bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ketogenic diet in children with drug refractory epilepsy: Do we need 4:1 ketogenic ratio?
Authors: Karnavat Purva K , Hegde Anaita U , Kulkarni Shilpa , Kore Roshan , Tulaskar Bhakti , Sawant Suvarna , Hajirnis Omkar
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Introduction:

Ketogenic diet (KD), well-accepted therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), can be tried on an outpatient basis, thereby reducing the need of hospitalization/starvation. Here, we analyze the efficacy and safety profile of outpatient-based KD in children with DRE with particular reference to ratios of the KD.

Materials and Methods:

Children aged 0–18 years enrolled between 2008 and 2018, under “Keto Kid Project”––an outpatient-based project were included in this study. Demographic and clinical details, investigation profile in terms of epilepsy, and suitability for diet were noted. Diet was initiated at lower ratios and slowly increased on a case-to-case basis. For the purpose of the analysis, subjects were divided into two groups based on their maintenance ratios: higher ratios (>3:1) and lower ratios (≤3:1). Seizure control, other benefits in terms of behavior and side effect profile were reviewed.

Results:

A total of 117 of 138 children enrolled in program who had completed three months on diet were taken for analysis. A total of 97 of 117 were on lower maintenance ratios and 20 of 117 on higher ratios at the time of analysis. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome was the most common syndromic diagnosis followed by West syndrome in both groups. Retention of diet was higher in children on lower ratios. Although the consistency of ketosis was higher in those on higher ratios, seizure control was similar across both groups. Antiepileptic drugs (AED) reduced significantly after diet (P = .0016) among both groups with no difference between each other. Other beneficial effects included alertness and improved behavior across both groups. The main reasons for withdrawal were frequent infections, lack of benefit, and poor compliance. Both groups had a similar incidence of side effects.

Conclusions:

Seizure control, reduction of AED burden, and behavioral benefits of the diet using locally available food recipes (vegetarian and nonvegetarian) were noteworthy in this study. Ketosis and seizure control can be effectively maintained on lower ratios.
Prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Daasara Gururaju , Gowda Vykuntaraju K , Nanjundappa Nijaguna , Nagarajappa Vani H , Shivappa Sanjay K
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Objectives:

To study the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy (PN) in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) and its association with clinical neuropathy and glycemic control by using nerve conduction studies (NCS).

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center from January 2018 to May 2019. Type 1 DM with at least a five-year duration was included. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory details were collected and analyzed.

Results:

A total of 95 (40 boys) children with a mean age of 11.8 ± 3.4years were included. Neuropathy was clinically noted in 9 out of 95 (9.4%) patients and by NCS in 46 out of 95 (48.4%) patients. The PN has a significant association with the duration of illness (P-0.05) and HbA1c (P < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of detecting neuropathy by HbA1c was 63.0% and 63.3%, respectively. For every unit increase in HbA1c, the odds ratio for nerve conduction increases by 55.2%.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of neuropathy is high in children with type 1 DM. The duration of illness and poor glycemic control are major risk factors.
Endotoxemic Sepsis: Clinical Features and Therapy
Authors: Kellum John A. , Shoji Hisataka , Foster Debra , Walker Paul M.
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Heterogeneity in clinical presentation for patients with sepsis complicates treatment and prognosis and limits the development of new therapy. Reasons for this heterogeneity is unclear but recent studies have identified sub-types sepsis defined by clinical features. These sub-types may be brought about by certain triggers such as endotoxin and may further require a susceptible host. Treatment with hemoperfusion to remove endotoxin is discussed.
Digital Impressions
Authors: Mondal Shalu Samar , Bulbule Nilesh S. , Anasane Nayana S. , Nandi Amit , Jagtap Amit K. , Bhandhari Akansha
Published: July 2022

Intraoral scanners that record impressions digitally have been playing a major role in the field of prosthodontics. The classic method for recording impressions always included using of traditional impression materials and methods used with its basic understanding as per their manufacturer's instructions. However, the scope keeps expanding with the evolution in the field of impression by digitalization. All the data related to digital impressions as well as traditional impressions have been taken into consideration. The excluded literature includes the review kinds of literature that have already been done. This review article includes the pros and cons of digital impressions and information of the various systems that are available in the market.
Bedside Hydrostatic Saline Enema Reduction of Pediatric Intussusception
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Gurjar Bhairu L.
Published: July 2022

Context:

The ultrasound-guided reduction by saline enema is a preferred nonsurgical procedure for intussusception. In a government setup where bedside ultrasound and round-the-clock trained radiologist facilities are unavailable, bedside saline enema reduction (without ultrasound guidance) may be an option.

Aims:

To evaluate the efficacy of bedside hydrostatic saline enema reduction in the treatment of pediatric intussusception; the secondary aim was to identify the patient subset in which it is more useful.

Settings and Design:

A retrospective study was conducted from January 2019 to May 2021 in all children with ultrasound-confirmed intussusception at our center.

Subjects and Methods:

All children were considered for non-operative bedside reduction with saline enema, excluding those with signs of peritonitis and shock. We allowed a maximum of three attempts of saline enema reduction.

