bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postoperative Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid-Venous Fistulas Associated With Dural Tears in Patients With Intracranial Hypotension or Superficial Siderosis—A Digital Subtraction Myelography Study
Authors: Schievink Wouter I. , Maya Marcel M. , Chu Ray M. , Perry Tiffany G. , Moser Franklin G. , Taché Rachelle B. , Wadhwa Vikram S. , Prasad Ravi S.
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND:

Postoperative spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are common but rarely cause extensive CSF collections that require specialized imaging to detect the site of the dural breach.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the use of digital subtraction myelography (DSM) for patients with extensive extradural CSF collections after spine surgery.

METHODS:

A retrospective review was performed to identify a consecutive group of patients with extensive postoperative spinal CSF leaks who underwent DSM.

RESULTS:

Twenty-one patients (9 men and 12 women) were identified. The mean age was 46.7 years (range, 17-75 years). The mean duration of the postoperative CSF leak was 3.3 years (range, 3 months to 21 years). MRI showed superficial siderosis in 6 patients. DSM showed the exact location of the CSF leak in 19 (90%) of the 21 patients. These 19 patients all underwent surgery to repair the CSF leak, and the location of the CSF leak could be confirmed intraoperatively in all 19 patients. In 4 (19%) of the 21 patients, DSM also showed a CSF-venous fistula at the same location as the postoperative dural tear.

CONCLUSION:

In this study, DSM had a 90% detection rate of visualizing the exact site of the dural breach in patients with extensive postoperative spinal CSF leaks. The coexistence of a CSF-venous fistula in addition to the primary dural tear was present in about one-fifth of patients. The presence of a CSF-venous fistula should be considered if CSF leak symptoms persist in spite of successful repair of a durotomy.
Πώς προσεγγίζει ένας ριζοσπάστης στοχαστής την καθόλου ιστορία της τέχνης;
Authors: Στεφανίδης Μάνος
Published: March 2023

Λίγοι στοχαστές της εποχής μας κατάφεραν με διανοητική επάρκεια, προμηθεϊκή οξυδέρκεια αλλά και στυλ, όπως ο Κώστας Παπαϊωάννου, να μιλήσουν για την ιστορία με θέαση από κάτω αλλά και από πάνω, την υψηλή ιστορία αλλά και εκείνη των καθημερινών ανθρώπων, την ιδεαλιστική και την "ανθρωπιστική". Επίσης, για τη μάζα που γίνεται το κατεξοχήν πεδίο στο οποίο η ιστορική ειμαρμένη θα καταθέσει τη δυναμική της και τέλος την πολιτική που διαμορφώνει και τις μάζες και την ιστορία, πλάθοντας συνακόλουθα εκείνη την τέχνη που αναλογεί ή αξίζει και στις δύο. Ο Κώστας Παπαϊωάννου, ο οποίος δύσκολα συνομαδώνεται με τους κορυφαίους σύγχρονούς του στοχαστές, Έλληνες και ξένους, παραμένει ο φιλόσοφος της διαφοράς, της υπέρβασης αλλά και της επικής σύνθεσης των αντίθετων, δηλαδή του ύψιστου επιτεύγματος της διαλεκτικής διαδικασίας. Ο Παπαϊωάννου προσεγγίζει το καλλιτεχνικό συμβάν σε σχέση με το πολιτικό κοινωνικό γίγνεσθαι και την ιστορική προοπτική. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, η ενδελεχής γνώση του κλασικού και ο ειλικρινής έρωτας των επιτευγμάτων του μπορούν να προσδώσουν στον σημερινό, κλυδωνιζόμενο κόσμο μία τρόπιδα και μίαν ελπίδα.
New onset asthma during pregnancy: two case reports
Authors: Schriek Paula S. , Bendien Saar A. , Feitsma Hanneke A. , van Exsel Jeroen
Published: March 2023

Introduction: 

Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease during pregnancy. However, reports of new onset asthma during pregnancy are lacking. We report two cases of new onset asthma during pregnancy following respiratory tract infection, subsequently one case with M. pneumoniae infection and the other case with a combined infection with respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus.  

Case presentation:  

Both patients presented with the clinical features of an acute asthma exacerbation during pregnancy without a medical history of asthma. During follow up the diagnosis of asthma was supported by spirometry showing significant reversibility and elevated fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Patients were hospitalized and received supplemental oxygen, treatment for an acute asthma exacerbation with systemic corticosteroids, high dose inhalation therapy. These therapeutic interventions subsequently led to a good outcome for the mother and newborn in both cases.  

Conclusions: 

New onset asthma should be part of the differential diagnosis in pregnant patients with respiratory symptoms, particularly in case of mycoplasma infection. 

