bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiomics-based prediction of FIGO grade for placenta accreta spectrum
Authors: Bartels Helena C. , O’Doherty Jim , Wolsztynski Eric , Brophy David P. , MacDermott Roisin , Atallah David , Saliba Souha , Young Constance , Downey Paul , Donnelly Jennifer , Geoghegan Tony , Brennan Donal J. , Curran Kathleen M.
Published: September 2023

Background

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a rare, life-threatening complication of pregnancy. Predicting PAS severity is critical to individualise care planning for the birth. We aim to explore whether radiomic analysis of T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can predict severe cases by distinguishing between histopathological subtypes antenatally.

Methods

This was a bi-centre retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort study conducted between 2018 and 2022. Women who underwent MRI during pregnancy and had histological confirmation of PAS were included. Radiomic features were extracted from T2-weighted images. Univariate regression and multivariate analyses were performed to build predictive models to differentiate between non-invasive (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO] grade 1 or 2) and invasive (FIGO grade 3) PAS using R software. Prediction performance was assessed based on several metrics including sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and area under the curve (AUC) at receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results

Forty-one women met the inclusion criteria. At univariate analysis, 0.64 sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.0−1.00), specificity 0.93 (0.38−1.0), 0.58 accuracy (0.37−0.78) and 0.77 AUC (0.56−.097) was achieved for predicting severe FIGO grade 3 PAS. Using a multivariate approach, a support vector machine model yielded 0.30 sensitivity (95% CI 0.18−1.0]), 0.74 specificity (0.38−1.00), 0.58 accuracy (0.40−0.82), and 0.53 AUC (0.40−0.85).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate a predictive potential of this machine learning pipeline for classifying severe PAS cases.

Relevance statement

This study demonstrates the potential use of radiomics from MR images to identify severe cases of placenta accreta spectrum antenatally.

Key points

• Identifying severe cases of placenta accreta spectrum from imaging is challenging.

• We present a methodological approach for radiomics-based prediction of placenta accreta.

• We report certain radiomic features are able to predict severe PAS subtypes.

• Identifying severe PAS subtypes ensures safe and individualised care planning for birth.

Graphical Abstract
Relevance of the projectile atomic mass in the breakup process
Authors: Mukeru B.
Published: September 2023

In probing the internal structures of halo systems through breakup reactions, the attention is largely reserved to the ground and continuum structures of the weakly bound projectile. In this paper, it is shown that some breakup features can be revealed by focusing on the projectile atomic mass, which is found to be a significant quantitative parameter in the breakup process.
Polygenic Prediction of Education and Its Role in the Intergenerational Transmission of Education: Cohort Changes Among Finnish Men and Women Born in 1925–1989
Authors: Lahtinen Hannu , Korhonen Kaarina , Martikainen Pekka , Morris Tim
Published: September 2023

Major changes in the educational distribution of the population and in institutions over the past century have affected the societal barriers to educational attainment. These changes can possibly result in stronger genetic associations. Using genetically informed, population-representative Finnish surveys linked to administrative registers, we investigated the polygenic associations and intergenerational transmission of education for those born between 1925 and 1989. First, we found that a polygenic index (PGI) designed to capture genetic predisposition to education strongly increased the predictiveness of educational attainment in pre-1950s cohorts, particularly among women. When decomposing the total contribution of PGI across different educational transitions, the transition between the basic and academic secondary tracks was the most important. This transition accounted for 60–80% of the total PGI–education association among most cohorts. The transition between academic secondary and higher tertiary levels increased its contribution across cohorts. Second, for cohorts born between 1955 and 1984, we observed that one eighth of the association between parental and one's own education is explained by the PGI. There was also an increase in the intergenerational correlation of education among these cohorts, which was partly explained by an increasing association between family education of origin and the PGI.
Life Course Patterns of Prescription Drug Use in the United States
Authors: Ho Jessica Y.
Published: September 2023

Prescription drug use has reached historic highs in the United States—a trend linked to increases in medicalization, institutional factors relating to the health care and pharmaceutical industries, and population aging and growing burdens of chronic disease. Despite the high and rising prevalence of use, no estimates exist of the total number of years Americans can expect to spend taking prescription drugs over their lifetimes. This study provides the first estimates of life course patterns of prescription drug use using data from the 1996–2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys, the Human Mortality Database, and the National Center for Health Statistics. Newborns in 2019 could be expected to take prescription drugs for roughly half their lives: 47.54 years for women and 36.84 years for men. The number of years individuals can expect to take five or more drugs increased substantially. Americans also experienced particularly dramatic increases in years spent taking statins, antihypertensives, and antidepressants. There are also important differences in prescription drug use by race and ethnicity: non-Hispanic Whites take the most, Hispanics take the least, and non-Hispanic Blacks fall in between these extremes. Americans are taking drugs over a wide and expanding swathe of the life course, a testament to the centrality of prescription drugs in Americans' lives today.
Mnemonic Politics around the Japanese Colonial Era in Post–Cold War Taiwan: Wei Te-sheng's Colonial Trilogy and Post–New Cinema
Authors: Bae Juyeon
Published: September 2023

This article examines mnemonic politics after 1987’s democratization in Taiwan by discussing the cinematic representation of colonial memory, mainly focusing on Wei Te-Sheng's films set in the Japanese colonial era. After the end of martial law in 1987, prohibited issues such as Japanese colonialism and Indigenous Taiwanese in the representational sphere began to appear on the screen. Therefore, the colonial memory that emerged on screen entangles with Cold War politics and the postcolonial geopolitical situation. In Wei's films, he links heroic Indigenous people in the history of Taiwan with the archetypical land. The suffering of those who are tightly bound to the land inspires a sense of deprived sovereignty—that is, occupation. The sense of occupation indicates the long history of colonial Taiwan, from the time of the Netherlands and Spain, via the Qing Dynasty and Japan, to the KMT government. Wei's films reclaim Taiwanese history from the perspective of the Indigenous people who lived in Taiwan before 1945 rather than that of the occupiers.

