bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technology Trends and Cyber Security in Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Mohammad Mahmudul , Muna Fowjia Tajnin
Published: July 2022

The world has now become truly a borderless territory with the rapid growth of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in every sector of social and economic life. While the developed countries are very much concerned regarding ICT modernization and cybersecurity yet surprisingly most of the developing countries like Bangladesh are unaware of the maturity of their ICT use and vulnerability of cybercrimes. This study investigates the current trends and maturity of ICT use in various sectors in Bangladesh and their cybersecurity issues based on a literature review. The main contribution of this study is to assist the relative policymaker and tech leaders to understand the current situation regarding technology use and cybersecurity in Bangladesh in order to enact necessary action plans, policies, and regulations to the advancement of ICT and protect against cybercrimes.
Exploring Contextual Factors of User E-Commerce Adoption During Coronavirus
Authors: Alduaij Manal Y. , Alterkait Mariam A.
Published: July 2022

Due to the intense impact coronavirus has placed on businesses the study examines the effect of the pandemic on e-commerce adoption. The Purpose study is to explore user’s contextual factors and its effect on user fears, experience, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and intention to use e-commerce during coronavirus. some users faced fears and hesitation to transition to e-commerce platforms from different segments of society. The study used a quantitative approach based on an electronically generated and distributed questionnaire to 402 participants.this research employed the TAM to examine user’s adoption of e-commerce amidst the pandemic. In terms of gender, results show females have greater fear than males when using e-commerce. Males feel greater perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), and have gained a better experience than females when using e-commerce. In terms of age, participants 35 years and above gained a better experience
Knowledge Management in Relationship Among Abusive Management, Self-Efficacy, and Corporate Performance Under Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Li Moye , Shang XianFa , Liu Na , Pan Xingchen , Han Fanshen
Published: July 2022

The purpose is to explore the application potential of HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) technology under AI (Artificial Intelligence) in enterprise performance evaluation and the influence of abusive management and self-efficacy on enterprise performance. Guided by psychological theory, employees from a listed real estate enterprise are selected, and the research themes of abusive management, self-efficacy, and employee performance are assumed. Afterward, the employee job satisfaction and performance evaluation model and system interface based on deep learning BPNN (BackPropagation Neural Network), SVM (Support Vector Machine) regression, and HCI are innovatively proposed. The results show that the HCI interface can be accessed accurately according to the employee's verbal instructions. BPNN model has reached the best performance at the iteration of 70times, and all indexes have reached the expected employee satisfaction.
A FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES EM TEMPOS DE MUDAR PARA MANTER
Authors: Alves Vânia Maria , Waldow Carmem
Published: July 2022

Este artigo faz uma discussão crítica sobre os desafios da formação docente num contexto de imposição de “novas” Diretrizes Curriculares para a Formação dos Professores (DCN) aprovadas pela Resolução CNE/CP nº 2/2019 (BNC/Formação) e o seu alinhamento à Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC/2018), que representa risco de esvaziamento à formação discente. Objetivamos problematizar estas diretrizes impostas para as Licenciaturas que, ao revogar a Resolução CNE/CP nº 02/2015, reeditam aspectos presentes nas DCN outrora implantadas; analisar de que modo as diretrizes, pautadas na formação para as competências e habilidades, põem em risco a formação docente crítica; ressaltar o potencial do PIBID para a formação sólida, interdisciplinar, integrando teoria e prática. A pesquisa é qualitativa, mediada pelo estudo documental e bibliográfico de autores como Saviani (2007), Mazzeu (2011), Coutinho (2012), Dourado (2015), Lavoura et al. (2020). No atual contexto, as políticas e legislação para a formação docente representam uma estratégia do mudar para manter, cujo foco principal da formação é unilateral ao incutir competências e habilidades necessárias para enfrentar e contornar as adversidades pessoais/laborais do mercado de trabalho. Em contraposição, ressalta-se o Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação à Docência – PIBID como espaço de resistência e promoção da formação omnilateral.
OS SERVIÇOS PÚBLICOS E O BEM-ESTAR SUBJETIVO DA POPULAÇÃO
Authors: Mantoan Alyne , Prearo Leandro Campi
Published: July 2022

O Bem-estar subjetivo de uma população, definido como a satisfação de vida dos indivíduos em relação às suas vivências, deve ser o principal objetivo dos governantes. É afetado por diversos fatores incluindo as políticas públicas. A educação, variável que afeta o bem-estar dos indivíduos, implica em maiores probabilidades de empregos de qualidade e relacionamentos sociais para toda a sociedade, sendo a busca pela qualidade de vida da população a principal finalidade das políticas públicas. Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a relação entre a avaliação da educação pública municipal e o Bem-estar subjetivo da população do Grande ABC Paulista utilizando dados de indivíduos usuários, responsáveis ou indivíduos em contato direto aos usuários do sistema municipal de educação da Região. A análise se dá por amostra probabilística e o Método de Regressão Logística Binária. A contribuição deste trabalho se dará ao encontrar relação significante e positiva entre o BES e a avaliação dos Serviços Públicos de Educação, podendo assim, auxiliar os governantes na formação de políticas públicas que tenham resultados mais efetivos na qualidade da educação e no Bem-estar subjetivo dos moradores do Grande ABC.
Prospects of Cannabis and its Cultivation in Sri Lanka
Authors: Kalpani K. L. M. , Arunakumara K. K. I. U. , Fernando K. M. C. , Walpola B. C.
Published: July 2022

