bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of risk factors associated with anemia among pregnant women attending the obstetrics and gynecology department in a tertiary care hospital, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Venkata Swarajya Lakshmi A  , Anamula Sreedevi  , Venkata Srinivas Rao  , Krishna Chaitanya Botsa
Published: March 2024

Background: Anemia in pregnancy is a pervasive health issue, particularly in developing countries.
Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess various socio-demographic factors, nutritional intake, and other risk factors contributing to anemia among pregnant women attending a tertiary care hospital in Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 160 pregnant women. Data were collected on socio-demographic factors (family type, religion, caste, residence, education, socio-economic status, age, occupation), anemia prevalence, antenatal care, birth spacing, nutritional intake (caloric, protein, and iron), and gravida status. Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis to determine associations between anemia and various risk factors.
Results: The study revealed a high prevalence of moderate anemia (74.4%) among the participants. Most women were from nuclear families (75%), lived in rural areas (89.4%), and were predominantly homemakers (83.1%) in the age group of 21–30 years. Nutritional analysis showed 74.6% of women had a calorie intake below 2000 K. Cal/day, 64.7% had a protein intake below 50 g/day, and 87.5% had an iron intake below 20 mg/day. A significant association was found between anemia and factors such as caloric intake (χ²=10.6654, P=0.001092), gravidity (χ²=7.0278, P=0.008025), and iron intake (χ²=27.277, P<0.00001), but not with protein intake (χ²=3.7547, P=0.052658).
Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in the Prakasam District, primarily associated with inadequate caloric and iron intake and increased gravidity. These findings emphasize the need for enhanced nutritional counseling and healthcare interventions focusing on diet and family planning for pregnant women in this region.
A study of Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels in patients with prostatic cancer
Authors: Md. Nasim Akhtar  , Kayyum Khan  , Shahnawaz Alam  , Mohit Mishra  , Sachin Rathod  , Waqas Alauddin
Published: March 2024

Background: Vitamin D, a key nutrient in the body, has been linked to a decrease in prostate cancer (PCa) morbidity and mortality rates. The study concluded that any compensation mechanism may no longer be adequate for patients with PCa, and further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying the relationship between serum Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) homeostasis. The findings will help determine cancer prevalence and trends in India and support public health initiatives to control cancer.
Aims and Objectives: The aim is to assess the mean values of Vitamin D and PTH in patients with PCa and also to compare these levels with that of healthy controls (non-PCa).
Materials and Methods: One hundred participants in the outpatient department of the Department of Biochemistry were assigned as control subjects, and another 100 participants were participants with PCa. 5 mL of fasting venous blood were drawn into red top vials using a disposable syringe and needle in an aseptic manner. PTH and serum Vitamin D were estimated.
Results: When comparing PCa patients to healthy controls, the observed Vitamin D level was significantly lower in the former group. Furthermore, a notable distinction in Vitamin D levels was noted between the two groups. Furthermore, we found that PCa patients had higher PTH values than healthy controls. When we compared the PTH values of the two groups, we found a substantial difference.
Conclusion: The authors conclude from the study that with alterations in the study parameters in patients with PCa, any compensation mechanism may become insufficient.
Surgical anatomy of superior gluteal artery in relation to lumbosacral plexus – A cadaveric study in the Indian population
Authors: Anjali Shastry  , Anu Francis
Published: March 2024

Background: The superior gluteal artery (SGA) passes in between branches of the lumbosacral plexus after arising from the internal iliac artery. Variations in the course of SGA from the internal iliac artery till it passes out of the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen are very important during pelvic surgeries. Pseudoaneurysm of SGA caused by iatrogenic injuries can compress branches of the lumbosacral plexus, causing foot drops and sciatica.
Aims and Objectives: The aim is to study the course of the SGA in relation to branches of the lumbosacral plexus.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was done on 25 formalin-fixed human adult cadavers. Dissections were performed in the pelvic region and branches of the internal iliac artery and lumbosacral plexus were identified. SGA was traced on both sides from origin till passing out of the greater sciatic foramen and its relation to branches of lumbosacral plexus was recorded.
Results: Three types of pathways taken by SGA were identified in relation to the lumbosacral plexus. The most common path taken by the SGA was between the lumbosacral trunk (LST) and the first sacral nerve. Thirty-five out of 50 were of this type (70%). Ten out of 50 had the second most common type which was between L4 and L5 branches of LST (20%). Five cadavers had SGA lateral to LST (10%). Ten cadavers out of 25 (40%) had side differences in the type of course taken by SGA in relation to the lumbosacral plexus.
Conclusion: A surgeon must keep in mind variations in the path taken by SGA in relation to the lumbosacral plexus to prevent pseudoaneurysms of SGA, which in turn can compress branches of lumbosacral plexus, causing foot drop and sciatica.
Effectiveness of Om chanting on perceived stress, negative affectivity, and social inhibition in individuals with pre-hypertension
Authors: Chokkan Deepa , Bhel Ashish , Kalyani T  , Ramesh P
Published: March 2024

