bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes of Czech College Students Toward Digital Literacy and Their Technical Aids in Times of COVID-19
Authors: Krpálková Krelová Katarína , Berková Kateřina , Krpálek Pavel , Kubišová Andrea
Published: July 2021

At present, when the whole world is struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important to address both the issue of flexibility when educating the younger generation and the issue of further professional education, which contributes to the development of competences that are directly relevant to life and everyday activities in the 21st century. The common denominator of these competences is digital competence. It is the aspect of education that is of primary and crucial importance for digital literacy development. This re-search study aims at establishing the availability of digital media and atti-tudes towards one’s own technical aids and digital literacy among students of two higher education institutions in the Czech Republic. Empirical research involved 1233 college students. The set research hypotheses were tested with a questionnaire-based survey using the Likert scale. A cluster analysis was conducted in the SPSS program. In view of the ordinal nature of data, the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test conducted at significance levels of 5% and 1% in SPSS was applied to test the dependence of competence self-assessment on the specialization of the higher education institutions/ study level/ study form. The research has unequivocally proven that digital literacy is influenced by education, in terms of the specific study programme special-ization, study level and study form.
Pierre de Dreux, dit Mauclerc, serait-il l’auteur de Tydorel ? Deuxième partie : une approche intimiste
Authors: Maréchal Chantal
Published: July 2021

Cet essai vient à l’appui de l’hypothèse selon laquelle Pierre de Dreux, dit Mauclerc (1189-1250), duc de Bretagne et trouvère, aurait composé le lai de Tydorel pour rattacher l’histoire de la maison de Bretagne à un ancêtre prestigieux. Délaissant l’empreinte laissée par le stratège politique, le chevalier et le clerc, c’est maintenant à une signature plus personnelle que nous nous intéressons. La microlecture intimiste en trois tableaux qui va suivre s’ouvre sur l’image d’un verger imaginaire, situé, comme celui de Mauclerc, près de la résidence des ducs de Bretagne, à Nantes. Site atemporel, ce verger sert ainsi de portail entre deux mondes – l’univers d’un seigneur du xiiie siècle et celui du « jadis » de Tydorel. Le second doit ses formes et sa vitalité au regard, à l’écoute et aux émotions d’un poète dont le visage se dévoile au fil des mots.
“You just went out and talked to them.” An Interview with Maurice Hayes (1927-2017) on the Work of the Northern Ireland Community Relations Commission (1969-1975)
Authors: Etchart Joana
Published: July 2021

This article reflects on the practice of reusing past interviews in order to improve our knowledge of historical events. It focuses on the period of the early years of the Troubles in Northern Ireland and draws on Martin J. McCleery’s recent work on internment (2015) to stress the importance of personal testimonies in reassessing the historical impact of micro-events and / or local events on people’s lives. By revisiting an interview with Maurice Hayes conducted in 2004, the author investigates how the interviewee gives meaning to his personal experience of violence by using the scientific framework provided by specialists in oral history. The interview also serves to uncover some aspects of the ground-breaking work that had been implemented by the Northern Ireland Community Relations Commission (1969-1975).
Aux seuils du monde animal : le bestiaire médiéval du péritexte au métatexte
Authors: Boudes Yoan
Published: July 2021

Les péritextes évoqués par Gérard Genette sont partie intégrante de la culture écrite que les manuscrits nous transmettent et les études médiévales sont depuis longtemps solidement outillées pour aborder les enjeux attachés à ces productions qui accompagnent les textes, tous genres confondus, dans leur support matériel. Ainsi, si l’usage de la notion reste délaissé pour décrire les modalités de leur présence – car plus efficacement recoupé par les notions de mise en page et en livre – elle n’est peut-être pas inutile quand il s’agit, justement, d’étudier la dynamique que ces espaces supportent. À partir de l’exemple du bestiaire médiéval, cet article tente de mesurer les enjeux théoriques que les particularités de la textualité manuscrite supposent dans une étude du paratexte genettien. Ces textes, à la finalité didactique forte, peuvent se retrouver efficacement prolongés par un outillage péritextuel qui, conscient des enjeux portés par la voix du clerc, vient les matérialiser et les offrir visuellement aux lecteurs du manuscrit. Figurant les enjeux poétiques et éthiques de l’œuvre, ce péritexte se comprend toutefois dans un décentrement de la notion par rapport à la théorie genettienne, qui en fait l’espace d’un contrat entre auteur et destinataires de l’œuvre. Or, les modalités de production et de copie des textes médiévaux viennent plutôt redistribuer la dynamique active portée par la péritextualité entre les scribes et la communauté pour laquelle l’œuvre circulera, ses commanditaires et son public. Si l’enjeu fonctionnel du péritexte s’en trouve parfois renforcé, l’auteur, actant essentiel chez Genette, peut s’en trouver écarté bien que sa figure, paradoxalement, y soit consolidée.
Des modes d’existence de l’œuvre littéraire médiévale : Genette peut-il aider les philologues ?
Authors: Coste Florent
Published: July 2021