Diagnosing asthma during pregnancy can be challenging. In these circumstances, additional diagnostic tests (like inflammatory biomarkers FeNO and blood eosinophils) can be helpful to support the diagnosis.
Sexual dimorphism in relationships between of plasma uric acid and some psycho-neuro-endocrine parameters
Authors: Bombushkar Igor , Korda Mykhaylo , Żukow Xawery , Popovychi. Igor
Published: March 2023

Background. Earlier we found that effects of plasma nitrogenous metabolites as urea, creatinine, and bilirubin on neuro-endocrine parameters, as well as anxiety, are significantly different in men and women of different ages. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationships between the plasma uric acid level and some psycho-neuro-endocrine parameters in the same cohort. Materials and Methods. The object of observation were almost healthy volunteers: 31 males (24÷69 y) and 30 females, from among them 18 postmenopausal (48÷76 y) and 12 of reproductive age (30÷45 y). In basal conditions we determined plasma levels of uric acid and adaptation hormones, estimated the severity of the trait and reactive anxiety, recorded the ongoing HRV and EEG. After 4 or 7 days, repeated testing was performed. Results. By uric acid regression models with stepwise exclusion, it was found that in men plasma uric acid downregulates the PSD of β-rhythm in P4 and δ-rhythm in others 4 loci, but upregulates the Asymmetry of δ-rhythm, variability of α-rhythm, PSD of θ-rhythm in P3 and O1 loci, Entropy of EEG in T4 as well as Testosterone plasma level. The measure of determination is 54,5%. In postmenopausal women, uricemia downregulates the Amplitude of β-rhythm and its PSD in 8 loci as well as sympathetic tone, but upregulates the PSD of HF and VLF bands HRV, Testosterone plasma level, PSD of θ-rhythm in F3 and O2 loci as well as the Laterality of δ-rhythm. The degree of determination of neuro-endocrine parameters is 94,4%. In women of reproductive age uricemia upregulates the Asymmetry and Amplitude of β-rhythm and its PSD in 6 loci, the Amplitude and Laterality of θ-rhythm and its PSD in F8 locus, as well as the PSD of α-rhythm in F8 locus. The degree of positive determination of EEGs parameters is 95,5%. Conclusion. Plasma uric acid has a modulating effect on neuro-endocrine parameters, but this effect is significantly different in men and women of different ages, which is due, apparently, to the influence of sex hormones on the expression of adenosine receptors in neurons.
Forced to go online: A case study of learning consecutive and simultaneous interpreting under Covid-19 in Iraq
Authors: Ghanim Mohammed Hala , Mustafa Balsam
Published: March 2023

This paper explores the perspectives of Iraqi undergraduates studying consecutive and simultaneous interpreting (CI, SI) in the Department of Translation at Mustansiriyah University in Iraq following the sudden transition to the online environment due to Covid-19. The online mode of teaching and learning has never been adopted in Iraq before. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the challenges and opportunities that have emerged from this unprecedented experience of online learning. It does so by adopting a mixed-method approach combining an online survey and two online focus group sessions. We also conducted two online pilot experiments to test the feasibility of the Zoom app to teach CI and SI synchronously. The main findings of this study suggest that while a synchronous online learning environment would potentially contribute to enhancing interpreting skills, the online mode cannot totally replace actual classes in the Iraqi higher education context unless a rigorous infrastructure is first established.
Life satisfaction of nursing, midwifery and emergency medicine students
during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Stefanowicz-Bielska Anna , Słomion Magdalena , Rąpała Małgorzata
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected life satisfaction of students of medical and health science. The aim of this study was to assess the level of life satisfaction among undergraduate students of nursing, midwifery and emergency medicine during the COVID-19 and to evaluate the impact of adherence to COVID-19 disease prevention measures on their level of life satisfaction.
Material and methods: The study was conducted using a self-constructed questionnaire and a standardized psychological questionnaire, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, among students of nursing, midwifery and emergency medicine in the Pomeranian Voivodeship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results: A total of 37 men and 238 women participated in the study. The mean age of all students was 21.5 (SD±3.83, min-max 19-39). The number of 93% of respondents reported avoiding people who coughed and had a cold, and 85.5% avoided large gatherings. When it comes to 84% of the students, they were vaccinated. As far as 73% of the students are concerned, they estimated that they had a medium level of knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most students had a low (39.3%) and medium (32.7%) level of life satisfaction. A total number of 28% of the students reported a high satisfaction with life. There was not evidence of the influence of gender, field of study, year of study and the preventive behaviours on their level of life satisfaction.
Conclusions: Most Polish students of nursing, midwifery and emergency medicine had a low and medium level of life satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the possible preventive behaviours, Polish students most often avoided people who coughed and had a cold, and they avoided large gatherings. Not all students registered for vaccination.

Keywords: students, life, COVID-19, personal satisfaction
Mechanical Characterization Study of Additive as Nanofiller in Poly (ε-Caprolactone) Nanocomposite
Authors: Dhanvijay Prarthana
Published: March 2023

In order to keep with ever evolving technology in biomedical field, the demand for Poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is gaining importance due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, the low mechanical, barrier and thermal strength of PCL restricts its widespread use. These drawbacks of virgin PCL can be rectified by incorporating nanofiller into the PCL matrix. Till date, research has been carried out incorporating nano-fiber into PCL but to the best of our knowledge there is hardly any literature regarding organoclay modified nanofiller-PCL composites. The present study represents PCL nanocomposites preparation and characterization. The FTIR and XRD spectra observe uniform distribution of nanofiller in the PCL matrix. The characterization of mechanical properties shows enhancement in strength till 3.5 wt% loading and declining trend afterwards indicating agglomeration of nanofiller at higher wt% ratio. The increase in tensile strength without sacrificing elongation at break provides these composites with very attractive mechanical properties.
Diagnosing acute bone and joint infection in children
Authors: Theologis Tim , Brady Mariea A. , Hartshorn Stuart , Faust Saul N. , Offiah Amaka C.
Published: March 2023

