bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La chronique de l’abbaye cistercienne de Mortemer (Normandie, XIIe siècle)
Authors: Burgard Olivia
Published: March 2024

La chronique de l’abbaye cistercienne de Mortemer ne révèle rien, de prime abord, au sujet de ses auteurs. Pourtant, grâce à l’analyse de leurs sources et des sélections effectuées – créant un corpus dont l’apport heuristique constitue une part importante du récit –, il nous est possible de déceler une part de leur œuvre de « moines-historiens » en cette fin de XIIe siècle à Mortemer. Ces « moines-auteurs » maîtrisent intimement la Bible et la règle de saint Benoît, ce qui n’a rien pour surprendre. Par ailleurs, ils nous montrent une connaissance du contenu des archives de leur établissement, qu’ils utilisent, d’une part, pour nourrir leur récit historique et, d’autre part, pour légitimer leur existence et leurs biens. La construction narrative et la pluralité des procédés rhétoriques et intertextuels employés par les auteurs sont révélatrices de leurs compétences et de leur intervention en tant qu’« historiographes » ayant œuvré à la maîtrise du temps et au façonnement de l’historia abbatiae Mortuimaris.
Claude Simon, cavalier
Authors: Guirard de Camproger Diane
Published: March 2024

À travers deux histoires parallèles, la mort d’un officier et celle d’un cheval, la présence de références équestres dans le récit simonien permet d’établir une certaine vision de l’auteur et de son rapport à l’animal. En explorant l’influence du cheval chez Claude Simon, cet article tente de dévoiler une facette peu étudiée de l’auteur, celle du cavalier, et en quoi elle éclaire le rapport de l’écrivain à son père.
“Shared Online, Made People Envious, Felt Good”
Authors: Ojala Jarno , Fedosov Anton , Olsson Thomas , Väänänen Kaisa , Langheinrich Marc
Published: March 2024

An online survey of 200 participants was conducted on the experiences of sharing material and immaterial artifacts, focusing on interaction with non-media content types. The survey included six categories of sharing: music preferences, travel plans, sports activities, apartments and vehicles, virtual items in online games, and dietary preferences. The study identified factors that motivate participation in content-mediated interaction: discovery, curating self, connectedness, collaboration, enjoyment, and instrumental motivations, as a set of six motivating factors driving contemporary sharing practices. The authors consolidated findings from earlier work on motivations to share personal content, validating the set of motivating factors with the six selected non-media types of content. The results suggest that both extrinsic and intrinsic motivations affect content sharing practices. Furthermore, motivating factors were mapped to the reported positive and negative experiences, in order to understand their relation and to discuss their capacity to guide user experience design.
ERRATUM. Update on successful nesting of bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) in the Lanzo Valleys, Piedmont region (NW Italy)
Authors: Chiereghin Maurizio , Prezzi Alessandro , Sartirana Fabiano
Published: March 2024

This erratum corrects the article published in Research in Ornithology, 93 (2): 57-60, 2023 (DOI: 10.4081/rio.2023.690).
An in vitro evaluation of dentinal microcrack formation during root canal preparations by three different nickel–titanium systems: ProTaper Gold, HyFlex CM, and Silk
Authors: Prasada L. Krishna , Suhas K. , Pai U. Akshay Kumar
Published: March 2024

Aim:

This study aimed to compare the frequency of dentinal microcracks after root canal shaping with three different nickel–titanium (NiTi) systems, namely, ProTaper Gold (PG), HyFlex CM (HCM), and Silk.

Methods:

One hundred mandibular premolars with a single canal were chosen for this study. All specimens were decoronated and divided into four groups of 25 each. Teeth were mounted in the acrylic block with simulated periodontal ligaments. Group I served as a negative control Group, in which no treatment was performed. Biomechanical preparation was done in the Group II, using the Protaper gold file system. Group III, using the Hyflex CM file system and Group IV, using the Silk file system. Specimens were horizontally sectioned at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex using the low-speed diamond disc under water cooling. The slices were then viewed under a stereomicroscope at ×25 to determine the presence of cracks. The absence or presence of cracks was recorded, and the data were analyzed with a Chi-square test. The significance level was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

Coronal section showed lesser crack formation in all three groups after biomechanical preparation. More number of dentinal microcracks were seen in the apical sections, followed by the middle and the coronal sections in Group II (PG), followed by Group IV (Silk), and Group III (HCM), respectively. Group II showed more microcracks at all three levels of the root canals when compared with Groups III and IV. Intergroup analysis showed no statistically significant difference in microcrack formation.

Conclusion:

Within the limitation of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that NiTi instruments may cause cracks on the root surface. HCM and Silk files tend to produce a less number of cracks as compared to PG instruments.
A Critical Appraisal of Gluten in Skin Disorders, the Evidence So Far, and Updated Recommendations
Authors: Chakraborty Atreyo
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Gluten, a polypeptide hapten, found in many cereals such as barley, wheat, rye, oats, and others, has been recently implicated in a range of cutaneous disorders ranging from chronic plaque psoriasis through psoriatic arthritis, urticaria (chronic as well as paediatric onset), and angioedema to lichen planus, vitiligo, and rosacea. The evidence for them is still not well reviewed.

