bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta-analysis of 18 F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT, 18 F-FDG PET/CT, and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in diagnostic efficacy of prostate Cancer
Authors: Yu Wenxiao , Zhao Ming , Deng Yingjun , Liu Shengjing , Du Guanchao , Yan Bin , Zhao Ziwei , Sun Ning , Guo Jun
Published: August 2023

Objective

To compare 18 F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT, 18 F-FDG PET/CT and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in the diagnostic value of prostate cancer.

Method

The Chinese and foreign databases, such as Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, etc., were systematically searched within the period from the establishment of the database to June 1, 2022. Clinical studies related to the diagnosis of prostate cancer by methods such as 18 F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT, 18 F-FDG PET/CTCT, 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT, were researched. Two (2) investigators independently screened literatures, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias when these data were included in the studies with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2). Review Manager5.4, Stata 14.0, and Meta-disc 1.4 software were used for meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of different methods in the diagnose of prostate cancer.

Results

Twenty-seven (27) studies, including 2891 subjects were included in our study. Meta-analysis results showed that the pooled sensitivities of 18 F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT, 18 F-FDG PET/CT, and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT were 0.912 (95%CI: 0.883–0.936), 0.748 (95%CI: 0.698–0.795), and 0.916 (95%CI: 0.896–0.934), respectively; the pooled specification were 0.878 (0.844–0.907), 0.639 (95%CI: 0.589–0.687), and 0.734 (95%CI: 0.685–0.779), respectively; the positive likelihood ratios were 6.335 (95%CI: 4.288–9.357), 2.282 (95%CI: 1.497–3.477), and 3.593 (95%CI: 2.986–4.323), respectively; the negative likelihood ratios were 0.878 (95%CI: 0.844–0.907), 0.374 (95%CI: 0.280–0.499), and 0.110 (95%CI: 0.083–0.144), respectively; the diagnostic odds ratios were 65.125 (95%CI: 34.059–124.53), 7.094 (95%CI: 4.091–12.301), and 29.722 (95%CI: 20.141–43.863), respectively; the positive posterior probability was 64%, 38%, and 62%, respectively; the area under the SPOC curve was 0.95 (95%CI: 0.93–0.97), 0.81 (95%CI: 0.78–0.84), and 0.96 (95%CI: 0.92–0.98), respectively. The funnel plots indicated that there was no significant publication bias in the included literatures.

Conclusion

The current evidences showed that 18 F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT had higher diagnostic efficacy of prostate cancer compared with 18 F-FDG PET/CT, among which 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT was slightly higher in the sensitivity of the diagnosis of prostate cancer, while 18 F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT may have higher efficacy in specificity and confirmed positive rate. Due to the limitations of the quality of the included samples and literatures, the above conclusions should be further validated by expanding the sample size and improving the quality.
Fairness and generalizability of OCT normative databases: a comparative analysis
Authors: Nakayama Luis Filipe , Zago Ribeiro Lucas , de Oliveira Juliana Angelica Estevão , de Matos João Carlos Ramos Gonçalves , Mitchell William Greig , Malerbi Fernando Korn , Celi Leo Anthony , Regatieri Caio Vinicius Saito
Published: August 2023

Purpose

In supervised Machine Learning algorithms, labels and reports are important in model development. To provide a normality assessment, the OCT has an in-built normative database that provides a color base scale from the measurement database comparison. This article aims to evaluate and compare normative databases of different OCT machines, analyzing patient demographic, contrast inclusion and exclusion criteria, diversity index, and statistical approach to assess their fairness and generalizability.

Methods

Data were retrieved from Cirrus, Avanti, Spectralis, and Triton’s FDA-approval and equipment manual. The following variables were compared: number of eyes and patients, inclusion and exclusion criteria, statistical approach, sex, race and ethnicity, age, participant country, and diversity index.

Results

Avanti OCT has the largest normative database (640 eyes). In every database, the inclusion and exclusion criteria were similar, including adult patients and excluding pathological eyes. Spectralis has the largest White (79.7%) proportionately representation, Cirrus has the largest Asian (24%), and Triton has the largest Black (22%) patient representation. In all databases, the statistical analysis applied was Regression models. The sex diversity index is similar in all datasets, and comparable to the ten most populous contries. Avanti dataset has the highest diversity index in terms of race, followed by Cirrus, Triton, and Spectralis.

Conclusion

In all analyzed databases, the data framework is static, with limited upgrade options and lacking normative databases for new modules. As a result, caution in OCT normality interpretation is warranted. To address these limitations, there is a need for more diverse, representative, and open-access datasets that take into account patient demographics, especially considering the development of supervised Machine Learning algorithms in healthcare.
University students’ intentions to learn artificial intelligence: the roles of supportive environments and expectancy–value beliefs
Authors: Wang Faming , King Ronnel B. , Chai Ching Sing , Zhou Ying
Published: August 2023

Despite the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) for university students to thrive in the future workplace, few studies have been conducted to assess and foster their intentions to learn AI. Guided by the situated expectancy–value theory, this study adopted both variable- and person-centered approaches to explore the role of supportive environments and expectancy–value beliefs in fostering university students’ intentions to learn AI. The data were drawn from 494 university students. In Study 1, the variable-centered approach of structural equation modeling showed the critical role of supportive environments and expectancy–value beliefs in promoting students’ intentions to learn AI. In Study 2, the person-centered approach of latent profile analysis identified three subgroups of students based on their levels of supportive environments and expectancy–value beliefs. Consistent with Study 1, students who perceived more supportive environments and higher levels of expectancy–value beliefs had stronger intentions to learn AI. We also documented the influence of study of field, gender, and year level on students' perceptions of supportive environments, expectancy-value beliefs and intentions to learn AI. The implications of these findings in improving students’ intentions to learn AI are discussed.
F-18 FDG PET/CT in staging and response assessment of primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (leg type)
Authors: Datta Deepanksha , Pandey Rakesh Ramprakash , Kumar Rajesh , Sharma Rashim , Vedant Deepak
Published: August 2023