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L) is cultivated commercially in various parts of the world, predominantly for its medicinal properties (medicinal-type) and as a source of fibre and oilseed (fibre-type). The plant is known to contain over 567 chemical compounds out of which about one hundred chemicals belong to the highly valued unique class of Cannabinoids. At present, more than 25,000 Cannabis-based products worth 344 billion US$ are available at the world market. In a situation where the environmental agriculture is principally promoted, the present paper reviewed the applicability and potential worth of cultivating Cannabis as a medicinal plant in Sri Lanka. At present, Cannabis is restricted to be used in Sri Lanka, though the country spends about US$ 27,000 annually to import Cannabis for medicinal preparations. Cannabis is well- known for its wide range of environmental adaptation, higher nutrient and water use efficiency, low dependency on external inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, high economic return for a unit area of land, and ability to cultivate both in indoors and outdoors. Considering the genetic resources and inherent knowledge, along with favourable climatic conditions available in the dry zone, suggest that Cannabis is an ideal crop, which could assure higher economic benefits under low inputs. While serving as a venture of foreign earnings, local cultivation would halt the country’s dependency on importation of Cannabis-based raw materials. However, legalization and cultivation should be rigorously monitored by an authorized body to ensure that the production meets the health regulations and utilized accordingly.
Bio-pesticides for the Control of Two–spotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, in Strawberry Cultivations
Authors: Perera M. T. M. D. R. , Senanayke N. , Perera Chamika
Published: July 2022

Strawberry is cultivated in polytunnels and open field cultivations in Nuwara Eliya district. Recently, a severe infestation of the Two Spotted Spider Mite (TSSM) in strawberry was reported and the farmers observed Department of Agriculture (DOA) recommended insecticide Abamectin was ineffective. Therefore, two Bio-pesticides; M-Impact and Hort-Impact were tested in three locations of Jagro Farms Ltd, Nuwara Eliya to control TSSM. Two rates of Bio-pesticides were tested in nursery, vegetative and fruiting stages in a randomized complete block design. Results showed that the average percentage mortality of TSSM at day after each application of Hort-Impact was 95.4 for both concentrations. M-Impact resulted an average mortality of 98.7% and 97.9% for 1.0 mLL-1 and 0.5 mLL-1, concentrations respectively during the vegetative stage at Meepilimana. However, at Radella, during the nursery stage, average mortalities were 98.4% and 98.3% for 1.0 mLL-1 concentration and 95.8% and 97.7% for 0.5 mLL-1 concentration for Hort-impact and M-impact, respectively. The DOA recommended insecticide Abamectin at 1.0 mLL-1 concentration resulted a mean TSSM count >200 at the end of the experiment and was significantly higher than Hort-Impact and M-Impact treatments. The TSSM counts were 52 and 45 and 80 and 36 for concentrations 1.0 mLL-1 and 0.5 mLL-1 respectively at Meepilimana and a similar trend was observed at Radella. It is therefore concluded that both Bio-pesticides at both concentrations were effective in controlling TSSM in strawberry. However, M-Impact cannot be used at fruiting stage as it imparts a bitter taste for the fruits at Welimada site.
A putative link between pertussis and new onset of gastroesophageal reflux. An observational study.
Authors: Burton Leticia , Weerasinghe Daminda P. , Joffe David , Saunders Jennifer , Falk Gregory L. , Van der Wall Hans
Published: July 2022

Background: Pertussis is an infectious disease of the respiratory tract with a changing epidemiology. An increasing incidence has been found in the adult population with recurrent infections possibly related to changes in the current vaccine. Is there an association between pertussis infection, refractory cough and atypical gastro-oesophageal reflux (GORD)? Does this magnify and compound respiratory complications?Methods: Observational study which compares post-pertussis (n=103) with non-pertussis patients (n=105) with established GORD. Patients were assessed for laryngopharyngeal reflux and aspiration of refluxate by a novel scintigraphic study.Results: Both groups showed severe GORD in association with high rates of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and pulmonary aspiration and lung disease. High rates of hiatus hernia and clinical diagnosis of “atypical” asthma showed correlations with pulmonary aspiration.Conclusions: A high level of new onset LPR and lung aspiration has been shown in patients with chronic cough after recent pertussis infection by a novel scintigraphic technique with fused hybrid x-ray computed tomography (SPECT/CT).
Weak complexation of 5-fluorouracil with β-cyclodextrin, carbonate, and dianhydride crosslinked β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Mashaqbeh Hadeia , Obaidat Rana , Al-Shar’i Nizar A. , El-Elimat Tamam , Alnabulsi Soraya
Published: July 2022

Background and purpose:

Several pharmaceutical formulations were investigated to improve the solubility of 5-fluorouracil to enhance bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to examine the potential use of cyclodextrin-based nanosponges for the incorporation of 5-fluorouracil and to investigate the use of different crosslinking agents on the properties of the resulting drug carrier. 5-Fluorouracil complexation with β-cyclodextrin was also studied to explain the unexpected results of weak 5-fluorouracil incorporation in nanosponge.