Acute bone and joint infections in children are serious, and misdiagnosis can threaten limb and life. Most young children who present acutely with pain, limping, and/or loss of function have transient synovitis, which will resolve spontaneously within a few days. A minority will have a bone or joint infection. Clinicians are faced with a diagnostic challenge: children with transient synovitis can safely be sent home, but children with bone and joint infection require urgent treatment to avoid complications. Clinicians often respond to this challenge by using a series of rudimentary decision support tools, based on clinical, haematological, and biochemical parameters, to differentiate childhood osteoarticular infection from other diagnoses. However, these tools were developed without methodological expertise in diagnostic accuracy and do not consider the importance of imaging (ultrasound scan and MRI). There is wide variation in clinical practice with regard to the indications, choice, sequence, and timing of imaging. This variation is most likely due to the lack of evidence concerning the role of imaging in acute bone and joint infection in children. We describe the first steps of a large UK multicentre study, funded by the National Institute for Health Research, which seeks to integrate definitively the role of imaging into a decision support tool, developed with the assistance of individuals with expertise in the development of clinical prediction tools.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(3):227–229.
Frozen mode regime in an optical waveguide with a distributed Bragg reflector
Authors: Furman Nathaniel , Mealy Tarek , Islam Md Shafiqul , Vitebskiy Ilya , Gibson Ricky , Bedford Robert , Boyraz Ozdal , Capolino Filippo
Published: March 2023

We introduce a glide symmetric optical waveguide exhibiting a stationary inflection point (SIP) in the Bloch wavenumber dispersion relation. An SIP is a third-order exceptional point of degeneracy (EPD) where three Bloch eigenmodes coalesce to form a so-called frozen mode with vanishing group velocity and diverging amplitude. We show that the incorporation of chirped distributed Bragg reflectors and distributed coupling between waveguides in the periodic structure facilitates the SIP formation and greatly enhances the characteristics of the frozen mode regime. We confirm the existence of an SIP in two ways: by observing the flatness of the dispersion diagram and also by using a coalescence parameter describing the separation of the three eigenvectors collapsing on each other. We find that, in the absence of losses, both the quality factor and the group delay at the SIP grow with the cubic power of the cavity length. The frozen mode regime can be very attractive for light amplification and lasing in optical delay lines, sensors, and modulators.
Synthetic spin dynamics with Bessel-Gaussian optical skyrmions
Authors: Singh Keshaan , Ornelas Pedro , Dudley Angela , Forbes Andrew
Published: March 2023

Skyrmions are topologically stable fields that cannot be smoothly deformed into any other field configuration that differs topologically, that is, one that possesses a different integer topological invariant called the Skyrme number. They have been studied as 3-dimensional and 2-dimensional skyrmions in both magnetic and, more recently, optical systems. Here, we introduce an optical analogy to magnetic skyrmions and demonstrate their dynamics within a magnetic field. Our optical skyrmions and synthetic magnetic field are both engineered using superpositions of Bessel-Gaussian beams, with time dynamics observed over the propagation distance. We show that the skyrmionic form changes during propagation, exhibiting controllable periodic precession over a well defined range, analogous to time varying spin precession in homogeneous magnetic fields. This local precession manifests as the global beating between skyrmion types, while still maintaining the invariance of the Skyrme number, which we monitor through a full Stokes analysis of the optical field. Finally, we outline, through numerical simulation, how this approach could be extended to create time varying magnetic fields, offering free-space optical control as a powerful analogue to solid state systems.
Enhancement in electro-optic performance of InAlGaAs/GaAs quantum dot lasers by ex situ thermal annealing
Authors: You Weicheng , Arefin Riazul , Uzgur Fatih , Lee Seunghyun , Addamane Sadhvikas J. , Liang Baolai , Arafin Shamsul
Published: March 2023

This Letter reports the growth, fabrication, and characterization of
molecular beam epitaxy (MBE)-grown quaternary InAlGaAs/GaAs quantum
dot (QD) lasers emitting at sub-900 nm. The presence of Al in
QD-based active regions acts as the origin of defects and
non-radiative recombination centers. Applying optimized thermal
annealing annihilates the defects in p-i-n diodes,
thus lowering the reverse leakage current by six orders of magnitude
compared to as-grown devices. A systematic improvement in the optical
properties of the devices is also observed in the laser devices with
increasing annealing time. At an annealing temperature of 700°C
for 180 s, Fabry–Pérot lasers exhibit a lower pulsed
threshold current density at infinite length of 570
A/cm2.
Broadband nanosecond pulse generation modulated by zirconium triselenide nanoflakes
Authors: Yi Qian , Feng Yi , Liu Dongyang , He Yuan , Li Ning , Chen Longlong , Miao Lili , Zhao Chujun
Published: March 2023