Primary cutaneous Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma-leg type (PCDLBCL-LT) is a rare subtype of cutaneous lymphomas, with high frequency of extra-cutaneous relapse and poor prognosis. We report a case of 70-year-old lady who was diagnosed with PCDLBCL-LT on biopsy and underwent a baseline F-18 FDG PET/CT, followed by interim and post-treatment PET/CTs. With this case report, we highlight the findings of F-18 FDG PET/CT in the staging of this cutaneous lymphoma, and also emphasize on its role in the response assessment.
TP53 and p21 (CDKN1A) polymorphisms and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Macedo Jacyara Maria Brito , Silva Amanda Lima , Pinto Amanda Chaves , Landeira Leandro Ferreira Lopes , Portari Elyzabeth Avvad , Santos-Rebouças Cintia Barros , Klumb Evandro Mendes
Published: August 2023

Background

The p53 and p21 proteins are important regulators of cell cycle and apoptosis and may contribute to autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). As genetic polymorphisms may cause changes in protein levels and functions, we investigated associations of TP53 and p21 (CDKN1A) polymorphisms (p53 72 G > C—rs1042522; p53 PIN3—rs17878362; p21 31 C > A—rs1801270; p21 70 C > T—rs1059234) with the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a Southeastern Brazilian population.

Methods

Genotyping of 353 female volunteers (cases, n = 145; controls, n = 208) was performed by polymerase chain reaction, restriction fragment length polymorphism and/or DNA sequencing. Associations between TP53 and p21 polymorphisms and SLE susceptibility and clinical manifestations of SLE patients were assessed by logistic regression analysis.

Results

Protective effect was observed for the genotype combinations p53 PIN3 A1/A1-p21 31 C/A, in the total study population (OR 0.45), and p53 PIN3 A1/A2-p21 31 C/C, in non-white women (OR 0.28). In Whites, p53 72 C-containing (OR 3.06) and p53 PIN3 A2-containing (OR 6.93) genotypes were associated with SLE risk, and higher OR value was observed for the combined genotype p53 72 G/C-p53 PIN3 A1/A2 (OR 9.00). Further, p53 PIN3 A1/A2 genotype was associated with serositis (OR 2.82), while p53 PIN3 A2/A2 and p53 72 C/C genotypes were associated with neurological disorders (OR 4.69 and OR 3.34, respectively).

Conclusions

Our findings showed that the TP53 and p21 polymorphisms included in this study may have potential to emerge as SLE susceptibility markers for specific groups of patients. Significant interactions of the TP53 polymorphisms with serositis and neurological disorders were also observed in SLE patients.
The b-ZIP transcription factor, FgBzip16, is essential for fungal development, ascospore discharge, and pathogenicity by modulating fatty acid metabolism in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Li Bing , Shen Yuhe , Zhu Yupan , Yang Lingling , Ma Ruonan , Sun Hao , Liang Jingang , Chen Kangkang , Jiao Zhen , Yang Wenchao
Published: August 2023

Fusarium graminearum is an economically devastating pathogen that causes cereal worldwide. The plant disease cycle involves sexual reproduction, with the perithecium playing a crucial role in overwintering and the discharge of ascospores. Although fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism are linked to perithecium formation and ascospore discharge, the regulation of these processes remains largely unknown. In this study, we identified and characterized FgBZIP16, as a basic leucine zipper (b-ZIP) transcription factor, in F. graminearum. Targeted gene deletion revealed that FgBzip16 is important for vegetative growth, asexual/sexual development, and plant infection. Cytological observations revealed that FgBzip16 was localized in the nucleus during the hyphal and conidial stages. FgBzip16 is essential for ascospore discharge, with transcriptomics and molecular biology showing it binds to the promoter of its target genes FGSG_05321 and FGSG_03244, which regulate ascospore discharge by encoding fatty acid synthase subunit alpha-reductase and enoyl hydratase, respectively. Altogether, these results constitute the first report of the specific functions associated with b-ZIP transcription factor FgBzip16, linking its regulatory roles to fungal development, fatty acid accumulation, and metabolism, host penetration, and pathogenicity of F. graminearum.
The effects of antibiotic use on the dynamics of the microbiome and resistome in pigs
Authors: Tams Katrine Wegener , Larsen Inge , Hansen Julie Elvekjær , Spiegelhauer Henrik , Strøm-Hansen Alexander Damm , Rasmussen Sophia , Ingham Anna Cäcilia , Kalmar Lajos , Kean Iain Robert Louis , Angen Øystein , Holmes Mark A. , Pedersen Karl , Jelsbak Lars , Folkesson Anders , Larsen Anders Rhod , Strube Mikael Lenz
Published: August 2023

