bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glioblastoma
Authors: Paul Dipsanu , Barhoi Dharmeswar
Published: December 2023

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary malignant brain tumor in adults. Complex genetic and molecular changes that cause unchecked cell proliferation, invasion of the surrounding brain tissue, and angiogenesis are the hallmarks of the physiopathology of glioblastoma. Although there are treatment options for this deadly tumor that include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the blood-brain barrier and the tumor's infiltrative nature restrict their effectiveness, frequently leading to tumor recurrence and illness progression. To create new therapeutic approaches and enhance patient outcomes, it is crucial to comprehend the physiopathology of glioblastoma and its associated consequences. To improve treatment and quality of life for patients with glioblastoma, further research is required to clarify molecular causes, discover therapeutic targets, and address the difficulties provided by comorbidities.
Involvement of Glial Cells in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Depression
Authors: El Fatimi Hanane , Khalki Loubna
Published: December 2023

Depression is a complex neuropsychiatric illness affecting millions worldwide. Furthermore, its exact cause remains uncertain. Theories include the monoamine hypothesis, changes in hormonal systems, inflammation, immune alterations, neurogenesis issues, and environmental factors. Recent research has highlighted the role of glial cells, particularly microglia and astrocytes, in depression. This chapter explores the implications of glial cells in depression, shedding light on their involvement in neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, and the regulation of mood-related circuits. An intricate interplay between glial cells, proinflammatory cytokines, and neuronal processes appears to underlie the etiology and progression of depression. Understanding the dynamic interactions between glial cells and neurons in the context of depression offers promising avenues for novel therapeutic interventions targeting this debilitating disorder's neuroinflammatory components.
Chitosan Polysaccharides
Authors: Hamdan Youssef Ait , Oudadesse Hassane , Elouali Samia , Smimih Kamal , El Ghachi Hafida , Gnimassoun Ayieton Jeraude Stive David , Ramdane Ramadane Abakar , Eladlani Nadia , Rhazi Mohammed
Published: December 2023

Neuroinflammation is a complex, well-orchestrated process involving various groups of CNS glial cells and immune cells. Glial cells play a remarkable structural and functional role in the nervous system compared to neurons. However, neuroinflammation at the central level is a key player in various neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases and CNS lesions. Therapeutic approaches to combat human neurodegenerative diseases must therefore restore neuronal and glial cell function. Natural resources are a source of potential therapeutic molecules for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, chitosan and its derivatives from arthropod exoskeletons are endowed with powerful anti-neuroinflammatory properties, as well as the ability to transport therapeutic substances across the BBB. This chapter discusses possible therapeutic options, the mechanism and role of chitosan in alleviating neuroinflammation at the central level, and the resulting diseases, in particular glial cell disorders.
Aloe Vera Plant
Authors: Karmaoui Ahmed , Moussafir Zineb
Published: December 2023

Aloe vera (AV) is a multi-benefit plant well known for diverse applications due to its unique gel. This gel contains high-quality oil used to produce a high range of phytochemical products where the quantity and quality depend to stress factors including climatic variables. This study presents a review of AV components and the impact of stress factors including climate change (CC) through a bibliometric analysis. For the trend, research on this plant, its products, and CC tends towards the chemistry aspect and the use of scanning electron microscopy, phytotherapy, metabolism, and CC. Thus, CC was highlighted as a trending topic but not well explored. The topic of CC was well mentioned but the majority of research efforts explored it partially or generally. The results showed that temperature and precipitation are the most important climatic variables that affect the aloe species. However, water and saline stress increases the quality of the gel and reduces the growth and leaf yield.
Impact of Agrochemicals on the Environment and Ecological Alternatives
Authors: Kumar Atin , Das Nilotpal , Sharma Himani , Singh Rajat
Published: December 2023

To promote plant development and enhance agricultural yield, farmers utilise a variety of agrochemicals. Insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, weedicides, and other pesticides are among the agrochemicals. The agrochemicals and their classification are mentioned in this chapter. The pros and cons of agrochemicals are also discussed in the report. Focus is also placed on how agrochemicals affect the ecology and how they work. Included are the risks and protective measures related to the usage of agrochemicals. These crucial agrochemical issues will be covered in full in the study. Future research into the molecular basis of agrochemical mechanisms must be done.
Ecological Thought in Economics
Authors: Özdemir Mehmet Gökhan
Published: December 2023

This chapter explores the intersection of ecological thought and economics, examining the evolution of ecological economics and its potential implications for economic theory and policy. Ecological economics offers a more comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing the relationship between the natural environment and economic systems. Key concepts, such as externalities, natural capital, and ecosystem services, are discussed, as well as challenges to incorporating ecological considerations into economic decision-making. By promoting more sustainable and just economic systems that prioritize environmental sustainability and social equity, ecological economics can inform and transform economic policy and governance.
Addressing Neurodiversity Within Educator Preparation
Authors: Rosenblatt Kara , Frates Adriana , Jackson Haidee
Published: December 2023

