bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Διερεύνηση της επίδρασης χορήγησης εκχυλίσματος κρόκου στο μεταβολικό έλεγχο ασθενών με σακχαρώδη διαβήτη τύπου 1
Authors: Γιαννουλάκη Παρθένα
Published: November 2024

Εισαγωγή : Δεδομένα από πειραματικές μελέτες δείχνουν ότι ο κρόκος (ή σαφράν) θεωρείται ότι βελτιώνει τη γλυκαιμία, το λιπιδαιμικό προφίλ και την αρτηριακή πίεση (ΑΠ) και μειώνει το οξειδωτικό στρες. Μέχρι τώρα, έχουν διεξαχθεί κλινικές μελέτες σε άτομα με μεταβολικό σύνδρομο (ΜΣ) και Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη τύπου 2 (ΣΔτ2). Ο σκοπός αυτής της μελέτης είναι να αξιολογήσει την αποτελεσματικότητα του κρόκου σε άτομα με Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη τύπου 1 (ΣΔτ1). Ασθενείς – Μέθοδοι: 61 άτομα με ΣΔτ1, με μέση ηλικία 48 έτη (48,3 ± 14,6), 26 γυναίκες (42,6%) τυχαιοποιήθηκαν για να λάβουν από του στόματος καθημερινά για 6 μήνες ένα νέο συμπλήρωμα σε φακελάκια που περιείχε προβιοτικά, πρεβιοτικά, μαγνήσιο και εκχύλισμα κρόκου ή εικονικό φάρμακο που περιείχε προβιοτικά, πρεβιοτικά και μαγνήσιο. Ο γλυκαιμικός έλεγχος αξιολογήθηκε με σύστημα συνεχούς παρακολούθησης της γλυκόζης (Continuous Glucose Monitoring, CGM) και εξετάστηκε η εργαστηριακή τιμή της γλυκοζυλιωμένης αιμοσφαιρίνης (glycated haemoglobin, HbA1c), γλυκόζη νηστείας και το λιπιδαιμικό προφίλ. Μετρήθηκε επίσης η αρτηριακή πίεση στην αρχή και στο τέλος της παρέμβασης. Τα άτομα ήταν είτε σε συνεχή υποδόρια έγχυση ινσουλίνης με αντλία ινσουλίνης είτε σε σχήμα πολλαπλών υποδόριων ενέσεων ινσουλίνης. Το άγχος αναφορικά με τον ΣΔ, ο κορεσμός και η αντίληψη υπογλυκαιμίας αξιολογήθηκαν μέσω ερωτηματολογίων και η σύσταση του σώματος αξιολογήθηκε με βιοηλεκτρική εμπέδηση. Επιπλέον εκτιμήθηκαν η διατροφική πρόσληψη μέσω ημερολογίων καταγραφής φαγητού για 14 ημέρες και του σκορ της Μεσογειακής διατροφής καθώς και η σωματική δραστηριότητα μέσω του ερωτηματολογίου IPAQ στην αρχή και στο τέλος της παρέμβασης.Αποτελέσματα: Στο τέλος της παρέμβασης, οι δύο ομάδες διέφεραν σημαντικά μόνο στα τριγλυκερίδια ορού (triglycerides, TG) (p = 0,049). Μετά από 6 μήνες θεραπείας, παρατηρήθηκε σημαντική μείωση στην ομάδα παρέμβασης στη HbA1c (p = 0,046) και στα TG (p = 0,021) σε σύγκριση με την αρχή της παρέμβασης. Τα άλλα κύρια καταληκτικά σημεία (γλυκαιμικός έλεγχος, προφίλ λιπιδίων, ΑΠ) δεν διέφεραν μεταξύ των ομάδων από την έναρξη έως το τέλος της παρέμβασης και δεν υπήρχε σημαντική διαφορά μεταξύ των δύο ομάδων. Η βαθμολογία του στρες αναφορικά με τον ΣΔ βελτιώθηκε σημαντικά μόνο στην ομάδα παρέμβασης (p = 0,044), υποδηλώνοντας μια συνολική βελτίωση του φορτίου της νόσου του ΣΔ σε αυτά τα άτομα, αλλά αυτό δεν ήταν αρκετά σημαντικό μεταξύ των δύο ομάδων. Συμπεράσματα: Ένα προβιοτικό συμπλήρωμα με εκχύλισμα κρόκου (σαφράν) βελτιώνει τα TG ορού σε καλά ρυθμισμένα άτομα με ΣΔτ1 και μπορεί, ενδεχομένως, να είναι μία πολύτιμη συμπληρωματική θεραπεία για την ενίσχυση του γλυκαιμικού ελέγχου.
University Dropout: A Systematic Review of the Main Determinant Factors (2020-2024)
Authors: Quincho Apumayta Raul , Carrillo Cayllahua Javier , Ccencho Pari Abraham , Inga Choque Vilma , Cárdenas Valverde Juan Carlos , Huamán Ataypoma Delsio
Published: November 2024

