bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Au débouché du pont. Naissance et développement du quartier Saint-Germain à Rennes, de l’Antiquité tardive à la Seconde Guerre mondiale
Authors: Beuchet Laurent , Poilpré Pierre
Published: April 2023

Sur la berge nord de la Vilaine, une fouille a fourni l’occasion d’étudier la naissance du quartier Saint-Germain à Rennes, au croisement d’une importante voie et de la Vilaine, puis son évolution au sein de la ville médiévale et moderne, jusqu’à la Seconde Guerre mondiale. L’aménagement d’un chemin creux à la fin de l’Antiquité, lié au franchissement de la Vilaine par la voie vers Angers, marque le début de l’occupation du secteur. Une nécropole s’établit sur le coteau dès le haut Moyen Âge, dans un secteur qui reste en marge de la ville. L’urbanisation ne débute qu’avec la fondation de l’abbaye Saint-Georges au début du XIe siècle. La construction d’un nouveau pont fixe un nouvel axe de circulation autour duquel s’organise un bourg centré sur son église. Ce nouveau quartier, artisanal, jouit de sa position sur un passage obligé pour se développer jusqu’à son inclusion dans la ville close au milieu du XVe siècle. Desservi par une des quatre portes de la ville, il conserve alors son attrait. L’extension urbaine et la construction d’une nouvelle enceinte au sud de la Vilaine à la fin du XVe siècle ne semblent pas avoir de réel impact sur le quartier. L’étude documentaire complète les données de fouille et met en évidence les stratégies foncières des parlementaires pour la construction de leurs hôtels particuliers, après la construction du Palais du parlement, et la mutation profonde du quartier au XVIIe siècle. L’incendie de 1720 épargne le quartier Saint-Germain, mais entraîne la transformation du bâti et sa division en appartements. La Révolution puis les travaux d’urbanisme du XIXe siècle parachèvent cette transformation et donnent à Saint-Germain le visage d’un quartier populaire en marge du centre-ville.
Usages de la blockchain dans l’innovation collaborative
Authors: Roumentcheva Sofia
Published: April 2023

L’Internet collaboratif a révolutionné l’innovation – elle serait plus accessible, plus contributive, plus efficace. L’innovation collaborative d’un côté et la blockchain1 d’un autre en sont de parfaites illustrations. Qu’en est-il des enjeux juridiques de ces nouvelles modalités d’innovations  ? La blockchain peut-elle être une solution technique, conforme aux exigences légales2, permettant de les résoudre  ?
Pile et face
Authors: Arrivé Éric
Published: April 2023

Pour élargir la compréhension du protocole Bitcoin, le présent article l’aborde comme un hybride sociotechnique, au-delà donc d’une approche purement formelle qui voit ce type d’objets uniquement sous l’angle de ses propriétés logico-mathématiques, ou d’une approche purement sociologique qui se contenterait de dresser le tableau des acteurs et leurs interactions pour identifier des groupes d’intérêts. Le principal résultat de cette analyse est que le protocole Bitcoin se présente avec deux faces dont l’intrication produit un ressort caractéristique de son expansion, non pas en termes d’usages, mais en termes de puissance de calcul. Ce résultat est susceptible d’être mobilisé ultérieurement par diverses disciplines afin de mieux situer les risques que chacune de celles-ci met en évidence sur un panel de plus en plus large de cas.
Applying Machine Learning and Model-Driven Approach for the Identification and Diagnosis Of Covid-19
Authors: Tabbiche Mohammed Nadjib , Khalfi Mohammed Fethi , Adjoudj Reda
Published: April 2023

Ubiquitous environments are not fixed in time. Entities are constantly evolving; they are dynamic. Ubiquitous applications therefore have a strong need to adapt during their execution and react to the context changes, and developing ubiquitous applications is still complex. The use of the separation of needs and model-driven engineering present the promising solutions adopted in this approach to resolve this complexity. The authors thought that the best way to improve efficiency was to make these models intelligent. That's why they decided to propose an architecture combining machine learning with the domain of modeling. In this article, a novel tool is proposed for the design of ubiquitous applications, associated with a graphical modeling editor with a drag-drop palette, which will allow to instantiate in a graphical way in order to obtain platform independent model, which will be transformed into platform specific model using Acceleo language. The validity of the proposed framework has been demonstrated via a case study of COVID-19.
Possibilities of Artificial Muscles Using Dielectric Elastomers and their Applications
Authors: Chiba Seiki A. , Waki Mikio , Takeshita Makoto , Ohyama Kazuhiro
Published: April 2023