In recent years, the educational landscape has evolved to encompass a diverse range of students with unique learning profiles, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other forms of neurodiversity, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities (LD), and Tourette's Syndrome. As the field of special education continues to advance, the demand for highly qualified professionals who possess the knowledge, skills, and sensitivity to effectively support these students has grown exponentially. This chapter delves into the essential methods and learning frameworks that educator preparation programs can employ to equip future professionals with the expertise needed to meet the diverse needs of neurodiverse students.
Autistic and Non-Autistic Collaboration in a Presentation on Neurodiversity-Inclusive Workplaces
Authors: Southey Sarah , Simkover Todd
Published: December 2023

In this chapter, the authors describe their experiences as Autistic and non-Autistic collaborators providing classroom training to business students at a Canadian university on neurodivergent workplace inclusion. Trainings of this nature are timely as many Autistic individuals struggle to find and keep work—meanwhile autism is often left out of workplace diversity and inclusion strategies. Post-secondary business students need neurodiversity education opportunities to reduce stigma, exclusion, and discrimination towards Autistic colleagues in future professional environments. Applications of similar training to post-secondary students in other fields of study may be gleaned from this experiences. Such trainings should be delivered by Autistic individuals who understand the complexities of autism in the workplace. Neurodivergent allies can support such training.
Embodied Equity
Authors: Stewart Gretchen , Doone Elizabeth
Published: December 2023

The state of education in the US is currently undergoing a transition. The prevailing inclination towards standardized approaches in education continues to produce inequities in learner outcomes that are challenging teacher preparation programs to rethink their practices. Education's “wicked equity problem” results from inequities in school funding, access to quality education opportunities, and equitable resources for diverse and marginalized learners. This chapter describes a teacher education practicum integrating findings from neuroscience that evidence movement as an accessible, inclusive neurodevelopmental lever and pathway for diverse learners to thrive. The authors assert embedding embodied practices in teacher preparation programs have the potential to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable learning opportunities while developing strong equity stances in teacher candidates.
Examining Twice Exceptionality From Various Perspectives
Authors: Manzone Jessica A. , Young Sam
Published: December 2023

Twice exceptional (2e) children are identified as simultaneously having gifts and talents along with one or more disabilities. They are a unique population of learners who often go unnoticed in K-12 classrooms and under-discussed in teacher preparation programs. Providing support for 2e students begins by recognizing and honoring their strengths while simultaneously accommodating their challenges. Doing so maximizes their potential, confidence, and agency. This chapter addresses instruction, empowerment, and support for 2e learners from three critical perspectives: the parents of 2e learners, classroom teachers working with 2e learners, and higher education faculty working with preservice teachers in preparation programs. Activities and reflective questions to help parents, educators, and beginning teachers meet the academic and social needs of twice exceptional learners are provided from each perspective.
Learning From and With
Authors: Lukins Jordan M. , Able Harriet , Fanning Leslie
Published: December 2023

Service learning is a pedagogical strategy that allows future professionals to engage with autistic people in meaningful contexts during their initial preparation. In this chapter, the authors present a model service-learning course focused on autism. Undergraduate students, many planning to pursue education, psychology, and allied health careers, learn about autism through multiple lenses while simultaneously interacting with autistic children and youth in community settings. The course effectively transforms students' prior assumptions about autism, supports their preparation for future interdisciplinary careers, and introduces numerous benefits to service partners in the community. Service learning, as exemplified by this model course, is a valuable pedagogical tool for equipping young adults with the knowledge and dispositions to engage with autistic people in both personal and professional contexts.
Stealth Assessments in Minecraft
Authors: Gallup Jennifer , Bocanegra Joel O. , Callan Greg
Published: December 2023

Students with Autism and related disabilities are becoming increasingly disengaged necessitating a dynamic shift in the measure of learning outcomes. Opportunities for authentic learning that support students for work in the 21st Century are often scant. Furthermore, teaching complex competencies (e.g. communication, collaboration, and problem-solving) for 21st-century requires the utilization of virtual mediums blended with academics to support success in today's work and life. Video games provide a natural conduit to learn, practice and refine complex skills. These skills are often a barrier to seeking and sustaining employment for those with disabilities. This article will present a sample of situated learning paired with an authentic assessment in the context of Minecraft used to teach complex competencies using Minecraft as the intervention delivered during Virtual Academy New and Exciting Transitions, a summer program, for individuals with autism and related disabilities
Traditional and Natural Medicine in Geriatric Dental Care
Authors: Capote Indira Gómez , Cabrera Erik Bernardo Acosta , Gonzalez Leobel Rodriguez , Rojas Herrera Isis Anastasia
Published: December 2023