Experimental approach:

Nanosponges were synthesized by crosslinking β-cyclodextrin with two different crosslinkers; diphenyl carbonate and ethylenediaminetetraacetic dianhydride. The incorporation of 5-fluorouracil into β-cyclodextrin and the prepared nanosponges were assessed by NMR, FTIR, PXRD, DSC, and TGA. In addition, an in vitro release study was carried out to evaluate the potential use of β-cyclodextrin- based nanosponges as pharmaceutical formulations for 5-fluorouracil.

Findings / Results:

Physicochemical characterization of the dried formulations indicated the complexation of 5-fluorouracil with the β-cyclodextrin polymer. Despite that, no clear manifestation of 5-fluorouracil encapsulation in the prepared β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponge was detected. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in the release profiles of 5-fluorouracil, β-cyclodextrin complex, and β- cyclodextrin-based nanosponge, suggesting weak complexation and instability in aqueous solutions. EDTA- crosslinked β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponge showed a slight improvement in 5-fluorouracil solubility with a faster initial rate of 5-fluorouracil release.

Conclusion and implications:

This study suggested weak complexation between 5-fluorouracil and the β- cyclodextrin polymer or nanosponges. Crosslinking of β-cyclodextrin with EDTA dianhydride crosslinker showed an enhancement in 5-fluorouracil saturation solubility combined with a faster initial rate of drug release.
Salvia officinalis leaf extracts protect against acute colitis in rats
Authors: Jalalipour Maryam , Yegdaneh Afsaneh , Talebi Ardeshir , Minaiyan Mohsen
Published: July 2022

Background and purpose:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and multifactorial disease with unknown etiology and a decisive cure. Salvia officinalis (sage) which has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and ulcer healing properties can be useful for the treatment of IBD. Therefore, the effect of S. officinalis ethanolic extract (SOEE) and methanolic partition (SOMP) was investigated on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis.

Experimental approach:

Male Wistar rats (180-220 g) were used. SOEE (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg) and SOMP (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) were prepared through maceration method. Prepared extracts, dexamethasone (1 mg/kg, i.p.), and mesalamine (100 mg/kg) as reference drugs and normal saline as control were administered by gavage, 2 h before colitis induction and preserved for four further days to animals. The colon tissues were examined for macroscopic and pathologic parameters and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.

Findings/Results:

SOEE (60 and 120 mg/kg) and SOMP at all doses alleviated colitis severity and indices both in macroscopic and microscopic views. MDA and MPO activities were also significantly declined in the extracts-treated groups compared to the controls. The lowest dose of SOEE couldn’t meaningfully reduce any of the parameters compared to the control group.

Conclusion and implications:

Both extracts of S. officinalis exerted anti-colitis effects in rats, though methanolic partition was more effective, especially at the highest dose. It seems S. officinalis could exert protection against oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in colitis tissue. More experimental and clinical studies are required to explore the exact mechanisms and active ingredients which are involved.
Harmine mitigates cisplatin-induced renal injury in male mice through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis effects
Authors: Ghanbari Ali , Jalili Cyrus , Salahshoor Mohammad Reza , Javanmardy Setareh , Ravankhah Saeed , Akhshi Nasim
Published: July 2022

Background and purpose:

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic drug used to treat cancer, however, causes kidney toxicity. Harmine is a plant-derived alkaloid with a wide range of therapeutic applications. The effects of harmine on the renal side effects of cisplatin in mice were studied in this study.

Experimental approach:

Forty-eight male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 6). They were treated with saline, cisplatin (5.5 mg/kg), harmine (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg/day), cisplatin + harmine (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg/day), respectively. All administrations were done daily and intraperitoneally for 4 days. The criteria related to histology, oxidation, anti-oxidation, inflammation, and apoptosis of renal tissue were evaluated.

Findings / Results:

There was a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity of renal tissue, renal corpuscles diameter, and IL-10 expression level in the cisplatin group than in the control group, while the values of these parameters were significantly similar to the control group in the moderate or high doses of harmine + cisplatin groups. There were significant increases in serum urea and creatinine levels, bowman space, the amounts of malondialdehyde, apoptosis rate, and TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-1β, and caspase-3 gene expressions in kidney tissue of the cisplatin group compared to the control group, while these criteria did not differ in the moderate or high doses of harmine + cisplatin groups.