L’ontologie de l’œuvre d’art s’intéresse aux modes d’existence de l’œuvre d’art. Avec L’Œuvre de l’art, Gérard Genette a offert une contribution passionnante et séminale à ce compartiment de la philosophie. Or la textualité médiévale ne manque pas de donner du fil à retordre : ses œuvres littéraires offrent autant de cas épineux, que Genette peut aider à mieux décrire. Qu’est-ce qu’une œuvre à versions plurielles et concurrentes ? Quelle est l’œuvre d’une collection de témoins fragmentaires et lacunaires ? Les continuations et les suites sont-elles des œuvres distinctes de celles qu’elles viennent compléter ou supplémenter ? Une translation médiévale n’est-elle pas, à la différence d’une traduction moderne, une œuvre différente de l’original ? La philologie ne consiste-t-elle à convertir la textualité médiévale dans le régime ontologique de l’imprimé ? Cette contribution gage que la pensée esthétique de Genette peut apporter quelques-uns des bénéfices de la philosophie analytique de l’art pour enrichir la pensée de la textualité médiévale et clarifier un certain nombre de débats et de controverses.
De l’image narrative à l’image narratrice. Ce que la théorie de Genette fait dire sur Mélusine
Authors: Pérez-Simon Maud
Published: July 2021

Il est d’usage de parler de narrativité d’une image, dès qu’elle transpose un récit, ou qu’elle comporte des éléments de temporalité. Cet article propose d’élargir la zone de compétence et les prérogatives de l’image : l’image ne serait pas seulement « narrative » mais « narratrice ». Elle est en effet capable de prendre en charge toutes les fonctions du narrateur telles que Genette les décrit dans Figures III. Cette proposition théorique est démontrée par le biais d’un manuscrit de Mélusine de Coudrette (BnF fr. 24383). L’image peut endosser les cinq fonctions du narrateur selon Genette ; six en réalité, car nous faisons le constat de la nécessaire dissociation des fonctions explicatives et idéologiques. Les miniatures ne font pas que « raconter » une histoire (fonction narrative), elles participent à l’organisation du récit et de la temporalité des événement (fonction de régie), établissent un lien avec le lecteur (fonction de communication), fournissent des explications (fonction explicative), soutiennent le propos idéologique du texte (fonction idéologique), transmettent une émotion (fonction testimoniale). Cette réflexion permet de rendre compte du rôle des images dans l’agencement du texte au sein du manuscrit et d’inverser le rôle de subordination texte-image, tout en ouvrant des perspectives sur la fonction narratrice des images dans d’autres media.
Reading “Guillelme l’Amïable”: Hypertextuality and La Prise d’Orange
Authors: Wood Lucas
Published: July 2021

The Old French epic poem La Prise d’Orange (late 12th-early 13th c.) systematically treats the conventional motifs, narrative patterns, characters and style of the chanson de geste with a comedic irreverence and an ironic distance that have led it to be labeled “the courtly parody of an epic,” but the text remains fundamentally organized by the generic paradigm from which it pointedly deviates. In Genettian terms, the Prise’s dominant hypertextual operation is travesty, which burlesques a prestigious text or story by recasting its characters and action in a ridiculously incongruous style—here, the narrative and rhetorical style associated with courtly discourse. The Prise cultivates a somewhat anxious enjoyment of its subversion of epic norms by thematizing the “folly” of its protagonist, Guillelme, whose absurd impersonation of a courtly lover casts doubt upon his legitimacy as an epic hero and the Prise’s “authenticity” as a chanson de geste. However, satirical transformation is ultimately reincorporated into the genre’s conservative narrative and ideological frameworks in a manner difficult to grasp through Genette’s system for lack of adequate distinctions between satire’s various possible ideological functions and stakes.
Prunelle Deleville, Métamorphose des Métamorphoses, édition critique et étude littéraire des manuscrits Z de l’Ovide moralisé
Authors: Deleville Prunelle
Published: July 2021

Parmi les copies tardives de l’Ovide moralisé, un groupe spécifique, appelé Z, fournit une véritable réécriture de l’œuvre initiale. Il est formé des codices : Berne, Burgerbibliothek, 10 (Z1) écrit après 1456 ; Paris, BnF, français 874 (Z2) copié en 1456 ; Paris, BnF, français 870 (Z3) composé autour de 1400 pour le texte et 1450 pour le décor ; Paris, BnF, français 19121 (Z4) probablement réalisé entre 1390 et 1410. Le remanieur modifie le récit de la fable, ajoute des expositions historiques inédites dans la tradition de l’Ovide moralisé. Telles sont les modifications communes que présentent les copies Z. Cependant, des divergences se manifestent dans cette famille. Les témoins Z3 et Z4 sont dépourvus d’allégories religieuses, alors que ces dernières ont été réintroduites dans Z1 et Z2. Ces quatre manuscrits présentent donc un moment riche dans la vie de l’Ovide moralisé. L’édition de ce texte, selon le manuscrit Z3, rend compte des spécificités linguistiques de cette reprise de l’Ovide moralisé un siècle après sa création, mais aussi des aspects littéraires de cette réécriture. Le remaniement Z, qui correspond au texte du sous-ensemble Z34, est cohérent et réfléchi. Les traces du dogme chrétien sont minutieusement effacées. L’esthétique du texte converge avec celle des mises en proses, qui se multiplient à partir de la fin du xive siècle mais surtout avec les débats littéraires de l’époque, comme celui autour du Roman de la Rose. Le réviseur exprime aussi le fait que son rejet des allégories repose sur une adéquation plus stricte avec Ovide, qui ne pouvait pas concevoir d’interprétations christianisantes de son propre texte.
Lutte contre l’inflation : enjeux de la fixation des salaires à Électricité de France
Authors: Bénistand Hélène
Published: July 2021