Regardless of the memory of resistance, surrender, victory, or defeat, Wei's films, however, romanticize the memory of the Japanese colonial era. In doing so, his films denounce the time of KMT “occupiers” in the postcolonial era and reinforce Taiwanese nationalism against Chinese nationalism. Through textual analysis of Wei's films and comparison with other films provoking colonial memory, this article investigates how colonial memories are negotiated in the post–Cold War Taiwanese cinema to reformulate the contentious idea of “nation” and “nationalism” in Taiwan.
Animating the Trauma: Colonial Atrocities and the Use of New Media in Contemporary South Korean Museums
Authors: Kim Chung-kang
Published: September 2023

When Tongnip kinyŏmgwan 독립기념관 (the Independence Hall of Korea) opened in 1987 to commemorate independence from Japanese colonial rule, the sensational depiction of violence within its technologically innovative diorama display drew substantial public attention. These diorama displays were particularly striking as they palpably demonstrated to visitors the brutal nature of colonial violence through a series of horrendous images of tortured and murdered Koreans. Across the globe, this use of exhibition as a means to “come to terms with the colonial past” has become a recurring feature within the museological production of national and local discourses of remembrance. In the three decades since the establishment of the Independence Hall, South Korean national, local, and private museums have been developing increasingly technically advanced ways to “animate” historically traumatic experiences. This article explores the transformation of the representation of historical trauma within South Korean museums over recent decades. By examining the popularization of VR (virtual reality) and other digital media, this article will argue that the display of violence through this new technology engenders a simplified, unitary sense of historical trauma, while this new virtual viewer experience also entails the possibility to view such an intended viewing position and create multiple actual personal meanings.
The Audacity of Judging Mind in Medieval England
Authors: Kamali Elizabeth Papp
Published: September 2023

In medieval English texts, a common refrain, drawn from scripture, urged that only God could search the mind and heart of a sinner, and that those who judge others might face their own grave judgment on the last day. This sits uneasily with the task of issuing a felony verdict, a burden placed squarely upon the shoulders of lay jurors after the Fourth Lateran Council's effective abolition of trial by ordeal in 1215. Nevertheless, jurors did sit in judgment upon their neighbors, and evidence suggests that they were not merely assessing outward conduct but also the state of a defendant's heart and mind which, like the hand of a proband in the era of trial by ordeal, might be declared fair or foul. This essay explores how techniques for unearthing intentionality through circumstantial inquiry—techniques developed in the context of classical rhetoric and adapted for priests hearing confessions—were put to use by coroners and others tasked with investigating crimes. This, in turn, aided jurors in the perilous, even audacious, task of judging alleged felons, ultimately determining who should be acquitted and who should face the gallows.
Anatomic Variants in the Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Encountered During Resection of Vestibular Schwannomas
Authors: Carlstrom Lucas P. , Dornhoffer James R. , Randall Nicholas R. , Peris Celda Maria , Van Gompel Jamie J. , Driscoll Colin L. , Carlson Matthew L. , Link Michael J.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are often phenotypically benign lesions that may be technically challenging to resect because of involvement of neurovascular structures. The anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) is commonly identified near VS, with variable position in relation to the tumor; however, little published literature describes anatomic and pathologic variants of AICA observed during VS resection.

METHODS:

A prospectively maintained cohort of surgically managed VS with available operative reports and clinical/radiographic follow-up was queried and reviewed for noted aberrations.

RESULTS:

We identified 66 cases with noted AICA abnormalities among 880 reviewer cases, including 20 loops extending into the internal auditory canal (2.3%), 18 arteries embedded in dura (2.0%), 15 AICA branches directly within VS (1.7%), 8 main trunk arteries coursing between cranial nerves 7 and 8 (0.9%), 3 arteries embedded in temporal bone (0.2%), 1 aneurysm (0.1%), and 1 artery bifurcating cranial nerve 6 (0.1%). The median age of AICA-variant patients was 55 years (range 19-74), and 29 were female (45%). Compared with the other AICA variants, tumors embedded with AICA tended to be larger lesions on maximal axial diameter (2.9 vs 1.6 cm; P = .006), they more commonly underwent less than total resection (73% vs 28%; P = .0001), and they had higher rates postoperative House-Brackmann scores >2 (47% vs 20%; P = .005). Two patients had radiographic and symptomatic postoperative cerebral ischemia or hemorrhage—1 from a bone-encased AICA and 1 from a dural embedded variant.

CONCLUSION:

Anatomic variants of AICA occur in approximately 7% of VS operations. Most aberrations do not affect surgical or clinical outcomes, and the rate of major vascular injury was low. However, certain types variably add operative time and in the case of AICA encasement in the tumor, likely indicate a more aggressive tumor phenotype with lower rates of gross total resection and high incidences of facial nerve weakness.
Optimizing Surgical Efficiency in Complex Spine Surgery Using Virtual Reality as a Communication Technology to Promote a Shared Mental Model: A Case Series and Review
Authors: Laskay Nicholas M. B. , Parr Matthew S. , Mooney James , Farber S. Harrison , Knowlin Laquanda T. , Chang Todd , Uribe Juan S. , Johnston James M. , Godzik Jakub
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology that can be used to promote a shared mental model among a surgical team. We present a case series demonstrating the use of 3-dimensional (3D) VR models to visually communicate procedural steps to a surgical team to promote a common operating objective. We also review the literature on existing uses of VR for preoperative communication and planning in spine surgery.

