bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning-Enhanced Text Mining as a Support Tool for Research on Climate Change
Authors: Rybak Nikodem , Hassall Maureen
Published: August 2023

In this chapter, the authors explore the theoretical and practical aspects of using text mining approaches supported by machine learning for the automatic interpretation of bulk literature on a contemporary issue—that of climate change risk analysis. The strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities associated with these approaches are investigated. Text mining provides a way to automate and enhance the analysis of text data. However, contrary to popular belief, text mining analysis is not a completely automated process. As with computer-assisted (or -aided) qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS), it is an iterative method requiring input from a researcher with expert knowledge and a deliberate approach to the analysis. Given the heterogeneity that generally characterizes climate disclosures, the authors postulate that hybrid methodologies are ideal for analysing textual data related to climate change discourse. The authors also demonstrate that text mining is an open and evolving field, in the sense that it can be combined with other approaches to shed new light on the climate discourse.
A produção acadêmica da pós-graduação brasileira sobre a dança na educação infantil
Authors: Faria Fávero Rafaela , Bolzan Érica , Lema Del Rio Martins Rodrigo , Da Silva Mello André
Published: August 2023

Analisa a produção acadêmica da pós-graduação brasileira sobre a dança na Educação Infantil, tendo como fonte o Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes). Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica, do tipo Estado do Conhecimento. Os resultados apontam 24 trabalhos, publicados entre 2003 e 2019, procedentes de programas de pós-graduação em Educação, Educação Física, Artes, Dança e Psicologia. Há o predomínio da autoria de mulheres nas produções investigadas, que são, em sua maioria, provenientes de instituições públicas. Parte significativa das metodologias empregadas nos trabalhos analisados aproxima-se com o chão da escola e possui características propositivas. Dentre os temas mais discutidos, destacam-se as práticas e os métodos de ensino para a dança no contexto da Educação Infantil.
Therapeutic roles of hematopoietic growth factors
Authors: Khaled Safaa A.A. , Mahmoud Maged S. , Mahran Dalia G. , Abdelaal Sawsan A. , Hussein Safinaz
Published: August 2023

Background

Eltrombopag (EPAG) was recently approved for aplastic anemia (AA). The recommended regimen is triple agents, EPAG, anti-thymocyte globulin, and cyclosporin A (CsA). Anti-thymocyte globulin is not available in many centers and has serious adverse effects.

Aim

This study assessed, for the first time, two-agent therapies comprising EPAG+CsA in patients with AA.

Patients and methods

Group A included 33 patients with AA who were treated with EPAG+CsA and prospectively recruited. Their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed. All parameters were evaluated at enrollment and after 2−3 months. Bone marrow aspirate was done after 6 months. Another 33 patients who received CsA only (group B) were retrospectively recruited for comparison.

Results

Both groups were matched regarding demographic and baseline hematologic profile. Significant increment and reduction, after treatment, of absolute neutrophil count and platelets, and transfusion requirements, were respectively seen in group A compared with group B, whereas mean platelet volume was significantly increased in group A only (0.025). The overall response rate and complete remission rate were 72.7 vs. 45.5% and 15.1 vs. 3% in groups A and B, respectively. Significant improvement of the total RAND scoring was found in HRQoL items of group A; however, the social functioning score did not improve significantly. Therapeutic response to EPAG+CsA was an independent effector of HRQoL. After 6 months, one patient had acute leukemia and another one developed fibrosis.

Conclusions

A ramp-up, short-duration, therapy with EPAG+CsA in AA is as effective as fixed-dose triple agents, with lower risk of disease progression or fibrosis.
Acute myeloid leukemias in Batna Epidemiological and cytological profile of acute myeloid leukemias
Authors: Afaf Youcefi , Mahdia Saidi
Published: August 2023

Background

Acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) are heterogeneous clonal hematologic malignancies caused by the transformation of a hematopoietic stem cell or an already-committed progenitor to the myeloid lineage. The objective of this work is to describe the epidemiological and cytological characteristics of peripheral blood and marrow in 126 patients with AML at the Batna Anti-Cancer Center between 2016 and 2019.

Methods

The diagnostic criteria are based on the morphology of cells under the microscope, cytochemistry, clinical presentation, immunophenotyping of blasts by flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and the search for certain molecular markers.

Results

The age of the patients ranged from 15 to 88 years. Morphological examination of blood and marrow smears and myeloperoxidase reaction allowed AML to be classified according to the criteria of the French–American–British group: (1) 9.5% of AML0, (2) 17.5% of AML1, (3) 11.1% of LAM2, (4) 13.5% of LAM3, (5) 15.1% of LAM4, (6) 16.7% of LAM5, (7) 3.2% of LAM6, and (8) 0% of LAM7. There were 12.7% of cases difficult to classify, and 0.8%biphenotypic cases.