Background: Akara, Ukara, Makara (OUM) chanting regulates emotions and removes negative emotions by inactivating the processing in the amygdala. At the same time, the prefrontal complex was inhibited followed by chanting OUM. Further, there was an increase in the oxygenation levels followed by chanting OUM. Hence, OUM chanting has multiple benefits and offers improvement in the quality of life. Though there are multiple benefits followed by chanting OUM, the scientific evidence for the same is comparatively less. Hence, there is a need for more studies in this area.
Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to find out the variations in the perceived stress, negative affectivity, and social inhibition in pre-hypertensive individuals and also to observe the effectiveness of Om chanting on perceived stress, negative affectivity, and social inhibition in pre-hypertensive individuals.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted at the St Peter’s Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Hosur, Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 50 young adults with pre-hypertension were recruited in the study after obtaining written informed consent. Age- and gender-matched 50 healthy participants were recruited after obtaining the voluntary, informed consent. Diamond digital sphygmomanometer was used to record the blood pressure. All the parameters were recorded at 9 am for the convenience of the participants and also to avoid diurnal variation. The perceived stress scale was used to assess the stress levels. Negative affectivity and social inhibition were recorded using a type D (DS-14) questionnaire. Cases practiced the OUM chanting for 6 weeks after they were trained by an expert yoga therapist.
Results: Perceived stress scores were significantly decreased followed by the OUM chanting. There was a significant decrease in the scores of negative affectivity of cases after the intervention when compared with control group participants. There was a significant decrease in the scores of social inhibition of cases after the intervention when compared with control group participants.
Conclusion: Perceived stress, negative affectivity, and social inhibition were significantly higher in the pre-hypertensive individuals. The study results provide further evidence that practicing OUM chanting causes stress relief and also decreases the negative emotions that is negative affectivity and social inhibition in pre-hypertensive individuals.
Dimensional advantage: How 3D organoids are re-shaping the oncology research
Authors: Ruby Dhar  , Arun Kumar  , Subhradip Karmakar
Published: March 2024

Traditional in-vitro 2D cell culture-based models have limitations in cancer research, as they do not accurately reflect the complex 3D architecture and interactions we find in tumors. Cell-cell communications are vital for cancer growth and proliferation. Cancer cells communicate with each other and surrounding cells through various pathways, sending signals that promote their growth, survival, and proliferation through autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine. Fundamentally, this communication forms the basis of cancer survival. This can involve growth factors, cytokines, and other molecules that activate essential signaling pathways for tumor growth. Cancer cells need constant blood and nutrients to sustain such massive growth. This is again achieved by communication with endothelial cells to stimulate the formation of new blood vessels to sustain their energy and metabolic needs. The conventional 2D and 3D cultures play a role in oncology research, but each has its strengths and weaknesses when it comes to studying cancer. While 2D culture systems are simple, easier, and inexpensive to set up and maintain, 3D cultures are more realistic representations of actual tumors due to their 3D structure and cell-cell interactions. They can capture the genetic and functional heterogeneity of patient-derived tumors, thereby allowing for modeling the tumor microenvironment with various cell types and signaling and immune molecules. 2D culture fails to accurately reflect the complex 3D architecture and interactions of cells as seen in vivo due to their limited ability to model cell-cell interactions and the tumor microenvironment. 3D culture-derived organoids behave like miniature, simplified organs in vitro, which can be used for drug testing, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine applications. By creating conditions mimicking embryonic development, 3D culture can be used to study organogenesis and tissue morphogenesis.3D culture models can also be used to study the interaction between pathogens and host cells, providing a more accurate representation of in vivo conditions than traditional 2D cultures.
Therefore, the use of 3D culture is multidimensional and spans multiple avenues, contributing to our advancements in understanding biology, disease mechanisms, oncology research, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
The Possibility of Development: On Politics amid a Military Conflict
Authors:   Sessional Lecturer at the Department of History, Concordia University of Edmonton, Canada, Taki Victor
Published: March 2024

None of the basic elements of the modern European paradigm of military conflict―a clear dividing line between the state of war and peace, the possibility and central role of a battle leading to victory, and, finally, the world order as a result of the ability to come to agreement―exists anymore.
Decomposition of Art: Historiosophy of Russian Foreign Policy
Authors:   Professor, Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, Bordachev Timofei V. ,   Academic Supervisor, Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies, National Research University–Higher School of Economics,   Program Director, Valdai Discussion Club, Moscow, Russia
Published: March 2024

Recent decades of practical international politics have shown that one can no longer rely on abstract schemes created in the Cold War-era of stable systems and rattled by confusion about the world after its end.
“Eternal Peace” and Just World Order
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department of World Economy, International Relations and Law, Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management, Russia, Borisov Denis A. , Chernoverskaya Tatiana A. ,   Associate Professor, Department of World Economy, International Relations and Law, Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management, Russia.
Published: March 2024

