bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Active Jupiter Family Comet 2008 QZ44: a Discovery with Citizen Science
Authors: Chandler Colin Orion , Oldroyd William J. , Trujillo Chadwick A. , Hsieh Henry H. , Sedaghat Nima , Kueny Jay K. , Burris William A. , DeSpain Jarod A. , Farrell Kennedy A. , Magbanua Mark Jesus Mendoza , Sheppard Scott S. , Mazzucato Michele T. , Bosch Milton K. D. , Shaw-Diaz Tiffany , Gonano Virgilio , Lamperti Al , da Silva Campos José A. , Goodwin Brian L. , Terentev Ivan A. , Dukes Charles J. A.
Published: December 2023

We report our discovery of cometary activity in the form of a diffuse tail associated with minor planet 2008 QZ44 during two previous orbits: 2008 and 2017. This finding was prompted in part by Active Asteroids, our Zooniverse-hosted NASA Partner Citizen Science program. Participants flagged two UT 2017 July 12 Dark Energy Camera images of 2008 QZ44 as active. Independently, our team identified activity in nine Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope MegaPrime images from UT 2008 November 20. During both apparitions 2008 QZ44 was near its perihelion passage. 2008 QZ44 has a Tisserand parameter with respect to Jupiter of 2.821, placing it in the Jupiter-family comet (JFC) class, and our dynamical integrations confirm this classification. JFCs contain primordial material that informs us about solar system evolution, and help us map the present-day volatile distribution. We note that 2008 QZ44 has previously been classified as a quasi-Hilda comet candidate.
Dust Properties of Comets Observed by Spitzer
Authors: Harker David E. , Wooden Diane H. , Kelley Michael S. P. , Woodward Charles E.
Published: December 2023

As comets journey into the inner solar system, they deliver particulates and volatile gases into their comae that reveal the most primitive materials in the solar system. Cometary dust particles provide crucial information for assessing the physicochemical conditions in the outer disk from which they formed. Compared to the volatiles and soluble organics, the refractory dust particles are more robust and may be traceable to other small bodies. Using data from the Spitzer Heritage Archive, we present thermal dust models of 57 observations of 33 comets observed spectroscopically with the NASA Spitzer Space Telescope. This comet spectral survey offers the opportunity to study comets with data from the same instrument, reduced by the same methods, and fitted by the same thermal model using the same optical constants. The submicron dust tends to be dominated by amorphous carbon, and the submicron silicate mass tends to be dominated by amorphous silicate materials. We discuss the implications of these findings as they relate to Mg-rich crystalline silicates, which are high-temperature condensates, as well as to potential ion irradiation of amorphous Mg:Fe silicates prior to their incorporation into comets. These results impact our understanding of the protoplanetary disk conditions of planetesimal formation. Lastly, we cannot definitively conclude that a distinct difference exists in the dust composition between the Oort cloud and Jupiter-family comet dynamical population as a whole.
Implications for China from the War in Ukraine: Comparison of the Western and Taiwanese Views
Authors: Feryna Jan , Kutěj Libor
Published: December 2023

The Russian decision to conduct a full-scale invasion of Ukraine changed our world forever. European states are actively considering an increase in defense expenditures and trying to learn from ongoing armed conflict. On the other hand, Europeans are not the only ones learning from this war. The most dangerous geopolitical rival of the US, China, is watching this conflict closely as well and trying to learn as much as possible for its Taiwan campaign not only in the military domain, but also in diplomatic, information, and economic domains. This paper discusses possible implications for China in these domains. The authors pay special attention to the military domain divided into two subdomains, air and naval. First, a review of the literature of the Western view is conducted. Then data from semi-structured interviews with Taiwanese experts are used to compare those two views and identify possible implications for China and especially the People 's Liberation Army on the Taiwan campaign. Those two views are overall similar with minor differences.
Association of Knee Osteoarthritis and Flexion Contracture With Localized Tibial Articular Cartilage Loss: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Campbell T. Mark , Laneuville Odette , Trudel Guy
Published: December 2023

Objective

To evaluate whether a knee flexion contracture (FC) was associated with localized tibial articular cartilage loss over a 1-year period using Osteoarthritis Initiative quantitative data.

Methods

Five hundred seventy-eight participants from a previously established nested case-control study of people with radiographic knee OA with or without progression, based on radiographs and symptoms, had their knee range of extension measured at baseline and received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and 1 year. The tibial articular cartilage of the medial and lateral condyles was segmented into anterior, center, and posterior regions. We tested for associations between knee FC (defined as lack of extension to 0°), and localized changes in tibial articular cartilage thickness or percent of denuded bone (0 mm thickness) after 1 year relative to baseline using ANOVA, controlling for baseline MRI outcomes and clinical factors.

Results

Knee FC was associated with denuded bone in the medial condyle center (β 0.44, 95% CI 0.02-0.86) and preserved cartilage thickness in the medial condyle posterior (β 0.01, 95% CI 0.002-0.03) regions.

