bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Multiwavelength Variability of Mrk 335 Using Gaussian Processes
Authors: Griffiths Ryan-Rhys , Jiang Jiachen , Buisson Douglas J. K. , Wilkins Dan , Gallo Luigi C. , Ingram Adam , Lee Alpha A. , Grupe Dirk , Kara Erin , Parker Michael L. , Alston William , Bourached Anthony , Cann George , Young Andrew , Komossa S.
Published: June 2021

The optical and UV variability of the majority of active galactic nuclei may be related to the reprocessing of rapidly changing X-ray emission from a more compact region near the central black hole. Such a reprocessing model would be characterized by lags between X-ray and optical/UV emission due to differences in light travel time. Observationally, however, such lag features have been difficult to detect due to gaps in the lightcurves introduced through factors such as source visibility or limited telescope time. In this work, Gaussian process regression is employed to interpolate the gaps in the Swift X-ray and UV lightcurves of the narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 335. In a simulation study of five commonly employed analytic Gaussian process kernels, we conclude that the Matern

1

2

and rational quadratic kernels yield the most well-specified models for the X-ray and UVW2 bands of Mrk 335. In analyzing the structure functions of the Gaussian process lightcurves, we obtain a broken power law with a break point at 125 days in the UVW2 band. In the X-ray band, the structure function of the Gaussian process lightcurve is consistent with a power law in the case of the rational quadratic kernel while a broken power law with a break point at 66 days is obtained from the Matern

1

2

kernel. The subsequent cross-correlation analysis is consistent with previous studies and furthermore shows tentative evidence for a broad X-ray-UV lag feature of up to 30 days in the lag-frequency spectrum where the significance of the lag depends on the choice of Gaussian process kernel.
2. Sur la méthode de l’économie
Authors: Giraud Pierre-Noël
Published: June 2021

Cet article propose de reprendre certains aspects du débat épistémologique et méthodologique sur l’économie à la lumière d’une description pragmatique, inspirée de la sociologie des sciences, de la manière dont « ça fonctionne ». Plus précisément de : i) la façon dont l’économie s’insère dans le débat politique et manifeste ainsi son caractère « performatif » et, ii) sa méthode d’élaboration de modèles et de théories. Cette double description permet à l’auteur quelques remarques et hypothèses sur : l’unité et la diversité des discours économiques, la pertinence de la distinction entre écoles et entre grandes théories générales , la différence entre modèles et théories, l’impérialisme de l’économie, l’apport des mathématiques, le débat instrumentalisme/conventionnalisme et le réalisme des hypothèses, enfin sur l’interprétation de ce qui est aujourd’hui qualifié de tournant, voire de rupture expérimentale en économie. Classification JEL : B41.
3. La théorie économique : un monument en péril ?
Authors: Cartelier Jean
Published: June 2021

La théorie économique n’a plus les faveurs des économistes académiques et autres. Les raisons de ce discrédit sont multiples mais elles concernent principalement le rétrécissement du domaine couvert en raison d’une exigence croissante de cohérence et la volonté de tester empiriquement certaines hypothèses fondamentales qui efface la frontière traditionnelle entre les disciplines. Le développement des techniques quantitatives de traitement des données et la nature des questions posées font que maints travaux empiriques relèvent autant de l’économie que de la sociologie. Ce déclin de la théorie économique concerne principalement le paradigme dominant qui a donné aux économistes à la fois le type de problèmes à résoudre (existence et optimalité des équilibres) et les outils pour le faire (modèles mathématiques associant comportements rationnels et conditions d’équilibre). Il concerne peu le paradigme dominé, que Schumpeter appelle analyse monétaire qu’il oppose à la théorie de la valeur. Illustré par Steuart au xviii e  siècle et Keynes au xx e , il se caractérise par d’autres questions (viabilité plutôt qu’équilibre) et d’autres représentations de l’économie (matrices de paiements plutôt que matrices de demandes excédentaires). Classification JEL : A10, A11, A12, B10, B20.
4. Economic theory and history of economic thought: a Ricardo’s unexpected general assertion
Authors: Klimovsky Édith
Published: June 2021

Cet article vise à justifier l’importance de la théorie économique pour parvenir à une interprétation appropriée de propositions d’auteurs anciens. À la lumière de la théorie classique contemporaine, nous analysons la relation ricardienne dans les Principes entre le taux de profit et l’excédent de travail. En opposition avec ce qui est généralement admis, nous montrons que cette relation se vérifie indépendamment de la théorie de la valeur travail. Ricardo découvre les limites de cette théorie et ne signale jamais que les valeurs travail sont nécessaires pour rapporter le taux de profit à l’excédent de travail. Classification JEL : B12, B24, B51, D30.
6. Utilité de la théorie économique et rôle du théoricien selon Joan Robinson
Authors: Pouchol Marlyse
Published: June 2021

Joan Robinson (1903-1983) s’intéresse à l’avenir que le capitalisme réserve au monde. Ce thème la place d’emblée en rupture avec les économistes néoclassiques qui ont cherché à créer un objet d’étude universel et atemporel. La persistance du modèle néo-classique malgré les objections majeures qui lui ont été apportées, en particulier par Keynes, mais aussi par son propre travail concernant l’ambiguïté du concept de capital, va la conduire à s’interroger sur la nature de l’activité de l’économiste. Dans un ouvrage de 1962, intitulé Philosophie économique , elle explique que l’analyse économique a nécessairement un pied dans la science et un pied dans la philosophie car elle n’existerait pas sans un individu qui se pose des questions sur la marche du monde parce qu’il pense qu’il peut en infléchir le cours. Classification JEL : B 51, B 52, E 11, E 12.
7. Retour sur la controverse Cahuc-Zylberberg : science plus empirique ou sanctuarisation du noyau dur théorique ?
Authors: Lainé Michaël
Published: June 2021