Results:

There were 375 patients admitted with the diagnosis of intussusception in our institute. Out of these, 42 patients were subjected to bedside hydrostatic saline enema reduction. The patients in this group were in the age range of 5 months to 14 years. The success rate of bedside hydrostatic saline enema reduction was 90.47% (38 out of 42 cases). No perforations occurred during the procedure. The duration of symptoms and age of the patients did not influence the successful reduction in our series (p > 0.05). The duration of admission attained a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between those who had a successful non-operative reduction and those who subsequently had an operative intervention, that is, reduction or resection. There was no mortality.

Conclusion:

Bedside hydrostatic normal saline enema reduction of intussusception is a suitable non-operative technique of managing childhood intussusception in the carefully selected subset of patients. The technique is simple, safe, and cost-effective in a resource-limited setup.
Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Medical University Lecturers in Malaysia during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Quek Jia Hui , Lee Xin Xue , Yee Ryan Lau Koh , Tan Xuen Yin , Ameresekere Lumini Senara Nadarajah , Lim Kean Ghee , Pinto John
Published: July 2022

Introduction:

The recent COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns and various restrictions has had a great impact on university lecturers in Malaysia.

Objectives:

The study sought to evaluate this impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns on the sociopsychological well-being of medical university lecturers.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted at a local private medical university. Convenient sampling was used to recruit faculty members. Microsoft Form containing sociodemographic factors, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) was sent to the participants through university e-mail, Microsoft Teams, or WhatsApp. Subsequently, a randomized controlled trial method was used to select the participants. Pearson Chi-square was used to study the association between the three instruments (DASS-21, SWLS, and BRS) and participants’ sociodemographic factors. The outcome was considered significant given the P values were <0.05.

Result:

A total of 70 faculty members had participated in this study. Of these, 32.9% had mild-to-very severe depression, 42.9% had mild-to-very severe stress, 42.8% had mild-to-very severe anxiety, 45.7% were satisfied with their life, and 81.4% had normal resilience. There was a statistically significant association between gender, age, and relationship status with BRS (P = 0.037, P = 0.032, and P = 0.002, respectively), whereas age was statistically significant with SWLS (P = 0.03).

Conclusion:

This study recommends the university administration in developing successful measures for assisting faculty members in managing depression, stress, and anxiety as well as increasing their mental resilience.
Psychological First Aid Training during COVID-19 Pandemic: Evaluation of the Training Effects of Conducting Virtual Psychological First Aid Training in Malaysia
Authors: Tye Sue Kiat , Majid Hariyati Sharima Abdul , Badayai Abdul Rahman Ahmad
Published: July 2022

Background:

COVID 19 hit Malaysia on January 25, 2020, and Malaysian citizen were impacted by the disease and movement control order. Mercy Malaysia aimed to empower local community and NGOs to provide psychological first aid (PFA) to support individuals who are affected by the pandemic.

Aims and Objectives:

The present study aimed to examine the training effects of virtual PFA program in increasing knowledge, attitude, and skills of participants in Malaysia.

Materials and Methods:

One group pretest–posttest was used to assess 102 participants from seven virtual PFA training for adult practitioners and 42 participants from three virtual PFA training for child practitioners were conducted.

Results:

The main findings showed that 2 day virtual PFA training for both adult and child practitioners has significantly increase PFA knowledge and confident level and perceived skills in conducting PFA, with large effect size ranged from 0.65 to 0.81.

Conclusion:

Our study provides preliminary evidence supporting the impact of virtual PFA training program for mental health professionals to respond to pandemic, disaster, and humanitarian crisis in Malaysia.
Inverse association of serum osteocalcin and bone mineral density in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Lin Wei-Chen , Lee Ming-Che , Chen Yen-Cheng , Hsu Bang-Gee
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

Osteocalcin, a protein from osteoblasts, affects bone mineralization and turnover. This study evaluates the association between fasting serum osteocalcin and bone mineral density (BMD) in renal transplant recipients.

Materials and Methods:

This study recruited 66 renal transplant recipients. We analyzed blood biochemistry studies from fasting blood samples. The serum osteocalcin levels were measured using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit. We measure BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in lumbar vertebrae (L2–L4). By the World Health Organization classification, we group recipients into three groups: normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis.

Results:

Of the renal transplant recipients, 8 patients (12.1%) were osteoporosis, and 28 patients (42.4%) were osteopenia. From normal to osteoporosis groups, the osteoporosis group has highest serum osteocalcin (P < 0.001), alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.005), lowest body mass index (P = 0.015), and body weight (P = 0.008). Females had lower lumbar BMD than males among recruited renal transplant recipients (P = 0.023). In the multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis, body weight (adjusted R
2 change = 0.138; P = 0.010), and logarithmically transformed osteocalcin (log-osteocalcin; adjusted R2 change = 0.131; P = 0.012) can predict lumbar BMD in the renal transplant recipients.