En 1946, la création d’EDF s’inscrit dans la lignée du programme du Conseil national de la Résistance et vise à assurer la souveraineté nationale en créant des « champions nationaux ». Dans le cadre de sa politique de lutte contre l’inflation, l’État s’emploie à contrôler les salaires dans tous les domaines. Cela revient à imposer aux entreprises comme EDF des objectifs dépassant leurs enjeux propres. Dans les industries de flux, comme EDF, la fixation des salaires soulève des problématiques particulières. Le maintien du flux productif repose sur le fonctionnement continu des installations. Dans le cadre d’un travail de « surveillance-contrôle », les travailleurs mobilisent leurs compétences dans des situations parfois imprévisibles. Cela semble appuyer l’idée que ces derniers méritent un salaire plus élevé que la moyenne et un statut social protecteur, dont le but est en partie d’« acheter » la paix sociale. Or, cette logique se heurte à la volonté de la tutelle de maîtriser les salaires du secteur public du fait de leur effet d’entraînement supposé sur le secteur privé. L’entreprise EDF, sous la direction d’André Decelle, tente alors de lier l’évolution des salaires à la productivité en développant des calculs de productivité globale, pour prouver la légitimité des hausses de salaire. Ces luttes autour des salaires amènent plus globalement à poser la question du statut d’une entreprise publique : est-elle maîtresse de sa gestion ou est-elle nécessairement un outil, soumis aux enjeux économiques nationaux ? Cet article vise à montrer que la question des salaires cristallise la tension entre les objectifs politiques poursuivis par l’État et la gestion rationnelle de l’entreprise, portée par les ingénieurs-économistes dirigeants de l’entreprise.
EFFICACY OF CIELAB AND CMYK COLOR SPACES IN LEUKEMIA IMAGE ANALYSIS: A COMPARISON BY STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES
Authors: Anilkumar K. K. , Manoj V. J. , Sagi T. M.
Published: July 2021

There are several color models available and which color model to be used is a question to many researchers in the field of Medical Image Processing and Analysis. In this paper, the suitability of using the CIELAB and CMYK color spaces in processing and analyzing blood smear images of leukemia is assessed for comparison. Leukemia is commonly known as blood cancer and it usually leads to an abnormal proliferation of leukocytes (White Blood Cells) in the bone marrow and blood. The diagnosis of leukemia is primarily done by Pathologists by microscopically examining the blood and bone marrow smears of the suspected patient. Image processing-based methods can be used for automated detection and classification of leukemia to assist the Pathologists for a speedy diagnosis. The proposed study used [Formula: see text]-means clustering to segment the leukocytes and leukemic blast cells. The microscopic smear images in RGB color format were transformed and processed in CIELAB as well as CMYK color spaces for comparison. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s [Formula: see text] test. The visual observation of the segmented images revealed that, processing the images in the CIELAB color space is comparatively better than the CMYK color space and it is reflected in the results of statistical comparison by Student’s [Formula: see text] test. The study assessed the suitability of using the CIELAB and CMYK color spaces in segmentation and analysis of microscopic smear images of Leukemic and Normal cases and found that processing the images in CIELAB color space is comparatively better than CMYK and such comparative analysis is not available in the literature.
Information Sharing on Social Media by Multicultural Individuals
Authors: Wang Xi Wei , Riaz Muhammad , Haider Sajjad , Alam Khalid Mehmood , Sherani  , Yang Mengqing
Published: July 2021

Drawing upon social cognitive & social network theories, this study examines individual-level and network-level factors which potentially affect multicultural individuals’ information sharing behavior via social media. The data has been collected from the foreigners (multicultural individuals) who visited visa centers in three different cities in China. The proposed model tests a combined effect of past sharing experience (PE), trust (TR), perceived benefit (PB), perceived richness (RI), & information sharing attitude (ATT), on information sharing behavior (Beh). The data has been analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results illustrate PE, TR and PB positively affects ATT which further influences Beh. Since scant studies focus on information sharing behavior of multicultural individuals – this research contributes to the IS literature, particularly to the information sharing via social media in a multicultural perspective. The results are likely to be useful guidance for practitioners and scholars intending to evaluate social media information sharing behavior.
GIS based Approach for Planning the Evacuation Process During Flash Floods: Case Study for Gampaha Divisional Secretariat Division, Sri Lanka
Authors: Edirisinghe E. A. K. R. , Pussella P. G. R. N. I. , Vidarshana W. D. M.
Published: July 2021

