bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical and Interventional Management of Complications Caused by Pancreatitis
Authors: Stecca Tommaso , Pauletti Bruno , Bonariol Luca , Caratozzolo Ezio , Battistella Enrico , Zilio Silvia , Massani Marco
Published: April 2021

Acute pancreatitis has a broad clinical spectrum: from mild, self-limited disease to fulminant illness resulting in multi-organ failure leading to a prolonged clinical course with up to 30% mortality in case of infected necrosis. Management of local complications such as pseudocysts and walled-off necrosis may vary from clinical observation to interventional treatment procedures. Gram negative bacteria infection may develop in up to one-third of patients with pancreatic necrosis leading to a clinical deterioration with the onset of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome and organ failure. When feasible, an interventional treatment is indicated. Percutaneous or endoscopic drainage approach are the first choices. A combination of minimally invasive techniques (step-up approach) is possible in patients with large or multiple collections. Open surgical treatment has been revised both in the timing and in the operating modalities in the last decades. Since 1990s, the surgical treatment of infected necrosis shifted to a more conservative approach. Disruption of the main pancreatic duct is present in up to 50% of patients with pancreatic fluid collections. According to the location along the Wirsung, treatment may vary from percutaneous drainage, endoscopic retrograde pancreatography with sphincterectomy or stenting to traditional surgical procedures. Patients may suffer from vascular complications in up to 23% of cases. Tissue disruption provoked by lipolytic and proteolytic enzymes, iatrogenic complications during operative procedures, splenic vein thrombosis, and pseudoaneurysms are the pathophysiological determinants of bleeding. Interventional radiology is the first line treatment and when it fails or is not possible, an urgent surgical approach should be adopted. Chylous ascites, biliary strictures and duodenal stenosis are complications that, although uncommon and transient, may have different treatment modalities from non-operative, endoscopic to open surgery.
The Dynamic m6A Epitranscriptome in Glioma Stem Cell Plasticity and Function
Authors: Karambizi David , Tapinos Nikos
Published: April 2021

Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the most aggressive tumors of the central nervous system. The current standard-of-care includes maximal resection followed by chemotherapy, radiation and more recently, tumor treating fields (TTFs). Despite this multimodal approach, glioblastoma remains refractory to therapy. Glioblastoma resistance, recurrence and malignancy are believed to be driven by a subpopulation of glioma stem cells (GSCs) within the tumor bulk which are characterized by the retention of self-renewal potential as well as the capacity to recapitulate tumor heterogeneity. Within the dynamic intratumoral niche, GSCs demonstrate a high degree of cellular plasticity, reversibly interconverting between stem-like states and more differentiated states as a result of environmental cues/signaling fluctuations. Such plastic adaptive properties are mostly driven by multiple dynamic, reversible epigenetic modifications. We posit that reversible post-transcriptional methylation of RNA transcripts at the m6A position may be one such regulatory mechanism employed by GSCs to efficiently maintain plasticity and adaptive phenotypic transitions. In this section, we discuss the concept of cellular plasticity, introduce dynamic m6a epitranscriptomic mechanisms as potential key regulators of GSC plasticity and finally propose epigenetic based therapeutics as a mean of attenuating glioblastoma plasticity to improve patient outcome.
Safety Review of Herbs and Supplements in Heart Disease, Diabetes, and COVID-19
Authors: Vieira-Brock Paula
Published: April 2021

Usage of supplements has increased dramatically this last decade. From herbs to vitamins and mineral, consumers are interested in improving health, self-treatment and preventing diseases. Often using information from the internet to self-prescribe, many consumers believe that natural products are safe, while many others avoid using these products because of the lack of an approval process by health officials in many countries. Herbs and other supplements including proteins, vitamins and minerals provide significant benefits to health. The lack of guidance from health professionals however can be problematic. When combined with drugs and disease, herbs can interact and cause side effects. Some of the steps to evaluate the safe use of supplements is to know their mechanism of action, clinical effect, and consumers’ medical history. For example, an herb that induces liver enzymes will reduce the effect of a drug that is metabolized by these same enzymes. This can be life threating if the patient depends on this drug for normal function. Based on drug-herb interaction experience and literature review, this book chapter provides insights into safe use of echinacea, licorice, turmeric, and black seed in patients with heart disease, diabetes, and COVID-19.
From Targeted Quantification to Untargeted Metabolomics
Authors: Lelli Veronica , Belardo Antonio , Maria Timperio Anna
Published: April 2021