The recent developments in dielectric elastomers (DE) are spectacular. Currently, a DE as an actuator, 0.15 g of acrylic sandwiching SWCNT electrodes, is capable of lifting a weight of 8 kg by more than 1 mm at a speed of 88 msec. In the near future, DE motors could be used to drive electric vehicles. Moreover, the DE can be used as a high-efficiency sensor with the same structure. With a diameter of 20 mm and a thickness of 0.5 mm, it can accurately measure pressure from several kg to 150 kg. In addition, reversing this DE actuator (DEA) movement also enables high-efficiency power generation. In other words, when the DEA is stretched or pushed, it generates electric power. Single wall nanotubes (SWCNTs) were used as an electrode, and an acrylic DE power generation cartridge with a diameter of 80 mm was used. When the center of the DE power generation cartridge is pushed by about 15 mm, a power of 33.6 mJ is generated. Using these two DE cartridges, it was possible to charge a secondary battery through a DC converter. In addition to this power generator, practical research and development of power generation using wave power, wind power, waste heat, and fluids (ocean currents, water currents, etc.) is progressing. In this paper, we have described state-of-the-art DEAs, DE generators (including the case that the power generated locally by microgenerators are consumed locally), and DE sensors and explained their usefulness.
Transition from Reflective to Energy-Storing Self-Illumination in Road Markings: A Review
Authors: Li Fu Jie , Cao Xin Ye , Liu Shuai Heng , He Lei Lei
Published: April 2023

Road markings regulate and direct traffic by conveying specific information. It is of great significance to develop new road marking materials and improve the visibility of marking materials for improving traffic efficiency and ensuring traffic safety. This paper summarized the development status of various reflective road markings at home and abroad. In addition, the energy storage luminescent fluorescent/phosphor marking lines in road marking was emphatically generalized to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different improvement methods. Overall, strontium aluminate doped with Eu2+ co-doped with Dy3+ (SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+) phosphors and self-luminous pavement for energy storage had great prospects in improving road safety and reducing energy consumption.
Diagnostic yield of bronchoalveolar lavage GeneXpert in smear-negative and sputum-scarce pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Koraa Emad El-Din AbdelWahab , Abdel-Fattah Eman B. , El-Touny Rana M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Tuberculosis remains a common public health hazard in the underdeveloped world. Initial approach to diagnosis is sputum smear staining for acid-fast bacilli, however only 40% of patients are smear positive.

Aim and objectives

To assess the diagnostic yield of GeneXpert in bronchoalveolar lavage in a smear negative or sputum scarce suspected case of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Methods

This analytical cross-sectional study included 50 patients who had clinical and radiological signs consistent with pulmonary tuberculosis and three negative Ziehl–Neelsen sputum smears or unobtainable sputum. All patients underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy guided bronchoalveolar lavage that was sent for evaluation with GeneXpert and mycobacterial culture (Löwenstein–Jensen). Sensitivity analysis was carried out using culture as the gold standard.

Results

There is a statistically significant increase of positive TB cases diagnosed by bronchoalveolar lavage GeneXpert, as all cases were positive (100%) including 17 patients that were sputum scant, while all cases diagnosed by smear acid-fast bacilli were negative (100%) (P<0.05) However, there is statistically insignificant difference of positive TB cases diagnosed by bronchoalveolar lavage GeneXpert (100%) and bronchoalveolar lavage L.J culture (100%) (P>0.05).

Conclusion

Bronchoalveolar lavage GeneXpert has superior diagnostic yield than acid-fast bacilli smear microscopy, and the yield is as effective as mycobacterial cultures, but much faster and time saving. It can be used as a gold standard for TB diagnosis.
The effect of chronic hepatitis-C virus infection on asthma control, severity, and induced sputum analysis in bronchial asthma patients
Authors: Ragab Amany , Sallam Lamiaa Ebrahim , Ali Raed E. , Besheer Tarek , Abdelrahman Manar Ahmed
Published: April 2023

Background

Bronchial asthma is a heterogeneous disease, manifested by chronic airway-inflammatory changes. Viral hepatitis-C infection is a major worldwide illness with about 130–150 million that are chronically infected. Hepatitis-C virus (HCV) is associated with liver pathology and extrahepatic manifestations, which can lead to many indirect and direct pulmonary complications. Alteration of airway inflammation may be the underlying mechanism predisposing asthmatics with chronic HCV to more severe asthma. Discrete inflammatory types have been recognized in the sputum of asthmatics. This study aims to assess the effect of HCV infection on asthma control, asthma severity, and airway inflammation and to analyze sputum in bronchial asthma patients graded according to Global Initiative for Asthma Classification.

Patients and methods

This study included 60 adult nonsmoking asthmatic patients who were enrolled from the outpatient clinic of Chest and Tropical Departments, Mansoura University Hospital from February 2016 to September 2017. They were classified into two groups. Group A: patients without HCV infection and group B: patients with chronic HCV infection. Analysis of induced sputum to evaluate airway-inflammatory cell type in relation to asthma control, severity, and treatment step.