Dans leur ouvrage controversé sur le « négationnisme économique », Cahuc et Zylberberg s’appuient sur trois arguments : l’économie serait devenue une science expérimentale ; cela provoquerait une véritable rupture épistémologique, laquelle permettrait une plus grande proximité avec les faits. Si le constat est tout à fait excessif, puisque la très large majorité des travaux actuels ne relèvent ni de l’expérimentation aléatoire, ni des expériences naturelles ou de laboratoire, cet article examine le bien-fondé des deux derniers arguments. Nous démontrons que les méthodes expérimentales s’inscrivent pleinement dans l’épistémologie dominante. Il n’y aurait donc pas de rupture mais un simple approfondissement. Nous montrons également que les protocoles expérimentaux ne sont pas dénués de théorie ou de défauts techniques propres (les données doivent toujours être construites et interprétées et la « méthode expérimentale » ne change rien à cela). Enfin, nous nous interrogeons sur la place des faits dans la recherche actuelle. Ils inspireraient les nouvelles théories en ce qu’ils signaleraient des déviations empiriques dont il faut rendre compte. Nous aurions là le signe d’un moindre renouvellement, les programmes de recherche tendant au renforcement de leur « noyau dur » par la mise en compatibilité des théories secondaires avec les résultats empiriques. Classification JEL : B41, C90.
8. On Lawson’s definition of heterodox economics by its ontological/realist orientation
Authors: Schnitzer Hendrik
Published: June 2021

Dans cet article j’oppose deux objections à l’argument de Tony Lawson selon lequel la propriété distinctive de l’économie hétérodoxe par rapport à l’économie orthodoxe-mainstream consiste dans son orientation ontologique-réaliste. À cette fin, pour distinguer le sens possible des concepts, je me réfère aux concepts de mainstream, néoclassique, orthodoxe et hétérodoxe, dont la définition peut être “intensionnelle” ou “extensionnelle”. Alors que la définition extensionnelle des termes est relativement arbitraire, une définition intensionnelle positive de ceux-ci peut en être propose, sauf pour le terme “hétérodoxe”. Lawson tente d’en donner ne définition positive méthodologique : selon une acception implicite commune toutes les écoles hétérodoxes adoptent une orientation ontologique réaliste. Bien que l’argument de Lawson soit prometteur en première instance, il est en fait hautement problématique en raison de l’usage qu’il fait des concepts d’ontologie et de réalisme. Je montrerai que son usage de ces concepts est incohérent et contradictoire, au moins dans le contexte de sa distinction entre hétérodoxie et orthodoxie-mainstream. Classification JEL : B4.
6. How Law and Economics Was Marketed in a Hostile World : l’institutionnalisation du champ aux États-Unis de l’immédiat après-guerre aux années Reagan
Authors: Kirat Thierry , Marty Frédéric
Published: June 2021

Cet article traite de l’institutionnalisation du champ de la Law and Economics aux Etats-Unis de l’après-guerre aux années Reagan. Il met l’accent sur le rôle de fondations d’entreprises pro-marché dans l’essor de la Law and Economics et s’appuie sur l’analyse de trajectoires individuelles ou collectives, qu’il s’agisse de projets de recherche, de programmes de formation des juges ou encore de travaux académiques et de carrières judiciaires et administratives de théoriciens de premier plan. Il s’attache in fine à l’impact de cette institutionnalisation sur les manières de juger. JEL Classification : B21, B31, K21, N42
7. Impôt progressif sur le revenu et prise en compte des questions sociales : les propositions de l’ingénieur économiste Clément Colson
Authors: De Paoli Joachim
Published: June 2021

L’objet de cet article est d’analyser les positions de Clément Colson au sujet de l’impôt progressif sur le revenu. Nous montrerons qu’il s’oppose à la majorité des libéraux français en soutenant cet impôt et que son analyse, dans la tradition des ingénieurs économistes, est basée sur la pratique en prenant en compte le contexte de l’époque. Ainsi, on retrouve dans les développements de l’auteur la crainte envers le socialisme de même que l’inquiétude d’une trop faible natalité. L’analyse de Colson peut également être considérée comme une tentative d’introduire le marginalisme en France. JEL Classification : B1, B31
2. Sustainability, the Systems Approach and the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Barbier Edward B. , Burgess Joanne C.
Published: June 2021