The high demand for health services due to population aging poses a challenge for societies. The elderly present particularities that make them a candidate to use natural and traditional medicine therapies in dentistry. In this sense, with the advances in digital medicine, professionals and patients can access ways of prevention and treatment through tutorials, software, applications, and teledentistry for the purpose of using natural and traditional medicine. The chapter presents a review carried out on texts and journals consulted in reference centers and through electronic searches such as PubMed, ScieLo, Medline, and Google in recent years, as well as medical blogs. The goal of the authors is to make visible as treatment possibilities natural and traditional medicine for the elderly in dentistry and its integration to digital technologies for its benefits as a whole.
Relationships Between Artificial Intelligence and Emotions in Education
Authors: Vergara Gabriela , Salessi Solana
Published: December 2023

This chapter presents a systematic review on the relationship between artificial intelligence and emotions in education in Latin America and the Caribbean. The PRISMA systematic review methodology was used to describe the state of the situation of research on this topic, taking into account theories, methodologies, countries, and educational levels. Fifteen published articles were finally selected, focusing on Brazil and Colombia, university level, students as unit of analysis, methodologies based on facial recognition, psychology and software combined. It is hoped to deepen the research in other disciplines, with other theories and methodologies.
Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Communication Training at the Medical Faculties in Spain?
Authors: Puntí-Brun Mònica , Espinosa-Mirabet Sílvia
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to assess whether Spanish hospitals have enhanced their protocols and training for breaking bad news in response to the pandemic. Employing a qualitative approach, the research integrated three tools: in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals, content analysis of medicine curricula from universities in Catalonia and Andalusia, and a literature review of protocols for communicating bad news. The findings revealed a significant increase in the contents and subjects in the communication of bad news within the analyzed curricula due to the pandemic. Additional topics such as technology, emotional management, and humanism were incorporated. While the hospital protocols showed a relatively less pronounced increment, there was evidence of the development of protocols specifically focused on communicating bad news via phone or video calls. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about changes in the training of doctors, leading to an enriched curriculum despite a more modest increase in hospital protocols.
Information-Seeking Behaviors in the COVID-19 Crisis in Turkey
Authors: Güzeloğlu Ebru Belkıs , Üstündağlı Erten Elif , Keysan Asuman Özgür , Zalluhoğlu Ali Erhan , Şentürk Burcu
Published: December 2023

In this study, information-seeking behavior during the initial quarantine period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey is examined, and predictors of information-seeking are analyzed through the synthesis of Information Repertoire and Protection Motivation Theory approaches. Based on data collected from 2283 participants representing Turkey, the study reveals the changing impact of the need based on information types, information sources, and protection motivation components according to the channels through which information is sought. The results demonstrate that, in addition to the importance of the information need, perceived severity, response efficacy, and perceived susceptibility motivate information seeking. Furthermore, perceptions of the competence of the social environment motivate information seeking, highlighting the role of social context in information seeking. The results underline the need for policies to strengthen the effectiveness of official actors providing information in line with search dynamics in disaster communication and to design messages that are sensitive to social context.
Digital Literacy and Health Workers
Authors: Gulzar Mir Kouser , Naik Maryam Jameel
Published: December 2023

This chapter is an effort to provide a detailed examination of digital literacy among healthcare professionals in the region of Kashmir, which is located in the north of India. In the contemporary era, technology acts as the backbone of the healthcare in current landscape. The chapter examines the current status of digital literacy among health workers emphasizing the challenges they face and opportunities available for improving their digital skills. It offers strategic insights and recommendations to bridge the digital divide and empower healthcare workers with the necessary possible competencies. The chapter aims to stimulate a future where healthcare professionals in Kashmir are fluent at harnessing digital tools to increase healthcare efficiency.
Rethinking the Shift in Communication Dynamics Post Pandemic
Authors: Kizbaz Arzu
Published: December 2023

German philosopher Goethe expressed, “Emotions unite people, while ideas separate them,” emphasizing the essential role of emotions in effective communication. The era of the pandemic, which mandated social isolation, underscored the inherent human need for face-to-face interaction. The surge in social media usage post-pandemic and the rapid integration into the digital age have resulted in a decline in face-to-face communication, leading to reduced interaction among individuals. This study seeks to investigate the evolving dynamics of communication in Generation Y, characterized by an increasing social media usage rate, and Generation Z, which is distancing itself from heavy social media usage post-pandemic. Through in-depth interviews, the research will scrutinize how these generations have adjusted their communication patterns within the realm of interpersonal communication giving particular attention to aspects such as listening, empathy, feedback, effective speaking, and appreciation.
Recent Trends of Federated Learning for Smart Healthcare Systems
Authors: Handa Tanvi , Singhal Ishita , Chakraborty Pooja , Kaur Geetpriya
Published: December 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) has brought a revolutionary change in the healthcare system. Smart devices have helped people maintain their health by collecting and storing a wide range of data. Artificial intelligence (AI) has made its promising way in several areas. They help in the early diagnosis of various diseases along with storage and interpretation of health data. However, due to the lack of communication between devices and the risk of transmission of data, the efficiency of AI devices is questionable. To avoid the transmission of data, Federation learning (FL) was highlighted as an approach where issues related to the security of sensitive data can be reduced significantly. The combination of FL, AI, and Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) techniques can minimize several limitations and challenges in the healthcare system. This chapter presents an overview of FL's application in healthcare. Different studies presented data about FL and its usage in healthcare. Currently, this paradigm approach is successfully used by specialists in diagnostic purposes.
Empathy, Communication Skills, and Emotions
Authors: Andrade José Ricardo
Published: December 2023

