bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute airway obstruction requiring nasotracheal intubation following hypoglossal neuromonitoring: a case report
Authors: Bassi Jaspal Singh , Hsu Frank , Mnatsakanyan Lilit , Rajan Govind R.
Published: May 2023

Background

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is utilized for both the localization of critical structures and for real time detection and prevention of intraoperative neurological injury. Use of IONM to monitor the hypoglossal nerve is performed during neurosurgical, otolaryngological, and vascular procedures to improve surgical outcomes. There is a paucity of literature describing potential complications of IONM of the hypoglossal nerve, especially with respect to airway compromise. Here we present our findings regarding a case of acute airway obstruction following hypoglossal nerve monitoring.

Case Presentation

A 54-year-old male was admitted for left far-lateral craniotomy and microsurgical clipping of a left posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysm. Following induction and intubation but prior to the procedure start, the patient was placed in the ¾ prone position with the left side up and his neck was flexed approximately 10 degrees. He then underwent placement of subdermal needle electrodes into the facial muscles, trapezius muscles, soft palate, and tongue for IONM. The procedure lasted 523 minutes and was completed without complication. However, approximately one hour after emergence from general anesthesia, the patient experienced progressive difficulty breathing secondary to severe lingual swelling. He required emergent placement of a nasotracheal tube guided by a fiberoptic bronchoscope. He remained intubated for 3 days and was treated with dexamethasone, after which the swelling resolved, and the patient was successfully extubated.

Conclusions

Acute lingual edema is a potentially life-threatening phenomenon that can lead to rapid airway compromise. Generally, causes of acute lingual swelling include hemorrhage, edema, infarction, and infection. In the case described above, we suspect traumatic injury to the tongue’s vascular supply caused a deep tissue hematoma leading to postoperative acute lingual swelling and airway obstruction. With the widespread use of IONM, it becomes essential for providers to be aware that perioperative airway compromise is a potentially life-threatening complication, especially with respect to monitoring of the hypoglossal nerve. Awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation can successfully be employed to establish an emergency airway in such situations.
Neighborhood deprivation, built environment, and overweight in adolescents in the city of Oslo
Authors: Coutinho Sílvia R. , Andersen Oddbjørn Klomsten , Lien Nanna , Gebremariam Mekdes K.
Published: May 2023

Background

Even though the social and built environment characteristics of neighborhoods have been studied as potential determinants of social inequalities in obesity among adults, fewer studies have focused on children. Our first aim was to investigate whether there were differences in the food and physical activity environments between different neighborhood deprivation levels in the city of Oslo. We also explored whether there was an association between the prevalence of overweight (including obesity) among adolescents and (i) neighborhood deprivation levels and (ii) food and physical activity environments of the neighborhoods they live in.

Methods

We conducted a food and physical activity environment mapping (using ArcGIS Pro) in all neighborhoods of Oslo, which were defined by administrative boundaries (sub-districts). The neighborhood deprivation score was calculated based on the percentage of households living in poverty, unemployment in the neighborhood, and residents with low education. A cross-sectional study including 802 seventh graders from 28 primary schools in Oslo residing in 75 out of 97 sub-districts in Oslo was also performed. MANCOVA and partial correlations were ran to compare the built environment distribution between different neighborhood deprivation levels, and multilevel logistic regression analyses were used to explore the effect of neighborhood deprivation and the food and physical activity environments on childhood overweight.

Results

We found that deprived neighborhoods had greater availability of fast food restaurants and fewer indoor recreational facilities compared to low-deprived neighborhoods. Additionally, we observed that the residential neighborhoods of the adolescents with overweight had greater availability of grocery and convenience stores when compared to the residential neighborhoods of the adolescents without overweight. Adolescents living in neighborhoods with high deprivation had a two-fold higher odds (95% CI = 1.1–3.8) to have overweight compared to adolescents living in neighborhoods with low deprivation, regardless of participants’ ethnicity and parental education. However, the built environment did not determine the relationship between neighborhood deprivation and overweight in adolescents.

Conclusion

The neighborhoods in Oslo with higher deprivation levels had more obesogenic characteristics than the low-deprived neighborhoods. Adolescents living in high-deprived neighborhoods were more likely to have overweight than their counterparts from low-deprived neighborhoods. Thus, preventive measures targeting adolescents from high-deprived neighborhoods should be put in place in order to reduce incidence of overweight.
Reassessing the level and implications of male involvement in family planning in Indonesia
Authors: Rahayu Sukma , Romadlona Nohan Arum , Utomo Budi , Aryanty Riznawaty Imma , Liyanto Elvira , Hidayat Melania , Magnani Robert J.
Published: May 2023

Background

Although there is global recognition of the importance of involving men in family planning and reproductive health matters, this issue has received insufficient attention in many countries. The present study sought to characterize married Indonesian males as to their level of involvement in family planning, identify the correlates thereof and assess the implications of male involvement for unmet need for family planning.

Methods

A mixed methods research design was used. The main source of quantitative data was 2017 Indonesian Demographic Health Survey (IDHS) data from 8,380 married couples. The underlying “dimensions” of male involvement were identified via factor analysis. The correlates of male involvement were assessed via comparisons across the four dimensions of male involvement identified in the factor analysis. Outcomes were assessed by comparing women’s and couple’s unmet need for family planning for the four underlying dimensions of male involvement. Qualitative data were collected via focus group discussions with four groups of key informants.

