bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hilar imágenes y palabras: Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz retratada por Elvira Gascón
Authors: Comisarenco Mirkin Dina
Published: January 2025

Las representaciones de Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, realizados por la destacada artista plástica Elvira Gascón, ejemplifican varias de las ricas relaciones que existen entre la escritura y la pintura. Nacidas con alrededor de tres siglos de distancia, pero unidas por la defensa de los derechos de las mujeres al conocimiento y a la creación artística, las ilustraciones de la obra de Sor Juana y los retratos que Gascón realizó de la poetisa denotan la profunda lectura que la artista plástica hizo de la escritora. En el presente trabajo las obras de Gascón son interpretadas desde una perspectiva de género destacando su reconocimiento sobre la importancia de los afectos en la obra de Sor Juana.
Chaos, transculturation et hybridation dans la science-fiction des marges chez Chester Swann
Authors: Riquelme Ortiz José
Published: January 2025

Chester Swann (1942-2012) était un musicien, caricaturiste, poète et écrivain paraguayen. Principalement connu pour être l’un des pionniers du rock au Paraguay dans les années 1970, il a publié ses nouvelles et romans au début du nouveau millénaire. Son œuvre principale de nouvelles est regroupée dans la collection intitulée Selección Indigesta de Histerias Breves, composée de quatre volumes : Cuentos para no dormir, Cuentos para no soñar, Cuentos para no despertar, et Cuentos inenarrables para psicóticos procaces e insaciables, écrits entre 1993 et 2000 et publiés en 2007 au format numérique sur son site web tetraskelion.org. Dans son œuvre, l’auteur reprend les codes de la science-fiction et les combine avec des éléments de la culture populaire paraguayenne et indigène, pour dénoncer l’aliénation humaine par la religion, le capitalisme et le nationalisme.
Narratives of migration, a reader of the foundations of identity
Authors: Pardo Fernández Rodrigo
Published: January 2025

North America’s migration (in the territory comprised between Mexico to the south and Canada to the north of the continent) is a living phenomenon that, beyond numbers, involves people and their circumstances. In this sense, different narrative expressions contribute to the understanding of this and other associated processes, through the construction of characters and the development of plots that reflect, from various perspectives, on identity. Beyond its facets and contradictions, identity is a set of choices that become relevant (emerge) in different social contexts. This work proposes a comparative analysis of different narrative proposals, within the framework of the migratory process and its parameters: vulnerability, adverse conditions at the origin, transit and destination, cultural clash, uprooting and assimilation, systemic violence, among others. In a review that ranges from testimonial novel to crime novel, through sequential art proposals, the aim is to reflect on how narratives recreate and question both migration in North America and its various social aspects, in terms of individuals and collectives.
“Como un humito que vuela”: insectos y experiencia del mundo en La Naturaleza dominicana (1978-1989) de Félix Servio Ducoudray
Authors: Sablonnière Catherine
Published: January 2025

Las crónicas (1978-1989) de Félix Servio Ducoudray, reunidas en seis tomos bajo el título La Naturaleza dominicana (2006) refieren excursiones científicas y entomológicas llevadas a cabo por científicos. Este artículo inicia un estudio de estas crónicas desde la historia cultural y los estudios literarios con una apertura a enfoques de la ecocrítica. Las crónicas se inscriben en una tradición de vulgarización de la ciencia asumida por la prensa pero renuevan el género al recurrir a un lenguaje poético al servicio de un deseo de informar y de despertar una conciencia ecológica en el lector. Los insectos, muy presentes en sus páginas, aparecen como vectores particularmente eficaces de este mensaje, al convocar todos los sentidos durante su observación, y solicitar la memoria de la infancia, de los cuentos, a la vez que despiertan una reflexión sobre las relaciones entre hombre, sociedad y naturaleza. Ejemplo precioso de vulgarización en una época de auge de la ecología, estas crónicas invitan a reflexionar sobre los textos sobre los insectos y la naturaleza que se editan en la actualidad.
O escaravelho do diabo : o livro dos mortos para ler a vida
Authors: Demarchi Barel Ana Beatriz
Published: January 2025

O Escaravelho do Diabo, de Lúcia Machado de Almeida, foi publicado em capítulos na revista Cruzeiro, em 1956, republicado em livro, em 1974, atingindo vinte e seis edições, e adaptado para o cinema em 2016, devido ao seu enorme sucesso. Na história, Alberto se depara com diversos assassinatos, sendo o primeiro o de seu irmão, Hugo. Com o tempo, ele e o inspetor Pimentel descobrem que o assassino escolhe pessoas ruivas e lhes envia um besouro cujo nome científico revela como a vítima será morta. O caso termina com a morte da última pessoa ruiva da pequena cidade, bem como de um dos suspeitos, o suíço Jean Graz, professor de francês. O caso é encerrado por falta de provas e, anos depois, durante uma viagem à Europa, Alberto descobre por acaso a identidade do assassino e suas motivações. A escolha do inseto pela autora permite desenvolver diversas mensagens no texto, ligadas ao valor simbólico do escaravelho na cultura ocidental, particularmente no Antigo Egito. Através do simbolismo do inseto, o livro oferece uma interpretação humanista da vida e o exercício da empatia.
Architectures de résistance ordinaire. Une méthode hybride pour transformer une cité avec ses habitants
Authors: Howa Marion , Chauvier Éric
Published: January 2025