Conclusion

Knee FC unloading the tibial center region and loading the posterior region was associated with localized articular cartilage loss centrally and preserved articular cartilage posteriorly. These findings are consistent with knee FC negatively affecting unloaded tibial articular cartilage.
Revenu de solidarité active : quelle philosophie ?
Authors: Hirsch Martin , Wargon Emmanuelle , Sarthou-Lajus Nathalie
Published: December 2023

Résumé Il y a vingt ans, le Revenu minimum d’insertion redéfinissait le contrat social dans le sens d’un effort de solidarité à l’égard des exclus du travail. Aujourd’hui, le Revenu de solidarité active a pour ambition de réconcilier la solidarité et le travail, pour faire face à de nouvelles situations de pauvreté et d’exclusion, dont l’accroissement des travailleurs pauvres.
Être une « aide-soignante familiale » en Corée du Sud : entre tradition et modernité
Authors: Oh Yoonji
Published: December 2023

Cet article a pour objectif d’appréhender, en Corée du Sud, l’impact des prestations monétaires de l’Assurance de soins de longue durée (ASLD) sur les aides-soignantes familiales (ASF) et de réfléchir au sens que revêt le cash-for-care dans une société en pleine mutation entre « tradition » et « modernité ». Nous avons effectué une analyse secondaire à partir des données d’entretiens qualitatifs avec les aidantes principales (belles-filles et filles) menés dans le cadre d’une recherche doctorale. S’appuyant sur les contextes coréens et les mécanismes de «  modernisation accompagnée du familialisme  » induits par la «  modernité comprimée  », l’article montre le vécu des ASF lié au cash-for-care concernant l’acquisition de compétences professionnelles, un fort sentiment de responsabilité, une relation ambiguë à la rémunération. Nous avons constaté que la rémunération versée aux ASF ne pourra pas facilement modifier le lien familial dans le contexte où des biens, des services ainsi que de l’hospitalité circulent au sein de la parenté. Compte tenu du fait que le travail de soin dans la sphère privée était auparavant invisible, devenir ASF satisfait à la fois aux normes traditionnelles, modernes et marchandes. Cependant, si l’obtention du diplôme d’AS permet une forme de reconnaissance, cela contribue à alourdir la tâche des ASF.
Madame Machin et Herr Dingsda : les anthroponymes indéfinis en français et en allemand
Authors: Balnat Vincent
Published: December 2023

Cet article est consacré aux anthroponymes indéfinis en français et en allemand. À la différence des autres types de noms propres de personnes, ces anthroponymes ne permettent pas à l’interlocuteur d’identifier clairement le référent. Après avoir montré le statut ambivalent des anthroponymes indéfinis, dont certaines caractéristiques rappellent la catégorie du nom commun, nous en présenterons les principaux types et emplois dans les deux langues. Nous en étudierons ensuite quelques aspects sémantiques, pragmatiques et syntaxiques ainsi que les principales fonctions dans l’interaction verbale.
Las lámparas de vidrio y portamechas localizados en contextos cristianos (siglos V-VII): los casos de Barcelona (Barcino) y Terrassa (Egara)
Authors: Beltrán de Heredia Bercero Julia , Garcia Llinares M. Gemma
Published: December 2023

En este artículo presentamos algunos testimonios arqueológicos de lámparas de vidrio y portamechas localizados en contextos de los siglos V-VII, en el grupo episcopal de Barcelona y en el de Egara (Terrassa). Asimismo, se aborda el significado que tenían las lámparas y la iluminación en los edificios de culto, su estatus y consideración a través de los textos escritos y el simbolismo teológico de la luz.
L’hagiographie est un genre introuvable
Authors: Goullet Monique
Published: December 2023

Cet ouvrage rassemble sous forme d'hommage onze articles écrits par Monique Goullet, choisis dans une bibliographie foisonnante. Latiniste renommée, Monique Goullet a consacré sa carrière scientifique à la littérature hagiographique du Moyen Âge qu'elle a contribué à rendre plus intelligible aux historiens. Après sa thèse sur le théâtre hagiographique de Hrotsvita de Gandersheim, elle a édité et traduit de nombreux textes, et a beaucoup œuvré, aux côtés de Michel Parisse, pour la défense et l'enseignement du latin médiéval à l'université. En 2005, elle a publié un ouvrage devenu classique, intitulé Écriture et réécriture hagiographiques : essai sur les réécritures de Vies de saints dans l'Occident latin médiéval (VIIIe-XIIIe s.), et elle a animé plusieurs recherches collectives et internationales. Parmi elles, la première étude et édition d'un des rares manuscrits hagiographiques du haut Moyen Âge conservés, le Légendier de Turin (2014).Les textes rassemblés ici sont représentatifs des grands chantiers scientifiques qu'elle a ouverts, à l'intersection de la philologie et de l'histoire : ils interrogent d'abord les liens entre l'hagiographie, le théâtre et la poésie latines ; ils permettent d'explorer l'hagiographie de l'espace lorrain au Moyen Âge central ; ils rappellent l'inscription de cette littérature dans un réseau intertextuel particulièrement dense. Enfin, ils invitent à une reprise ab ovo de la culture hagiographique mérovingienne, en étudiant les premiers manuscrits hagiographiques conservés en Occident. Tous témoignent de la richesse, de la rigueur et de la générosité avec lesquelles ces recherches ont été conduites ces trente dernières années.
Entre habitabilité et accessibilité au Bois de la Cambre
Authors: Schio Nicola da , Pelgrims Claire , Vandenbroucke Anneloes , Cincinnato Sebastiano
Published: December 2023