Conclusions

Discrepancies in terms of percentages are noted between the subtypes M0, M1, and M2. These results must be supplemented by studies of cytogenetics and molecular biology.
Severe fetal and mild hemolytic disease of newborn
Authors: Joshi Rajan , Kalane Shilpa , Kulkarni Aparna
Published: August 2023

Maternal antibody production is stimulated when fetal red cells are positive for an antigen absent onmother's red cells. Alloimmune hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn due to anti E is uncommon. We report a case of anti-E hemolytic disease in a neonate who had severe fetal and mild neonatal hemolytic manifestations. The neonate was treated with phototherapy. He also received intravenous immunoglobulin and single PCV transfusion.
Serum level of progranulin in Egyptian acute myeloid leukemia patients at diagnosis and after chemotherapy treatment
Authors: Mohamed Inas A. , Azzazi Mohamed O. , El Afifi Amal M. , Hegab Hany M. , El Ghammaz Amro M. , Fathy Rasha K.
Published: August 2023

Background

Progranulin (PGRN) is a highly conserved secreted protein that is expressed in multiple cell types, both in the Central Nervous System (CNS) and in peripheral tissues. Both directly and through its conversion to granulins, PGRN regulates cell growth, survival, repair, and inflammation. PGRN has a major role in the regulation of lysosomal function and microglial responses in the CNS. Also, PGRN has significant biological effects on different types of cancer. This protein is a regulator of tumorigenesis because it stimulates cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and malignant transformation. Its role has been studied in different types of cancer, for example, bladder cancer, ovarian, and breast cancer, and a few studies are done in hematological malignancies.

Aim and objectives

To measure the levels of PGRN in the serum of adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) before and after treatment and correlate that with prognosis.

Patients and methods

Sixty participants included 20 healthy controls and 40 patients diagnosed as de novo AML with measurement of serum PGRN twice (at the time of diagnosis before treatment and after treatment at day 28).

Results

PGRN levels in healthy participants were in the range from 80 to 370 pg/ml with the mean value of 155 pg/ml, whereas in the patients, the range was from 215 to 545 with the mean value of 346 pg/ml, indicating a highly significant difference between the control (healthy persons) group and patients’ group. The authors have also decreased in serum PGRN in responders with an average level that was 300 pg/ml, which was statistically significant.

Conclusion

The PGRN level is high in AML and has high sensitivity and specificity as a diagnostic marker for AML and might need targeted therapy.
The Prevalence and Determinants of Vitamin D Status among Older Adults: Data from a Longitudinal Aging Study
Authors: Rezaei Omolbanin Motamed , Sharifi Farshad , Moodi Mitra , Zarban Asghar , Tahergorabi Reza , Tahergorabi Zoya
Published: August 2023

Background:

Aging is identified as a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency (VDD) therefore this investigation was designed to determine the prevalence of VDD and its determinants in a sample of older adults.

Methods:

The data of this study were obtained from the baseline wave of the Longitudinal Aging Study (LAS). Demographic, past medical history, medication history, and smoking behavior were collected using an interview approach. The physical activity and nutritional status of the participants were assessed using a standard questionnaire. Anthropometric indices were measured according to a standard protocol then body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Serum vitamin D and calcium levels were measured by autoanalyzers. Univariate and multiple logistic regression models were applied to detect the associated factors with VDD.

Results:

Mean age of the participants was 71.82 (SD = 7.63) years. A total of 1319 people participated in our study, and 51.16% (n = 688) were female. A total of 8.42% (n = 111) of the participants had VDD and 17.06% of them (n = 225) had insufficient vitamin D levels. In the multivariable logistic regression model, the age group of 70–79 years in comparison with the age group of 60–69 years had a 43% less chance of VDD. Furthermore, being overweight (OR = 0.36, P = 0.01) and obese (OR = 0.35, P = 0.02), and taking vitamin D supplements (OR = 0.31, P = 0.04) were significantly associated with VDD.

Conclusions:

Our results showed that 25% of older adults had vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. In addition, some modifiable lifestyle factors were associated with VDD. Given that, old age is considered a risk factor for VDD. Therefore, detection and improvement of VDD may be a preventive measure in at-risk subjects.
Investigating the Impact of Very Low-Calorie Diet in Patients' Postbariatric Surgery with Weight Regain
Authors: Samaddar Ritika , Pawha Saumya , Sharma Khushboo
Published: August 2023

Objective:

The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of very low-calorie diet (VLCD) on postbariatric surgery (BS) patients with weight regain (WR).