Gampaha district is one of the areas that suffer from frequent flash floods in Sri Lanka. Since flash floods occur unexpectedly, and with minimal warning, preparedness is essential to minimize losses during such a disaster. Planning the evacuation during a flood is a complex process; therefore, it needs focused consideration on several factors. The main objective of this paper is to propose a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) based approach to plan the evacuation process during a situation where there is a flash flood in the Gampaha Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD), with the intent to reduce negative consequences. The study has considered seven criteria: elevation, accessibility, land-use, availability of buildings, presence of water features, rainfall, and population density, in selecting locations for evacuation centers. These data were analyzed with the tools and models available in the GIS software package. As a first step, the flood inundation map was created using elevation and rainfall data. Evacuation centers were then identified outside of the inundated area. Finally, after field verification, 7 potential locations (Bandaranayake Vidyalaya, Bandarawatta Parakrama Vidyalaya, Sri Sumangalaramaya, Madegama Sri Sunandaaramaya, Sri Wajiraghanaramaya, St. Jude Church Idigolla, and Holy Cross College) were selected by considering the capacities such as elevation (above 15m from the Mean Sea Level), accessibility (within 200m from main roads), ownership (public only), and the number of people accommodated. The results of this study will be very helpful for the government, non-government organizations, and the victims to take immediate actions during a flash flood event in the study area.
A Scalable Time-Parallel Solution of Periodic Rotor Dynamics in X3D
Authors: Patil Mrinalgouda , Datta Anubhav
Published: July 2021

A time-parallel algorithm is developed for large-scale three-dimensional rotor dynamic analysis. A modified harmonic balance method with a scalable skyline solver forms the kernel of this algorithm. The algorithm is equipped with a solution procedure suitable for large-scale structures that have lightly damped modes near resonance. The algorithm is integrated in X3D, implemented on a hybrid shared and distributed memory architecture, and demonstrated on a three-dimensional structural model of a UH-60A-like fully articulated rotor. Flight-test data from UH-60A Airloads Program transition flight C8513 are used for validation. The key conclusion is that the new solver converges to the time marching solution more than 50 times faster and achieves a performance greater than 1 teraFLOPS. The significance of this conclusion is that the principal barrier of computational time for trim solution using high-fidelity three-dimensional structures can be overcome with the scalable harmonic balance method demonstrated in this paper.
Specificity of diatom communities attached on the carapace of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis)
Authors: Roubeix Vincent , Attia Lucie , Chavaux Rémy , Very Frank , Olivier Anthony , Ector Luc , Vassal Véronique
Published: July 2021

Periphytic diatoms growing on aquatic turtle carapaces provide an interesting example of biofouling on an animal substrate. This study dealt with the question of the specificity of epizoic diatom communities for the case of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) and across five water bodies in South-Eastern France. 375 diatom taxa have been identified on the European pond turtle carapace. The results showed that the epizoic communities of the five sites were significantly different from each other. The epizoic diatom communities could be clearly distinguished from epilithic and epiphytic communities only in two out of five sites. The differences in composition at the two sites resulted from the greater abundance of some species and life forms. However, the characteristic pattern of diatom communities on the carapaces was not the same at the two sites. It therefore appeared that the European pond turtle’s carapace did not harbour specific diatom communities and can rather be considered a neutral substrate.
Antioxidant and antigenotoxic properties of Alpinia galanga, Curcuma amada, and Curcuma caesia
Authors: Nag Anish , Banerjee Ritesh , Goswami Priya , Bandyopadhyay Maumita , Mukherjee Anita
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To compare the antioxidant and anti-genotoxic properties of Alpinia (A.) galanga, Curcuma (C.) amada, and C. caesia.

Methods:

Cytotoxicity of ethanolic extracts of A. galanga, C. amada, and C. caesia at selected doses was evaluated by trypan blue, MTT, and flow cytometry-based assays. Genotoxicity and anti-genotoxicity (against methyl methanesulfonate, 35 μM and H2O2, 250 μM) of these plants were studied by comet assay in human lymphocytes in vitro. Furthermore, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, lipid peroxidation, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays were performed to study the antioxidant potentials of the plants. Finally, anti-genotoxic potential of C. amada was validated in Swiss albino mice using comet assay. Phytochemical composition of C. amada was determined by GC/MS and HPLC.

Results:

The selected doses (2.5, 5, and 10 μg/mL) of A. galanga, C. amada, and C. caesia were non-toxic by cytotoxicity tests. All three ethanolic extracts of plant rhizomes demonstrated antioxidant and anti-genotoxic properties against methyl methanesulfonate-and H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro. Multivariate analysis revealed that various antioxidant properties of these extracts in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays were strongly correlated with their total phenolic constituents. C. amada extract conferred protection against cyclophosphamide-induced DNA damage in the bone marrow cells of mice and DNA damage was significantly inhibited by 2.5 mg/kg C. amada extract.