Aim:

To generate evidence for the causal role of gluten in various dermatological disorders.

Methodology:

The Pubmed, MedLine, and EMBASE databases were searched using the keywords “Gluten” and one of the dermatoses, namely, “Atopic Dermatitis”, “Vasculitis”, “Psoriasis”, “Psoriatic Arthritis”, “Acne”, “Alopecia Areata”, and “Immunobullous disorders”. All articles published in English for which free full text was available were taken into consideration.

Results:

The search strategy returned in a total of 1487 articles which were screened for relevance and elimination of duplicates. Ultimately, around 114 articles were deemed suitable. The data were extracted and presented in the narrative review format.

Discussion:

A simple and cost-effective solution to many of these chronic and lifelong conditions is to restrict gluten in the diet. However, the dermatologist would do well to remember that in the vast majority of dermatological disorders including the ones listed here, gluten restriction is not warranted and can even lead to nutritional deficiencies. The evidence varied from Grade I for some disorders like psoriatic arthritis to Grade IV to most disorders like acne, vitiligo, vasculitis, and atopic dermatitis.

Conclusion:

Herein, we review the evidence for each of these conditions and make practical recommendations for gluten restriction in them.
Effects of radiotherapy on blood parameters in patients with different types of cancer; single center experience in Iraq
Authors: Mahmood Salah Qadir , Talabany Bakhtyar Kamal , Khoshnaw Najmaddin S.H. , Hamasoor Taib , Hussein Zahir Salih , Hassan Mohammad
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Radiotherapy is important for the treatment of cancer but it is not without side effects on the human body like lethal effects on blood cells. This study aimed to estimate the effect of radiotherapy on blood parameters in cancer patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

One hundred and two patients from Zhianawa Hospital in Sulaymaniyah Province, Iraq, were included in this study from July 2022 to October 2022. The blood samples were collected for blood analysis and the information of participants was taken through a detailed questionnaire.

RESULTS:

Out of the 102 patients, 61 (59.8%) females and 41 (40.2%) males, the median age was 50.1 years ± 17.02 years. Forty-nine (48%) of studied patients were in Stage 4 and the most common cancer was breast cancer accounting for 43 (42.2%). We found a statistically significant (P < 0.05) reduction in total white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin, and platelet counts, but regarding neutrophils, the reduction was statistically not significant (P = 0.343). Doses of radiotherapy and more advanced stages of cancer affect the degree of the reduction of blood counts and it can be seen in different ages. The cell drop was significantly lower in younger patients, aged <60 years as related to the curative intent in those age groups.

CONCLUSION:

The results suggest that radiotherapy has a potential effect on circulating WBCs, RBC counts, and platelets, but not neutrophils and it is related to the stage of cancer and age of the patients.
Study of mindset among learners and educators in an Indian medical school—A questionnaire-based survey
Authors: Rajaragupathy Sujatha , Govindarajan Sumitra , Ponnusamy Deepika
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Mindset varies along a spectrum of two extremes- fixed and growth. Individuals with growth mindset embrace new challenges readily and believe that intelligence is malleable. Mindset theory has gained focus as a principal underpinning value of health professions education, as it is aligned with the goals of competency-based education. The study aims to assess the mindset of health professional educators and learners.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted in a private medical college in South India. A pre-validated modified version of Dweck’s (2000) Implicit Theories of Intelligence Questionnaire was administered to the study participants. Participants responded to 10 items using a four-point Likert scale, rating the degree to which they agreed or disagreed with each statement. The quantitative data were expressed in means and percentages.

RESULTS:

A total of192 students and 25 faculty participated in the study. Among students, 45.8% (n = 88) had strong growth mindset, 42.1% (n = 81) had growth mindset with some fixed ideas, 10.9% (n = 21) had fixed mindset with some growth ideas, and 1% (n = 2) had strong fixed mindset. Among faculty 4% (n = 1) had fixed mindset with growth ideas, 44% (n = 11) had growth mindset with fixed ideas, and 52% (n = 13) had strong growth mindset.

DISCUSSION:

In this study, educators and learners of a medical school were found to have predominantly growth mindset. Fostering growth mindset among stakeholders of health professions education is essential for effective teaching and learning in competency-based education.
The effects of aromatherapy on the mood state and resilience of pregnant women: A clinical trial
Authors: Hajibagheri Fatemeh , Fahami Fariba , Valiani Mahboubeh
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Pregnancy has always been associated with rapid physiological, emotional, and social changes that can cause mothers’ stress and anxiety, eventually leading to psychological effects. Therefore, resilience and knowing how to deal with stress during pregnancy are of great importance. As a result, this study aimed to investigate the effects of aromatherapy on pregnant women’s mood and resilience.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This clinical trial study was conducted on 70 pregnant women in 2021. Participants were randomly selected from Isfahan’s health centers and then divided into two groups. A handkerchief sprinkled with orange blossom essential oil was given to the experimental group to inhale for an hour, three times a week for a month. However, the control group received only the usual care. The mood state and resilience of the participants were evaluated before the intervention, immediately after, and also one month after the intervention. Data analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPPS) 24.0, independent-samples t-test, Chi-square, and Mann–Whitney U-test.