Results

Indonesian male involvement as family planning clients remains limited, with only 8% of men using a contraceptive method at the time of the 2017 IDHS. However, factor analyses revealed three other independent “dimensions” of male involvement, two of which (along with male contraceptive use) were associated with significantly lower odds of female unmet need for family planning. Male involvement as clients and passive male approval of family planning, which in Indonesia empowers females take action to avoid unwanted pregnancies, were associated with 23% and 35% reductions in female unmet need, respectively. The analyses suggest that age, education, geographic residence, knowledge of contraceptive methods, and media exposure distinguish men with higher levels of involvement. Socially mandated gender roles concerning family planning and perceived limited programmatic attention to males highlight the quantitative findings.

Conclusions

Indonesian males are involved in family planning in several ways, although women continue to bear most of the responsibility for realizing couple reproductive aspirations. Gender transformative programming that addresses broader gender issues and targets priority sub-groups of men as well as health service providers, community and religious leaders would seem to be the way forward.
Prompt identification of struggling candidates in near peer-led basic life support training: piloting an online performance scoring system
Authors: Gillam Lawrence , Crawshaw Benjamin , Booker Matthew , Allsop Sarah
Published: May 2023

Background

Bristol Medical School has adopted a near peer-led teaching approach to deliver Basic Life Support training to first year undergraduate medical students. Challenges arose when trying to identify early in the course which candidates were struggling with their learning, in sessions delivered to large cohorts. We developed and piloted a novel, online performance scoring system to better track and highlight candidate progress.

Methods

During this pilot, a 10-point scale was used to evaluate candidate performance at six time-points during their training. The scores were collated and entered on an anonymised secure spreadsheet, which was conditionally formatted to provide a visual representation of the score. A One-Way ANOVA was performed on the scores and trends analysed during each course to review candidate trajectory. Descriptive statistics were assessed. Values are presented as mean scores with standard deviation (x̄±SD).

Results

A significant linear trend was demonstrated (P < 0.001) for the progression of candidates over the course. The average session score increased from 4.61 ± 1.78 at the start to 7.92 ± 1.22 at the end of the final session. A threshold of less than 1SD below the mean was used to identify struggling candidates at any of the six given timepoints. This threshold enabled efficient highlighting of struggling candidates in real time.

Conclusions

Although the system will be subject to further validation, our pilot has shown the use of a simple 10-point scoring system in combination with a visual representation of performance helps to identify struggling candidates earlier across large cohorts of students undertaking skills training such as Basic Life Support. This early identification enables effective and efficient remedial support.
Investigation of standardized training of radiation oncology residents for gynaecological tumours in China
Authors: Sun Shuai , Hu Ke , Zhang Fuquan , Hou Xiaorong
Published: May 2023

Background

Radiotherapy standardized training (ST) has been conducted for 7 years in China. This investigation evaluated the difficulties of and need for ST of radiation oncology residents (RORs) for gynaecological tumours (GYN) in China.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was conducted on the “Questionnaire Star” platform. The questionnaire contained 30 questions, including the basic information of the students, their knowledge of radiotherapy theory, training on GYN, the difficulties and needs they faced, and possible solutions.

Results

A total of 469 valid questionnaires were collected, resulting in a valid response rate of 85.3%. During the ST, only 58–60% of RORs received training in GYN, with a median clinical rotation time of 2–3 months. Among the RORs surveyed, 50.1% knew the physical characteristics of brachytherapy (BRT), and 49.2% could choose the appropriate BRT for patients. At the end of ST, 75.3% were able to complete the target delineation in GYN independently, and 56% were able to complete the BRT operation independently. The scarcity of GYN patients, insufficient teaching awareness of superior doctors, and lack of interest are the main reasons why ST cannot meet the standard.

Conclusion

In China, the ST of RORs in GYN should be strengthened, the teaching awareness of specialist trainers should be increased, and the curriculum should be optimized, especially the curriculum for specialist operation and a strict assessment system.
A long-term outcome (up to 29 years) of bilateral iliac wings “bayonet osteotomies” for closure of bladder exstrophy
Authors: Wongcharoenwatana Jidapa , Adulkasem Nath , Ariyawatkul Thanase , Eamsobhana Perajit , Chotigavanichaya Chatupon , Chotivichit Areesak
Published: May 2023

Background

Several types of pelvic osteotomy techniques have been reported and employed by orthopedic surgeons to enhance the approximation of symphyseal diastasis in bladder exstrophy patients. However, there is limited evidence on a long-term follow-up to confirm which osteotomy techniques provide the most suitable and effective outcomes for correcting pelvic deformities. This study aimed to describe the surgical technique of bilateral iliac bayonet osteotomies for correcting pelvic bone without using fixation in bladder exstrophy and to report on the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes following the bayonet osteotomies.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with bladder exstrophy who underwent bilateral iliac bayonet osteotomies with the closure of bladder exstrophy between 1993 and 2022. Clinical outcomes and radiographic pubic symphyseal diastasis measurements were evaluated. From a total of 28 operated cases, eleven were able to attend a special follow-up clinic or were interviewed by telephone by one of the authors with completed charts and recorded data.