Conclusion:

Our study showed that fasting serum osteocalcin concentration was negatively correlated with the lumbar BMD in renal transplant recipients.
A Malay Version of the Attitude to Ageing Questionnaire: Its Adaptation, Validation, and Reliability in the Malaysian Older Adult Population
Authors: Rejab Nazihah , Muhammad Noor Azimah , Tohid Hizlinda , Tohit Noorlaili Mohd , Kin Pok Wen , Drahman Ismail
Published: July 2022

Background: The Attitude to Ageing Questionnaire (AAQ) was developed to assess perceptions of the aging process among older adults. The 24 items were framed into three factors. This study aimed to translate the AAQ from English to the Malay language (AAQ-M) and determine its factorial structure and validity in a Malaysian population. Methods: The original AAQ underwent a standard translation process, as well as content and face validation, to produce the AAQ-M. The construct validity of the AAQ-M was then assessed in 254 older adults aged 60 years and above attending a public primary care clinic in Seremban, Malaysia. Results: Exploratory factor analysis showed a three-factor model for the AAQ-M with acceptable reliability and Cronbach α values ranging from 0.71 to 0.82 for each factor. A total of five items were omitted for poor factor loadings (<0.32) or because they did not conceptually fit into the factor they were loaded onto. Of the final 19 AAQ-M items, seven were physical change factors, eight were psychosocial loss factors, and four were psychological growth factors. This three-factor model explained 37.9% of the total variance. Conclusion: The AAQ-M version confirmed that the three-factor model, namely physical change, psychosocial loss, and psychological growth, was similar to that of the original AAQ. The AAQ-M is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the three aspects of attitudes toward aging in the Malaysian older adult population.
Efforts to Develop Pfs25 Vaccines
Authors: Kaslow David C.
Published: July 2022

Acknowledging the fallibilities of recalling events from more than three decades ago, the recollection of Richard Carter’s impact on the identification and development of Pfs25, a major surface protein of Plasmodium falciparum zygotes and ookinetes, and target of malaria transmission-blocking vaccines, remains unassailable. In fondest memories of Richard Carter’s many contributions, herein retells some memorable events along the tortuous journey toward the development of Pfs25 vaccines.
Association of Secretor Status with Enteropathy and Growth among Children in Bangladesh Aged 1–24 Months
Authors: Palit Parag , Ahmed Mondar Maruf Moin , Gazi Md Amran , Haque Md Ahshanul , Alam Md Ashraful , Haque Rashidul , Mahfuz Mustafa , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: July 2022

Secretor status refers to the ability of an individual to secrete blood group antigens into body fluids and onto the different epithelial surfaces. Concurrent findings have demonstrated an association of the secretor status of children with susceptibility to a plethora of enteropathogens. We aimed to determine a possible association of secretor status of children with childhood enteropathy, an important causal factor for childhood growth failure. Participants of the Malnutrition and Enteric Disease (MAL-ED) birth cohort study from the Bangladesh site were enrolled along with their mothers. Saliva was analyzed for determining blood groups and secretor status of the children and their mothers by using an in-house ELISA. Approximately 59% of children and 65% of mothers were found to be secretor positive. Secretor-positive children were found to have a significantly positive association with alpha-1-antitrypsin (β-coefficient: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.21, P < 0.01) and with environmental enteric dysfunction score (β-coefficient: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.65, P = 0.05). However, despite a negative effect size, secretor-positive children did not show any statistical significance with length-for-age and weight-for-age z scores (LAZ and WAZ), respectively. Our findings indicate toward the genetic factor of secretor status of children being associated with childhood growth faltering, through increased susceptibility to distinct enteropathogens and the consequent development of enteric inflammation and enteropathy among children. However, these findings are only applicable in Bangladeshi settings and thus need to be validated in several other similar settings, to establish a possible relationship between the secretor status of children with enteropathy and resulting childhood growth failure.
Faith, Hope and Love: A Theological Approach to Reconciliation within Evangelicalism
Authors: Harold Prof. Dr Godfrey
Published: July 2022

Evangelicalism in South Africa does not have the luxury of operating according to a
modernistic epistemology if it is to be relevant in a secular, post-Christian South African
context. People want to live in peace, and the issue is how the Evangelical Church can
contribute to nation-building. This article attempts to reframe the theological understanding of reconciliation by adding to Western Evangelicalism's presuppositions that focus predominately on divine-human reconciliation -the proclamation of the gospel at the expense of human-human reconciliation – the demonstration of the gospel, namely social/racial reconciliation. In this paper, it is argued that using faith, hope, and love will aid in a biblical and holistic understanding of reconciliation by deconstructing how this term is understood within Evangelicalism. This approach will hopefully free evangelicals from individualism, fundamentalism and fideism. Using Vorster’s sense of reconciliation, this paper adds a fourth aspect that is negated within Evangelicalism, namely social reconciliation. This paper thus seeks to ask the important question, how do Evangelicals understand restitution in relation to reconciliation?
360 DEGREES TURNING ELECTRIC
FORKLIFT FOR INDUSTRY
WAREHOUSES & DOMESTIC PURPOSE
Authors: Darshan Patil  , Arihant Patil  , Prajwal Nelagali  , Arbaz Shaikh  , Angad Naik  , Rajendra Galagali
Published: July 2022