La ‘systems aproach’ est l’une des premières initiatives en économie pour rendre la notion de développement soutenable opérationnelle. Elle considère que le développement soutenable renvoie à la maximisation d’objectifs appartenant aux systèmes environnemental, économique et social. Cet article explore le lien entre la ‘systems approach’ de la soutenabilité et les objectifs de développement durable adoptés formellement par les Nations Unies en 2015. Les deux approches trouvent leur origine dans la crainte qu’un développement uniquement soutenu par le progrès économique soit insuffisant pour atteindre d’autres priorités sociales et d’autres objectifs environnementaux. La ‘system approach’ de la soutenabilité fut influencée d’une part par la pensée du développement des années 1960 et 1970 qui privilégiait la satisfaction des besoins fondamentaux des pauvres, et d’autre part, par les préoccupations des ‘conservationnistes’ quant à l’état global de l’environnement. De manière similaire, les objectifs de développement durable des Nations Unies furent nourris par la reconnaissance que le déclin des objectifs environnementaux peut saper le développement à long terme, même les objectifs économiques et sociaux s’améliorent par ailleurs. Des études récentes ont exploré ce lien entre ‘system approach’ et objectifs de développement durable et étudié leurs arbitrages et complémentarités possibles de ces objectifs – environnementaux, économiques et sociaux – de manière à rendre opérationnelle la soutenabilité. Classification JEL : QO1, O20, D61, Q56
Les trois imaginaires contemporains du tirage au sort en politique : démocratie délibérative, démocratie antipolitique ou démocratie radicale ?
Authors: Abbas Nabila , Sintomer Yves
Published: June 2021

Résumé En France et au-delà, le tirage au sort est au centre d’importants débats sur la démocratisation des institutions politiques. Des acteurs souvent opposés l’érigent en moyen privilégié de répondre à la crise de la représentation politique. Comment faire sens d’un consensus réunissant des personnalités et courants disparates ? Les deux dernières décennies ont vu se modifier profondément le champ d’expérience et l’horizon d’attentes des citoyens du Nord global. Nous avons reconstruit de façon idéal-typique trois imaginaires contrastés qui proposent de développer les mini-publics tirés au sort : la démocratie délibérative, la démocratie antipolitique et la démocratie radicale. L’article analyse chacun d’eux, exposant les parallèles et les contrastes qui les unissent ou les séparent, contribuant ainsi à expliquer l’étonnante convergence de nombreux acteurs autour de la sortition.
Tirage au sort et conscience des injustices
Authors: Vandamme Pierre-Étienne
Published: June 2021

Résumé Cet article examine dans quelle mesure le tirage au sort de représentants politiques pourrait être un vecteur de justice sociale. En raison de sa capacité à amener à des postes de pouvoir des représentants de groupes désavantagés, la réponse semble a priori positive. Elle présuppose toutefois la capacité des représentants tirés au sort issus de ces groupes à agir dans le meilleur intérêt du groupe – et donc qu’ils aient conscience des injustices subies et des moyens efficaces d’y remédier. Or, tant la pensée marxiste que la psychologie sociale contemporaine ont mis en évidence le fait qu’une telle conscience des injustices n’allait pas de soi pour des personnes éduquées et socialisées dans des contextes où dominent des idéologies anti-égalitaires. Une telle conscience des injustices n’est parfois acquise qu’au terme d’un processus assez lent de politisation collective, dans une dynamique d’antagonisme. Loin de condamner le tirage au sort, la prise en compte de cette réalité amène d’une part à mesurer l’avantage d’assemblées citoyennes s’inscrivant dans la durée, et d’autre part à ne pas perdre de vue certains bénéfices de la démocratie électorale comme la capacité de mobilisation et de conscientisation des partis politiques et le rôle essentiel joué par la société civile.
Les experts albanais de l’environnement
Authors: Guevara-Braun Tibissai
Published: June 2021

Cet article propose une sociologie des acteurs et consultants en affaires environnementales qui exercent en Albanie, dans la période de préparation à l’adhésion de ce pays à l’Union européenne. On s’intéresse tout particulièrement à la relation de dépendance multiforme qu’ils entretiennent avec les institutions européennes. Comment des acteurs dont la survie financière et le devenir politique national sont si étroitement liés au projet européen en viennent-ils à tenir des discours critiques vis-à-vis de l’UE et à adopter des comportements de distanciation et de désaffiliation à l’égard de ces mêmes institutions ?
Datchas urbaines et monde rural
Authors: Robert-Boeuf Camille
Published: June 2021

Traditionnellement tournées vers l’approvisionnement alimentaire en temps de crise, les datchas sont aujourd’hui multifonctionnelles et se transforment en résidences secondaires. À Kazan, leur aspect agricole n’a cependant pas disparu, car les dačniki tissent des liens étroits et informels avec les agriculteurs locaux, contribuant à soutenir des fermiers précaires et créant des logiques d’approvisionnement alimentaire locales. Ces relations avec la campagne placent les datchas au cœur d’une logique d’autonomie alimentaire déjà développée par les autorités régionales du Tatarstan et participent à la légitimation d’une agriculture périurbaine qui reste peu étudiée et fragile en Russie.
La vidéoformation
Authors: Flavier Eric
Published: June 2021

Depuis plus de 50 ans, la vidéoformation s’est progressivement déployée dans les cursus de formation d’adultes au gré des évolutions technologiques, au point de devenir aujourd’hui quasi incontournable, particulièrement dans les domaines de l’éducation et de la santé. Constituant une opportunité de faire entrer le métier dans les cursus de formation, la vidéoformation se révèle d’une grande complexité dès lors que l’on souhaite en saisir les intérêts, les bénéfices, mais aussi les limites et les précautions inhérentes à sa mise en œuvre, tant pour les concepteurs-formateurs que pour les apprenants. Cette note de synthèse se propose de faire le point sur la vidéoformation en formation d’adultes. Elle présente en premier lieu une réflexion sur les évolutions historiques et les développements technologiques qui ont accompagné son déploiement. Par la suite, à partir d’un examen de la littérature scientifique internationale, elle s’attache à présenter les différentes conceptions épistémologiques ainsi que les approches et les usages qui en découlent. Elle se conclut par une brève réflexion relative aux nécessaires précautions éthiques qu’implique le recours à l’image.
L’usage des vidéos en didactique professionnelle : statuts technique, pragmatique, épistémique et acceptabilité sociale
Authors: Olry Paul , Métral Jean-François , Chrétien Fanny
Published: June 2021

