bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Disk Reverberation Mapping of the Lensed Quasar Q0957+561
Authors: Marculewicz Marcin , Sun Mouyuan , Zhang Zhixiang , Yi Tuan
Published: November 2024

The measurement of continuum time lags in lensed quasars can effectively probe the accretion physics of quasars. This is because microlensing observations of lensed quasars can provide constraints on the half-light radii of quasar accretion disks. By combining the microlensing results with time lag measurements, one can, for the first time, estimate the propagation velocity of the physical process that drives interband time lags and cross correlations among disk emission (i.e., in UV/optical bands). In this study, we perform the disk reverberation mapping study for the well-studied lensed quasar, Q0957+561. The cross correlation between the Zwicky Transient Facility g and r bands was measured; the g variations lead the r ones by 6.4 ± 2.6 days in the rest frame. In combination with the half-light radius from the existing literature, we find that the propagation velocity of the variability mechanism should be

1.7

−
0.7

+
1.5

times the speed of light. We discuss the possible outcomes of this result. Similar studies can be applied to other lensed quasars by utilizing the Legacy Survey of Space and Time observations.
Simultaneous Eruption and Shrinkage of Preexisting Flare Loops during a Subsequent Solar Eruption
Authors: Chen 陈 Huadong 华东 , Fletcher Lyndsay , Zhou 周 Guiping 桂萍 , Cheng 程 Xin 鑫 , Wang 汪 Ya 亚 , Mulay Sargam , Zheng 郑 Ruisheng 瑞生 , Ma 马 Suli 素丽 , Zhang 张 Xiaofan 小凡
Published: November 2024

We investigated two consecutive solar eruption events in the solar active region 12994 at the solar eastern limb on 2022 April 15. We found that the flare loops formed by the first eruption were involved in the second eruption. During the initial stage of the second flare, the middle part of these flare loops (E-loops) erupted outward along with the flux ropes below, while the parts of the flare loops (I-loops1 and I-loops2) on either side of the E-loops first rose and then contracted. Approximately 1 hr after the eruption, the heights of I-loops1 and I-loops2 decreased by 9 Mm and 45 Mm, respectively, compared to before the eruption. Their maximum descent velocities were 30 km s−1 and 130 km s−1, respectively. The differential emission measure results indicate that the plasma above I-loops1 and I-loops2 began to be heated about 23 minutes and 44 minutes after the start of the second flare, respectively. Within ∼20 minutes, the plasma temperature in these regions increased from ∼3 MK to ∼6 MK. We proposed an adiabatic heating mechanism where magnetic energy would be converted into thermal and kinetic energy when the prestretched loops contract. Our calculations show that the magnetic energy required to heat the two high-temperature regions are 1029–1030 erg, which correspond to a loss of field strength of 2–3 G.
A Promising Approach for Determining Neutrino Mass Hierarchy by Using Supernova Neutrino Detections
Authors: Li Gexing , Li Zhihong
Published: November 2024

The determination of neutrino mass hierarchy is crucial for particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. In this work, we propose an easy-to-use method to determine the neutrino hierarchy based on core-collapse supernova (CCSN) neutrino detections. By analyzing the expected event rates of the neutrino burst at a terrestrial water Cherenkov detector, we found that the event rates predicted by the normal and inverted hierarchy models have marked differences in the neutrino energy range 10 ∼ 20 MeV and the postbounce time <0.5 s. Within this specific energy and time range, the analytical relationship between the cumulative event number and proto–neutron star (PNS) baryon mass is extracted. Based on the normal and inverted hierarchy models, two different PNS masses can be inferred from this relationship by using the time profile of neutrino events. Then, the neutrino hierarchy can be determined by comparing the PNS mass inferred from the neutrino detections and the electromagnetic or gravitational-wave channels. Furthermore, the nonadiabatic part of the Mikheyev–Smirnov–Wolfenstein flavor conversions may also be quantified with this method, which would be very helpful for the studies of the explosion mechanism and nucleosynthesis of CCSNe.
Detection of Hydration on Nominally Anhydrous S-complex Main Belt Asteroids
Authors: McAdam Maggie , Thomas Cristina , McGraw Lauren , Rivkin Andrew , Emery Joshua
Published: November 2024

We present the results of a survey of nominally anhydrous main belt S-complex asteroids. Thirty-three observations of 29 unique asteroids were obtained using the IRTF+SpeX instrument in prism and LXD short modes. We report for the first time that S-complex main belt asteroids have 3 μm features. The majority of the observations (27 of 33) have a detectable 3 μm feature that has at least 1% band depth or greater (within error), indicating the presence of hydration. Most of the asteroids have bands of 1%–2.5% depth, but a notable fraction (nine of the observations) have band depths of >5%. These band depths are comparable to those of low albedo asteroids in the middle and outer belt that have experienced aqueous alteration. We investigate the origin of the hydration, searching for correlations with orbital, physical, and circumstantial parameters. However, we do not find any strong or moderate correlations with 3 μm band depth, indicating that multiple factors may be at play, including exogenic sources, primordial water, and/or solar wind implantation. Additionally, we report the mineralogies of the asteroids, derived from the prism observations.
Load forecasting of microgrid based on an adaptive cuckoo search optimization improved neural network
Authors: Fan Liping , Yang Pengju
Published: November 2024