The process of splitting, dividing and reorganizing international space into various economic, political, and cultural segments will continue throughout the current century. Multiple decision-making centers will play an increasingly noticeable role in the modern world. This process will inevitably be accompanied by both individual state system crises and the decline of existing interstate institutions.
Change of Eras. Russian Westernism and International Relations
Authors:   Professor of International Relations and Political Science, San Francisco State University, USA, Tsygankov Andrei P.
Published: March 2024

The Russians had learned to respond to encirclement challenges long before entering the European West. It is not the first time they have to address the problems of security and development without opposing the outside world and trying to integrate into it at the cost of losing their historical identity.
From “Special” to “Military”
Authors:   Director, Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (CAST), Pukhov Ruslan N.
Published: March 2024

Russia is unlikely to get by with cheap and palliative political, military, and industrial solutions. The system will have to go through the radical “stress test,” which began on February 24, 2022, to the end.
Crooked Mirror of Neoconservatism
Authors:   Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, National Research University―Higher School of Economics, Belkovich Rodion Yu. ,   Academic Supervisor, Center for Republican Studies
Published: March 2024

Responding to modern challenges, Russia almost literally adopts the habits of those with whom it seems to be involved in an irreconcilable struggle. While implementing our own project through the stigmatization of the West, we copy the strategy of the neocons to a tee, playing second fiddle in their composition.
Multipolarity without Poles
Authors:   Professor Emeritus of International Relations, Istanbul Bilgi University, Turkey, Turan Ilter
Published: March 2024

What we are moving toward is a permeable, low cohesion, multi-centered global system. By permeable, I mean groupings with which it is relatively easy to establish multi-dimensional linkages. By low cohesion, I refer to the ability of a member of a grouping to pursue autonomous policies that may or may not be in harmony with the preference of other members of the group.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Based Campaign in the Implementation of General Elections
Authors: Bahri Putri Rizkika , Asmara H. M. Galang , Risnain Muh.
Published: March 2024

This research aims to analyze Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based campaigns in implementing General Elections. The research method used is normative legal research, with statutory and conceptual approaches. The research results explain the limitations of the artificial intelligence (AI) campaign. These include the use of digital or AI technology that is not significantly different from reality as it currently exists; all digital content or AI-produced content is required to have a watermark or information label that includes the name of the application or website where the content was created, the creation date, does not contain racism or words or sentences that have multiple interpretations, and does not use a person without consent, who has died, and minors. There is an urgent need for an AI supervisory commission, as well as the need for special legislation about AI to avoid potential exploitation. Furthermore, it is necessary to amend Article 1 Number 35 and Article 274 Paragraph 4 of Law No. 7 of 2017 concerning the General Election, so AI is applicable as campaign material but only if it uses watermarks, is not significantly different from reality, does not contain racism, and does not use living or deceased people without consent.
The Role Of The International Monetary Fund In Resolving Venezuela's Economic Crisis During Covid-19
Authors: Munzilin Khairul , Wijaya Bagaskara Sagita , Nurfajri Fasa Muhammad Ziddane
Published: March 2024

Venezuela's financial crisis is causing significant suffering to its people. The presence of the COVID-19 pandemic has made Venezuela's list even heavier. The IMF is known as an international financial organization that is often involved in handling financial crises in several affected countries. However, the IMF's involvement in handling the financial crisis and health crisis at the same time was the first experience for the IMF. This research is necessary because it seeks to reveal the IMF's involvement in Venezuela's financial crisis during COVID-19 and makes this the first experience for the IMF in efforts to resolve a country's financial crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research discusses the role of the IMF in resolving Venezuela's economic crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research uses the concepts of foreign aid and economic liberalization with descriptive qualitative research methods and data collection techniques from various documents, books, archives, journals, and theses. This research shows that the IMF has a significant role in resolving Venezuela's economic crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, including by providing loans, advice and training in crisis management, which can help Venezuela improve its economy and implement economic liberalization in order to pursue Venezuela's economic system more open for the development of economy. Keywords: IMF, Venezuela, Economic Crisis, Foreign Aid, Economic Liberalization
Evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of 3D contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography versus digital subtraction angiography in spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Khalafallah Adham M. , Yunga Tigre Joseph , Rady Nadine , Starke Robert M. , Saraf-Lavi Efrat , Levi Allan D.
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) often go undiagnosed, leading to irreversible spinal cord dysfunction. Although digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold standard for diagnosing SDAVF, DSA is invasive and operator dependent, with associated risks. MR angiography (MRA) is a promising alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of MRA as an equal alternative to DSA in investigating, diagnosing, and localizing SDAVF.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data from a single neurosurgeon at a large tertiary academic center were searched for SDAVFs. Eligibility criteria included any patient with a surgically proven SDAVF in whom preoperative DSA, MRA, or both had been obtained. The eligible patients formed a consecutive series, in which they were divided into DSA and MRA groups. DSA and MRA were the index tests that were compared to the surgical SDAVF outcome, which was the reference standard. Accurate diagnosis was considered to have occurred when the imaging report matched the operative diagnosis to the correct spinal level. Comparisons used a two-sample t-test for continuous variables and Fisher-Freeman-Halton’s exact test for categorical variables, with p < 0.05 specifying significance. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted to investigate group associations with DSA and MRA accuracy. Positive predictive value, sensitivity, and accuracy were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 27 patients with a mean age of 63 years underwent surgery for SDAVF. There were 19 male (70.4%) and 8 female (29.6%) patients, and the mean duration of symptoms at the time of surgery was 14 months (range 2–48 months). Seventeen patients (63%) presented with bowel or bladder incontinence. Bivariate analysis of the DSA and MRA groups further revealed no significant relationships between the characteristics and accuracy of SDAVF diagnosis. MRA was found to be more sensitive and accurate (100% and 73.3%) than DSA (85.7% and 69.2%), with a subanalysis of the patients with both preoperative MRA and DSA showing that MRA had a greater positive predictive value (78.6 vs 72.7), sensitivity (100 vs 72.7), and accuracy (78.6 vs 57.1) than DSA.