Conclusions:

C. amada is rich in potentially bioactive molecules and exhibits potent antioxidant activities. Its anti-genotoxicity against cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress is also confirmed in this study.
Adolescent male genitalia dissatisfaction
Authors: Zampieri Nicola , Dando Ilaria , Camoglio Francesco Saverio
Published: July 2021

Genital dissatisfaction is well known in female and adults. Less is known about male adolescents and their genital satisfaction. The aim of this study was to investigate and report the role of surgery in male adolescents to improve the evaluation of their genitalia. We considered all patients treated for external genital pathology in the period of adolescence. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were created. Patients underwent an evaluation test before and after surgery. During the study period, 137 patients were treated, and at the end of the study, 98 cases were considered for analysis. The most frequent pathologies were webbed penis and penile curvature. A postoperative score improvement was noted and patients with concealed penis and webbed penis showed a better postoperative outcome. Overweight was considered an important factor associated with a worse preoperative score. Evaluation of the external genitalia is important in adolescents, and it is an understudied problem. Overweight may be associated with a worse evaluation of one's genital and should be clinically considered to avoid related social problems in adulthood. Therefore, cosmetic genital surgery should be considered even in male adolescents.
Clinico-Radiological Progression in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Dholakia Akash G. , Patel Monila N. , Dave Ruchir B. , Shah Dharita S. , Poddar Shivam O. , Trada Parita K.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 belonging to the Coronaviridae family has caused a global pandemic. As it has emerged as a newer disease, there is a lack of information in many aspects of it. Materials
and

Methods:

We tried to study the progression in the COVID-19 patients in terms of their clinical, laboratory, and X-rays as a radiological modality, for that, we did a single-centered retrospective observational study in 159 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 positive patients with sample size being duration dependent.

Results:

We found statistically significant correlation between clinical parameters and lung involvement based on chest X-ray (CXR) scoring and also temporal variation as the disease progression occurs.

Conclusion:

Along with clinical and laboratory parameters, CXRs can be used as a useful bedside, inexpensive, and easily available radiological tool for assessment in resource-poor settings where high-resolution computed tomography scans are not feasible.
Anlotinib followed by transarterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective initial treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein tumor thrombus
Authors: Wang Jianpeng , Li Xishan , Wang Fengjie , Shi Degang , Zhang Jiren
Published: July 2021

Background:

Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) remains a poor prognostic factor occurring in about 10%–40% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for the optimal treatment is controversial. Anlotinib is an novel small molecule inhibitor that has a broad spectrum of inhibitory activities on tumor angiogenesis and growth. However, so far, no studies have reported the use of anlotinib in the treatment of HCC patients with PVTT. Here, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of anlotinib, followed by transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of patients with HCC and PVTT.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 145 consecutive HCC patients who underwent TACE in combination with RFA were enrolled in the retrospective study. Twenty-eight patients were diagnosed with PVTT and received anlotinib as basic treatment. The adverse events (AEs) were graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for AEs Version 4.0. Time to tumor progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results:

The most common toxicities related to anlotinib were pharyngalgia (53.6%), fatigue (42.9%), and hand–foot skin reaction (39.3%). The median OS was 13 months (range: 3–18 months) with 1-year OS rate of 64.3%. The median TTP was 7 months (range: 1–12 months) with 6-month rate of 46.4%.

Conclusion:

Anlotinib followed by TACE and RFA is a safe and effective initial treatment modality for HCC patients with PVTT. Anlotinib may be a promising therapeutic option for relieving and/or stabilizing HCC with PVTT.
Computed tomography-guided lung biopsy
Authors: Zhang Ping , Liu Jing-Mei , Zhang Ying-Ying , Hua Rong , Xia Feng-Fei , Shi Yi-Bing
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to compare the relative diagnostic utility of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) and standard-dose computed tomography (SDCT)-guided lung biopsy approaches.

Materials and Methods:

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies published through August 2020. Data pertaining to endpoints including technical success, diagnostic performance, operative time, radiation dose, and complications, were extracted, and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan v5.3.

Results:

Three retrospective analyses and three randomized controlled trials, were included. The studies included 1977 lung lesions across 1927 patients who underwent LDCT-guided lung biopsy, and 887 lung lesions across 879 patients who underwent SDCT-guided lung biopsy. No significant differences were observed between these LDCT and SDCT groups with respect to the rates of technical success (99.0% vs. 99.5%, odds ratio [OR]: 1.82, P = 0.35,), diagnostic yield (79.6% vs. 76.2%, OR: 0.93, P = 0.47), diagnostic accuracy (96.1% vs. 96.1%, OR: 0.93, P = 0.69), operative time (mean difference [MD]: 1.04, P = 0.30), pneumothorax (19.9% vs. 21.3%, OR: 0.92, P = 0.43) or hemoptysis (4.6% vs. 5.8%, OR: 1.14, P = 0.54). Patients in the LDCT group received a significantly lower radiation dose (MD: [FIGURE DASH]209.87, P < 0.00001) than patients in the SDCT group. Significant heterogeneity was observed with respect to the operative duration and radiation dose endpoints (I2= 84% and 100%, respectively).