In latest existence, there are numerous extraordinary forms of forklifts, from people with a massive
tonnage to the ones operating in narrow aisles, forklifts have become one of the maximum critical
gear for transporting vehicles. Within the model that we use in lifestyles with all fashions of
forklifts nowadays, we understand that there are a number of improvements that could deliver
forklifts to their best performance. The 2-wheel conveyer can work in any grade surroundings.
The design of present forklifts has limitations on rotation and systems that pose a safety threat to
our new layout inclusive of the 360-diploma swivel fork this is connected to the frame. It
additionally has a lifting mechanism to be able to elevate hundreds from 1 to 50 kg, the unit has a
compact length that can be moved in very little area and meets the necessities, new design while
the design is designed, we calculate the mass traits of elements and sub-assemblies to make certain
the steadiness of the forklift the effects display that the forklift may be used competently, its middle
of gravity remains within the protection triangle protection and we use it to acquire maximum load
capacity and their consequences show that the brand new layout may be used appropriately
underneath working conditions. This hobby makes use of non-polluting batteries
The Experience of Grace in The Phenomenon of Interreligious Dialogue
Authors: Chandra Herwindo
Published: July 2022

This paper explores the experience of grace in the interreligious dialogue activists. The involvement of Catholic activists in this movement can be a locus for the experience of grace. Several theologians have recently discussed grace in a historical dimension. One of the theologians of the Second Vatican Council, Karl Rahner, had the idea of the experience of grace. Martin Heidegger's phenomenological hermeneutic method explores the experience of the grace of Catholic activists. In-depth interviews were used as a data collection technique. The research subjects were two Catholics, the National Meeting of Indonesian Youth from the Youth Commission of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference and one Catholic Young Interfaith Peacemaker Community. The results' novelty shows that the research subjects did not recognize grace as an extraordinary phenomenon. Inspired by the Church's teachings, they understand that grace is experienced as a process of living life's roles, unique abilities, and gifts to become better. The study’s conclusion confirms that grace can be identified in everyday life and is not limited to a superstructure metaphysical idea.
Sawur Or Sawer Rite: the Perspective of Death Javanese-Sundanese Tradition In Catholic Church
Authors: Jatmiko Nikasius
Published: July 2022

Death is a certainty that humans cannot avoid. Everyone will face this event without exception. The difference lies in respecting the corpse before it is buried or cremated. Each region has its peculiarities in building a death ceremony. Culture plays a significant role in shaping the death ceremony based on local wisdom. These rites lead to the same goal: placing death as a noble act. This study aims to preserve and explore cultural wealth that is becoming extinct according to the times. These methods show that humans have a high value and dignity compared to other creations, even though they have died. This value is maintained through various very noble awards. Javanese and Sundanese have similarities in respecting the bodies to be buried. The ritual of sawer or sawur is a value that distinguishes it from other cultures. Local wisdom is still maintained, even though modernity has begun to erode it.
Effect of Real Exchange Rate Volatility and Selected Macroeconomic Variables on Trade Exports Performance in Kenya
Authors:   Moi University Department of Economics
Published: July 2022

Kenya’s export performance is still constraint by high level of inflation, high-interest rates, low savings, low investments, and fluctuating exchange rates. Generally, Kenya’s exports have performed dismally in the recent past. It is not yet clear as to whether this poor export performance can be attributed to exchange rate volatility since, existing empirical evidence show mixed findings. The study sought to establish the impact of exchange rate volatility on Kenya’s exports performance for the period 1974 – 2018. Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (ARDL) with bounds test was estimated and it was found that ARCH term t-ratio was significant which indicated that exchange rate is volatile. exchange rate volatility, terms of trade, inflation money supply and trade openness were significant. Based on these results, it is recommended the government should reconsider exchange rate policies that will prevent high exchange rate fluctuations, suggests that the monetary authorities in the Kenya should come up with monetary policy strategies that will help drive the economy better are necessary for economic expansion, Kenya should maintain its market determined exchange rate and implement a monetary policy aimed at confining inflation to levels that are at par or lower than those of trading partners, the government should review trade policies and take advantage of trade openness to reap from trade liberalization. The study further realized interdependence between exchange rate stability, macroeconomic stability and export performance and hence policy makers need to consider the existing degree and likely effects of exchange rate volatility while designing, developing and implementing trade policies in Kenyan Economy.
Credit to Private Sector, Corruption Perception and Economic Growth of Comesa Countries
Authors:   Moi University Department of Economics
Published: July 2022

Credit to Sector private is known as financial resources given to the private sector, including loans and advances, non-equity securities purchases, trade credits, and other receivables, that establish a claim for recovery. In a variety of ways, financial institutions contribute significantly to people's socio-economic development. The relationship between economic growth and credit to private sector has attracted attention among scholars in the recent past who have articulated empirical and theoretical studies on the relationship between economic growth and credit to private sector. Corruption has been rampant among COMESA counties. This article incorporated the moderation effect of corruption in the private sector access to credit and found that, tough positive, corruption does not influence credit to private sector. This can be alluded to the fact that, any investor not necessarily bribe to get credit for the business. To improve credit access, the cost of credit must be reduced, the interest rate cap removed, and the collateral registry must be expedited. The insufficiency of credit expansion had a negative impact on economic growth in countries in COMESA trading bloc.
Pneumococcal vaccination in rheumatic diseases: 10 years of application experience at the V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology
Authors: Belov B. S. , Muravyeva N. V. , Tarasova G. M. , Baranova M. M. , Sergeeva M. S. , Cherkasova M. V. , Verizhnivkova Zh. G. , Nasonov E. L.
Published: July 2022