Introduction This research is a systematic review aimed at synthesizing scientific evidence on the causes of university dropout, focusing on the subcategories of vocational guidance, academic performance, socioeconomic status, and institutional aspects between 2020 and June 2024. Methods Only articles addressing university dropout were considered, analyzing dimensions such as vocational guidance, academic performance, socioeconomic status, and institutional aspects. Articles published in indexed scientific journals with double-blind, double-blind peer, or open reviews between 2020 and June 2024 were included. The main databases used were Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. To assess the risk of bias in qualitative studies, the criteria from the article “Validity criteria for qualitative research: three epistemological strands for the same purpose” were used. For quantitative studies, the criteria from the article “Evaluating survey research in articles published in Library Science journals” were followed. For mixed-method studies, both sets of criteria were combined. Results A total of 23 studies were included: 15 quantitative (65.22%), 3 qualitative (13.04%), and 5 mixed-method (21.74%). All studies (100%) addressed the subcategories of socioeconomic status and institutional aspects. Regarding the academic performance subcategory, 86% of the studies addressed it, while the vocational guidance subcategory was covered by 73.91% of the studies. Conclusions Vocational guidance, academic performance, socioeconomic status, and institutional aspects are crucial for reducing university dropout. Providing adequate professional guidance, academic support, financial assistance, and strong institutional support is fundamental to improving student retention and academic success.
How do social and gender norms influence the sexual and reproductive health of younger adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa? A scoping review protocol
Authors: Ahmed Fardawsa , Nyamwanza Owen , Dambi Jermaine , Cowan Frances , Mavhu Webster
Published: November 2024

Introduction Younger adolescents (aged 10–14 years) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have disproportionate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes due to structural, behavioural, socioeconomic and other factors. Social and gender norms have important consequences for the SRH and wellbeing of younger adolescents both now and over their life course. SRH programming often focuses on older adolescents (aged 15–19 years), overlooking younger ones. This scoping review sets out to explore how gender and social norms influence younger adolescents’ SRH in SSA, to inform tailored interventions. Methods The Arksey and O'Malley strategy will be used to review the available literature. Online databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, CINHAL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and African Index Medicus) will be searched for original studies published between 1 January 2000 and 30 September 2024. Further, a manual search to include relevant grey literature will be performed. The steps in the review are: 1) defining the research question, 2) identifying relevant studies, 3) selecting studies, 4) charting the data, and 5) collating, summarising, and reporting the results. Results Findings will be reported in accordance with the guidance provided in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement. Discussion The review will generate the most up-to-date evidence and identify gaps in literature in addition to informing future research on how gender and social norms influence younger adolescents’ SRH in SSA. Findings will inform and influence future interventions and evaluations in this area.
How to Staff When Customers Arrive in Batches
Authors: Daw Andrew , Hampshire Robert C. , Pender Jamol J.
Published: November 2024