Conclusions:

Relative to SDCT-guided lung biopsy, an LDCT-guided approach is equally safe and can achieve comparable diagnostic efficacy while exposing patients to lower doses of radiation.
Changes in thyroid antibody and T lymphocyte subsets after radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis
Authors: Tang Xiaoyin , Li Ping , Zhai Bo , Zhu Xiaoli
Published: July 2021

Settings and Design:

The aim was to study the changes in thyroid antibody and T lymphocyte subsets after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of thyroid nodules in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.

Subjects and Methods:

Patients (n = 135) with autoimmune thyroiditis and thyroid nodules were treated by RFA. The indices of thyroid function and thyroid antibody and T lymphocyte subsets were examined preoperation and on the 1st day and the 1st month after ablation. Any complications were recorded.

Statistical Analysis:

The software SPSS 17.0.0 (version: 2008-8-23) running under Windows 8 was used for statistical analysis. The measurement data were expressed as x ± s, with P < 0.01 indicating a significant difference in the statistical data.

Results:

Levels of free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone were in the normal range before ablation, and no significant changes occurred on the 1st day or in the 1st month after ablation. The change in the percentage of CD8+T cells and the absolute value of B cells were not statistically significant (P > 0.01), and the values were in the normal range. Compared with values recorded preoperation, the value of TG-Ab, TPO-Ab, CD4+/CD8+, the percentage of CD4+T cells, the absolute values of lymphocytes, T cells, CD4+T cells, and CD8+T cells decreased significantly at the 1st day after ablation (P < 0.01) and then recovered to preoperative levels during the first 30 days after ablation (P > 0.01). Within 1 month after ablation, none of the patients had complications such as active bleeding, infection, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, parathyroid gland injury, skin scald, and so on.

Conclusions:

After RFA of thyroid nodules in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, thyroid function is not affected and no serious complications occurred. TG-Ab and TPO-Ab levels can be significantly decreased, and the distribution of T lymphocyte subsets can be changed in the short term after ablation.
Comparative analysis of bile culture and blood culture in patients with malignant biliary obstruction complicated with biliary infection
Authors: Wang Chengli , Yu Haipeng , He Ji'an , Li Mei , Zhang Lei , Xu Yan , Gao Wei , Yang Xueling , Guo Xiuying , Guo Zhi
Published: July 2021

Objective:

This study is aimed to provide a clinical basis for the identification and treatment of patients with malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) complicated with biliary infection by comparing pathogenic bacteria detected in bile and blood cultures from these patients.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 380 patients with MBO who received percutaneous transhepatic cholangic drainage from January 2004 to January 2019 were included in the study. A total of 90 patients were diagnosed with having MBO complicated with biliary infection, and bile and blood culture were simultaneously performed on these patients. The patients included 58 men and 32 women, ranging in age from 33 to 86 years old, with a mean age of 60.69 years.

Results:

The detection rate using bile bacterial culture in patients with MBO complicated with biliary infection was significantly higher than that using blood culture, and there were significant differences in the two kinds of bacterial culture found positive bile and blood cultures from the same patients. Gram-positive cocci were dominant in the bile cultures and Gram-negative bacilli were dominant in the blood cultures. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct simultaneous bile bacterial culture and blood culture for patients with MBO complicated with biliary infection, especially those with severe or critical diseases.

Conclusions:

It is vital to enable simultaneous bile bacterial culture and blood culture in patients with MBO complicated with biliary infection. Existing guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of benign biliary infection are not applicable to patients with MBO complicated with biliary infection.
Short-term efficacy and safety of callispheres drug-loaded microsphere embolization in primary hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Jinpeng , Wang Nan , Shi Congcong , Liu Qingran , Song Jinlong , Ye Xin
Published: July 2021

Background:

Drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) is a newly developed local regional therapy for improving the efficacy and safety of conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE), which is now universally used to treat patients with unresectable liver cancer.Cohort studies, clinical trials, and meta-analysis have shown DEB-TACE to be associated with favorable treatment responses, prolonged survival, and at least similar safety profile when compared with cTACE.

Aims and Objectives:

This study was to evaluate the short term clinical efficacy, side effects, and risk factors affecting the clinical effectiveness of CalliSpheres drug loaded bead transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (DEB TACE) in the treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials and Methods:

A total of 172 consecutive patients with HCC undergoing DEB TACE (loaded with doxorubicin) from January 2017 to December 2018 were prospectively enrolled. Short term local tumor response was evaluated by the modified RECIST criteria. Postoperative complications and liver function disorders were analyzed based on examinations and clinical symptoms.