Il s’agit d’étudier les tensions qui existent entre accessibilité géographique et habitabilité urbaine à Bruxelles, en examinant le cas du Bois de la Cambre en tant que lieu de loisir et de passage. Nous nous intéressons d’abord aux 150 ans d’histoire de ce parc, avant de présenter une enquête exploratoire sur les préférences de la population en ce qui concerne l’aménagement du parc eu égard à la circulation automobile. L’étude fait apparaître une étroite corrélation entre cet aménagement et le mode de vie de chacun. Au fil de son histoire, l’aménagement du parc s’est fait surtout en réponse à des changements sociétaux d’ordre général au niveau des modes d’organisation de la vie des populations, plutôt qu’à un projet urbain explicite. De nos jours, les priorités exprimées par différents groupes de population pour l’aménagement du parc sont fonction de leur lieu de résidence, de leur mode de déplacement, de leur utilisation des espaces verts et de leur accès à ces derniers. Dans ce contexte, l’étude met en évidence la nécessité d’œuvrer autant à la mise en place d’autres solutions de mobilité concrètes qu’à l’élaboration de nouveaux imaginaires pour la ville et la mobilité.
Predicting Depression From Social Media Users by Using Lexicons and Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Selvaraj Santhi , Selva Nidhyananthan S.
Published: December 2023

Depression is one of the most common health issues among individuals. The rate of psychotic treatments is increasing day by day. Depression is created in many ways among the people, especially through work stress, financial burden, unemployment among the adults. Today, the emergence of social media into people's lives makes them expose their feelings and emotions on the social media platforms. The aim of this work is to predict the depressive features from social media users' comments by using machine learning techniques. Multinomial naïve bayes, non-linear support vector machine, and artificial neural network methods are used for classifying the features and comparing it using performance evaluation metrics and get the best classifier. This system includes data pre-processing, feature extraction, data splitting, classification, and performance evaluation. The results show that the proposed system has gradually improved performance accuracy. According to the results, ANN gives 99.19%, the best accuracy compared to other machine learning classifiers.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Involving Gliopathy
Authors: Haj-Khlifa Asmaa , El Ghachi Hafida , Oukhrib Mjid , Gamrani Halima , Bouyatas Moulay Mustapha
Published: December 2023

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease, causing death within two to five years following diagnosis. ALS is a disease characterized by motor neuron degeneration and destruction of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). To date, numerous genetic mutations have been associated with ALS, but the mutation in the gene coding for superoxide dismutase (SOD1) has been the most extensively studied. Nevertheless, studies carried out on rodent models and ALS patients have shown that damage to glial cells contributes directly to the development and progression of the disease. However, few studies have focused on the properties of glial cells in ALS. The accumulation of knowledge on the active role and pathological mechanisms of each glial type in the disease must be carefully applied to better understand the ALS pathophysiology, but also for the development of targeted therapy for glial cells. Therefore, in this chapter the authors aimed to compile the most recent information on how each type of glial cell contributes to the development of ALS.
Oligodendrogliopathy in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ben Maloui Abdelali , Tamegart Lahcen , Oukhrib Mjid , El Ghachi Hafida , Hamdan Youssef Ait , Soulimani Rachid , Gamrani Halima
Published: December 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which is characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration. Oligodendrocytes have an essential role in maintaining the integrity of myelin, the protective sheath that surrounds nerve fibers and is indispensable for efficient signal transmission. Nevertheless, in multiple sclerosis, oligodendrocytes become dysfunctional, leading to myelin deterioration and axonal degeneration. Recent research suggests that metabolic changes, including mitochondrial dysfunction and alterations in glucose and lipid metabolism, contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of MS. Mitochondrial dysfunction is observed in both immune cells and CNS oligodendrocytes of MS patients. Impaired mitochondrial function leads to energy deficits, affecting crucial processes such as impulse transmission and axonal transport, ultimately contributing to neurodegeneration. Understanding the complex relationship between these mechanisms is crucial to the development of an effective treatment for MS.
Hepatic Encephalopathy as a Gliopathy
Authors: El-Mansoury Bilal , El Hiba Omar , El Khiat Abdelaati , Soraia El Baz , Jayakumar Arumugam Radhakrishnan
Published: December 2023

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is defined as a wide spectrum of neuropsychiatric abnormalities caused by liver dysfunction (acute or chronic) and/or portal-systemic shunting. The histopathologic hallmark of HE is astrocyte swelling following acute liver failure (ALF) or the presence of the so-called Alzheimer type 2 astrocytosis under chronic liver disease. HE can be classified according to the undelaying cause into three types: type A as an essential component of acute liver failure, type B as a consequence of porto-systemic shunts in the absence of liver dysfunction, and type C in patients with liver cirrhosis and porto-systemic bypass. While ammonia, manganese, proinflammatory cytokines, and other precipitating factors play a role in the pathogenesis of HE, the exact mechanisms leading to the development of HE are not fully elucidated. This chapter provides a brief overview of HE with a focus on the mechanisms of AT2A.
Numerical Study of the Opening Angle Incidence in Michell-Banki Turbine’s Performance without Guide Blades
Authors: Capera Freddy Sotto , Marín Juan Gonzalo Ardila , Sandoval Camila Cerquera
Published: December 2023