RESULTS:

According to the results, the score of mood state in the experimental group was 60/97±14/26 before the intervention, 40/97±14/30 immediately after receiving the intervention, and 49/86±11/78 one month after the intervention. These findings indicated that the score of mood state in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0/05). Moreover, the mean score of resilience in the experimental group was 60/83±13/02 before the intervention, 66/54±7/85 immediately after receiving the intervention, and 62/80±8/07 one month after the intervention. The results showed that the mean score of this variable was significantly higher in the experimental group compared with the control group immediately after the intervention and insignificantly higher than the control group one month after the intervention.

CONCLUSION:

Aromatherapy with orange blossom oil can enhance mothers’ mood state and resilience during the third trimester. As a result, orange blossom oil can be used as a complementary therapy.
A comparative study of the effectiveness of self-management and group management on the amount of weight loss of nurses under low-calorie diet treatment: A simultaneous mixed-methods study
Authors: Mahdavi-Roshan Marjan , Salimi Sanaz , Pourghane Parand , Ashouri Asieh , Haghighatkhah Motahare , Karami Samaneh
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Nursing is a profession that is associated with a lot of stress and a risk of being overweight or obese. The purpose of this research was to determine the comparative effectiveness of self-management (self-M) and group management (group-M) on nurses who were following a diet with the aim of proposing a proper planning and a healthy lifestyle for them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study was a simultaneous mixed-methods design (interventional and qualitative). The participants were all overweight or obese nurses working in teaching hospitals at Guilan University of Medical Sciences in 2019 (n = 96). In the qualitative part, data were extracted from semi-structured interviews. For quantitative data analysis, relevant statistical methods such as Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used. For qualitative data analysis, the conventional content analysis approach was used and Lincoln and Guba’s criteria were applied to ensure the accuracy of the data.

RESULTS:

In both quantitative and qualitative sections, the results showed that following a diet treatment with group-M is more effective than self-M.

CONCLUSION:

The results showed that a healthy lifestyle can be achieved for nurses if they participate in training classes and group programs, which are proven to be effective based on this article and some other studies. Also, since weight gain and obesity, as one of the most important problems of health systems, continue to increase and can impose a heavy economic and social burden on human societies, various general policies should be used and these solutions can range from home to society to prevent and control them.
Implementation of positive psychology to surmount demoralization caused by a cataclysm in select works of Svetlana Alexievich
Authors: Syeda Pinky S. J. , Devi Rema
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Cataclysm refers to a large-scale and violent event involving disaster, catastrophe, calamity, and tragedy. The recent surge of a pandemic (coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)), humanitarian crisis in Sudan, civil unrest, and war, such as the attacks in Syria and Ukraine, reiterate the need to address the trauma attached to such catastrophes. This study focuses on adapting positive psychology, one of the newest branches of psychology to emerge, to help human beings prosper and lead healthy, happy lives. It also explores post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and means to overcome traumatizing psychological dejection caused by such mishaps.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Demoralization is the immediate effect caused on victims and survivors of such devastations. A comprehensive study of cataclysm and demoralization is concomitant with the suffering produced by various factors pertaining to mass annihilation. A deductive methodology is incorporated into the qualitative data to analyze the oral testimonies of war and disaster survivors in Svetlana Alexievich’s works titled Zinky Boys: Soviet Voices from the Afghanistan War, Second Hand Time, The Unwomanly Face of War and Chernobyl Prayer.

RESULTS:

Interpretation of the polyphonic voices in the oral sagas of interviewees in Alexievich’s works reveals an increased level of anxiety, stress, and trauma post-catastrophic events.

CONCLUSION:

The implementation of positive psychology has been identified as an appropriate psychological intervention to address the issues related to psychological devastation.
Characteristics the Living, Working Conditions, and Nutrition of Seafarers Working on Transoceanic Ships: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Hai Ha Nguyen Thị , Bao Nam Nguyen , Truong Son Nguyen , Van Tam Nguyen
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Seafaring is a particularly strenuous and hazardous profession. When sailing at sea, the ship is both a living place and a working place for the seafarers. Working conditions at sea are extremely difficult, they often have to work in harsh conditions of nature and workers have to suffer loneliness, isolation from the mainland. The aim of this research is to describe the living, working conditions, and nutrition of seafarers working on transoceanic ships.

Subjects and Methods:

Four hundred Vietnamese crew members working on 21 ocean freighters docked at Hai Phong and Cai Lan ports in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam in 2021. Using cross-sectional, descriptive, epidemiological methods through observation and measurement of the room area, the area of the gym, the equipment for exercise on the ship of the crew; direct interviews with all crew members about living, working and nutritional conditions on board: Recreational conditions; physical training; drink beer, wine; smoke; shiftwork; time a sea trip; micro-social environment on board; the crew’s nutrition.