Methods:

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, interventional clinical trial. The sample selection for the study was performed on the basis of prepared inclusion and exclusion criteria. Structured phone calls were made to all the subjects in which baseline information such as body weight and height were asked through which body mass index (BMI) was calculated to check the eligibility. A sample size of 40 subjects including both males and females with >10% gain of nadir weight after 2 years of BS with a current BMI of ≥30 kg/m[2] was selected. Two standardized VLCD plans for 4 weeks each were prescribed to them. A close supervision of selected subjects was done regularly through structured weekly calls, outpatient department follow-ups, and support group meets. The statistical analysis was done to find the average weight loss (WL) and change in body fat percentage over 8 weeks.

Results:

The mean average age of the sample was 45 ± 9.45 years among which 12 were male and 28 were female. The sample size was under the inclusion criteria with >10% WR after 2 years of BS. In this sample, the average total body WL after BS was found to be 47.3 kg. Postoperative average WR in the selected sample was 10.3%. After the follow-up period of 8 weeks of VLCD, an average WL of 3.66 kg (3.76%) along with a body fat percent loss of 2.58% was observed. It was also noted that the WL in the initial weeks was comparatively higher than that in the later weeks. An average WL in the first 4 weeks was 2.36 kg (2.42%) and average WL in the next 4 weeks was 1.32 kg (1.35%).

Conclusion:

VLCD is effective but long-term effects need to be seen. There have been no such Indian studies before this, and hence, more such studies need to be done.
Cutaneous horn with underlying squamous cell carcinoma complicating discoid lupus erythematosus of scalp: A hitherto unreported complication
Authors: Bisherwal Kavita , Singal Archana , Bhoi Anil Kumar , Sharma Sonal
Published: August 2023

Cutaneous horn, characterized by conical protrusion arising from the skin surface, comprises of hyperkeratotic epidermis. It is commonly seen on photo-exposed body parts in elderly men and can arise from benign, premalignant, or malignant dermatoses. There are scarce reports of cutaneous horn developing in association with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). We report an interesting case of cutaneous horn with underlying well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma arising over chronic scarred lesion of DLE on the scalp.
Nail unit incision lines: A tool to minimize nail unit scarring
Authors: Grover Chander , Bansal Shikha , Gupta Somesh
Published: August 2023

Langer’s lines, lines of cleavage, and biodynamic excisional skin tension (BEST) lines have been defined for cutaneous surgery to ensure excisional wound closure with the least tension on any part of the body and minimize scarring. This article describes nail unit incision lines (NUIL) with a similar perspective. NUIL are followed by nail surgeons to help regrowth of a normal nail; however, they are not widely understood or respected during nail surgery. Within the anatomically small nail unit, the orientation of these lines varies depending on the area being operated upon. Nail bed incisions should be oriented longitudinally, while nail matrix incisions should be oriented horizontally. Being the germinative portion, nail matrix should be dealt with more cautiously, avoiding the lunular margin. Lateral nail fold incisions should be longitudinal, while proximal nail fold incisions should be radial. Distal nail fold (hyponychial) incisions should preferably be oriented parallel to the distal nail ridge. Knowledge and compliance with NUIL can help minimize scarring outcomes in nail surgery.
Multicentric observational study of the possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine in relation to absorbable thread insertion
Authors: Poleva Irina , Szomolai Eszter , Hegedus Beata , Zhukova Olga
Published: August 2023

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination programs in Europe began in December 2020, and as the number of vaccinated people increased, more information emerged about the possible side effects of vaccines. Recently, some reports appeared around the association of adverse reactions following soft-tissue filler injections and the COVID-19 vaccines. This fact raised the concerns of esthetic practitioners regarding the possibility of the association of the COVID-19 vaccine and adverse effects in other esthetic treatments. Many of us wonder if botox injection, biostimulation, or other procedure could trigger the same or other adverse reactions after the COVID-19 vaccination. Many colleagues postpone esthetic treatments, canceling the appointments.

Objective:

The objective of our investigation was to understand if any adverse reactions have been observed in the patients who underwent threads implantation before and after the vaccination.

Materials and Methods:

Four medical centers have collected the data of the patients treated with absorbable threads before the vaccination and after vaccination for COVID-19. The dossiers of 190 patients with a mean age of 50.4 years were evaluated. Three questionnaires were administered 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after thread implantation.

Results:

There were no adverse reactions in the groups of patients under monitoring. Only one patient presented signs of inflammation and infection, but they are more probably attributable to the contamination during thread insertion.