Results

Regarding asthma severity and treatment step, there is a significant difference between the two studied groups, while no significant differences in asthma control between the two groups were found. Successfully induced samples illustrated that airway-inflammatory cells varied in both groups; although an eosinophilic phenotype predominates in both groups, a higher percentage was present in group A (50%) than patients in group B (35%), also, paucigranulocytic phenotype was higher in group A than group B. On the other hand, the percentage of neutrophilic and mixed granulocytic phenotypes was more in group B in comparison with group A.

Conclusion

Patients with asthma and chronic HCV infection had a significant later onset of bronchial asthma, eosinophilic phenotype predominated in all asthmatic patients, especially in patients without HCV. High percentage of neutrophils was present in asthmatics with HCV infection and this suggested more severe airway inflammation.
Diagnostic value of minimum-intensity projection computed tomography chest in diagnosis of endobronchial lesions
Authors: Rezk Nasef Abd-Elsalam , Shehta Mohamed , ELmorsy Rehab , Batouty Nihal M. , MSobh Donia , Alshamy Ahmed , Algamal Mohamed
Published: April 2023

Background

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) is used to directly visualize the lumen of the trachea, as well as proximal and distal airways. It can be used to diagnose or treat abnormalities within or adjacent to these airways. However, it is an invasive procedure that may lead to several complications. Minimum-intensity projection (MinIP) in high-resolution computed tomography (CT) of the lungs is particularly useful because multiple lung diseases may present with reduced CT attenuation values.

Patients and methods

In this study, we included 115 patients admitted to the Chest Department, Mansoura University, Egypt. All patients were subjected to complete history taking, thorough physical examination, routine laboratory investigations, in addition to chest radiograph. CT and FOB were ordered for all cases.

Results

CT examination of the studied cases revealed mass in 43.5%, delayed resolved pneumonia in 30.4%, and collapse in 13% of cases. Furthermore, either of cavity, narrowing, or collapse was present in 4.3% of cases. Lesions were detected in the left lung in 43.5%, right lung in was 30.4%, and both lungs in 13% of cases. The sensitivity and specificity of MinIP was 69.4 and 100%, respectively, compared with FOB. The positive predictive value was 100%, whereas the negative predictive value was 71.4%, with an accuracy of 82.6%. The sensitivity of MinIP in the diagnosis was different according to the nature of the lesion. We found significant differences when comparing conventional CT with MinIP, especially in collapse, nodules, delayed resolved pneumonia, cavity, and narrowing. However, such a significant difference was not detected in the diagnosis of mass lesions.

Conclusion

We conclude that MinIP CT is a very important technique for detection of endobronchial lesion compared with conventional CT, and we recommend use of this technique when an endobronchial lesion is suspected.
Assessment of hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Allam Amira H. , Sadek Mohamed S. , Abdellatif Mohamed A. , Gouda Tahany M.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that lead to diseases in animals or humans.

Objective

To assess clinical, radiological, and laboratory criteria, as well as treatment of patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019, and the relation to radiological progression and hospital stay.

Patients and methods

This study was a prospective observational study conducted in an isolation sector in a private hospital in Saudi Arabia. Data were obtained from electronic records.

Results

A total of 30 patients were enrolled (24 males and six females), and their mean age was 51.2±15.05 years. The presenting symptoms were fever (83.3%), cough (33.3%), shortness of breathing (26.7%), body aches (16.7%), and sore throat (10%). Chest radiograph was abnormal in 76.6%. C-reactive protein (CRP) was high at 112.59±140±0.50 mg/l, and serum ferritin was 763.21±652.18 μg/l. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was higher than normal at 312.86±161 U/l. Mean D-dimer was 0.97±1.11 μg/ml. international normalized ratio was 1.09±0.194. Fibrinogen was high at 575.32±220.08 mg/dl, and activated partial thromboplastin time was 37.94±17.46 s. There was a strong positive correlation between serum ferritin and temperature, LDH, and aspartate transaminase. CRP had a strong positive correlation with alanine transaminase, total leukocytic count, lymphocytes, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio. Hospital stay was positively correlated with ferritin. LDH was negatively correlated with lymphocytic count. The correlation between radiological course and laboratory follow-up was poor.

Conclusion

Coronavirus disease 2019 affects males more than females and is more in elderly. Fever is a common presenting symptom. Infection affects many blood indices, such as LDH, ferritin, CRP, and fibrinogen. Radiological course of the lesions is not affected by those blood indices, whereas hospital stay is affected. The outcome is favorable in most of the patients.
The role of diaphragmatic rapid shallow breathing index and maximum inspiratory pressure in predicting outcome of weaning from mechanical ventilation
Authors: Zaytoun Tayseer M. , Elsayed Hany E. , Elghazaly Ahmed M.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) is considered an accurate weaning predictor. The diaphragmatic excursion (DE) and maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) can be used as weaning parameters. Substitution of the tidal volume by the DE in the RSBI, that is, calculating the diaphragmatic RSBI (DRSBI, RR/DE), might yield a more precise weaning predictor.