Results

A total of 11 patients (9 female and 2 male) with an average age at operation of 9.14 ± 11.57 months. The average followed-up time was 14.67 ± 9.24 years (0.75–29), with the average modified Harris Hip score being 90.45 ± 1.21. All patients demonstrated decreased pubic symphyseal diastasis distance (2.05 ± 1.13 cm) compared to preoperative (4.58 ± 1.37 cm) without any evidence of nonunion. At the latest follow-up, the average foot progression angle was externally rotated 6.25° ± 4.79° with full hips ROM, and no patients reported abnormal gait, hip pain, limping, or leg length discrepancy.

Conclusions

Bilateral iliac wings bayonet osteotomies technique demonstrated a safe and successful pubic symphyseal diastasis closure with an improvement both clinically and radiographically. Moreover, it showed good long-term results and excellent patient’s reported outcome scores. Therefore, it would be another effective option for pelvic osteotomy in treating bladder exstrophy patients.
Membrane fusion, potential threats, and natural antiviral drugs of pseudorabies virus
Authors: Ye Ni , Feng Wei , Fu Tiantian , Tang Deyuan , Zeng Zhiyong , Wang Bin
Published: May 2023

Pseudorabies virus (PrV) can infect several animals and causes severe economic losses in the swine industry. Recently, human encephalitis or endophthalmitis caused by PrV infection has been frequently reported in China. Thus, PrV can infect animals and is becoming a potential threat to human health. Although vaccines and drugs are the main strategies to prevent and treat PrV outbreaks, there is no specific drug, and the emergence of new PrV variants has reduced the effectiveness of classical vaccines. Therefore, it is challenging to eradicate PrV. In the present review, the membrane fusion process of PrV entering target cells, which is conducive to revealing new therapeutic and vaccine strategies for PrV, is presented and discussed. The current and potential PrV pathways of infection in humans are analyzed, and it is hypothesized that PrV may become a zoonotic agent. The efficacy of chemically synthesized drugs for treating PrV infections in animals and humans is unsatisfactory. In contrast, multiple extracts of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have shown anti-PRV activity, exerting its effects in different phases of the PrV life-cycle and suggesting that TCM compounds may have great potential against PrV. Overall, this review provides insights into developing effective anti-PrV drugs and emphasizes that human PrV infection should receive more attention.
The effect gap of hypertension health management services in poverty and non-poverty counties on the hypertension control: evidence from China Chronic Diseases Risk Factors Surveillance
Authors: Jiang Bo , Wang Limin , Zhang Mei , Zhao Zhenping , Zhang Xiao , Li Chun , Zhou Maigeng
Published: May 2023

Background

The Chinese government implemented the health poverty alleviation project (HPAP) since 2016 in poverty counties (PCs). To evaluate the effect of the HPAP on hypertension health management and control in PCs is vital for the policy improvement.

Methods

China Chronic Disease and Risk Factors Surveillance programme were conducted from August 2018 to June 2019. A total of 95,414 participants aged 35 and above from 59 PCs and 129 non-poverty counties (NPCs) were involved in this study. Hypertension prevalence, hypertension control, treatment and health management prevalence, and physical examination proportion were calculated and compared by PCs and NPCs. Logistic regression was employed to explore the association between hypertension control and management services.

Results

The hypertension prevalence in NPCs was significantly higher than that in PCs (NPCs 46.1% vs. PCs 41.2%, P < 0.001). The NPCs participants had a higher hypertension control prevalence (NPCs 32.7% vs. PCs 27.3%, P < 0.001) and treatment prevalence (NPCs 86.0% vs. PCs 80.0%, P < 0.001) than that in PCs. The proportion of physical examination in one year in NPCs was significantly higher than that in PCs (NPCs 37.0% vs. PCs 29.5%, P < 0.001). The proportion of diagnosed hypertension patients without hypertension health management in NPCs was significantly higher than that in PCs (NPCs 35.7% vs. PCs 38.4%, P < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression showed that standardized and non-standardized hypertension health management were positively correlated with hypertension control in NPCs, and standardized hypertension health management was positively correlated with hypertension control in PCs.

Conclusions

These findings show the equity and accessibility gap of health resources still existed between PCs and NPCs under the influence of the HPAP. Hypertensive health management was effective for hypertension control in both PCs and NPCs. However, the quality of management services still needs to be improved.
An autopsy case of a patient on maintenance hemodialysis with continuous idiopathic cholesterol crystal embolism for 7 years
Authors: Kawai Yumiko , Kinoshita Chiharu , Matsuda Koichi , Takeuchi Keiko , Inoue Yoshimoto , Fujita Yoko
Published: May 2023

Background

CCE is a systemic disease with poor prognosis with no established treatment. Approximately 23–32% of CCE cases progress to end-stage renal failure, and the 1-year mortality rate of CCE with organ failure is 60–90%. The dialysis method for the patients with CCE is still controversial.

Case report

The patient is 73 years old male who was diagnosed with idiopathic CCE. He had survived 7 years though he had been on maintenance HD. We used nafamostat for HD every time. He took prednisolone and statin. He died due to rupture of AAA and we autopsied him. CCs developed in five organs, including the right lung CCE was assumed to be continuously present since the diagnosis.