Technologies that take advantage of alternative sources, such as Michell-Banki turbines, can improve electric power conditions in rural or non-interconnected areas with low environmental impact, but they need to be further studied to better understand their phenomenology and ways to increase their performance. The numerical evaluation of rotors under specific operating conditions results in efficiency curves for the evaluated prototypes such that devices that take full advantage of the flow conditions of a given location are proposed. Considering the above, the main objective of this work was to design the rotor and the injector of a Michell-Banki turbine and to evaluate it numerically for the conditions of 0.24 m3/s and 18 m of head available at a point with potential energy use in the irrigation district Canal Iguá in Huila - Colombia. The design was made following OLADE recommendations, and the simulations were made utilizing computational fluid dynamics, the k- ω turbulence model was used and the torque was monitored, then the GCI and TCI were calculated to establish the numerical uncertainty of the results. Finally, the numerical curves of efficiency versus rotor speed were created. Both the design and simulation results show that the design is feasible for the operating conditions and meets the expectations of serving for the installation of a 20 kW micro-hydroelectric power plant at the site, but the design predicted an atypically high 86.3% efficiency, while the simulation reported an atypically low 51.8%, being 78% the average reported according to OLADE.
Comparison of the safety and efficacy of Mitomycin C 0.02% used intra-operatively by subconjunctival injection versus direct scleral application using sponges in phacotrabeculectomy: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Agarwal Nidhi , Krishna Thuhin S , Simha R Arathi , Braganza Andrew D , Gowri Mahasampath , Abraham Lekha M
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

To compare the safety and efficacy of subconjunctival injection (MMC: 0.02%) to those with subconjunctival application of sponges soaked in Mitomycin C (MMC: 0.02%) intra-operatively in patients who underwent phacotrabeculectomy.

Methods:

A total of 68 patients undergoing phacotrabeculectomy were randomized into two groups; the sponge group received 0.02% MMC-soaked sponges (n = 38), and the injection group received subconjunctival injection of 0.02% MMC (n = 30). The primary outcome was post-operative mean intra-ocular pressure reduction (IOP). The secondary outcomes were bleb morphology using Indiana Bleb Appearance Grading Score (IBAGS) and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), post-operative use of 5-fluorouracil, and complications rates. These were compared at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months post-operatively. Complete success was defined as ≥30% reduction in IOP without anti-glaucoma medications.

Results:

In sponge and injection groups, the mean pre-operative IOP was 29.1 ± 8.1 and 29.8 ± 8.8 mmHg, respectively. At 6 months, IOP in sponge and injection groups reduced by 52% (14 ± 3.6 mmHg, P < 0.001) and 50% (15.2 ± 4.1 mmHg, P < 0.001), respectively. Complete success was observed in 90.9% in the sponge group and 95.83% in the injection group. Both groups had diffuse, shallow, relatively avascular blebs at 6 months using IBAGS and AS-OCT. A few complications were seen in the sponge group during this period, which were not vision-threatening.

Conclusion:

Subconjunctival MMC injection is an effective, safe, convenient, and time-saving alternative to sponge-soaked delivery of MMC in phacotrabeculectomy.
Structure–function relationship and diagnostic value of macular ganglion cell complex measurement using Fourier-domain OCT in glaucoma
Authors: Dhabarde Kavita A , Kende Rohit P , Rahul Nisha V , Surabhi  , Nangare Aditi R
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

To evaluate the relationship between visual function and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness measured by Fourier–domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and evaluate the diagnostic value of GCC measurement compared to retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and macular thickness in detecting early, moderate, and severe glaucomas.

Methods:

Subjects underwent standard automated perimetry (SAP), OCT imaging with optic nerve head mode and GCC mode. The relationship between OCT parameters (mean GCC thickness, mean RNFL thickness, and macular thickness) and perimetry global indices (mean deviation [MD] and pattern standard deviation [PSD]) was evaluated by regression analysis. Diagnostic values of mean RNFL thickness, GCC parameters, and macular thickness were compared with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC).

Results:

A total of 84 eyes, 42 of each normal and primary open-angle glaucoma patients were included in the study. Compared with linear models, second-order polynomial models better described relationships between GCC thickness and MD (P < 0.001), and between GCC thickness and PSD (P = 0.00). RNFL parameter, inferior RNFL thickness had the highest AUC for detecting early glaucoma. The AUC of mean GCC thickness for early glaucoma was higher than that of mean RNFL; however, the difference was not significant (P = 0.09), which was higher than that of macular thickness.

Conclusion:

The relationship between visual field (VF) sensitivity and GCC thickness is best expressed by the curvilinear function. Macular GCC thickness and RNFL thickness showed similar diagnostic values but were better than macular thickness for detecting early glaucoma but inferior to macular thickness and RNFL thickness for detecting moderate glaucoma.
Sensitivity of Vestibular System to Sounds
Authors: Emami Seyede Faranak
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims:

All vestibular organs (saccule, utricle, and semicircular canals) had sound sensitivity to loud low-frequency tones (LFT). The sensitivity of the vestibular system to sounds (SVSS) can be measured by cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs). This study aims to investigate the contribution of the human vestibular system to auditory processing.