In many different settings, requests for service can arrive in near or true simultaneity with one another. This creates batches of arrivals to the underlying queueing system. In this paper, we study the staffing problem for the batch arrival queue. We show that batches place a dangerous and deceptive stress on services, requiring a high amount of resources and exhibiting a fundamentally larger tail in those demands. This uncovers a service regime in which a system with large batch arrivals may have low utilization but will still have nontrivial waiting. Methodologically, these staffing results follow from novel large batch and large batch-and-rate limits of the multiserver queueing model. In the large batch limit, we establish the first formal connection between general multiserver queues and storage processes, another family of stochastic models. By consequence, we show that the batch scaled queue length process is not asymptotically normal and that, in fact, the fluid- and diffusion-type limits coincide. Hence, the (safety) staffing of this system must be directly proportional to the batch size just to achieve a nondegenerate probability of wait. In exhibition of the existence and insights of this large batch regime, we apply our results to data on Covid-19 contact tracing in New York City. In doing so, we identify significant benefits produced by the tracing agency’s decision to staff above national recommendations, and we also demonstrate that there may have been an opportunity to further improve the operation by optimizing the arrival pattern in the public health data pipeline.

This paper was accepted by Baris Ata, stochastic models and simulation.

Funding: We acknowledge the generous support of the National Science Foundation (NSF) through Andrew Daw’s Graduate Research Fellowship under grant DGE-1650441, received during the initial phase of this research as part of his doctoral studies at Cornell University.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.03979 .
Prescribing in frailty
Authors: Robertson Deborah
Published: November 2024

Deborah Robertson provides an overview of recently published articles that may be of interest to non-medical prescribers. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided
Phytochemical Profiling and Pharmacological Insights of Haplanthodes tentaculatus (L.) R. B. Majumdar Using GC-MS Analysis
Authors: Trivedi Parth B , Badole Madhavi R
Published: November 2024

Haplanthodes tentaculatus (L.) R. B. Majumdar, an endemic plant of the Acanthaceae family found exclusively in India, has long been utilized in traditional medicine for its healing acceleration and stamina-boosting properties. However, there is limited knowledge about its phytochemical composition and its potential medicinal significance. To address this gap, GC-MS analysis was conducted to unveil the phytochemical profile of H. tentaculatus. Moslosooflavone, Squalene, D-Allose, and Phytol were identified as prominent phytoconstituents. These compounds possess known biological activities and are likely responsible for the plant's medicinal properties. This work illustrates the therapeutic capabilities of H. tentaculatus and provides a basis for future investigation into its pharmacological uses. Harnessing the rich phytochemical repertoire of H. tentaculatus may lead to the development of novel drugs and therapeutic interventions. Future study should prioritise on elucidating the mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy of these phytoconstituents to facilitate their integration into evidence-based healthcare practices.
Neurological contra-indications for vaccination– do we appreciate and apply them in everyday practice ?
Authors: Jurin M. , Richter D. , Sabol Z. , Klancir S. Bela , Šižgorić M. Kovač
Published: November 2024