Metabolomics is an emerging and rapidly evolving technology tool, which involves quantitative and qualitative metabolite assessments science. It offers tremendous promise for different applications in various fields such as medical, environmental, nutrition, and agricultural sciences. Metabolomic approach is based on global identification of a high number of metabolites present in a biological fluid. This allows to characterize the metabolic profile of a given condition and to identify which metabolites or metabolite patterns may be useful in the discrimination between different groups. The use of one mass spectrometry (MS) platform from targeted quantification to untargeted metabolomics will make more efficient workflows in many fields and should allow projects to be more easily undertaken and realized. Metabolomics can be divided into non-targeted and targeted. The first one can analyze metabolites derived from the organisms comprehensively and systematically, so it is an unbiased metabolomics analysis that can discover new biomarkers. Targeted metabolomics, on the other hand, is the study and analysis of specific metabolites. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and are often used in combination for discovery and accurate weight determination of differential metabolites, and allow in-depth research and analysis of subsequent metabolic molecular markers. Targeted and non-targeted metabolomics are involved in food identification, disease research, animal model verification, biomarker discovery, disease diagnosis, drug development, drug screening, drug evaluation, clinical plant metabolism and microbial metabolism research. The aim of this chapter is to highlight the versatility of metabolomic analysis due to both the enormous variety of samples and the no strict barriers between quantitative and qualitative analysis. For this purpose, two examples from our group will be considered. Using non-targeted metabolomics in opposite Antarctic cryptoendolytic communities exposed to the sun, we revealed specific adaptations. Instead, through the targeted metabolomics applied to the urine during childbirth, we identified a different distribution of specific metabolites and the metabolic differences allowed us to discriminate between the two phases of labor, highlighting the metabolites most involved in the discrimination. The choice of these two approaches is to highlight that metabolomic analysis can be applied to any sample, even physiologically and metabolomically very distant, as can be microorganisms living on Antarctic rocks and biological fluids such as urine.
Different Therapeutic Strategies to Tackle the Infection Associated with COVID-19
Authors: Sharma Meemansha , Uttam Singh Thakur , Cholenahalli Lingaraju Madhu , Parida Subhashree
Published: April 2021

Covid-19 is a pandemic and the whole world is facing the loss in terms of morbidity and mortality of the human resources. Therefore, there is an urgent need for various therapeutic agents or drugs to treat the covid-19 patients. Although, vaccination process is under way, it is not possible to provide the vaccination to whole world in a short period. Therefore, it is an essential strategy to work on the various therapeutic aspects of covid-19 treatment. The present book chapter will discuss and review the various aspects of the treatment strategies of the covid-19. Further, we will provide an overview of the virus and host based potential therapeutic targets along with existing therapeutics which are effective against SARS-CoV-2 virus. Also, the novel vaccines are being developed against covid-19 deadly virus will be discussed.
Combined Administration of Stem Cells and Photobiomodulation on Wound Healing in Diabetes
Authors: Bayat Mohammad , Chien Sufan
Published: April 2021

Wound healing is an active and compound biological course which can be divided into four steps: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Diabetes mellitus induces weakened wound healing by disturbing one or more of the biological functions of these steps. Diabetic foot ulcers result from the simultaneous action of multiple disturbing causes. Mesenchymal stem cells, especially autologous ones, are easily accessible with noninvasive methods and have been shown to provide a regenerative microenvironment at wound sites. Despite current knowledge, major hurdles remain to be overcome in order to achieve effective therapeutic effects. Photobiomodulation is the use of light to reduce pain and inflammation and stimulate healing and the proliferation of stem cells, which would be very useful in increasing stem cell function and in regenerative medicine. The current study analyzes the results of studies using separate and combined administrations of stem cells and photobiomodulation on diabetic wound healing in patients and animal models. We hypothesize that the combined application of photobiomodulation and stem cells will accelerate the repair process and assist the healing of foot ulcers in diabetes mellitus patients.
Ultrasonic Processing of Si and SiGe for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Nadtochiy Andriy , Podolian Artem , Korotchenkov Oleg , Schlosser Viktor
Published: April 2021

The usage of power ultrasound for sonochemical processing of Si wafers and thin layers of amorphous Si and SiGe alloys is described. Over the last decade different industries have become increasingly drawn to sonochemistry because it provides a green and clean alternative to conventional technologies, particular in the areas of processing of silicon-based materials for photovoltaic applications. Two techniques related to ultrasonic cleaning of Si wafers and sonochemical modification of Si, SiGe and a-Si/SiGe surfaces in hydrocarbon solutions of chloroform (CHCl3) and dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) are discussed. The occurrence of cavitation and bubble implosion is an indispensable prerequisite for ultrasonic cleaning and surface processing as it is known today. The use of higher ultrasonic frequencies to expand the range of ultrasonic cleaning and processing capabilities is emphasized. Although exact mechanisms of an improved photoelectric behavior of Si-based structures subjected to power ultrasound are not yet clarified in many cases, the likely scenarios behind the observed photovoltaic performances of Si, SiGe and a-Si/SiGe surfaces are proposed to involve the surface chemistry of oxygen and hydrogen molecules as well hydrocarbon chains.
Highway PC Bridge Inspection by 3.95 MeV X-Ray/Neutron Source
Authors: Uesaka Mitsuru , Dobashi Katsuhiro , Mitsuya Yuki , Yang Jian , Kusano Joichi
Published: April 2021