Conclusions:

No patients treated with absorbable threads developed adverse events in relation to the COVID-19 vaccine. The only case of inflammation is attributable probably to the contamination of the thread during the procedure.
Dietary habits, lifestyle changes, and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A cross-sectional study in Egypt
Authors: Hussein Yasmin H. H. , Soliman Al-Zahraa M.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown had a significant effect on people’s lifestyles and dietary habits resulting in a possible negative health impact, particularly for patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The objective of the study was to assess the changes in dietary habits and lifestyle and how these relate to glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), who attended Zagazig Diabetes Clinic, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A total of 402 patients with T2D were included in this cross-sectional study. A semistructured questionnaire was used to collect information on socioeconomic status, dietary habits, lifestyle changes, and previous medical history. Weight and height were also measured, and hemoglobin A1C levels before and after lockdown were compared. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS. To determine statistical significance, Chi-square test was used for categorical variables whereas, paired t-test or McN-Nemar test, as appropriate, was used to compare change in HbA1c before and after lockdown. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with weight change, whereas binary logistic regression was used to determine factors related with glycemic control.

RESULTS:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, 43.8% of the studied groups consumed more than their usual diet with an increase in fruits, vegetables, and immunity-boosting food; 57% depended on home-cooked food, 48.3% did not practice exercise. About 57% reported to have gained weight, 70.9% suffered from mental stress, and 66.7% reported inadequate sleep. Collectively, there was a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of good glycemic control in the studied groups (28.1% vs. 15.9%) before and after the COVID-19 lockdown, respectively (P < 0.001). Weight gain, physical inactivity, mental stress, and inadequate sleep were significantly associated with poor glycemic control.

CONCLUSION:

COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the lifestyle and dietary habits of the studied groups. Therefore, it is very important to ensure better diabetes management in this critical period.
Relationship between the government implemented protective measures for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the pandemic and the understanding of religious evidence in Muslim community: A cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Wali Alzubair A.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has swept across the Middle East has ignited religious tensions. Although the implementation of effective preventive measures is the best way to control the spread of COVID-19, in such countries as Saudi Arabia, these restrictions have sometimes been viewed as violations of religious practice. The present study explores the reasons for ignoring the authorities’ recommendations, and the inability of the authorities to create a sense of inclusion in the protective measures they introduce against the COVID-19 outbreak.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in Saudi Arabia and data were collected from 922 participants. The questionnaire contained 17 questions on personal characteristics, compliance with governmental protective measures, and participants’ understanding of religious evidence. The SPSS was used for data analysis. Categorical data was presented as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between people’s compliance to the protective measures and their understanding of religious evidence.

RESULTS:

The age of the study participants ranged between 17 to 68 years with a mean age of 43.9 (±12.69) years. About half of the participants reported always complying to Mosque precautions (49.9%) and keeping distance (53.7%). However, only 34.3% participants always maintained social distancing while visiting relatives; about 25.2% often kept a social distance. We found that an adequate understanding of religious principles was significantly associated with accepted overall commitment, and inadequate understanding was significantly associated with lack of commitment. An adequate understanding of religious principles was significantly associated with a positive attitude toward future commitment and inadequate understanding was significantly associated with a negative attitude.

CONCLUSION:

We recommend that the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia solicits the support of religious scholars to give a proper explanation of the religious evidence and eliminate misconceptions to promote compliance with the protective measures.
Association between diabetes-related distress and glycemic control in primary care patients with Type 2 diabetes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Egypt
Authors: Elotla Sally F. , Fouad Ahmed M. , Mohamed Samar F. , Joudeh Anwar I. , Mostafa Mona , Hayek Samer El , Shah Jaffer , Ahmed Hazem A. S.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

Diabetes-related distress and glycemic control are of a particular concern to primary care physicians because of the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on diabetic patients’ lifestyle, psychological well-being and healthcare access. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between diabetes-related distress and glycemic control in diabetic patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in primary care settings during the pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional study was conducted at primary healthcare clinics in a rural area in Egypt among 430 patients with T2DM during the period from September 2020 to June 2021. All patients were interviewed for their sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical characteristics. Diabetes-related distress was measured by the problem areas in the diabetes scale (PAID), where a total score of ≥40 indicated a severe diabetes-related distress. The most recent glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements were used to indicate the glycemic control. Quantile regression model (0.50 quantile) was used to perform the multivariate analysis to identify significant factors associated with HbA1c level.

RESULTS:

Most of the participants had a suboptimal glycemic control (92.3%), while 13.3% had severe diabetes-related distress. HbA1c level was significantly and positively correlated with the total PAID score and all its sub-domains. Multivariate quantile regression revealed that obesity, multi-morbidity, and severe diabetes-related distress were the only significant determinants of the HbA1c median level. Obese patients had significantly higher median HbA1c compared to patients who were not obese (coefficient = 0.25, P < 0.001). Patients with two or more comorbidities (i.e., multimorbidity) had a significantly higher median HbA1c than patients with single or no chronic comorbidities (coefficient = 0.41, P < 0.001). Severe diabetes-related distress was significantly associated with higher median HbA1c compared to nonsevere diabetes-related distress (coefficient = 0.20, P = 0.018).