Broadband nonlinear optical modulators are necessary for versatile applications in optical communication, laser radar, laser manufacturing, etc. Here, we report that the zirconium triselenide (ZrSe3) nanoflakes exhibit robust broadband nonlinear optical absorption and can modulate the Nd:YVO4 solid-state laser and erbium-doped ZBLAN fiber laser to deliver stable nanosecond pulse experimentally. The ZrSe3 nanoflakes have been prepared by the liquid phase exfoliation method successfully and exhibit broadband nonlinear optical absorption in the near-infrared and the mid-infrared regime. With the nonlinear absorption performance of the ZrSe3 nanoflakes, stable pulsed operation has been achieved with the output pulse width as short as 344.68 ns around 1 µm from the Q-switched Nd:YVO4 solid-state laser and 599 ns around 2.8 µm from the erbium-doped ZBLAN fiber laser successfully. The experimental results suggest that ZrSe3 nanoflakes can act as an excellent nonlinear optical modulator towards the mid-infrared regime and may make inroads toward developing high-performance broadband optoelectronic devices.
External field regulation strategies for exciton dynamics in 2D TMDs
Authors: Chen Wenwei , Zheng Canghai , Pei Jiajie , Zhan Hongbing
Published: March 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal chalcogenides (TMDs) are regarded as promising materials for micro-optoelectronic devices and next-generation logic devices due to their novel optoelectronic properties, such as strong excitonic effects, tunable direct bandgap from visible to near-infrared regions, valley pseudospin degree of freedom, and so on. Recently, triggered by the growing demand to optimize the performance of TMDs devices, external field regulation engineering has attracted great attention. The goal of this operation is to exploit the external fields to control exciton dynamics in 2D TMDs, including exciton formation and relaxation, and to finally achieve high-performance 2D TMDs devices. Although the regulation strategies of exciton dynamics in 2D TMDs have been well explored, the underlying mechanisms of different regulation strategies need to be further understood due to the complex many-body interactions in exciton dynamics. Here, we first give a brief summary of the fundamental processes of exciton dynamics in 2D TMDs and then summarize the main field-regulation strategies. Particular emphasis is placed on discussing the underlying mechanisms of how different field-regulation strategies control varied fundamental processes. A deep understanding of field regulation provides direct guidelines for the integrated design of 2D TMDs devices in the future.
Robust single frequency index-patterned laser design using a Fourier design method
Authors: Boohan Niall , O'Reilly Eoin , Corbett Brian
Published: March 2023

We use a Fourier-transform based method to investigate the magnitude and robustness of mode selectivity in as-cleaved discrete-mode semiconductor lasers, where a small number of refractive index perturbations are introduced into a Fabry-P\'{e}rot laser cavity. Three exemplar index perturbation patterns are considered. Our results demonstrate the capability to significantly improve modal selectivity by choosing a perturbation distribution function that avoids placing perturbations near to the cavity centre. Our analysis also highlights the ability to select functions that can increase the yield despite facet phase errors introduced during device fabrication.
The Experimental research on off-axis digital holography recording and reconstruction based on MATLAB simulation
Authors: li yucheng , yang zhang , zhang muqun , li yongtian , you rui
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we first analyze the two-step imaging process in optical holography, namely, wavefront recording and wavefront reconstruction. According to the relationship of the four diffraction components in the spatial spectrum of the off-axis digital holography diffraction process, the minimum angle is derived between the object light and the reference light of the off-axis digital holography. According to the sampling theorem, the maximum angle is derived between the object light and the reference light in off-axis digital holography. The mathematical derivation of holography algorithm is introduced based on these foundations. When off-axis digital holography is recorded and reproduced, CMOS is used instead of the traditional holographic dry plate for receiving the hologram, and which is saved as a digital signal, finally, the object image is reproduced by MATLAB simulation. The current Fresnel approximation reconstruction algorithm is analyzed and verified by simulation.
Inverse design of a Si-based high-performance vertical-emitting meta-grating coupler on a 220 nm silicon-on-insulator platform
Authors: Yoon Jinhyeong , Kim Jae-Yong , Kim Junhyeong , Yoon Hyeonho , Neşeli Berkay , Park Hyo-Hoon , Kurt Hamza
Published: March 2023

Efficient extraction of light from a high refractive index silicon waveguide out of a chip is difficult to achieve. An inverse design approach was employed using the particle swarm optimization method to attain a vertical emitting meta-grating coupler with high coupling efficiency in a 220-nm-thick silicon-on-insulator platform. By carefully selecting the figure of merit and appropriately defining parameter space, unique L-shape and U-shape grating elements that boosted the out-of-plane radiation of light were obtained. In addition, a 65.7% (−1.82  dB) outcoupling efficiency and a 60.2% (−2.2  dB) fiber-to-chip vertical coupling efficiency with an 88 nm 3 dB bandwidth were demonstrated by numerical simulation. Considering fabrication constraints, the optimized complex meta-grating coupler was modified to correspond to two etching steps and was then fabricated with a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor-compatible process. The modified meta-grating coupler exhibited a simulated coupling efficiency of 57.5% (−2.4  dB) with a 74 nm 3-dB bandwidth in the C-band and an experimentally measured coupling efficiency of 38% (−4.2  dB).
Modelling daily weight variation in honey bee hives
Authors: Arias-Calluari Karina , Colin Theotime , Latty Tanya , Myerscough Mary , Altmann Eduardo G.
Published: March 2023