Antibiotics are widely used in pig farming across the world which has led to concerns about the potential impact on human health through the selection of antibiotic resistant pathogenic bacteria. This worry has resulted in the development of a production scheme known as pigs Raised Without Antibiotics (RWA), in which pigs are produced in commercial farms, but are ear-tagged as RWA until slaughter unless they receive treatment, thus allowing the farmer to sell the pigs either as premium priced RWA or as conventional meat. Development of antibiotic resistance in pig farming has been studied in national surveys of antibiotic usage and resistance, as well as in experimental studies of groups of pigs, but not in individual pigs followed longitudinally in a commercial pig farm. In this study, a cohort of RWA designated pigs were sampled at 10 time points from birth until slaughter along with pen-mates treated with antibiotics at the same farm. From these samples, the microbiome, determined using 16S sequencing, and the resistome, as determined using qPCR for 82 resistance genes, was investigated, allowing us to examine the difference between RWA pigs and antibiotic treated pigs. We furthermore included 176 additional pigs from six different RWA farms which were sampled at the slaughterhouse as an endpoint to substantiate the cohort as well as for evaluation of intra-farm variability. The results showed a clear effect of age in both the microbiome and resistome composition from early life up until slaughter. As a function of antibiotic treatment, however, we observed a small but significant divergence between treated and untreated animals in their microbiome composition immediately following treatment, which disappeared before 8 weeks of age. The effect on the resistome was evident and an effect of treatment could still be detected at week 8. In animals sampled at the slaughterhouse, we observed no difference in the microbiome or the resistome as a result of treatment status but did see a strong effect of farm origin. Network analysis of co-occurrence of microbiome and resistome data suggested that some resistance genes may be transferred through mobile genetic elements, so we used Hi-C metagenomics on a subset of samples to investigate this. We conclude that antibiotic treatment has a differential effect on the microbiome vs. the resistome and that although resistance gene load is increased by antibiotic treatment load, this effect disappears before slaughter. More studies are needed to elucidate the optimal way to rear pigs without antibiotics.
Refinement of an instrument measuring science teachers’ knowledge of language through mixed method
Authors: Ding Chenchen , Lammert Catherine , Fulmer Gavin W. , Hand Brian , Suh Jee K.
Published: August 2023

Teachers must know how to use language to support students in knowledge generation environments that align to the Next Generation Science Standards. To measure this knowledge, this study refines a survey on teachers’ knowledge of language as an epistemic tool. Rasch modelling was used to examine 15 items’ fit statistics and the functioning of a previously-designed questionnaire’s response categories. Cronbach’s alpha reliability was also examined. Additionally, interviews were used to investigate teachers’ interpretations of each item to identify ambiguous items. The results indicated that three ambiguous items were deleted based on qualitative data and three more items were deleted because of negative correlation and mismatched fit statistics. Finally, we present a revised language questionnaire with nine items and acceptable correlation and good fit statistics, with utility for science education researchers and teacher educators. This research contributes a revised questionnaire to measure teachers’ knowledge of language that could inform professional development efforts. This research also describes instrument refinement processes that could be applied elsewhere.
Rifampicin efficacy against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in mice
Authors: Basal Omnia A. , Zahran Rasha F. , Saad Entsar A.
Published: August 2023

Background

The toxic effect of doxorubicin on the heart limits its clinical usage in cancer therapy. This work intended to investigate, for the first time, the efficacy of rifampicin administration against doxorubicin-induction of cardiotoxicity in mice. Forty adult male albino mice were distributed into four sets: Control, Doxorubicin, Doxorubicin + Rifampicin 0.107, and Doxorubicin + Rifampicin 0.214, with n = 10 for each. Heart histopathology and biochemical assays for heart function tests [creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)], oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)], and minerals [phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and calcium] were done.

Results

Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity using a total dose of 15 mg/kg was confirmed histologically. Cardiomyocytes showed congestion, necrosis, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Biochemically, elevations in LDH, CK, and AST activities, p < 0.001, as well as increases in cTnI and ANP levels, p < 0.001, increased oxidative stress (MDA, p < 0.001), high minerals (Na, K, p < 0.001, P, p < 0.01, and Ca, p < 0.05), with reduced VEGF concentration, p < 0.001, and low antioxidant (SOD, p < 0.001) were observed in the Doxorubicin group compared to control. Co-treatment with rifampicin significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the increased oxidative stress, high Na and K, increased LDH, CK, AST, cTnI, and ANP, and elevated the low SOD toward the normal ranges. Our histological data supported our biochemical data; rifampicin dose 0.214 mg/kg showed better improvements than dose 0107.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that rifampicin could help protect the body against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through its antioxidative effect.
Multimodality imaging in assessment of intestinal complications pre-stomal reversal
Authors: Abdelatty Mohamed A. , Aboelmagd Nema , Osman Mohamed Fouad , Mohamed Mohamed Tamer , Mohamed Shady
Published: August 2023

Background

Several imaging modalities are available to assess complications post intestinal stoma creation. The aim of this study was the radiological assessment of intestinal complications pre-stomal closure using routine fluoroscopic water-soluble contrast enema (WSCE), combined CT-WSCE, and MRI-enema with rectal gel administration. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the potential alterations in the surgical management plan based on imaging findings.

Results

This prospective cross-sectional study recruited 130 patients with stomas referred for the assessment of stoma integrity. Thirty-six patients with stoma-related intestinal complications were included. Patients with complications were subdivided into 3 groups. Group A 15 patients with intestinal stomas referred for WSCE pre-stomal closure and complementary CT-WSCE evaluation was performed. Comparison between the detection of the complications by WSCE alone and combined CT-WSCE among group A was statistically significant (p = 0.008) yet the alteration of the surgical plan based on both modalities was not statistically significant (p = 0.063). Group B 11 patients with poor general conditions were referred directly for combined CT-WSCE assessment, complications diagnosed in this group: 6 (54.5%) intestinal obstruction, 2 (18.2%) pericolic collections, 2 (18.2%) abnormal fistula and 1 (9.1%) anastomotic leak. Group C 10 patients with intestinal stomas with malignant or inflammatory conditions referred directly for MRI-enema assessment, showed complications as follows: 3 (30%) colon/rectal tumoral recurrence, 2 (20%) strictures, 2 (20%) pericolic collections and 3 (30%) abnormal intestinal fistulous communications. Comparison between complicated colorectal cancer patients (20 patients) versus other complicated patients secondary to other surgical indications (16 patients) enrolled in the study from the 3 different groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.125).