CONCLUSION:

Diabetes-related distress had a significant association with HbA1c level. Family physicians should implement multifaceted programs to optimize diabetes control and reduce any associated distress.
The Current Concept of Hemostasis in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Lee Chang-Tse , Zheng Zhi-Hong
Published: August 2023

Maximizing hemostasis in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains a challenge today. Blood loss associated with knee joint reconstruction can lead to pain, joint stiffness, hemarthrosis, wound drainage, risk of infection, and slowed postoperative rehabilitation. This article reviews the current concept of hemostasis in TKA. The following topics are discussed in this article: (1) the types of blood loss in TKA, (2) the hemostatic effects of tranexamic acid (TXA) in TKA, (3) the advantages of the use of a tourniquet in TKA, (4) advantages and disadvantages of wound drainage after TKA, (5) benefits of cryotherapy in TKA and revision TKA, and (6) To compare the results of the use of TXA, platelet-rich plasma, and fibrin sealant in TKA.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in pheochromocytoma – paraganglioma: A single center experience
Authors: Memon SS , Srivastava P , Karlekar M , Thakkar H , Bandgar T ,   KEM Pheochromocytoma Investigators
Published: August 2023

Context/Aims:

Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) are rare tumors, and data on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in these patients and the effect of blocking on ABPM parameters is limited. We aimed to describe ABPM parameters in a cohort of PPGL at our center in western India.

Methods:

Retrospective study of patients with PPGL whose ABPM data was available. Demographic details, secretory status, and ABPM data were retrieved. Coefficient of variability (CV) was calculated as standard deviation/mean in percentage.

Results:

In the 39 included patients, mean age at presentation was 39.3 ± 14.2 yr; 20 (51.3%) were males, 25 (64.1%) hypertensive, and mean tumor diameter was 5.3 cm. In 18 patients whose baseline ABPM was done without medications, those with nocturnal blood pressure dipping (6/18, 33%) had higher serum metanephrines (median 313.2 vs. 34.7 pg/ml, P = 0.028). Despite normal office blood pressure (BP), 8.9% of systolic BP readings were >140 mmHg, and 1.2% were >160 mmHg. Among 29 patients with both pre and post-block ABPM, mean BP (systolic 121.6 vs. 132.5 mmHg, P = 0.014; diastolic 68.9 vs. 76.4 mmHg, P = 0.005) and percentage of BP readings above 140 mmHg (median 9.4% vs. 24.4%, P = 0.016) were significantly lowered after the preoperative blockade in hypertensive (n = 19) patients, whereas CV was similar. The post-blockade ABPM characteristics were similar in patients blocked with amlodipine or prazosin.

Conclusion:

ABPM provides additional information about BP characteristics in PPGL. The preoperative blocking decreases the magnitude of BP excursions but does not affect BP variability.
Non-ionizing Radiations and their Biochemical and Biomedical Impacts
Authors: Lahir Yogendra K.
Published: August 2023

Human beings and animals are exposed to non-ionizing radiations. These radiations are essential for current mode of communication in life. These improve biochemical, biomolecular, and biomedical investigations in combination with computers and electronic gadgets. Such gadgets are in use in almost every field of life. The photon energy of the non-ionizing radiations cannot either ionize an atom or a molecule, this photon energy excites electron, in the interacting molecules or atoms resting energy level to the next higher energy state. This behavior induces degree of reactivity but not the strong conformational changes in these atoms or molecules. These radiations cause thermal effect on the body tissues; as a result, body temperature may increase. The effect of non-ionizing radiations on biosystems is in accordance with the dose, duration, and the strength. The impact of non-ionizing radiation also depends on cell type, nature, physicochemical features, depth in biosystem, and density of the unicellular biosystems. There exists lacuna in understanding the mechanisms involved. There is a relationship between sound decibel and frequencies of the varied forms of non-ionizing radiations and their reception. Biosystems have cognitive tendency to sustain unfavorable circumstances as these are endowed with ability to repair the damage or cope with the induced stress. The biosystems counteract ill impacts of non-ionizing radiations. In this review, the impacts of non-ionizing radiations on biological entities have been reviewed.
Craniospinal Irradiation by Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy Technique on Halcyon
Authors: Barsing Shubhangi , Parab Anand , Singh Anuradha , Pemmaraju Gopal
Published: August 2023

Aims:

Craniospinal irradiation (CSI) is a challenging task on halcyon due to its field size constraint (28 cm × 28 cm). CSI was planned by volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique on Halcyon (6MV) linac with no junction shift with multiple arcs and numerous isocenter depending on the length of the patients.

Methods and Materials:

Planning CSI was achieved on Eclipse treatment planning system version 15.6 with anisotropic analytical algorithm and was optimized using autofeathering technique. Positioning accuracy was ensured by obtaining daily kvCBCT before radiation which ensured accurate field placement and avoidance of junctional errors. Pretreatment portal dosimetry was done to ensure the dose distribution calculated by the treatment planning system matches the dose delivered to the patient.