Results:

Micro-social environment on board (100% male), 100% crew working in shifts work; the living room and the gym room are narrow; monotonous, boring life, poor cultural and spiritual activities; inadequate and lack of exercise equipment. 61.5% of crew members smoke; 48.7% of seafarers do not exercise, 32.5% exercise infrequently, 18.8% exercise regularly; 88.7% of seafarers drink alcohol, of which 22.5% of seafarer’s abuse alcohol. The crew’s nutrition is unreasonable and unbalanced, excess protein, lipid, and lack of green vegetables: Unreasonable diet (79.2%); excess energy diet (68.8%); diets high in protid (58.5%), high in lipids (54.8%), unbalanced in the ratio of animal/vegetable protid (50.2%), and lack of fiber (79.2%).

Conclusion:

The living and working conditions of crew members are still difficult and not guaranteed. Improper and unbalanced nutrition, excess protein, and lipid but lack of fruit and fiber.
The Role of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Magnetic Resonance Perfusion and Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography in Post-Radiotherapy Evaluation of Gliomas to Detect Recurrence
Authors: Taneja Sachin , Sarin Arti , Tyagi Kirti , Semwal Manoj Kumar , Mukherjee Deboleena , Sidhu Harkirat Singh , Ray Sougat
Published: March 2024

Background and Aim:

In this article, the findings of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion, and positron emission tomography (PET) will be compared and finally correlated with the histopathological examination in all patients having positive imaging findings. The sensitivity and specificity of MRS, MR perfusion, and PET in diagnosing residual/recurrent glioma would be estimated using the histopathological diagnosis as a gold standard.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-nine cases of intracranial glioma that had undergone surgery, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy were enrolled in the study. All 29 patients underwent MRS, MR perfusion, and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET.

Results:

The sensitivity of MRS to detect recurrence was found to be 83.3% and specificity was 100%. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 100% and 33.3%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of MRS was found to be 84.6%. The sensitivity and specificity of MR perfusion to detect recurrence were 91.7% and 100%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of MR perfusion is 92.3%. The NPV of MR perfusion was found to be 50%. The sensitivity of PET scans to detect recurrence was 83.3% and specificity was 100%. The PPV of PET was 100% and the NPV was 33.3%. The diagnostic accuracy of the PET scan was found to be 84.6%.

Conclusions:

Our study shows that all three modalities are useful, however, MR perfusion study is better than MRS and FDG PET in detecting recurrence. MR contrast with perfusion and spectroscopy and FDG PET scan should be included in the protocol for radiotherapy-treated gliomas to differentiate between radiation necrosis, postradiotherapy gliosis, and recurrent/residual tumor.
Real-Life Experience of Safety Profile of a Rituximab Biosimilar (Reditux®) in Patients at a Rheumatology Center in India
Authors: Singh Ramakant , Vasdev Vivek , Bhatt Satyam , Kumar Ashwani , Kumar Abhishek , Roy Kaushik
Published: March 2024

Aim:

The aim of this study was to study the safety profile of a rituximab (RTX) biosimilar Reditux® in patients of rheumatological disorders at a tertiary care hospital in North India.

Methodology:

An observational study was carried out to ascertain the safety of RTX in rheumatology patients. A total of 60 patients initiated on RTX were followed up for a mean duration of 14 months for adverse events.

Results:

A total of seven mild infusion reactions were recorded during the first infusion of RTX. Eighteen infective events were recorded including a case of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB), three cases of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, four cases of herpes zoster, and a fatal case of disseminated varicella infection. There were no cases of JC virus infection or malignancies in our study.

Conclusion:

This study highlights a much higher incidence of infections following the use of RTX in India as compared to international studies published so far. We also observed a higher rate of reactivation of HBV, varicella zoster virus, and TB in our cohort. This emphasizes the need for revising protocols for screening, vaccination, and chemoprophylaxis for chronic infections in countries with high burden of infections.
Experience of a therapeutic plasma exchange program in a pediatric intensive care unit: A single-center retrospective observational study from Canada
Authors: Holt Tanya R. , Cyr Amélie , Griffin Olivia , Reid Jaclyn , Hansen Gregory
Published: March 2024

Background:

Pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) may not have timely access to therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for critically ill patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the common indications for TPE in a smaller tertiary PICU-developed TPE program and to evaluate the associated predictors of mortality. We hypothesized that a PICU-developed TPE program could provide timely access for a wide breadth of pathologies and can be delivered safely.

Subjects and Methods:

This was a retrospective case-comparison within-cohort study in a PICU from Canada. Data from pediatric patients between October 2015 and January 2022 was examined. The study included all patients < 18 years admitted to the PICU and requiring TPE. Multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) was defined to agree with the International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference. Proportions, medians, and interquartile ranges (IQR) were calculated where appropriate.