Conclusions

Combined CT and WSCE is superior in the detection of intestinal fistulas, peri-colic collections, tumor recurrence, and para-stomal hernias than WSCE alone and might lead to a change of management. MRI after rectal gel administration can serve as reliable substitute in some patients for the detection of intestinal complications namely fistulas and tumor recurrence.
Optimal bankruptcy regime: a literature review
Authors: Puchakayala N.V.V. Satyanarayana , Veluchamy Ramanujam
Published: August 2023

An optimal bankruptcy regime is one which avoids taking/giving loans during financial crisis, provides a provision for entrepreneurship, and further provides for achieving a maximum total value for the distressed firm. The present study is aimed at understanding the concept of optimal bankruptcy regime and its determinants in terms of merits and demerits. The study is purely of qualitative nature followed by the method of synthesis of 50 previous studies. The study concludes that the optimal bankruptcy regime that provides for the said three features is somehow or other helping economies to do well in terms of increased entrepreneurship, decreased number of liquidations, reduced NPAs’, and increased productive investments. It is also evident from several World Bank member countries that have opted for reorganisation of distressed businesses are experiencing the fruits of optimal bankruptcy regime in terms of achieving maximum value for the assets of distressed firms for about 71 cents on dollar and thereby entrepreneurship development.
The influence of economic development, capital formation, and internet use on environmental degradation in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alshammry Manal Ayyad Dhif , Muneer Saqib
Published: August 2023

Sustainable economic growth and environmental degradation are two concerns confronting humanity. Saudi Arabia has seen a dramatic rise in its atmospheric carbon emissions during the last three decades. From 1995 to 2020, this research uses the decoupling index and vector error correction model technique to reveal the variables influencing CO2 emissions in Saudi Arabia. This research aims to empirically analyze the causal factors that link carbon emissions, energy use, economic growth, and internet usage. The big priority of this research is to use various techniques and methodologies to examine the cointegration and long- and short-run relationships between macroeconomic variables and stock price. According to the augmented Dickey–Fuller unit root test results, the main series is stationary in the first difference but non-stationary at the level. According to Johansen’s cointegration study, both relations between the variables exist in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The VEC model’s outcome shows that internet use significantly contributes to rising greenhouse gas emissions. When creating strategies for economic growth to achieve sustainable development, policymakers must consider climate change. This may be accomplished by implementing a new policy to switch from conventional to renewable energy sources, emphasizing increased energy efficiency, or reorganizing the energy sector to influence the rise in greenhouse gas emissions.
Kinesio Taping™ effects with different directions and tensions on the muscle activity of the rectus femoris of young adults with a muscle imbalance promoted by mechanical vibration: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lemos Thiago Vilela , de Souza Junior José Roberto , dos Santos Maikon Gleibyson Rodrigues , Rosa Marlon Maia Noronha , Filho Luiz Guilherme Cardoso , Matheus João Paulo Chieregato
Published: August 2023

Background

Therapeutic strategies such as improvement muscle activation are fundamental for clinical practice, especially for the quadriceps muscle. It is not yet clear in the literature whether Kinesio Taping (KT) can modify muscle activation. This study sought to evaluate the effect of Kinesio Taping™ (KT) with different directions and tensions on the muscle activity of the rectus femoris in young adults with a muscle imbalance promoted by mechanical vibration. Thirty-two subjects were allocated into two groups: group A, used taping origin to insertion and group B, used taping insertion to origin. In both groups the dominant limb received the taping while the non-dominant limb was used as a control. A continuous vibration (60 Hz) was conducted on the patella tendon for 20 min before the electromyography (EMG) evaluation. Mean and maximum EMG values of the rectus femoris were collected during three maximal isometric voluntary contractions performed in 5 s. Muscle activity was evaluated three times: prior to KT application, immediately after KT placement, and 24 h later. These evaluations were done with 0% (no tension), with 10% (paper off), and with 75–100% (total tension) on both groups. Significance level of p < 0.05 was used.

Results

Compared with no intervention, on group A, there were differences for mean and maximum EMG values 24-h post-application with 0%, 10%, and 75% of tension (p < 0.05). On group B, there were differences for maximum EMG values immediately and 24 h post-application with 0% and 75% of tension (p < 0.05). There were no differences between both groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Kinesio Taping applied with different directions and tensions increased the muscle activity immediately and 24 h post-application of the rectus femoris of healthy individuals. The inhibition technique cannot decrease the muscle activity.
Survival after a heart attack with subsequent cardiac arrest: a 1-year patient case report
Authors: Alexander Joseph Oliver Raj , Pattnaik Aparna
Published: August 2023

Background

Cardiac events have become a common occurrence worldwide and especially in India, more so after the coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic. Apparently healthy and young individuals suffering from cardiac disorders are on the rise. In most cases, there is no clearly established cause/risk factor for the cardiac disorder. Once someone has suffered a cardiac event, the rehabilitation team is expected to keep a constant watch on the prognosis and any complications that might arise, especially during the first year after the cardiac event.

Case presentation

This case report describes the sequence of events that occurred in a 44-year-old male patient who had a heart attack, survived a cardiac arrest, was implanted with a cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), and was on rehabilitation. The report throws some insights into what happened with this patient since his heart attack, and it also discusses the possible signs that could have helped identify the cardiac event before the actual occurrence.

Conclusion

The rehabilitation post heart attack, angioplasty, and cardiac implants have to be individualized and tailor-made. Appropriate alterations to the rehabilitation would give the necessary direction to achieve maximum recovery and well-being of the patient. Constantly watching for any complications that might arise and addressing them immediately are vital to the prognosis. Physiotherapy rehabilitation plays a major role in giving a positive reinforcement and better prognosis.
Proposal for a screening protocol for falls among old subjects attending the audio-vestibular clinic
Authors: Fahim Dalia Fahim Mohammed , Samy Hisham Mahmoud , Yousef Aisha Khaled
Published: August 2023

Background

Older adults suffer from falls. 30% of the elderly fall annually in United States of America (Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 5:1-4 2020). Falls have also cost society and people heavily.The aimof this study is to identify fall risk factors in elderly visiting the audio-vestibular clinic and propose a screening strategy.

Methods

The study included 500 elderly participants over 60 years old who visited the audio-vestibular clinic for hearing and/or vestibular evaluations. All participants in this study underwent a full audiological and neuro-otological history, general examination, otological examination, audiological evaluation, and office vestibular testing.