METHODS:

Narrations of 3 to 4-minute walkthroughs were created in a VR visualization platform, converted, and distributed to team members through text and email the night before surgical intervention. A VR huddle was held immediately before the intervention to refine surgical goals. After the intervention, the participating team members’ perceptions on the value of the tool were assessed using a survey that used a 5-point Likert scale. MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Dimensions AI databases were queried from July 2010 to October 2022 to examine existing literature on preoperative VR use to plan spine surgery.

RESULTS:

Three illustrative cases are presented with accompanying video. Postoperative survey results demonstrate a positive experience among surgical team members after reviewing preoperative plans created with patient-specific 3D VR models. Respondents felt that preoperative VR video review was “moderately useful” or more useful in improving their understanding of the operational sequence (71%, 5/7), in enhancing their ability to understand their role (86%, 6/7), and in improving the safety or efficiency of the case (86%, 6/7).

CONCLUSION:

We present a proof of concept of a novel preoperative communication tool used to create a shared mental model of a common operating objective for surgical team members using narrated 3D VR models. Initial survey results demonstrate positive feedback among respondents. There is a paucity of literature investigating VR technology as a means for preoperative surgical communication in spine surgery.

ETHICS:

Institutional review board approval (IRB-300009785) was obtained before this study.
Crossroads in virology: current challenges and future perspectives in the age of emerging viruses
Authors: Sanyal Sumana
Published: September 2023

Ongoing global health challenges posed by emerging and re-emerging viruses have highlighted the critical importance of understanding virus–host interactions in countering these threats. Environmental changes, urbanisation and ecological disruption, coupled with the adaptable nature of viruses, facilitates the emergence and spread of new viruses. This Editorial emphasises the urgency of a concerted effort in understanding virus–host interactions to inform the development of therapeutics and vaccines, and help predict disease outcomes. Furthermore, efforts to monitor viral evolution, identify mutations of concern, and develop ‘universal’ vaccines and broad-spectrum antiviral drugs are needed to counter viral evolution and potentially prevent future viral emergences. Widespread public mistrust surrounding viruses and vaccines also calls for improvement in science communication. A ‘One Health’ approach that advocates the development of robust global health systems, interdisciplinary collaborations and equity in health access is therefore imperative for transforming the virology landscape.
Η γονιμότητα στη Θράκη
Authors: Τσώνη Ασπασία
Published: September 2023

Η παρούσα έρευνα μελετά τη γονιμότητα στη Θράκη και στοχεύει αφενός σε μια παρουσίαση των τάσεων του εν λόγω δημογραφικού φαινομένου από το 2000 περίπου, έως τις μέρες μας και αφετέρου στην ανάδειξη των παραγόντων που προσδιορίζουν τα επίπεδα της γονιμότητας στη Θράκη. Επίσης, μελετά το μαθητικό δυναμικό της Θράκης και το φαινόμενο της εγκατάλειψης του σχολείου. Η Θράκη και συγκεκριμένα οι 13 Δήμοι των τριών Νομών της, επιλέχθηκε ως χώρος διεξαγωγής της έρευνας, διότι οι πληθυσμιακές της ομάδες παρουσιάζουν μερικές ιδιαιτερότητες σε σχέση με τους υπόλοιπους πληθυσμούς της Ελλάδας, που σχετίζονται με τα χαρακτηριστικά της κοινωνικο-οικονομικής ανάπτυξής της περιοχής και με το θρήσκευμά τους. Η αναγκαιότητα διεκπεραίωσης της προτεινόμενης έρευνας εδράζεται στην περίοπτη θέση που κατέχει τόσο η γονιμότητα όσο και η εκπαίδευση για την οικονομική εξέλιξη και ανάπτυξη των κοινωνιών. Επιπλέον, στην ανάγκη να εκτιμηθεί η κατάσταση του μαθητικού δυναμικού της περιοχής, ώστε να διαμορφωθεί μία εύστοχη εκπαιδευτική πολιτική που θα αφορά την εν λόγω περιοχή και τέλος στην πρωτοτυπία, καθώς δεν έχουν συντελεστεί αντίστοιχες έρευνες σε χωρικό επίπεδο Δήμου. Η συγκεκριμένη χρονική περίοδος επελέγη, λόγω της επάρκειας δημογραφικού υλικού που είναι διαθέσιμο προς εξέταση.Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας επιβεβαιώνουν την περίπλοκη φύση της γονιμότητας των ζευγαριών, υπό την επίδραση του πολιτιστικού και κοινωνικοοικονομικού περιβάλλοντος. Η Ελλάδα, σήμερα, ανήκει στις χώρες με τη χαμηλότερη γονιμότητα (Tsimbos, Verropoulou & Petropoulou, 2022). Ανάλογη τάση παρατηρείται και στη Θράκη, έστω κι αν η γονιμότητα είναι σχετικά υψηλότερη εκεί. Η αύξηση που παρατηρείται στα επίπεδα της γονιμότητας στις αρχές του 21ου αιώνα σχετίζεται με το πρόβλημα μετάθεσης της τεκνογονίας και κατ’ επέκταση την αναπλήρωση των γεννήσεων ως το 2008. Επίσης, η γονιμότητα στη Θράκη σχετίζεται κατά 50% περίπου με τις πρώτες γεννήσεις, εκτός από την Ξάνθη, όπου παρατηρούνται κάποιες αποκλίσεις. Ένα άλλο εύρημα, είναι ότι η εκπαίδευση είναι ο σημαντικότερος προσδιοριστικός παράγοντας της γονιμότητας. Το θρήσκευμα παρόλο που διαφοροποιεί τους πληθυσμούς της Θράκης δεν φαίνεται να επηρεάζει τη δημογραφική συμπεριφορά των ατόμων σε μεγάλο βαθμό. Τέλος, όσον αφορά στην εκπαίδευση, παρόλο που έχουν γίνει πολλές προσπάθειες από το κράτος για να ενισχυθεί η φοίτηση των μαθητών, το φαινόμενο της μαθητικής διαρροής εξακολουθεί να υφίσταται. Στη Θράκη, υπάρχουν πολλές διαφοροποιήσεις ανάμεσα στους 13 Δήμους, που οφείλονται σε ένα πλήθος κοινωνικοοικονομικών και δημογραφικών παραγόντων. Με βάση αυτά τα ευρήματα μπορούν να σχεδιαστούν οι κατευθυντήριες γραμμές στη δημογραφική πολιτική του κράτους για την αντιμετώπιση των πληθυσμιακών ζητημάτων. Επιπρόσθετα, τα ευρήματα που αφορούν στη Θράκη μπορούν να γενικευτούν και να χρησιμεύσουν στην ερμηνεία των δημογραφικών φαινομένων ολόκληρης της χώρας.
Wolf ecology and predation behavior
Authors: Πετρίδου Μαρία
Published: September 2023