A quantitative understanding of the dynamics of bee colonies is important to support global efforts to improve bee health and enhance pollination services. Traditional approaches focus either on theoretical models or data-centred statistical analyses. Here we argue that the combination of these two approaches is essential to obtain interpretable information on the state of bee colonies and show how this can be achieved in the case of time series of intra-day weight variation. We model how the foraging and food processing activities of bees affect global hive weight through a set of ordinary differential equations and show how to estimate the parameters of this model from measurements on a single day. Our analysis of 10 hives at different times shows that the estimation of crucial indicators of the health of honey bee colonies are statistically reliable and fall in ranges compatible with previously reported results. The crucial indicators, which include the amount of food collected (foraging success) and the number of active foragers, may be used to develop early warning indicators of colony failure.
Rett syndrome severity estimation with the BioStamp nPoint using interactions between heart rate variability and body movement
Authors: Suresha Pradyumna Byappanahalli , O’Leary Heather , Tarquinio Daniel C. , Von Hehn Jana , Clifford Gari D.
Published: March 2023

Rett syndrome, a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder in humans, does not have an effective cure. However, multiple therapies and medications exist to treat symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life. As research continues to discover and evaluate new medications for Rett syndrome patients, there remains a lack of objective physiological and motor activity-based (physio-motor) biomarkers that enable the measurement of the effect of these medications on the change in patients’ Rett syndrome severity. In our work, using a commercially available wearable chest patch, we recorded simultaneous electrocardiogram and three-axis acceleration from 20 patients suffering from Rett syndrome along with the corresponding Clinical Global Impression—Severity score, which measures the overall disease severity on a 7-point Likert scale. We derived physio-motor features from these recordings that captured heart rate variability, activity metrics, and the interactions between heart rate and activity. Further, we developed machine learning (ML) models to classify high-severity Rett patients from low-severity Rett patients using the derived physio-motor features. For the best-trained model, we obtained a pooled area under the receiver operating curve equal to 0.92 via a leave-one-out-patient cross-validation approach. Finally, we computed the feature popularity scores for all the trained ML models and identified physio-motor biomarkers for Rett syndrome.
Influencing factors of depressive symptoms among undergraduates: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Le , Yuan Jiarong , Sun Huan , Zhao Yidan , Yu Jiajie , Li Youping
Published: March 2023

Objective

This systematic review aims to examine the influencing factors of undergraduates’ depressive symptoms by summarizing the categories and intensity of the factors, to lay a foundation for subsequent research.

Methods

Two authors independently searched in Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Scopu, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, the Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP Database), China National Knowledge database (CNKI), and the WanFang database for cohort studies related to the influencing factors affecting depressive symptoms among undergraduates published prior to September 12, 2022. Adjusted Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was used to assess the risk of bias. Meta-analyses of regression coefficient estimates were performed to calculate pooled estimates with R 4.0.3 software.

Results

A total of 73 cohort studies were included, involving 46362 participants from 11 countries. Factors affecting depressive symptoms were classified into relational, psychological, predictors of response to trauma, occupational, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. In Meta-analysis, 4 of 7 influencing factors were revealed to be statistically significant: negative coping (B = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.22–1.74), rumination (B = 0.06, 95%CI: 0.01–0.11), stress (OR = 0.22, 95%CI: 0.16–0.28) and childhood abuse (B = 0.42, 95%CI:0.13–0.71). No significant association was found in positive coping, gender and ethnicity.

Limitations

The current studies have the problems of inconsistent use of scales and large heterogeneity of research design, making it difficult to summarize, which is expected to be further improved in future research.

Conclusion

This review evidences the importance of several influencing factors of depressive symptoms among undergraduates. We advocate for more high-quality studies with more coherent and appropriate study designs and outcome measurement approaches in this field.

Trial registration

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO registration CRD42021267841.
T1-2N1M0 nasopharyngeal carcinoma chemotherapy or not: A retrospective study
Authors: Li Pei-Jing , Chen Ming , Tian Ye
Published: March 2023

Background

Radiotherapy (RT) combined with chemotherapy is the standard treatment for T1-2N1M0 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) based on conventional radiotherapy. However, intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has narrowed the treatment gap between RT and chemoradiotherapy. Thus, this retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy of RT and chemoradiotherapy (RT-chemo) in treating T1-2N1M0 NPC in the IMRT era.

Materials and methods

From January 2008 to December 2016, 343 consecutive patients with T1-2N1M0 NPC in two cancer centers were included. All patients received RT or RT-chemo, chemotherapy including induction chemotherapy (IC) + concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), CCRT, or CCRT + adjuvant chemotherapy (AC). The number of patients who received RT, CCRT, IC + CCRT, and CCRT + AC was 114, 101, 89, and 39. The survival rates were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify valuable prognostic factors.

Results

The median follow-up time for survivors was 93 (range: 55–144) months. The 5-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional failure-free survival (LRFFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) for the RT-chemo and RT groups were 93.7%, 88.5%, 93.8%, 93.8% and 93.0%, 87.7%, 91.9%, 91.2%, respectively (P>0.05 for all outcomes). No significant survival differences were found between the two groups. The T1N1M0 or T2N1M0 subgroup analysis showed that treatment outcomes had no significant differences between the RT and RT-chemo groups. After adjusting for various factors, treatment mode was not identified as an independent prognostic factor for all survival rates.