CONCLUSIONS

In surgically proven cases of SDAVFs, the authors determined that MRA was more accurate than DSA for SDAVF diagnosis and localization to the corresponding vertebral level. Incomplete catheterization at each vertebral level may result in the failure of DSA to detect SDAVF.
Digital exoscope versus surgical microscope in spinal dural arteriovenous fistula surgery: a comparative series
Authors: Auricchio Anna Maria , Calvanese Francesco , Vasankari Ville , Raj Rahul , Gallé Camille Louise Claudine , Niemelä Mika , Lehecka Martin
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE

Surgical treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) has been reported to be superior to endovascular treatment in terms of occlusion of the fistula. Despite the increased availability of digital 3D exoscopes, the potential benefits of using an exoscope in spinal DAVF surgery have not been studied. The purpose of this study was to report and compare the results of exoscope- and microscope-assisted surgery for spinal DAVFs.

METHODS

All consecutive adult patients (≥ 18 years of age) treated surgically for spinal DAVFs from January 2016 to January 2023 in a tertiary neurosurgical referral center were included. All patients were operated on by one neurosurgeon. Their pre- and postoperative clinical findings, imaging studies, and intra- and postoperative events were evaluated and surgical videos from the operations were analyzed.

RESULTS

Altogether, 14 patients received an operation for spinal DAVF during the study period, 10 (71%) with an exoscope and 4 (29%) with a microscope. The DAVFs were most commonly located in the lower parts of the thoracic spine in both groups. The duration of exoscopic surgeries was shorter (141 vs 151 minutes) and there was less blood loss (60 vs 100 ml) than with microscopic surgeries. No major surgical complications were observed in either group. Of the 14 patients, 10 had gait improvement postoperatively: 7 (78%) patients in the exoscope group and 3 (75%) in the microscope group. None of the patients experienced deterioration following surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Exoscope-assisted surgery for spinal DAVFs is comparable in safety and effectiveness to traditional microscopic surgery. With practice, experienced neurosurgeons can adapt to using the exoscope without major additional risks to the patient.
Treatment outcomes and the role of the DES scheme in the appropriate treatment selection for high-grade dural arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Beyersdorf Benjamin , Voglis Stefanos , Zhao Guoming , Sarnthein Johannes , Regli Luca , Germans Menno R.
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE

Endovascular and microsurgical treatment are viable options for the majority of Borden type III dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs). The aim of this study was to examine treatment outcomes in a comparative analysis of endovascular and surgical treatment modalities for Borden type III fistulas and explore clinical implications of the DES scheme in selecting ideal candidates for surgical therapy.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with dAVFs with leptomeningeal venous drainage admitted to the Departments of Neurosurgery or Neuroradiology of the University Hospital Zurich between January 2014 and October 2021 were included in this study. Comprehensive patient data including demographics, clinical presentation, and dAVF characteristics, including established classifications, were collected. Treatment outcomes were assessed based on postinterventional angiography findings. In addition, treatment-related complications were assessed based on the Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

Among all Borden type III dAVFs, 15 were initially treated endovascularly (60% complete occlusion rate) and 10 with microsurgical disconnection (90% complete occlusion rate) (p = 0.18). Subgroup analysis of dAVFs meeting the criteria for directness and exclusivity based on the DES scheme showed a 100% complete occlusion rate after microsurgical disconnection, whereas embolization achieved a complete occlusion rate of 60% (p = 0.06). There was no significant difference in the rate or severity of treatment-related complications between treatment modalities.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that microsurgical disconnection is a viable primary treatment modality for Borden type III dAVFs, particularly for dAVFs that meet the criteria of directness and exclusivity according to the DES scheme. The DES scheme demonstrates its relevance in selecting the most appropriate treatment strategy for affected patients.
Dural arteriovenous fistula in the setting of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and COVID-19 infection
Authors: Liang Allison S. , Bounajem Michael T. , Shoskes Aaron , Grandhi Ramesh
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the presence of concurrent venous thrombosis and COVID-19 infections in patients with dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs).