We have developed portable 950 keV/3.95 MeV X-ray/neutron sources and applied them to inspection of PC concrete thicker than 200 mm within reasonable measuring time of seconds - minutes. T-girder-, Box- and slab- bridges are considered. Now we are to start X-ray transmission inspection for highway PC bridge (box) by using 3.95 MeV X-ray sources in Japan in 2020. By obtaining X-ray transmission images of no-grout-filling in PC sheath and thinning of PC wires, we plan to carry out numerical structural analysis to evaluate the degradation of strength. Finally, we are going to propose a technical guideline of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of PC bridges by taking account of both X-ray inspection and structural analysis. Further, we are trying to detect rainwater detection in PC sheath, and asphalt and floor slab by the 3.95 MeV neutron source. This is expected to be an early degradation inspection. We have done preliminary experiments on X-ray transmission imaging of PC wires and on-grout-filling in the same height PCs in 450–750 mm thick concretes. Moreover, neutron back scattering detection of water in PC sheath is also explained.
Checkpoint Control of DNA Repair in Yeast
Authors: Fasullo Michael
Published: April 2021

Budding yeast has been a model organism for understanding how DNA damage is repaired and how cells minimize genetic instability caused by arresting or delaying the cell cycle at well-defined checkpoints. However, many DNA damage insults are tolerated by mechanisms that can both be error-prone and error-free. The mechanisms that tolerate DNA damage and promote cell division are less well-understood. This review summarizes current information known about the checkpoint response to agents that elicit both the G2/M checkpoint and the intra-S phase checkpoint and how cells adapt to unrepaired DNA damage. Tolerance to particular bulky DNA adducts and radiomimetic agents are discussed, as well as possible mechanisms that may control phosphatases that deactivate phosphorylated proteins.
Compartment Syndrome Related to Patient Positioning in the Surgical Treatment of Urolithiasis
Authors: Laso-García Inés , Arias-Fúnez Fernando , Duque-Ruiz Gemma , Díaz-Pérez David , Artiles-Medina Alberto , Burgos-Revilla Javier
Published: April 2021

The incidence of urolithiasis is progressively increasing worldwide, as is the surgical treatment of urinary stones. The most frequent surgery for urolithiasis is ureterorenoscopy, which is performed in the lithotomy position. This position is also used in the endoscopic approach to bladder stones. Lateral decubitus is rarely used in the treatment of urinary stones. In the case of complex kidney stones, the gold standard treatment is percutaneous nephrolithotomy. This surgery has traditionally been performed in the prone position. However, the use of the supine (Valdivia) position is increasing in recent times. Furthermore, the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position has been widely used for percutaneous nephrolithotomy since it was described by Ibarluzea et al. in 2007. Treatment of kidney and ureteral stones simultaneously is allowed in both supine positions. In addition, they allow the removal of encrusted stents and the easy placement of double J stents and, in the case of the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position, percutaneous nephrostomies. Compartment syndrome is a rare complication in the lithotomy position, but scarcely described in the supine position. This especially applies to the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position, in which the lower limbs are in moderate flexion, with the ipsilateral lower limb in a slightly lower position relative to the other. This complication can lead to skin necrosis, myoglobinuric renal failure, amputation, permanent neuromuscular dysfunction, and even death. Risk factors include Body Mass Index, male gender, obesity, increased muscle mass, peripheral vascular disease (advanced age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus), height, lack of operative experience, significant bleeding during surgery, hypothermia, acidemia, combination general-spinal anesthesia, prolonged surgical time, systemic hypotension, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) class or vasoconstrictor drugs. Therefore, compartment syndrome of the leg is a potentially devastating complication that must be suspected and treated through early decompression of the compartment by four compartment fasciotomy. Preventive measures reduce the incidence of this condition.
Peculiarities of Muscle-Tendon Mechanics and Energetics in Elite Athletes in Various Sports
Authors: Shestakov Mikhail , Zubkova Anna
Published: April 2021

The article presents results of the research on jumping strategies applied by elite athletes in various sport disciplines. Research hypothesis: to perform the same motor task athletes employ different ways of organizing the movement and different features of MTU functioning. The choice of a mechanism to enhance muscle contraction depends on sport discipline, in particular specific features of the sport movement. The study involved members of the Russian national teams in alpine skiing, bobsleighing, mogul skiing and ski jumping. The athletes performed drop jumps from the heights of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 m with no arm swing. Experimental data were obtained online from 24 cameras using the Qualisys motion capture system (400 frames per second) and the two force plates AMTI 6000. Data was processed using the OpenSim package. The authors calculated the amount of accumulation and utilization of elastic strain energy and assessed metabolic energy expenditures in MTU. The authors concluded that employment of different strategies of movement organization in drop jumps could be explained by the transfer of motor skills specific to the athlete’s sport discipline. The results of the study may help coaches develop individual training plans for athletes, in particular strength training exercises targeting specific muscle groups.
Comparative Study on Public Electronic Employment Services: Austria, Spain, Estonia, Romania
Authors: Matei Ani , Dragoș Valentin Dincă
Published: April 2021