The ability to understand and communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and perspectives has become a competitive advantage, especially in the increasingly dynamic and interconnected business landscape of the 21st century. In this sense, empathy and communication skills play an important role in the business world. As companies continue to evolve in response to the complexities of the global environment, the emphasis on human connection through organizations, customers, suppliers, and employees has never been more crucial. This chapter reflects on the deep interconnection between empathy and communication skills, highlighting how these skills not only promote solid relationships but also how they can drive organizational success. It is therefore essential to understand how empathy and communication intertwine to create more effective leaders and managers and more successful organizations in a world where empathy is more than a virtue - it is an indispensable business strategy that makes it possible to go beyond traditional strategies and financial metrics.
Transforming Agriculture With Modern AI
Authors: Dhanta Rozy , Mwale Marizvikuru
Published: December 2023

This chapter delves into the transformative impact in agriculture by integrating artificial intelligence (AI), leading the conventional farming practices to revolution. AI-powered smart farming systems enable precision agriculture, facilitating efficient resource management, and boosting productivity. Crop management techniques driven by AI, including disease and pest detection, yield prediction, and optimization, optimize farm operations and enhance crop quality. Similarly, in livestock farming, AI-based animal health monitoring and precision livestock farming systems enhance animal handling, diseases control, welfare, and overall productivity. Moreover, AI's role in sustainability is evident through resource optimization, improved production and productivity, and mitigation of environmental impacts. The abstract concludes by underscoring AI's potential in addressing global food demand and fostering a sustainable future for agriculture, emphasizing the significance of responsible AI integration to shape a resilient agricultural landscape.
What Is Employee Engagement?
Authors: Luncheon Amala
Published: December 2023

Employee engagement is everyone's business. The chapter examines several topical issues that impact organizations and are antecedents to employee engagement. Recognizing that disengagement costs companies in the United States more than US$350 billion annually is a good start. Retention is key. The author defines employee engagement and examines the elements that comprise it, as defined by Kahn. Factors in the workplace that contribute to disengagement are examined. There is discussion about why engagement matters and how it relates to the organization's culture, public image, and customers. Stemming from this, another key question is: What is disengagement? Is it the opposite of engagement? Organizational determinants like corporate social responsibility (CSR) and communication are mentioned. Suggestions are offered to integrate the workforce in the post-pandemic world. Leadership is an integral part of an organization's success. Does leadership style facilitate engagement?
Studying the Effects of Opening Size and Location on Punching Shear Resistance of Flat Slabs Using ANSYS V.19
Authors: Fahmy Naglaa G. , Mohammed Hanaa Gamal , Abd el-Hafez Lailah M. , Abouelezz Alaa Y.
Published: December 2023

To validate the accuracy of ANSYS V.19, an experimental model based on a previous study was used to determine the typical values of crack pattern, ultimate load, and deflection. The model was a flat slab with an internal column with dimensions of 1000 × 1000 × 100 mm³. Four groups used a slab with an edge column in parametric research. The first group studied the opening size relative to the column face. The second group of specimens studied opening sizes close to column corners. The third group consisted of four specimens: two had openings in front of the column face and two in front of the column corner to study how opening distance affected flat slab behaviour. The fourth group examined the optimum opening arrangement in slabs with two openings around the column. The findings showed that flat slab openings at the column corner had higher ultimate load capacity than those at the column face; however, increasing opening dimensions beyond the column dimension decreases punching shear capacity. If the column needs two openings, place them on opposite faces or near the corners; this minimizes ultimate load reduction.
Optimization of the Impact of Dune Sand, Recycled Rubber Aggregates, and Clay Brick Waste on Eco-Mortar Mechanical Strength by the Taguchi Method
Authors: Kaab Mohamed Zohair , Athamnia Brahim , Djedid Tarek , Khelaifa Hamad
Published: December 2023