Discussion and conclusion

CCE was continuous until death, and CCs in the right lung were possibly due to HD. HD through AV shunt could worsen CCE, and HD should be recognized as the aggravating factor. The use of nafamostat while undergoing HD as well as use of steroids and statins until death may have prevented fatal events and contributed to the patient's long survival.
Einfluss der Zytomegalie-Virus-Replikation und der in-vivo T-Zell- Depletion auf das hämatologische Rezidivrisiko bei Patienten mit akuter myeloischer Leukämie nach allogener Stammzelltransplantation
Authors: Τσαχάκης-Μήκ Νικόλαος
Published: May 2023

Σε αυτήν την μονοκεντρική, αναδρομική μελέτη, έγινε σύγκριση δύο μεθόδων ανίχνευσης της ιαιμίας του κυτταρομεγαλοϊού (CMV) [ποσοτική αλυσιδωτή αντίδραση πολυμεράσης (qPCR) και αντιγοναιμία pp65] μετά από αλλογενή μεταμόσχευση αιμοποιητικών κυττάρων (SCT) σε σχέση με την ανοσοπροφύλαξη με αντιθυμοκυτταρική σφαιρίνη (ATG), και διερευνήθηκε η επίδραση του ιικού φορτίου του CMV, η οροθετικότητα για CMV ασθενούς και δότη, το στάδιο της νόσου και η ανοσοπροφύλαξη με ATG επί της λευχαιμικής υποτροπή σε 687 ασθενείς με οξεία μυελογενή λευχαιμία (AML) για μια περίοδο 100 ημερών μετά την αλλογενή SCT. Επιπλέον, πραγματοποιήθηκε πολυπαραγοντική ανάλυση για να ληφθούν υπόψη πρόσθετοι παράγοντες, όπως η οξεία και χρόνια νόσος του μοσχεύματος έναντι του ξενιστή (GVHD), το θεραπευτικό σχήμα και τα ειδικά χαρακτηριστικά ασθενούς και δότη επί της θνησιμότητας χωρίς υποτροπή (NRM), της επιβίωσης χωρίς σύμβαμα (EFS) και τη συνολική επιβίωση (OS) για μια περίοδο 60 μηνών μετά την αλλογενή SCT. Τα ποσοστά ιαιμίας από CMV ήταν σημαντικά αυξημένα σε ασθενείς που έλαβαν ATG ανεξάρτητα από τη μέθοδο ανίχνευσης που εφαρμόστηκε. Η μέθοδος qPCR έδειξε σημαντικά αυξημένη ευαισθησία ανίχνευσης για τη συνολική κοόρτη καθώς και για την υποομάδα ασθενών που έλαβαν ATG. Η ιαιμία του CMV οδήγησε σε σημαντική μείωση της συχνότητας της λευχαιμικής υποτροπής έως και 60 μήνες μετά την αλλογενή SCT στη συνολική κοόρτη και ιδιαιτέρως στην υποομάδα ασθενών που δεν έλαβαν ATG. Αυτή η επίδραση αναδείχθηκε σημαντικά τόσο σε προχωρημένα όσο και σε πρώιμα στάδια της νόσου σε ασθενείς που δεν έλαβαν ανοσοπροφύλαξη με ATG. Η ορολογική θετικότητα του δότη για τον CMV συσχετίστηκε επίσης σημαντικά με τη μείωση της λευχαιμικής υποτροπής. Οι παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν το NRM, όπως προσδιορίζονται από την πολυπαραγοντική ανάλυση, περιελάμβαναν την οξεία GvHD, την ηλικία του ασθενούς και τη μεταμόσχευση από μη συγγενή δότη. Τα ποσοστά EFS και OS επηρεάστηκαν σημαντικά μόνο από το στάδιο της νόσου και τη χρόνιa GVHD. Αυτή η μελέτη προσφέρει πληροφορίες για την κατανόηση του πολύπλοκου και συχνά αμφιλεγόμενου αντίκτυπου της ιαιμίας του CMV στην υποτροπή της AML μετά από αλλογενή SCT σε μια προσπάθεια να αποκαλυφθούν οι συμπαράγοντες που καθορίζουν αυτή την επίδραση.
The use of cannabinoid compounds in therapy in children - future or threat?
Authors: Cieszkowska Joanna , Czerwik Julia , Czubala Marta , Dmochowska Joanna , Kamiński Jakub
Published: May 2023

Introduction and objective:

Therapy with the use of "medical marijuana" is becoming more and more popular with patients, who often perceive it as a more natural and safe form of treatment. It is also more and more boldly considered by physicians in the pediatric population, especially when standard methods of pharmacotherapy prove insufficient. The following review focuses on the possibilities of using cannabis preparations in children with drug-resistant epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders and spasticity. It also draws attention to the possible side effects and risks of unjustified use of medical marijuana.

State of knowledge:

In the pediatric population, high efficacy and a favorable safety profile have been proven so far in the treatment of epileptic seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, and for the treatment of epileptic seizures in tuberous sclerosis complex, (TSC) . Although the therapy has been approved only for the above-mentioned indications, high hopes are also placed on the use of cannabinoids to treat the symptoms of other diseases and disorders, including spasticity and autism spectrum disorders.