Results:

Twenty-five patients with a median age of 14 years underwent 118 acute TPE runs. The most common diagnosis (24%) was MODS. The median time from PICU admission to initiation of TPE was 38 h (IQR: 5–113.5) hours. The median PICU length of stay was 10 (IQR: 5.5–26) days. Twenty percent (n = 5) of patients who received TPE acutely in the PICU required chronic TPE. There were no adverse events.

Conclusions:

TPE may be delivered quickly and safely from a small PICU for many indications, with MODS being the most common.
Relationship between Gravidity, Parity, and Neurophysiological Features in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Patients with a History of Pregnancy
Authors: Buturak Ş , Fidancı H , Yıldız M , Arlıer Z
Published: March 2024

Background:

It is not yet clear if gravidity and parity have any relationships with the electrodiagnostic parameters of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Objective:

To determine whether there is a relationship between electrodiagnostic findings, gravidity, and parity number in CTS.

Materials and Methods:

Female patients over 18 years of age with CTS were included in this retrospective cohort study. The gravidity/parity number, median nerve compound muscle action potential (CMAP), and compound nerve action potential (CNAP) of the patients were analyzed. The two subgroups of the Boston carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire (BCTSQ): The Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and Functional Severity Scale (FSS) were applied to the patients. CTS patients were divided into two groups aged at first pregnancy ≤20 years and >20 years.

Results:

One hundred and eight CTS extremities (seven right-sided CTS, three left-sided CTS, 49 bilateral CTS) of 59 patients were included. The median (interquartile range: 25%–75%) number of gravidity, parity, and abortion were 3 (2-5), 3 (2-4), and 0 (0-0), respectively. Right-sided CTS patients at the age of first pregnancy ≤20 years had higher BCTSQ-SSS/FSS scores and median nerve CMAP latency compared to patients at the age of first pregnancy >20 years (P = 0.029 for SSS; P = 0.042 for FSS; and P = 0.041 for CMAP latency). A negative correlation was found between the gravidity/parity numbers and median nerve CNAP/CMAP amplitudes (P = 0.028/0.031, r = −0.293/−0.289 for CNAP amplitude; and P = 0.006/0.035, r = −0.363/−0.283 for CMAP amplitude).

Conclusion:

Neurophysiological findings worsen as the number of gravidity and parity increase. Electrodiagnostic and clinical features of CTS may be worsening in females below 20 years at first pregnancy.
Artificial Intelligence in Mathematical Modeling of Complex Systems
Authors: Zhao Ting
Published: March 2024