L’usage de la vidéo en formation est héritière d’une longue tradition centrée sur le sujet apprenant (Linard et Prax, 1983). Cet article s’attache à interroger le statut des traces vidéo de l’activité dans les recherches en didactique professionnelle (DP). Il présente les fondements théoriques et les principes qui structurent leur usage dans l’ingénierie DP pour la formation. Trois exemples sont pris pour illustrer les statuts (pragmatique, épistémique, technique) et fonctions (visibilisation, élucidation, conception) attribués à ces traces vidéo dans ce cadre. Ils donnent à voir son intérêt mais aussi ses limites au regard de l’acceptabilité sociale de ce qu’il dévoile du travail et du savoir-faire des professionnels pour les organisations. La distorsion ainsi mise en évidence entre acceptabilité et statut apparaît comme une dimension à interroger dans les recherches du domaine qui recourent à la vidéo.
Ground state solution of critical Schrödinger equation with singular potential
Authors: Su Yu
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we consider the following Schrödinger equation with singular potential:

   \begin{document}$ \begin{equation*} \begin{aligned} -\Delta u + V(|x|)u = f(u),\ \, x\in \mathbb{R}^{N}, \end{aligned} \end{equation*} $\end{document}

where \begin{document}$ N\geqslant 3 $\end{document}, \begin{document}$ V $\end{document} is a singular potential with parameter \begin{document}$ \alpha\in(0,2)\cup(2,\infty) $\end{document}, the nonlinearity \begin{document}$ f $\end{document} involving critical exponent. First, by using the refined Sobolev inequality, we establish a Lions-type theorem. Second, applying Lions-type theorem and variational methods, we show the existence of ground state solution for above equation. Our result partially extends the results in Badiale-Rolando [Atti Accad. Naz. Lincei Rend. Lincei Mat. Appl. 17 (2006)], and Su-Wang-Willem [Commun. Contemp. Math. 9 (2007)].
Educational Robotics as an Effective Use of Technology to Enhance Learning
Authors: Abu Mukh Yasmeen Nzam
Published: June 2021

Many studies provide that students who learn through participation technology, while participating in the educational process, especially in magic robot programs, make decisions in a magical way (at least this is what some students think before they know about programming and sensors) It attracts students and picks them up, and this It is the reason why they are busy with technology-enhanced learning inside warfare, with a special focus on educational robot programs [6] , and it should be noted that some research highlights that some valuable comments and ideas will not only inspire future exploration in this field, but also To reassess critical evaluation of programs that may not live up to your ideal.
Giovanni Manardo and Jacques Dubois on John Mesuë’s Medical Substances
Authors: Heitsch Dorothea
Published: June 2021

At the crossroads of translation, cultural exchange, humanistic rhetoric, the medical schools of Italy and France, printing, and transnational conversations, Opera Mesuae represents a paradigm of Renaissance medical anthropology. In comparing a number of entries by Giovanni Manardo and Jacques Dubois (Sylvius), I propose to situate this work in the quarrel of the simples aimed at reassessing the contributions of the Arab world to early modern science and medicine.Au carrefour de la traduction, de l’échange culturel, de la rhétorique humaniste, des facultés de médecine en Italie et en France, de l’imprimerie et des conversations transnationales, Opera Mesuae représente un paradigme de l’anthropologie médicale de la Renaissance. En comparant un certain nombre d’entrées de Giovanni Manardo et Jacques Dubois (Sylvius), je me propose de situer cette œuvre dans la querelle des simples visant à réévaluer les contributions du monde arabe à la science et à la médecine de la première modernité.
Bones of Contention. Humanism, Translation, and Experience in Sixteenth-Century Translations of Galen’s De ossibus
Authors: Shotwell R. Allen
Published: June 2021

This article examines the editions of Galen’s De ossibus ad tirones (On Bones for Beginners) in Latin, Greek, and French printed in the sixteenth century – a period that saw more than two-dozen printings of the book. After a brief survey of the contents of the book, a description of the various editions and translations produced is given. The illustrations included in the editions up through the middle of the century are then described, and finally the role the book played in a dispute between Andreas Vesalius and his former teacher, Jacobus Sylvius, is examined, including an edition of De ossibus written by the Spanish physician, Luis Collado.
Józef Struś (Josephus Struthius) translator of Galen. The case of De antidotis
Authors: Mucci Simone
Published: June 2021

Cet article propose une étude préliminaire de la traduction latine du De antidotis de Galien faite par le médecin et humaniste Josephus Struthius. Il n’a apparemment pas recouru à l’ancien manuscrit contenant De antidotis qu’il dit avoir employé pour sa traduction ; sa critique contre la traduction latine du De antidotis faite par le médecin et humaniste Joannes Guinterius est au moins partiellement injustifiée. Struthius adopte une stratégie d’auto-représentation qui rappelle celle de Galen.
Online Learning Effectiveness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mahyoob Mohammad
Published: June 2021