Load forecasting is an important part of microgrid control and operation. To improve the accuracy and reliability of load forecasting in microgrid, a load forecasting method based on an adaptive cuckoo search optimization improved neural network (ICS-BP) was proposed. First, a load forecasting model in microgrid based on a neural network was designed. Then, a novel adaptive step adjustment strategy was proposed for cuckoo search optimization, and an adaptive position update law based on loss fluctuation was designed. Finally, the weights and biases of the forecasting model were optimized by the improved cuckoo search algorithm. The results showed that the BP network optimized by the improved cuckoo search optimization enhanced the global search ability, avoided the local optima, quickened the convergence speed, and presented excellent performance in load forecasting. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the ICS-BP forecasting model was 1.13%, which was very close to an ideal prediction model, and was 52.3, 32.8, and 42.3% lower than that of conventional BP, cuckoo search improved BP, and particle swarm optimization improved BP, respectively, and the root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean square error (MSE) of ICS-BP were reduced by 75.6, 70.6, and 94.0%, respectively, compared to conventional BP. The proposed load forecasting method significantly improved the forecasting accuracy and reliability, and can effectively realize the load forecasting of microgrid.
Agent-based modeling for the tumor microenvironment (TME)
Authors: Weerasinghe Hasitha N. , Burrage Pamela M. , Nicolau Jr. Dan V. , Burrage Kevin
Published: November 2024

Cancer is a disease that arises from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal (tumor) cells in an organ and their subsequent spread into other parts of the body. If tumor cells spread to surrounding tissues or other organs, then the disease is life-threatening due to limited treatment options. This work applies an agent-based model to investigate the effect of intra-tumoral communication on tumor progression, plasticity, and invasion, with results suggesting that cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions affect tumor cell behavior. Additionally, the model suggests that low initial healthy cell densities and ECM protein densities promote tumor progression, cell motility, and invasion. Furthermore, high ECM breakdown probabilities of tumor cells promote tumor invasion. Understanding the intra-tumoral communication under cellular stress can potentially lead to the design of successful treatment strategies for cancer.
Le smartphone, un aidant pour les migrants en insertion sociolinguistique
Authors: Morel-Lab Anne
Published: November 2024

Dans cet article, nous présentons et analysons une expérimentation sociodidactique associant l’utilisation du smartphone à diverses activités réalisées dans le cadre d’un atelier intitulé Découvrir sa ville, proposé à des migrants nouvellement arrivés en France. Outre le fait qu’il permet aux participants de manipuler un objet qui fait partie intégrante de leur quotidien, le smartphone est bien adapté à des projets comme le nôtre qui se déroulent sur le terrain, en extérieur. Nous proposons une analyse réflexive de cette expérimentation en choisissant comme cadre d’analyse la dynamique de projet, la démarche collaborative et l’approche actionnelle.
La formation continue à l’épreuve du numérique : encourager la formation hybride dans un centre universitaire de FLE par l’utilisation de la plateforme Moodle
Authors: Lavanant David
Published: November 2024

Cet article s’intéresse à la formation à l’utilisation de TICE dans le cadre de l’organisation du pôle distanciel d’une formation hybride en langues mise en place au lendemain de la pandémie de Covid-19. Il cherche à déterminer comment, à l’échelle du Centre international rennais d'études de français pour étrangers (CIREFE) de l’université Rennes 2, l’ingénierie pédagogique doit œuvrer pour inciter au mieux à réinvestir des compétences souvent acquises dans l’urgence dès 2020, en invitant à les développer, afin que l’offre de formation post-pandémique tire profit, en intégrant pleinement ces pratiques pédagogiques nouvelles, des bouleversements de la crise sanitaire de 2019. L’étude prend appui sur un dispositif interne de formation continue antérieur à la pandémie, qui tente d’adapter au mieux ses contenus aux nouvelles habitudes d’enseignement-apprentissage. Elle se nourrit des travaux scientifiques actuels dans le domaine, et suit un protocole d’observation précis de l’évolution de cette offre de formation continue, afin de déterminer si elle a su répondre aux besoins des enseignant·e·s. Elle a recours, pour ce faire, à des enquêtes de terrain anonymes, dont les résultats sont présentés, puis analysés, et les conclusions auxquelles la réflexion aboutit permettent de définir des perspectives exploitables en formation de formateur·trice·s en didactique des langues.
Télécollaboration en langues et émergence d’une communauté virtuelle d’apprentissage
Authors: Bozhinova Krastanka
Published: November 2024

Cet article examine les conditions menant à l’émergence de communautés virtuelles d’apprentissage dans le cadre de dispositifs de télécollaboration en français langue étrangère et bilingue (français-anglais), en s’intéressant en particulier à une phase moins étudiée dans la recherche, notamment la prise de contact qui se déroule en mode asynchrone sur un réseau social et sur un mur collaboratif (Padlet). Afin de mieux comprendre les caractéristiques de ces échanges, nous examinons la pertinence des notions de communautés de pratique et de communautés virtuelles d’apprentissage adoptées dans le domaine des formations à distance, la dynamique de leur émergence, ainsi que les environnements numériques exploités pour les différents modes d’interaction. Nous présentons ensuite le contexte d’études empiriques menées depuis 2017, le corpus d’étude et la méthodologie qui se fonde sur l’analyse des comportements discursifs en ligne. Les résultats montrent que les spécificités des communautés virtuelles d’apprentissage dans le cadre de télécollaborations en langues sont liées principalement à leurs limites spatio-temporelles, aux appartenances institutionnelles des groupes qui interagissent et à leur navigation entre les langues et les environnements numériques variés.
Édito - Interroger la forme scolaire : pour quoi faire ?
Authors: Delalande Julie , Bedoin Diane
Published: November 2024