Results

One hundred fifty-nine out of 500 (32%) of the study group had a history of vertigo, and 153 out of 500 (31%) had fallen at least once in the past two years. Dizziness and age were significantly associated. Dizziness was more common in people over 70 years old. Similar results were found for the fall history and age. Falls were more common in elderly participants with dizziness. 25% of participants with a history of falls had dizziness, compared to 14.5 percent of those without. Systemic diseases and falls were significantly associated. Falls and abnormal office vestibular test results were statistically significant. Multiple regression analysis showed that Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, positional and positioning nystagmus, Romberg and Fukuda tests, and falls were all associated. Multiple risk factors cause older adult to fall. Dizziness increases the risk of falling, especially in the elderly. In our study, hypertension and diabetes were the two greatest independent fall risk factors. Office vestibular tests can detect elderly fallers.
Cinacalcet Reverses Short QT Interval in Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia Type 1
Authors: Cuny Thomas , Romanet Pauline , Goldsworthy Michelle , Guérin Carole , Wilkin Marie , Roche Philippe , Sebag Frédéric , van Summeren Lynn E , Stevenson Mark , Howles Sarah A , Deharo Jean-Claude , Thakker Rajesh V , Taïeb David
Published: August 2023

Context

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia type 1 (FHH-1) defines an autosomal dominant disease, related to mutations in the CASR gene, with mild hypercalcemia in most cases. Cases of FHH-1 with a short QT interval have not been reported to date.

Objective

Three family members presented with FHH-1 and short QT interval (<360 ms), a condition that could lead to cardiac arrhythmias, and the effects of cinacalcet, an allosteric modulator of the CaSR, in rectifying the abnormal sensitivity of the mutant CaSR and in correcting the short QT interval were determined.

Methods

CASR mutational analysis was performed by next-generation sequencing and functional consequences of the identified CaSR variant (p.Ile555Thr), and effects of cinacalcet were assessed in HEK293 cells expressing wild-type and variant CaSRs. A cinacalcet test consisting of administration of 30 mg cinacalcet (8 Am) followed by hourly measurement of serum calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone during 8 hours and an electrocardiogram was performed.

Results

The CaSR variant (p.Ile555Thr) was confirmed in all 3 FHH-1 patients and was shown to be associated with a loss of function that was ameliorated by cinacalcet. Cinacalcet decreased parathyroid hormone by >50% within two hours, and decreases in serum calcium and increases in serum phosphate occurred within 8 hours, with rectification of the QT interval, which remained normal after 3 months of cinacalcet treatment.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that FHH-1 patients should be assessed for a short QT interval and a cinacalcet test used to select patients who are likely to benefit from this treatment.
Habit's Pathways
Authors: Bennett Tony
Published: August 2023

Habit has long preoccupied a wide range of theologians, philosophers, sociologists, psychologists, and neuroscientists. In Habit's Pathways Tony Bennett explores the political consequences of the varied ways in which habit's repetitions have been acted on to guide or direct conduct. Bennett considers habit's uses and effects across the monastic regimens of medieval Europe, in plantation slavery and the factory system, through colonial forms of rule, and within a range of medicalized pathologies. He brings these episodes in habit's political histories to bear on contemporary debates ranging from its role in relation to the politics of white supremacy to the digital harvesting of habits in practices of algorithmic governance. Throughout, Bennett tracks how habit's repetitions have been articulated differently across divisions of class, race, and gender, demonstrating that although habit serves as an apparatus for achieving success, self-fulfilment, and freedom for the powerful, it has simultaneously served as a means of control over women, racialized peoples, and subordinate classes.
From Basic Research on Supported-Metal Catalysts to their Practical Applications for Reduction of Food Waste
Authors: Fukuoka Atsushi
Published: August 2023

Supported metal catalysts are one of the most important heterogeneous catalysts, and they are widely used in chemical processes such as naphtha reforming, purification of exhaust gas from automobiles and so on. However, rational design of supported metal catalysts is still a target in heterogeneous catalysis. The author had a hypothesis that metal nanoparticles in ordered pores of zeolite or mesoporous silica may exhibit novel catalytic properties. Based on this idea, we used micropores of zeolites to accommodate metal carbonyl clusters, and then mesoporous silica to prepare metal nanoparticles. First, we studied ship-in-bottle synthesis of Rh carbonyl clusters in zeolite and its reactivity. Rh6(CO)16 was synthesized in NaY zeolite accompanied with formation of a mononuclear Rh(CO)2, which acted as a carrier of 13CO in 12CO-13CO exchange reaction. Then we worked on synthesis of platinum nanoparticles in mesoporous silica, and found that high activity in preferential oxidation of CO in hydrogen and in low-temperature oxidation of ethylene. The high catalytic performance in ethylene oxidation has led to practical application of platinum/silica catalysts for preservation of fruits and vegetables, resulting in reduction of food waste. This article describes the development process of this research.
Η επίδραση των κοινωνικοοικονομικών παραγόντων στην εμφάνιση καταθλιπτικών διαταραχών στις μητέρες κατά τη διάρκεια της κύησης και της λοχείας
Authors: Νάτσιου Κωνσταντίνα
Published: August 2023