Conclusion and implications:

Harmine protected the kidneys against cisplatin-induced damage. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic harmine properties were involved in this healing effect.
Does Provision of Antenatal Care, Post-Natal Care and Perinatal Care Reduce Maternal, Neonatal and Child Mortality? With Special Attention Towards Bangladesh Situation in Global Perspective
Authors: Umar Badar Uddin , Abdullah Adnan , Chowdhury Kona , Ahmad Rahnuma , Haque Mainul
Published: July 2022

The present review was intended to explore the effectiveness of perinatal services such as antenatal care (ANC) and post-natal care (PNC) on the health indicators such as maternal, child and neonatal mortality. Globally, indicators are considered very important in determining the health status and the overall performance of a country's healthcare system. A literature search was conducted using maternal mortality, child mortality, neonatal mortality, ANC and PNC in the PubMed, Google, Academia, The Lancet and Journal of the American Medical Association databases. Globally, implementing integrated perinatal care services has brought positive changes in the maternal, child and neonatal mortality indices. The United Nations (UN) is committed to improving the overall living conditions in all countries, significantly improving the population's health status. The UN came up with eight Millennium Development Goals in 2000, aiming to eliminate poverty and increase development in member states. The World Health Organization was a partner in implementing these goals. Later, the UN introduced 17-fold Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 as a blueprint for peace and prosperity for all citizens towards a better future by 2030. As a result, many countries have experienced positive changes in most indicator areas, including service utilisation, maternal mortality and child mortality. Some Sub-Saharan African and South Asian countries are progressing, however, slowly.
Post-COVID lung disease(s)
Authors: Achkar Michel , Jamal Omar , Chaaban Toufic
Published: July 2022

Post-COVID lung impairment and diseases are major public health concern in the pandemic of COVID-19. Multiple etiological factors can lead to post-COVID respiratory symptoms, with post COVID fibrosis or diffuse parenchymal lung disease being the major concern. We searched PubMed database for English literature related to post-COVID lung disease and we summarized the existing evidence on radiological, physiological, and histopathological aspects of post-COVID lung diseases. We suggest a guidance on the evaluation of these patients and highlight management considerations including general care, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lung transplantation. We also explain gaps in knowledge and awaited ongoing research results, especially in the field of drug therapies including corticosteroids and antifibrotics.
Application of three-dimensional reconstruction technology combined with three-dimensional printing in the treatment of pectus excavatum
Authors: Shan Yibo , Yu Guiping , Lu Yi , Kong Hao , Jiang Xuewei , Shen Zhiming , Sun Fei , Shi Hongcan
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVES:

To explore the clinical value of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technology combined with 3D printing in the treatment of pectus excavatum (PE).

METHODS:

The clinical data of 10 patients with PE in our department from June 2018 to December 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent thin-layer computed tomography examination before the operation, and then 3D reconstruction was performed with Mimics 20.0 software. The radian and curvature of the pectus bar were designed according to the reconstructed images. Afterward, the images were imported into the light-curing 3D printer in STL format for slice printing. Hence that the personalized operation scheme, including the size of the pectus bar and the surgical approach, can be made according to the 3D printed model. The thoracoscopic-assisted Nuss operation was completed by bilateral incisions. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative hospitalization were counted and analyzed. The satisfaction of the surgery was evaluated according to the Haller index and the most posterior sternal compression sternovertebral distance.

RESULTS:

The surgeries were successfully completed in 10 patients without a transfer to open procedure. The average operation time was (56 ± 8.76) min, the intraoperative blood loss was (23.5 ± 11.07) mL, and the postoperative hospitalization was (7.2 ± 0.92) d. There were no serious complications or death during the perioperative period. Compared with the data before the operation, the most posterior sternal compression sternovertebral distance was larger, and the Haller index was lower, the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

3D reconstruction technology combined with 3D printing, which can be used before operation, contributes to the operator performing thoracoscopic-assisted Nuss operation safely and effectively, which has productive clinical application value for the treatment of pectus excavatum.
Outcomes of early vitrectomy for endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in delta population, Egypt, 2015–2020
Authors: Tabl Ahmed A. , Masoud Mohamed G. , Abdelhalim Gehad H. , Tabl Marwa A.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the outcomes of early pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) in the management of acute onset endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.

Study design

Retrospective observational study.

Patients and methods

We collected data from 11 patients who were diagnosed as acute infectious endophthalmitis within 6 weeks after cataract surgery, from January 2015 to December 2020 and had undergone early 23-G PPV and were followed up for 3 months. We analyzed factors that may affect prognosis and final visual outcomes.

Results

The mean age was 58±5 years, there was male predominance (72.7%). The mean axial length was 24.76±1.58 mm. The baseline best-corrected visual acuity was 2.3 logMAR and was improved to 1.2 logMAR at the third month (P<0.001). Mixed air/fluid intraocular tamponade was used in 63.6% of patients. About half of the cases had positive cultures (54.5%), and the most frequent organism was Staphylococcus aureus (66.7%). Retinal detachment was reported in 36.4% of patients. The preoperative factors correlated with final best-corrected visual acuity were posterior vitreous detachment and intraocular tamponade.

Conclusions

Early PPV for acute-onset endophthalmitis after cataract surgery aided in improving final visual outcome and preserving structural and functional integrity of the globe, thus preventing late complications that could affect patients’ quality of life. Factors that influence the final visual outcome were intraocular tamponade and posterior vitreous detachment.
Evaluation of the efficacy of high-fluence corneal collagen cross-linking in fusarium corneal ulcer in rabbits
Authors: Elbassiouny Ramy A.M. , Ghaith Alaa A. , Farhad Hafezi , Baddour Manal M. , Eman Sheta , Elmassry Ahmed A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Accelerated photoactivated chromophore for keratitis–corneal collagen cross-linking (PACK-CXL) was investigated to be effective in the treatment of fungal keratitis in many studies. High-fluence CXL was used effectively in the treatment of progressive keratoconus but not tested in PACK-CXL for fungal infection.