Materials and Methods:

The research was conducted in 2022–2023 by searching English language databases. The criterion for selecting documents was their overlap with the aim of this work. The animal studies were not included.

Principal Results:

The saccule is the only organ of the vestibular system that responds to sounds transmitted through the air and bone-conducted pathways. While the utricle and semicircular canals are only stimulated by vibrations that are transferred through the bone conduction. Due to the greater SVSS that is transmitted through the bone, it can cause false air-bone gaps in pure tone audiograms with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. The SVSS can also increase with auditory training and listening/speaking practice.

Major Conclusions:

The SVSS may improve ipsilateral acoustic reflex thresholds of the middle ears to 500HZ. The afferent nerve fibers of the vestibular system are extended to auditory bundles and cooperate to the building of auditory brainstem responses to air-conducted LFT. The afferent fibers also project to the frontal, parietal, temporal, insula, and cingulate cortex. The SVSS can be effective in neural synchronization of the central auditory system; it cooperates to the discrimination of the human voice pitch and music rhythm. The SVSS can enhance the perception/production of self-voice and self-other-voice mechanisms in deaf people and normal-hearing persons. The cVEMPs should be done in routine assessments of all patients with hearing impairments. Finally, the human vestibular system contributes to auditory processing.
Vertical Integration of Teaching–Learning Methods for Clinical Tests of Hearing with the Physiology of Hearing: A Proposed Curriculum Improvisation Model for Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors: Raj Poonam , Dey Deepanjan , Surya Naman
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Early clinical exposure (ECE) is a tried and tested attempt in teaching-learning methods (TLMs) to achieve the goal of integrating basic sciences with clinical methods and helps in creating competent clinicians for health-care delivery system. Vertical integration of basic sciences with clinical subjects, which improves problem-based learning, has met with considerable success. However, there is no ECE module for otology in the 1st-year physiology curriculum at present. Clinical skills training in otology is conventionally imparted only during the initial phase of final MBBS. Hence, there is a large time gap between learning the physiology of hearing and the actual implementation of that knowledge during learning clinical of assessment of hearing. The present study tested vertical integration of knowledge of physiology of hearing with clinical knowledge of assessment of hearing with the intention to achieve certain expected outcomes like better clinical skills in students, faculty development, overall improvement in the quality of management of patients with hearing loss, and the long-term and far-reaching positive impact on the community as a whole.

Materials and Methods:

150 undergraduate 3rd year students of a medical college participated in the study. They were divided into two groups of 75 each. Pilot tested validated pretest questionnaires were offered to both the groups before intervening with the TLM. Group “A” was exposed to the vertical integration module, while Group “B” served as a control. Thereafter, Group “A” and “B” were further subdivided into five smaller groups each and a 60-min tutorial on tests of hearing was conducted for each of the small groups. Pilot tested validated posttest questionnaires were then offered to both the groups. Finally, feedback on the intervention was obtained through a pilot tested validated feedback form based on a five-point Likert scale from all participants.

Results:

The results showed that vertical integration promotes interaction among faculty from different departments and improves decision making abilities when designing and implementing appropriate TLM. It also improves learning outcomes among students by identifying the exact need for curriculum development and designing and testing an appropriate module for a particular task at hand.

Conclusion:

Competency-based medical education is the need of the hour and ECE is the most important step toward this. Appropriate vertical integration of various topics across all subjects is a long drawn out and time consuming task. However, by consistent inter-departmental faculty interaction and enthusiastic approach toward curriculum designing and development, the overall goal of training a medical graduate for transiting into an asset to the society seems achievable.
Assessment of Quality of Life in Patients with Balance Disorders Using Vertigo Symptom Scale–Short Form and Dizziness Handicap Inventory
Authors: Aamir Syed , Mohan Deekshith Raj
Published: December 2023

Background:

Dizziness is a common complaint presenting in general practice of ears, nose, and throat (ENT). Vertigo constitutes approximately 54% of cases of dizziness. This study aims at evaluating balance disorders with the aid of Vertigo Symptom Scale and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) to assess the quality of life in patients.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was carried out on subjects that presented with complaints of vertigo to the ENT indoor patient department and outpatient department at the Yenepoya Medical College Hospital in Mangalore. Patients with known case of head injury, cardiovascular disease, seizure, and cervical spondylosis were excluded from the study. The patients were assessed for Vertigo Symptom Scale- Short Form vertigo balance subscale score (VSS-sf-V), Vertigo Symptom Scale-Short form autonomic anxiety subscale score (VSS-sf-A)and DHI questionnaire. Data obtained were recorded into MS Excel work sheets, and statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 23 program running on windows operating system. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 49 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included, with a mean age of 44.16 ± 11.78 years, and among them, 25 were male and 24 were female patients. Diabetes was observed in 6.1% (n = 3), while 14.3% (n = 7) had diabetes and hypertension. Nearly 73.5% (n = 36) of the participants had no comorbidities. There was a significant association between complaints and DHI with P = 0.001. Whereas, there was no association between comorbidities and DHI with P = 0.334.