Εισαγωγή : Η ευρωπαϊκή και ελληνική χρηματοπιστωτική αναταραχή που ξεκίνησε το 2007, είχε δυσμενείς επιπτώσεις στην υγεία του πληθυσμού. Ειδικότερα, έχουν αναφερθεί αύξηση αρνητικών παραμέτρων στην εγκυμοσύνη και τη λοχεία σε ότι αφορά τη ψυχική υγεία της μητέρας και σε επιπλοκές που αφορούν στο κύημα και το νεογνό. Ο σκοπός αυτής της μελέτης ήταν να αξιολογήσει, εάν οι κοινωνικοοικονομικοί παράγοντες συμβάλλουν στην επιλόχεια μελαγχολία και εάν η ψυχοπροφύλαξη, στο πλαίσιο της ομαδικής προγεννητικής εκπαίδευσης και υποστήριξης, μπορεί να έχει ευεργετική επίδραση. Μεθοδολογία: Το δείγμα της μελέτης περιελάμβανε 414 έγκυες γυναίκες, εξίσου χωρισμένες σε ομάδα ψυχοπροφυλακτικής (πειραματική) και τυπικής φροντίδας (ελέγχου). Πραγματοποιήθηκαν έξι συνεδρίες ψυχοπροφυλακτικής (μέθοδος Lamaze), με δύο κάθε εβδομάδα διάρκειας 2 ωρών η καθεμία, σε ομάδες των πέντε ατόμων, στο αστικό Κέντρο Υγείας της Λάρισας, Ελλάδα. Για τη συλλογή των δεδομένων χρησιμοποιήθηκαν τα κάτωθι ερωτηματολόγια: α) ερωτήσεις κλειστού τύπου σχετικά με τα κοινωνικοδημογραφικά χαρακτηριστικά, το ιατρικό και το μαιευτικό ιστορικό, β) την κλίμακα κατάθλιψης Hamilton, γ) ερωτηματολόγιο για την επιλόχεια μελαγχολία (Maternity Blues -BQ), δ) την κλίμακα Holmes & Rahe αγχογόνων γεγονότων ζωής και ε) κλίμακα επιπτώσεων της οικονομικής κρίσης. Οι διαφορές μεταξύ των δύο ομάδων και εντός των ομάδων σε διαφορετικά χρονικά σημεία, αξιολογήθηκαν με αμφίδρομη δοκιμασία ANOVA επαναλαμβανόμενων μετρήσεων. Αποτελέσματα: Η βαθμολογία της επιλόχειας μελαγχολίας, της κατάθλιψης σε όλα τα χρονικά σημεία, των αγχογόνων γεγονότων ζωής και η βαθμολογία οικονομικών δυσκολιών, σχετίζονταν όλα σημαντικά μεταξύ τους και στις δύο ομάδες, σε όλες τις χρονικές στιγμές (p<0,01). Αντιθέτως, η συσχέτιση μεταξύ οικονομικών δυσκολιών και επιλόχειας μελαγχολίας/κατάθλιψης δεν παρατηρήθηκε μετά τον τοκετό στην ομάδα παρέμβασης. Οι οικονομικές δυσκολίες, η κατάθλιψη και οι συνεδρίες ψυχοπροφυλακτικής, αναδύθηκαν ως ανεξάρτητοι προγνωστικοί παράγοντες της βαθμολογίας της επιλόχειας μελαγχολίας, με την μεταβλητή της ομάδας παρέμβασης/ελέγχου να σχετίζεται σημαντικά με την μείωση της επιλόχειας μελαγχολίας. Συμπέρασμα: Αν και η οικονομική κατάσταση, καθώς και η κατάθλιψη συνέχισαν να παίζουν ρόλο, η αποτρεπτική συμβολή της ψυχοπροφυλακτικής, ήταν η πιο σημαντική παράμετρος στο τελικό προγνωστικό μοντέλο της επιλόχειας μελαγχολίας. Τα αποτελέσματα της μελέτης μας, δείχνουν δυνατότητες πρόληψης της επιλόχειας μελαγχολίας και προτείνουν ενδιαφέρουσες υποθέσεις για μελλοντικές παρεμβάσεις.
Τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα στο πλαίσιο της βιοηθικής
Authors: Ζησιμάτου-Καλομοίρη Ανδριάννα
Published: August 2023

Ξεκινώντας από το γεγονός, ότι η επιστήμη είναι ένας συνεχής αγώνας του ανθρώπου για την κατάκτηση της γνώσης με εργαλεία της την οξυδερκή παρατήρηση, τον διαλογισμό, τη διαίσθηση και την έρευνα που ανοίγει διαρκώς νέους ορίζοντες και φωτίζει το νου, φτάσαμε πλέον στις επαναστατικές αλλαγές που έχουν επιφέρει η μοριακή βιολογία και η γενετική μηχανική στο χώρο της επιστήμης της ζωής. Έχουν ενεργοποιήσει ένα τεράστιο δυναμικό ευκαιριών για την ιατρική θεραπεία και διαγνωστική, την πρόληψη ασθενειών και συνολικά την βελτίωση της ποιότητας της ζωής. Τα βιοτεχνολογικά επιτεύγματα προσφέρουν στον άνθρωπο τη δυνατότητα να παρεμβαίνει καθοριστικά στη φύση του. Τέτοιου είδος παρεμβάσεις εγείρουν όμως βιολογικά, ιατρικά, κοινωνικά, νομικά, πολιτικά, θρησκευτικά και οικονομικά ερωτήματα, ηθικά διλήμματα τα οποία επιζητούν ξεκάθαρες απαντήσεις. Εκφράζονται δε φόβοι ότι τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα κινδυνεύουν από την αλματώδη εξέλιξη και την ανεξέλεγκτη χρήση της βιοτεχνολογίας όχι μόνο στην ιατρική και ότι άπτεται αυτής αλλά και σε άλλους κλάδους που μελετούν και εφαρμόζουν πειραματικές και ερευνητικές διαδικασίες σε όλες τις μορφές ζωής. Σε αυτήν την περίπτωση, γεννώνται ερωτήματα, όπως τι μπορεί να σημαίνουν και να σηματοδοτούν οι έννοιες Ισότητα, Ελευθερία, Δικαιοσύνη, Ανθρώπινα Δικαιώματα. Εδώ έρχεται ένας νέος όσο και παλιός φιλοσοφικός αλλά και διεπιστημονικός κλάδος αυτός της βιοηθικής που καλείται να απαντήσει. Η επιστήμη της βιοηθικής είναι η φιλοσοφική εξέταση των αρχών, κανόνων, θεωριών που διέπουν τις επιστήμες και τις τεχνολογίες της ζωής. Κλάδος της ευρύτερης φιλοσοφίας ο οποίος ερευνά, το «καλό» και το «κακό», το «ορθό» και το «λάθος», το «πρέπον» και το μη «πρέπον», την ανάγκη για «κώδικες και αξίες και τελικά μήπως το τι είναι και τι δεν είναι ηθικό…», στηριζόμενος στις βασικές αρχές της όπως ο σεβασμός στην Ανθρώπινη Αξιοπρέπεια, στην Αυτονομία, στην Ωφέλεια, στη Δικαιοσύνη. Πιστεύω ότι η διδασκαλία της βιοηθικής θα πρέπει να ξεκινά από την προσχολική ηλικία. Οι νεότερες γενιές δεν μπορούν να αποκλείονται από τις αλλαγές που συντελούνται, διότι χωρίς γνώση δεν θα είναι σε θέση να έχουν εμπεριστατωμένη άποψη. Τα παιδιά είναι το μέλλον, και στόχος μου είναι, μέσα από αυτόν τον πλούτο πληροφοριών, να απομείνει κάτι ουσιαστικό, απαλλαγμένο από ιδιοτελή συμφέροντα. Προτείνω τη Βιοηθική ως το καταλληλότερο μάθημα, μέσω του οποίου οι μαθητές θα ενστερνιστούν τις ηθικές αρχές και αξίες στην εκπαίδευση.
Ψηφιακή εγκληματολογία στο υπολογιστικό νέφος
Authors: Μαραγγός Νικόλαος
Published: August 2023