Η παρούσα διατριβή εξετάζει τη σύγκρουση μεταξύ λύκου και ανθρώπου, η οποία προκύπτει κυρίως από τη θήρευση κτηνοτροφικών ζώων, αποτελώντας σημαντική απειλή τόσο για τη διατήρηση των λύκων όσο και για τον κλάδο της κτηνοτροφίας. Για να επιτευχθεί η βιώσιμη συνύπαρξη λύκου και ανθρώπου, απαιτείται πλήρης κατανόηση των οικολογικών και κοινωνικών παραγόντων που την επηρεάζουν. Η παρούσα διατριβή υιοθετεί μία διεπιστημονική προσέγγιση, διερευνώντας τις τροφικές συνήθειες των λύκων, τα χωροχρονικά του πρότυπα σε σχέση με τις ανθρώπινες δραστηριότητες, την επίδραση των κτηνοτροφικών πρακτικών στα επίπεδα θήρευσης από τον λύκο, καθώς και τις προκλήσεις που αντιμετωπίζουν οι κτηνοτρόφοι σε περιοχές με παρουσία λύκου. Στο παράπανω πλαίσιο, η διάρθωση της διατριβής είναι η ακόλουθη. Το Kεφάλαιο 1 παρέχει μια γενική εισαγωγή στο θέμα και τις κύριες έννοιες της διδακτορικής διατριβής. To Κεφάλαιο 2 εξετάζει τις τροφικές συνήθειες του λύκου σε μια περιοχή της Κεντρικής Ελλάδας, με έντονη ανθρωπογενή παρουσία. Ειδικότερα, αυτή η περιοχή χαρακτηρίζεται από υψηλή διαθεσιμότητα κτηνοτροφικών ζώων και περιορισμένους πληθυσμούς άγριων οπληφόρων. Το Κεφάλαιο 3 διερευνά, με τη χρήση αυτόματων υπέρυθρων καμερών, τα χωροχρονικά πρότυπα του λύκου, των κυριότερων άγριων θηραμάτων του, και άλλων σαρκοφάγων θηλαστικών στη Βορειοδυτική Ελλάδα. Παράλληλα εξετάζει τη σχέση αυτών των χωροχρονικών προτύπων με τις ανθρώπινες δραστηριότητες. Το Κεφάλαιο 4 εστιάζει στον ρόλο των κτηνοτροφικών πρακτικών στα επίπεδα θήρευσης από τον λύκο στη Βορειοδυτική Ελλάδα και παράλληλα παρουσιάζει μια επισκόπηση των τάσεων στις απώλειες που προκαλούνται από τον λύκο σε εθνικό επίπεδο. Το Κεφάλαιο 5 εξετάζει τις προκλήσεις που αντιμετωπίζουν οι κτηνοτρόφοι που δραστηριοποιούνται σε περιοχές στη Βορειοδυτική Ελλάδα με παρουσία λύκου. Επίσης, αξιολογεί τις απόψεις τους ως προς τον αντίκτυπο που έχουν οι λύκοι στο επάγγελμα τους.
Comparing the effectiveness of pterostilbene and sitagliptin on modulating inflammatory levels and inducing autophagy to improve atherosclerosis outcome: A preclinical study in rabbits
Authors: Sahib Hussam H , Mohammad Bassim I , Hadi Najah R , Al-Shaibany Azhar , Philip Anil K , Mohammed Wisam J , Jamil Dina A , Al-Aubaidy Hayder A
Published: September 2023

Background: Inflammation is the key contributor to the development of atherosclerotic plague. This study aims to evaluate the protective and autophagy induction properties of pterostilbene and sitagliptin on modulating the degree of atherosclerosis in rabbit models treated with an atherogenic diet.