Cette réflexion explore les usages de l’autoconstruction en quartier populaire, faisant l’hyppothèse qu’ils peuvent être compris comme des pratiques architecturales de résistances ordinaires et, à cet égard, pris au sérieux dans un projet de transformation architecturale avec des architectes. L’article propose un regard croisé entre anthropologie et architecture pour raconter les expérimentations menées dans le projet-recherche de réhabilitation de la cité de Beutre (Mérignac, France). Les processus historiques de travaux informels réalisés par les habitants de la cité sont notamment intégrés au projet. Avec les multiples tactiques habitantes, les architectes ont expérimenté une conception ouverte au cas par cas, où leur intervention s’adapte, entre réparation et autoconstruction. Pour mieux restituer l’hybridité des savoirs de transformation architecturale, le texte agence des matériaux multiples sous forme de carnet de terrain (entretiens, dessins, photographies).
Pédagogies de l’écologie dans les écoles d’architecture et de paysage. D’un mouvement marginal à un enjeu majeur
Authors: Toubanos Dimitri
Published: January 2025

Cet article propose une analyse des relations entre l’écologie et la pédagogie dans les écoles d’architecture et de paysage en France. Il retrace la longue maturation de l’intégration de l’écologie dans les écoles, tout en présentant l’impulsion nouvelle donnée par la mise en place de réseaux d’enseignants sur ces thématiques à partir des années 2000. Il y est également question de l’influence des changements sociétaux, économiques et politiques en faveur de l’écologie sur l’enseignement de l’architecture. Enfin, en reprenant les activités du réseau scientifique et pédagogique EnsaÉco, sont décrites les évolutions de l’enseignement de la transition écologique, tant en termes de contenus que de modalités pédagogiques.
Sécuriser l’avenir pour mieux militariser le présent ?
Authors: Sangar Éric
Published: January 2025

Cet article s’intéresse à l’énigme de la Red Team française : projet d’anticipation de menaces lancé en 2019 avec l’intention de contribuer à l’innovation technologique et capacitaire des armées, la Red Team est devenue une vaste opération médiatique dont les contenus des scénarios développés, mais surtout la publicité ciblant le grand public, semblent avoir peu à voir avec les objectifs annoncés. En prenant appui sur l’approche sociologique de la théorie de la sécuritisation, il sera argumenté qu’il s’agit d’un mouvement sécuritisant de l’avenir dont le but est de justifier des compétences politiques élargies des forces armées, ambition qui s’inscrit dans les tendances des relations civilo-militaires en France depuis la fin de la Guerre froide. En effet, l’argument central de ce texte est qu’en mobilisant des savoirs artistiques et scientifiques, l’institution militaire permet de crédibiliser un discours sur l’incapacité des pouvoirs civils à protéger l’autorité étatique, discours selon lequel seul le recours à des pouvoirs exceptionnels des armées permettra de sauver l’avenir.
Le smartphone sur le champ de bataille : la nouvelle écologie guerrière
Authors: Ford Matthew
Published: January 2025

Étant donné la disponibilité généralisée des appareils intelligents, à la fois sur le champ de bataille et au-delà, la guerre en Ukraine annonce un nouveau moment de guerre participative. Les smartphones font en effet partie intégrante de la technologie utilisée pour faire fonctionner les drones, diffuser des images de mort ou des messages visant à remonter le moral des troupes. Les smartphones peuvent être utilisés pour observer l’activité ou les positions ennemies, mais aussi pour partager des informations précises et géolocalisées. Toute personne disposant d’un smartphone peut y participer activement. Dans ce nouveau contexte, il devient évident que les infrastructures d’information civiles et militaires sont étroitement liées, tant à des fins d’information que de ciblage. Mais lorsque les cycles de ciblage militaire et de production médiatique sont alignés, les distinctions entre le public et l’acteur, le soldat et le civil, le média et l’arme s’estompent. L’utilisation des smartphones par les combattants et les non-combattants change le visage de la guerre et remodèle le champ de bataille.
Des individus suridéologisés ? Sociologie de l’espace intellectuel islamique en France
Authors: Souanef Karim
Published: January 2025

À rebours de la thèse de la suridéologisation de l’islam, cet article prend au sérieux l’idéologie à partir d’une enquête sur l’espace intellectuel islamique en France. Nous prenons le cas ici d’une population spécifique, des intellectuels médiatiques particulièrement engagés politiquement en ce qu’ils participent à la compétition pour la représentation musulmane. Celle-ci donne à voir des luttes structurées, notamment par des rapports de classe, entre des agents produisant des idées indissociablement politiques et religieuses. Celles-ci reposent sur des conceptions socio-théologiques de l’islam, de l’État et de l’ordre social.
Dire les morts : les Faux Positifs de Soacha (2008), un discours militaire cynique dans un réseau de pratiques criminelles
Authors: López Martínez Andrés Rodrigo
Published: January 2025