Results:

The median follow up period was 310 days. Based on the modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors criteria, objective response rates(complete response [CR] + partial response [PR]) were 78.7%, 71.6%, and 63.2%, and disease control rates(CR + PR + stable disease) were 95.3%, 92.1%, and 85.9% at 2, 4, and 6 months posttreatment, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that nodule number >3, high BCLC stage, no vascular leak, and previous conventional TACE treatment were associated with poor ORR (P < 0.05). Postoperation, liver function showed transient changes. Postoperative complications were tolerated and relieved by symptomatic treatment. The average interval of TACE before D TACE was 43 days, compared with 70 days for average interval of DEB TACE. The average hospital stay was 1.87 days.

Conclusion:

DEB TACE has improved short term efficacy and lower incidence of complications in primary HCC and prolongs the interval of TACE. It significantly increases the ORR, especially in patients with no extra hepatic metastasis pretreatment. DEB usage actually improves treatment efficacy and provides more benefits to patients. KEY WORDS: Drug-loaded bead-transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, hepatocellular carcinoma, microsphere embolization
Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma originating in the caudate lobe
Authors: Peng Yuan , Cui Dan , Li Weijian , Ding Ming , Shi Yaoping , Wang Tao , Shi Donghua , Chi Jiachang , Li Ping , Zhai Bo
Published: July 2021

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, feasibility, and tolerability of ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) originating in the caudate lobe.

Materials and Methods:

The treatment and survival parameters of 32 patients with HCC in the caudate lobe, who met the inclusion criteria and had received US-guided percutaneous MWA in our department from November 2010 to October 2015, were retrospectively analyzed. Imaging examination (contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance) 1 month after MWA was used to evaluate the efficacy of US-guided MWA.

Results:

Thirty-two patients underwent percutaneous MWA for caudate lobe HCC. The average tumor size was 3.42 ± 0.27 (range: 1–6.8) cm. The initial complete ablation (CA) rate was 87.5% (28/32), and the total CA rate was 96.88% (31/32). Furthermore, the median length of hospitalization was 4 days (range: 2–10 days), and no major complication was observed in this study. The overall survival rates were 87.5%, 50%, and 28.13% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. The progression-free survival after MWA was 93.75%, 53.15%, and 28.13% at 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively.

Conclusions:

US-guided percutaneous MWA was a safe and effective treatment. It is a promising alternative therapy for HCC originating in the caudate lobe.
Multiregion sequencing and subclonal analysis reveal intratumoral heterogeneity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Gao Dongni , Zhang Zicheng , Yang Qiwei , Li Baosheng
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to investigate intratumoral genomic heterogeneity and subclonal structure of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Materials and Methods:

Multiregion whole-exome sequencing was performed on 24 surgically acquired tumor samples from five untreated ESCC patients collected in 2019 to determine the heterogeneity of mutational landscape within tumors. Phylogenetic analysis and mutation process analysis were used to explore the distribution and dynamic changes of mutation spectrum, and subclone analysis was used to explore the subclonal composition and spatial structure of ESCC.

Results:

An average of 60.2% of mutations were found heterogenous. TP53 and NOTCH1 mutations were confirmed to be early events, and mutations unique in different tumor regions showed a pattern of branching evolution. A large proportion of mutations were associated with abnormal activity of the apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC) family, and significant differences in mutation types between trunk and branch variants were found. Subclonal structure exhibited spatial correspondence and spatial limitations, and different genomic features were characterized between close and distant clones.

Conclusions:

There is significant intratumoral genomic heterogeneity in the five ESCCs, and their subclonal structure is related to spatial locations.
The combination therapy with the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 and programmed death 1 antibody-induced asthma in a patient with advanced melanoma
Authors: Xu Weiran , Lian Bin , Cui Chuanliang , Guo Jun
Published: July 2021

The combination of programmed death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-(CTLA-4) inhibitors have markedly improved the survival of melanoma patients. We report the case of a patient with advanced melanoma who developed asthma during anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 combination therapy. The patient was a 57-year-old woman enrolled in a clinical trial regarding novel CTLA-4 antibody and sintilimab treatment. The patient was diagnosed with asthma after three cycles of therapy. Subsequently, she was treated with corticosteroids, shortcostero β2 agonists, and antihistamines. The symptoms were relieved after 7 days. This is the first report of asthma in a patient treated with combination immunotherapy to the best of our knowledge. The mechanism remains to be further explored.
The clinical efficacy of computed tomography-guided125I particle implantation combined with arterial infusion chemotherapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yang Liang , Li Chuang , Wang Zhe , Wu Jinyu , Zhou Jun , Wang Ruoyu
Published: July 2021

Aims:

This study aimed to investigate the clinical value of 125I radioactive particle implantation combined with regional arterial chemotherapy perfusion in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Subjects and Methods:

The clinical data of 23 patients with pancreatic cancer were retrospectively analyzed, and the patients were divided into two groups. In the observation group, 11 patients were injected with radioactive particles in combination with regional arterial chemotherapy. In the control group, 12 patients were treated with simple regional arterial perfusion chemotherapy. Curative effect, pain relief, survival period, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.