Methods: 80 rabbits were randomly placed into one of four study groups (20 in each group): normal control diet (NC) fed normal diet for eight weeks, atherogenic control (AC) fed atherogenic diet for eight weeks, pterostilbene treated group (PT) fed atherogenic diet with pterostilbene (at 10 mg/kg/day) orally daily for eight weeks, and sitagliptin treated group (ST) fed atherogenic diet with sitagliptin (at 12 mg/kg/day) orally daily for eight weeks.

Results: While serum lipids and F2-isoprostane were elevated significantly in the AC study cohort compared to NC study cohort, (P < 0.001), both pterostilbene and sitagliptin supplementations provided significant improvements in serum lipid parameters and F2-isoprostane in the PT study cohort and ST study cohort, respectively, when compared to the AC study cohort, (P<0.001). Total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels were significantly reduced among the PT and ST study cohorts as compared to the AC study cohort. This was coupled with a significant rise in LC3B levels (marker of tissue autophagy) among the PT study cohort and the ST study cohort, as compared to the AC study cohort, (P < 0.001). The RNA expression of mTORC1 was reduced significantly at both PT study cohort and ST study cohort, (P<0.001). Pterostilbene supplementation induced a significant reduction in tissue expression of PI3K and AKT, (P<0.01), while sitagliptin induced significant reduction in 5’ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) levels, (P<0.001).

Conclusions: The results indicate that pterostilbene and/or sitagliptin supplementation can significantly improve the outcome of atherosclerosis due to their effects on the inflammatory pathways which hinder the progression of atherosclerotic plaque formation.
Toward esthetically and biomechanically reliable anterior resin composite restorations: Current clinical experiences among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almulhim Khalid S. , AlSheikh Rasha , Abdalla Moamen , Haridy Rasha , Bugshan Amr , Smith Stephen , Zeeshan Mohammed , Elgezawi Moataz
Published: September 2023

Background: Esthetic anterior composite restorations are very challenging. They constitute a main part of the clinical practice of restoring teeth with resin composites. Distinctive variations in composite material selection and technique of application in anterior teeth exist when compared to the practice of restoring posterior teeth with resin composites. In a continuation of a previous assessment of class II resin composite practice,  a cross-sectional survey study was performed to determine the awareness of general dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia about resin composite restorations in anterior teeth and to provide evidence-based recommendations to improve their practice.

Methods: A total of 500 dental practitioners from different provinces in Saudi Arabia were invited to participate in an online questionnaire which comprised four domains and included a total of sixteen questions addressing aspects regarding the selection of resin composites, cavity configuration, etching protocol, light-curing technique, liner application, application of poly-chromatic composite, as well as finishing and polishing procedures. Chi square testing and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the attained data.

Results: From 250 respondents, the greatest participation was from the Eastern and Middle provinces of Saudi Arabia. Female dentists participated less than males. There was no general agreement between participants regarding the resin composite material or the employed technique of application in restoring anterior tooth defects. Respondents indicated that discoloration and hypersensitivity were the most common reasons for patient’s dissatisfaction with resin composites in anterior teeth.

Conclusions: Dental practitioners are highly encouraged to improve their clinical practice of restoring anterior teeth using resin composites with the focus upon continuous education programs, online webinars, and workshops.
Storage stability of a fluidized-bed agglomerated spray-dried strawberry powder mixture
Authors: Castaño Peláez Hader Ivan , Cortés-Rodríguez Misael , Ortega-Toro Rodrigo
Published: September 2023

Background: Strawberry is a fruit with a high antioxidant capacity due to its richness in phenolic compounds that suffer a rapid post-harvest deterioration. Spray drying is an alternative to reduce losses; however, these powders present problems of instantanisation, making it necessary to implement agglomeration processes. During storage, powdered food products can undergo a series of changes in their amorphous state from a product initially in a vitreous state to a gummy state, where all properties are substantially modified due to the increased mobility of water in the matrix.

Methods: The research objective was to evaluate the storage stability (6 months) of a fluidized bed agglomerated strawberry powder mixture at three temperatures (15, 25 and 25°C), a controlled environment at 65% relative moisture, and PET foil laminated film bags as packaging. Moisture, water activity, bulk and compacted density, Carr and Hausner indices, solubility, hygroscopicity, wettability, angle of repose, antioxidant capacities, total phenols, anthocyanins, vitamin C, color (CIE-Lab) and particle size were monitored.

Results: ANOVA showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) for all dependent variables concerning storage time; storage temperature had no significant effect on S, ABTS, DPPH and Hu. The time-temperature interaction during storage had no significant effect (p>0.05) on S, ABTS, DPPH, Hu and L. The agglomerate showed moisture and aw values that confer excellent stability against deterioration reactions; it retained good fluidity, low cohesiveness, and retentions above 50% for antioxidant capacity, 76% for total phenols, 39% for anthocyanins, and 40% for vitamin C; particle size was retained during the evaluation. The color was only affected in the 35°C treatment from the fifth month onwards.

Conclusions: The study will serve as a tool for the determination of the shelf life of the chipboard once the critical values of the attributes selected as predictors of shelf life are defined.
Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of BlueM active oxygen gel and Coe-pak dressing on post-operative healing of gingival depigmentation: a study protocol
Authors: Bhagat Shweta , Jaiswal Priyanka , Masurkar Deepika
Published: September 2023

Introduction Dark colored gingiva is an esthetic concern that cannot be ignored, especially when accompanied by a high lip line or gummy smile. Gingival depigmentation is a periodontal plastic surgical procedure wherein the hyperpigmentation is removed or reduced by various techniques. Protecting the wound from mechanical trauma and stability of the surgical site during the healing process are among the most important advantages of periodontal dressing application after surgery.