METHODS

An analysis of all patients diagnosed with dAVF via cerebral angiography by the senior author was conducted, with special attention given to the presence of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) and COVID-19 infection. General demographics, clinical presentation, presence of CVST, and COVID-19 infection status were reported.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients with dAVFs were included in this study. Three patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 (10%), with one of these patients developing CVST (33%) at 6 months postinfection. Of the 27 patients not infected with COVID-19, one was diagnosed with a likely chronic CVST at the time of presentation of dAVF (4%). A total of 11 case reports and 3 retrospective studies describing patients diagnosed with CVST at or after diagnosis of dAVFs have been reported in the literature. The incidence of dAVFs in patients with CVST has been reported as 2.4%, and the incidence of dAVF has reportedly increased five- to tenfold since the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 infections may pose as an emerging risk factor for the development of CVST and subsequent dAVF development. To the authors’ knowledge, this study presents the first cases in the literature describing a temporal relationship between COVID-19 and development of a dAVF with CVST. The effect of both COVID-19 and associated vaccines should be further assessed in future studies to examine its impact as an effect modifier on the association of dAVF and CVST.
Safety evaluation of sinus patency after stereotactic radiosurgery for transverse–sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas: implications of treatment options for patients with Borden type I fistulas
Authors: Umekawa Motoyuki , Shinya Yuki , Hasegawa Hirotaka , Koizumi Satoshi , Katano Atsuto , Saito Nobuhito
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in treating transverse–sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (TSS DAVFs), and to investigate post-SRS sinus patency, focusing on the risk factors associated with treated sinus occlusion.

METHODS

Data from 34 patients treated with SRS between January 2006 and April 2023 were analyzed. Detailed angioarchitecture was confirmed using digital subtraction angiography before SRS. Angiography of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery and vertebral artery was performed to evaluate whether the involved side of the TSS was used for normal venous drainage. TSS stenosis was defined as sinus diameter < 50% of the normal proximal diameter. DAVF shunt obliteration, TSS occlusion, neurological status, and adverse events were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 34 patients, 21 had Borden type I and 14 had Borden type II DAVFs. The median age at SRS was 64 years (interquartile range 54–71 years), and the follow-up period was 31 months (interquartile range 15–94 months). Complete shunt obliteration was achieved in 24 (70.6%) patients. The cumulative 2-, 3-, and 5-year shunt obliteration rates were 49.6%, 71.2%, and 86.0%, respectively. Borden type I had higher obliteration rates (60.5%, 83.1%, and 94.4%, respectively) than Borden type II (41.7%, 51.4%, and 75.7%, respectively; p = 0.034). TSS occlusion occurred in 5 patients (14.7%). The cumulative 1-, 5-, and 10-year TSS occlusion rates were 2.9%, 8.3%, and 23.6%, respectively, across the entire cohort. All occlusions occurred exclusively in the sinuses that were not used for normal venous drainage. Cox proportional analyses revealed that TSS stenosis and the sinus not being used for normal venous drainage were significantly associated with a greater risk of TSS occlusion after SRS (HR 9.44, 95% CI 1.01–77.13; p = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

SRS is effective and safe for TSS DAVF and results in favorable shunt obliteration, symptom improvement, and low complication rates. TSS occlusion after SRS is asymptomatic and is limited to sinuses that are not used for normal venous drainage.
Dural arteriovenous fistulas are not observed to convert to a higher grade after partial embolization
Authors: Walker Erin , Srienc Anja , Lew Daphne , Guniganti Ridhima , Lanzino Giuseppe , Brinjikji Waleed , Hayakawa Minako , Samaniego Edgar A. , Derdeyn Colin P. , Du Rose , Lai Rosalind , Sheehan Jason P. , Starke Robert M. , Abla Adib , Abdelsalam Ahmed , Gross Bradley , Albuquerque Felipe , Lawton Michael T. , Kim Louis J. , Levitt Michael , Amin-Hanjani Sepideh , Alaraj Ali , Winkler Ethan , Fox W. Christopher , Polifka Adam , Hall Samuel , Bulters Diederik , Durnford Andrew , Satomi Junichiro , Tada Yoshiteru , van Dijk J. Marc C. , Potgieser Adriaan R. E. , Chen Ching-Jen , Becerril-Gaitan Andrea , Osbun Joshua W. , Zipfel Gregory J.
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE

Borden-Shucart type I dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) lack cortical venous drainage and occasionally necessitate intervention depending on patient symptoms. Conversion is the rare transformation of a low-grade dAVF to a higher grade. Factors associated with increased risk of dAVF conversion to a higher grade are poorly understood. The authors hypothesized that partial treatment of type I dAVFs is an independent risk factor for conversion.

METHODS

The multicenter Consortium for Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Outcomes Research database was used to perform a retrospective analysis of all patients with type I dAVFs.