Vaccination is the most important medical success of the 20th century, having resulted in saving more lives than any other medical intervention. The contraindications for vaccination are discussed in children with neurological disorders and diseases which were present before or occurred after vaccination. General contraindications for vaccination in these children do not differ from contraindications in the general pediatric population. Special contraindications refer to particular vaccines. Non-progressive encephalopathies caused by early perinatal brain damage (cerebral palsy), well controlled epilepsies, congenital neuromuscular diseases and the majority of metabolic diseases as well as developmental pervasive disorders, acute encephalomyelitis and transverse myelitis, multiple sclerosis and Guillian Bareov syndrome in later childhood – are not contraindications for vaccination. Vaccination is often hampered by „pseudo-contraindications“ such as mild febrile illness, antibiotic therapy, prematurity, „low“ weight, recent exposure to infection or allergy to penicillin. These informal contraindications should be avoided in the best interests of the child. Mild and moderate local or general reactions after previous vaccination are not contraindications for further vaccination. Our experience showed that side effects after acellular vaccine against Diphtheria- Tetanus – Pertussis (DTaP), which is now used in our country too, are less frequent. Progressive acute and subacute infectious, metabolic or immunological encephalo-pathies or encephalomyelopathies, coma, prolonged unconscious state with EEG and cerebro-spinal fluid changes, infantile spasms and Rey’s syndrome are absolute contraindications for vaccination against Pertussis. The children with encephalopathy temporarily related to vaccination against Pertussis as well as children with anaphylactic reaction after vaccination should not be vaccinated against Pertussis. The children who developed aseptic meningitis after MPR vaccination (against Morbilli, Mumps and Rubeolla) should be revaccinated. In the group of 43 children who had perinatal neurological difficulties and were sent to the neuropediatrician in the first three months of life, 56 % of them were vaccinated during the following month after consultation.
Functional outcome of children treated in an intensive care unit (ICU)
Authors: Meštrović M. , Meštrović J. , Polić B. , Marušić E.
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Patients’ outcome is determined not only by the severity of the index illness, but also the impact of the patients’ pre-admission comorbid status. Aim: We intended to evaluate the outcome of patients treated in a pediatric ICU, with special emphasis on the group of children with chronic diseases. Methods and subjects: The data was obtained prospectively and outcome was assessed according to the Pediatric Overall Performance Category (POPC) scale for 449 sick children in the pediatric ICU of Split University Hospital. Functional performance was assessed as the pre-admission score and the discharge score in patients with neurodevelopmental disabilities, patients with other chronic diesases, and those without a chronic disease. POPC is a six-point scale ranging from the score of 1 (normal) to 6 (dead), with interim points representing progressively greater functional impairment. Each scale category is accompanied by age-appropriate operational definitions. Functional performance of patients was assessed as the baseline, pre-admission score (bPOPC), prior to the index disease, based on an interview with each child’s parent. The discharge functional score (dPOPC) was evaluated before transfer of patients from the PICU. Results: The discharge functional status was significantly dependent on the pre-admission functional status and the predicted mortality. Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities had a significantly worse baseline score and significantly smaller deterioration of functional morbidity at discharge compared to children with no chronic disease and children with other chronic diseases. Conclusions: The POPC scale proved its applicability in a small ICU, with a heterogenous population of patients. It should therefore be considered for regular evaluation of the quality of health care, as a simple and accurate tool. As opposed to other patients, the functional status of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities was markedly influenced by their comorbidity. Their pre-admission status was worse than the status of other children, and hence could not deteriorate significantly at discharge.
The effect of low frequency sound on the physical parameters of behaviourin children with neurological impairments
Authors: Katušić A.
Published: November 2024

Objective of research: The main objective of this work is related to the investigation of the effects of acoustic stimulants on changes in the physiological behaviour of a child with neurological impairments. Clinical research in the field of vibro-acoustic therapy (VAT) have cited that low frequency sound is transmitted through sensory nerve tracks and in this way influence the central nervous system, motorneurons and the endocrine system. Subjects and methods: The research was carried out on a sample of six subjects (three girls and three boys) aged from 3 to 6 years. The program was conducted over 14 sessions (2 sessions weekly for 30 minutes each). For the purpose of evaluation, physiological markers of behaviour were monitored. The results were analysed using the INDIFF program for the five defined variables: body temperature, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and range of movement. Further evaluation of motor status was also made using the Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM – 88). Results: The results gained confirm the hypothesis set about the effects of selective acoustic stimulants on the induction of neurological chain reactions, which was seen in the active movements and the experience of satisfaction and comfort in the subjects.
The importance of play therapy in habilitation in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Primorac J. , Salopek V.
Published: November 2024