Cet article revient sur une pratique criminelle de l’armée colombienne : le meurtre de civils présenté comme des pertes au combat dans le but d’obtenir des avantages, dans le contexte du conflit armé colombien où ces morts étaient recompensées. À partir d’une série de documents officiels et d’une analyse critique du discours militaire, l’article se propose de repenser la trame qui rend possible ces événements, en mettant en évidence la stratégie discursive à l’œuvre et son insertion dans un réseau de pratiques criminelles.
Unleashing the Power of AI
Authors: Alvan Arzu , Kısacık Sina , Gelirli Nalan
Published: January 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful force that is reshaping multiple sectors of the economy, including the energy industry. Its ability to analyze vast amounts of data and make quick decisions has the potential to revolutionize the energy landscape. However, this transformation also brings about the concept of creative destruction, where new technologies and innovations replace existing ones, leading to both economic growth and disruption in established industries. The fusion of AI and creative destruction in the energy sector presents challenges and opportunities for businesses and policymakers alike. Along with this, it aims to provide a framework to understand the significant role of AI in causing radical changes in various energy sectors, including resource distribution, production, security, consumption, and related business areas. As AI continues to advance, it is expected to have an increasing impact on the energy sector and pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient energy future.
Financial Innovations Effect on Smart Economy Through AI in the Horn of Africa
Authors: Kant Shashi , Adula Metasebia , Kaswan Kuldeep Singh , Birhane Mershaye , Badi Sofi
Published: January 2025

The financial breakthroughs that are developing at a rapid pace, especially in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), have the capacity to drastically alter the economic conditions in the Horn of Africa. This research looks at how financial innovations enabled by AI are influencing the growth of a smart economy in the Horn of Africa. A poll was conducted with 400 participants, comprising financial service providers, legislators, and technological specialists. To find the underlying dimensions, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used. The data's appropriateness for factor analysis was evaluated using Bartlett's test of sphericity and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy. The mediating impact of AI-driven financial innovations in the link among the identified determinants and the emergence of a smart economy in the Horn of Africa was then investigated using structural equation modeling (SEM). The study's conclusions provide directions on how to best utilize AI-powered financial innovations for Horn of Africa.
Towards a Rhythmic Economy-AI Tuning the Entertainment Industry
Authors: Chavda Bhumika , Pillai Rajasshrie , Naresh B.
Published: January 2025

The frontiers of storytelling are being challenged by technological upscaling, especially the dawn of artificial intelligence washing over the globe. The media and entertainment sector is a sunrise segment with an envisioned 10.2% escalation and a 10% CAGR, implying its capability to challenge the mainstream sources of revenue in the economy. The ripples it generates are felt at large because of how intricately it is meshed with the associated industries. Adding AI into this equation seems to multiply the impact. The chapter, therefore, endeavors to present a multi-faceted perspective of how AI as one of the major connoisseurs of innovation and an evolved consequence of creative destruction can aid the M&E sector, notably film and music industry. A comprehensive discussion is presented wherein existing literature has been referred to for arriving at the aforementioned goal. The chapter highlights that AI's inclusion in films and music has offered unforeseen avenues, presenting facets which can lead to an unprecedented development in these industries.
Enhancing Strategic Decision-Making With AI
Authors: Yesufu Lawal , Alajlani Sami
Published: January 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionises strategic decision-making by enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and agility across complex business landscapes. This study explores AI's role in improving decision quality, optimising resource allocation, fostering agility, and mitigating risks. Case studies from Google, Walmart, and IBM Watson illustrate how tools like predictive analytics and scenario planning drive innovation, operational efficiency, and personalised experiences. Ethical and operational concerns, such as bias, transparency, and workforce adaptation, are critically analysed alongside strategies like ethical AI frameworks and hybrid decision-making. Emerging trends, including explainable AI, IoT integration, and automated systems, highlight AI's transformative potential. The research emphasizes balancing innovation with ethical practices to achieve sustainable growth, competitive advantage, and resilience in a dynamic global environment. AI's success depends on responsible integration and addressing its challenges to unlock its full potential in strategic decision-making.
Will the Creation Be Able to Overwhelm the Destruction
Authors: Karataş Erkin Cihangir
Published: January 2025

The present day when artificial intelligence began to take over the mental workload of humans is similar to the beginning of the industrial revolution. As machines replaced muscle power, the entire world began to change its shell. But creation was not without trade-offs. It brought a huge environmental cost to the entire planet. As in the years of the revolution, the greatest damage today is on water resources. Today, the use of artificial intelligence shows itself in every field and spreads to the base. Artificial intelligence comes with a great creation. It has the potential to have a positive effect on resources by providing holistic water management. But in its current form, it consumes too much water and energy. This study looks at the phenomenon of artificial intelligence through the eyes of the industrial revolution, based on the theory of creative destruction. It draws a portrait of trade-offs in the context of water resources and says that the fate of the planet cannot be left to competition between oligopolies.
Thermal and packaging materials for enhancing the longevity and aroma integrity of fragrant rice during storage
Authors: Chakraborty Rajesh , Roy Tuhin Suvra , Sakagami Jun-Ichi
Published: January 2025