Conclusions

In this study, outcomes of T1-2N1M0 NPC patients treated by IMRT alone were comparable to chemoradiotherapy, supporting the omission or postponement of chemotherapy.
Microbial community profiling and culturing reveal functional groups of bacteria associated with Thai commercial stingless worker bees (Tetragonula pagdeni)
Authors: Sinpoo Chainarong , In-on Ammarin , Noirungsee Nuttapol , Attasopa Korrawat , Chantawannakul Panuwan , Chaimanee Veeranan , Phokasem Patcharin , Ling Tial Cung , Purahong Witoon , Disayathanoowat Terd
Published: March 2023

Stingless bees play a crucial role in the environment and agriculture as they are effective pollinators. Furthermore, they can produce various products that can be exploited economically, such as propolis and honey. Despite their economic value, the knowledge of microbial community of stingless bees, and their roles on the bees’ health, especially in Thailand, are in its infancy. This study aimed to investigate the composition and the functions of bacterial community associated with Tetragonula pagdeni stingless bees using culture-independent and culture-dependent approaches with emphasis on lactic acid bacteria. The culture-independent results showed that the dominant bacterial phyla were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. The most abundant families were Lactobacillaceae and Halomonadaceae. Functional prediction indicated that the prevalent functions of bacterial communities were chemoheterotrophy and fermentation. In addition, the bacterial community might be able to biosynthesize amino acid and antimicrobial compounds. Further isolation and characterization resulted in isolates that belonged to the dominant taxa of the community and possessed potentially beneficial metabolic activity. This suggested that they are parts of the nutrient acquisition and host defense bacterial functional groups in Thai commercial stingless bees.
Economic growth and household energy footprint inequality in China
Authors: Zhu Qiaoqiao , Sang Xiaowen , Li Zhengbo
Published: March 2023

There are significant differences in energy footprints among individual households. This study uses an environmentally extended input-output approach to estimate the per capita household energy footprint (PCHEF) of 10 different income groups in China’s 30 provinces and analyzes the heterogeneity of household consumption categories, and finally measures the energy equality of households in each province by measuring the energy footprint Gini coefficient (EF-Gini). It is found that the energy footprint of the top 10% income households accounted for about 22% of the national energy footprint in 2017, while the energy footprint of the bottom 40% income households accounted for only 24%. With the growth of China’s economy, energy footprint inequality has declined spatially and temporally. Firstly, wealthier coastal regions have experienced greater convergence in their energy footprint than poorer inland regions. Secondly, China’s household EF-Gini has declined from 0.38 in 2012 to 0.36 in 2017. This study shows that China’s economic growth has not only raised household income levels, but also reduced energy footprint inequality.
Determinants of School dropouts among adolescents: Evidence from a longitudinal study in India
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Patel Sangram Kishor , Debbarma Solomon , Saggurti Niranjan
Published: March 2023

Introduction

India has the largest adolescent population in the world. However, many unprivileged Indian adolescents are still unable to complete schooling. Hence, there is a need to understand the reasons for school dropout among this population. The present study is an attempt to understand the determinants of school dropout among adolescents and identify the factors and reasons that contribute to it.

Material and methods

Longitudinal survey data- Understanding Adults and Young Adolescents (UDAYA) for Bihar and Uttar Pradesh has been used to identify the determinants of school dropout among adolescents aged 10–19. The first wave of the survey was conducted in 2015–2016, and the follow-up survey in 2018–2019. Descriptive statistics along with bivariate and multivariate analysis was used to observe school dropout rates and factors associated with it among adolescents.

Results

Results show that the school dropout rate was highest among married girls aged 15–19 years (84%), followed by unmarried girls (46%), and boys (38%) of the same age group. The odds of school dropout among adolescents decreased with an increase in household wealth status. School dropout was significantly less likely among adolescents whose mothers were educated as compared to mothers who had no education. Younger boys [AOR: 6.67; CI: 4.83–9.23] and girls [AOR: 2.56; CI: 1.79–3.84] who engaged in paid work were 6.67 times and 2.56 times more likely to drop out of school than those who were not. The likelihood of school dropout was 3.14 times more likely among younger boys [AOR: 3.14; CI: 2.26–4.35], and it was 89% more likely among older boys [AOR: 1.89; CI: 1.55–2.30] who consumed any substances as compared to those who did not consume any substances. Both younger [AOR: 2.05; CI: 1.37–3.05] and older girls [AOR: 1.30; CI: 1.05–1.62] who acknowledged at least one form of discriminatory practice by parents were more likely to drop out of school than their counterparts. Lack of interest in studies/education not necessary (43%) was the predominant reason among younger boys for school dropout, followed by family reasons (23%) and paid work (21%).