Η συγκεκριμένη διατριβή στοχεύει να αναδείξει τα προβλήματα που προκύπτουν κατά την διάρκεια μας εγκληματολογικής έρευνας στο υπολογιστικό νέφος εφαρμόζοντας κλασικές μεθόδους ψηφιακών εγκληματολογικών ερευνών στο περιβάλλον του υπολογιστικού νέφους. Επισημαίνει πόσο σημαντικά είναι τα αρχεία καταγραφής συμβάντων για τη διεξαγωγή μιας έρευνας και διερευνά κατά πόσο τα υπάρχοντα περιβάλλοντα υπολογιστικού νέφους ελέγχουν τον συγχρονισμό του χρόνου των επιμέρους συστημάτων τους, από το οποίο προκύπτουν οι χρονοσφραγίδες στα αρχεία καταγραφής συμβάντων. Η έρευνα της συγκεκριμένης διατριβής ξεκίνησε μελετώντας εκτενώς τις ήδη υπάρχουσες μεθοδολογίες ψηφιακής εγκληματολογικής έρευνας σε ένα κλασικό περιβάλλον. Ακολούθως, δημιουργήθηκε ένα γενικό πλαίσιο μεθοδολογίας μιας ψηφιακής εγκληματολογικής έρευνας, στο οποίο ενσωματώσαμε τα βασικά βήματα των επιμέρους μεθοδολογιών, εξετάσαμε κατά πόσο αυτό μπορεί να ανταπεξέλθει αποδοτικά σε μια έρευνα στο υπολογιστικό νέφος, τι είδους προβλήματα προκύπτουν και ποιες διαδικασίες πρέπει να τροποποιηθούν. Το γενικό πλαίσιο της μεθοδολογίας μας αποτελούνταν από τρεις βασικές φάσεις: τη φάση της προετοιμασίας, τη φάση της έρευνας και τη φάση της παρουσίασης. Στο δεύτερο σκέλος της διατριβής, αρχικά αναδείξαμε την σημαντικότητα των αρχείων καταγραφής συμβάντων για την αποδοτική διεξαγωγή μιας ψηφιακής εγκληματολογικής έρευνας. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, σε περιβάλλοντα υπολογιστικού νέφους προκύπτουν κάποιες προκλήσεις αναφορικά με τα αρχεία καταγραφής συμβάντων. Στην αρχή ερευνήσαμε τι είδους περιεχόμενα θα πρέπει να έχει ένα αρχείο καταγραφής συμβάντων, ώστε να αποφέρει τα μέγιστα σε μια ψηφιακή εγκληματολογική έρευνα. Δεύτερο στάδιο της έρευνάς μας ήταν ο τρόπος του προσδιορισμού της πηγής των δεδομένων ενός αρχείου καταγραφής συμβάντων και κατά πόσο αυτή είναι αξιόπιστη. Ακολούθως μελετήθηκε η περίοδος διατήρησης των αρχείων καταγραφής συμβάντων και το εάν η αποθήκευσή τους είναι αποδοτικότερο να γίνεται σε ένα κεντροποιημένο σύστημα ή σε ένα κατανεμημένο σύστημα αποθήκευσης αρχείων καταγραφής συμβάντων. Επίσης, εξετάστηκε λεπτομερώς η πολιτική πρόσβασης στα αρχεία καταγραφής συμβάντων. Τέλος, εξετάσαμε τον χρόνο στον οποίο καταγράφονται τα συμβάντα.Ως αποτέλεσμα της έρευνας, προτάθηκαν λύσεις για τον επιτυχή συγχρονισμό του χρόνου στα υποσυστήματα του υπολογιστικού νέφους και καταλήξαμε στην εισαγωγή της έννοιας της ορθότητας του χρόνου μέσω της καταγραφής όλων των συμβάντων συγχρονισμού του ρολογιού. Αναφορικά με τον επιτυχή συγχρονισμό του χρόνου, ερευνήθηκαν όλα τα πρωτόκολλα συγχρονισμού του χρόνου σε περιβάλλον υπολογιστικού νέφους και αναδείξαμε τα πλεονεκτήματα και τα μειονεκτήματά τους. Μέσω της έρευνας εισάγαμε την έννοια της καταγραφής σε αρχεία καταγραφής συμβάντων όλων των επιμέρους βημάτων του συγχρονισμού του χρόνου σε περιβάλλοντα υπολογιστικού νέφους, ώστε ο ερευνητής να είναι σε θέση να αναπαράξει, εάν χρειαστεί, τα προβλήματα που υπήρχαν αναφορικά με τον χρόνο στη σκηνή του εγκλήματος.
Case Report: The first reported case of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis with myasthenia gravis in a 27-year-old patient
Authors: Mejri Islam , Ben Hmida Lenda , Kacem Maroua , Msalmani Mariem , Snène Houda , Blibech Hana , Ayadi Aida , Zaouali Jamel , Moatemri Zied
Published: August 2023