Conclusions:

The research carried out so far gives hope for the possibility of using medical marijuana in other indications as well, as its use correlates with the reduction of i.a. symptoms of spasticity or autism spectrum disorders. At the same time, further studies are needed to assess the balance of benefits and potential risks of the therapy. Since recreational cannabis use in youth is known to be associated with serious adverse events,  and medical cannabis use has a relatively strong placebo effect, decisions about its use should always be made carefully and based on scientific evidence.
Infertility - causes, diagnosis, preventive measures and methods of treatment
Authors: Mazurek Aleksandra , Machaj Damian , Polak Jakub , Grobecki Daniel , Lis Jakub , Machaj Dominik , Raczkiewicz Przemysław , Adamik Weronika
Published: May 2023

The problem of infertility affects approximately 20% of married couples, and the number of people affected by this problem is still increasing[5,6]. Developed countries are characterized by the prevalence of primary infertility, while in developing countries there is a high rate of secondary infertility[8,9]. The most common cause of marital infertility is obstruction of the fallopian tubes, which occurs in 30-35% of women and requires surgical intervention. However, both sexes are dominated by immunological and hormonal disorders (25%-30% of cases)[3,4]. The basic examination in which male fertility is determined is the semen analysis, while in women, many tests should be performed in order to make a diagnosis: anamnesis, gynecological examination, ultrasound performed repeatedly during the menstrual cycle (ovulation assessment), hormonal and immunological tests, post-coital tests, bacteriological cultures, hysterosalpingography or laparoscopy [20]. In vitro fertilization is the most effective of all methods of infertility treatment. In vitro fertilization can be performed using the classical method by adding prepared sperm to the egg cells or by microinjection of the sperm into the egg cell[21].
the polylogical process model of (elementary-)philosophical education: an interdisciplinary framework that embeds P4wC into the constructivist theory of conceptual change/growth
Authors: Höller Andreas
Published: May 2023

Although the Philosophy for/with Children (P4wC) movement seems to have overcome two major points of criticism, these critical concerns can still be found in the literature today. The first question is whether P4wC can be placed in the field of philosophy at all, and the second asks whether children possess the cognitive abilities necessary to engage in philosophical discourse. One of the more recent articles voicing these concerns is authored by Caroline Heinrich, who describes P4wC as “an assault on philosophy and an assault on children” and argues that P4wC is a “concept imposed by adults on children.” She maintains that P4wC ignores “children’s thinking, questioning and play.” Furthermore, Heinrich states that P4wC cannot be called philosophy because children are not able to philosophize. In most of her argumentation, refering to Jan Piaget’s theoretical account of the cognitive development of children. Although the P4wC discourse has already dealt with these questions over the last few decades, it seems that there is still a need for further clarification. This paper provides an overview of the main points of criticism, which form the starting point of the author’s Polylogical Process Model of (Elementary-)Philosophical Education (PPEE model). This interdisciplinary approach, which is based on the constructivist conceptual change/growththeory of Stella Vosniadou and William Brewer, attempts to add new perspectives to two central questions addressing the P4wC movement: first, can P4wC actually be called philosophy?; second, do children have the cognitive abilities to engage in philosophical discourse? In addition, the question arises as to which pedagogical considerations based on constructivist learning theory could be added to P4wC methodology? The aim of the interdisciplinary PPEE model is to build a broader scientific foundation that has the potential to reduce the main points of criticism of the P4wC movement.
More than just a ‘Good’ dentist
Authors: Hylton Preetee
Published: May 2023

Dentist John Good talks to Preetee Hylton about his drive to support those in need.
Review: Rhizophora mucronata as source of foods and medicines
Authors: SETYAWAN AHMAD DWI , RAGAVAN P. , BASYUNI M. , SARNO SARNO
Published: May 2023

Abstract. Setyawan AD, Ragavan P, Basyuni M, Sarno S. 2019. Review: Rhizophora mucronata as source of foods and medicines. Bonorowo Wetlands 9: 42-55. Rhizophora mucronata Poir is a type of mangrove plant that is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific (Indian and Pacific Oceans) region. This plant is mainly harvested for its wood for charcoal, firewood, and building materials. In addition, the bark and its propagule are used for natural dyes and leather tanning. However, its use in the food and health sector is still limited. This review intends to collect, compile, and summarize the use of R. mucronata as a source of food and medicinal ingredients. As a result, the starch obtained from R. mucronata propagule can be used as a carbohydrate source after removing the tannin content. In the health sector, various parts of this plant organ are traditionally used to remedy diarrhea, hepatitis, ulcers, etc. Further research shows that extraction with multiple solvents across multiple plant organs can be an antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial (antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial). The main constituent of this plant is tannins, alkaloids, and flavonoids, which affect their biological/pharmacological activities. The part of the organ used and the extraction method significantly affects the chemical content produced, thus affecting its effect in treatment.
Review: Phytochemical activities of Ficus (Moraceae) in Java Island, Indonesia
Authors: PUTRA KEVIN WINANDA EKA , PITOYO ARI , NUGROHO GILANG DWI , RAI MAHENDRA , SETYAWAN AHMAD DWI
Published: May 2023