Aim This study is aimed to comparatively evaluate the effectiveness of reactive oxygen gel species (BlueM gel) and the traditional Coe-Pack dressing on gingival healing and pain after surgical depigmentation.

Protocol This split-mouth randomized clinical trial will be conducted on 20 patients aged 18–45 years with maxillary physiologic gingival pigmentation classes (II) (III) and (IV) according to the Dummett–Gupta Oral Pigmentation Index (40 treated sites). The maxilla will be randomly divided into two symmetrical parts—from the right second premolar to the midline and from the midline to the left second premolar—to receive either BlueM gel or Coe- Pack as a dressing after surgical depigmentation with a scalpel. Various indices will be assessed, such as plaque index, papillary bleeding index, pain index, healing index and reepithelization index with toluidine blue, and the follow-up period will be one month.

Expected results- A total of 20 patients will be included in this study. Statistically significant differences are expected to show in the pain index and healing index after one, two, three, four, and five days. The BlueM gel group is expected to show a higher significant difference after one, two, three and four weeks in the reepithelization index.
Association of anthelmintic treatment with malaria prevalence in Rural Sussundenga, Mozambique
Authors: Akambase Joseph A. , Ferrão João L. , Francisco Albino , Muhiro Valy , Novela Anísio , Earland Dominique E. , Searle Kelly M.
Published: September 2023

Background: Mozambique has the 4th highest malaria incidence and mortality globally. Despite the existing malaria control strategies, malaria prevalence remains stagnant. These challenges have increased calls for innovative strategies in areas with the highest disease burden. Community mass treatment with anthelmintic agents have been used as an effective tool for the control of major helminth infections and has emerged as a potential tool for vector control in the fight against malaria.

Methods: This was an analysis of data from a cross-sectional community-based survey designed to study malaria risk, prevention, and health seeking behaviors in Sussundenga, Mozambique. Using logistic regression models, we quantified the association between ever receiving anthelmintic treatment and P. falciparum infection. We also fit models to determine the association between recent anthelmintic treatment and malaria infection.

Results: Two-hundred, seventy-seven (277) participants from 83 households were included in this analysis. The prevalence of P. falciparum infection measured by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) was 30%. 77% of participants reported having ever received anthelmintics. The prevalence of malaria was slightly higher among participants who reported ever taking anthelmintics. There was no statistically significant association between prior receipt of anthelmintic and P. falciparum malaria infection after adjusting for age, ITN use and head of household full-time employment (OR = 1.37, 95% CI, 0.70–2.70, p = 0.36). However, recent intake of anthelmintics was associated with lower odds of testing positive for in the adjusted models (OR = 0.35, 95% CI, 0.07–1.80, p = 0.21), but this was not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Our findings show that the benefit of anthelmintics treatment as a control tool for P. falciparum malaria infection is likely tied to when it is administered rather than if it was ever administered. These findings offer evidence for making decisions in planning mass community deworming in sub-Saharan Africa.
La Competencia Digital Docente. Diseño y validación de una propuesta formativa
Authors: Cisneros Barahona Andrés Santiago , Marqués Molías Luis , Samaniego Erazo Nicolay , Mercedes Catalina
Published: September 2023

En la actualidad existe una brecha digital provocada por la incapacidad de los individuos para aprovechar al máximo las oportunidades que la internet y las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación (Tic) proporcionan. En la Educación Superior esta brecha se relaciona a una formación que es insuficiente para alcanzar el nivel de desarrollo de la Competencia Digital Docente (CDD) requerido. El objetivo de esta investigación es diseñar una propuesta formativa para fortalecer la Competencia Digital (CD) de docentes universitarios. A través de un proceso de juicio de expertos, con un estudio Delphi de dos iteraciones, un grupo de especialistas en el campo de la tecnología educativa validó la propuesta. Una versión afinada fue desarrollada en consideración de estas observaciones, que incluye aspectos relevantes como la mentoría, la retroalimentación y el soporte para alcanzar los objetivos estratégicos institucionales. Para la mayoría de los indicadores y dimensiones de la propuesta el estadístico de Fleiss muestra una concordancia de jueces “casi perfecta”. En el futuro, se plantear ejecutar estudios similares para mejorar el nivel de la CD de estudiantes; además de generar acciones formativas específicas en función de variables como edad, experiencia, formación, género, situación laboral, tiempo de dedicación, entre otros.
Nivel de Competencia digital de estudiantes de primer año de formación inicial docente: una mirada desde las variables de género y centro educativo
Authors: Silva Quiroz Juan , Rioseco Pais Marcelo Humberto , Aranda Faúndez Gonzalo
Published: September 2023

La evaluación de la Competencia Digital (CD) es una demanda creciente en particular en las y los estudiantes universitarios. Resulta especialmente relevante para aquellos que se están formando para ser docentes. El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar el nivel de la CD de las y los estudiantes de primer año de formación inicial docente (FID) de una universidad pública chilena y su posible relación con las variables de género y centro educativo donde cursaron la enseñanza secundaria. Se utilizó una metodología cuantitativa para un estudio descriptivo-inferencial, utilizando el instrumento de evaluación DIGCOMP-PED [1] que evalúa la CD según el marco DIGCOMP. El instrumento se aplicó a una muestra de 448 estudiantes, se realizaron análisis descriptivo e inferenciales a través de las pruebas t-student y ANOVA. Los resultados mostraron un nivel de logro moderado en CD. Adicionalmente, se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas para las dos variables estudiadas. Esto subraya la necesidad de que los programas de FID diagnostiquen el nivel de CD de sus estudiantes y elaboren estrategias o iniciativas complementarías para el logro de un desempeño exitoso. Un dominio adecuado de la CD favorece la formación académica de las y los estudiantes y genera las bases para el desarrollo futuro de la competencia digital docente.
Inclusión digital desde una perspectiva intergeneracional: promover el desarrollo de la alfabetización digital y mediática entre las personas mayores desde la perspectiva de los jóvenes-adultos
Authors: Tomczyk Lukasz , d'Haenens Leen , Gierszewski Dorota , Sepielak Dominika
Published: September 2023