Conclusion:

The present study evaluated the participants based on Vertigo Symptom Scale–Short Form and DHI to assess the impact of vertigo on quality of life. The study showed a good utility of these questionnaires in assessing the quality of life.
Role of Narrow-band Imaging in Visualizing the Vascularity of Tympanic Membrane in Otitis Media Using Vascular Otoendoscopy Score: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sharma Komal , Patnaik Uma , Raj Poonam , Singh Kamal Preet
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

The victorious healing of the tympanic membrane (TM) primarily depends upon the adequate blood supply to the affected part of the TM. Magnifying narrow-band imaging (NBI) is a new technique used to improve the visualization of the vascularity status of perforated TM. However, search of peer-reviewed Indian literature revealed a lack of consensus on this. To improve the understanding of this subject in this study, magnifying NBI and conventional white light were compared using Vascular Otoendoscopy Score (VOS) which is a subjective scoring system used for evaluation of the degree of vascularization.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted using NBI and white light videoendoscopy to visualize TM vascularity in 100 otitis media (OM) and 100 normal TMs. Grading of vascularity was done using VOS in both arms and compared.

Results:

Our study revealed a score of 1.4 ± 0.71 on white light and 1.72 ± 0.45 on NBI as a reference in cases with OM and a score of 1.68 ± 0.46 on white light and 1.96 ± 0.19 on NBI can be taken as a reference for a normal TM.

Conclusion:

NBI has the advantage of better visualization of the vascularity status of TM and thus can potentially complement the white light examination for the prediction of better surgical outcomes.
A Comparative Study of Endoscopic and Microscopic Tympanoplasties Using Temporalis Fascia Graft
Authors: Rout Manas Ranjan , Laxmi P. S. V. S. , Ijju Hemanth , Gedela Keerthi Varma
Published: December 2023

Background:

Chronic otitis media (COM) is a widespread disease in developing countries. Tympanoplasty is one of the common procedures in otorhinolaryngology for the treatment of COM. It can be done using microscope or endoscope. Present study is a comparison between these two techniques.

Aims and Objectives:

1. Comparing the graft take-up rate between endoscopic and microscopic tympanoplasties. 2. Comparing the hearing result in microscopic and endoscopic tympanoplasties. 3. Comparing the operation time and postoperative complications.

Materials and Methods:

100 patients were studied, out of which 50 were operated with microscope and 50 with endoscope. Patients were selected randomly from the ENT department.

Results:

Study shows that 50 patients were operated with endoscope and 50 were with microscope. The graft take-up rate is slightly higher in the endoscopic group in comparison to the microscopic group, i.e., 94% in the microscopic group and 96% in the endoscopic group. The endoscopic group has hearing improvement of average 17.4 dB as compared to the microscopic group (average 15.57 dB) postoperatively. A paired t-test shows P = 0.0001 (significant). Postoperative pain is more with the microscopic group. Clarity of vision is good with the endoscopic group.

Conclusion:

Hence, in our study, endoscopic tympanoplasty is better than microscopic tympanoplasty. But further study has to be done to identify the fact.
Otologist's Perspective of Recurrent Meningitis
Authors: Marfatia Hetal , Sahai Anoushka , Gaikwad Ashwinikumar , Dhuppad Surbhi
Published: December 2023

Objectives:

Congenital cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks of the ear can be a potential cause of recurrent meningitis. Diagnosing the otogenic cause can be a challenge due to the spectrum of presentations. We aim at studying the various modes of presentation, radiology, and intraoperative findings of such CSF leaks.

Methodology:

This was a retrospective study of six patients of recurrent meningitis. Detailed history and clinical signs were noted. Audiometry was done. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the paranasal sinus and high-resolution CT of the temporal bone were done. CT cisternography was done for confirmation. Magnetic resonance brain was done in the immediate postmeningitic phase when CT cisternography is contraindicated. All the cases were explored surgically to identify and repair the site of the leak.

Results:

One had unilateral deafness and five had bilateral deafness. Two had incomplete partition (IP)-I deformity and four had IP-II. Surgical exploration revealed the leak site as only oval window in three patients and both round and oval windows in two.

Conclusion:

Otorhinology consultation is a must for all cases of recurrent meningitis. It is important to pick up subtle clinical signs for diagnosis. Multiple leak sites should be anticipated in such cases intra-operatively.
Saudi consensus guidance for the management of inflammatory bowel disease during pregnancy
Authors: Azzam Nahla A. , Almutairdi Abdulelah , Almudaiheem Hajer Y. , AlAmeel Turki , Bakkari Shakir A. , Alharbi Othman R. , Alenzi Khalidah A. , AlMolaiki Maha A. , Al-Omari Bedor A. , Albarakati Rayan G. , Al-Jedai Ahmed H. , Saadah Omar I. , Almadi Majid A. , Al-Bawardy Badr , Mosli Mahmoud H.
Published: December 2023