Aim

To evaluate the antifungal efficacy of high-fluence CXL in the treatment of induced fusarium corneal ulcer in rabbits.

Design

This is an experimental interventional study.

Patients and methods

This is an experimental interventional study conducted on 16 eyes of eight rabbits for which fusarium corneal infection was induced by intrastromal corneal injection. The rabbits were divided into two groups: group A received no treatment and was left as a control group. Group B received a single high-fluence PACK-CXL session. All rabbits were followed up for 6 days and then the eyes were enucleated. Culture was performed for seven corneas and histopathology for the remaining cornea.

Results

There was statistically significant deterioration in group A (P=0.003), while a statistically significant clinical improvement was seen in group B (P<0.001). The median colony-forming units was more in group A (4×104) than in group B (2×102). Histopathological examination also revealed less inflammatory signs in high-fluence PACK-CXL-treated group.

Conclusions

High-fluence PACK-CXL total ultraviolet A fluence of 7.2 J/cm2 is effective in the treatment of mycotic keratitis.
Target Specific Uptake of a Newly Synthesized Radiolabeled 5α-Reductase Inhibitor “Tc-99m-17-Oxo-17a-Aza-D-Homo-5-Androsten-3β-yl Phenoxyacetate (Tc-99m-17a-Aza Steroid)” in Rat Prostatic Neoplastic Lesions
Authors: Jan Gowsia , Bhat Swati , Chauhan Monika , Dhawan Devinder Kumar , Dhingra Neelima , Chadha Vijayta Dani
Published: July 2022

Objective:

Considering the 5α-reductase (5AR) inhibitory activity of the oximes and the importance of the ester group in increasing the anti-androgenic property, we reasoned to synthesize a compound having a lactam group in ring D and an ester group at the 3 β position of the androsterone nucleus. The study aims to radiolabel 17-oxo-17a-aza-D-homo-5-androsten-3β-yl phenoxyacetate (17a-aza steroid) with Tc-99m to evaluate its targeted uptake in experimentally induced prostate carcinogenesis in rats.

Materials and Methods:

The prediction of the optimal interaction and binding affinity of Tc-99m-17-oxo-17a-aza-D-homo-5-androsten-3 β-ylphenoxyacetate (Tc-99m-17a-aza steroid) toward 5AR inhibitor was done using Biopredicta Vlife MDS tool. Tc-99m-17a-aza steroid was developed by direct radiolabeling protocol. The radio-pharmacological characteristics (serum stability, plasma protein-binding ability, and lipophilicity) of the complex were evaluated. Further, the bio-distribution studies of the complex were performed in rats with experimentally induced prostate carcinogenesis.

Results:

The in-silico analysis exhibits favorable binding of Tc-99m-17a-aza toward 5AR with D score-130.97. The radiochemical purity of Tc-99m-17a-aza was 96.79%. The radio-complex maintained stability in the rat serum for a period of 6 h (hours). Plasma protein binding and Log Po/w value were observed to be 86.23 ± 7.08% and 0.118 ± 0.045, respectively. A significantly enhanced percent-specific uptake was observed in the prostate of rats with induced prostate carcinogenesis.

Conclusion:

The study concludes that Tc-99m-17a-aza exhibits prostate specificity and can be explored further for its potential as a radionuclide imaging probe.
Evaluation of Reconstruction Algorithms to Validate the NEMA Phantom Results in Clinical Scenario – A Comparative Study Using Time-of-Flight versus Non-Time-of-Flight Positron Emission Tomography Imaging
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Jacob Pearl , Watts Ankit , Joseph Anwin , Kaur Harneet , Hooda Monika , Kaur Amritjyot , Singh Baljinder
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

The objective is to standardize the reconstruction parameters for the time-of-flight (TOF) versus non-TOF positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging data and validation of the same in a clinical setting.

Methods:

The four spheres (10.0/13.0/17.0/22.0 mm) of the PET phantom (NEMA IQ Nu 2-2001) were filled with four times higher activity of [18F]-NaF than the background (5.3kBq/mL). Imaging (image matrix – 128 × 128 × 47, 2 min, 3D model) was done using two different (TOF/non-TOF) PET scanners. Phantom data were reconstructed in TOF and non-TOF modes for lutetium–yttrium oxyorthosilicate and non-TOF mode for bismuth germanate-based PET scanners. The reconstructed data (by varying iteration and subsets) that provided the best image contrast and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were evaluated. The whole-body [18F]-fludeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT scans (7–8 frames; 2.0 min/frame) in 16 lymphoma patients were acquired at 60 min after injecting the radioactivity (370.0–444.0 MBq of [18F]-FDG. The clinical PET/CT data were reconstructed using phantom-derived reconstruction parameters and evaluated for image contrast and SNR of the detected lesions.

Results:

TOF reconstruction at second iteration provided significantly (P ≤ 0.02) higher SNR (20.7) and contrast (contrast recovery coefficient/background variability = 3.21) for the smallest hot lesions (10.0 mm) in the phantom than the non-TOF system. Similarly, in patient data analysis for the selected FDG avid lesions, the SNR values were significantly (P = 0.02) higher (13.3 ± 6.49) in TOF than (11 ± 6.48) in non-TOF system. Further, the small (≤10.0 mm) lesions were seen more distinctly in TOF system.