In the coming XXI century, infectious diseases still retain their importance both in medical and social terms, this problem is very relevant for rheumatology, where comorbid infections (CI) have a significant impact on both the course of the main immuno-inflammatory rheumatic disease (IIRD) and mortality. One of the leading places in the structure of serious CI in patients with IIRD is occupied by pneumonia, which is a weighty argument in favor of the vaccination of these patients from pneumococcal infection. The article presents generalized data on the use of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV-23) in patients with IIRD who received inpatient and outpatient treatment at the V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology for the last 10 years. It has been shown that the vaccination of PPV-23 in patients with IIRD is characterized by high preventive efficacy (>90%), is safe and does not increase the risk of exacerbation of the disease. The sufficient immunogenicity of vaccination is evidenced by a significant increase in the levels of pneumococcal antibodies in the blood serum and the coefficient of post-vaccination response. The use of glucocorticoids (methylprednisolone, prednisolone) has no significant effect on the effectiveness, immunogenicity and safety of PPV-23 vaccination. The possibility of vaccination of PPV-23 with any activity of the process in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and spondyloarthritis (ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis) with the condition of adequate therapy has been demonstrated. In order to develop clearer indications for vaccination, to determine time intervals for revaccination, to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of new pneumococcal vaccines, as well as to study the effect on the results of immunization of various anti-rheumatic drugs in patients with IIRD, further multicenter large-scale studies are needed.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief in case of injuries: Is there a risk of bone metabolism disorders and nonunion of bone fractures?
Authors: Karateev R. A. , Nikitinskaya O. A. , Toroptsova N. V. , Karateev A. E.
Published: July 2022

According to experimental studies, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can affect the healing of bone tissue after fractures. The significance of this effect of NSAIDs for real clinical practice is the subject of discussion. We analyzed publications on the problem of nonunion or development of fractures against the background of taking NSAIDs presented in the PubMed and MEDLINE system. From 1976 to 2021, 75 papers on this topic were published, of which 19 were observational, cohort and randomized controlled trials, as well as case-control studies, 4 meta-analyses. According to meta-analyses, which included from 6 to 16 studies, there was an association between taking NSAIDs and nonunion of bones after fractures or postoperative trauma: the odds ratio ranged from 2.07 (95% CI: 1.19–3.61) to 5.27 (95% CI: 2.34–11.88). A number of large studies confirm an increased risk of nonunion of fractures and the development of “marching” fractures in patients treated with NSAIDs. The risk of nonunion was increased when using NSAIDs for more than 2 weeks and in high doses. With short-term use of NSAIDs (less than 2 weeks) and the use of these drugs in pediatric practice, the frequency of bone tissue repair disorders did not increase.
Antibodies to domain I β2 -glycoprotein 1 in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Cheldieva F. A. , Reshetnyak T. M. , Cherkasova M. V. , Glukhova S. I. , Lila A. M. , Nasonov E. L.
Published: July 2022

The study of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), not included in the Sydney diagnostic criteria, in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is poorly understood.

The aim of this study – to determine the clinical significance of IgG antibody testing for domain I β2 -glycoprotein 1 (β2 -GP1DI) – IgG anti-β2 -GP1DI in patients with APS with and without SLE.

Materials and methods. The study included 187 patients with APS with or without SLE, 49 patients formed a comparison group, and 100 relatively healthy individuals formed a control group. IgG/IgM antibodies to cardiolipin and IgG/ IgM anti-β2 -GP1 were determined by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) in patients with or without APS, and IgG antiβ2 -GP1DI was determined by chemiluminescence assay in all patients and controls.

Results. IgG anti-β2 -GP1DI was detected in 37 (71%) of 52 patients with primary APS (PAPS), in 6 (50%) of 12 patients with probable APS, in 42 (71%) of 59 patients with SLE+APS, in 17 (26%) of 64 patients with SLE, in 1 (2%) of comparison group and in none of control group. IgG anti-β2 -GP1DI was significantly associated with PAPS and SLE+APS compared with patients with SLE (p=0.0002 and p=0.0001, respectively). The association of IgG anti-β2 -GP1DI with clinical manifestations of APS (thrombosis (χ2 =9.69; p=0.001) and obstetric pathology (χ2 =4.19; p=0.04)) was detected. There was a significant association of IgG anti-β2 -GP1DI with arterial thrombosis (χ2 =8.84; p=0.002) and with late gestational obstetric pathology (χ2 =6.35; p=0.01). High specificity of IgG anti-β2 - GP1DI depending on the diagnosis and clinical manifestations of APS was noted despite low sensitivity: specificity for thrombosis was 84%, for obstetric pathology – 94%, for APS – 89%. Isolated IgG anti-β2 -GP1DI positivity was reported in 2% of 50 aPL negative patients and was not associated with APS manifestations.