The management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in pregnant women is challenging and must be addressed on a patient-by-patient basis. Optimal patient management requires a multidisciplinary team and clear evidence-based recommendations that cater to this subset of patients. In this article, we provide concise guidelines and clinical care pathway for the management of IBD in pregnant women. Our recommendations were developed by a multidisciplinary working group that includes experts from the Saudi Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Saudi Gastroenterology Association and the Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacology. All recommendations are based on up-to-date information following an extensive literature review. A total of 23 evidence-based expert opinion recommendations for the management of IBD in pregnant women are herein provided.
Cardiovascular effects of diluted intracameral combination of 0.02% tropicamide, 0.31% phenylephrine, and 1% lidocaine during phacoemulsification to manage intraoperative miosis
Authors: Ghai Ashwani Kumar , Bali Jatinder , Sethi Nikita , Rajaure Surakshya , Sarkar Salman
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE:

Intracameral mydriatic agents (ICMAs) are replacing the conventional method of topical mydriasis for its fast action and no need for repeated instillation before cataract surgery. Its application for the management of intraoperative miosis needs to be studied with different doses of mydriatic agent. The objective of the study is to study cardiovascular effects of diluted intracameral combination of 0.02% tropicamide, 0.31% phenylephrine, and 1% lidocaine during phacoemulsification to manage intraoperative miosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study was conducted at Mojiram Lions Eye Hospital Akbarpur Majra village, Palla Bakhtawarpur Road, Delhi, during the year 2021–2022 after taking approval from the Ethical Committee of the hospital. Patients undergoing cataract surgery who were not dilated adequately during the preoperative period or developed intraoperative miosis were managed by injecting diluted intracameral combination of 0.02% tropicamide, 0.31% phenylephrine, and 1% lidocaine (phenocaine plus). 0.5 ml of phenocaine plus was diluted with 1.5 ml of ringer lactate solution and 0.50 ml of this solution was injected intracameral and its effect on pulse rate, blood pressure (BP), and oxygen saturation were monitored continuously on pulse oximeter.

RESULTS:

There was no statistically significant effect of diluted ICMA (Phenocaine Plus) on diastolic BP and oxygen saturation. However, systolic BP showed a little change from mean of 133.78 (standard deviation [SD] =16.04) mmHg to 133.92 (SD = 15.33) mmHg which was statistically significant but clinically not significant. Pulse rate increased slightly from mean 76.46 per minutes (SD = 15.14) to 79.40 (SD = 14.95) at 10 s and 76.49 (SD = 15.15) at 60 s. The difference was again statistically significant but clinically insignificant.

CONCLUSION:

Low concentration of intracameral combination of 0.02% tropicamide, 0.31% phenylephrine, and 1% lidocaine is a very safe and effective method for the management of intraoperative miosis.
Harnessing the Power of Ensemble Machine Learning for the Heart Stroke Classification
Authors: Pal Purnima , Nandal Manju , Dikshit Srishti , Thusu Aarushi , Vikram Singh Harsh
Published: December 2023

A heart stroke, also known as a myocardial infarction or heart attack, is a critical medical condition that arises when there is an obstruction in the coronary arteries that provide blood to the heart muscles. This blockage results in a diminished flow of blood and oxygen to a specific area of the heart. This abrupt interruption initiates a gradual sequence of heart muscle damage, which can lead to varying degrees of functional impairment. The severity of these impairments is primarily determined by the precise location of the heart muscle affected. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to identify the warning signs and symptoms of a stroke as soon as possible. This is the objective of this paper is to early recognition and prompt action can significantly improve the chances of a healthy and fulfilling life following a stroke. In this research work, the Stroke dataset is pre-processed and on pre-processed dataset machine learning and ensemble machine learning techniques were employed to develop and assess several models aimed at creating a stable framework for predicting the enduring stroke risk. And various matrices like accuracy, F1 score, ROC, precision, and recall are calculated. Among all models, AdaBoost model demonstrated exceptional performance validated through multiple metrics, including Precision, AUC, recall, accuracy, and F1-measure. The results underscored superiority of the AdaBoost classification method, achieving an impressive Accuracy of 99%. AdaBoost model may serve as a stable framework for predicting enduring stroke risk, emphasizing its potential utility in clinical settings for identifying individuals at higher risk of experiencing a stroke.
„Bracia czy obcy”. Słowiańscy muzułmanie jako „Turcy” i „poturczeńcy” na północno-zachodnich Bałkanach
Authors: Maslo Amer , Muhedinović Ajdin
Published: December 2023

“Brothers or the Others”: Slavic Muslims as “Turks” and “Turned-Turks” in the North-Western Balkans

The end of the 18th century, the whole 19th century, and the beginning of the 20th century in the South Slavic region were accompanied by the emergence and strong activity of national movements. The Muslim population from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro appeared as problematic in the processes related to the activities of national movements, as they – on the one hand – represented the “Slavic brothers”, while – on the other hand – represented the loyal subjects of the Ottoman Empire and shared their religion with the enemy, and from that perspective, were characterized as “hateful and evil Turks”. This paper traces the actualization, usage and its continuity of the terms “Turks” and “Turned-Turks” for the stereotypical depiction of the Slavic Muslims in the north-western Balkans.
Front bałkański wojny rosyjsko-tureckiej 1877–1878 w publikacjach warszawskiego dziennika „Kurjer Warszawski”
Authors: Rubacha Jarosław
Published: December 2023