Le présent dossier propose d’explorer le concept de forme scolaire. Il est défini, à la suite de Guy Vincent, comme un mode de transmission des savoirs mais également comme un mode de socialisation. Il suppose une relation pédagogique caractéristique, un espace spécifique et une organisation instituée du temps, des normes de fonctionnement garantes d’un ordre scolaire. Pour autant, cette forme scolaire prend sens aujourd’hui dans un contexte social propre à notre époque. Les contributions visent à examiner comment des dispositifs et des pratiques pédagogiques actuels interrogent la forme scolaire. En effet, l’attention appuyée aux enfants et plus seulement aux élèves, l’accueil de nouveaux publics dans le cadre d’une éducation inclusive et l’ouverture de l’école à des professionnels non enseignants, participent à bousculer la forme scolaire. À partir de la description et de l’analyse soit de dispositifs conçus et pilotés par l’institution scolaire et mis en œuvre sur le terrain, soit de pratiques à l’initiative des acteurs eux-mêmes et rencontrant parfois la résistance de leur hiérarchie, ce dossier témoigne d’une volonté de répondre aux enjeux d’une école qui évolue et d’une société en mouvement. Les pratiques et dispositifs pédagogiques présentés participent ainsi, chacun à leur manière, à la pérennité ou à la remise en cause de la forme scolaire.
La soutenance orale à l’université : un moment critique d’évaluation
Authors: Archieri Catherine
Published: November 2024

La soutenance orale, pratiquée depuis la première année de licence jusqu'au doctorat, est un exercice courant à l'université. En tant qu’enseignante-chercheuse, je constate chaque année que ces épreuves suscitent des émotions variées : plaisir ou irritation chez les enseignants, satisfaction ou anxiété chez les étudiants. Présentée comme un moyen d'évaluer les connaissances ou compétences à un moment donné, on peut se demander si c'est vraiment le cas, ou si la qualité de la prestation orale influence la perception des objectifs d'apprentissage atteints par les évaluateurs. De plus, les normes souvent non explicitées de la soutenance, comme l'utilisation de supports ou de notes, varient selon les disciplines. Ne faudrait-il pas revoir ces conventions pour respecter davantage l’autonomie des étudiants ?
L’engagement des enseignants dans des dispositifs pédagogiques : une traduction entre prise de risques et paris adjacents
Authors: Magogeat Quentin
Published: November 2024

Cet article s’intéresse aux motifs d’engagement des enseignants au sein de deux dispositifs prescrivant des formes de travail conjoint à l’intérieur même de la classe (le « Plus de maîtres que de classes » et un dispositif de co-enseignement dans onze écoles rurales montagnardes ardéchoises à classe unique). En mobilisant la théorie de l’acteur-réseau, nous analysons les différentes étapes des processus de traduction qui ont conduit les enseignants à s’engager dans la mise en œuvre de ces dispositifs. Il apparait alors, au-delà des traductions locales opérées par les acteurs, que l’engagement de ces derniers repose sur une pluralité d’intérêts en faveur d’un co-enseignement et sur les effets de paris adjacents plus ou moins contraignants opérés.
Rôle de la formation à la pratique réflexive selon les phases de carrière. Cas des enseignants tunisiens
Authors: Tabka Mezri , Soudani Mohamed
Published: November 2024

Le présent travail s’inscrit dans la problématique de la formation continue des enseignants et son rôle dans la promotion de leur développement professionnel. Il est issu d’une recherche exploratoire à double visée compréhensive et transformative, dans le contexte tunisien. Le chercheur, jouant le rôle de formateur, conçoit une approche de formation continue qu’il implante en lieu et place du modèle traditionnel assuré par l’inspecteur, et en accord avec lui, inspiré des modèles expérientiel de David Kolb et ARPPEGE d’Yann Vacher. Notre modèle est adapté au contexte tunisien. Il vise une initiation à la réflexivité comme paramètre et indicateur du développement professionnel, s’appuie sur le récit d’expérience, et met en jeux des interactions inter et intragroupes de deux groupes d’enseignants de niveaux d’expertise bien contrastés, des débutants ne dépassant pas cinq ans d’ancienneté et d'autres pouvant dépasser vingt années et plus d'expérience dans le métier. À l’issue de la formation de plusieurs demi-journées, une approche qualitative par entrevue de groupes a permis la coconstruction d’affiches synthétiques sur ce qu’ils en ont appris. Nous en présenterons et discuterons les résultats préliminaires sur la manière dont une trentaine de participants ont perçu cette formation, selon les phases de leur carrière. Nous en dégagerons des implications praxéologiques et heuristiques.
L’école dans la forêt. L’exemple d’un projet pédagogique porté par une attention à l’expérience des enfants
Authors: Delalande Julie
Published: November 2024