From the day they are born, children with CP are subject to many methods of intensive treatment. For instance methods like logo-therapy, ergo-therapy, physio-therapy, work with special educators and many more. Children with dissabilites like CP often visit doctors and specialists, and are in contact with many different faces. They are also often hospitalized and separated from their parents. Apart from the type of disability, successful treatment and habilitation is dependant on the children’s will to collaborate. A proper approach is needed for children to cooperate. The best and the easiest way to achieve cooperation with children is play therapy. The goal of this survey is to show how to treat children through games and recreation so that the treatment is not compulsion or torture (agony). In this study we show play therapy with children from newborns up to five years old.
Motor perceptive abilities and speech and language skills in childrenwith mild deficits in neuromotor development
Authors: Trifunović Z. , Matijević V. , Polovina A. , Lang M.
Published: November 2024

Fifteen children aged between 4 and 7 with mild deficits in neuromotor development participated in this study. Regarding the observed developmental delays, all of the children were first observed before the age of 6 months, and if necessary included in the habilitation programme. The main focus of this research is on the quality of perceptive abilities and speech and language skills. These skills were evaluated by: 1.Choice of Perceptive Motor Tasks for Testing Learning Readiness, 2.Articulation Test, and 3.Diagnostic Tool for Testing Language, Speech, Reading and Writing Readiness in Children. Due to the fact that the tested abilities are basic for successful learning in schools, the results of these tests point directly to the areas that need to be further stimulated and developed.
Eeg polysomnography as a powerful diagnostic and prognostic methodin evaluation of brain damage in neonates and infants
Authors: Dugandžija G. Paškov , Miočinović Lj. Popović , Durrigl V.
Published: November 2024

EEG polysomnography is a powerful tool for the diagnosis and the prognosis of brain injuries in premature and full term neonates and infants. This method includes EEG /electroencephalography/, EOG /electrooculography/, EMG /electromyography/, ECG /electrocardiography/, respiration monitoring and video recording. We utilize polysomnographic montage that represents specific modification of electrode placement. We use silver/silver chloride disc recording electrodes with 1 metre anti-tangle, flexible, silicone leads in six different colours. Respiration has been detected on two levels: nasal and thoracal. EEG recording has been done in natural sleep (without any premedication), in interfeeding interval during at least one sleep cycle. EEG polysomnography is indicated in high risk neonates and infants. This method has an important role in evaluation of brain maturation, early detection of brain damage and in long-term neuromotor and developmental prognosis in high risk children. The prognostic value of EEG polysomnography is more sensitive when it is used as early as possible after brain damage and in serial EEG recordings.
Peak expiratory flow (PEF) in monitoring children with asthma
Authors: Čičak B. , Verona E. , Štefanović I. Mihatov
Published: November 2024

The primary aim of this study was to investigate if there is relationship between asthma symptoms and diurnal variability in peak expiratory flow (PEF) before starting maintenance treatment with inhaled corticosteroids. The secondary aim was to evaluate the effect of one year treatment on morning peak expiratory flow and its daily variability. Forty asthmatic children, 26 boys and 14 girls, aged 6.7-17.3 years (mean age 10.3 years ) were followed two weeks before and one year after starting maintenance treatment with inhaled corticosteroids. Fourteen days before starting therapy mean asthma symptom score correlated well with mean daily PEF variability (r=0.92, p<0.001) and was inversely related to mean morning PEF (r=-0.87, p<0.001). During one year of treatment the mean morning PEF significantly increased (p<0.001) and PEF variability significantly decreased (p<0.001). At the same time there was a statistically significant negative correlation between morning PEF and its variability (r=-0.9, p<0.0001). Peak expiratory flow monitoring was introduced many years ago but it is still not widely used. Therefore, we wanted to stress the importance of PEF monitoring, especially its daily variability in asthmatic children, since it is an objective tool for assessing variable obstruction, diagnosing asthma and monitoring response to treatment.
Chronic diseases in children and adolescents - some psychological characteristics
Authors: Pop - Jordanova N. , Fustić S. , Zorčec T.
Published: November 2024