The Balkan Front of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878 in the publications of the Warsaw daily “Kurjer Warszawski” The Russo-Turkish war of 1877–1878 is an important element of the international relations in the 19th century, which not only constituted the rivalry between great powers to expand or secure spheres of influence, but also brought about a significant transformation of the political map of the European continent in its south-eastern part. The war, waged under the banner of the “cross against the crescent” slogan, was perceived with optimism by the Balkan nations experiencing Turkish rule, nevertheless they interpreted the Berlin Treaty ending this conflict as an attempt to limit their national goals. These issues, important from the point of view of European politics, were closely followed by the only mass medium of the time – the press. One of the newspapers that commented on the war in the Balkans was the daily newspaper “Kurjer Warszawski” that was being published in Warsaw from 1821, whose editors did not limit themselves to presenting agency reports, but also made successful attempts to critically analyze the situation at that time. Therefore, the newspaper appears to us as an interesting source of information about the events taking place in the Balkans.
„Dopóki nie odrzucimy wszystkich śladów niewolnictwa”. Repetycyjność polityki państwa bułgarskiego wobec Pomaków
Authors: Dobrev Petar
Published: December 2023

“Until we discard all traces of slavery.” Repetitiveness of the Bulgarian State’s Policy towards the Pomaks

The new Bulgarian state, which reappeared on the map of Europe in 1878, was inhabited by a multiethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural population. The unification of the national structure was treated as an important task being faced by the authorities in Sofia. Part of this demographic mosaic were Pomaks – Bulgarian-speaking Muslims whose number in the country increased after the Balkan War. Compared to the policies of other Balkan countries, Bulgaria had a relatively tolerant attitude towards Muslims, who were mostly Turks. The Pomaks were perceived by the state as Bulgarians who had cut themselves off from their ancestors. This attitude led to repeated waves of state repression throughout the 20th century, including the period of socialism. The article attempts to trace actions taken by the Bulgarian state to separate Pomaks from the Muslim tradition, which – although unsuccessful – left serious wounds in the historical memory of both Christians and Muslims.
Proces w Sarajewie w 1983 roku na tle sytuacji politycznej i społecznej Jugosławii lat 80. XX wieku
Authors: Sokulski Mateusz
Published: December 2023

The 1983 Sarajevo Trial and the socio-political situation in Yugoslavia of the 1980s

The text presents the trial of the Muslim intellectuals that took place in Sarajevo in 1983. They were put on trial due to the political pressure of the League of Communists of Bosnia and Herzegovina and then sentenced to harsh and long imprisonment. The article presents activity of the sentenced intellectuals, social attitudes of the republic’s citizens, and general decay among the communist leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina, widely considered to be the most dogmatic in comparison to the other Yugoslav republics.
Blockchain and Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Goods
Authors: Giannoulis Vissarion , Kapellakou Galatea
Published: December 2023

Blockchain could be used as a mechanism to certify the provenance and movements of cultural goods and contribute to the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural property. By strengthening the traceability of cultural goods, blockchain can simplify due diligence requirements and facilitate prosecution and convictions for all the relevant offences of illicit trafficking in cultural goods. However, such an impact is necessarily tempered due to the specificity of this kind of illicit trafficking, as well as the technical and conceptual constraints of the blockchain itself. Even though blockchain in its current form cannot overcome the legal obstacles which hamper the efficacy of the fight against illicit trafficking, such as the lack of harmonization of legal systems, its value in this area should not be dismissed altogether. An overview of the relevant international and European norms, highlighted using national law examples, reveals the complementary role that blockchain can have in this field, not only in terms of best practices but also in terms of an increased visibility for cultural goods and their international movement.
Cultural Heritage Rights and Rights Related to Cultural Heritage: A Review of the Cultural Heritage Rights System
Authors: Guangyu Ding
Published: December 2023

Previous decades have witnessed the widespread use of human rights discourses in explaining cultural heritage issues. The content of the cultural heritage right (a term used interchangeably with “right to cultural heritage” in this text), and the relationship between cultural heritage and human rights are diversely demonstrated in international cultural heritage instruments and previous studies. Some of them may overlap or even contradict each other, causing confusion about the relevant concepts. This article aims to answer the twin question: What is the relationship between the “right to cultural heritage” and “rights related to cultural heritage”, which together comprise the cultural heritage rights system? The main feature of cultural heritage is its spiritual significance, which constitutes the basis of the human right to cultural heritage. The core content of the right to cultural heritage is the right to enjoy the intangible value of; meaning of; and interests inherent in cultural heritage. The holder of the right to cultural heritage is “everyone” – a concept so vague that it results in the intractable tension between the right and the rights of states, communities, individuals, Indigenous peoples, humanity as a whole, and so on. “Rights related to cultural heritage”, which are not cultural heritage rights per se, include public participation rights, the right to education, ownership rights, the rights to a livelihood, development, human dignity, equality, and other basic human rights. Some of them may promote the right to cultural heritage, while some may conflict with or limit the same right.