This paper is set out to explore the students’ attitudes towards online learning effectiveness using the Blackboard platform in three public Saudi universities (Taibah, Hail, and Al-Baha) during COVID 19 pandemic. It examines the learning activities which ensure the achievement of education quality during unprecedented online learning. The survey based- questionnaire method was used to elicit students’ responses. The numbers of students who participated in the survey are 333. The main section of the questionnaire contains questions about the main online learning activities. The coefficient relation of the p-value is highly correlated when tested using Pearson’s r and Spearman’s. The score of Cronbach’s Alpha is (0.93) which indicates (greater internal consistency) an acceptable level of reliability. The findings positively emphasize the effective influence of online learning on student’s academic achievements in most of learning factors except in an assessment factor where the development of new assessment methods is needed.
Makerspaces
Authors: Okuonghae Omorodion , Nkiko Christopher
Published: June 2021

The idea of makerspace in a library is one that has re-emphasized the importance of library spaces in today’s digitally controlled society. Makerspace as a concept promotes creative learning, critical thinking, communication, collaboration and problem solving skills among people and also inspires them to shift from being passive consumers to active creators. The library makerspace provide space for people of all ages to build prototypes, explore new ideas and build something together, thus, enhancing human capacity building among library users. Consequently, this paper theoretically examined makerspace as a library tool for capacity building in developing countries. The concept of makerspace, makerspace tools, and the best practices for effective makerspace were discussed. The paper also explored makerspace as a library tool for capacity building as well as the challenges faced in creating library makerspace. The paper concluded that library makerspace provide a safe place for people to feel comfortable creating and using powerful tools without feeling pressured.
Introduction to The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021‐2030) and the Seabed 2030 Initiative
Authors: Kocak Donna M. , Hotaling Liesl
Published: June 2021

Abstract Entire proceedings available as a single PDF.
MR1 Tetramer–Based Artificial APCs Expand MAIT Cells from Human Peripheral Blood That Effectively Kill Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Priya Raj , Brutkiewicz Randy R
Published: June 2021

Immunotherapy for cancer treatment requires the activation of cytotoxic effector lymphocytes. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate T cells that recognize the MHC class I–like molecule MR1. MAIT cells play an important role in the immune response against microbial infections and can directly kill tumor cells. Although MAIT cells can be expanded ex vivo, this method is time-consuming, expensive, and requires allogenic feeder layers. To overcome the limitations of conventional dendritic cell–based vaccines and ex vivo expansion of human T cells, an artificial APC (aAPC) approach to expand antitumor effector cells has several advantages. In this study, we explored an efficient in vitro method to amplify MR1-specific MAIT cells from human peripheral blood using aAPCs made by coating cell-sized latex beads with an Ag-loaded MR1 tetramer complex and anti-CD28 Ab. We further elucidated the cytotoxic potential of such expanded MAIT cells against three human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell lines to explore their potential use as a novel immunotherapeutic tool, as the mostly lethal GBM poorly responds to conventional chemotherapy. When aAPCs were compared with the standard allogenic feeder layer–based approach for MAIT cell expansion, they were significantly more effective. Our results indicate that the aAPC-expanded MAIT cells remained functional, retained their original phenotype, secreted proinflammatory cytokines, and showed cytotoxicity against the GBM cell lines. Hence, MAIT cells have the potential to be a novel tool in immunotherapy approaches for the treatment of human GBM.
Refractory thrombocytopenia in a severe COVID-19 patient
Authors: Di Capua Mirko , Conca Alessio , Testa Simone , Mascolo Maria , Paglia Stefano
Published: June 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndromerelated coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has spread worldwide. The most of patients presents fever, dyspnea and cough as a typical viral infection, others show peculiar clinical and laboratory signs, such as anosmia, ageusia and thrombocytopenia. We here describe a severe coronavirus disease 2019 patient (76-year old, male) that developed an immune thrombocytopenia and acquired pseudo-thrombocytopenia that were refractory to immunomodulators even after resolution of respiratory failure. The patient developed thrombocytopenia (platelets 88,000/mm3) that got worse the following day (14,000/mm3). We started 1 mg/kg of methylprednisolone i.v. daily. Platelet count increased up to 209,000/mm3, in sodium citrate, but remained about 14,000/mm3 in EDTA 10 days after the beginning of methylprednisolone. The patient showed great improvement in respiratory parameters and radiological finding. About one week after he developed a thrombocytopenia up to 70,000/mm3. We did not modify the steroids dosage. Platelet count slowly began to increase and in about 10 days returned to normal values.
Critical occurrence of verotoxgenic E.coli and non-typhoidal salmonella in some heat treated dairy products
Authors: Elzhraa Fatma , Al-Ashmawy Maha , El-Sherbini Mohammed , Abdelkhalek Adel
Published: June 2021