Quelles conséquences la pratique de l’école dehors a-t-elle sur la forme scolaire ? Si le contexte spatial et temporel est de fait modifié, les pratiques pédagogiques et les relations mises en place avec les enfants dépendent de la volonté des enseignants. Cette volonté reste cependant contrainte par un contexte institutionnel visible notamment dans le curriculum formel. La recherche, menée dans une école maternelle pratiquant l’école dans la forêt une matinée par semaine, montre comment les enseignants s’arrangent de ce curriculum et modifient leurs relations avec les enfants. En étant attentifs à l’enfant au-delà de l’élève et en valorisant les situations d’apprentissage informelles, ils recueillent des formes d’expression orales plus spontanées que celles instituées en classe.
Quand l’inclusion inversée tend à bousculer la forme scolaire en école maternelle
Authors: André Amael , Bedoin Diane
Published: November 2024

Depuis 2014, la mise en place des unités d’enseignement maternelle autisme (UEMA), articulant milieu spécialisé et milieu ordinaire, vise à répondre aux besoins spécifiques des élèves présentant des troubles du spectre autistique (TSA). La recherche présentée cherche à identifier les freins et les leviers à la scolarisation inclusive de ces jeunes enfants en UEMA. L’analyse porte plus précisément sur le dispositif d’inclusion inversée (« reverse inclusion »), c’est-à-dire une activité partagée entre élèves de classe ordinaire et ceux en situation de handicap au sein de l’unité spécialisée qui tend à bousculer la forme scolaire traditionnelle. À partir d’un double ancrage théorique — en psychologie sociale et en sociologie interactionniste — et d’une méthodologie mixte — observations filmées et entretiens semi-directifs — l’étude de cas proposée permet d’identifier en quoi le dispositif d’inclusion inversée affecte la manière de penser et d’organiser la forme scolaire, en jouant sur la dynamique d’interactions entre jeunes enfants avec TSA (en termes de participation sociale) et adultes (en termes de guidance).
Les écoles publiques alternatives du Québec : description écosystémique par croisement des expériences vécues d’anciens élèves et d’acteurs actuels
Authors: Chaubet Philippe , Bissonnette François , Lachance Vicky , Beauclair Jasmin , Fadoul Akâsha
Published: November 2024

L’article vise la description écosystémique des 48 écoles du Réseau des écoles publiques alternatives du Québec (RÉPAQ), à partir des récits positifs du vécu d'anciens élèves et d'acteurs actuels. Pour comprendre le fonctionnement commun de ces écoles d’un œil extérieur, nous avons volontairement mis de côté le discours et le vocabulaire de leurs documents internes et interviewé des acteurs aux rôles divers dans 14 d’entre elles : enseignants, directions, conseillers pédagogiques, parents, responsables de services de garde, anciens élèves. La triangulation des points de vue révèle des régularités d’expériences vécues, tout un écosystème cohérent de postures et fonctionnements. Cette forme scolaire particulière y apparait fondée sur un cadre sécurisant et motivant, qui crée, dans l’action, un respect mutuel, tous âges et rôles confondus. Le rapport au savoir y semble un rapport à la curiosité, à l’audace, à l’art d’enquêter pour comprendre, un gout d’apprendre. La méthodologie est qualitative compréhensive, l’approche phénoménologique : cerner les phénomènes à l’œuvre au plus près du vécu des participants, dans le respect de leurs perceptions.
Les sédimentations du ius commune dans l’édification du droit fiscal français
Authors: Le Gonidec Arnaud
Published: November 2024

Le droit proprement national émerge dans le dernier tiers du xvie siècle des traités juridiques de l’école dite des Politiques. Ces juristes ont réemployé les concepts du ius commune pour penser les liens sociaux en général et la solidarité fiscale en particulier. Ce réservoir de règles et de principes a alimenté une certaine idéologie publiciste dont l’égalitarisme se révèle, notamment, dans l’exégèse des métaphores fiscales au moyen du ius commune.
The early modern differentiae iuris civilis et canonici and ius commune
Authors: Alexandrowicz Piotr
Published: November 2024

The early modern differentiae iuris civilis et canonici constituted part of a genre that was emblematic of the “new ius commune”, the early modern learned law which discussed the scope and relevance of late medieval ius commune for the then-current legal system. The authors of differentiae have not articulated a coherent meaning of the term “ius commune”, and have only occasionally applied it with a slightly novel approach in their reasoning aimed at reconciling the discrepancies between the two bodies of law. Nevertheless, the early modern differentiae may be perceived as a legal genre that had the internal coherence of ius commune as one of its objectives.
Le casse-tête de l’âge des chômeur·ses âgisé·es
Authors: Lefrançois Claire
Published: November 2024

La mise à l’agenda de l’emploi en fin de carrière et l’interdiction de la discrimination par l’âge ont favorisé l’émergence de structures dédiées aux chômeur·ses âgisé·es, en France et au Royaume-Uni. Tout en dénonçant l’âge quand il sert de critère à l’embauche, ces structures oscillent dans les deux pays entre la critique de l’âge et son essentialisation. En analysant le travail autour de l’âge, en analysant ses effets ambivalents et performatifs, cet article propose d’alimenter la notion d’âgisation.
Seuils et catégories d’âge au travail : des gestionnaires Ressources Humaines normalisateurs
Authors: Perrin-Joly Constance
Published: November 2024