Due to improper storage methods, a few months after storage the grain quality has gone to deteriorate. Retention of aroma for long time is the main bottleneck on the storage program of aromatic rice in Bangladesh. From this perspective the experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Field and consecutively at Agronomy Laboratory of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207 during the months from June 15 to November 25, 2022 (Aman season, a rice growing season) to evaluate the performance of storage temperature and packaging materials on aromatic rice. The experiment comprised three factors viz., factor:1; Two storage temperature (S1= Cold storage: 4 °C ± 1°C and S2= At room temperature: 25 ± 2 °C); factor:2; Three packaging materials (P1- Vacuum plastic bags, P2- Polythene bags and P3- Jute gunny bags); factor:3; Two aromatic rice varieties (V1= Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) dhan34 and V2= Tulshimala). The study was conducted as a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The results revealed that the apparent amylose content, fat acidity and 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) content of aromatic rice grain was significantly impacted by storage temperature and/or packaging materials and/or variety. When examining apparent amylose content; among the 12 treatments combination S1P1V1 treatment exhibited the highest (24.02 % and 23.12 %, respectively) amylose content at both 3 and 6 months after storage which was statistically (p≤0.05 and p≤0.01, respectively) similar with S1P2V1 (23.92% and 23.07%, respectively) treatment; while, the lowest amylose content was found in S2P3V1 and S2P3V2 treatments. Regarding fat acidity, at both 3 and 6 month after storage, the S1P1V1 treatment demonstrated a lower (7.010 mg 100g-1 and 8.220 mg 100g-1, respectively) fat acidity value compared to other treatment combination, and a statistical (p≤0.01 and p≤0.05, respectively) similarity with S1P2V1 (7.210 mg 100g-1 and 8.590 mg 100g-1, respectively) treatment, while the S2P3V1 and S2P3V2 treatments showed a statistical higher fat acidity value. In terms of grain 2- AP content, at first 3 and 6 months after storage the S1P1V1 treatment showed a higher (0.1230 μg g-1 and 0.0950 μg g-1, respectively) 2-AP content of grain compared to other treatment combination, which was statistically (p≤0.01 and p≤0.01, respectively) similar with S1P2V1 (0.1240 μg g-1 and 0.0910 μg g-1, respectively) treatment, while the lowest 2-AP content was found in S2P3V1 and S2P3V2 treatments.
Disclosure of the six capitals in strategy, risk and performance sections: Evidence from South Africa
Authors: Steenkamp Amy C.R. , Maroun Warren , Padia Nirupa , Ecim Dusan
Published: January 2025

Purpose: This article assesses the integration of multi-capitals in the strategy, risk and performance disclosures in 240 integrated reports of 30 South African-listed companies between 2013 and 2020.Design/methodology/approach: A disclosure checklist is developed interpretively, based on prior literature dealing with integrated reporting and thinking. A qualitative content analysis was conducted to evaluate the level of detail of multi-capital disclosures in the strategy, risk and performance sections of the sampled companies’ integrated reports. Descriptive trends are discussed, and non-parametric tests were conducted to explore associations between the grouping variables (year, industry and market capitalisation) and level of detail and capital presence, respectively.Findings/results: Companies are increasingly adopting a multi-capital approach to risk management, decision-making, strategies and operations and are disclosing the inputs, processes, outputs and outcomes in their integrated reports. The disclosure of multi-capital outcomes increases as an integrated logic takes hold in the companies. Significant positive associations were evident between the level of detail and the grouping variables. On average, companies included between four and six capitals in all integrated report sections. Financial capital and social and relationship capital were most prominent. Natural capital was the least referenced.Practical implications: This article provides companies with a practical method to evaluate and enhance their integrated reporting strategies focussing on a holistic adoption of multi-capitals in strategy, risk and performance sections.Originality/value: The longitudinal nature of the study, can add to the growing body of research on integrated thinking and reporting, particularly from a developing economy perspective.
Role of Personality and Self-esteem in Acne Vulgaris: A Case–control Study from Southern India
Authors: Bondade Swapna , Hosthota Abhineetha , Kalakota Naresh , Vignesh Rama Krishna
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by comedones, papules, pustules, and nodules in various parts such as the face, chest, and back. Acne vulgaris also is associated with depression, anxiety, and disability. Patients with acne could have significant psychological consequences such as decreased self-esteem and impaired quality of life. They are also observed to develop personality traits and disorders. This study aims to study the personality traits and self-esteem among patients with acne.

Methodology:

This is a case–control study that included 100 patients with acne who are aged 18–45 years. One hundred sex- and age-matched controls were also included in the study. Acne was graded depending on severity, considering the predominant lesions, and personality was assessed using the Eysenck Personality Inventory. Self-esteem was assessed using the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES). Past histories of psychiatric disorders, pregnancy, lactation, mental retardation, and acne-worsening drugs were excluded from the study.

Results:

Acne was predominant in female gender (69%). Face was the most commonly involved area (82%), and papules were the most prevalent lesion type (64%). The mean RSES score was higher in controls (19.74 ± 4.23) than in cases (15.72 ± 5.06). The mean neuroticism scores were higher in cases (17.12 ± 3.048), as compared to controls (7.30 ± 2.418). The mean extraversion scores were lower in cases (13.80 ± 3.149) when compared to controls (15.46 ± 2.984).