Jobs around the world are affected by the current health crisis. European Commission, governments are concerned with finding measures to ensure the protection of employees. As such, on October 21, 2020 the European Commission issued an inaugural set of obligations with a social impact under the EU SURE Instrument of the European Union. Amounting to EUR 17 billion, instrument intended to help protect jobs and keep up employment. Under this framework, this chapter analyzes public employment services in four European countries to identify the extent to which they have adapted to the global pandemic situation. Measures to protect jobs and support workers in identifying new jobs are a permanent concern for most countries. Additionally, we are witnessing an accelerated digitalization of overall public services, public employment services too. The way in which employment services are organized, the degree of digitalization does not necessarily infer the conclusion that workers’ protection is ensured but only that the premises for the health crisis mitigation effects are provided.
The Role of the Radiation Safety Officer in Patient Safety
Authors: L. Morgan Thomas , Konerth Sandy
Published: April 2021

The role of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is to prevent unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation and maintain necessary exposures as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). The RSO is delegated broad authority throughout the organization by senior management. This authority includes permission to stop unsafe practices and identifying radiation protection problems, initiating, recommending, or providing corrective actions and verifying implementation of these actions. For the most part, these efforts are focused on maintaining radiation doses to employees and the public ALARA. Regulations do not address a role for the RSO in reducing radiation exposure to patients, except when unnecessary exposure is suspected due to equipment malfunction or human error. There is increasing concern about the risks of cancer and other effects from the use of medical imaging procedures. This chapter will discuss the tools and resources available to the RSO to educate members of the medical community and senior management on the need to manage radiation doses to patients so that the physician is able to obtain information necessary to properly diagnose and treat patients while avoiding unnecessary exposure.
Advances in Outpatient Hysteroscopy
Authors: Ajmi Ayesha
Published: April 2021

Hysteroscopy is a gynaecological procedure that has developed into an important tool to identify endometrial abnormality. It offers direct examination of the uterine cavity and tubal ostia and offers the option of performing targeted biopsy of suspected lesions that can be missed by blind procedures. In a large number of cases, the intrauterine lesions can be diagnosed and treated at the same setting as one step approach (“see and treat”). For example, endometrial polyps can be identified and removed; intrauterine adhesions may be divided in the office owing to the practicability of operative saline hysteroscopy, vaginoscopic approach and the convenience of miniature hysteroscopes. There is decent evidence that hysteroscopy in the outpatient clinic setting is preferred by the patients, associated with low risk of complications, quicker recovery time and reduced cost. Technological advances have led to development of high definition miniature hysteroscopes without negotiating optical performance, and hence making hysteroscopy an ingenuous, safe and trusted office procedure. Recent advances such as bipolar electrosurgery, endometrial ablation devices, morcellators and tissue retrieval system has transformed the surgical technique. This modernization of hysteroscopy completely revolutionised the approach to the management of intrauterine pathologies, moving from a blind procedure under general anaesthesia to directly visualised procedure under no or local anaesthesia, offering diagnostic as well as therapeutic procedures that should be at the disposal of every modern gynaecologist.
Loss of Employment and Reduction of Income during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Maranhão State, Brazil
Authors: Luciano Carneiro Alves de Oliveira Bruno
Published: April 2021

To estimate the prevalence and factors associated to the loss of employment and reduction of income during the covid-19 pandemic in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. A population-based household survey was performed, from October 19 to 30, 2020. The estimates considered clustering, stratification and non-response. The sample selection was carried out in three stages (stratum, census tracts and households). After systematic analysis, thirty sectors were selected in each stratum, totaling 150 sectors, with the number of households in each sector set at 34 households, totaling 5,100 households and one inhabitant per household (resident for at least six months and with 1-year-old or more) selected by simple random sample. To this research were analyzed 3,297 inhabitants among 18 and 64 years old. The Loss of employment and income from the pandemic was questioned. Descriptive analysis (weighted frequency) and Pearson’s chi-square test were performed to verify univariate association between independent variables and the outcome (p < 0.05). The prevalence of loss of employment and income was 12.1% (95%CI 10.5–13.7%), but another 39.7% (95% CI 37.3–42.1%) were already out of the market before the pandemic. This loss was statistically greater among residents of the largest and wealthiest cities in the state (stratum with the state capital: 22.7%; 95% CI 18.8–27.2; and in cities with more than 100 thousand inhabitants: 12.4%; 95% CI 9.9–15.6), male (14.3%; 95% CI 11.9–17.3; p = 0.037), middle-aged adults between 30 and 49 years (15.3%; 95% CI 12.8–18.2; p = 0.001), medium level (15.3%; 95% CI 12.9–18.1; p = 0.003) and higher education (14.4%; 95% CI 9.4–21.5; p = 0.003) and users of public transportation (14.6%; 95% CI 12.4–17.2; p = 0.005), and among those who received this aid was much higher (50.4%; 95% CI 33.2–67.4; p = 0.001). The results showed a relevant prevalence of loss of work and income in Maranhão and its association with individual and contextual factors. They revealed the groups and contexts most affected socioeconomically by the pandemic and that should deserve special attention from public income transfer strategies.
Intervention Strategies for Promoting Recovery and Healing from Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Shuman Tara
Published: April 2021