En quoi l’âge est-il une ressource pour faire valoir sa légitimité pour les gestionnaires RH (ressources humaines) ? Fonction dominée dans l’espace professionnel de la gestion, les gestionnaires RH utilisent l’âge comme outil de mesure et de standardisation pour s’y faire reconnaitre. Se faisant, ils et elles participent à structurer les carrières des cadres autour de micro-seuils d’âge. La personnalisation de la GRH (gestion des ressources humaines) va faire évoluer ces micro-seuils, notamment dans les carrières des femmes, sans remettre en cause leur usage.
Entre diocèse et seigneurie ecclésiastique
Authors: Peloux Fernand
Published: November 2024

En interrogeant sources diplomatiques et hagiographiques, en confrontant espace idéel et espace réel, on s’intéresse ici à la lente construction d’un territoire épiscopal dans l’ancienne cité de Mende (Gévaudan) depuis les premières traces du mouvement de la paix de Dieu jusqu’à l’épiscopat d’Aldebert du Tournel à la fin du XIIe siècle. On aimerait inviter in fine à se demander dans quelle mesure la constitution d’une seigneurie épiscopale a pu contribuer à l’ancrage spatial du pouvoir spirituel de l’évêque et donc à la fabrique du diocèse.
Ovids Metamorphosen deutsch
Authors: Ammer Jessica , Wich‑Reif Claudia
Published: November 2024

Die lateinischsprachige Musterperiode besteht aus zwei Gliedern und ist von mittlerer Länge. In der Dichtung bildet die Periode zusammen mit Versmaß und Rhythmus eine geschlossene Sinneinheit. Beim Übersetzen ist grundsätzlich davon auszugehen, dass spezifische Konstruktionen, seien sie in der Ausgangs- und/oder in der Zielsprache vorhanden, angemessen übertragen werden und auch, dass diese Übertragungen einem Muster folgen. Bei Übertragungen in eine andere Sprache ist zu fragen, inwiefern das Versmaß des Ausgangstextes bei der Übertragung Berücksichtigung findet bzw. finden kann. Korpus für diesen Beitrag sind Ovids Metamorphosen und ausgewählte Vers- und Prosaübertragungen vom 13. bis zum 19. Jahrhundert ins Deutsche. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf der Umsetzung der Periodenstrukturen, dem Verhältnis zum lat. Basistext, dem Umgang mit dem Rhythmus der lat. Vorlage, der Orientierung an Stillehren und schließlich auf der Frage, ob sich im Lauf der Zeit eine Veränderung im Periodengebrauch zeigt.
The Impact of Macroeconomic Stability on Commercial Bank Profitability: A Study of Sri Lanka
Authors: Rathnasiri R. A.
Published: November 2024

In today’s highly globalized and complex financial environment, it is crucial to examine the relationship between macroeconomic factors and the profitability of commercial banks. This paper investigates the impact of macroeconomic stability on the performance of commercial banks in Sri Lanka, arguing that such stability is particularly vital for the banking sector in this small economy. While the existing literature extensively explores both internal and external determinants of bank profitability, it predominantly focuses on developed nations. This study incorporates variables representing internal stability—economic growth, inflation rate, and interest rate—alongside the exchange rate as an external stability factor, all in relation to the profitability of commercial banks in Sri Lanka. The research framework is enriched by including non-performing loans as a mediating variable and bank size as a control variable, with return on equity used as a proxy for measuring profitability. Adopting a deductive approach, the study utilizes data from the annual reports of commercial banks and central bank publications for the period from 2010 to 2021, focusing on six systemically important banks based on asset holdings. The macro time series data is analyzed using a fixed random effects model. The results reveal that GDP growth, inflation rate, money supply, and bank size significantly positively impact bank profitability, while the exchange rate and non-performing loans exert a negative influence. This study concludes that enhancing bank profitability requires maintaining macroeconomic stability and outlines the policy challenges the Sri Lankan government must address to achieve such stability, ensuring the sustainability of the financial system.
Trends in Clinico-radiological and Laboratory Characteristics of All-Cause Meningoencephalitis in Western Rajasthan
Authors: Kanth Ravi Krishna , Panda Samhita , Tiwari Sarbesh , Yadav Taruna , Bohra Gopal Krishana , Gadepalli Ravi Shekar
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives:

Meningoencephalitis encompasses the coexistence of meningitis and encephalitis in different proportions. This study aimed to delineate the clinical profile, laboratory parameters, radiological features, and outcome predictors of patients with meningoencephalitis.

Methods:

This prospective, observational, and descriptive study was conducted from July 2021 to March 2023. Patients satisfying the case definition of “meningitis” and “encephalitis” were enrolled. Mortality and morbidity (by modified Rankin Score [mRS]) were noted at discharge and at 1 and 3 months post-discharge.