Objective

The aim of this research was to evaluate the predictive value of the DRSBI, MIP, and the ratio between them (MIP/DRSBI) in the weaning of mechanically ventilated patients.

Patients and methods

In our study, 64 mechanically ventilated patients were enrolled. At the time of their first spontaneous breathing trial, ultrasonographic assessment of the DE was done, MIP was measured, and RSBI, DRSBI, and MIP/DRSBI were calculated. A total of 36 (56.25%) patients had successful weaning, whereas 28 (43.75%) failed the weaning trial. The new composite parameter (MIP/DRSBI) with a cutoff value greater than or equal to 17 cmH2O/min/mm/breath was the best tool to predict successful weaning with area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.982, with sensitivity and specificity of 100 and 96%, respectively.

Conclusion

Combining the MIP and DRSBI in one composite parameter (MIP/DRSBI) improved the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of both parameters when compared with either parameter alone.
Comparative study between platelet-rich plasma intraarticular injection versus hyaluronic acid in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Kassem Mohamed S
Published: April 2023

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major public health problem that causes pain and disability in one-third of all affected patients. It primarily affects the elderly populations. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intraarticular injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus hyaluronic acid (HA) in knee OA.

Patients and methods

This was a prospective study that included 40 adult patients with knee OA grades II and III, where 20 patients were treated with PRP intraarticular injection two injections 1 month apart (group A), and 20 patients were treated with HA injections generally administered as a weekly injection for 3 weeks (group B). Data were collected from January 2017 till February 2018.

In group A, the age of patients ranged from 45.0 to 67.0 years; five (25%) patients were males and 15 (75%) patients were females; unilateral side was affected in four (20%) patients, and bilateral side was affected in 16 (80%) patients; and grade II OA cases were 12 patients, and grade III OA cases were seven (40%) patients. In group B, the age of patients ranged from 49 to 75 years; five (25%) patients were males and 15 (75%) patients were females; unilateral side was affected in eight (40%) patients, and bilateral side was affected in 12 (60%) patients; and grade II OA cases were 11 (55%) patients, and grade III OA patients were nine (45%) patients.

The procedure was done on an outpatient basis and under complete aseptic technique. PRP or HA was injected intraarticularly through an anterolateral or anteromedial portal. Follow-up with the patients was for at least 6 months, and the results of treatment were assessed by the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS).

Results

At the end of the follow-up period, which was 6 months, the KOOS in group A had improved to a mean score of 64.89 ± 17.97 points, as compared with the pre-injection score, which was 49.95 ± 14.21 points. In group B, at end of follow-up, the period score was 58.60 ± 19.10 points and the pre-injection score was 49.39 ± 19.97 points.

Conclusion

Both PRP and HA injections show significant improvement in grades II and III OA. The KOOS symptom subscale showed that PRP injections were more effective than HA injections in patients with grade II arthritis.
Use of tranexamic acid in simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty: a comparative study
Authors: Aouad Dany , Daher Mohammad , Darwish Mohammad , Saidy Elias , Rassi Lea El , Rassi Georges El
Published: April 2023

Background

Blood loss after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is not something to neglect especially if it is bilateral. A lot of measures can be taken to reduce this blood loss such as tourniquets, autologous transfusion, and closed suction drains.

Purpose

The use of closed suction drains in TKA has downsides such as introducing a foreign body to the wound, increasing nursing care, etc. This leads to the question whether this use can be replaced by other modalities such as the use of tranexamic acid injections.

Patients and methods

Two groups of 13 patients undergoing bilateral TKA were compared. The first group had tranexamic acid injections while the other had closed suction drains. The number of transfusions and the hemoglobin drop 1 and 2 days postoperatively were assessed and compared between both groups.

Results

The hemoglobin drop both on the first and second day after the surgery were higher in the group operated with a closed suction drainage (P=0.000162 and 0.01512, respectively). The number of transfusions was also higher in the group operated with closed suction drainage (18 compared with four transfusions needed in the other group).

Conclusion

The use of drains may be replaced by tranexamic acid injections in bilateral TKA.
Conservative treatment of voluntary atraumatic dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint: a case report
Authors: Aouad Dany , Maalouly Joseph , Abboud Ghadi , Cortbawi Chawki , Daher Mohammad , El Rassi George
Published: April 2023

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is a common injury of the shoulder. In contrast to traumatic causes, nontraumatic dislocations are very rare. We report one case of a young active male who presented with voluntary recurrent dislocation of the AC joint. Clinical examination showed dislocation in the anteroposterior direction of the AC joint. The patient underwent conservative management. Conservative treatment along with lifestyle modifications is sufficient for pain control and associated symptoms. Regular follow-up is very important.
Comparativestudy between the calcaneo stop procedure and endorthesis in the management of pediatric symptomatic flexible flatfoot
Authors: Ali Ayman A , Mohammed Ibrahim Abd E M , Ismail Mahmoud A
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The aim of the study was to compare the results of using the calcaneo stop procedure and endorthesis in the management of symptomatic flexible flatfoot (FFF) in pediatrics.