Conclusion:

It is thus observed that TOF reconstruction converged faster than the non-TOF, and the applicability of the same may impact the image quality and interpretation in the clinical PET data. The validation of the phantom-based experimental reconstruction parameters to clinical PET imaging data is highly warranted.
Role of 18-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography in Predicting Residual Disease Posttreatment Completion in Retinoblastoma Patients
Authors: Moothedath Abdul Wajid , Chopra Kanwaljeet Kaur , Seth Rachna , Meena Jagdish Prasad , Gupta Aditya Kumar , Kumar Rakesh , Jana Manisha , ArunRaj Sreedharan Thankarajan
Published: July 2022

Background:

Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy of childhood. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the orbit and brain is the preferred imaging modality to diagnose and define extent of disease as well as to assess response to therapy. Sometimes, it may be difficult to differentiate the presence of active residual disease from therapy-related changes based on posttreatment completion MRI.

Materials and Methods:

RB patients who completed treatment between January 2017 and October 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. We evaluated the utility of F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) to predict active disease in RB patients who continued to have residual disease on MRI at completion of treatment.

Results:

Out of the 89 patients who completed treatment, dilemma regarding remission status was present in 11 children. All 11 patients underwent FDG-PET-CT. None of them had evidence of metabolically active disease in the orbit, optic nerve, brain, or rest of the body. After a median follow-up of 24 months, no children developed any evidence of disease progression in the form of local or distant relapse.

Conclusion:

Our results showed that in MRI doubtful cases, a nonavid FDG-PET is reassuring in avoiding further therapy as long as close follow-up can be ensured. FDG-PET-CT may emerge as a useful functional modality to predict disease activity in RB.
Sub-Diaphragmatic Haemangioma Suspected on F-18 Fdg Pet/Ct Confirmed by Rbc Scintigraphy
Authors: Prashanth Arun , Datta Deepanksha , Kumar Rajesh , Taywade Sameer , Chandran Ravi , Pandey Rakesh
Published: July 2022

A 53-year-old woman presented with left submandibular gland carcinoma. Contrast-enhanced computerized tomography done for staging revealed suspicious metastatic omental deposit adjacent to left hemi-diaphragm apart from primary and cervical nodal metastasis. Staging F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography showed high FDG uptake in the primary and metastatic left cervical lymph nodes. However, no FDG uptake was seen in left sub-diaphragmatic mass. Known vascular malformations sites in the left posterior triangle of the neck and liver hemangiomas also showed no uptake. This pattern of uptake raised a suspicion of multiple vascular malformations. Tc-99 m red blood cell scintigraphy was done which confirmed the nature of subdiaphragmatic lesion as haemangioma.
The Changes in the 18F FDG Metabolism in the Muscles by the Use of Cuboid Support Insoles
Authors: Okumura Norihisa , Okada Yukinori , Kumai Keiichi , Hosokawa Tomomitsu , Oonuma Jiro , Takata Yuichi , Ito Masatoshi
Published: July 2022

Healthy men aged 55,39, 23.45 years were administered 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) after fasting for over 5 h; then, a 30-min self-paced walking (6-min walk and 2-min rest + 6-min walk and 2-min rest + 6-min walk and 2-min rest + 6-min walk) session was performed. While walking, the same athletic shoes were used, same with walking supports, flat insoles, and cuboid support insoles (BMZ Inc., Tokyo, Japan). The walking test was performed with eye open. The examination was performed over 30 days apart. 18F-FDG accumulation within the gastrocnemius muscle was higher, the walking speed was improved. These results suggest that the use of cuboid support insoles may improve the cadence of the lower leg muscles.
High dose Radioiodine Therapy Preceded by Fertility Preservation Surgery in Metastatic Malignant Struma Ovarii
Authors: Santhamma Shagos Gopalannair , Vipin Valam Puthussery , Kalathil Jem , John Nita Mary
Published: July 2022

Struma ovarii is a type of mature ovarian teratoma which accounts for roughly 0.5%–1% (1) of all ovarian tumours and approximately 3% of all ovarian teratomas (2). To be classified as struma ovarii, more than 50% of the tumour must be comprised of thyroid tissue (3). Malignant struma ovarii being rare, no proper guidelines exists regarding its surgical approach or postoperative management. Metastatic malignant struma ovarii, in addition to radical surgery for ovarian mass will require total thyroidectomy to facilitate high dose radioiodine therapy. Here we present the case of a newly married, nulliparous, young lady in her third decade who was diagnosed with malignant struma ovarii with metastatic deposits in fallopian tube and extensive deposits in mesentery and peritoneum., She underwent cryopreservation of embryos followed by bilateral salphingo-oopherectomy + omentectomy + stripping of peritoneum over bladder, abdominal side walls, pelvic peritoneum + appendectomy with preservation of uterus. Total thyroidectomy was done simultaneously. Subsequently she underwent high dose radioiodine therapy. Complete ablation of the residual metastatic deposits were achieved by one sitting of therapy.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Family Medicine Residents Toward COVID-19 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Altraif Sara I. , Almezaini Lamees I. , Alsaif Hadeel K. , Altraif Ibrahim H.
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

The aim is to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding prevention, diagnosis, and management of COVID-19 in family medicine residents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and also to examine the association of the residents' demographic variables with their COVID-19 KAP level.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey conducted during July to August 2020 that targeted all family medicine residents who were enrolled in the Saudi board training programs in Riyadh. An online version of a specifically designed questionnaire was distributed to determine the residents' KAP toward COVID-19.