Results:

Of 102 patients recruited, among infectious meningoencephalitis cases, 28 (27.5%) were viral, 11 (10.8%) were pyogenic, 32 (31.4%) were tubercular, four (3.9%) each were rickettsial, atypical bacterial, and fungal, and three (2.9%) were parasitic. Among noninfectious etiologies, 12 (11.8%) were antineuronal antibody mediated, three (2.9%) had systemic inflammatory etiology, and one (1%) had carcinomatous meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed the highest protein content (336.82 ± 251.26 mg/dL) and cell count (476.73 ± 999.16/mm3) in pyogenic followed by tubercular (200.29 ± 174.28/mm3) meningoencephalitis. CSF glucose was lowest in tubercular group (38.30 ± 20.29 mg/dL). Imaging showed leptomeningeal enhancement predominantly in tubercular group (89.7%) and limbic involvement in viral etiology (38.5%). Overall mortality was highest in fungal and rickettsial groups (three out of four patients died at 1 month in each group). Pyogenic, atypical bacterial, and systemic inflammatory meningoencephalitis had maximum temporal improvement in mRS at 1 month, while tubercular, viral, and antineuronal antibody-mediated meningoencephalitis had decrease of at least 1 mRS at 3 months. Fever, altered sensorium, speech disturbances, neck stiffness, albumin, total leukocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, kidney and liver function tests showed significant association with mortality.

Conclusions:

Tubercular, followed by viral meningoencephalitis, was the most common cause in our center in western India. Pyogenic, atypical bacterial, and systemic inflammatory groups had the best recovery at discharge, while fungal and rickettsial meningoencephalitis groups had worst mRS at 3 months.
Association between Atrial Fibrillation and Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Yi , Li Guangping
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives:

Recent research suggests that atrial fibrillation (AF) may influence the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). However, existing studies have provided inconsistent results, with some showing a significant association between AF and the risk of AD and VaD, while others do not. The objective of this study is to conduct a meta-analysis to investigate the association between AF and the risk of AD and VaD.

Methods:

A comprehensive search was conducted in several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar, covering research published before December 2023. Odds ratios (ORs) or relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Stata 12.0 software to assess the association between AF and the risk of AD or VaD.

Results:

The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between AF and an increased risk of AD, using a random effects model (OR/RR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.13–1.34, I
2 = 81.3%, P < 0.001). Similarly, a significant association was found between AF and an increased risk of VaD, using a random effects model (OR/RR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.57–2.07, I
2 = 82.1%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

In summary, our comprehensive meta-analysis provides compelling evidence of a significant association between AF and an elevated risk of AD and VaD. The findings are corroborated by robust cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort studies, which further validate the observed link. However, further large-scale prospective studies are necessary to comprehensively investigate the relationship between AF and the risk of AD and VaD.
Effects of Cognitive Behavior Therapy on Heart Rate Variability among Medical Students at a Teaching Institution in Jaipur, India
Authors: Saboo Neha , Kacker Sudhanshu , Sorout Jitender
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Heart rate variability (HRV) is the variation in the time interval between heartbeats. It is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which also regulates many other vital body functions. HRV has been used as a noninvasive marker of cardiac autonomic activity and cardiovascular risk stratification. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) on different domains of HRV and their correlation at baseline and after 3 months of intervention.

Methods:

After obtaining institutional ethical clearance, the study was conducted from July to October 2022 among 140 1st-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery students at a medical college in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Linear component, i.e., time and frequency domain, and nonlinear components, i.e., Poincare plot of HRV assessed at baseline and after the 3 months of CBT.

Results:

Findings show that there was a significant decrease in linear components, i.e., time domain and frequency domain parameters (P < 0.001) and nonlinear components Poincare plot standard deviation (SD) 1/SD2 (P < .0.001) after 3 months of CBT. Linear and nonlinear components of HRV were positively correlated (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

The study indicates that after 3 months of CBT, the autonomic nervous system shifted toward parasympathetic dominance, which was assessed by linear components, time domain and frequency domain parameters, and nonlinear components, i.e., Poincare plot (SD1/SD2) of HRV.
Predictors of New Onset Dysglycemia Post COVID-19
Authors: Fernandes Jonita , Mary Alphonsa , Sebastian Aanchal , George Franciosalgeo , Idiculla Jyothi
Published: November 2024

Background:

Hyperglycemia postcoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is multifactorial and warrants serial monitoring of blood glucose.

Aims:

The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of glucose intolerance and new-onset diabetes in patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and to correlate the risk factors for dysglycemia.

Materials and Methods:

Participants who were admitted for COVID-19 infection at St John’s Hospital, Bangalore, India, at least 6 months previously were enrolled in the study using telephonic interviews. Details regarding age, gender, weight, and history were obtained. Laboratory parameters such as fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were obtained. The comparison between the dysglycemia and normoglycemia groups was conducted using either independent samples t-test or Mann–Whitney U test and using the Chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to determine the adjusted effect of multiple variables on dysglycemia.

Results:

The overall mean age of the study group was 40 ± 13 years with 68 (52%) male patients. Of the 131 patients, 93 had mild, 32 had moderate, and 6 had severe COVID-19. Thirty-nine percent of patients who were previously infected with COVID-19 were found to have elevated fasting, postprandial, or HbA1c levels. Of these, 3.1% were diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes mellitus and 9.9% had prediabetes. On excluding those with an isolated HbA1c elevation and comparing prediabetes and diabetes with normoglycemia, age, overweight and obese range body mass index (BMI), and the presence of comorbidities showed significant association (P < 0.05). Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.11), the presence of comorbidities (OR 4.84, 95% CI 1.49–15.5), and overweight and obese range BMI (OR 3.48, 95% CI 1.13–13.1) were associated with dysglycemia on multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion:

A high incidence of dysglycemia over 6 months post-COVID-19 infection, especially in those with higher BMI, comorbidities, and in those in the middle age group warrants serial long-term monitoring of glucose levels in view of the high background risk of diabetes in the Asian population.
Assessment of Clinical Nurses’ Proficiency in Wound Management of Patients with Diabetes at Kubwa General Hospital in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Olorunfemi Olaolorunpo , Jacob Michael , Olajide Oluseyi Adetunmise
Published: November 2024

Background:

Assessing clinical nurses’ wound management skills for diabetic patients is crucial for providing high-quality care. Improper handling of diabetes care can have serious repercussions, including foot sores or leg amputations.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to assess clinical nurses’ competency in diabetes wound care.