The deleterious effects of child sexual abuse (CSA) on youth’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive, neurobiological, sexual and developmental functioning are pervasive. Early targeted interventions for both the child who experienced CSA and their nonoffending caregivers are essential for healing and recovery. Effective interventions which are tailored to the youth’s developmental level can help mitigate or even prevent some of the serious and enduring negative effects of CSA, including symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This chapter is not comprehensive, but examines evidence based interventions for children and adolescents who have been sexually abused including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, this chapter will address systemic factors in CSA, recommending coordinated and trauma informed efforts utilizing an interdisciplinary approach, which may include a forensic medical team, investigators, prosecutors and other disciplines. This professional collaboration can prevent retraumatization of the child as the child and family navigate the sequela of CSA.
Occupational Hearing Loss
Authors: Kwon Joong-Keun , Lee Jiho
Published: April 2021

Occupational hearing loss received attention after the Industrial Revolution and through World Wars I and II. It currently accounts for the largest portion of occupational diseases, and a third of all hearing loss is due to noise. Occupational hearing losses include noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), hearing loss caused by ototoxic substances and hearing loss caused by their complex interactions. In the case of NIHL, even when exposed to the same noise, the degree of hearing damage and recovery may vary from person to person, and also be affected by other noise in daily life. Various organic solvents and some heavy metals exposed in workplace are important causes of ototoxic hearing loss, and they are known to have additive or synergistic effects when accompanied by noise. In Korea, NIHL is the most common occupational disease and has been increasing continuously since the 1990s. The number of claims for compensation has also been increasing steadily. However, the developed country including Korea almost never considered the effects of chemicals on the diagnosis and compensation for hearing loss workers. Occupational hearing loss can be prevented through hearing conservation programs. In this chapter, we will introduce the scientific basis of noise induced hearing loss, the impacts of ototoxic substance and co-existence impact on hearing loss.
Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Andrea Eötvös Csilla , Pastiu Giorgia , Zehan Iulia , Goidescu Cerasela , Chiorescu Roxana , Lazar Roxana , Frîngu Florina , Tomoaia Raluca , Pop Monica , Molnar Adrian , Pop Sorin , Blendea Dan
Published: April 2021

Amyloidosis represents a heterogeneous group of disorders caused by amyloid fibril deposition in the extracellular space in different organs. Among the many types of amyloidosis cardiac involvement occurs almost exclusively with immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis) or transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR amyloidosis). When present cardiac amyloidosis (CA) has a significant impact on disease prognosis. The typical clinical presentation in CA is that of a restrictive cardiomyopathy. Clinical suspicion of CA is based on clinical, laboratory and electrocardiographic findings. The diagnosis is confirmed using echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, biopsy, and/or bone scintigraphy. A precise definition of amyloidosis type is essential for choosing the specific treatment for this condition. Treatment of CA has two components: general treatment of congestive HF, and specific treatment of the underlying protein misfolding disorder.
The Impact of Olive Oil and Mediterranean Diet on the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Akram Muhammad , Ansari Rumaisa , Akhter Naheed , Ademola Otekunrin Olutosin , Zafar Sadia , Ishaque Muhammad , Munir Naveed , Sciarra Luigi , My Giulia , Gianvito Matarrese E.C. , Palamà Zefferino , Riaz Muhammad
Published: April 2021