Patients and methods

This is a prospective randomized study using the closed envelope technique. It was conducted on 30 feet of 19 patients admitted in the National Institute of Neuromotor System. All cases presented with symptomatic flexible pes planovalgus. The current study started in May 2020 and ended in January 2022. Written detailed informed consents were obtained from parents. Inclusion criteria were age 7–14 years, symptomatic idiopathic FFF, failed conservative treatment, and no previous foot surgery. Exclusion criteria were children young than 7 years or older than 14 years, rigid flatfeet, asymptomatic FFF, patients with major congenital malformations, severe neurological disorders, patients with neuromuscular disorders, patients subjected to other foot surgery, and patients with traumatic flatfeet. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups: group 1 included 15 feet of nine patients (six bilateral and three unilateral) who underwent the calcaneo stop technique, and group 2 included 15 feet of 10 patients (five bilateral and five unilateral) who underwent endorthesis by subtalar fit implant. The mean age of group 1 was 9.90 ± 2.86 years (range, 7–14 years), whereas of group 2 was 9.70 ± 1.50 years (range, 8–14 years). There were 10 male patients (five underwent calcaneo stop and five endorthesis) and nine female patients (five underwent calcaneo stop and four endorthesis). The right foot was operated upon in 16 cases, and the left foot was operated upon in 14 cases. The average AOFAS preoperative score in group 1 was 68.7 ± 5.7 (range, 58–78), which was subdivided into 6.7% with good score and 86.3% with fair score, whereas in group 2, it was 70.13 ± 5.5 (range, 58–78), which was subdivided into 26.8% with good score and 73.2% with fair score.

Results

There were statistically significant improvements in both groups, with no difference in their outcomes. Both groups showed significantly improved hindfoot and midfoot motion and positioning. Hindfoot range of motion was preserved. Radiography also revealed significant improvements.

Conclusion

Both procedures are valid options for the surgical management of idiopathic symptomatic flatfoot in pediatric patients.
Fixation of posteromedial fragment combined with anterolateral plating in bicondylar tibial plateau fractures
Authors: Samy Mohamed
Published: April 2023

Background

Three-column classification of tibial plateau fractures had addressed the problems of posteromedial fragment fractures; many authors have discussed the mechanical instability of that fragment. Consideration of specific fixation of this fragment in tibial plateau fracture had been discussed by many authors.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the results of fixation of posteromedial fragment in bicondylar tibial plateau fractures.

Patients and methods

In all, 21 patients were included in this study. All of them had bicondylar fracture tibial plateau fractures, which involve the anterolateral column in conjunction with the posteromedial fragment of the tibial plateau as diagnosed by a computed tomography scan and a three-dimensional scan. All the patients had antigliding plate fixation for posteromedial fragment through the posteromedial approach and anterolateral plate fixation for anterolateral column fracture.

Results

All the patients had completed a minimum 1-year follow-up. All the patients had satisfactory outcomes according to Rasmussen’s clinical and radiological scores.

Conclusion

Fixation of the posteromedial fragment in tibial plateau fractures gives good outcomes as regards the stability and function
Laparoscopic evaluation of female genital tuberculosis in infertility: An observational study
Authors: Sharma Jai Bhagwan , Sharma Surendra Kumar , Dharmendra Sona , Singh Urvashi B. , Kumar Sunesh , Roy Kallol Kumar
Published: April 2023

Background & objectives:

Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is an important variety of extrapulmonary TB causing significant morbidity, especially infertility, in developing countries like India. The aim of this study was to evaluate the laparoscopic findings of the FGTB.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study on 374 cases of diagnostic laparoscopy performed on FGTB cases with infertility. All patients underwent history taking and clinical examination and endometrial sampling/biopsy for acid-fast bacilli, microscopy, culture, PCR, GeneXpert (only last 167 cases) and histopathological evidence of epithelioid granuloma. Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed in all the cases to evaluate the findings of FGTB.

Results:

Mean age, parity, body mass index and duration of infertility were 27.5 yr, 0.29, 22.6 kg/m2 and 3.78 years, respectively. Primary infertility was found in 81 per cent and secondary infertility in 18.18 per cent of cases. Endometrial biopsy was positive for AFB microscopy in 4.8 per cent, culture in 6.4 per cent and epithelioid granuloma in 15.5 per cent. Positive peritoneal biopsy granuloma was seen in 5.88 per cent, PCR in 314 (83.95%) and GeneXpert in 31 (18.56%, out of last 167 cases) cases. Definite findings of FGTB were seen in 164 (43.86%) cases with beaded tubes (12.29%), tubercles (32.88%) and caseous nodules (14.96%). Probable findings of FGTB were seen in 210 (56.14%) cases with pelvic adhesions (23.52%), perihepatic adhesions (47.86%), shaggy areas (11.7%), pelvic adhesions (11.71%), encysted ascites (10.42%) and frozen pelvis in 3.7 per cent of cases.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The finding of this study suggests that laparoscopy is a useful modality to diagnose FGTB with a higher pickup rate of cases. Hence it should be included as a part of composite reference standard.
Examining factors affecting self-care-self-regulation among registered nurses using path analysis
Authors: Logan Jeongok G. , Kim-Godwin Yeounsoo , Ahn Soojung
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