Materials and Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was chosen. Self-administered, content-validated questionnaires and observational checklists were used to gather data on clinical nurses’ proficiency on wound management. Convenience sampling was used to select 127 nurses as a representative sample. The Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 was utilized for data analysis, and Pearson’s Chi-square test (0.05) was employed to conduct an inferential analysis with a significance level of 5%.

Results:

In this study, 35.4% of respondents were between the ages of 38 and 47; 70.1% were females, and 55.2% were married. Approximately 31.5% of the population were registered nurses, while 28.3% had a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Remarkably, 37% of those surveyed also work in hospital surgical wards, and 95.2% of them have extensive understanding of diabetic patient wound care. The majority of the participants attest that there is not enough time to provide diabetics patients with thorough wound care. In addition, 36.2% of nurses accurately record the wound’s features during the assessment and dressing steps. However, the ground mean of clinical nurses’ proficiency in diabetics patients’ wound management was found to be average with X̄ = 2.79, standard deviation = 1.306. Moreover, a noteworthy correlation has been observed between the proficiency of clinical nurses in wound care and their corresponding experience levels (χ2 = 23.62, df = 4, and P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

We found an average degree of proficiency and competency among clinical nurses. The study suggests that regular training, workshops, and evaluations be held, and that diabetes wound care is included in the nursing curriculum.
Cardiac Echinococcosis
Authors: Markanday Kushal , Rafath Sheeba , Radhakrishnan Buvana , Kumar P. G. Gopinath
Published: November 2024

Hydatid disease has a worldwide distribution and can involve any body organ, though the liver and lung are most involved. Cardiac hydatid cysts are a rare occurrence and can cause fatal complications. Here, we discuss one such case of a 60-year-old female who presented with cough and expectoration with difficulty in breathing. On investigations, chest X-ray, and two-dimensional echocardiography, the presence of a cystic mass was noted in bilateral lung fields extending into the left atrium, and hence, the diagnosis of hydatid cyst was made. During her course of illness, the patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome which was managed intensively, but the patient eventually succumbed to her illness. Postmortem examination confirmed the existence of a ruptured hydatid cyst in the left atrium. Early detection and treatment could have led to a better outcome of disease. Thus this case report highlights the importance of considering Hydatid disease as a differential for patients presenting with unexplained cardio-pulmonary symptoms especially in agriculture dependent areas of hydatid endemic nations.
Grifola frondosa polysaccharides alleviate Alzheimer's disease in rats
Authors: Behrad Samira , Pourranjbar Sina , Pourranjbar Mohammad , Abbasi-Maleki Saeid , Mehr Samira Rostami , Salmani Reza Hossein Gholizadeh , Moradikor Nasrollah
Published: November 2024

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of Grifola frondosa polysaccharides (GFP) in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods:

Seventy-five rats were divided into five groups: the normal control group and the AD group treated with or without GFP (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg). Behavioral responses in the open field test and elevated plus maze test were assessed. Additionally, the levels of malondialdehyde and ferric-reducing ability of plasma, and the mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the hippocampus were measured.

Results:

Treatment with GFP significantly improved AD-induced behavioral changes in the open field test and elevated plus maze test (P < 0.05). In addition, the level of malondialdehyde and the mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were decreased by GFP treatment in a dose-dependent manner in AD rats (P < 0.05), while the level of ferric-reducing ability of plasma was significantly increased (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Oral administration of GFP can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as improve behavioral responses associated with AD, suggesting its potential use in AD treatment. However, additional studies are needed to elucidate its underlying mechanisms and efficacy.
Antiviral efficacy of Andrographis paniculata and andrographolides: A narrative review
Authors: Chidambaram Kumarappan
Published: November 2024

The rise of emerging infectious diseases has become notably prominent due to ecological changes and mutations in pathogens. The respiratory illness outbreak caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has spread globally. Natural products contain numerous structures and biological activities, offering ample options for discovering new antiviral drugs with unique targets and mechanisms. Andrographis paniculata has been utilized in Indian Ayurvedic, Swedish, Traditional Thai, and Chinese medicine to alleviate coughs, colds, and influenza symptoms. Early-stage laboratory studies indicate that this herbal extract may reduce inflammation and fever, and boost the body’s natural defenses against viruses, potentially leading to symptom relief. This review aims to systematically present clinical trial data about antiviral herbal formulations derived from Andrographis paniculata, delineating the antiviral effects of both natural and synthetic derivatives, along with in silico analyses.
Case–control Comparative Study of Porous Metal Augments versus Bone Graft in Management of Segmental Acetabular Defect in Hip Arthroplasty Procedures
Authors: Abdelmoneim Mohamed , Abdelmaksoud Mohamed , Maher Ahmed , Elnahal Walid
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Acetabular bone loss represents a great challenge during hip arthroplasty procedures. This study aims at evaluating the efficacy and functional outcome of cost-friendly alternatives (autograft or allograft) when compared to the porous metal augments during reconstruction of acetabular defects in either complex primary or revision total hip replacement.