Results:

The proportion of patients was significantly higher in the observation group (complete remission + partial remission) (72.73%) than in the control group (41.67%). The 6-month and 9-month survival rates in the experimental group were 91.7% and 50%, respectively, while those in the control group were 63.6% and 18.2%, respectively, with significantly statistical difference. The 12-month survival rate in the experimental group was 16.7% and was significantly higher than that in the control group (8.3%). The experimental group should greater improvement in pain symptoms than the control group, and there was no statistical difference between the two groups except in complications of 125I radioactive particle implantation.

Conclusions:

We conclude that 125I radioactive particle implantation combined with regional arterial perfusion chemotherapy is an effective and comprehensive treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer.
Advantages of interstitial radioactive seed implantation for the treatment of Stage III pancreatic cancer
Authors: Gai Baodong , Li Qingchun , Shao Pu , Yang Dongyan
Published: July 2021

Objective:

The objective of the study was to identify the advantages of interstitial radioactive seed implantation for the treatment of Stage III pancreatic cancer.

Materials and Methods:

Clinical data of 160 patients with pancreatic cancer implanted with radioactive seeds were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were grouped according to tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and tumor invasion to important blood vessels, and survival time statistics were obtained.

Results:

The mean postoperative survival time (months) was 24.80 for Stage I, 12.89 for Stage II, 13.51 for Stage III, and 7.49 for Stage IV patients, and the difference between Stage II and Stage III patients was not statistically significant. The efficacy of radioactive seed implantation therapy for pancreatic cancer was strongly associated with tumor size and number of lymph node metastases but not significantly associated with tumor invasion to blood vessels.

Conclusions:

Radioactive seed implantation obviously advantageous for the treatment of Stage III pancreatic cancer.
Biometric Identification System as a Potential Source of Nosocomial Infection Among Medical Students
Authors: Samad Abdu , Miqdad Syed Mohammed , Hashim A. , Jacob Reuben Abraham
Published: July 2021

In the current situation, biometric devices, electronic devices, and medical apparatus usage cannot be restricted in hospitals and offices. These devices will act as a vehicle for the transmission of bacterial agents. Our study observed that a biometric device is acting as a vehicle/source of spreading bacterial agents. It will be more in the hospital environment. The only way to protect from infections is strict adherence to infection control and good hygienic practices. We also observed fewer samples containing yielding of bacteria, indicating that either student is not interacting with biometric devices or is more aware of infection spread and followed the hand hygiene practice with alcohol.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Research in Educational Settings
Authors: Elhussein Mustafa , Agou Shoroog
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted dental education and research activities, creating challenges for students, educators, and health-care professionals. The unfolding crisis has shed the light on how technology can facilitate not only the delivery of dental education and improving access to dental care but also new and ongoing research. While dental schools worldwide have re-structured their policies and curricula in terms of incorporating appropriate methods of distance learning, this now needs to be applied to dental research where appropriate. By conducting a “strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats” analysis and describing the authors' experiences, here we discuss the impact of the pandemic on various aspects of dental research to provide a timely perspective on dental research activity in academic institutions to help achieve research outcomes despite the pandemic's impact.
Age-Related Changes in the Testicular Morphophysiology of the Cane Rat (Thryonomys swinderianus)
Authors: Omirinde Jamiu Oyewole , Olukole Samuel Gbadebo , Oke Bankole Olusiji
Published: July 2021

This study evaluated age-related changes in the testicular morphophysiology of the cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) using histological, histochemical, and sex hormonal profile approaches. Twenty (20) pathogen-free male cane rats were used for the investigation. Cane rats were divided into four groups: prepubertal (≤4 months), pubertal (>4 ≤12 months), adult (>12 ≤30 months), and aged (>30 months) of 5 rats each. Blood was collected from the different cane rat groups and processed for sex serum hormonal levels. Testes were also excised and processed routinely for variations in histology, histochemistry (using Masson's trichrome [MT] and Periodic acid–Schiff [PAS]), and histomorphometric evaluations using GIMP2 software. Testosterone concentrations were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) in the prepubertal to adult, while there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in this hormone between adult and aged. The concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) for prepubertal, pubertal, and adult, respectively. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between adult and aged for FSH and luteinizing hormone. Histologically, there were scanty interstitial cells, lack of patent lumen, and incomplete spermatogenetic cell series in prepubertal compared to other age groups. Testicular capsular (MT and PAS) staining intensity increased with age advancement, while in the parenchyma, remarkably high intensity was displayed by the pubertal compared to others. Seminiferous tubular and luminal diameters (LD) significantly (P < 0.05) increased with advancing age whereas epithelial height (EH) was markedly increased in pubertal relative to other groups. In conclusion, these sets of data have shown that reproductive activity is directly related to age and is at maximum in adult cane rat.