The Mediterranean diet has a lot of health benefits but especially because it lowers the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. It has been shown that food components, certain nutrients and the pattern of the diet lowers the risk of several diseases such as diabetes, certain cancers, obesity, respiratory disorders, mental health and cognitive decline, bone diseases (osteoarthritis), healthy aging and quality of life among more others. It has been concluded from studying the mechanism responsible for lowering these risks that food combinations, food nutrients, presence of non-nutritive substances, lifestyles habits and the cooking techniques all together make the Mediterranean dietary pattern into a tool that can not only prevent but can also be used as a way of treatment for these medical ailments. As part of the essential dietary fat, consumption of extra virgin olive oil is the main feature of Mediterranean diet. Olive oil is noted to have anti-bacterial characteristics, involved in improving the endothelial function in young females, and is hypothesized to have epigenetic effects interplay offering protection from cancers due to the presence of beneficial monounsaturated fats. The presence of antioxidants contributes to the inflammation protecting properties of the olive oil. Olive oil has high quantities of antioxidants and offers numerous benefits for cardiovascular health, such as protection of LDL from oxidation and lowering of the high blood pressure as well as offers protection from diabetes mellitus. The Mediterranean diet and the Olive oil consumption also have a fundamental impact in secondary prevention, such as in patients with atrial fibrillation that underwent catheter ablation.
Evaluation of Bacteria Causing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Patients Admitted to Internal ICUs and Internal Wards at Shiraz Teaching Hospitals, 2017 - 2018
Authors: Khalili Tahereh , Samadi Naser , Davar Panah Mohammad Ali , Motamedifar Mohammad , Nahal Hadi
Published: April 2021

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), a subset of hospital infections, occurs in patients who have been mechanically ventilated for at least 48 hours. Objectives: Our study aimed at determining the frequency and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacteria causing VAP in teaching hospitals of Shiraz. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Shiraz for eight months (November 2017 to June 2018). Samples were detected according to diagnostic bacteriologic tests, and antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed by the disk diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) method based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Results: A total of 51 patients with VAP were examined, of whom 10 and eight patients had a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute respiratory distress syndrome, respectively. The late-onset VAP rate (61.7%) was higher than the early-onset VAP rate (38.3%). In our study, 45.2% of patients with VAP received antibiotics before the incidence of pneumonia, of whom 31.6% died. Of the remaining 54.8%, only 8.7% died. In other words, patients who received antibiotics before the incidence of pneumonia had higher mortality. The most frequently used antibiotics were meropenem (76.6%) and vancomycin (78.7%). Among 59 bacteria isolated, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas were the most prevalent organisms. Conclusions: Our results showed that most of the isolates (40%) belonged to multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. Probably, antimicrobial treatment before the onset of VAP led to the selection of these MDR pathogens.
The Association Between the Incidence of Acne Vulgaris and Lifestyle Factors Including Dietary Habits, Physical Activity, and Bathing Frequency
Authors: Bajelan Arezoo , Ghaebi Mehdi , Javadi Maryam , Barikani Ameneh , Beheshti Akram , Bargahi Mohamad , Ahmadi Mohamad
Published: April 2021

Background: Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial skin disease affecting many of the world’s population throughout their lives and can cause severe emotional distress and psychological disorders such as poor self-image, depression, and anxiety. Several underlying risk factors are known for acne development, and many, including different aspects of lifestyle, are yet to be studied. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to determine the role of lifestyle factors including dietary habits, physical activity, and bathing frequency in the incidence of acne vulgaris. Methods: The study population included 425 subjects, of whom 171 were acne patients (the case group), and 254 were non-acne patients (the control group). All participants filled out a questionnaire addressing their demographic information and some lifestyle habits. The data were analyzed by SPSS. Results: Fast food consumption was significantly higher in the case than in the control group (P = 0.008). Dairy intake and bathing frequency were significantly higher among non-acne patients than those with acne (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Vegetable consumption, water intake, and the number of episodes and minutes of physical activity per week were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.1, P = 0.4, P = 0.9, and P = 0.8, respectively). The mean weight of participants was significantly higher in the case than in the control group (P = 0.001). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in most of the studied factors between the two groups. Therefore, further studies are needed to assess the role of other underlying conditions such as genetic factors and hormonal changes in the development of acne vulgaris.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Kidney Stone Disease Thermobalancing Therapy with Dr Allen’s Device: Key to Successful Ageing Without Medications, Surgery, and Risky Exposure to Coronavirus Infection
Authors: Allen Simon , Adjani Ariana
Published: April 2021

Background: The choice of treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and kidney stone disease (KSD) impacts the attainment of successful ageing and the level of patient care required in the long-term. Medications and surgeries typically used for these conditions have serious side effects and can interfere with healthy aging. Objectives: This study assesses the impact of Dr Allen’s Therapeutic devices (DATD) and thermobalancing therapy® (TT) on the ageing process of people with BPH and KSD. Methods: This study evaluated the outcomes of a clinical trial investigating the dynamics of symptoms and parameters in 124 male patients with BPH who used DATD as a monotherapy for six months at home and compared the results with a control group comprising 124 BPH patients who did not receive treatment with DATD. Furthermore, five case studies were randomly selected for assessment from 10-year empirical observations of patients with KSD treated with DATD. Results: DATD with TT reduced prostate volume (PV) from 45 mL to 31 mL (P < 0.001) and reduced urinary symptoms score from 14.2 to 4.9 (P < 0.001). It also improved quality of life (QoL) as measured by the reduction in the International Prostate Symptom score (I-PSS) from 3.9 to 1.3 (P < 0.001), while the control group showed no positive changes. DATD with TT dissolved kidney stones without renal colic in all patients. No side effects were observed. Conclusions: Using DATD and TT to treat BPH and KSD demonstrated high efficacy, safety, and easy disease management at home. In contrast, medications and surgeries for BPH and KSD often lead to sexual dysfunction, depression, hypertension, chronic kidney failure, and other morbidities, requiring an increased care level in the long-term. Thus, DATD and TT generate high treatment efficacy with lower exposure to coronavirus, reduce long-term care needs, and are vital to attaining successful ageing and longevity.
News from the Field
Authors: Free David
Published: April 2021