Conclusions

Dropout was prevalent among lower social and economic strata. Mother’s education, parental interaction, participation in sports and having role models reduce school dropout. Conversely, factors such as being engaged in paid work, substance abuse among boys, and gender discriminatory practices towards girls, are risk factors for dropout among adolescents. Lack of interest in studies and familial reasons also increase dropout. There is a need to improve the socio-economic status, delay the marital age of girls, and enhance the government incentives for education, give rightful work to girls after schooling, and provide awareness.
Exploring the lived experience of families with a COVID-19 positive child: The journey from a critical grounded theory approach
Authors: Kaufman Jessica , Bagot Kathleen L. , Williams Tria , Jos Carol , Danchin Margie
Published: March 2023

COVID-19 and associated public health policies have significantly disrupted the lives of both adults and children. Experiences of COVID-positive adults are well described but less is known about the experiences of families of children who receive a positive diagnosis, and the impact of public health policies on this experience. This study aimed to develop a framework to understand the lived experience of families with a child testing positive for COVID-19. We applied a qualitative study design, using grounded theory. The study took place in Melbourne, Australia between July and December 2020, during the first major Australian COVID-19 wave. Parents of children 0–18 years tested at a walk-in clinic at a paediatric tertiary referral hospital were invited to participate. Two interviewers jointly undertook in-depth interviews with parents of children who tested positive. Interviews were transcribed and two analysts used an inductive, critical realist analysis approach with NVivo and a virtual whiteboard. Results are presented incorporating a stratified reality (empirical, actual, real). Families described seven sequential stages of the COVID-19 positive testing journey: COVID-19 close to home; time to be tested; waiting for the test result; receiving the result; dealing with the diagnosis; coping with isolation; and moving forward/looking back. Our findings highlight how public health policies and messages targeting the general (adult) public were experienced by families. We provide a framework that families move through when their child tests positive for COVID-19. Within each phase, we report unmet needs and identify strategies to improve future pandemic planning for parents and children.
Quality of lower limb preoperative skin preparation using colorless versus colored disinfectants–results of an experimental, randomized study in a close to reality setting
Authors: Fink Karsten , Örgel Marcus , Baier Claas , Brauckmann Vesta , Giannoudis Vasilis , Liodakis Emmanouil
Published: March 2023

Background

Appropriate preoperative skin cleansing is important to control surgical site infections. Both colored and colorless skin disinfectants are available, however certain types of skin preparation, such as octenidine-dihydrochloride with alcohol have a long residual antimicrobial effect but are available only in colorless form. We hypothesized that colorless skin disinfectants lead to more incomplete skin preparation of lower limbs compared to colored agents.

Methods

We randomly assigned healthy volunteers to undergo a determined skin cleansing protocol for total hip arthroplasty in the supine position to either a colored or colorless skin cleansing protocol. The adequacy of skin preparation was compared between orthopedic consultants and residents. The colorless disinfectant was mixed with a fluorescent dye and missed skin areas were visualized using UV lamps. Both preparations were photo-documented following standardized protocols. The primary outcome of interest was the number of legs with an incomplete scrubbed area. The secondary outcome was the cumulative skin area not disinfected.

Results

Fifty-two healthy volunteers (104 legs; 52 colored and 52 colorless) underwent surgical skin preparation. The number of legs incompletely disinfected was significantly higher in colorless compared to colored disinfectant group (38.5% (n = 20) vs. 13.5% (n = 7); p = 0.007). Regardless of the disinfectant, consultants performed better than the residents. When using colored disinfectant, residents incompletely prepared the site in 23.1% (n = 6) compared with 57.7% (n = 15) with a colorless disinfectant (p = 0.023). Conversely consultants using colored disinfectant incompletely prepared the site in 3.8% (n = 1) compared with 19.2% (n = 5) for colorless disinfectant (p = 0.191). The total amount of uncleansed skin was significantly higher using colorless skin disinfectant (mean ± standard deviation: 8.78 cm2± 35.07 vs. 0.65 cm2 ± 2.66, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Application of colorless skin disinfectants for hip arthroplasty cleansing protocol led to decreased skin coverage among consultants and residents compared to colored preparations. Colored disinfectants remain the gold standard in hip surgery, however we should be aiming to develop newer colored disinfectants with long residual antimicrobial effects to enable visual control during the scrubbing process.
Analisis Deskriptif Temuan Klinis, Laboratorium, dan Radiologis Pasien Anak dalam Pemantauan Covid-19 di Rumah Sakit Dr. Moewardi
Authors: Sulistyanto Rizki , Ismiranti Andarini Ismiranti Andarini , Annang Giri Moelyo Annang Giri Moelyo
Published: March 2023

Latar belakang. Indonesia melaporkan kasus konfirmasi Covid-19 pertama kali pada tanggal 2 Maret 2020, dan beberapa daerah telah dinyatakan telah terjadi transmisi lokal. Data mengenai gambaran penyakit Covid-19 pada anak sangat terbatas. Tujuan. Mengetahui gambaran klinis, laboratorium dan radiologis PDP (Pasien Dalam Pemantuan) anak di Rumah Sakit dr. Moewardi Surakarta.Metode. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif analitik, dilakukan di Rumah Sakit dr. Moewardi Surakarta. Kriteria inklusi adalah pasien anak yang dirawat di ruang Isolasi Rumah Sakit dr. Moewardi Surakarta, antara bulan April-Oktober 2020.Kriteria eksklusi yaitu pasien meninggal dunia sebelum dilakukan swab tenggorokan. Hasil. Penelitian ini menggunakan data rekam medis, didapatkan 194 subyek penelitian, 36 pasien terkonfirmasi Covid-19. Usia rerata pasien terkonfirmasi covid adalah 4.61+5.93 tahun. Dari gejala klinis, temuan laboratorium, dan temuan radiologi tidak menunjukkan adanya perbedaan yang signifikan (p>0,05). Pasien terkonfirmasi Covid-19 didapatkan faktor komorbid (p=0,001), diantaranya kardiovaskuler (6%) dan CNS (14%).Kesimpulan. Tidak ada gambaran khas pada pasien anak terkonfirmasi Covid-19.
Obstructing Sigmoid Volvulus: An Unusual Complication in a Pediatric Patient With Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Mittal Aditi , DeRoss Anthony , Goldman Deborah , Chen Charles B. , Kay Marsha
Published: March 2023