Practicing self-care is a requisite for nurses as they face the extreme physical, mental, and emotional challenges presented by the pandemic era. This study aimed to examine factors that contribute to self-care-self-regulation (SCSR) and investigate the mediation effect of psychological and physical health in the relationship between work stress and SCSR among registered nurses in the United States.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional study was conducted on the data collected from 386 registered nurses who completed an online survey over a 3-week period during the COVID-19 pandemic (April 19 to May 6, 2020). The survey assessed demographic and work-related characteristics, work stress, depressive mood, self-rated health, and SCSR. The model was tested with depressive mood as the first mediator and self-rated health as the second mediator. The potential serial mediation effect was analyzed using PROCESS macros adjusting for covariates.

RESULTS:

The sequential indirect effect of work stress on SCSR through depressive mood and self-rated health in series was significant, while its direct effect was not.

CONCLUSION:

The findings of the path analysis demonstrate that psychological and physical health status is important to promote self-care behaviors when nurses experience high work stress.
Correlation between critical thinking dispositions and self-esteem in nursing students
Authors: Vasli Parvaneh , Mortazavi Yousef , Aziznejadroshan Parvin , Esbakian Behnam , Ahangar Hemmat Gholinia , Jafarpoor Hasanali
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

Critical thinking has been acknowledged as a key component of clinical decision-making and professional competency. Therefore, it is of great importance to reflect on how critical thinking is acquired and investigate its determinants, including self-esteem, in nursing education. The present study was thus to assess the correlation between critical thinking and self-esteem in nursing students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This descriptive correlational study was fulfilled in 2019 on 276 nursing students selected via the random sampling method. For this purpose, Ricketts' Critical Thinking Disposition Questionnaire and Eysenck's Self-Esteem Scale were employed to collect the data, which were then analyzed using the SPSS Statistics (ver. 22) software along with independent-samples t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and one-way analysis of variance, considering the significance level of P < 0.05.

RESULTS:

The study findings showed a significant correlation between critical thinking and self-esteem (r = 0.529, P < 0.001) as well as self-esteem and critical thinking dispositions, that is, commitment, perfectionism, and creativity (r = 0.40, P < 0.001). Moreover, these dispositions had a significantly increasing trend during various academic years, but the difference was not significant with regard to perfectionism (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

Given the positive correlation between self-esteem and critical thinking, commitment, perfectionism, and creativity in nursing students, it is essential to develop self-esteem skills in such students, using appropriate approaches to boost self-esteem as one of the important missions of higher education systems. As well, a lack of perfectionism during academic years confirms that it is possible that determinants other than educational environments, for example, families, are involved. Therefore, managers are suggested to hold meetings with parents and nursing students.
The effect of interferon in the therapy of severe coronavirus infection
Authors: Shajari Rasoul , Adeli Seyed Hasan , Bagherzadeh Mohammad , Asghari Akram , Tabaraii Reihane , Alikhani Aliakbar , Jabbari Amir , Razavinia Fateme , Shakeri Mansoureh , Jafari Saeede , Ahmadpour Sajjad , Vafaeimanesh Jamshid
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

So far, several protocols have been used for the treatment of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we aimed to study the effect of interferon on the treatment of hypoxemia caused by COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was a quasi-experiment with a nonequivalent group design. All participants were admitted to Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Qom province. In total, 60 patients were enrolled in the study, and inclusion criteria were age over 18 years, positive PCR test result, pulmonary involvement in computed tomography (CT) scan, and SpO2 level below 93%. Individuals were divided into two control (hydroxychloroquine + lopinavir/ritonavir [Kaletra]) and intervention (hydroxychloroquine + lopinavir/ritonavir [Kaletra] + interferon-β 1a [recigen]) groups. The data were analyzed in Stata/SE 14.2 using Chi-square, t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS:

The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of patients was 63 ± 16.12 years and 43.3% were male. In terms of outcome variables, 20% of patients in the intervention group and 53.3% of subjects in the control group died and this difference was significant (P = 0.007). According to the quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) score, the severe cases were 16.7% in the intervention group and 50% in the control group (P = 0.006). In addition, the median days of hospitalization were 11.5 days—significantly higher than those in the control group (5.5 days) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

Based on the results of this study, the use of interferon in the treatment of COVID-19 can improve health and reduce the severity of the disease and mortality.
Comparative study of the relationship between pregnancy and childbirth factors and autism in healthy children and children with autism
Authors: Mourkani Razieh Shams , Kohan Shahnaz , Mohebbi-Dehnavi Zahra , Shaghaghi Fatemeh , Najiabhary Maryam , Gholami Mahboobe
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

Autism is a group of developmental disorders of the nervous system, the main manifestations of which are defects in social interactions and communication, as well as repetitive behaviors and limited interests. The etiology of autism is not limited to a single factor. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the relationship between pregnancy and childbirth factors and autism in healthy children and children with autism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present study was a cross-sectional study that was performed on 200 children in Isfahan in 2021. The instrument in this study was a researcher-made questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software.