UC-San Diego acquires African Americana collectionVirginia Tech Publishing partners with international association to publish engineering open textbookResearch database centralizes information about Penn State faculty scholarshipMore journals migrating to Project MUSEDrama Online partners with Theatre Communications GroupCLOCKSS adds new publishersEBSCO launches Dynamic Health CDS + SkillsMellon Foundation funds CLIR’s Digitizing Hidden Collections and Archives: Amplifying Unheard Voices
Learning from each other: The role of libraries in the promotion of international understanding
Authors: Singh Diljit
Published: April 2021

ACRL’s vision is that of a future where academic and research librarians and libraries are essential to a thriving global community of learners and scholars.1 In today’s world, no community can exist alone. We live in an interdependent world. We need to understand each other, cooperate, and work towards mutual benefits.In such a context of interdependence, the current pandemic has shown that the COVID-19 virus knows no geographical or racial boundaries. The search for a vaccine to control the virus has also required a collaborative international effort. Businesses are involved in the import and export of products from many different countries. Education is a global business with students and scholars traversing national borders to seek and share knowledge. Similarly, libraries provide access to resources and services that may have originated or been developed in some countries, and users may be remotely accessing them from other countries. We live in a global community.
COVID-19, collections, and collaboration: Promoting inclusivity from the ground up
Authors: Kohout-Tailor Jessica , Klar Lili
Published: April 2021

The promotion of a library’s resources often relies on using its physical space with physical displays. With COVID-19, many libraries are either not physically open or their services have been modified where there are limitations with who or how many people are allowed to enter their buildings. Promoting areas in the collection may take on creative and new methods during the pandemic, including the use of virtual displays or online resource guides. Creating virtual displays can also become an opportunity to support and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the library and campus wide.
Kids in the stacks: Summer camp at an academic library
Authors: Smith Jennifer , Marquez Onnica
Published: April 2021

It’s summer, and there are middle school students running around the university library. Why?St. Ambrose University (SAU) Library held summer camps for 6th- through 8th-grade students in 2018 and 2019. The first was Digital Film Camp, and the second was National History Day Boot Camp. If you work in higher education, chances are good that you’ve heard about the campus demographic cliff and been charged with doing your part to address this enrollment challenge. In alignment with a campus-wide initiative to bolster pre-college summer camps for potential students, the library hosted summer camps for middle school students as part of this community outreach and engagement strategy. The goal of these camps was to offer enriching experiences that create positive impressions of the campus and library.
Internet of things based real-time vital sign monitoring system using mobile application
Authors: Hadiyoso Sugondo , Alfaruq Akhmad , Tulloh Rohmat , Rohmah Yuyun , Susanto Erwin
Published: April 2021

The development of telehealth technology in monitoring systems has been widely used to support applications in the health sector. The aim is to provide easy access for the people. One of the implications is a real-time monitoring system based on the Internet of Things (IoT) platform. Some health vital signs that focus on observation are electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and heart rate, providing heart health information. In this study, an integrated system has been implemented, namely a vital sign distributed monitoring system through the internet network. The implemented system was able to acquire vital signs then send data to the internet cloud to be stored and processed further for real-time monitoring needs by interested parties. An Android-based application called iHealthVitalSign monitor can send, process, and represent data in numerical and graphical forms. The average delay for each packet delivery was 154.73 ms and complied with the ITU-T recommendations for real-time data transfer. Heart rate (HR)detection algorithms have been evaluated on real-time ECG signals. From the test results for more than 2100 beats, the average detection accuracy is 98.78%.With this proposed application, it is hoped that it can increase the penetration of telehealth services.
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced macular haemorrhage: A case report
Authors: Đogatović Nebojša , Potkonjak Ernesta , Račić Vladimir , Milićević Miloš , Abdulaj Dajana , Kozomara Bojan
Published: April 2021

A case of 28-year-old female patient with retinal haemorrhage after taking 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy, MDMA) and having a sexual intercourse is described. Ecstasy is a drug that is often consumed by young people. It leaves various consequences on the human body. Retinal haemorrhage in the eye caused by ecstasy has been described before. Like in this case, the experience in spontaneous resolving of the MDMA-induced retinal haemorrhage is favourable.
Impact of body mass index on the initial in-brace correction in patients with idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Pjanić Samra , Talić Goran , Bojinović-Rodić Dragana
Published: April 2021