Pathogenic strains of E.coli and Salmonella are common causes of foodborne illness and have been frequently isolated from inadequately heat-treated milk products in Mansoura city. The current study was performed to explore the prevalence of E.coli and Salmonella spp. in heattreated milk products intended for consumption in Mansoura university hospitals and hostels, as well as, to investigate their serotypes and virulence potential. Seventyfive samples of heat-treated milk products (Soft cheese, yoghurt, and processed cheese, 25 of each) were randomly gathered and directed to further investigation using conventional and molecular microbiology. Result revealed that 3(12%) of soft cheese samples harbored E.coli O146:H21, O26:H11 and O128:H2 serotypes and 2(8%) of yoghurt samples were contaminated with O128:H2 and O121:H7 serotypes while 3(12%) of processed cheese samples were positive for non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) serovars (Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Infantis and Salmonella Essen). Virulence gene profiling reported that all E.coli isolates harbored eaeA gene and only E.coli O26:H11 and O121:H7 encoded stx2 (verotoxin) gene. Further, all Salmonella isolates harbored invA and stn genes, while only Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Infantis encoded spvC gene. This study confirmed the existence of highly pathogenic verotoxogenic E.coli (VTEC) and NTS in investigated milk products which could be hazardous for public health and resident in Mansoura hospitals and hostels. Hence, the implementation of good hygienic practices together with hazard analysis, and risk-based preventive control measures are rigorously required in the process of HACCP plan to eliminate the risk of contamination that may occur during the manufacturing process.
Successful treatment with benralizumab in a patient with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis refractory to mepolizumab
Authors: Menzella Francesco , Galeone Carla , Ghidoni Giulia , Ruggiero Patrizia , Capobelli Silvia , Simonazzi Anna , Catellani Chiara , Scelfo Chiara , Livrieri Francesco , Facciolongo Nicola
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is characterized by necrotizing eosinophilic granulomatous inflammation that frequently involves the respiratory tract (90% of cases). Asthma in EGPA is systematically severe and often refractory to common treatment, it is corticosteroid resistant and can often anticipate the onset of systemic vasculitis by many years. A release of cytokines necessary for the activation, maturation and survival of eosinophils, such as IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 occurs in the activated Th-2 phenotype. In particular, IL-5 level is high in active EGPA and its inhibition has become a key therapeutic target. Oral glucocorticoids (OCS) are effective treatment options but unfortunately, frequent relapses occur in many patients and they lead to frequent side effects. As for now, there are currently no official recommendations on doses and treatment schedules in the management of EGPA.Case presentation: In this article, we describe the case of a man with EGPA, severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), with poor asthma and CRSwNP control despite OCS and mepolizumab treatment. Respiratory and vasculitis symptoms improved markedly after therapeutic switch to benralizumab. During the treatment, in addition to clinical effects, we witnessed a depletion of blood eosinophils, as well as an improvement in both pulmonary function tests, CT scan and skin lesions present initially. Conclusions: While there are many studies confirming the efficacy of benralizumab in EGPA, the most interesting aspect of our report is that efficacy was confirmed in a patient previously unresponsive to mepolizumab, known to be effective in EGPA.
Nutrizione enterale a bolo vs. nutrizione enterale continua nel paziente adulto: una revisione sistematica e metanalisi
Authors: Di Matteo R. , Bolgeo T. , Bertolotti M. , Gatti D. , Roveta A. , Betti M. , Gambarini L. , Viazzi F. , Maconi A.
Published: June 2021

Introduzione. L'alimentazione a bolo e continua sono strategie di somministrazione della nutrizione enterale comunemente utilizzate. Attualmente non vi sono dati sufficienti per definire quale sia il metodo più efficace per ridurre le complicanze gastrointestinali nei pazienti adulti. Obiettivo. Valutare l’impatto della nutrizione enterale a bolo rispetto a quella continua negli outcomes aspirazione, aumento del residuo gastrico, diarrea, distensione addominale, vomito, indice glicemico sul paziente adulto con indicazione alla nutrizione enterale prepilorica in ambito ospedaliero. Materiali e metodi. La ricerca bibliografica è stata effettuata sui database Pubmed, Embase, Cinhal e Cochrane. La meta-analisi è stata eseguita attraverso l’utilizzo del Review Manager V.5.3. Risultati. Cinque studi hanno mostrato che il tasso di diarrea era più alto nel gruppo di alimentazione a bolo (RR= 2.50, IC 95% = 1.17– 5.34, P = 0,02). Cinque studi hanno mostrato che il tasso di aspirazione era più alto nel gruppo di alimentazione continua (RR = 0.55 IC 95% 0.35,0.87 P= 0.01). Nessuna differenza significativa per gli altri outcome. Conclusioni. L'alimentazione intermittente potrebbe ridurre l'incidenza di aspirazione, tuttavia sembra associarsi a maggiore rischio di diarrea.
A Comparative Study of Prevalence of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection among Infertile and Fertile Women at a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Parpillewar Moushmi Balwant , Singh Shweta
Published: June 2021

Background and Aim:

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium causing sexually transmitted infection leading to urogenital infections which are asymptomatic. If untreated, leads to complications such as chronic pelvic pain, inflammation, and occlusion of the fallopian tubes, resulting in infertility and ectopic pregnancy. The association is found between C. trachomatis infection and female infertility with a prevalence rate of 15%–30%. The aim was to determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis infection in women with infertility.

Materials and Methods:

This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study of patients presenting with or without infertility. Group A (75 cases) cases with infertility with or without symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease. Group B (75 cases) with no infertility matching age, symptoms with Group A. After history, physical examination cervical swab for chlamydial antigen and serology sample was taken and processed. Positive cases were followed by hysterosalpingography (HSG) and laparoscopy.

Results:

Out of 150 patients, 14 were positive for chlamydia in cases and 4 in the control group. Chlamydial prevalence was four times more in cases as compared to the control group, which is significant. The mean age was 27.97 + 4.520 years. Out of 14 positive cases, 8 (57.14%) had symptoms, whereas 6 (42.85%) were asymptomatic; in controls, 2 were symptomatic, whereas 2 were asymptomatic. HSG and laparoscopy were positive in chlamydia positive cases.