This article introduces artificial intelligence techniques in mathematical modelling of complex systems and their applications. Mathematical modelling of complex systems is a method of studying the structure and behaviour of complex systems, aiming to understand interactions and nonlinear effects in the system. Commonly used modelling methods include system dynamics, network theory, and algebraic methods. Artificial intelligence technologies include machine learning and deep learning, which can be used for tasks such as prediction and classification, anomaly detection, optimization and decision-making. In mathematical modelling of complex systems, artificial intelligence technology can learn system patterns and laws from large amounts of data, and can be applied to image and speech recognition, time series analysis and other fields. Deep learning and machine learning are important branches of artificial intelligence. They realize the modelling and analysis of complex systems by building neural network models. Data-driven modelling is a modelling method based on actual data that, combined with traditional theoretical modelling, can better describe and predict the behaviour of complex systems. Self-control of complex systems means that the system realizes its own optimization and adjustment through adaptive control algorithms and feedback mechanisms. In summary, artificial intelligence technology has broad application prospects in mathematical modelling of complex systems and will provide new tools and methods for in-depth understanding and solving problems in complex systems.
Convolutional Neural Networks in Malaria Diagnosis: A Study on Cell Image Classification
Authors: Ghosh Hritwik , Rahat Irfan Sadiq , Ravindra J V R , J Balajee , Ullah Khan Mohammad Aman , Somasekar J
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION: Malaria, a persistent global health threat caused by Plasmodium parasites, necessitates rapid and accurate identification for effective treatment and containment. This study investigates the utilization of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to enhance the precision and speed of malaria detection through the classification of cell images infected with malaria.
OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this research is to explore the effectiveness of CNNs in accurately classifying malaria-infected cell images. By employing various deep learning models, including ResNet50, AlexNet, Inception V3, VGG19, VGG16, and MobileNetV2, the study aims to assess the performance of each model and identify their strengths and weaknesses in malaria diagnosis.
METHODS: A balanced dataset comprising approximately 8,000 enhanced images of blood cells, evenly distributed between infected and uninfected classes, was utilized for model training and evaluation. Performance evaluation metrics such as precision, recall, F1-score, and accuracy were employed to assess the efficacy of each CNN model in malaria classification.
RESULTS: The results demonstrate high accuracy across all models, with AlexNet and VGG19 exhibiting the highest levels of accuracy. However, the selection of a model should consider specific application requirements and constraints, as each model presents unique trade-offs between computational efficiency and performance.
CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the burgeoning field of deep learning in healthcare, particularly in utilizing medical imaging for disease diagnosis. The findings underscore the considerable potential of CNNs in enhancing malaria diagnosis. Future research directions may involve further model optimization, exploration of larger and more diverse datasets, and the integration of CNNs into practical diagnostic tools for real-world deployment.
Comparative Analysis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Detection Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Yadav Neha , A Ranjith Kumar , Pande Sagar Dhanraj
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a condition in which the ovaries manufacture androgen, seen in small traces, resulting in the production of cysts. Menstrual cycle abnormalities, clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and the presence of polycystic ovaries on ultrasound should all be used to diagnose PCOS. PCOS appears to be a multifaceted illness influenced by both genetic and environmental factors and the symptoms include excessive hair on the face and body, weight gain, voice changes, skin type changes, and irregular periods.
OBJECTIVES: This is the objective of this paper is to identify PCOS in its initial stage.
METHODS: To address this issue the study proposes a comparison of various machine learning algorithms and optimization techniques Among which GSCV gave the best result of 94% accuracy, followed by TPOT with 91% accuracy. Additionally, we also applied Feature selection methods to eliminate zero-importance features to increase the accuracy of algorithms.
RESULTS: The main results obtained in this paper This study explored various Feature selection techniques, ML and DL models. It is shown that Grid Search CV and TPOT classifier were best classifiers with 94% and 91% respectively.
CONCLUSION: These are the conclusions of this paper and this study will explore various DL methodologies and try to find out best optimal results for the PCOS Detection. And also, to develop an PCOS detection application to keep track of menstrual cycles and track activities and symptoms for PCOS.
Brain Tumor Detection and Classification Using Deep Learning Models on MRI Scans
Authors: Sekhar Reddy L Chandra , Elangovan Muniyandy , Vamsikrishna M , Ravindra Ch
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION: The primary goal of artificial intelligence (AI) is to develop computers that exhibit human-like behavior and functionality. Computer-based activities employing artificial intelligence encompass a variety of extra features beyond only pattern detection, planning, and problem resolution.
METHODOLOGY: Machines use a set of techniques collectively called "deep learning." Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is employed with the use of deep learning methods to develop models that can effectively identify and classify brain cancers. This technique facilitates the rapid and straightforward detection of brain cancers. Brain problems mainly arise from the abnormal multiplication of brain cells, leading to detrimental alterations in brain structure and finally culminating in the development of cancer in the brain, malignant. Early detection of brain tumors along with following effective intervention can reduce mortality rates. This paper proposes convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture to effectively detect brain cancers using magnetic resonance (MR) images.
RESULTS: This research further examines several models, including ResNet-50, VGG16, and Inception V3, and compares the proposed architecture and these models. For the efficacy of the models, many measures were evaluated, including accuracy, recall, loss, and area under the curve (AUC). After analyzing several models and comparing them with the suggested model using the specified metrics, it was determined that the proposed model exhibited superior performance compared to the alternative models. Based on an analysis conducted on data from 3265 MR images.
CONCLUSION: It was seen that the CNN model exhibited a classification precision of 93.3%. Additionally, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was determined to be 98.43%, while the recall rate was 91.19%. Furthermore, the model's loss function yielded a value of 0.25. Based on a comparative analysis with other models, it can be inferred that the suggested model is highly reliable in detecting various types of brain cancers at an early stage.
Utilizing Pharmacogenomics Results to Improve Statin-Associated Muscle Symptoms
Authors: González Coral Perez , Bardolia Chandni , Pizzolato Katie , Amin Nishita Shah
Published: March 2024

The objective of this aims to demonstrate the advantage of a pharmacogenomics (PGx)-informed medication review in mitigating adverse drug events (ADEs) and optimizing therapeutic outcomes. PGx testing and PGx-informed medication reviews assist in mitigating ADEs. PGx testing was performed
on a 68-year-old male presenting with uncontrolled chronic pain. The PGx results highlighted a drug-gene interaction, aiding in identification of the increased risk of statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) attributing to uncontrolled chronic pain. This patient case report illustrates how
incorporating PGx results can help improve chronic pain and mitigate ADEs, such as SAMS.
Separation and relative quasiconvexity criteria for relatively geometric actions
Authors: Einstein Eduard , Groves Daniel , Ng Thomas
Published: March 2024

Bowditch characterized relative hyperbolicity in terms of group actions on fine hyperbolic graphs with finitely many edge orbits and finite edge stabilizers. In this paper, we define generalized fine actions on hyperbolic graphs, in which the peripheral subgroups are allowed to stabilize finite subgraphs rather than stabilizing a point. Generalized fine actions are useful for studying groups that act relatively geometrically on a CAT(0) cube complex, which were recently defined by the first two authors. Specifically, we show that any group acting relatively geometrically on a CAT(0) cube complex admits a generalized fine action on the one-skeleton of the cube complex. For generalized fine actions, we prove a criterion for relative quasiconvexity of subgroups that cocompactly stabilize quasiconvex subgraphs, generalizing a result of Martínez-Pedroza and Wise in the setting of fine hyperbolic graphs. As an application, we obtain a characterization of boundary separation in generalized fine graphs and use it to prove that Bowditch boundary points in relatively geometric actions are always separated by a hyperplane stabilizer.
Tuberculosis in United States-Bound Follow-to-Join Asylees, 2014–2019
Authors: Liu Yecai , Posey Drew L. , Weinberg Michelle S. , Phares Christina R.
Published: March 2024