RESULTS:

The results of data analysis between the two groups with Mann–Whitney U test showed that there was a significant relationship between maternal age at delivery, father's age at delivery, gestational age at delivery, interval between pregnancies, and the length of hospital stay (P ≤ 0.05). Also, the results of data analysis with Chi-squared test showed that there is a significant relationship between the two groups in terms of economic status, place of residence, multiple pregnancies, neonatal sex, and disease in infancy (P ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

The results of this study showed that economic status, place of residence, multiple pregnancies, sex of the baby, and disease in infancy can be effective factors for this disease. According to the results of the study, by considering the factors related to autism, many cases can be adjusted and corrected as much as possible before attempting to conceive.
Effectiveness of a school-based health education program to improve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in high school girls in Ilam
Authors: Daneshvar Samira , Ahmadi Fereshteh , Naghizadeh Mohammad Mehdi , Direckvand-Moghadam Ashraf , Mohammadian Fathollah , Jalilian Mohsen , Ghazanfari Zeinab
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

The premenstrual syndrome happens periodically and affects both the individual and family. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the health education program on reducing premenstrual syndrome in high school girls in Ilam.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This experimental study was conducted in girls' high schools in Ilam, in 2017–2018. In total, 120 students were enrolled in the study (intervention group = 61 and control group = 59) and selected through convenience sampling. In this study, a standard Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) was used to diagnose students with premenstrual syndrome or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). The educational program for the intervention group was held in four sessions of 30 min for 4 consecutive weeks. The obtained data were analyzed by the SPSS statistical software at a significance level of less than 0.05.

RESULTS:

The results showed a significant difference in the proportion of cases with moderate and severe PMS and PMDD between intervention and control groups in follow-up (P < 0.001). However, these proportions were not significantly different between the two groups in the baseline.

CONCLUSIONS:

According to the results, the educational program can be recommended as an effective intervention for girls with moderate-to-severe premenstrual symptoms and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Cognitive behavioral counselling in post abortion grief: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bagheri Leila , Chaman Reza , Ghiasi Ashraf , Motaghi Zahra
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

Abortion is can led to certain psychological problems that may decreased self-esteem, and concerns about future fertility. Abortions have multiple psychological consequences such as grief, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of cognitive behavioral counseling intervention on women in post-abortion period.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

This research was a randomized, controlled trial study that was conducted on 168 women during the post-abortion period at the Khalill Azad Center of Larestan (Iran), where the women were selected randomly from February 2019 to January 2020. Data were collected using post-abortion grief questionnaire. All women in the post-abortion period answered the perinatal grief scale questions at the beginning of the intervention, immediately after the intervention and three months after the end of the intervention. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with time and group were used to evaluate the effect of intervention.

RESULTS:

By using repeated measures ANOVA, the comparison of the mean score of grief in the two groups indicated that the scores decreased over time and it was lower in the intervention group. The mean score of grief between the intervention and control groups at the end of the intervention was 67.59 ± 13.21 and 75.42 ± 12.7, respectively (P < 0.001). Mean post-abortion grief score in the intervention and control groups three months after the intervention were 59.41 ± 13.71 and 69.32 ± 12.45, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

According to results of this study, it can be concluded that the use of cognitive behavioral counselling can reduce post-abortion grief intensity or prevent the occurrence of complicated grief. Therefore, this method can be used as a preventive or therapeutic approach to control post-abortion grief and other psychological disorders.
Effect of educating health promotion strategies model on self-care self-efficacy in elderly with kidney transplantation
Authors: Hoseinian Masoumeh , Mohebi Mahsa , Sadat Zohreh , Ajorpaz Neda Mirbagher
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

After kidney transplantation, older adults encounter numerous problems which can negatively affect their self-care self-efficacy. According to studies, behavior modeling training has an effect on patient's self-care. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of implementing health promotion strategies on self-care self-efficacy in older adults undergoing kidney transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 60 older adults undergoing kidney transplantation in Tehran's Shahid Doctor Labbafinejad Hospital in 2020. Patients were randomly divided into intervention and control groups by using block randomization method. For the patients of the intervention group, the educations were provided based on the model of individual health promotion strategies in eight sessions (i.e., 8 weeks, one session per week) for 40–60 minutes. The subjects of the control group received only their routine care. The two groups completed on-line the self-care self-efficacy questionnaire, before, immediately after and one month after the intervention. The results were analyzed by Chi-square, t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance in SPSS v19.