Conclusion:

Acne patients had significantly higher neuroticism and lower extraversion compared to controls. Self-esteem scores were lower in acne patients.
Bringing Value at the Physical and Mental Health Interface: A Retrospective Record-based Research of Diagnostic Concordance between Physicians/Surgeons and Psychiatrists
Authors: Malik Yogender Kumar , Ray Adwitiya , Sethi Sujata , Gupta Rajiv
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) serves as a vital bridge between psychiatric and medical specialties, offering expert opinions and educational support. Despite high psychiatric comorbidities, referral rates in most parts of the world remain low. Poor psychiatric awareness, stemming from inadequate undergraduate psychiatric training, may contribute to the difficulty in detecting these symptoms. Studying concordance between psychiatric diagnoses made by referring doctors and psychiatrists can shed light on this area.

Aims:

This study aims to explore the concordance between diagnoses made by physicians and psychiatrists.

Settings and Design:

A 3-year retrospective record-based research was conducted at a tertiary care center.

Methods:

The study focused on in-patient referrals to the CLP unit. Data from 2917 referral calls included demographic profiles, referral reasons, and diagnoses. The Concordance was assessed using kappa statistics, with interpretation based on Landis and Koch’s criteria.

Results:

Delirium emerged as the most frequent psychiatric diagnosis, followed by depressive disorders, alcohol dependence, adjustment disorder, and opioid dependence. Referral patterns showed limited use of specific psychiatric terms by physicians (5.9%). Concordance varied across diagnoses, with substance use and intentional self-harm displaying substantial agreement, while delirium and depression had lower concordance.

Conclusion:

The study highlights the prevalence of delirium in CLP referrals and emphasizes the need for collaboration between CLPs and physicians. It also reveals a limited use of specific psychiatric diagnoses by referring doctors, suggesting potential gaps in psychiatric awareness. The findings underscore the importance of targeted educational interventions and increased collaboration to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
Auditory System Abnormalities in Early Graying of Hair: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Panwar Shubham , Gopinath Hima , Bakshi Satvinder S. , Kalidoss Vinoth K. , Das Soumyajit , Sambangi Jahnavi , Seepana Ramesh
Published: January 2025

Background:

Melanocytes in the hair and melanocytes in the stria vascularis of the inner ear have common origins. Many congenital and acquired disorders of cutaneous pigmentation have auditory abnormalities. There is a paucity of studies on the auditory associations of early graying.

Aim and Objectives:

The aim of the study was to determine the association between early graying and auditory system abnormalities.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional analytical study was done on 100 patients with early graying and 100 controls. Pure tone audiometry was done at 0.25 to 4 kHz for bone conduction, conventional and high frequencies from 0.25 to 8 kHz for air conduction, and extended high frequencies from 9 kHz to 20 kHz for air conduction in both ears.

Results:

Bilateral hearing loss >25 dB was present in three patients with early graying based on the four-frequency average of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz. Patients with early graying had significantly higher thresholds for hearing except at 0.25 kHz in the right ears and 0.25, 2, 10, and 11 kHz in the left ears.

Limitations:

We did not assess cochlear function with otoacoustic emissions, and our study design did not allow us to assess causality and temporal association.

Conclusions:

Our study found that early graying may be a visible marker of changes in auditory thresholds. Patients with early graying need periodic auditory evaluations and health education to prevent further hearing loss.
Opioid-induced pancreatitis: A case study
Authors: Koul Anuka , Kaur Jaspreet , Attri Sahil , Arora Navneet
Published: January 2025

Rationale:

Opioids, the class of drugs, frequently used for pain relief in acute pancreatitis are known to act as a dual-edged sword. They are capable of causing acute pancreatitis though very rare.

Patient’s Concern:

A 45-year-old male presented with complaints of acute onset, severe pain in the abdomen, radiating to the back. The symptoms were preceded by regular oral intake of opium.

Diagnosis:

Opioid-induced pancreatitis.

Interventions:

He was managed conservatively with non-opioid analgesic-acetaminophen 15 mg/kg every 6 hours along with intravenous Ringer’s lactate for 5 days.

Outcomes:

The patient was discharged in stable vitals.

Lessons:

Drug-induced pancreatitis, though a rare entity, must be dealt with a high degree of suspicion once the other common factors are ruled out. Thus, this case highlights the importance that opioids can act as a double-edged sword in the way that it is given for pain relief in patients suffering from pancreatitis and can also be the culprit in causing it.
Risk factors associated with mortality among vaccinated COVID-19 patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Lajmiri Hossein , Ahmadi Nioosha , Ebrahimi Saeedeh , Nikoo Hadi Razavi , Farrokhnia Mehrdad , Heidari Elham , Mousavi Elham
Published: January 2025

Objective:

To explore the underlying causes of death among vaccinated COVID-19 patients.

Methods:

The medical record of COVID-19 patients admitted to the main COVID-19 referral center in southeast Iran from January to March 2022 was investigated. Then, risk factors for mortality were statistically assessed.