Persons may seek asylum in the United States or at a U.S. port of entry. Principal asylees are those who are granted asylum status. Their spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age may be granted asylum if accompanying, or following to join, the principal asylees. U.S.-bound follow-to-join asylees must undergo an overseas medical examination that includes tuberculosis (TB) screening. Culture-based overseas TB screening in U.S.-bound follow-to-join asylees has not been evaluated. We evaluated data from overseas TB screening in 19,088 arrivals of follow-to-join asylees during 2014–2019 and assessed data from their postarrival evaluation, which is recommended for those at risk for TB. Of 19,088 arrivals of follow-to-join asylees, 29 (152 cases/100,000 persons) met criteria for class B0 TB (recent completion of TB treatment overseas) and 340 (1,781 cases/100,000 persons) met criteria for class B1 pulmonary TB (chest radiograph/clinical symptoms suggestive of TB but negative sputum cultures overseas). Of 6,847 persons aged 2 to 14 years from countries with a WHO-estimated TB incidence of ≥20 cases/100,000 population/year, 408 (6.0%) were classified as class B2 latent TB infection (LTBI). Postarrival evaluations were completed in 44.8%, 51.5%, and 40.4% of persons with class B0 TB, class B1 TB, and class B2 LTBI, respectively. In conclusion, culture-based overseas TB screening in U.S.-bound follow-to-join asylees is effective in identifying those with TB (class B0 TB) or those at risk for TB (class B1 TB and class B2 LTBI). Completion of postarrival evaluation for newly arrived follow-to-join asylees was less frequent than that reported for immigrants and refugees.
Evaluating Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests and Microscopy for Detecting Plasmodium Infection and Status of Plasmodium falciparum Histidine-Rich Protein 2/3 Gene Deletions in Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Ikegbunam Moses , Maurer Maike , Abone Harrison , Ezeagwuna Dorothy , Sandri Thaisa Lucas , Esimone Charles , Ojurongbe Olusola , Woldearegai Tamirat Gebru , Kreidenweiss Andrea , Held Jana , Fendel Rolf
Published: March 2024

Delays in malaria diagnosis increase treatment failures and deaths. In endemic regions, standard diagnostic methods are microscopy and malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) detecting Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2/3 (PFHRP2/PFHRP3), but gene deletions can allow certain parasites to remain undetected. We enlisted a cohort comprising 207 symptomatic individuals, encompassing both children and adults, at a hospital in Nnewi, Nigeria. The prevalence of parasites was determined using a highly sensitive, species-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (SS-qPCR). Within a subset of 132 participants, we assessed the sensitivity and specificity of microscopy and HRP2-mRDTs in comparison to SS-qPCR for the detection of P. falciparum. We also investigated the prevalence of pfhrp2/pfhrp3 gene deletions. Greater sensitivity was achieved with mRDTs (95%) compared with microscopy (77%). Also, mRDTs exhibited greater specificity (68%) than microscopy (44%). The positive predictive value of mRDTs (89%) surpassed that of microscopy (80%), suggesting a greater probability of accurately indicating the presence of infection. The negative predictive value of mRDTs (82%) was far greater than microscopy (39%). Of the 165 P. falciparum–positive samples screened for pfhrp2/pfhrp3 gene deletions, one gene deletion was detected in one sample. Regarding infection prevalence, 84% were positive for Plasmodium spp. (by reverse transcription [RT]-qPCR), with P. falciparum responsible for the majority (97%) of positive cases. Thus, exclusive reliance on microscopy in endemic areas may impede control efforts resulting from false negatives, underscoring the necessity for enhanced training and advocating for high-throughput molecular testing such as RT-qPCR or qPCR at referral centers to address limitations.
Treatment Outcome in Patients with Disseminated Cysticercosis: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series
Authors: Garg Ravindra Kumar , Rizvi Imran , Chakravarty Rajarshi , Malhotra Hardeep Singh , Kumar Neeraj
Published: March 2024