Conclusion:

It can be presumed that there is a significant role of C. trachomatis in infertility and also there is an association between chlamydia antigen detection and tubal factor infertility.
Dermatopathic Lymphadenitis
Authors: Nagar Neeti , Arora Sheetal , Ranga Sunil
Published: June 2021

Dermatopathic lymphadenopathy usually presents with multiple enlarged lymph nodes. It is often seen in patients with skin diseases with either exfoliative or eczematoid inflammatory erythrodermas. Multiple enlarged lymph nodes usually point to the diagnosis of lymphoma. Fine-needle aspiration cytology helps in reaching the correct diagnosis at the preliminary stage. There are very few case reports on cytological features of this disease in literature. Here, we describe a case of dermatopathic lymphadenopathy in a 15-year-old female with subtle skin disease.
Dye-based identification of the orientation of tissue for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty: A laboratory-based study
Authors: Donthineni Pragnya Rao , Vaddavalli Pravin Krishna
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

To describe the features enabling the identification of the orientation of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) lenticule with the assistance of vital dyes.

Methods:

This is a blinded experimental lab-based study, including 30 microkeratome prepared precut DSAEK lenticules. The lenticules were divided into control and study arms which included 10 unstained and 20 stained lenticules, respectively. In the study arm, vital dyes like trypan blue (TB), brilliant blue (BB), indocyanine green (ICG) and fluorescein stain (FS) were used to stain 5 lenticules each. They were examined by experienced (group 1) and novice surgeons (group 2) to identify the correct orientation of the lenticule. The results were tabulated and analyzed.

Results:

Of the 30 lenticules examined, the average of total scores obtained by each observer was higher (78%) in group 1 as compared to group 2 (65.3%) which was statistically significant (P < 0.005). In group 1, the accuracy of identifying the correct orientation of unstained lenticules was 70% which improved to 82% on staining. The accuracy in group 2 was 58% with unstained lenticules which improved to 69% on staining. Within the study arm, irrespective of surgical experience, the accuracy was highest with BB (86%), followed by TB (82%), ICG (72%) and FS (62%).

Conclusion:

This study found that the accuracy of identifying the orientation of DSAEK lenticules increased with experience and with the assistance of staining using vital dyes. This accuracy improved with blue dyes like brilliant blue and trypan blue, irrespective of the level of experience.
Automated iris volume analysis and trabecular meshwork length using anterior segment optical coherence tomography - Application in pseudoexfoliation and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma
Authors: Rao Aparna , Vupparaboina Kiran Kumar , Padhy Debananda , Raj Niranjan , Pradhan Amiya , Goud Abilash , Peguda Hari Kumar , Jana Soumya , Richariya Ashutosh
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in the iris and angle parameters in psuedoexfoliation syndrome (PXF) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT).

Methods:

Patients with PXF or PXG were compared using ASOCT with primary open-angle glaucoma POAG eyes as controls in this noninterventional comparative study conducted at a tertiary eye care center in East India. All angle parameters, TM length, and iris thickness were analyzed from the enhanced depth imaging (EDI) single scans obtained. Quadrant scans were used for the calculation of iris volume using a custom-built in-house software. In particular, the software performs multiple operations including edge detection, connected components, and thresholding to localize and segment the iris. Differences in the iris volume/thickness and TM length in PXF and PXG with POAG were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 225 eyes were included, which included 75 PXG and 98 PXF cases and 52 POAG with a mean age of 67 ± 9.7 years at presentation. The algorithm repeatability and reproducibility was also established with correlation coefficients more than 99% which was substantiated with Bland-Altman plots. The iris volume (calculated in 197 images of 225 eyes) did not differ significantly in PXF and PXG eyes, although both had significantly greater volume compared to POAG eyes. The iris volume or other angle parameters including TM length did not correlate with clinical variables such as IOP, age, or visual field indices.

Conclusion:

Iris parameters or TM length do not explain pathogenesis of glaucoma in pseudoexfoliation.
Digitally assisted three-dimensional surgery – Beyond vitreous
Authors: Bawankule Prashant K , Narnaware Shilpi H , Chakraborty Moumita , Raje Dhananjay , Phusate Rinkle , Gupta Richa , Rewatkar Kaustubh , Chivane Anurag , Sontakke Suraj
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the application and safety of three-dimensional (3D) visualization system in varied anterior segment procedures and Scleral Buckle.

Methods:

This was a prospective observational study of 313 eyes. Patients undergoing phacoemulsification (PE) with intraocular lens (IOL), trabeculectomies, glaucoma triple procedure (GTP), scleral fixated (SF) IOL, and scleral buckle (SB) were included in the study. Cases were randomly distributed in 3D visualization system (learning and post-learning phase) and conventional microscope group. Parameters studied were complications (intraoperative and early postoperative), surgical outcomes, and surgeon’s perspective on various parameters (through a validated questionnaire) like surgical time, time lag, learning curve, ease of doing various steps and its value as an educational tool, for both groups [Questionnaires 1 and 2].

Results:

Complications rates were not different in two groups. Surgical outcomes (anatomical and physiological) were similar in both the groups. Mean duration of surgery in PE+IOL, Trabeculectomy, GTP in learning stage by 3D was significantly higher than Microscope, which became insignificant in postlearning stage. For, SB and SFIOL, duration between two groups were insignificantly different. There was significant learning struggle in PE+IOL, SB, and Trabeculectomy. Image resolution, depth perception, illumination and postural comfort was graded higher for 3D surgery across the stages. Time lag, poor color contrast, and field of view were appreciated during the learning stage. Educational relevance of 3D was higher, as appreciated by resident and nurses.