RESULTS

Three hundred fifty-eight (33.2%) of 1077 patients had type I dAVFs. Of those 358 patients, 206 received endovascular treatment and 131 were not treated. Two (2.2%) of 91 patients receiving partial endovascular treatment for a low-grade dAVF experienced conversion to a higher grade, 2 (1.5%) of 131 who were not treated experienced conversion, and none (0%) of 115 patients who received complete endovascular treatment experienced dAVF conversion. The majority of converted dAVFs localized to the transverse-sigmoid sinus and all received embolization as part of their treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial treatment of type I dAVFs does not appear to be significantly associated with conversion to a higher grade.
Acute Poisoning among Children Admitted in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Aryal Surabhi , Karki Susmin , Lamichhane Machhindra
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Acute poisoning is one of the critical causes of hospital admission in children worldwide. Understanding the clinico-demographic profile of childhood poisoning will help in developing targeted prevention strategies. This study aimed to find the prevalence of acute poisoning cases among children admitted to a tertiary care hospital.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among 4972 children admitted in the pediatric ward, High Dependency Care Unit, and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary care hospital in Nepal. The data were collected from the hospital records from over three years between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2022 after receiving ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. A convenience sampling method was used. Data related to the clinical and demographic data were collected from the patients with acute poisoning and analyzed. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated.Results: Out of 4972 paediatric cases admitted to the hospital, acute poisoning was seen in 57 (1.14%) (0.81-1.39, 95% Confidence Interval) patients. Out of these acute poisoning cases, 31 (54.39%) were accidental. The mean age was 10.10±5.40 years with 35 (61.40%) patients from the adolescent age group.
Conclusions: This study conducted in a Nepalese tertiary care hospital identifies acute poisoning as a notable concern among pediatric admissions.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Research Ethics among Researchers in Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Namita , Adhikari Santoshi , Sharma Subhanshi , Basnet Rojina , Acharya Richa , Verma Shashi , Gyanwali Pradip
Published: March 2024

Introduction: The universal health research ethical principles must be adhered to ensure a balance between science and safeguarding participants' rights, safety and dignity. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of research ethics among researchers in Nepal.Methods: The study was carried out among 449 researchers who submitted proposals for ethical review and approval from the Ethical Review Board of the Nepal Health Research Council between January 2017 to August 2021. Simple random sampling was done ensuring a proportional representation of researchers from all areas of health research. A structured questionnaire was administered online for data collection.Results: The participants aged between 23-80 years old consented to complete the survey questionnaire. The median age of the respondents was 35 (23-80) years. Among all the respondents, 52 (11.58%) were unaware about the National Ethical Guideline for Health Research. Similarly, 110 (24.50%) respondents strongly agreed that the ethical review process impairs research and makes it harder for researchers to conduct research; 372 (82.85%) respondents had pursued research activity only after obtaining ethical approval. Conclusions: Half of the respondents had knowledge on different aspects of research ethics.
Diseño de una política territorial de conservación y desarrollo basada en la sustentabilidad. El caso del municipio de Villaflores, Chiapas, México
Authors: Huerta Silva Margarita Haydee , Parra Vázquez Manuel Roberto , Ianni Elena
Published: March 2024

La intención globalmente aceptada de alcanzar un desarrollo sostenible parece cada vez más lejana. Este artículo propone que las tensiones entre conservación y desarrollo podrían ser resueltas por los actores locales en un contexto de descentralización. El objetivo de esta investigación fue valorar las capacidades locales para diseñar participativamente proyectos de desarrollo territorial fundamentados en criterios de sustentabilidad. Para ello se realizó un estudio de caso sobre el ciclo de la política municipal desarrollado por el Consejo Municipal de Desarrollo Rural Sustentable del Municipio de Villaflores, Chiapas. Los resultados muestran que los grupos colegiados constituidos por organizaciones de productores, funcionarios públicos, académicos y organizaciones de la sociedad civil cuentan con el conocimiento y las capacidades para diseñar participativamente un Plan Municipal de Desarrollo Rural Sustentable. La evaluación de los sistemas de producción actuales y potenciales con criterios de sustentabilidad fue el mecanismo que permitió la toma de decisiones para la asignación de recursos. Sin embargo, quedó claro que la cultura conformista de los actores locales está fuertemente arraigada, por lo que cuando ya no hubo la voluntad política para operar de manera colegiada, el proceso regresó a la normalidad caciquil y a la toma de decisiones discrecionales.
EFFECTS OF MUTANT ALLELES OF THE PPD-1 GENE ON THE DATE TO HEADING UNDER NATURAL AND SHORTENED DAYLENGTH CONDITIONS
Authors: Pogrebnyuk E. , Faіt V. , Balashova I. , Stelmakh A.
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this work was to identify recombinant inbred lines from the hybrid of Orenburgskaya 48 //Cappelle Desprez/2B Chinese Spring and to evaluate the effects of recessive alleles of the Ppd-D1 and Ppd-A1 genes, as well as their interaction with the dominant allele of the Ppd-B1c gene, on heading dates under environment of natural and shortened photoperiods. The study was conducted on a population of 64 recombinant inbred lines and two parental genotypes. Five-days-old seedlings of each genotype were subjected to vernalization for 50 days and grown on the vegetation site under natural and artificially shortened to 10 hours photoperiods. During the growing season, the dates to heading (DH) of individual plants were recorded when the main spike appeared from the sheath of the flag leaf. Known allele-specific molecular markers were used for identifying carriers of Ppd-D1c, Ppd-D1d, Ppd-A1b and Ppd-A1b-del303 alleles. It was shown that mutant recessive alleles of Ppd-A1 and Ppd-D1 genes do not affect significantly the DH in winter bread wheat plants under environment of natural and reduced photoperiods. The dominant Ppd-B1c allele, regardless of the presence of certain recessive alleles of the Ppd-D1 and Ppd-A1 genes, contributes to the acceleration of the development (acceleration of DH) of plants at different day lengths compared to such carriers of the Ppd-B1b allele. The presence of the mutant recessive allele Ppd-A1b_del303 in the genotype of the line leads to a decrease in the effect of the dominant allele of the Ppd-B1c allele on the acceleration of heading. The interaction of the dominant allele Ppd-B1c in shortening the DH with the genes Ppd-A1b and Ppd-D1d revealed more effective on the reduced photoperiod, аnd with Ppd-A1b and Ppd-D1c on the natural day, and it was the least effective in both variants of the experiment for the combination of alleles Ppd-A1b Ppd -B1b Ppd-D1d. Allelic differences of the three Ppd-1 genes determined 54.2% of the diversity of RIL in terms of the DH under natural environment and 59.9% - at shortened days, it was to a greater extent observed due to allelic differences of the Ppd-B1 gene.
CLASSICAL MORPHOMETRY OF BEE WINGS USING THE DAWINO PROTOCOL
Authors: Cherevatov V. , Babenko V. , Galatyuk O. , Yarovets V.
Published: March 2024