Utilizing local materials and recycling waste has the potential to yield both ecological and economic advantages in the field of construction materials. In this context, the object of this work is to apply Taguchi's design of experiments on cement eco-mortar, which were designed using an L-9 orthogonal array, to optimize and model the effect of dune sand of the El Oued region, rubber aggregates, and crushed clay brick waste on the mechanical strength at 28 days. The different interactions were also investigated between the factors targeted in our study, namely: dune sand (DS) content, rubber aggregates (RA) content, and brick waste (BW) content. The results of the analysis of variation (ANOVA) as well as the mathematical models developed in this study showed that the BW factor content has a positive effect on compressive strength and a negative effect on flexural strength. In addition, the interactions between DS and BW contents and between RA and BW contents have a negative effect on the compressive strength of eco-mortar. With regard to flexural strength, the results showed that the interaction between the factors DS and RA contents has a negative effect on flexural strength, in contrast to the interaction between the RA and BW contents, which has a positive effect.
Modifications of Wind Response of Tall-Building Caused by Interfering Effects: A CFD Approach
Authors: Ekanayake E. M. R. , Herath H. M. A. I. , Kiriparan B. , Jayasinghe J. A. S. C.
Published: December 2023

The wind is an essential factor to consider in the design and construction of tall buildings. As buildings get taller, the wind's impact becomes more significant, and the building's stability and safety become more critical. The interfering effect is one of the significant consequences of a building that needs to be considered. The "interfering effect" is a phenomenon in wind engineering that occurs when an upstream structure affects the wind load on a downstream building. In the past, most of the studies of interfering effects were done with 2D or 3D simulations, only considering one or two parameters from the shape, height, and angle. Therefore, this research attempts to analyze the interfering effect qualitatively and quantitatively from the upstream building to a selected squareshaped principal building by varying the height of the interfering building with different shapes, namely, circular, cross, and triangular shapes with different orientations based on 3D CFD modeling. The commercial CFD package Midas NFX is used for this numerical analysis. The results from the base moment and base shear suggest that a safety factor for interfering effects should be considered in designing the building structures in the city area to ensure the stability of the building, and it is, for the worst-case scenario, 1.3. The pressure fluctuation results highlighted the importance of designing the connection of the cladding system to both compression and tension forces. The findings of the present paper will be crucial in ensuring the stability and safety of the building structures when those buildings are in a dense building environment.
Invention of Device for Measuring Cardiac Compression Rates and the Depth for the Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation Manikin
Authors: Walawege Dushan D.
Published: December 2023

Manikins that simulate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are used to teach personnel how to execute it. Modern cardiac resuscitation manikins are still low-fidelity designs in terms of anatomy and physiology. Designing a manikin with a cardiac and respiratory system, as well as integrated flow sensors to track cardiac output and air displacement in response to cardiopulmonary resuscitation, was the main goal of this research. A polyoxy-methylene rib cage joined to a vertebral column from an anatomical female model was used to create this manikin in line with anatomical proportions. The respiratory system was made up of a polyvinyl chloride bronchus, a latex trachea, and silicon-coated memory foam that mimicked lungs. The pulmonary and aortic arteries were represented by two sets of latex tubing, while the ventricles and aggregated abdominal volumes were represented by latex balloons, respectively. These components made up the cardiovascular system. These balloons were inserted into polyether foam and filled with blood from a life/form simulation. Flow sensors were installed in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems to collect data in reaction to chest compressions. On this manikin, three non-medical individuals applied chest compressions that produced data proportional to force-displacement while the flow sensors supplied feedback. The force-displacement experiments performed on this manikin demonstrate an advantageous nonlinear behavior that mimics the chest compressions used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in humans. A considerable amount of information on the internal effects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation is also provided by the flow sensors. To sum up, scientifically developed and anatomically accurate designs of cardiopulmonary resuscitation manikins that incorporate flow sensors can enhance physiological fidelity and offer helpful feedback data.
Investigation of the Influence of Inner Geometries of the Receiver Tube of a Parabolic Trough Collector System Used for Water Heating
Authors: Ranatunga E. M. , Hettiarachchi N. K. , Abeyratne M. K. , Fernando M. C. S.
Published: December 2023