RESULTS:

According to the results, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics and the mean score of self-care self-efficacy before the intervention (P > 0.05). The mean score of self-care self-efficacy (P = 0.001) and some of its dimensions including stress reduction (P = 0.01) and adaptability (P = 0.01) was significantly different in the two groups in the three time intervals. Moreover, the two dimensions of decision making (P = 0.07) and enjoying the life (P = 0.20) were not significant.

CONCLUSION:

According to the results, education based on health promotion strategies can effectively improve self-care self-efficacy and some its dimensions. Therefore, teaching health promotion strategies as a low-cost and simple method can positively affect self-care self-efficacy in older adults undergoing kidney transplantation.
A Case Report on Acute Marchiafava-Bignami Disease
Authors: Gautam Sachin , Bagarhatta Prachi , Raghu RV , Garg Sandeep , Bharti Praveen , Gupta Rohit
Published: April 2023

Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) is an uncommon yet fatal complication seen mostly among patients who are long-term consumers of alcohol and malnourished individuals. MBD is a complex neurodegenerative disorder, characterized primarily by the corpus callosum involvement in the form of necrosis, degeneration, or demyelination. It basically presents in acute, subacute, and chronic forms. The clinical spectrum varies from a mild progressive dementia in chronic forms to comatose state and mortality in acute forms. Clinicoradiological correlation helps in making the diagnosis at the earliest. Here, we present a case report of a 30-year-old young factory worker, who was a chronic alcohol consumer, and a known case of seizure disorder on regular antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) presented with acute onset altered sensorium, wherein differentials like viral encephalitis, AED toxicity, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), Wernicke’s encephalopathy, lead or methanol toxicity, or adult-onset hereditary leukodystrophy were ruled out to reach a clinicoradiological diagnosis of acute MBD. Apart from corticosteroids pulse and thiamine supplementation, the patient was hemodialyzed twice, which further helped in the clinical improvement and later radiological resolution with the resultant discharge of our patient. Acute MBD has a fatal outcome if undiagnosed and not treated at the earliest. Our report outlines a possible role of hemodialysis in treating acute MBD patients. Further, we found that radiological resolution comes later in comparison to clinical improvement.
Инварианты диаграммных автоморфизмов алгебр Ли и неподвижные точки диаграммных автоморфизмов колчанных
многообразий
Authors: Dong Zhijie , Ma Haitao
Published: April 2023

Мы определяем некоторые подмногообразия, называемые соответствиями $\theta$-Гекке, в декартовых произведениях колчанных многообразий, неподвижных относительно диаграммных автоморфизмов. Они задают действие образующих алгебр Ли - инвариантов диаграммных автоморфизмов.
Вложения групп автоморфизмов свободных групп в группы автоморфизмов аффинных алгебраических многообразий
Authors: Popov Vladimir Leonidovich
Published: April 2023

Для любого целого числа $n$ построена новая бесконечная серия рациональных аффинных алгебраических многообразий, группы автоморфизмов которых содержат группу $\mathrm {Aut}(F_n)$ автоморфизмов свободной группы $F_n$ ранга $n$ и группу кос $B_n$ c $n$ нитями. Группы автоморфизмов таких многообразий нелинейны при $n\geq 3$, а при $n\geq 2$ неаменабельны. В качестве приложения доказано, что каждая группа Кремоны ранга ${\geq } 3n-1$ содержит группы $\mathrm {Aut}(F_n)$ и $B_n$. Эта оценка на единицу лучше оценки, опубликованной автором ранее; в отношении $B_n$ она на порядок лучше оценки, вытекающей из работы Д. Краммера. Основой конструкции являются тройки $(G,R,n)$, где $G$ - связная полупростая алгебраическая группа, а $R$ - замкнутая подгруппа ее максимального тора.
Ленточные графы и пары Белого с частично заданным ветвлением
Authors: Kulikov Victor Stepanovich , Shabat Georgii Borisovich
Published: April 2023

Для заданного ленточного графа произвольного рода строится сферический граф с теми же двумя столбцами паспорта. Также для данного сферического графа представлен алгоритм построения графа любого допустимого рода с двумя столбцами того же паспорта. Обсуждаются возможные приложения к теории детских рисунков.
Инварианты Коши и точные решения нелинейных уравнений гидродинамики
Authors: Abrashkin Anatoly Aleksandrovich , Pelinovsky Efim Naumovich
Published: April 2023

Дан обзор точных решений для гравитационных волн на глубокой воде. Все решения получены в рамках лагранжева описания и являются обобщениями волны Герстнера (в случае неоднородного давления на свободной поверхности и с учетом вращения жидкости). Для каждого типа волн найден вид инвариантов Коши.