Results:

All VMAT CSI plans produced outstanding planning target volume (PTV) coverage with V95% >98% and gave acceptable doses to organ at risk in all CSI cases. Furthermore, the dose distributions were highly uniform, with homogeneity index values ≤0.1 and target conformity was equally excellent with values more than 0.95. In portal dosimetry, all of the composite images of CSI plans were evaluated, yielding good passing criteria of >98%.

Conclusions:

The remedy was straightforward to plan and deliver, thanks to autofeathering optimization. CSI plan was created with no junction shift which resulted in homogeneous and conformal doses to the PTV. The gamma analysis in the portal dosimetry composite image, which was utilized as a pretreatment verification, met all of the requirements and revealed a homogeneous and uniform junction dose.
Assessment of Serum Copper and Magnesium in Esophageal Cancer Patients
Authors: Wani Mansoora , Khan Nazir Ahmad , Arif Binish , Dar Abdul Waheed , Najmi Arshad Manzoor , Dar Nazir Ahmad , Khanam Rabiya
Published: August 2023

Background:

Cancer esophagus continues to be an aggressive tumor that causes high mortality. Even with new approaches, treatment remains disappointing. There are various known risk factors that increase the chances of development in carcinoma esophagus; in this context, we conducted this study to find if there is any association of serum copper and magnesium as a risk factor in the development of carcinoma esophagus.

Aim:

This study aimed to assess the serum levels of copper and magnesium in carcinoma esophagus patients.

Materials and Methods:

Between June 2016 and 2018, 200 cases of histologically confirmed carcinoma esophagus (study group) and 200 healthy individuals (control group) from the same socioeconomic status were enrolled in the study prospectively. Blood samples were taken from both the groups at the same time for the analysis of serum copper and magnesium was done by atomic absorption spectrophotometrically. The rationale was to find out if there is any deficiency or access of these micronutrients in either of the groups.

Results:

Of 400 cases, males were predominant 58.5% and 65.5% than females 41.5% and 34.5% in the study and control group, respectively. The mean age was 62.1 ± 12.61 and 59.8 ± 14.87 years in the study and control group, respectively. In our study, we observed that no significant difference was seen in serum magnesium levels in both the groups, while a high level of serum copper was found in the study group and seems to have a strong association with the development of carcinoma esophagus.

Conclusions:

The higher serum copper levels, as observed in this study, has any role to play as a risk factor in the development of cancer esophagus need to be studied at a larger sample size.
Graves’ disease with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: An unusual case of proximal myopathy in Graves’ disease
Authors: Jena Sweekruti , Mishra Ipsita , Baliarsinha Anoj Kumar , Jena Debarchan
Published: August 2023

Graves’ disease (GD) is a condition of autoimmune etiology presenting with hyperthyroidism, ophthalmopathy, and dermopathy. Other conditions with autoimmune etiologies have been described in association with GD. Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy as a cause of acute onset proximal weakness has been elucidated in a few handful of case reports. Here, we present an interesting case of GD with characteristic features of ophthalmopathy, dermopathy, and acropachy, presenting with complaints of acute onset proximal weakness.
On the period of Li, Pertusi, and Zhao’s symplectic variety
Authors: Giovenzana Franco , Giovenzana Luca , Onorati Claudio
Published: August 2023

We extend classical results of Perego and Rapagnetta on moduli spaces of sheaves of type OG10 to moduli spaces of Bridgeland semistable objects on the Kuznetsov component of a cubic fourfold. In particular, we determine the period of this class of varieties and use it to understand when they become birational to moduli spaces of sheaves on a K3 surface.
On the Moebius deformable hypersurfaces
Authors: Jimenez Miguel Ibieta , Tojeiro Ruy
Published: August 2023

Li, Ma and Wang [Adv. Math. 256 (2014), 156–205] have investigated the interesting class of Moebius deformable hypersurfaces, that is, the umbilic-free Euclidean hypersurfaces

f\colon M^n\to \mathbb{R}^{n+1}

that admit non-trivial deformations preserving the Moebius metric. The classification of Moebius deformable hypersurfaces of dimension

n\geq 4

stated in the aforementioned article, however, misses a large class of examples. In this article, we complete that classification for

n\geq 5

.
English-Sourced Direct and Indirect Borrowings in a New Lexicon of Polish Anglicisms
Authors: Cierpich-Kozieł Agnieszka , Mańczak-Wohlfeld Elżbieta , Witalisz Alicja
Published: August 2023