Abstract. Putra KWE, Pitoyo A, Nugroho GD, Rai M, Setyawan AD. 2020. Review: Phytochemical activities of Ficus (Moraceae) in Java Island, Indonesia. Bonorowo Wetlands 10: 98-125. Ficus is a genus of about 850-900 species. Some mention more than 1000 species, making it the largest species in the family of Moraceae. There are approximately 91 species of Ficus found in Java, Indonesia. Some of them have been studied about their traditional uses and phytochemistry. This study aims to know the phytochemical activities of Ficus species in Java. We found at least 40 species of Ficus studied in phytochemistry and biological activities (majority in vitro). Alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, glycosides, and anthocyanins are found in almost every Ficus. The biological activities include antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, cytotoxic activity, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, anti-diabetic activities, hepatoprotective, anti-ulcer activities, wound healing, and other functions. Many species are still unexplored, especially in phytochemistry or pharmaceutical-based folklore. This could be an opportunity to study more deeply in the future.
Non-traumatic Bilateral Lower Limb Fractures in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Individuals on Long-Term Antiretroviral Therapy: Two Case Reports and Literature Review
Authors: Naik Ketan Mahesh , Dakhode Shubham Y , Mhaisane Sahil , Kenjige Nischay K
Published: May 2023

Introduction: It has been noticed that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and anti-retro viral (ART) therapy, both individually lead to bone metabolic disorders, and hence, such patients have an increased propensity for fractures following trivial trauma. Case Report: We present two cases, first a 52-year-old female with the right hip pain and inability to walk since 1 week following trivial trauma and associated dull pain in the left hip since 2 months ago. Radiographs revealed a right intertrochanteric fracture and a left unicortical fracture at level of lesser-trochanter. The patient was managed with closed proximal femoral nailing bilaterally and subsequently mobilized. Second, a 70-year-old female with bilateral leg pain and swelling following trivial trauma since 3 days . Radiographs revealed a distal one-third shaft tibia and fibula fracture bilaterally managed with closed nailing bilaterally and subsequently mobilized. Both patients had HIV infection since 10 and 14 years, respectively, and were on combination ART. Conclusion: There should be a high index of suspicion to the possibility of fragility fractures in HIV affected patients on ART. Principles of fracture fixation and early mobilization should be followed. Keywords: Human immunodeficiency virus, fragility fractures, anti-retroviral therapy, bilateral fractures.
Rupture of External Iliac Artery during Total Hip Arthroplasty after Rotational Acetabular Osteotomy: A Case Report
Authors: Suzuki Masahiro , Mikami Takashi
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is widely accepted as a safe and effective procedure to relieve hip pain and restore function, but complications can lead to a poor outcome. Although major vascular injuries during THA are rare, when they do occur, massive bleeding may threaten life. Case Report: We describe a case of a 72-year-old woman who underwent THA after rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO). When the soft tissue in the acetabular fossa was dissected with electrocautery, massive pulsatile bleeding suddenly occurred. A blood transfusion and metal stent graft repair saved her life. We assume that the cause of the arterial injury was a bone defect of the acetabulum and relocation of the external iliac artery after RAO. Conclusion: To avoid arterial injury during THA, pre-operative three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography to locate the intrapelvic vessels around the acetabulum is recommended in cases with complex hip anatomy. Keywords: Major vascular injury, total hip arthroplasty, periacetabular osteotomy.
Cost-effective equalization of electro-optic frequency combs in a Sagnac interferometer
Authors: Cardea Ivan , Hu Jianqi , Brès Camille-Sophie
Published: May 2023

We present a cost-effective electro-optic frequency comb generation and equalization method using a single phase modulator inserted in a Sagnac interferometer layout. The equalization relies on the interference of comb lines generated in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. Such a system is capable of providing flat-top combs with flatness values comparable with other approaches proposed in literature, yet offering a simplified synthesis and reduced complexity. The frequency range of operation at hundreds of MHz renders this scheme particularly interesting for some sensing and spectroscopy applications.
Sodium content of menu items in New York City chain restaurants following enforcement of the sodium warning icon rule, 2015–2017
Authors: Sisti Julia S. , Prasad Divya , Niederman Sarah , Mezzacca Tamar Adjoian , Anekwe Amaka V. , Clapp Jenifer , Farley Shannon M.
Published: May 2023

In 2016, New York City (NYC) began enforcing a sodium warning regulation at chain restaurants, requiring placement of an icon next to any menu item containing ≥2,300 mg sodium. As menu labeling may improve menu nutritional composition, we investigated whether sodium content of menu items changed following enforcement of the sodium warning icon. All menu offerings at 10 quick-service (QSR) and 3 full-service (FSR) chain restaurants were photographed in 2015 (baseline) and 2017 (follow-up) and matched to nutritional information from restaurant websites; items were categorized as being available at both baseline and follow-up, or at only one timepoint. Linear and logistic regression models, respectively, assessed changes in calculated mean sodium-per-serving per menu item and the odds of an item containing ≥2,300 mg sodium. At baseline, mean per-serving sodium content was 2,160 mg at FSR and 1,070 mg at QSR, and 40.6% of FSR items and 7.2% of QSR items contained ≥2,300 mg sodium per serving. Sodium content did not differ when comparing all items offered at follow-up to all offered at baseline (21 mg, 95% CI: -60,101), or when comparing new versus discontinued items (17 mg, 95% CI: -154, 187). At follow-up, there was no change in the overall likelihood of items requiring a warning icon (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 0.97,1.79), or when comparing new versus discontinued items (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.02,4.24) (p = 0.04, not significant following Bonferroni correction for multiple analyses). Our findings that the sodium content of menu items did not change following the sodium warning icon regulation underscore difficulties in reducing sodium levels in restaurants; however, our results may be limited by follow-up data collection occurring less than one year post-enforcement. It may take additional time and similar action from other jurisdictions for restaurants to reduce the sodium content of menu items.
Non-cognitive skills and labour market performance of immigrants
Authors: Akay Alpaslan , Yilmaz Levent
Published: May 2023