Conclusion. The frequency of IgG anti-β2 -GP1DI detection was higher in patients with APS compared to patients with SLE, comparison group and control (p<0.05). Positive IgG anti-β2 -GP1DI values were significantly associated with thrombotic complications and with obstetric pathology (χ2 =8.84; p=0.002 and χ2 =6.35; p=0.01). Specificity>˂ 0.05). Positive IgG anti-β2 -GP1DI values were significantly associated with thrombotic complications and with obstetric pathology (χ2 =8.84; p=0.002 and χ2 =6.35; p=0.01). Specificity of IgG anti-β2 -GP1DI for APS and its clinical manifestations (thrombosis and obstetric pathology) was higher than sensitivity: 89%, 94%, and 84%, respectively.
Using asynchronous quantitative computed tomography for opportunistic screening of osteoporosis
Authors: Petraikin A. V. , Toroptsova N. V. , Nikitsinskaya O. A. , Kuznetsov S. Yu. , Nisovtsova L. A. , Akhmad E. S. , Artykova Z. R. , Semenov D. S. , Sergunova K. A. , Vladzymyrskyy A. V. , Morozov S. P.
Published: July 2022

The aim– to determine the possibility of identifying individuals with osteoporosis using asynchronous computed quantitative tomography (CT) of the proximal femur by comparison with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DХA).

Materials and methods. The study included 40 postmenopausal women and 6 men over 50 years old (Me of age – 72.5 [65.3; 77.7] years) referred by the attending physician for densitometric examination. The patients signed an informed consent. The measurements were performed on a DXA with a narrow fan beam (Lunar Prodigy Advance, GE Healthcare, USA), and QCT on the Aquilion 64 (Canon Medical Systems, Japan). Correlation analysis and comparison of projected bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), measurement area and T-score using the Blend – Altman method were carried out.

Results. A statistically significant correlations were revealed between the indicators of DXA and asynchronous QCT: for femoral neck BMD r=0.93; for the T-score r=0.93; for the total hip – r=0.91 and r=0.91 respectively. When conducting the analysis using the Blend – Altman method, it was found that the QCT underestimated the value of the femoral neck BMC (bias –0.923 g), covered a smaller area of interest (bias 0.376 cm2 ), and therefore there was a shift in the values of BMD by –0.224 g/cm2 . The value of the T-score for the femoral neck had bias –0.29 standard deviations (SD), and for the total hip –0.72 SD, which were statistically significant.

Conclusions. There was a high correlation between quantitative indicators of bone tissue of the proximal hip, assessed using QCT and DXA. The BMD and T-score values for the femoral neck and the total hip at QCT were lower compared to the values of the DXA results. Considering the conducted research, it is recommended that when introducing asynchronous QCT into clinical practice to identify people with osteoporosis, a synchronous phantom should be pre-scanned to compare the QCT and DXA results, followed by adjusting the BMD and T-score values for QCT by the average difference between them.
Cerebrovascular reactivity depending on rheumatoid factor and anticitrullinated protein antibody positivity in hypertensive patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Rebrova N. V. , Sarkisova O. L. , Ripp T. M. , Karpov R. S. , Mordovin V. F.
Published: July 2022

Objective – to investigate cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) depending on rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) positivity in hypertensive patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Subjects and methods. A single cross-sectional study included 61 patients (mean age 59.8±7.7 years; 6 men and 55 women) with combined RA and grade 1–2 hypertension (HTN). The duration of RA was 11.2±7.4 years. The duration of HTN was 12.1±8.6 years. All patients were treated with methotrexate. RA patients were categorized into RF/ACPA seronegative and RF/ACPA seropositive subgroups. CVR was evaluated by bilateral transcranial Doppler sonography of the middle cerebral arteries (MCA) in a hyperoxic test (O2 CVR) and in a hypercapnic test (CO2 CVR). We measured MCA mean blood flow velocity (Vmn), time average maximal blood flow velocity (TAMX), peak systolic velocity (Vps) at baseline, within 2 minutes of 100% oxygen inhalation and within 3 minutes of recovery phase (hyperoxic test). We calculated the following indicators for assessing CVR: index changes of flow velocity mean (IFVm), speed modification of velocity (SMFVm) and normalized answer of reserve (NAR). Then, according to the same scheme, we performed a hypercapnic test with the inhalation of a 4% mixture of carbon dioxide with air. Values are presented as Me [Q1 ; Q3 ].

Results and discussion. Hypertensive patients with RA had a decrease in response power of MCA blood flow to hyperoxia. RF-seropositive RA patients had a more pronounced decrease in the power of the response to hyperoxia compared with RF-seronegative RA patients. The values of IFVm in the hyperoxic test were –13.4 [–19.9; –0.9] versus –16.2 [–22.7; –13.4]% (р=0.0453), respectively. ACPA-seropositive RA patients had not only a more pronounced decrease in the power of the response of MCA blood flow to hyperoxia, but also a more pronounced slowdown in the response velocity of MCA blood flow to hyperoxia compared with ACPA-seronegative RA patients. The values of IFVm in the hyperoxic test were –9.74 [–15.9; 2.84] versus –20.9 [–25.0; –14.7]% (р=0.0062), the values of SMFVm were –0.05 [–0.09; 0.02] versus –0.09 [–0.20; –0.05] sm/s2 (р=0.0488) respectively. Combined RA and HTN patients had a decrease in response power of MCA blood flow to hypercapnia. However, no statistical differences were found in the state of CO2 CVR between patients with seropositive RA and seronegative RA.