In recent decades, Polish has experienced an unprecedented influx of English-sourced borrowings, both overt (loanwords) and covert (calques). This linguistic influence echoes the social, technological, environmental and ideological transformations, with these changes reflected in the Polish lexicon. The paper describes a lexicographic project aimed at updating the Słownik zapożyczeń angielskich w polszczyźnie (A Dictionary of Anglicisms in Polish) that was published in 2010. We discuss the theoretical assumptions, the content and the sources of the data for a new, corpus-based dictionary that is in the making, and illustrate the lexicographic solutions we adopted with regard to both well-established and the most recent direct and indirect Anglicisms. We also address the issue of the frequency and the usage of the latter in present-day Polish.
Skutki uwzględnienia przez wojewódzki sąd administracyjny skargi na sprzeciw Ministra Sprawiedliwości w sprawie wpisu na listę radców prawnych
Authors: Piecha Jacek
Published: August 2023

The consequences of a voivodeship administrative court’s upholding the complaint on the Ministry of Justice’s opposition to registration on the list of attorneys-at-law

The main aim of this work is to analyze the consequences voivodeship administrative court’s ruling which revokes the opposition to registration on the legal counsel’s list issued by the Ministry of Justice. The main issue here is the fact, that due to Article 152 § 1 of the Act on Administrative Courts Proceedings, the effect of a ruling which revokes the administrative act is that the legal effects of such an act are suspended until the court’s ruling will not be final and enforceable. In such a case, an important question arises – should the competent authorities of the National Bar of Attorneys-at-Law assume that the registration on the attorneys at law’s list is legal and as a result set the date for the candidate to take the oath? The analysis of the law and the nature of the Ministry’s objection leads to conclusions that the aforementioned effect of Article 152 § 1 does not occur in such a case. This is due to the dual nature of the objection. On the one hand, it is an administrative act (conventional activity), but on the other hand, it is part of the hypothesis of the legal norm preventing the release of the disposition. As a result, it can be assumed that the objection in this regard is a factual act.
Przyroda i jej elementy. Przedmiot ochrony prawnej czy podmioty prawa?
Authors: Habuda Adam
Published: August 2023

Nature and its elements. Objects of legal protection or subjects of law?

The article discusses the legal status of nature and its selected elements. The author confronts the achievements of legal thought with the postulates of strengthening nature protection by empowering some of its resources. The author discusses whether the current legal order, which undoubtedly treats nature and the environment as objects of legal protection, allows for treating nature (environment) and its elements as subjects of law. The foundations of the legal protection of the environment, including nature, are presented in the Environmental Protection Act of 2001 and the Nature Conservation Act of 2004. These acts formulate legal definitions of the environment, natural environment and nature protection, while at the same time indicating elements of nature or natural resources. On the one hand, it is possible to discuss comprehensive nature protection, and on the other hand, the protection of individual natural resources (environment). The legal status of individual natural resources is rather diverse. The legislator does not diversify the legal protection granted to individual natural resources. In this case, one may ask why only some natural elements should be entitled to subjectivity since even natural scientists refuse to differentiate the rank and significance of natural elements. The author puts forward the thesis that the ideas of giving specific natural resources subjectivity and even legal personality, which is supposed to promote their better protection, are not correlated with the applicable legal regulations. In addition, they express skepticism as to more effective protection through further organizational and legal forms.
Próba refleksji nad reakcją państwa na pandemię COVID-19 – uwagi o porządku prawnym czasu epidemii i jego wpływie na prawa i wolności człowieka
Authors: Czarnow Sławomir
Published: August 2023

An attempt at reflection on the state response to the COVID-19 pandemic – remarks on the legal order during the period of the epidemic and its impact on human rights and freedoms

The article concerns the relevant legal aspects of the state of epidemics, the state of epidemic emergency and the state of natural disaster, as well as the permissible procedures for restricting rights and freedoms during these states in light of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland. In particular, the vagueness of the prerequisites for the introduction of these states and the arbitrariness of the application of solutions, including anti-epidemic restrictions through ordinances are pointed out. The issue of punishing violations of anti-epidemic prohibitions and orders is also raised, with emphasis on the low effectiveness of administrative penalties. Excessive powers of the executive and responding to an emergency without parliamentary control are also pointed out.
Przegląd orzecznictwa Sądu Najwyższego
Authors: Milkowski Kacper
Published: August 2023

Overview of the decisions of the Polish Supreme Court The Judgment of the Polish Supreme Court of April 13, 2023 (case file no. III CZP 125/22) is of particular importance for legal practice. The Court indicated that a claim for a legitime does not pass to the heir of the person entitled to the legitime if they do not belong to the group of persons entitled to a legitime after the first testator (Article 1002 of the Civil Code). In the Judgment of March 15, 2023 (case file no. II CSKP 1835/22), the Polish Supreme Court stated that the joint intention of the parties should be understood as the agreed factual and legal elements shaping the essential provisions of the contract. The contractual objective is the broadest socio-economic objective of the individualized agreement. Moreover, in the Resolution of February 22, 2023 (case file no. III KK 13/22), the Polish Supreme Court decided that an electric scooter equipped with an engine with parameters similar to the power of an electrically assisted bicycle engine, which retains all the normal characteristics of construction, enabling its normal operation as a scooter, i.e. moving by pushing off with the leg, is not a motor vehicle within the meaning of the provisions of the Polish Penal Code.
Anticolonialism as a Guiding Principle of Chinese Foreign Policy
Authors: Zuenko I. Y. , Heng Cui
Published: August 2023