Disseminated cysticercosis is defined by multiple brain lesions and involvement of other body sites. Cysticidal treatment in disseminated cysticercosis is considered life-threatening. We conducted a systematic review of all published cases and case series to assess the safety and efficacy of cysticidal treatment. We conducted a systematic review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42022331895) to assess the safety and efficacy of cysticidal treatment. Using the search term “disseminated neurocysticercosis OR disseminated cysticercosis,” databases like PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched. Outcomes included death and secondary measures like clinical improvement and lesion reduction. We calculated the predictors of primary outcome (death) using the binary logistic regression analysis. We reviewed 222 published cases from 101 publications. Approximately 87% cases were reported from India. Of 222 cases, 134 (60%) received cysticidal treatment. Follow-up information was available from 180 patients, 11 of them died, and 169 showed clinical improvement. The death rate was 4% (5 out of 114) in patients treated with cysticidal drugs plus corticosteroids, in comparison with 13% (5 out of 38) in patients who were treated with corticosteroids alone. All patients using only praziquantel faced fatality. Death predictors identified were altered sensorium and lack of treatment with albendazole. We noted that the risk of death after cysticidal treatment is not as we expected, and a multicentric randomized controlled trial is needed to resolve this issue.
Evaluating pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction: Dynamic magnetic resonance urography vs renal scintigraphy 99m-technetium mercaptoacetyltriglycine
Authors: Al-Shaqsi Yousuf , Peycelon Matthieu , Paye-Jaouen Annabel , Carricaburu Elisabeth , Tanase Anca , Grapin-Dagorno Christine , El-Ghoneimi Alaa
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is a common congenital urinary tract disorder in children. It can be diagnosed as early as in utero due to the presence of hydronephrosis or later in life due to symptomatic occurrence.

AIM

To evaluate the discrepancy between dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance urography (dMRU) and scintigraphy 99m-technetium mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG-3) for the functional evaluation of UPJO.

METHODS

Between 2016 and 2020, 126 patients with UPJO underwent surgery at Robert Debré Hospital. Of these, 83 received a prenatal diagnosis, and 43 were diagnosed during childhood. Four of the 126 patients underwent surgery based on the clinical situation and postnatal ultrasound findings without undergoing functional imaging evaluation. Split renal function was evaluated preoperatively using scintigraphy MAG-3 (n = 28), dMRU (n = 53), or both (n = 40). In this study, we included patients who underwent surgery for UPJO and scintigraphy MAG-3 + dMRU but excluded those who underwent only scintigraphy MAG-3 or dMRU. The patients were divided into groups A (< 10% discrepancy) and B (> 10% discrepancy). We examined the discrepancy in split renal function between the two modalities and investigated the possible risk factors.

RESULTS

The split renal function between the two kidneys was compared in 40 patients (28 boys and 12 girls) using scintigraphy MAG-3 and dMRU. Differential renal function, as determined using both modalities, showed a difference of < 10% in 31 children and > 10% in 9 children. Calculation of the relative renal function using dMRU revealed an excellent correlation coefficient with renal scintigraphy MAG-3 for both kidneys.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated that dMRU is equivalent to scintigraphy MAG-3 for evaluating split renal function in patients with UPJO.
Ductal carcinoma in situ within a fibroadenoma: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Olivares-Antúnez Yazmin , Dávila-Zablah Yesika Janett , Vázquez-Ávila José Raúl , Gómez-Macías Gabriela Sofía , Mireles-Aguilar María Teresa , Garza-Montemayor Margarita Lilia
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Fibroadenoma (FA) is the most common tumor found in young women, although it can occur in any age group. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) that is confined in a FA is rare; it is most frequently reported as an incidental finding.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a case of DCIS within a FA in a 46-year-old female without cancer-related personal and family histories. The patient was diagnosed with a breast conglomerate of nodules and was followed for 1 year. In the current control image study, we found suspicious microcalcification, as a new finding, within one of the nodules. Consequently, a core biopsy of the tumor, which appeared hypoechoic, oval, and circumscribed, was performed. The pathological diagnosis was ductal carcinoma in situ within a fibroepithelial lesion. The patient underwent breast-conserving surgery and received radiotherapy as well as endocrine therapy (tamoxifen).

CONCLUSION

We recommend a multidisciplinary approach for adequate treatment and follow-up.
Names of Newborns in Latvia: Recent Changes
Authors: Balode Laimute
Published: March 2024

The aim of the article is to introduce the names given to newborns in Latvia during the last 16 years, in order to identify the latest tendencies for choosing names. The article provides a comparison between the contemporary situation and historical data on the most popular names 100 years ago. There are some noticeable movements in the anthroponymic stock of Latvia. Increasingly, newborns are given two or even three names, although by law it is allowed to have no more than two first-names. An inherited family name has often been chosen as a second name, but more frequently the second name reflects national identity. More and more parents choose names for their children that would be international, easily pronounced, short, and without diacritical marks (Martin instead of Latv. traditional Mārtiņš). The number of borrowed foreign first names has increased rapidly. Originality has become a factor in name choosing: a lot of neologisms based on Latvian appellatives, mostly with the primary semantics of nature, have been coined (Kastanis ‘chestnut’, Zemis ‘land’). Though diminutive forms as official names are allowed in Latvia, they are not popular anymore. It is quite common for parents to change the gender of a name (e.g., Zane f. > Zanis m.). It is fashionable today to give first names of toponymic origin (Beverīna, Turaida). The article also presents public attitudes towards these changes. A short overview on the comparison of the latest tendencies in neighbouring countries is given as well.