A significant number of children suffer from chronic diseases, which demand careful adjustment, and the coping and active role of all involved in the treatment. Psychological problems in this population are increased by the long duration of procedures, specific diet and low physical activity. In this study various psychometric instruments are used to evaluate the psychological characteristics of children and adolescents suffering from cystic fibrosis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus and cancer. The obtained results are compared between groups as well as with a control. Children with cystic fibrosis and neuroticism appeared to be more aggressive, while those with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and cancer more anxious and depressed in comparison with the control. The personality profiles in adolescents with cystic fibrosis and cancer are similar, showing Hs-D-Hy peaks. Manifest depression is found only in the group with cancer and occasionally in cystic fibrosis. The profiles for diabetics showed emotional instability as well as some psychopathological traits. Generally, psychological functioning in all children is not so impaired. Multidisciplinary teamwork is needed to overcome the psychological problems that occur as well as to ensure good quality of life.
Supravalvular aortic stenosis and peripheral pulmonary stenosis in family with balanced translocation t(7;14) and break point within the elastin gene region
Authors: Malčić I. , Dilber D. , Kniewald H. , Lasan R. , Begović D. , Jelušić M.
Published: November 2024

We present a family form of balanced translocation t(7;14) found in a mother and her two sons. The mother had an aortic cardiac murmur, without hemo-dynamic repercussions and the children had almost identical clinical findings, significant supravalvular aortic stenosis, left ventricle intracavitary stenosis and multiple peripheral pulmonary stenosis but with no other clinical manifestations of Williams-Beuren syndrome, except, perhaps, a deep, metallic voice. The conventional chromosome analysis unexpectedly revealed a balanced translocation between chromosomes 7 and 14, the same translocation was found in the mother and both children. Subsequent fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis with WSCR probe showed that the break point was within the elastin gene region in the mother and both children. The proband karyotype was interpreted, according to ISCN (2005) as 46,XY,t(7;14) (q11.23;p12).ish t(7;14)(D7Z1+,ELNsp;D14Z1/D22Z1+,ELNsp+)mat, in other words, translocation had disrupted the elastin region and may have contributed to the developmental defects in Williams-Beuren syndrome. When going through the references on genetic examination of supravalvular aortic stenosis, Williams-Beuren syndrome and some other conditions that could not be placed in any of these two terminal categories because of the various phenotype characteristics, we found that such a result has not yet been published.
Tuberculosis in children in the region of slavonski brod
Authors: Kljaić-Bukvić B. , Blekić M. , Radmilović K. , Latić A. , Petanović M. , Miklenić M. Ferić , Boranić M.
Published: November 2024

In the past ten-year period (from 1993 to 2003) attention has been paid to tuberculosis in children from the town of Slavonski Brod and adjacent villages of the Brodsko-posavska county. Out of 19,623 children below 18 years of age admitted to the County Hospital "Dr. Josip Benčević" in Slavonski Brod, 271 (1.38%) were referred because of suspected tuberculosis. The grounds for the referral were either contact with a person having tuberculosis (group A, 142 children) or clinical signs and symptoms arousing suspicion of tuberculosis (group B, 129 children). Discharge diagnoses were: contact with person(s) having tuberculosis but otherwise normal clinical findings in the child – 46 children (17%), latent tuberculosis infection – 108 children (39.8%), specific hilar lymphadenopathy – 60 children (22.1%), primary pulmonary tuberculosis – 49 children (18.1%) and postprimary tuberculosis – 8 children (3%). The sources of infection were usually (53.1%) within the family. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated from 19 of 117 children (16.2%) with clinically verified tuberculosis. The number of children referred to the hospital increased from 3 in 1993 to 59 in 2003. That trend could be attributed to an increased risk of tuberculosis due to civil migrations during military activities in Croatia and adjacent Bosnia and Herzegovina (1991 - 1995), to deteriorated socio-economic conditions after the war, and to an increased alertness of epidemiologists and physicians in the primary health care.
Possibilities of diagnostic imaging in assessment of sports injuries in young athletes
Authors: Borić I. , Ivelj R. , Leko M. , Bahtijarević Z. , Bojanić I.
Published: November 2024