La exclusión digital es un fenómeno desafiante en muchos países. El bajo nivel de competencias digitales y mediáticas entre las personas mayores plantea muchas preguntas sobre la efectividad de las actividades de inclusión digital existentes. Este artículo llena un vacío relacionado con el desarrollo de competencias digitales desde una perspectiva intergeneracional. El artículo responde a las preguntas de 1) cómo promover la inclusión digital entre las personas mayores, y 2) qué papel en la promoción efectiva del desarrollo de competencias digitales pueden desempeñar los jóvenes. El estudio utilizó una técnica de entrevista estandarizada que involucró a 22 jóvenes-adultos (20-35 años) que informaron sobre once formas de promover actividades de inclusión digital entre las personas mayores y ocho técnicas relacionadas con el desarrollo intergeneracional de la competencia digital y mediática.
Skin conditions and diabetes: management in primary care pt.1
Authors: Morris David
Published: September 2023

David Morris explains the skin conditions experienced patients with diabetes, in the first article of a series
Diagnosis and management of scabies in a primary care setting
Authors: Perry Margaret
Published: September 2023

Margaret Perry discusses the key features of this common but distressing skin condition
Infant mental health and the role of the health visitor
Authors: Boddy Bethany
Published: September 2023

The theme for June's infant mental health week this year was ‘Bonding before birth’, with organisations sharing the importance of support for parents and carers to enable them to understand baby brain development and how this can be nurtured
Anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Robertson Deborah
Published: September 2023

Deborah Robertson provides an overview of recently published articles that may be of interest to non-medical prescribers. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided
Application of herbal probiotics in feed on growth and blood profile of elver eels (Anguilla bicolor McClelland, 1844)
Authors: Harun Harun , Abdan Muamar , Suprihadi Suprihadi , Saputra Fazril , Kharunnisak Kharunnisak , Samsuli Said , Sulni Rahmat
Published: September 2023

Shortfin eel cultivation in Indonesia has shown significant development in aquaculture. However, various challenges still hinder its successful implementation. This study aims to investigate the impact of herbal probiotics on the growth and blood profile of elver eels (Anguilla bicolor). The research was conducted at UPR Mina Mandiri in the Beutong District of Nagan Raya Regency, from August to October 2022This research was conducted at UPR Mina Mandiri, Beutong District, Nagan Raya Regency, from August to October 2022. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatment levels and three replications was employed for this study. The treatments consisted of herbal probiotics added to the eels' feed: 0, 15, 20, 25, and 30 ml/kg. The data obtained from the experiment were subjected to an analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess the significance of the results. ANOVA test results show that probiotics significantly affect survival rate, absolute weight growth, specific weight rates, feed efficiency, and the elver eel blood profile (hemoglobin, erythrocytes, and leukocytes). (P0.05). Duncan's advanced test revealed significant differences in the growth parameters and blood profiles among the various treatments. Treatment B, which utilized a dosage of 15 ml/kg of feed, displayed the most favorable outcomes. It achieved a survival rate of 93.33%, absolute weight growth of 2.69 grams, a specific growth rate of 1.73%, and a feed efficiency of 48.56%. Additionally, the blood profile measurements for treatment B were as follows: hemoglobin levels ranged from 9.53 to 9.73 g/dl, erythrocyte count ranged from 1.12 to 1.23 x 103 cells/mm3, and leukocyte count ranged from 120 to 133 x 103 cells/mm3.Keywords:blood profilefish healthgrowthshortfin eels probiotics
The use of maggot (Hermetia illlucens) oil in artificial feeds on the growth performance and survival rate of saline tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Windarto Seto , Shiddieqi Hasbi Ash , Prayitno Slamet Budi , Suryanto Damang , Putro Sapto Purnomo , Herawati Vivi Endar
Published: September 2023

Tilapia is one of the commodities favored by the community and is widely cultivated in Indonesia. At this time, the development of tilapia cultivation has entered the location of marine and brackish waters, known as saline tilapia. The increase in tilapia cultivation has increased feed production, so the price of raw materials, especially fish oil, has increased. The source of crude fat that is usually used in feed formulations is fish oil, but the availability of fish oil is limited, so the price is increasing. One of the alternatives that can replace fish oil is maggot oil. Maggot contains 42-48% lipids. The purpose of this study is to find the effect of giving maggot oil on the growth and survival of saline tilapia. The method used was experimental, with a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments and three replications. The treatments tested were treatment A (control), B (1.5 ml of maggot oil), C (2 ml of maggot oil), D (2.5 ml of maggot oil)) on 100 grams of feed. The saline tilapia used was 1.4-1.9 grams/head. The fish were reared for 30 days in 15-liter volume containers, ten fish density, and were fed three times a day. The results showed that fish oil substitution using maggot oil (H. illucens) significantly affected FUE, SGR, absolute weight, FCR, and SR of saline tilapia. The best dose of maggot oil was found in treatment B with a dose of 1.5 ml/100 grams of feed capable of producing FUE (88.78±3.80%), SGR (7.98±0.23%/day), absolute weight (41 .17± 4.57gram), FCR (1.13±0.05), and SR (100±0.00%).Keywords:BSFBrackish waterSGRProductionWeight
FRONT MATTER
Authors: . .
Published: September 2023