Results:

92 patients were included, with 50 in infectious disease ward and 42 in ICU ward. In total, 37% of patients succumbed to COVID-19. The median age of those who died was 69.9 years. Dementia and genitourinary system-related diseases was associated with an increased risk of death [6.00 (95% CI: 1.14-31.66) and 4.93 (95% CI: 1.80-13.52)]. Furthermore, the elevated levels of white blood cells, neutrophils, lactate dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine were associated with an increased risk of death by 4.93 (95% CI: 1.82-13.36), 16.57 (95% CI: 2.10-131.31), 3.23 (95% CI: 1.15-9.03), 4.48 (95% CI: 1.78-11.31), and 4.27 (95% CI: 1.49-12.22), respectively.

Conclusions:

Despite receiving the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, individuals who suffer from dementia and genitourinary system-related diseases are at risk of death with new strains of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, the increase of white blood cell, neutrophils, lactate dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine in patients’ blood can be considered as warning indicators of disease progression and death.
Empowering the Next Generation: Strategies and Importance of Smoking Cessation
Authors: Samajdar Shambo Samrat , Chatterjee Rupak , Mukherjee Shatavisa
Published: January 2025

World No Tobacco Day 2024 offers a critical platform to address the pervasive issue of tobacco use among youth and cancer patients. The theme “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference” underscores the urgency of shielding young people from the predatory marketing tactics of the tobacco industry, which aims to create a new generation of lifelong consumers. This article outlines the alarming reality of tobacco use among youth, the industry’s manipulative strategies, the health risks associated with tobacco, India’s measures against tobacco use, and a call to action to protect the next generation.
Prolonged Median Motor Distal Latency: What If not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome but Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy?
Authors: Baslo Sezin Alpaydin , Daryan Metin Dedei , Yusifov Mahir , Senadim Songül , Sirin Nermin Görkem , Atakli Dilek , Soysal Aysun , Baslo Mehmet Baris
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

The wrist is the only segment where both sensory and motor conduction of the same nerve can be studied through routine nerve conduction studies. This study aims to evaluate how two diseases with different pathophysiologies, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), differ in terms of median nerve conduction at the wrist.

Materials and Methods:

Patients hospitalized and diagnosed as having Guillain–Barré syndrome between 2013 and 2021 were screened from the hospital database. Electrodiagnostic subtype classification was performed according to the Rajabally criteria, retrospectively. Patients with AIDP along with age-matched patients with CTS were re-evaluated. Only the data of patients with prolonged median motor distal latency (≥4.0 ms) were included and analyzed.

Results:

The motor distal latencies recorded in patients with AIDP were significantly more prolonged and the compound muscle action potential amplitudes were significantly lower than those with CTS (P ≤ 0.001). Among the recordable sensory responses, hands with AIDP revealed significantly lower sensory nerve action potential amplitudes than hands with CTS (P ≤ 0.001) although their peak latencies were shorter (P ≤ 0.001) and conduction velocities were faster (P ≤ 0.001). The motor distal latency of the median nerve in patients with AIDP was not correlated with the sensory peak latency, unlike in patients with CTS.

Conclusion:

Median nerve sensory response, if present, tends to conduct faster in AIDP compared with CTS although the motor distal latency is profoundly prolonged.
Status, Gaps and Challenges in Menstrual Health in India: A Systematic Review
Authors: Joshi Priyanka , Sharma Rakesh , Jain Geeta , Kaur Gunjot , Jelly Prasuna
Published: January 2025

This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the current status of menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in India. Inclusion criteria were (1) studies from India, (2) articles published in peer-reviewed journals, (3) any study design reporting menstruation health, (4) articles published in the English language and (5) study participants being adolescent girls aged 12–19 years. All the studies were systematically reviewed, and their quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. A total of 52 studies were included. The studies reported that majority of adolescent girls had a basic understanding of menstruation mechanics and predominantly used sanitary napkins. However, challenges persisted due to cultural taboos and inadequate hygiene facilities, particularly in rural schools and communities. Despite these hurdles, there was a rise in the awareness and the use of sanitary products over the years; furthermore, there was a positive impact of various government programmes and schemes, which has enhanced the knowledge and improved menstrual health management among adolescent girls, resulting in reduced absenteeism from schools. Further, a very few studies reported about the discard of menstrual waste material, and majority were not aware of the discard method. There is a gap in the effectiveness of governmental programmes, which aim to enhance menstrual hygiene by providing the sanitary products and the waste disposal facilities. To improve menstrual hygiene in India, comprehensive educational initiatives are needed to address misconceptions and stigma, when simultaneously enhancing access to affordable sanitary products and environmentally safe disposal facilities.
Assessment of acute toxicity cases with disturbed consciousness in Tanta University poison treating center
Authors: Morsy Yasmien S. , Wahdan Amira A. , Abo El-Noor Mona M. , Kabbash Abdel-Moty M.
Published: January 2025

Background

Patients with disturbed consciousness due to poisoning are considered neurologic emergencies that represent a challenge for clinicians.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess acute poisoned cases with disturbed consciousness regarding sociodemographic data, toxicological data, consciousness level, and outcome.