Conclusion. Hypertensive patients with seropositive RA have a more pronounced O2 CVR disorder in compared to seronegative RA patients.
Contributing factors of diabetes mellitus among patients with gout (results of the long-term prospective study)
Authors: Zheliabina O. V. , Eliseev M. S. , Glukhova S. I. , Nasonov E. L.
Published: July 2022

It is assumed that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in patients with gout is influenced by both generally accepted risk factors and factors related to gout.

Objective. To evaluate the impact of various risk factors for T2DM in patients with gout.

Material and methods. 444 patients (49 women, 395 men) ≥18 years old with gout and without DM were included. Duration of observation was 5.66 [2.69; 7.64] g. To identify factors associated with the risk of developing T2DM, multivariate logistic regression was used, which included: sex; T2DM in relatives; insufficient physical activity; unbalanced diet; age ≥45 years; ≥4 attacks per year; presence of tophi; BMI≥30 kg/m2 ; allopurinol, febuxostat, glucocorticoids, diuretics, metformin, colchicine; GFR<60 ml/min/1.73 m2 ; serum uric acid level (sUA) ≥420 μmol/l and ≥480 μmol/l. Results. T2DM developed in 108 (24.3%) patients. According to the multivariate model, the presence of ≥4 attacks of arthritis per year increased the risk of T2DM (OR=5.23; 95% CI: 2.98–9.19; p=0.0001); presence of tophi (OR=2.61; 95% CI: 1.50–4.54; p=0.001); sUA≥480 μmol/l (OR=2.26; 95% CI: 1.02–5.00; p=0.144), diuretics (OR=2.35; 95% CI: 1.19–4.64; p=0.014). Febuxostat (OR=0.31; 95% CI: 0.11–0.84; p=0.022) and metformin (OR=0.49; 95% CI: 0.21–1.16; p=0.107) reduced the risk of developing T2DM. Conclusion. Risk of T2DM in patients with gout is associated with high incidence of arthritis attacks, MK≥480 μmol/l, hypertension, diuretic use, and febuxostat and metformin reduces risk. Key words: gout, type 2 diabetes mellitus, uric acid>˂ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 ; serum uric acid level (sUA) ≥420 μmol/l and ≥480 μmol/l.

Results. T2DM developed in 108 (24.3%) patients. According to the multivariate model, the presence of ≥4 attacks of arthritis per year increased the risk of T2DM (OR=5.23; 95% CI: 2.98–9.19; p=0.0001); presence of tophi (OR=2.61; 95% CI: 1.50–4.54; p=0.001); sUA≥480 μmol/l (OR=2.26; 95% CI: 1.02–5.00; p=0.144), diuretics (OR=2.35; 95% CI: 1.19–4.64; p=0.014). Febuxostat (OR=0.31; 95% CI: 0.11–0.84; p=0.022) and metformin (OR=0.49; 95% CI: 0.21–1.16; p=0.107) reduced the risk of developing T2DM.

Conclusion. Risk of T2DM in patients with gout is associated with high incidence of arthritis attacks, MK≥480 μmol/l, hypertension, diuretic use, and febuxostat and metformin reduces risk.
A cegueira como metáfora do estranhamento social capitalista; Blindness as a metaphor for estrangement capitalist social
Authors: Santos Vinícius
Published: July 2022

Neste artigo, visamos retratar como o romance Ensaio sobre a cegueira, de José Saramago, pode ilustrar de modo significativo a crítica de Marx à sociabilidade específica do capitalismo, bem como a seu correspondente procedimento de formação de subjetividades, condensada no conceito de alienação ou estranhamento (Entfremdung). Em resumo, nosso propósito é avançar em como aquele romance capta literariamente o sentido de alguns traços basilares do conceito marxiano, particularmente, como o fenômeno sócio-histórico do estranhamento, tal como a cegueira em Saramago, representa um processo de desumanização, de violento embrutecimento dos sentidos e de niilismo existencial, decorrentes imperativo de luta pela sobrevivência imposto aos indivíduos sob a égide do capital. Se essa hipótese é válida, a doença que mobiliza o romance poderia ser apreendida como uma metáfora artística fantástica de uma sociedade inteiramente dominada por uma potência autônoma irrefreável – o binômio capital/mercado, tal como denunciado por Marx.
Abstract
The article aims to portray how José Saramago's novel Essay on blindness can significantly illustrate Marx's critique of the specific sociability of capitalism, as well as its corresponding procedure for the formation of subjectivities, condensed in the concept of alienation or estrangement (Entfremdung). In general, from an analysis about the relevance of the approximation of Saramago's fantastic narrative with the aesthetic realism advocated by Marx, the purpose is to advance in how that novel literarily captures the meaning of some basic features of the Marxian concept of estrangement. Particularly, how this socio-historical phenomenon, such as blindness in Saramago, represents a process of dehumanization, of violent obtuseness of the senses and existential nihilism, resulting from the imperative of struggle for survival imposed on individuals under the aegis of capital. If this hypothesis is valid, the disease that mobilizes the novel could be apprehended as a fantastic artistic metaphor for a society entirely dominated by an irrepressible autonomous power - the capital / market binomial, as denounced by Marx.
Acerca do sujeito, da pessoa e do Direito nos Grundrisse; On subject, Person and Law in Grundrisse
Authors: Sartori Vitor
Published: July 2022