The aim of the work is to choose the optimal approach for creating a bank of morphometric data for honeybee wings. Using 10 arrays of morphometric data from the wings of worker bees and drones, an analysis of the capabilities of different classification options was conducted using the DAWINO method. It has been demonstrated that the abbreviated version of the DAWINO method, utilizing angles and an alternative approach, using only 8 indices, is equally effective. To create banks of standardized morphometric reference data, it is proposed to use 5 traditional indices and 4 additional ones, allowing for a reliable interpretation of the taxonomy of worker bees and drones.
Effect of Internet Use on Cognitive Function of Middle-Aged and Elderly Adults in China: Evidence from China Family Panel Studies
Authors: Xia Xuefei , Yuan Pingqiao , Zhao Xue , Jia Fang Rong , Li Bangyang , Cai Peng
Published: March 2024

Background:

The development and popularization of the Internet provides an important opportunity to advance national strategies for healthy aging, particularly the impact of the Internet on cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults.

Objective:

This study aimed to quantify the impact of Internet use on the cognitive health of middle-aged and older adults (aged≥45 years).

Methods:

We used data from the Chinese Family Panel Study (CFPS) survey, tested the robustness of the baseline findings by variable substitution and instrumental variables methods, and analyzed heterogeneity. Subsequently, five purposes of Internet use that affect cognitive function were analyzed in depth.

Results:

Internet use may improve cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults. The effect of Internet use on cognitive function was more pronounced in the lower age group (45–59 years), among males, in rural areas, and among middle-aged and older adults with higher levels of education. Cognitive functioning of middle-aged and older adults varied according to how often they used the Internet for entertainment, socialization, study, work, and business activities.

Conclusions:

The use of the Internet may be considered a practical non-pharmacological intervention to slow cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults.
Enhancing shallow water quality monitoring efficiency with deep learning and remote sensing: A case study in Mar Menor
Authors: Giménez José G. , González Martín , Martínez-España Raquel , Cecilia José M. , López-Espín José J.
Published: March 2024

Satellite remote sensing technology has proven effective in monitoring various environmental parameters, but its efficiency in assessing shallow lakes has been limited. This study applies state-of-the-art machine and deep learning algorithms supported by classical statistic methods to analyze remote sensing data to measure chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration levels. Focused on a shallow coastal lagoon, Mar Menor, this work analyzes statistically daily Sentinel 3 information behaviour and compares Machine Learning and Deep Learning techniques to enhance efficiency and accuracy data of this satellite. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) stand out as a robust choice, capable of delivering excellent results even in the presence of anomalous events. Our findings demonstrate that the CNN-based approach directly utilizing satellite data yields promising results in monitoring shallow lakes, offering enhanced efficiency and robustness. This research contributes to optimizing remote sensing data to and produce a continuous information flow addressed to monitoring shallow aquatic ecosystems with potential environmental management and conservation applications.
Evaluation of the Effects of Opium on the Expression of SOX2 and OCT4 in Wistar Rat Bladder
Authors: Menbari Oskouie Iman , Zareian Baghdadabad Leila , Mashhadi Rahil , Zahmatkesh Parisa , Mirzaei Akram , Khajavi Alireza , Noori Maryam , Mesbah Gholamreza , Aghamir Seyed Mohammad Kazem
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Bladder cancer is a malignancy greatly affected by behavioral habits. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of opium on changes in the expression of OCT4 and SOX2 in the bladder tissue of rats.