Conclusion:

3D surgery is as safe, faster, and predictable after initial learning struggle. Even in anterior segment procedure, no apparent lag was appreciated after learning curve.
Changes in astigmatism after horizontal muscle recession strabismus surgery
Authors: Karakosta Christina , Bougioukas Konstantinos I , Karra Martha , Kontopanos Georgios , Methenitis Georgios , Liaskou Maria , Paraskevopoulos Konstantinos , Kokolaki Anna
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in astigmatism after unilateral recession of horizontal rectus muscles in pediatric patients.

Methods:

The authors retrospectively evaluated the medical history of 52 children with esotropia or exotropia, that underwent a unilateral recession strabismus surgery. The intervention group consisted of the 52 eyes that underwent strabismus surgery, and the control group consisted of the other 52 fellow unoperated eyes of the same participants. The intervention group was divided into medial and lateral rectus muscle subgroups, and four subgroups based on the astigmatism axis preoperatively (A: with-the-rule astigmatism, B: no astigmatism, C: intermediate meridians, D: against-the-rule astigmatism). All patients were examined one day preoperatively, and then, six weeks postoperatively. Paired tests were conducted, and the significant level was set to 0.05 or was adjusted for subgroups.

Results:

A mean difference 0.43 D of astigmatism (95% CI: 0.27, 0.59) was observed after the surgery between intervention and control group (P < 0.001). Astigmatism change (postoperative - preoperative) in subgroup A was 0.50 D (P < 0.001) and in subgroup B was 0.75 D (P < 0.001). Moreover, astigmatism changes of 0.50 D were found in both lateral (P < 0.001) and medial rectus muscle group (P = 0.002).

Conclusion:

Strabismus surgery appears to be associated with alterations in astigmatism, and in particular increase in cylindrical power in the eyes that had with-the-rule astigmatism or no astigmatism preoperatively. Those changes should be considered when planning the operation, to avoid transforming clinically non-significant astigmatism into clinically significant.
Aurolab aqueous drainage implant in the vitreous cavity: Our modifications over the conventional technique of glaucoma implant surgery
Authors: Shah Vinit J , Khadar Syed Mohideen Abdul , Reddy YC Venugopal , Adeel Syed Saifuddin , Kader Mohideen Abdul , Ramakrishnan Rengappa , Nair Shobita
Published: June 2021

Glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs) are used for managing refractory glaucoma due to failed trabeculectomy, neovascular glaucoma, traumatic glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma post keratoplasty. Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) is a nonvalved drainage implant conventionally implanted with the tube placed in the anterior chamber. Studies about the outcome of the various aqueous drainage devices implanted in the anterior chamber have reported complications such as tube extrusion, migration, blockage, erosion, and corneal decompensation. We propose modifying the conventional GDD implantation technique by placing the tube in the vitreous cavity, thereby negating the risk of anterior segment complications in patients with refractory glaucoma whose anterior segment is already compromised. Another novel approach implemented in this technique was making a scleral tunnel instead of using a scleral or corneal patch graft to cover the tube to prevent its migration. This article describes the surgical steps of this technique and its advantages, along with a surgical video.
Cilioretinal artery occlusion with paracentral acute middle maculopathy associated with COVID-19
Authors: Ozsaygılı Cemal , Bayram Nurettin , Ozdemir Hakan
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the study is to describe cilioretinal artery (CILRA) occlusion that is presumed to be associated with COVID-19 without severe respiratory distress and inform ophthalmologists of unusual ocular presentations of COVID-19. Here, we present the first case of a patient with isolated CILRA occlusion and paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) after recently polymerase chain reaction-proven COVID-19. A 26-year-old female patient presented with a visual field defect in her left eye for 2 days and decreased vision compared to her right eye. It was learned that the patient had a laboratory-proven COVID-19 infection with mild respiratory symptoms that did not require hospitalization 2 weeks ago. Fundus examination revealed retinal edema in the left eye area supplied by the CILRA. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography revealed a prominent hyperreflective band at the inner nuclear layer level. These findings led us to the diagnosis of isolated CILRA occlusion and PAMM associated with recent COVID-19. CILRA occlusion and PAMM could be associated with the inflammatory and procoagulant condition caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Усиление метода Бургейна-Конторовича: три новых теоремы
Authors: Kan Igor' Davidovich
Published: June 2021

Доказывается следующий результат. Рассмотрим множество $\mathfrak{D}_{\mathbf{A}}$ несократимых знаменателей рациональных чисел, представимых конечными цепными дробями, все неполные частные которых принадлежат некоторому конечному алфавиту $\mathbf{A}$. Пусть множество бесконечных цепных дробей с неполными частными из этого алфавита имеет хаусдорфову размерность $\Delta_{\mathbf{A}}$, удовлетворяющую неравенству $\Delta_{\mathbf{A}} \geqslant0.7748…$ . Тогда $\mathfrak{D}_{\mathbf{A}}$ содержит положительную долю натуральных чисел. Аналогичный предыдущий результат автора 2017 г. относился к неравенству $\Delta_{\mathbf{A}} >0.7807…$; в оригинальной статье Бургейна-Конторовича 2011 г. $\Delta_{\mathbf{A}} >0.9839…$ .
Библиография: 28 названий.