Solar collectors are devices that help to harvest solar thermal radiation and convert into other forms of energy. Because of its low fabrication cost and simple design, the Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) is one of the finest alternatives for medium-temperature (i.e., in 80°𝐶𝐶-250°𝐶𝐶 range) needs among all types of concentrated solar collectors. The absorber tube or the receiver tube is one of the main critical components of a PTC. Thermal radiation of the sun falling onto a parabolic reflector is reflected to its focal line where the receiver tube is placed. Therefore, the performance of a PTC system significantly depends on Receiver Geometries (RGs). A locally developed PTC system with a new and accurate tracking system was designed and fabricated in the current study and steam generation inside the receiver was considered in the performance analysis. The experimental analysis was performed using seven different RGs. The experiments were carried out by measuring generated steam every 10 minutes for all the RGs, and simultaneously, solar insolation data was taken by a domestic solar Photovoltaic (PV) system with a capacity of 5 kW. The steam generation data was taken only when the power output of the reference solar PV system was ≥ 4kW. Having tested seven different RGs, the researchers were able to improve the steam generation to a maximum of 10.0% compared to the reference geometry using direct experimental data. This was 8.1% in accordance with the statistical approach via multiple linear regression model. A three-dimensional mathematical model for two-phase flow was formulated for a closed domain. Restricting this model into twodimensional geometry, the steam generation process was simulated as a TPF problem using ANSYS Fluent software. The volume fraction profiles clearly show the phase transition, which leads to evaporation and condensation inside the tube.
Five Padua days on muscle and mobility medicine (2024Pdm3) 27 February - 2 March, 2024 at Hotel Petrarca, Thermae of Euganean Hills, Padua, and San Luca Hall, Prato della Valle, Padua, Italy
Authors: Zampieri Sandra , Bersch Ines , Smeriglio Piera , Barbieri Elena , Ganassi Massimo , Leeuwenburg Christiaan , Rosati Riccardo , Gargiulo Paolo , Pond Amber , Sweeney H. Lee , Carraro Ugo
Published: December 2023

At the end of the 2023 Padua Days of Muscle and Mobility Medicine the next year's meeting was scheduled from 27 February to 2 March 2024 (2024Pdm3). During the summer and autumn the program was confirmed with Scientific Sessions that will take place over five days, starting in the afternoon of February 27, 2024 at the Conference Room of the Hotel Petrarca, Thermae of Euganean Hills (Padua), Italy. As usual, the next day will be spent in Padua, in this occasion at the San Luca Hall of the Santa Giustina monastery in Prato della Valle, Padua, Italy. Collected during Autumn 2023, many more titles and abstracts than expected were submitted, forcing the organization of parallel sessions both on March 1 and March 2 2024 confirming attractiveness of the 2024 Pdm3. The five days will include oral presentations of scientists and clinicians from Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Switzerland, UK and USA. Together with the preliminary Program at December 1, 2023, the early submitted Abstracts is e-published in this Issue 33 (4) 2023 of the European Journal of Translational Myology (EJTM). You are invited to join, submitting your Last Minute Abstracts to ugo.carraro@unipd.it by February 1, 2024. Furthermore, with the more generous deadline of May 20, 2024, submit please “Communications” to the European Journal of Translational Myology (Clarivate’s ESCI Impact factor 2.2; SCOPUS Cite Score: 3.2). See you soon at the Hotel Petrarca in Montegrotto Terme, Padua, on February 27, 2024, but the complete program can be followed from home via zoom connection.
Cytokine profile depending on titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in the blood plasma of healthy volunteers
Authors: Krenytska Daryna , Rachkovska Antonina , Karbovskyy Vitalii , Raksha Nataliia , Vovk Tetiana , Savchuk Olexii , Ostapchenko Ludmila , Halenova Tetiana
Published: December 2023

Post-COVID-19 conditions are the subject of extensive scientific study. It is known that system disorders may persist in people who recover from COVID-19 for 3 to 12 months (in most cases). The first line of systemic disorders is dysfunction of the immune system, especially the cytokine profile. The mechanism of the launch of immune complications is currently unknown. We hypothesized that anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG might trigger the development of post-COVID-19 complications. Our research aimed to study the cytokine profile (including IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12β, TNF-α, IFN-γ) and the transcription factor NF-kB in the blood plasma of donor groups depending on various titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. We determined the qualitative values of the cytokine parameters using ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay). We estimated the changes in the cytokine profiles in all donor groups. Differences between donor groups were established for each research parameter. We detected changes in NF-κB levels as a key transcription factor for the expression of inflammatory cytokines. The highest level was found in the donor group with a titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG 75 ± 5 Index (S/C). We detected some differences between donor groups in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to a reference point. IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, INF-γ, and TNF-α levels changed in most donor groups with titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG ≥ 10 ± 3 Index (S/C). In addition, we showed that the decrease in anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 in donor groups ranged from the titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG 55 ± 5 Index (S/C) to 85 ± 5 Index (S/C), but these changes for the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were not detected. We found that the cytokine profile may be affected during post-COVID-19 conditions. The cytokine profiles of the donor groups changed depending on the titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. The obtained results testify to the fact that the antibody subpopulation may be a key reason for immune dysfunction, influencing the development of other pathological processes.
Clinical Pharmacological Principles in Emergency Geriatric Care: Toxidrome Approach
Authors: Samajdar Shambo Samrat , Sharma Jayanta , Mukherjee Shatavisa , Sahoo Satyabrata , Sarkar Sougata , Pal Jyotirmoy , Chatterjee Nandini , Tripathi Santanu Kumar , Joshi Shashank R.
Published: December 2023

