ACTION OF KSHEERA DHOMA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ARDITA (BELL’S PALSY)
Authors: Guddad Supriya , Maidaragi Shanakarling
Published: March 2021

Arditais a medical condition causing the Vakratha[deviation] of Mukha ardha and leads to facial asymmetry and malfunction. It occurs due to aggravated Vatadosha. It has been included in Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi. It can be correlated to facial palsy in modern which carries similar complaints to Ardita of deviation of half of the face with sensory & motor impairment on the affected side. Acharya Sushruta and Charaka mentioned Nadi sweda in the Ardita chikitsa sootra. The modified form of Nadisweda itself is Ksheera Dhooma. As there is a weakness of Facial nerve in Bell’s palsy and the same moist heat is indicated in Bell's palsy by modern medicine. This effect is ensured by Swedana and it has the capacity to stimulate the nerve centres and increases the tactile sensibility. It is seen that Ksheeradhooma is having good efficacy on Ardita.

Keywords: Ardita, Ksheera dhooma, bell’s Palsy
Diffusing Human Trafficking Policy in Eurasia
Authors: Dean Laura
Published: March 2021

Offering a perceptive study of the urgent human rights issue of trafficking in persons, this important book analyses the development and effectiveness of public policies across Eurasia. Drawing on multi-method research in the region, Laura A. Dean explores the factors behind anti-trafficking strategies and the role of governments and activists in combating labour and sexual exploitation. She examines the intersection of global strategies and state-by-state approaches, and uses the diffusion of innovation framework to cast new light on the impetus and implementation of different policy typologies. Identifying the strengths, weaknesses, and best practices in human trafficking policies around Eurasia, Dean's book will appeal to a wide range of students, scholars, practitioners, and policy makers.
Property, Power and Politics
Authors: Robé Jean-Philippe
Published: March 2021

Globalization is an extraordinary phenomenon affecting virtually everything in our lives. And it is imperative that we understand the operation of economic power in a globalized world if we are to address the most challenging issues our world is facing today, from climate change to world hunger and poverty. This revolutionary work rethinks globalization as a power system feeding from, and in competition with, the state system. Cutting across disciplines of law, politics and economics, it explores how multinational enterprises morphed into world political organisations with global reach and power, but without the corresponding responsibilities. In illuminating how the concentration of property rights within corporations has led to the rejection of democracy as an ineffective system of government and to the rise in inequality, Robé offers a clear pathway to a fairer and more sustainable power system.
Historia metabólica de pacientes con antecedentes de diabetes gestacional. Seguimiento durante seis años (2013-2019)
Authors: Olivares Jorge , Olivares Marisol , Grilli Luciana , Verdasco Carina , Miglianelli Carolina
Published: March 2021

Introducción: en la provincia de La Pampa no hay registro del número de pacientes con diabetes gestacional (DG) que vuelve a control metabólico posparto, cuando se conoce el riesgo que evolucione a diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2).Objetivos: analizar en el Hospital Público Interzonal (Dr. Lucio Molas) el porcentaje de mujeres con DG que volvió a control metabólico posparto y desarrolló DM2 durante seis años de seguimiento.Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo ambispectivo en 44 pacientes con DG diagnosticadas en 2013 con seguimiento hasta el 31/12/2019. Se analizaron antecedentes previos de DG y familiares de diabetes (AFD), edad, semana de gestación del diagnóstico con glucemia/ prueba de tolerancia oral a la glucosa (PTOG), índice de masa corporal (IMC), presión arterial, vía del parto, peso del recién nacido, HbA1c.
Knowledge and behavioral attitudes of the academic community of the high school and university levels towards the prevention of covid-19: a cross-sectional study in Guasave, Sinaloa
Authors: Peinado-Guevara Víctor Manuel , Cuadras Berrelleza Aldo Alan , Herrera-Barrientos Jaime , Héctor José Peinado-Guevara , Izaguirre-Gámez Samuel Doeg , Urias-Camacho Alejandro
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic impacts, worldwide, the daily activities of the population, in view of this, various preventive measures have been adopted to reduce the risks of contagion. In the educational field in Mexico, face-to-face classes have been suspended, adopting the use of electronic platforms; this, to avoid the risks of contagion. Measures like the aforementioned, the use of face masks, gels, healthy distance, face shields, among others, are already part of the daily routine. However, the level of perception, responsibility and behavior in the face of these measures by the various sectors of the population is unknown. In this study, the perception of high school and university students from Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico is analyzed. To know the aforementioned aspects, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using the convenience sampling technique, applying a survey made up of 18 items of Likert-type, designed on the Google Forms platform, to a sample of 940 students of both sexes, in 10 public and private schools. The results show that, more than 50% of the students of both educational levels, have a perception that deviates from reality, they do not measure the importance of the preventive measures that the health sector recommends to reduce the contagion and lethality rate. Despite recognizing that the viral disease is contagious, they do not perceive the importance of measures such as washing hands with soap, using gels, masks, face masks, maintaining a healthy distance, among other sanitary measures. They assume the measure of confinement as necessary, although it generates stress and a decrease in their academic performance, reflected in low grades. The results found in the studied educational sector indicate that the educational authorities should strengthen the scientific learning of the students in relation to the epidemiological phenomenon of covid-19, in order to contribute to their conduct and implementation of health protection measures and prevention of this scourge.
INFLUENCE OF CULTURAL DYNAMICS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MEDIA FRAMING AND THE PERCEPTION OF OBESITY AMONG MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: Kahiga Naomi , Mberia Hellen , Wa Ngula Kyalo
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To assess the moderating influence of cultural dynamics on the relationship between media framing and the perception of obesity among middle-aged women in Nairobi County, Kenya.