This paper investigates how non-cognitive skills relate to the relative labour market performance of immigrants. Using the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) and the Five-Factor Model of personality as a proxy for the non-cognitive skills, we show that these skills matter for the labour market integration of immigrants in the host country. We use two comparison benchmarks. Compared to an average native, immigrants’ non-cognitive skills, e.g., extroversion or emotional stability, can lead to 5–15 percentage points lower lifetime employment probability disadvantage implying a better overall integration. Comparing immigrants and natives with the same type and level of non-cognitive skills suggests that returns of extroversion and openness to experience are higher among immigrants, leading to 3–5 percentage points lower lifetime employment probability disadvantage. These results are robust with respect to self-selection, non-random returns to the home country, stability of personality, and estimators. Our detailed analysis suggests that non-cognitive skills (especially extroversion) are substitutes for the standard human capital measures (e.g., formal education and training) among low educated immigrants, while there is no significant relative return of non-cognitive skills among highly educated immigrants.
Rocks, lichens, and woody litter influenced the soil invertebrate density in upland tundra heath
Authors: Jegede Olukayode O. , Standen Katherine M. , Siciliano Steven , Lamb Eric G. , Stewart Katherine J.
Published: May 2023

Soil invertebrates are an integral part of Arctic ecosystems through their roles in the breakdown of litter, soil formation, and nutrient cycling. However, studies examining soil invertebrates in the Arctic are limited and our understanding of the abiotic and biotic drivers of these invertebrate communities remains understudied. We examined differences in soil invertebrate taxa (mites, collembolans, enchytraeids) among several undisturbed upland tundra heath sites in Nunavut Canada and identified the drivers (vegetation and substrate cover, soil nutrients and pH) of the soil invertebrate community across these sites. Soil invertebrate densities were similar to that of other Arctic studies. While invertebrate communities were relatively consistent between our sites, cover of rocks, woody litter, and the lichenAlectoria nigricanshad significant, positive influences on the density of all invertebrates studied. Mites and collembolans were more closely associated with cover of lichens, whereas enchytraeids were more closely associated with woody litter and rocks. Our results suggest that anthropogenic (e.g., resource exploration and extraction) and/or natural (e.g., climate change) disturbances that result in changes to the vegetation community and woody litter inputs will likely impact soil invertebrates and the ecosystem services they provide.
The potential effects of untreated sleep-related breathing disorders on neuropathic pain, spasticity, and cardiovascular dysfunction following spinal cord injury: A cross-sectional prospective study protocol
Authors: Furlan Julio Cesar , Loh Eldon , Boulos Mark Iskander
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs), neuropathic pain, spasticity and cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction are common after spinal cord injury (SCI). Prior studies suggest that systemic inflammation following SCI may be implicated in the development of neuropathic pain, spasticity and cardiovascular dysfunction. Given that SRBDs also cause a systemic inflammatory response, we hypothesized that individuals with SCI who develop more severe SRBDs would experience more intense neuropathic pain, more severe spasticity and more significant cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction.

Methods

This cross-sectional prospective study will explore the previously understudied hypothesis that SRBDs are associated with increased neuropathic pain, spasticity, and cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in adult individuals with low-cervical/high-thoracic (injury level at C5 to T6), complete/incomplete (ASIA Impairment Scale A, B, C or D) SCI.

Discussion

To our knowledge, no prior study has addressed this clinically relevant question on whether the degree of SRBDs affects the intensity of neuropathic pain, spasticity, and cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in individuals with SCI. We anticipate that the results of this original study will provide key information for a future clinical trial on the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for moderate-to-severe SRBDs, which may better control neuropathic pain, spasticity, and cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction among individuals with SCI.

Trial registration

The research protocol for this study was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov website (NCT05687097). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05687097.
Algorithmic voice transformations reveal the phonological basis of language-familiarity effects in cross-cultural emotion judgments
Authors: Nakai Tomoya , Rachman Laura , Arias Sarah Pablo , Okanoya Kazuo , Aucouturier Jean-Julien
Published: May 2023

People have a well-described advantage in identifying individuals and emotions in their own culture, a phenomenon also known as the other-race and language-familiarity effect. However, it is unclear whether native-language advantages arise from genuinely enhanced capacities to extract relevant cues in familiar speech or, more simply, from cultural differences in emotional expressions. Here, to rule out production differences, we use algorithmic voice transformations to create French and Japanese stimulus pairs that differed by exactly the same acoustical characteristics. In two cross-cultural experiments, participants performed better in their native language when categorizing vocal emotional cues and detecting non-emotional pitch changes. This advantage persisted over three types of stimulus degradation (jabberwocky, shuffled and reversed sentences), which disturbed semantics, syntax, and supra-segmental patterns, respectively. These results provide evidence that production differences are not the sole drivers of the language-familiarity effect in cross-cultural emotion perception. Listeners’ unfamiliarity with the phonology of another language, rather than with its syntax or semantics, impairs the detection of pitch prosodic cues and, in turn, the recognition of expressive prosody.
A correlation coefficient-based feature selection approach for virus-host protein-protein interaction prediction
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed Hassan , Karabulut Onur Can , Karpuzcu Betül Asiye , Türk Erdem , Süzek Barış Ethem
Published: May 2023