Acute colonic dilation in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) raises a concern for toxic megacolon, but other rare conditions such as sigmoid volvulus may present in a similar manner. We report a rare case of a teenager with UC without prior surgery who developed an obstructing sigmoid volvulus managed with endoscopic detorsion and decompression. Colonic inflammation in patients with UC may result in a volvulus in the absence of other predisposing factors and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with UC who present with obstructive symptoms with an atypical presentation.
A method for joint detection and re-identification in multi-object tracking
Authors: Huang Lilian , Shi Xu , Xiang Jianhong
Published: March 2023

In order to better balance the detection accuracy and tracking speed, we propose an online balanced multi-object tracking method (BalMOT), which integrates object detection and appearance extraction into a single network, and can simultaneously output detection and appearance embedding. We also model the training of classification, regression, and embedding features as a multi-task training problem and each part is weighted based on the task-independent uncertainty method. In addition, we introduce the transition layer to optimize the repeated gradient information in the network and reduce the training cost. Through the training, our BalMOT system reaches 71.9% multiple object tracking accuracy (MOTA) on the MOT17 challenge dataset, and the speed fluctuates between 17.4 ~ 22.3 frames per second (FPS) according to the size of the input image.
Avaliação das aprendizagens em História: uma proposta para Aprendizagem Baseada em Projetos (ABP)
Authors: Batista Ruhama Ariella Sabião , Brandalise Mary Ângela Teixeira
Published: March 2023

Neste artigo apresenta-se uma proposta de avaliação das aprendizagens na disciplina de História, para o Ensino Fundamental Anos Finais, associada à metodologia da Aprendizagem Baseada em Projetos (ABP) (BENDER, 2014). A pesquisa qualitativa, de abordagem bibliográfica, teve como pressupostos teóricos os escritos de Fernandes (2009), Depresbiteris e Tavares (2009), Black (2009), Roldão e Ferro (2015), Brandalise (2020), dentre outros, que contribuíram para a fundamentação da Avaliação da/para a aprendizagem, ou seja, a avaliação somativa e formativa. Na disciplina de História, considerou-se que a ABP pode potencializar a avaliação das aprendizagens como um processo participativo e dialógico, no qual professores e alunos podem vivenciar a integração ensino-avaliação-aprendizagem.
Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Extract and Its Antibacterial Activity for Liquid Disinfectant
Authors: Haruna Cindy Agriningsih , Malik Widy Aprillia , Rijal Muhammad Yaqub Syamsul , Watoni Abdul Haris , Ramadhan La Ode Ahmad Nur
Published: March 2023

The effort of copper nanoparticle exploration for antibacterial cleaning agents needs to prevent infection or contamination of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses due to its potential characteristic as an environmentally benign material. The synthesis of copper nanoparticles using 0.02 M Cu(NO3)2 as a precursor and red dragon fruit extract as a bioreduction agent has been conducted. The extraction process of red dragon fruit was done by the maceration method using methanol as solvent. Copper nanoparticles were prepared through green chemistry with the reduction method. The compound in red dragon fruit extract reduced Cu2+ to Cu. The experimental nanoparticle synthesis method was performed with a combination of red dragon fruit extract and Cu(NO3)2 solution mixed with a volume ratio of bioreductor extract toward Cu2+ precursor variation of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, and 1:9. The mixtures were stirred using a magnetic stirrer for 30 minutes and then incubated. The samples were characterized using UV-Vis (Ultraviolet-Visible), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared), and a digital microscope to observe morphology. The observation continued to assess its antibacterial activity and potency as an active disinfectant. UV-Vis analysis showed that the absorbance value for 30 minutes tended to be stable. Particle size estimation showed the smallest size of 122.12 nm at a volume ratio of 1:9. Functional group analysis using FTIR showed a shift in wavenumber between dragon fruit extract and copper nanoparticle (CuNPs), indicating a functional group interaction. The results of morphological analysis using a digital microscope showed that the particles with fine powder granules were produced with the composition of fruit extract: Cu(NO3)2 of 1:9. Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli indicated that the composition of Cu-nanoparticles of 1:9 had given an inhibition value.
Deux textes archaïques de Kato Symi (Biannos)
Authors: Bile Monique , Brixhe Claude
Published: March 2023

Deux inscriptions archaiques du site cretois de Biannos, pres de l’actuelle Kato Symi, publiees en 1973 (1975) et 2015 dans des revues differentes, revelent deux formes dialectales, dont Claude Brixhe a proposees des hypotheses nouvelles. La premiere forme serait a lire Ϝρό̄το̄, genitif d’un anthroponyme a rattacher au verbe βιβρώσκω, et la seconde doit etre un lapsus calami, a lire Δαταλε<ύ>ς, ethnique cretois.