Background/Aim: Many factors affect initial in-brace correction and treatment outcome in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Previous studies have observed contradictory results on the role of BMI in orthotic treatment. The aim of this study was to examine whether BMI impacts in-brace correction, isolated and in relation to other predictive factors (curve magnitude, curve location and Risser sign). Methods: A retrospective study has been conducted on patients with idiopathic scoliosis treated with Cheneau-Sobernheim brace, that had no prior treatment. The collected and analysed data included patient demographics, BMI percentile and radiological parameters (curve magnitude in Cobb angle, curve location, Risser sign). The initial in-brace correction was expressed as a percentage of Cobb angle reduction in the brace as opposed to Cobb angle out of brace. Patients were categorised into groups according to their BMI, expressed in percentiles, ie: low BMI (< 5 percentiles), normal BMI (5-85 percentiles) and high BMI (> 85 percentiles). To determine the significant difference and correlation relationship between the examined variables, variance tests, t-test with unequal variance, and Pearson correlation coefficient have been used. Results: The cohort study comprised 213 patients (170 females and 43 males) with a mean age of 13.5 years at brace prescription. Low BMI has been detected in 10 % patients, normal BMI in 78 % and high BMI in 10 % patients. No significant difference in in-brace correction has been found between BMI groups, nor has there been any significant correlation between BMI and in-brace correction. Regarding other factors, significant difference within BMI groups was found between in-brace correction and curve location, as well as in-brace correction and Risser sign. Lumbar curves had significantly better in-brace correction than thoracic curves. Significant correlations between in-brace correction and curve magnitude, curve location and Risser sign were detected. Conclusion: The results of the present study show that, as an independent factor, BMI does not impact in-brace correction. Other factors, such as curve magnitude, curve location and Risser sign, play a more significant role in the orthotic treatment of patients with idiopathic scoliosis.
Association of PPARG rs3856806 C>T polymorphism with body mass index, glycaemia and lipid parameters in Serbian adolescents
Authors: Vidović Vanja , Maksimović Nela , Vidović Stojko , Damnjanović Tatjana , Novaković Ivana
Published: April 2021

Background/Aim: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARg) belongs to a family of nuclear hormone receptors and ligand-activated transcription factors. PPARG gene is expressed in many tissues including adipose tissue where it plays a crucial role in differentiation of adipocyte, insulin resistance, blood glucose levels and lipid metabolism. The aim of the study was to examine the association of rs3856806 polymorphism with the body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose levels and lipid parameters in Serbian adolescents. Methods: This research included 287 adolescents of both genders (143 boys and 144 girls), 14-15 years of age. Genotype detection was done by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay. Results: Results showed statistically significant difference in terms of fasting glucose levels among girls (p = 0.013) depending on their genotype. Female carriers of CC genotype had significantly higher level of fasting glucose levels. Also, results showed that in the group of overweight and obese girls, carriers of CT or TT genotype had statistically significant lower values of HDL cholesterol compared to girls - carriers of CC genotype (p = 0.000). However, this result was not confirmed by multiple regression analysis. Statistically significant association of rs3856806 polymorphism was not observed with BMI nor with other lipid parameters. Conclusion: This polymorphism is associated with fasting glucose level and HDL cholesterol among girls. To draw definite conclusions, further research should be conducted including non-genetic factors and other polymorphisms among this gene.
UE-to-network relay model B discovery in ProSe-enabled LTE networks
Authors: Moreaux Alexandre , Gamboa Samantha , Griffith David , Rouil Richard
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we expand previous analytical models to offer a more complete representation of Model B ProSe direct discovery. Using these models, we can obtain performance metrics such as the average time a given Remote User Equipment (UE) takes to discover a Relay UE, and we can examine the sensitivity of the relay performance to various input parameters such as the number of Remote UEs, the number of Relay UEs, and the Discovery message transmission rate. We use ns- 3 system level simulations to validate our analytical model and determine the optimal strategy for UEs to use in various deployment scenarios.
STRATÉGIES DE GESTION DE CONFLITS ET QUALITÉ DE LA RELATION CONJUGALE
Authors: Mayrand1 Kristel , Sabourin Stéphane , Savard Claudia , Litalien David
Published: April 2021

Le but de l’étude était d’examiner les associations dyadiques entre les stratégies de gestion de conflits (SGC) et la qualité de la relation conjugale auprès de 104 couples hétérosexuels. Les résultats ont montré qu’un usage plus fréquent de SGC positives chez un individu a prédit une satisfaction conjugale plus élevée chez cet individu et son ou sa partenaire, alors qu’un usage plus fréquent de SGC négatives a prédit une plus faible satisfaction conjugale et stabilité relationnelle chez cet individu seulement. L’étude souligne l’importance de gérer les conflits conjugaux de façon constructive afin de prévenir la détresse au sein des couples.