Prediction of virus-host protein-protein interactions (PPI) is a broad research area where various machine-learning-based classifiers are developed. Transforming biological data into machine-usable features is a preliminary step in constructing these virus-host PPI prediction tools. In this study, we have adopted a virus-host PPI dataset and a reduced amino acids alphabet to create tripeptide features and introduced a correlation coefficient-based feature selection. We applied feature selection across several correlation coefficient metrics and statistically tested their relevance in a structural context. We compared the performance of feature-selection models against that of the baseline virus-host PPI prediction models created using different classification algorithms without the feature selection. We also tested the performance of these baseline models against the previously available tools to ensure their predictive power is acceptable. Here, the Pearson coefficient provides the best performance with respect to the baseline model as measured by AUPR; a drop of 0.003 in AUPR while achieving a 73.3% (from 686 to 183) reduction in the number of tripeptides features for random forest. The results suggest our correlation coefficient-based feature selection approach, while decreasing the computation time and space complexity, has a limited impact on the prediction performance of virus-host PPI prediction tools.
Is the Arab audience willing to pay for online news? Predictors of their paying intent
Authors: Darwish Elsayed Bekhit
Published: May 2023

Recently several newspapers considered paid content strategies to substitute advertising and government subsidy. This study examines to what extent Arab audiences are willing to support these strategies, and what factors influence their willingness to pay (WTP) for online news, using a survey of 530 adults. The study found most of the public is not willing to pay for online newspapers, but are willing to pay for entertainment services. Most of them are not subscribing to printed or online newspapers. They do not have a real intent to help the newspapers in their digital transformation. Most of the public did not experience the paywall yet. Age and income influence the likelihood of paying for online news and to a lesser extent, gender and education. Age and income were predictors for WTP for entertainment services. Age and education were predictors for using online sources.
Subverting war narrative in the purview of gender justice: Analysing Bishkanta (2015): A Liberation War documentary from Bangladesh
Authors: Bulbul Afroza , Jayasundara-Smits Shyamika
Published: May 2023

This article analyses how a Bangladeshi documentary film Bishkanta (The Poison Thorn) () directed by a feminist and cultural activist Farzana Boby negotiates the gendered war narrative of Bangladesh and how the film is being used as an enabling platform for the Birangonas (‘war-raped women’) to express their long-time endured suffering and outrage. The Liberation War of Bangladesh (1971) is amongst the most represented themes in Bangladeshi media culture. However, feminist scholars have been critical about the gender blindness of the depictions, with women’s experiences encoded only as victims. Hence, a documentary demanding recognition of women’s contributions and enabling space for women to speak about their losses, pains and grievance is an exception. By analysing the narrative techniques (i.e. plot, perspective, language and frames) this article shows how Bishkanta represents the stories of female rape survivors and make a claim for gender justice. Our findings suggest, despite Boby’s good intentions, Bishkanta has been reproducing the mainstream victimhood narrative ascribed to these women and occasionally reinscribing the gendered ideology of Liberation War in the mainstream nationalist discourse.
The Cinema of Satyajit Ray, Bhaskar Chattopadhyay (2021)
Authors: Pal Shyam Sundar
Published: May 2023

Review of: The Cinema of Satyajit Ray, Bhaskar Chattopadhyay (2021)

Chennai: Westland Publications Private Limited, 315 pp.,

ISBN 978-9-39123-424-9, p/bk, ₹449
Diagora di Melo e Teodoro di Cirene: due atei?
Authors: Casertano Giovanni
Published: May 2023

Diagora e Teodoro sono due degli atei ricordati in vari cataloghi sugli atei dell’antichità, il primo dei quali risalente al II sec. a.C., e da allora in poi ricordati, dagli antichi fino ai giorni nostri, immancabilmente con la qualifica di atei. In effetti l’ateismo condannato ad Atene affondava le sue radici nella cultura filosofica e scientifica presocratica, la cui impronta fondamentalmente “materialistica” è autorevolmente testimoniata da Aristotele (Metafisica I 983b5-10). Le filosofie di Anassimandro, Anassimene, Senofane, Eraclito, Anassagora, Diogene di Apollonia, e naturalmente degli atomisti e dei sofisti offrirono, sia pure in maniere diverse, non solo un supporto importante alla critica delle divinità tradizionali, ma anche le fondamenta filosofiche dell’ateismo. Con questa tradizione Diagora non ha nulla a che vedere; anche alcune vicende della sua vita possono al massimo meritargli l’accusa di empio, ma non di ateo.

            Di altra tempra culturale appare Teodoro, vicino non solo alla cultura della scuola cirenaica, ma anche dei cinici e dei sofisti. Di lui abbiamo non solo dei riferimenti a dottrine filosofiche, ma anche chiare testimonianze del suo ateismo, essendosi dedicato a «eliminare radicalmente le comuni credenze negli dèi». In conclusione, mentre il nome di Diagora può tranquillamente cancellarsi dai cataloghi degli atei, quello di Teodoro a buon diritto vi fa parte.