An increasing body of research implies that emergency department (ED) physicians fail to identify drug-related ED visits due to the department’s hectic workflow. In cases of poisoning or drug intoxications, the offending agent(s) may not be identified during the acute and possibly critical period of the exposure. For cases of suicidal incidents, laboratory assistances in identifying the offending chemical are not promptly available. The diagnosis of “toxidromes” is, therefore, an acceptable clinical diagnostic method that has been pioneered by clinical toxicologists. The present case has emphasized the need for applying clinical pharmacology principles in the early detection of drug-induced ED visits.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Falls among South Indian Community-Dwelling Elderly
Authors: Ganguly Enakshi , Ahmed Fadheela , Kavitha Velagaturi , Sharma Pawan Kumar
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Falls are an important health problem among elderly, with various consequences. The objectives of this study were to estimate 1-year incidence of falls, distribution, and severity of fall-related injuries and to determine risk factors for fall risk among the elderly population aged ≥60 years.

Methods:

A total of 140 urban community-dwelling participants aged ≥60 years were studied using an investigator-administered questionnaire. Short physical performance battery, chair stand test, handgrip strength, and anthropometric measurements were done. The Chi-square test was done to compare fallers and nonfallers. Logistic regression was done for independently associated risk factors.

Results:

One-year incidence of falls was 14.3%; 17.6% among women and 9.1% among men. Sixty percent of participants had multiple falls. Seventy-five percent of the fallers were overweight or obese. Sprain was the most common reported fall-related injury (20%), whereas 45% had no injuries. Depression (60%), osteoporosis (80%), poor activities of daily living (90%), and polypharmacy (35%) were significantly associated with falls. Osteoporosis (odds ratio: 14.89; 95% confidence interval: 1.91–115.95) was independently associated with fall risk.

Conclusions:

The burden of falls among urban elderly was low. The majority of the population experienced multiple falls. Since chronic diseases including osteoporosis and poor mobility were directly associated with the risk of falls, further longitudinal studies may explore the health-related and socioenvironmental risks further.
Relationship of Depression and Physical Activity among Geriatric Patients
Authors: Shah Megha , Shah Saurabh , Chavda Parag , Thomas Ebbie
Published: December 2023

Aim:

The aim of this study was to study the correlation between physical activity and depression among the geriatric population.

Background:

With increasing sedentary behavior and depression among the geriatric population, a study to find a correlation between the two was needed.

Subjects and Methods:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted to find the correlation between sedentary behavior and depression among geriatric patients attending medicine outpatient departments. General Physical Activity Questionnaire and Geriatric Depression Scale were used to collect data through interviews.

Results:

Of the total 100 participants who participated in the study, 69 were found to be having sedentary behavior and 31 had moderate/vigorous levels of physical activity throughout a week. Of the 69 participants with sedentary behavior, one-third, i.e., 23 participants were found depressed. No one from moderate\vigorous physical activity was found to be depressed.

Conclusion:

Sedentary behavior is one of the risk factors for depression. Physical activity has a relationship with depression among the geriatric population. Physically active elderly are less likely to have depression.
Waiting to exhale: Retrieval of an unusual bronchial foreign body
Authors: Franey D , Frenzel Z , Manchester D
Published: December 2023

Foreign-body aspiration in adults is considerably less common than in children. The clinical course can be life-threatening but often presents in a more indolent manner, leading to difficulties with diagnosis. We report the retrieval of a buprenorphine-naloxone wrapper by flexible bronchoscopy in a 44-year-old male patient with COVID-19 who was on mechanical ventilation. Following removal, the patient completed treatment for COVID-19, his respiratory status improved, and he was discharged from the hospital. Flexible bronchoscopy is an effective means of diagnosis and retrieval of foreign bodies in the distal airway.
Creatine supplementation combined with breathing exercises reduces respiratory discomfort and improves creatine status in patients with long-COVID
Authors: Slankamenac J , Ranisavljev M , Todorovic N , Ostojic J , Stajer V , Ostojic SM
Published: December 2023

Eight long-COVID patients with moderate fatigue that had lasted for ≥3 months were recruited. All patients were allocated in a double-blind parallel-group design to receive either 4 g of creatine per day plus breathing exercises (study group) or breathing exercises only (control group) for 3 months. Creatine induced a significant increase in tissue total creatine levels for all 14 locations evaluated in the present study (P < 0.05), while its levels significantly dropped in the right frontal gray matter and left parietal mesial gray matter at follow-up in the control group (P < 0.05). No change in time to exhaustion was demonstrated in the control group (P > 0.05), while the mean time to exhaustion was significantly improved for 54 s in the study group post-administration (P = 0.05). These preliminary findings suggest that creatine is as an effective adjuvant therapeutic to breathing exercises for tackling the clinical features in long-COVID.
Elevated Homocysteine Level and Brain Atrophy Changes as Markers to Screen the Alzheimer Disease: Case Series
Authors: Sah Ram Prakash , Vidya C. S. , Pereira Pratibha , Jayaram Shubha , Yadav Anshu Kumar , Sujatha P.
Published: December 2023