Results:

A total of 97 of 170 residents responded for a response rate of 57%. The most important results noted from this study are that participants had satisfactory knowledge of COVID-19; but, it was not associated with their demographic characteristics. Most participants demonstrated positive attitudes toward persons having risk factors for COVID-19 and who disclose their exposure (n = 82, 85%). Most participants exhibited good practices except participating in training programs concerning COVID-19 infection prevention and control (n = 46, 47%). Total knowledge scores were significantly affected by feeling tired, lack of confidence in defeating the virus, and persons with risk of COVID-19 infection. There was no significant association between the knowledge and practice.

Conclusion:

The results demonstrated that family medicine residents in Riyadh overall had good KAP on COVID-19 disease in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Such good KAP could help limit viral spread.
Future Trends of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry
Authors: Lingam Amara Swapna , Koppolu Pradeep , Akhter Fatema , Afroz Mohammed Malik , Tabassum Nafeesa , Arshed Maheen , Khan Tahseen , ElHaddad Sally
Published: July 2022

The subject of artificial intelligence (AI) has experienced magnificent development and growth over the past two decades. AI has gained amazing application in various fields including dentistry. AI is swiftly gaining the consideration of researchers around the world. The main benefit of AI is that it is based on natural language model and has become most convincing where readers can't even distinguish if it is a human written or system written. AI, which mimics human cognitive functions, is a forward leap in innovation, and has fascinated the minds of scientists over the globe. Dentists can use AI to guarantee better health-care result, quality therapy, and accomplish accuracy. AI can assist with anticipating the letdowns in clinical scenarios and illustrate dependable solutions.
Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among the Community during COVID-19 Lockdown in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alshammari Sulaiman A. , Alotaibi Razan Sultan , Almajed Ashwaq Ali , Omar Thikrayat Abdulhafeeth
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

(1) We aimed to measure the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among the Saudi population during COVID-19 lockdown and their association with different personal characteristics. (2) The secondary aims included assessing the perceived social and physical impacts of COVID-19 lockdown on individuals and the different coping strategy practices during this tough period.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and June 2020 in Saudi Arabia. We collected data from both sexes aged 18 years and older using social media. The online questionnaire collected data on their sociodemographic, physical, and social conditions, and the presence and control of chronic diseases as well as their evaluation according to the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21.

Results:

Of the 878 participants, 56.6% were female, 54.6% were aged between 35 and below, 52.6% were married, and 97.4% had a secondary school and above. Approximately a quarter of the participants or relatives had been diagnosed with COVID-19. Moderate-to-severe depression, anxiety, and stress were reported in 32.6%, 28.7%, and 22.6% of the participants, respectively. The younger than 35 years, unmarried, not working, and the previous diagnosis of COVID-19 were associated with higher scores of depression, anxiety, and stress. In addition, the participants reported several coping strategies such as doing physical exercise, hobbies, chatting over social media, watching TV/movies, playing electronic games, increasing religious prayers, and getting psychosocial help.

Conclusion:

A quarter of the participants reported a moderate-to-severe psychological impact. They adopted various strategies to reduce the adverse lockdown effect. In a future pandemic, health-care providers and policymakers can focus on potential risk factors and coping strategies to prevent, intervene early, and treat sufferers.
Social Distancing and Lockdown Due to COVID-19
Authors: Singh Ruchi , Chouhan Sunil , Shrivastava Ragini , Rai Nirendra Kumar , Isac Silvya
Published: July 2022

The unprecedented situation of countrywide lockdown with closure of physical schools, social distancing, and home confinement which arose due to COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the sleep and mood of all age groups. Adolescence is the age of transition from childhood to adulthood. Students in this phase are anxious with planning for future and thus fall an easy prey to unhealthy lifestyle including irregular sleep cycle and eating habits. Freedom to follow self-decided sleep schedule with extensive use of digital media and sedentary lifestyle during the pandemic further added to the trend of unhealthy lifestyle among them. This perspective is aimed to explore the effect of nationwide or regional lockdowns enforced for curtailment of COVID-19 infection on the mood and sleep habits of adolescents. There were some positive as well as negative impacts on the sleep quality and mood of adolescents. Although home confinement gave a lot of opportunities to follow own sleep schedules and eating habits such as those on weekends or vacations, it also increased the separation stress from their peers, anxiety and fear of disease, erratic sleep schedule, and screen time among adolescents.
Evaluation of the Use of Electronic Growth Charts Customized for Race and National Values
Authors: Jamal Amr A. , AlHokair Abdullah A. , Temsah Mohamad-Hani A. , Alsohime Fahad , Al-Eyadhy Ayman A. , El-Mouzan Mohamad , Tharkar Shabana
Published: July 2022

Background:

As compared with traditional paper-based charts, population-specific Saudi Growth Charts (SGC) integrated into electronic health records offer several functionalities. However, few studies have explored clinicians' perceptions and practices related to the recording of growth parameters as they adapt to the electronic methods.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to estimate clinicians' use of the recently adapted electronic SGC versus other known electronic international growth charts.