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Secular Trouble: Regulating Reality in Non-Fiction Literatures
Authors: Harding Susan
Published: September 2023

Abstract: This essay examines some of the conventions of secular narration that shape mainstream journalism, scholarship, and other non-fiction literatures. By bracketing the agency of non-natural forces, the conventions generate an authoritative authorial position outside the narrative, a worldly kind of God's-eye view or "higher ground," and generates secular knowledge that can be exchanged by diverse supernaturalists and naturalists. Similar conventions are also at work in much mainstream American fiction. Indeed, abiding by such secularizing conventions is part of what defines a literature as mainstream.
A Form of Belief: The Prayer Lyrics of Elizabeth Jennings and Louise Glück
Authors: Stevens Jeremy
Published: September 2023

Abstract: This article considers the continuing relationship between contemporary lyric poetry and prayer through readings of poems by Elizabeth Jennings (a British cradle-Catholic) and Louise Glück (an American of no professed religion). In different contexts, both turn to the concept of a "book of hours" for formal inspiration, and—like many contemporary poets—engage with prayer as a formal model for lyric poems. In a secular age this makes their lyrics self-reflexive, questioning lyric presence. Ultimately, however, prayer's formal involvement with lyric expression reveals that both prayer and lyric depend on a continuing capacity for (different kinds of) belief.
Fully Human, Created in God’s Image: Caliban in Shakespeare’s The Tempest
Authors: Urban David V.
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Responding to various of The Tempest ’s characters’ describing Caliban as non-human, as well as the long critical, theatrical, and artistic traditions of presenting Caliban as less than fully human, this essay argues that Caliban’s humanity is established both by Shakespeare’s text and by a theologically informed understanding of Caliban that demonstrates that Caliban bears the image of God. A recognition of Caliban as imago Dei helps us to better appreciate his complex relationships with Prospero, Miranda, and Stephano and to understand his eventual repentance and its redemptive influence upon Prospero in light of the play’s broader Christian vision.
Redeeming the Times: Evelyn Waugh’s Sword of Honour as Sacramental Epic
Authors: Comerford Peter J.
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Evelyn Waugh’s Sword of Honour trilogy is a sacramental epic that derives its theology from the thinkers of the ressourcement , the theologians seeking a renewal of Catholic thinking by rediscovering the works of the early church fathers. Waugh shows grace operating both through the seven sacraments as well as the sacramentality of creation. He portrays a notion of specific vocation, whereby every person has a unique role to play in God’s plan. He uses the narrative device of eucatastrophe, which depicts that within God’s plan, good can come out of evil.
Exploring Christian Literature in the Contemporary and Secular University
Authors: Aers David , Pfau Thomas
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Both of us teach in the Duke English Department and hold secondary appointments in the Duke Divinity School. In this essay, we reflect on impediments to teaching Christian literature in contemporary English departments, in particular the naturalistic, anti-metaphysical dogma pervading humanistic inquiry, yet also the widespread theological illiteracy among today’s undergraduates and graduates. Still, students usually embrace focused ethical and theological inquiry, as well as the attention to textual and hermeneutic issues called for by much Christian literature across the centuries. We conclude by outlining options for a more productive future alignment of literary and theological inquiry and pedagogy.
Civilization for Know-Nothings: Liberal Arts after the Fall of Liberalism
Authors: Gray Patrick
Published: September 2023

Abstract: The most familiar obstacle to teaching Christianity on its own terms or indeed in any sense at all within the context of higher education is the influence of postmodernism. Deconstruction and the hermeneutics of suspicion undercut the appeal of the humanities in general, leading to declining enrolment. Less familiar, by contrast, as an obstacle to appreciating or even understanding Christianity is the pervasive influence of “critical pedagogy” in primary and secondary education. Undergraduates arrive with very little sense that great works of the past, Western or non-Western, Christian or pagan, can provide insights into abiding constants of the human condition.
“At the Present Time”: Christian Literary Scholars in the Last Days of Liberalism
Authors: Haddox Thomas F.
Published: September 2023

Abstract: In recent years, Christian scholars of literature have become unusually vulnerable, because their historical commitments to the specificity of the human person on the one hand and to the givenness of their situation in the world on the other have brought them into conflict with dominant valorizations of will, desire, and self-fashioning above all—valorizations abetted by what Shoshan Zuboff calls “surveillance capitalism.” In this essay, I reflect on the current situation for Christian scholars, drawing upon recent work by Patrick Deneen for diagnostic purposes and by Christina Bieber Lake for practical advice about what is to be done.
Challenging Interpretations of Disability and Incarnation in Vassar Miller's Poetry of Connection
Authors: Thompson Janice A.
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Vassar Miller, former Poet Laureate of Texas, views the work of poetry in incarnational terms, comparing the Word made flesh to the poet's work connecting words to reality. When Miller's interpreters explore this connection, however, they emphasize her disabled body. Addressing Miller's objections, I shift attention from Miller's body to her words. By engaging critical analysis from the field of disability studies, I first draw out Miller's struggle with disability language and rhetoric. Then, using theological reflection, I showcase Miller's incarnational sense of the power and limits of words to make connections, as God's Word became one of us.