No presente artigo, a partir daquilo que o filósofo brasileiro José Chasin chamou de análise imanente,  abordaremos o Direito nos Grundrisse, procurando demonstrar que a crítica pachukaniana ao Direito – ao relacionar forma jurídica e a forma mercadoria – traz aspectos essenciais para a compreensão da posição de Marx sobre a esfera jurídica. Porém, a análise do autor alemão é mais ampla, e destaca também a ligação das relações jurídicas com aspectos essenciais da forma dinheiro, bem como da esfera da distribuição. Outra questão de grande importância é que a crítica marxiana tem um tratamento mais detido que aquela de Pachukanis tanto sobre a autonomização do Direito quanto no que diz respeito à correlação entre a lei do valor, a formação de sujeitos na sociedade capitalista e as categorias jurídicas.
Abstract
In this article, with José Chasin´s Immanent analysis, we will analyze Law in the Grundrisse, intending to demonstrate that Pachukan's criticism of Law - relating legal form and form of commodity - brings essential aspects for the understanding of Marx's position on the juridical sphere. However, an analysis by the German author is more comprehensive and allow us to link legal relationships with essential aspects of the money form, as well as of distribution. Another issue of great importance is the Marxian criticism that deals with a treatment more careful than the pachukanian of both, the autonomy, and the correlation between a law of value, the formation of Subjects in capitalist society and juridical categories. In this sense, we will bring a different approach to the hegemonic one in Brazil, represented by the Pachukanian tradition. We try to demonstrate that, even in the Grundrisse, in which the notion of subject and person are more recurrent, there is not an identification between these categories and the notion of subject of rights, always highlighted by authors such as Márcio Naves and Alysson Mascaro, as well as by their followers, as something central to the Marxist critique of Law.
Verdade e política em Michel Foucault e Hanna Arendt; Truth and policy in Michel Foucault and Hanna Arendt
Authors: Yazbek Andre Constantino
Published: July 2022

O presente artigo recupera o debate contemporâneo sobre a política e a pós-verdade para enfatizar o problema da “verdade política” em sua relação com a questão do poder e a da constituição do espaço público em algumas das obras de Michel Foucault e Hannah Arendt. Neste sentido, gostaria de sugerir que as perspectivas de poder, política e verdade de Foucault e Arendt, a despeito de suas amplas diferenças, são importantes para a compreensão de certos aspectos atuais da “circulação da verdade” e para a descrição do perfil de nossas estratégias contemporâneas de controle das sociedades em um chamado “novo” regime de verdade. Ao final do artigo, procuramos delinear algumas questões gerais a respeito das atuais relações entre tecnociência, política e novas mídias.
Abstract
This paper recovers the contemporary debate about politics and post-truth to stress the problem of “political truth” in its relation to the question of power and the constitution of public space in some Michel Foucault and Hanna Arendt’s works. In this sense, I should like to suggest that Foucault and Arendt’s perspectives of power, politics and truth, despite their great differences, are important for understanding certain current aspects of “truth circulation” and to describe the profile of our contemporary strategies to control societies in a so-called “new” regime of truth. At the end of this paper, we seek to outline some general issues regarding the current relations between technoscience, politics and new media.
Sartre e Politzer; Sartre and Politzer
Authors: Warmling Diego Luiz , Rodrigues Diego Rodstein
Published: July 2022

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo discutir as bases teóricas das interlocuções entre Sartre, Politzer e a psicanálise clássica. Apresentaremos os conceitos-chave para compreender o que a psicanálise existencial, em sua proximidade com o projeto politzeriano de uma psicologia concreta, visa na estruturação da psique. Para entendermos como a noção de concreto entra na teoria sartreana da consciência fenomenológica, interrogaremos as influências do pensamento de Politzer sobre o projeto de uma psicanálise existencial. Mediante a ruptura com a inconsciência e a substituição do inconsciente pelo âmbito pré-reflexivo dos sujeitos, entenderemos que o agente sabe da ação, mas não tem conhecimento de si enquanto agente. Desde aquilo que é dramatizado pela concretude do sujeito em primeira pessoa, depreender-se-á: se não existem forças que lhe sejam antagônicas, então a consciência é inteira, espontânea, concreta e absolutamente livre.
Abstract
The present work aims to discuss the theoretical bases of the interlocutions between Sartre, Politzer and classicalpsychoanalysis. We will present the key concepts to understand what existential psychoanalysis, in its proximity to the politzerian project of a concrete psychology, aims at structuring the psyche. In order to understand how the notion of the concrete enters Sartre's theory of phenomenological consciousness, we will question the influences of Politzer's thought on the project of an existential psychoanalysis. Through the rupture with unconsciousness and the replacement of the unconscious by the pre-reflective scope of the subjects, we will understand that the agent knows about the action, but has no knowledge of himself as an agent. From what is dramatized by the concreteness of the subject in the first person, we will infer: if there are no forces that are antagonistic to it, then consciousness is whole, spontaneous, concrete and absolutely free.
Editorial
Authors: Viesenteiner Jorge L
Published: July 2022

Periodico Sofia. Resultados de pesquisa - Fluxo contínuo
PLATÃO Eutífron
Authors: PETRELLI HUMBERTO ZANARDO
Published: July 2022

PLATÃO, Eutífron