Methodology: This study applied the one-group pretest-posttest experimental design. In the one-group pretest-posttest experimental design all study participants provided with the same treatment and assessment. The researcher therefore, collected data using the pre-and posttest questionnaires. The treatment administered was a television program titled Slimpossible, which showcased middle-aged Kenyan women suffering from the stigma of obesity who were participating in a competition to lose their weight. The multi-stage cluster sampling technique was applied in this study. Out of the target population of 1848 participants, the study sample was 317 academic female staff found in three public universities in Nairobi County, Kenya. In this research study, the analysis applied descriptive statistics and the inferential analysis tools such as the Factor analysis (The Keiser-Meyer –Olkin (KMO) test), Pearson’s correlation coefficient and regression analysis (logical regression).

Findings: The study sought to assess the moderating influence of cultural dynamics on the relationship between media framing and the perception of obesity among middle-aged women in Nairobi County, Kenya. Therefore, the finding also brought about interactions between cultural dynamics and the independent media frames in connection to the perception of obesity. It was concluded that the perception of obesity from the African culture and Western culture was different. The respondents had positive outlook on middle-aged obese women opposed to the dictates of Western culture.

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: In terms of contribution to theory, this study emanated from the cross-cultural communication theory. The theory recognizes the value of culture and how it relates to people’s perception on obesity. Hurn and Tomalin (2013) opined that some of the most strategic researchers in the field of cross-cultural communication include Edward Hall, Mildred Hall and Geert Hofstede in the 1950s.
To Information Management and Beyond
Authors: Anwar Mumtaz Ali
Published: March 2021

The use of ‘Library Science', as the name of the discipline is almost 100 years old. The original term was used in Germany in 1934 and a translation of it in an American government publication in 1876. However, its use in the name of a professional degree is found around 1910. Why was ‘library science' used as a term is not known. But one wonders on its structure: Was there a ‘science' of the ‘library' which could form the basis of a discipline? It could have been simply a matter of convenience due to the lack of a proper term. Nevertheless, it has remained in use, with some variations, for almost a century. Lately, there has been a slow shift to ‘Information Management' which began in the 1980s. There are a lot of people who object to it. Traditions once established become part of our psyche and extremely difficult and painful to disown. There is a need to understand ‘Information Management' as a term focusing on ‘Information' which has always been, still is and will continue to be its legitimate and primary concern. It does not focus on a ‘space housing information artifacts'. Its augmented professional expanse will create professional job market that is hard to identify and measure at this time. Its graduates will serve more and more diverse populations. There will be a more prestigious consequence of this shift. A study of its close and meaningful interdisciplinary relations will enable it to rub its shoulders and receive recognition from some well-respected disciplines, such as education, psychology, medicine, management sciences, etc. Some of these links, which are crucial, have not yet been adequately identified and recognized. This paper will present a model of interdisciplinarity using Information Management as a core area. It will then use Bibliotherapy, which deals with multifaceted issues, as a case to point out its crucial links with some important disciplines which are of common interest to them.
Developing Library, Information and Knowledge (LIK) Competencies: Challenges for Educators
Authors: Rehman Sajjad ur
Published: March 2021

Library, information and knowledge (LIK) competencies have elements of distinct commonness and innate semblance. These have been treated together in the iSchools, a development during the last two decades. Adoption of the nomenclature of information management (IM) in a Pakistani LIS department should also be studied with the same outlook with a keen sense of paradigm shift. This paper reflects on this significant transition and identifies the challenges that are to be addressed in order to manage change effectively. This paper outlines a strategy for curriculum redesign, based on a conceptual model this author had developed earlier. Other challenges of transition need to be treated with incision and rigor.