Background: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a very rare diffuse lung disease characterized by the accumulation of amorphous and periodic acid Schiff-positive lipoproteinaceous material in the alveolar spaces due to impaired surfactant clearance by alveolar macrophages. Three main types were identified: Autoimmune, secondary and congenital. PAP has been previously reported to be associated with several systemic auto-immune diseases. Accordingly, we present the first case report of PAP associated with myasthenia gravis.

Case: A 27-year-old female patient, ex-smoker, developed a dyspnea on exertion in 2020. The chest X-ray detected diffuse symmetric alveolar opacities. Pulmonary infection was ruled out, particularly Coronavirus disease 2019. The chest scan revealed the “crazy paving” pattern. The bronchoalveolar lavage showed a rosy liquid with granular acellular eosinophilic material Periodic acid-Schiff positive. According to the lung biopsy results, she was diagnosed with PAP. The granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor autoantibodies were negative. Nine months later, she was diagnosed with bulbar seronegative myasthenia gravis, confirmed with the electroneuromyography with repetitive nerve stimulation showing significant amplitude decrement of the trapezius and spinal muscles. She was treated with pyridostigmine, oral corticosteroids and azathioprine. Given the worsening respiratory condition of the patient, a bilateral whole lung lavage was performed with a partial resolution of symptoms. Thus, this previously unreported association was treated successfully with rituximab, including improvement of dyspnea, diplopia and muscle fatigability at six months of follow-up.

Conclusions: This case emphasizes on the possible association of auto-immune disease to PAP, which could worsen the disease course, as the specific treatment does not exist yet. Hence, further studies are needed to establish clear-cut guidelines for PAP management, particularly when associated to auto-immune diseases.
What is the visual behaviour and attentional effort of football players in different positions during a real 11v11 game? A pilot study
Authors: Ballet Charles , Barreto Joana , Hope Edward , Casanova Filipe
Published: August 2023

Background: Visual perception has been defined as the first step to a football player’s decision-making process and it plays an important role in performance in sport. The skill of focussing to prioritize relevant cues has been also considered crucial in sport. This pilot study aims to explore the visual behaviour and attentional effort of three football players (mean age 19 ± 0 years old) in specific-role positions; Right-winger (RW), Centre-Midfielder (CM) and Left-Back (LB), in the five seconds before receiving the ball from their teammate.

Methods: Twenty-two male football players performed an 11v11 game, where 24 game sequences (trials) from which 166 fixations were recorded and analysed via the Tobii Pro eye-movement registration glasses and software. The gaze behaviour dependent variables were the mean of fixation duration (FD), time to first fixation (TTF), both measured in milliseconds (ms), and the number of fixations (NF) on eight areas of interest (AOIs). AOIs include teammate with and without the ball, opponent without the ball, space around teammate with and without the ball, space around opponent without the ball, ball and undefined.  The mean pupil diameter (PD) correlates to the attentional effort and was measured in millimetres (mm).

Results: Descriptive statistics showed nonregular search rate data between the participants in FD, TTF, NF on the AOIs. Mean FD on the ball: (CM, 270 ms), (RW, 570 ms), (CM, 380 ms). They also presented differences in the mean PD during play; (CM: 2.90 mm ± 0.26), (RW: 2.74 mm ± 0.30), (LB 2.77mm ± 0.27).

Conclusions: Albeit the sample size was small, the findings demonstrated a promising way to measure the on-field perceptual-cognitive abilities of football players according to their specific positions, since different playing roles revealed to present distinctive visual and attentional patterns.
Comparative analysis for variation of skeletal and dental parameters in bilateral cleft palate in central India population – A Nemoceph study
Authors: Rawat Shivani , Jadhav Vikrant , Madhu Priyanka Paul , Reche Amit , Lande Aachal
Published: August 2023

Introduction: An area of dentistry called orthodontics focuses on repositioning crooked teeth and regulating facial development. Orthodontists and oral surgeons use cephalometric analysis as a planning tool for their patient care. Conventional film-based radiography equipment has been replaced with direct digital devices, which have advantages such as reduced patient radiation exposure, immediate radiographic image generation, the removal of the need for darkrooms, and simple image sharing. The second-most typical craniofacial abnormality that results in birth abnormalities is cleft lip and palate. Such patients frequently do not receive cephalometric testing because of their hypoplastic growth and limited development. Research is needed to help plan a standard treatment regimen, perform orthognathic operations, and use a low-radiation analysis technique.

Objectives: To evaluate skeletal and dental parameters for cleft lip and palate using Down analysis, Steiner's analysis, and Tweed's analysis using Nemoceph.

Methods: Around 50 cases from cleft lip and palate and non-cleft lip and palate will be selected from the orthodontics department of Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital. Steiner's, Down's, and Tweed's analyses will be evaluated using Nemoceph. Further analysis will be conducted using the observational data from the readings. There will be millimetre-based measurements made. Comparative analysis will be done with one-way ANOVA and post hoc statistics and regression analysis will be done for association of demographic variables.

Expected outcomes: This study will use the nasion as a stable landmark to evaluate point A in cleft lip and palate patients, making it easier to perform normal cephalometric analysis. This will enable the evaluation of the probable position of point A for performing cephalometric analysis in orthodontics.