Patients and methods

This cohort study was conducted on 241 cases of acute toxicity with disturbed consciousness admitted to Tanta University Poison Treating Center (TUPTC) from January 2017 to the end of December 2018.

Results

Acute poisoned cases with disturbed consciousness represented 9.5% of total admitted cases. Most of the cases were in the age group less than 30 years with male predominance. Poisoning was mainly suicidal. Psychotropic drugs were the most common finding. Most of the cases were discharged after improvement and did not need intensive care unit (ICU) admission or mechanical ventilation. A significant association was found between consciousness level, mortality, need for ICU admission and mechanical ventilation. Survivors and nonsurvivors showed a significant difference regarding consciousness level. A significantly higher percentage of the nonsurvivors showed a lower GCS (≤8) and a high need for ICU admission and mechanical ventilation. In addition, a significant negative correlation between consciousness level and the time passed till complete regaining of consciousness, normalization of vital signs and hospital stay was found.

Conclusion

The mortality rate among cases of the study was 10.8%. The non-survivors showed a marked reduction in consciousness level and a high need for ICU admission and mechanical ventilation. Pesticides were the most frequently consumed poison among them.
Six minutes-walk test in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients complicated by pulmonary hypertension diagnosed by echocardiography
Authors: Amer Eman A. , Abdullah Taimor M. , Hantera Mohamed S. , Elshafey Basem I.
Published: January 2025

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is heterogenous lung condition characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms.

Aim

To assess 6 minutes-walk-test in COPD patients who develop secondary pulmonary hypertension (PH) diagnosed by echocardiography.

Patients and methods

This comparative interventional study included 30 individuals categorized into three equal groups: group I: healthy persons (mean age 38.90±4.53), group II: COPD patients (mean age 46.40±4.65) and group III: COPD patients complicated with secondary PH (mean age 58.00±4.37).

Results

There was significant positive correlation between 6 min-walk distance and forced expiratory volume in one sec (FEV1) % of predicted, forced vital capacity (FVC)% of predicted, FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow rate, Forced expiratory flow 25–75%, partial pressure of oxygen, oxygen saturation level, tricusped annular plane systolic excursion and pulmonary acceleration time. There was a significant negative correlation between 6 min-walk distance and partial pressure of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, systolic pulmonary artery pressure, right ventricle diameter, right arterial diameter, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) score, COPD assessment test (CAT) score, duration of disease and smoking. There was significant positive correlation between mMRC and CAT score and partial pressure of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, systolic pulmonary artery pressure, right ventricle diameter and right arterial diameter. There was significant negative correlation between mMRC score and CAT score and FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, FVC, peak expiratory flow rate, Forced expiratory flow 25–75% of predicted, Partial pressure of oxygen, oxygen saturation level, tricusped annular plane systolic excursion, and pulmonary acceleration time.

Conclusion

PH occurrence among those having COPD is linked to a bad life quality. Six minutes-walk-test exhibits correlation with dyspnea severity among those having COPD.
Epidemiological study of injury patterns, mechanisms, and outcomes of polytrauma patients
Authors: Sheir Shaimaa M. , Bahnasawy Mohammed G. , El-Afifi Mahmoud A. , El-Henidy Mohammed A. , Nassar Esraa H.
Published: January 2025

Background

Trauma represents the most common reason for mortality under 40 years.

Aim

To study different factors that may affect the outcome of polytrauma patients.

Patients and methods

Our prospective study involved 3000 patients, ages 18 months to 82 years, with polytrauma with different modes of trauma: vehicle accidents, falling from a height, pedestrian accidents, train accidents, building collapses, fighting accidents, and run-over accidents.

Results

There was a highly significant relation between outcome and radiological investigations (FAST of abdomen and pelvis and computed tomography brain), combined radiological investigations (combined computed tomography brain and computed tomography chest, combined computed tomography chest and focused assessment with sonography in trauma, combined computed tomography brain, computed tomography chest and focused assessment with sonography in trauma, combined radiograph+focused assessment with sonography in trauma, combined computed tomography chest+radiograph+focused assessment with sonography in trauma), Glasgow coma scale (P<0.001). There was a highly significant relation between outcome and intervention (neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, abdominal surgery, and cardiothoracic) and at admission [ward, emergency room (increased percentage of emergency room admission in patients of in-hospital mortality) and admission duration (decreased admission duration within patients of in-hospital mortality)].

Conclusions

Polytrauma outcomes can be affected by different factors, including age, presence of comorbid diseases, vehicle type, vehicle speed, duration of arrival to the emergency room, and the way of transportation of the polytraumatized patient. Mechanism of trauma, location, intervention, and period of admission also affect the outcome of polytrauma.
Optical coherence tomography angiography analysis of choriocapillaries in patients with diabetic macular edema versus diabetics without macular edema
Authors: Elndafe Asmaa N. , Moussa Magdy S. , Eldesoky Elsaeed I. , Sorour Osama A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a prevalent and potentially vision-threatening condition in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the possible association between choriocapillaris (CC) and the incidence of DME using (OCTA) and elucidate any underlying processes by which CC could contribute to the development of DME.

Patients and methods

This research was conducted on 30 diabetic eyes with DME that no had therapy before, and 30 eyes without DME. The participants were over 18 years old and had clear media that allowed for accurate imaging.