Patients and Methods:

This is a retrospective matched control study for evaluation of short and midterm results of metal augments versus bone graft during hip arthroplasty procedures. Inclusion criteria included adult patients who suffered from segmental acetabular defect and underwent hip arthroplasty procedure. The study included 34 cases divided into 2 groups. Group 1 cases were reconstructed with augment reconstruction. Group 2 was the control group which was reconstructed using graft reconstruction.

Results:

The mean age for Group 1 was 52.29 years (range: 30–68) and for Group 2 was 52.1 years, (range from 32 to 71 years). The mean follow-up period was 74.8 months in Group 1 (range: 66–85 months) and 71.5 months in Group 2 (range: 60–102 months). Both the groups included 13 males and 4 females. Group 1 had a mean postoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS) of 90.5 (range from 85 to 94), and Group 2 had a mean postoperative HHS of 88.7 (range from 80 to 94) with P = 0.236.

Conclusion:

Acetabular reconstruction using cost-friendly alternatives shows similar short-to-midterm results when compared to trabecular metal augments in a budget-conscious health setting.
The new additive era of orthodontics: 3D-printed aligners and shape memory polymers—the latest trend—and their environmental implications
Authors: Alkhamees Amani
Published: November 2024

The era of printed aligners has just began in the orthodontic field. Orthodontists have become more interested in 3D-printed in-office aligners. Treatment due to this technology can become faster and more efficient. Advantages highlighted by newly introduced materials for manufacturing processes of 3D aligners present the possibility of overcoming limitations faced by thermoformed aligners, making them a potential replacement of thermoformed aligner. Advances in aligner material, especially shape memory polymers, have the potential to bring about radical transformations in the clinical applications of clear aligner therapy. Safety and cytotoxicity of printable resins along with its mechanical properties must be scientifically studied extensively before it is cleared for clinical use. In addition, with the increased use of aligners, awareness of the environmental burden of plastic waste should be emphasized. Attention should be directed into the development of recyclable materials for aligners along with establishing clear recycling guidelines and patient education programs on proper recycling methods. With the introduction of Graphy’s clear biocompatible photocurable resin, which is equipped with a shape–memory function and is printed in an environmental friendly way by reducing carbon emissions. Direct 3D printing represents the future of clear aligner therapy, and more studies to test these new technologies and materials are required.
Orthodontic practice marketing: The orthodontist and laypeople’s perspective
Authors: Jasim Esraa S. , Alnuaimy Noor S. M. , Abid Mushriq , Dziedzic Arkadiusz
Published: November 2024

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the perceptions of laypeople and orthodontists regarding the usefulness of orthodontic practice websites (OPWs) and Internet-based social media (ISM) and to assess whether the content, features, and design of these online information sources meet the expectations of laypeople compared to orthodontists.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional, nationwide study was conducted using a pretested and validated electronic questionnaire administered separately to specialist orthodontists and laypeople. A total of 136 orthodontists and 1038 laypeople voluntarily participated. The willingness of specialists to adopt a modern approach to promoting OPWs is explored, and the essential information that should be included in ISM is identified.

RESULTS:

Most orthodontists (52.9%) and laypeople (88.2%) preferred face-to-face communication over online content searching. Both groups consistently identified “contact details” and “types of treatment” as crucial information to be presented on OPWs. Facebook and Instagram were the most popular platforms among both orthodontists and laypeople.

CONCLUSIONS:

Both specialist orthodontists and laypeople should increasingly utilize OPWs due to their comprehensive benefits.
The prevalence of dental anomalies among Saudi Population in Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mahjoub Dalal T. , Jarwan Rahaf K. , Filimban Lana A.Z. , Bahatheq Jumanah K. , Alsharif Fayyad S. , Alsharif Omar Abdullah M. , Albalawi Salem H. , Rawas Ahmed E. , Najjar Rahaf S.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

Morphological and structural abnormalities are common dental anomalies. Identifying DA and determining their prevalence can play an important role in reducing the risk of surgical intervention and improving occlusion, leading to successful dental treatments. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of DA using panoramic radiographs (OPG) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia according to gender.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A retrospective radiographic investigation was performed, and the digital OPG of 923 patients (age range, 8–27 years) were collected. Records were collected from patients admitted at a government hospital in Makkah between January 2020 and DA in terms of tooth shape (microdontia, macrodontia, gemination, and fusion), number (supernumerary and congenitally missing teeth), and position (impaction and ectopic eruption). Several other abnormalities, such as ankyloses, dens in dents, dilacerations, and taurodontism, have also been reported. Digital radiographs from patients were systematically evaluated to diagnose each radiograph with consistent screen brightness and resolution.

RESULTS:

The most prevalent DA were impaction (53.8%), hypodontia (13.6%), microdontia (8.2%), and ectopic eruption (6.7%). Taurodontism was observed more frequently in male compared to female (7.5% and 2.2%, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between gender in the distribution of other DA.

CONCLUSION:

This study found that 27.8% of the Saudi population of Makkah city have DA. Clinical examination and radiographic evaluation are crucial for providing the proper treatment for patients seeking dental treatment.