This article explores the ideology of anticolonialism as a guiding principle in the foreign policy of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). It highlights the close association of anticolonialism with decolonialism, anti-imperialism, and the Nonaligned Movement, emphasizing their importance throughout the history of the PRC. While the current Chinese leadership may not emphasize anticolonial rhetoric as frequently as during the Mao Zedong era (1950–1970s), the core essence of Chinese foreign policy remains unchanged. China acknowledges its former semi-colonial status and aligns its policies with the interests of developing countries, seeking cooperation to protect its own interests amidst potential superpower pressures. Recent initiatives by Xi Jinping, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the concept of a “Community with a shared future for mankind,” demonstrate a universal character that extends beyond developing countries. Authored by scholars from Russia and China, this article aims to familiarize the international audience with China’s oﬃcial discourse on its semi-colonial past, anticolonialism, and decolonization. The authors also highlight the potential for cooperation between Russia and China based on their shared perspectives on these issues. Understanding China’s foreign policy principles provides valuable insights into its historical context and contemporary approach to international relations.
Postcolonial History in the Service of Anticolonial Politics: Critical Historiography and National Myth in Contemporary India
Authors: Kupriyanov A. V.
Published: August 2023

The article examines the relationship between the shaping of Indian foreign policy discourse, macro-historical processes that inﬂuence the formation of Indian political elites, and the development of historical knowledge about the Indian Ocean region. Its purpose is to ascertain the factors that inﬂuenced the speciﬁc perception of India’s place in the region by Indian elites and how this perception evolved within the framework of foreign policy discourse. Additionally, the role of historians who have studied the past of the Indian Ocean is explored. The author concludes that the changes in global political discourse following the First World War played a crucial role in shaping the ideas of India’s position in the world among the elites. These elites adopted the stance that the nation-state, with its own industrial base, was the only viable option. From the early stages of independent India, its political elites, inﬂuenced by British or Anglicized upbringing and education, rejected the notion of continuity between the new Indian state and the British Raj and the possessions of the East India Company. Instead, they attempted to establish historical continuity with pre-British Indian polities. Indian and foreign historians supported them in this endeavor. The author demonstrates how India’s political elites utilized the ﬁndings of scholars to serve their own purposes, selectively adopting suitable historical narratives while discarding others. This process gradually drew the community of historians into the production of discourse. During the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, the Mughal Empire received the most attention as the last pre-British Indian polity. However, with the Bharatiya Janata Party coming into power, research on Hindu polities and personalities is now encouraged.
Reading Stora Carefully: Problems of Historical Memory in Algerian-French Relations in the Early 2020s
Authors: Kuznetsov V. A. , Vasilenko A. I.
Published: August 2023

The article is devoted to the problem of the colonial past in Algerian-French relations. In the early 2020s, it gained particular urgency for three reasons. Firstly, in the context of the transformation of the global world order and the deep social cleavages that have engulfed both many Eastern and Western societies, issues of historical memory, external and internal decolonization began to come to the fore both in public discussions within individual states and in international relations. Secondly, the coming to power in France of E. Macron marked an attempt at a serious transformation of the country’s foreign policy, strengthening its position in the world as a whole, and in the region of the Middle East and North Africa, in particular. Related to this were the (mostly unsuccessful) initiatives of E. Macron on the Palestinian-Israeli and Libyan settlements, the Lebanese crisis, and the resolution of accumulated contradictions with Algeria. Thirdly, A. Tebboune’s coming to power in Algeria in 2019 also gave impetus to the country’s foreign policy and created the conditions for revising relations with France. In these circumstances, the idea arose of preparing reports by the two sides on the possibilities of overcoming the negative colonial legacy in bilateral relations. The Algerian side did not submit the report, and the French text was prepared by B. Stora by January 2021 and caused wide response. The purpose of this article is to determine, based on the analysis of this text and the materials of the discussions that followed it, the French vision of the problem of reconciliation with Algeria. The article was written using the method of “slow reading” of the source - its main part is a detailed analysis of the report by B. Stor, followed by a review of the discussion he caused. The result of this approach is the identiﬁcation of not only the widely discussed contradictions in matters of historical memory (both between Algeria and France, and within French society), but also the identiﬁcation of some non-obvious problems of the French perception of this problem.