METHOD:

Thirty six rats were divided into six groups: 24 rats in the addicted group received morphine and opium for 4 months with 12 rats in the control group. Blood testing was done for the evaluation of CBC, MDA, and TAC. The bladder tissue was removed and checked by histopathological examination. All total RNA was extracted, then cDNAs were synthesized and the OCT 4 and SOX2 gene expressions were evaluated by Real-time PCR.

RESULTS:

The OCT4 mRNA expression level in the opium group of rats was significantly increased compared to the control group (13.5 and 6.8 fold in males and females respectively). Also, in the morphine group, similar augmentation was detected (3.8 and 6.7 fold in males and females respectively). The SOX2 mRNA over-expression level was seen in the morphine group of both genders as compared to the control group (3.7 and 4.2 fold in male and female respectively) but in the opium group, enhancement of mRNA level was seen only in males (6.6 fold). Opium increases both OCT4 and SOX2 expression more than morphine in male rats, but in female rats, SOX2 is increased more by morphine.

CONCLUSION:

Over expression of OCT4 and SOX2 was observed in rats treated with opium and morphine. Increased OCT4 and SOX2 expression was seen in opium-treated male rats, but in female rats, SOX2 was increased more by morphine.
Measuring data drift with the unstable population indicator
Authors: Haas Marcel R. , Sibbald Lisette
Published: March 2024

Measuring data drift is essential in machine learning applications where model scoring (evaluation) is done on data samples that differ from those used in training. The Kullback-Leibler divergence is a common measure of shifted probability distributions, for which discretized versions are invented to deal with binned or categorical data. We present the Unstable Population Indicator, a robust, flexible and numerically stable, discretized implementation of Jeffrey’s divergence, along with an implementation in a Python package that can deal with continuous, discrete, ordinal and nominal data in a variety of popular data types. We show the numerical and statistical properties in controlled experiments. It is not advised to employ a common cut-off to distinguish stable from unstable populations, but rather to let that cut-off depend on the use case.
Identifying relevant features of CSE-CIC-IDS2018 dataset for the development of an intrusion detection system
Authors: Göcs László , Johanyák Zsolt Csaba
Published: March 2024

Intrusion detection systems (IDSs) are essential elements of IT systems. Their key component is a classification module that continuously evaluates some features of the network traffic and identifies possible threats. Its efficiency is greatly affected by the right selection of the features to be monitored. Therefore, the identification of a minimal set of features that are necessary to safely distinguish malicious traffic from benign traffic is indispensable in the course of the development of an IDS. This paper presents the preprocessing and feature selection workflow as well as its results in the case of the CSE-CIC-IDS2018 on AWS dataset, focusing on five attack types. To identify the relevant features, six feature selection methods were applied, and the final ranking of the features was elaborated based on their average score. Next, several subsets of the features were formed based on different ranking threshold values, and each subset was tried with five classification algorithms to determine the optimal feature set for each attack type. During the evaluation, four widely used metrics were taken into consideration.
Inferring Alzheimer’s Disease Pathologic Traits from Clinical Measures in Living Adults
Authors: Yang Jingjing , Liu Xizhu , Oveisgharan Shahram , Zammit Andrea R. , Nag Sukriti , Bennett David A. , Buchman Aron S.
Published: March 2024

Background: Alzheimer’s disease neuropathologic changes (AD-NC) are important to identify people with high risk for AD dementia (ADD) and subtyping ADD. Objective: Develop imputation models based on clinical measures to infer AD-NC. Methods: We used penalized generalized linear regression to train imputation models for four AD-NC traits (amyloid-β, tangles, global AD pathology, and pathologic AD) in Rush Memory and Aging Project decedents, using clinical measures at the last visit prior to death as predictors. We validated these models by inferring AD-NC traits with clinical measures at the last visit prior to death for independent Religious Orders Study (ROS) decedents. We inferred baseline AD-NC traits for all ROS participants at study entry, and then tested if inferred AD-NC traits at study entry predicted incident ADD and postmortem pathologic AD. Results: Inferred AD-NC traits at the last visit prior to death were related to postmortem measures with R2 = (0.188,0.316,0.262) respectively for amyloid-β, tangles, and global AD pathology, and prediction Area Under the receiver operating characteristic Curve (AUC) 0.765 for pathologic AD. Inferred baseline levels of all four AD-NC traits predicted ADD. The strongest prediction was obtained by the inferred baseline probabilities of pathologic AD with AUC = (0.919,0.896) for predicting the development of ADD in 3 and 5 years from baseline. The inferred baseline levels of all four AD-NC traits significantly discriminated pathologic AD profiled eight years later with p-values < 1.4×10-10. Conclusions: Inferred AD-NC traits based on clinical measures may provide effective AD biomarkers that can estimate the burden of AD-NC traits in aging adults.