Results

There was no significant difference in vascular density (VD) in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) between both groups that were analyzed. VD in both the CC and deep capillary plexus (DCP) had a substantial decline. A direct relationship exists between VD and age in the SCP of the DME groups. A negative connection was observed between VD and uncorrected visual acuity in the DCME groups. A significant connection appeared between the duration of VD and DME in the diabetic patients without macular edema subgroup of the study. A negative association was seen between the length of DM and VD in SCP, as well as between uncorrected visual acuity and CC.

Conclusion

OCTA showed decrease in VD in DCP and CC layers in presence of DME and the lowering of VD was more in CC layer than DCP. Using OCTA helps in understanding micro vascular changes in DME.
Role of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of painful ankle joint
Authors: Youssef Nada M.M.M. , Amin Mohamed A.M. , Elkholy Radwa M. , Nassar Ibrahim A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Ankle pain may originate from several intra-articular as well as extra-articular pathologies and can be triggered by a traumatic or nontraumatic incident.

Aim

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) about MRI in the evaluation of ankle joint pain.

Patients and methods

This prospective cross-sectional work was performed on 40 patients with clinical criteria of ankle pain (acute and chronic, traumatic and nontraumatic). All participants were subjected to US and MRI.

Results

Chronic left-sided nontraumatic ankle lesions were the most prevalent among our cases. The specificity, sensitivity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and accuracy of US (about MRI) to diagnose tendon disorders were (all) 100%, for Haglund deformity were (all) 50%, for tibiofibular ligament pathology, bone marrow edema, osteochondral defect of the talar dome and medullary aneurysmal bone cyst were (all) 0%, for anterior talofibular ligament pathology were 84.4, 100, 100, 93.1, and 95%, respectively, for joint effusion were 91, 100, 100, 70, and 93%, respectively, and for bone lesions were 18, 100, 100, 50, and 55%, respectively.

Conclusions

US and MRI are used for imaging evaluation of patients with ankle pain. US can be used as primary imaging investigation. MRI may be used to confirm the findings of US. However, it should be used as the first imaging modality in patients with marrow abnormality or deep-seated pathologies.
Effects of strabismus surgery on cornea
Authors: Mostafa Amr H.E. , Arafa Elsayed S. , Ali Ahmed L. , Shafik Heba M.
Published: January 2025

Background

Strabismus is a common disorder that is mostly treated surgically. Extraocular muscle surgery may induce refractive and corneal topographic changes.

Aim

To study the effect of horizontal strabismus surgery on corneal topography

Patients and methods

This prospective interventional randomized study was carried out on 20 patients aged from 5 to 30 years old diagnosed with horizontal strabismus who did not undergo any ocular surgery before. They were divided into four groups. We did lateral rectus recession in the first group, lateral rectus resection in the second group, medial rectus resection in the third group, and medial rectus recession in the fourth one. We compared the spherical equivalent and the corneal topographic parameters (K1, K2, the power and the axis of the astigmatism) preoperative, at 1 month postoperative, and at 6 month postoperative.

Results

There was myopic shift in the spherical equivalent in all groups and it was more significant after recession surgery. There was a statistically significant change in K1, K2, and astigmatism power after recession of medial and lateral recti muscles which persisted till the postoperative sixth month. The change after resection of medial and lateral recti muscles was insignificant. The change in the axis was insignificant in all groups.

Conclusions

Recession surgery of medial or lateral recti has more effect on refraction and corneal topography than resection. Horizontal strabismus surgeries induce a significant myopic shift in the spherical equivalent and do not induce a significant change in the axis.
Improved identification of multiple sclerosis brain lesions with three-dimensional double inversion recovery MRI
Authors: Elnagar Rehab M. , Ammar Alshimaa M. , Elaggan Ashraf M.
Published: January 2025

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that results in demyelination within the central nervous system, causing brain lesions and neurological dysfunction. Precise identification of these lesions is essential for proper diagnosis and management.

Aim

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of three-dimensional double inversion recovery (3D DIR) MRI in detecting MS brain lesions compared to two-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (2D FLAIR) and T2-weighted imaging (T2WI).

Patients and methods

A cross-sectional study involving 49 MS patients (21 patients with clinically suspected MS, 28 patients with remitting relapsing MS). MRI scans were performed using a standardized protocol, including 3D DIR, 2D FLAIR, and T2WI sequences. Lesion detection rates and regional lesion visibility were analyzed and compared.

Results

3D DIR MRI significantly improved lesion detection rates, identifying 19% more lesions than 2D FLAIR and 28% more than T2WI (P<0.001 for both). Regionally, 3D DIR MRI showed superior detection in the periventricular (13%, 23% higher), deep white matter (8%, 14% higher), juxtacortical (10%, 27% higher), intracortical (71%, 91% higher), and infratentorial (27%, 10% higher) regions compared to 2D FLAIR and T2WI, respectively (P<0.001 for all).

Conclusion

3D DIR MRI is more effective in detecting MS brain lesions than 2D FLAIR and T2WI, suggesting its integration into routine MS imaging protocols for better diagnostic accuracy.