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide. Its clinical manifestations include a progressive loss of memory and other cognitive domains, as well as brain atrophy. An elevated homocysteine level (>15 µmol/L), known as hyperhomocysteinemia, is also an attributing risk factor for AD, vascular pathologies, and brain atrophy. Neuroimaging studies including T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed white matter hyperintensities in the periventricular and deep white matter, enlarged ventricles, widened sulci, and decreased white matter mass, which are features of aging, as well as cerebrovascular changes. This case series investigated changes in biochemical marker levels including serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12, and the degree of atrophic variations in cortical-subcortical white matter in AD. The present study hypothesized that serum homocysteine levels might be used as a surrogate marker to screen for AD at an earlier stage.
Edentulism and Individual Factors of Active Aging Framework in Colombia
Authors: Gutiérrez Bruno , Martínez Adriana Gisella , Zuluaga Iván Arroyave
Published: December 2023

Background: While edentulism remains a serious public health problem for older adults in Colombia, few analyses have been conducted from the framework of active aging as a part of the positive discourse of aging. This study analyzed complete edentulism and its relationship with determinants including personal, behavioral, and health systems and social services. Methods: This study included a total of 19,004 older adults. We used univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression type scores to investigate the relationships between the variables. The personal determinants included basic (Barthel scale) and instrumental activities of daily living (Lawton scale), public transportation, functional limitations, self-perceived health, and health problems. The behavioral factors included alcohol and tobacco use, mini nutritional tests, and physical activity. The last determinant was the healthcare system, while social services access included dental services. The analysis also included sociodemographic variables.Results: The results revealed significant associations for the variables of the three determinants, including the risk of malnutrition (odds ratio [OR]=1.15), functional limitation (OR=1.15), moderate physical activity (OR=1.08), and access to dental services (OR=2.31). Sex, years of education, and race were also risk factors, among other variables. Personal determinants, behavior, and use and access to health services were related to edentulism in older adults. Conclusion: These findings support the need to include different analyses of edentulism from multicausality and to understand the oral cavity and the living conditions of aging adults.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Wound Infections after Trimeresurus stejnegeri Snakebites in Taiwan
Authors: Hung Yu-Lun , Chen Yi-Chun , Tsai Tein-Shun , Chang Ye-In , Chuang Po-Chun
Published: December 2023

Snakebite envenomation is a neglected tropical disease. Taiwan, with its subtropical and Southeast Asian environment, provides suitable habitat for several venomous snake species. Trimeresurus stejnegeri, an arboreal pit viper, is the most common cause of venomous snakebite in Taiwan. Trimeresurus stejnegeri envenomation can cause local swelling, occasional ecchymosis, and wound infection. The primary treatment of T. stejnegeri envenomation is the binary antivenom, vacuum freeze-dried F(ab′)2 fragments of equine antibodies, against T. stejnegeri and Protobothrops mucrosquamatus. This study aimed to analyze the incidence of post-envenomation wound infections caused by T. stejnegeri based on data collected over a decade from institutions affiliated with the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan. A total of 254 patients were enrolled in this study. Clinical and laboratory data, treatment information, and patient outcomes were extracted from electronic medical records. Wound infection was associated with delay in antivenom initiation (adjusted odds ratio: 3.987; 95% CI: 1.406–11.302). The infection rates were 20.5%, 12.5%, 31.3%, and 48.1% for antivenom administration within 2 hours, 2–4 hours, 4–6 hours, and > 6 hours, respectively. Therefore, early initiation of antivenom treatment (within 6 hours) is recommended. Morganella morganii was cultured from wounds of the patients, whereas Enterobacter cloacae and Enterococcus faecalis were cultured from both the oral cavity of snakes and the wounds of the patients. For post-envenomation patients who develop a local infection, empiric antibiotics such as third-generation cephalosporins, quinolones, and piperacillin/tazobactam are recommended because snakebite wound infections are often polymicrobial in nature.
Agility and the transition from uncertainty to recovery: the Indian IT industry and COVID-19
Authors: D’Cruz Premilla , Noronha Ernesto
Published: December 2023

This paper reports a study of how the Indian IT industry navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. Agility emerged as the crucial determining factor aiding the industry’s successful survival. IT organisations’ agility, facilitated by the state’s response to the pandemic and by both their anticipation of the lockdown and their technological capabilities, helped them overcome the crisis. The slowdown forced firms to downsize, reduce bench strength, freeze wages and intensify work, while deferring client payments. When the economy recovered, high attrition, termed ‘The Great Resignation’, forced employers to increase wages. Employers were unable to compel employees to return to the office, despite facing issues relating to organisational culture, data security and moonlighting. Remote working helped employees maintain work–life balance and save on cost of living, forcing employers to provide a hybrid option.