Methods:

This cross-sectional survey was performed on 116 pediatricians serving at the university medical center. An online questionnaire that included the types of growth charts used, clinicians' confidence level with the electronic interface, and documentation practices for children's growth parameters was uploaded using the SurveyMonkey® platform, and participants were invited to participate through an e-mailed link. Data were analyzed using the IBM software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0. (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) for Windows®.

Results:

Most of the pediatricians (76.7%) reported using electronic-based growth charts in preference to paper-based charts, whereas 17.3% preferred using both. Seventy-five percent agreed that the SGC can accurately diagnose underweight Saudi infants and children, as compared with 56% for the World Health Organization and 44% for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts. Height, weight (body mass index), and nutritional status were the most documented parameters. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed physicians with longer experience in pediatric clinical practice years demonstrated lesser documentation of growth parameters. In addition, physicians caring for more number of children per week were more likely to frequently document growth parameters (P = 0.003).

Conclusion:

The integration and implementation of the electronic version of SGC have been encouraging, and the SGC shows promising results in recording child growth parameters for Saudi children with minimum discrepancies in interpretation as compared to the other international growth charts.
Two problems on random analytic functions in Fock spaces
Authors: Fang Xiang , Tien Pham Trong
Published: July 2022

Let
$f(z)=\sum _{n=0}^\infty a_n z^n$
be an entire function on the complex plane, and let
${\mathcal R} f(z) = \sum _{n=0}^\infty a_n X_n z^n$
be its randomization induced by a standard sequence
$(X_n)_n$
of independent Bernoulli, Steinhaus, or Gaussian random variables. In this paper, we characterize those functions
$f(z)$
such that
${\mathcal R} f(z)$
is almost surely in the Fock space
${\mathcal F}_{\alpha }^p$
for any
$p, \alpha \in (0,\infty )$
. Then such a characterization, together with embedding theorems which are of independent interests, is used to obtain a Littlewood-type theorem, also known as regularity improvement under randomization within the scale of Fock spaces. Other results obtained in this paper include: (a) a characterization of random analytic functions in the mixed-norm space
${\mathcal F}(\infty , q, \alpha )$
, an endpoint version of Fock spaces, via entropy integrals; (b) a complete description of random lacunary elements in Fock spaces; and (c) a complete description of random multipliers between different Fock spaces.
The inhomogeneous boundary Harnack principle for fully nonlinear and $p$-Laplace equations
Authors: Allen Mark , Kriventsov Dennis , Shahgholian Henrik
Published: July 2022

We prove a boundary Harnack principle in Lipschitz domains with small constant for
fully nonlinear and

p

-Laplace-type equations with a right-hand side, as well as for the Laplace equation on nontangentially accessible domains under extra conditions. The approach is completely new and gives a systematic approach for proving similar results for a variety of equations and geometries.
The classification of dp-minimal and dp-small fields
Authors: Johnson Will
Published: July 2022

Continuing the work of Johnson (2018), we classify the pure fields and pure valued fields of dp-rank 1, up to elementary equivalence. In the process, we give a few new examples of dp-minimal fields. Specializing to the case of dp-small fields, we prove that dp-small fields and VC-minimal fields are all algebraically closed or real closed, as had been conjectured by Guingona (2014). This generalizes earlier work of Haskell and Macpherson (1994) and Macpherson et al. (2000), showing that

C

-minimal fields are algebraically closed, and weakly o-minimal fields are real closed. In fact, we obtain slight strengthenings of these earlier results, since we assume no compatibility between the field structure on the one hand and the

C

-relation or order on the other hand. We also give a new proof of Jahnke, Simon, and Walsberg’s (2017) theorem that dp-minimal valued fields are henselian. Lastly, we apply the Kaplan–Scanlon–Wagner (2011) theorem (NIP fields are Artin–Schreier closed) to prove some general properties of strongly dependent valued fields. For example, strongly dependent henselian valued fields are defectless.
On the structure of certain $\Gamma$-difference modules
Authors: de Shalit Ehud , Gutiérrez José
Published: July 2022

This is a largely expository paper, providing a self-contained account on the results of Schäfke and Singer (2017, 2019), in the cases denoted there 2Q and 2M. These papers supplied new proofs to the main theorems of Adamczewski and Bell (2017) and Bézivin and Boutabaa (1992), on the rationality of power series satisfying a pair of independent

q

-difference, or Mahler, equations. We emphasize the language of

\Gamma

-difference modules, instead of difference equations or systems. Although in the two cases mentioned above this is only a semantic change, we also treat a new case, which may be labeled 1M1Q. Here the group

\Gamma

is generalized dihedral rather than abelian, and the language of equations is inadequate. In the last section we explain how to generalize the main theorems in case 2Q to finite characteristic.