The number of children and adolescents involved in organized sports has increased dramatically over recent decades. The benefits to health and social development of youth participation in sports are generally accepted. However, more participation has led to more sports-related injuries. The increase has been in both acute injuries and, even more, in overuse injuries. Many contributory factors (training errors, anatomic variants and abnormalities, environmental factors) are the same in children and adolescents as in adults. Certain causative factors are unique to young athletes: bone often grows faster then the surrounding muscle-tendon unit, relative weakness of cartilage at physes, apophyses and over epiphyseal surfaces. These factors render immature structures vulnerabile, especially during the period of rapid gorwth. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and menagement of sports injuries of childhood and adolescence. Wideband of radiological diagnostic modalities are available now: conventional radiography, ultrasound, computet tomography and magnetic resonance. Each modality has its owen place in diagnostic algorithm, some of them are compatibile. Radiologist have to be part of medical team of specialists who has appropriate knowledge and appreciation for young athletes. Radiologist must be able to applay the full range of imaging modalities when evaluating the injured young athlete, but in close cooperation with clinicians.
Diagnostic algorithm for recurrent abdominal pain in children
Authors: Grgurić J. , Hegeduš-Jungvirth M. , Palčevski G. , Mišak Z. , Peršić M. , Barbarić I. , Dujšin M. , Jelić N. , Jurčić Z. , Kolaček S. , Pinotić Lj. , Radman D. , Vuković J.
Published: November 2024

Children who suffer from recurrent abdominal pain are a very heterogeneous group of patients. The organic, psychological and functional causes of this disorder overlap, making both the diagnosis and the treatment more difficult. The contribution of Rome criteria is in defining symptoms that helps in diagnosing functional disorders and thus lessen the number of unnecessary diagnostic procedures. The purpose of this algorithm is to help physicians diagnose and treat children with recurrent abdominal pain.
Spontaneous premature chromosome condensation in children with acute leukemia
Authors: Petković I. , Nakić M. , Konja J.
Published: November 2024

Investigations of spontaneous premature chromosome condensation (PCC) in children with malignant disease are rare. The frequency and biological and clinical significance of PCC in the malignant process is not clear. Here we present the results of PCC analysis in 85 children with acute leukaemia. Analysis was performed at diagnosis on slides obtained by unstimulated bone marrow and/or peripheral blood culture. PCC were observed in 6 (7.1%) patients, 3 (9.4%) out of 32 patients with AML and in 3 (5.7%) out of 53 children with ALL (including 3 patients with morphologically unclassified acute leukaemia but phenotypically they fitted ALL). This study gives additional evidence that PCC is not a rare phenomenon in human malignancies, however, it does not support the idea that cell fusion is one of the mechanisms of the origin of tumour cell genomic variability at least in childhood acute leukaemia.
Myxopapillary ependymoma as a possible cause for lower back pain in children: case report
Authors: Miličić G. , Krolo I. , Vrdoljak J.
Published: November 2024

Myxopapillary ependymoma (ME) is one of the types of ependymoma, which can be localized spinally, (Conus medullaris-fillum terminale region). The spinal ependymoma is usully a benign tumor. It most commonly occurs in the fourth decade of life, and can be observed in only in 8-20% children. If the tumor is localized in the L-S region of the spinal canal, it can cause lower back pain with radicular pain (lumboischialgia) which was the case with the patient presented in this case report. The patient underwent the algorithm of tests appropriate for lumboischialgy: X-ray of L-S spine, EMNG of the lower extremities, CT targeted according to the EMNG findings, and finally magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the L-S spine with and without contrast (T1 and T2 weighted image). Only the MRI of the L-S spine showed the tumor, and after neurosurgical consultation, surgery was undertaken. Pathohistological (PHD) analysis confirmed the diagnosis of Ependymoma myxopapillare.
Child neglect – risk factors, consequences, the role of physicians and opportunities for prevention
Authors: Čorić V. , Flander G. Buljan
Published: November 2024

Child neglect as the most common form of child maltreatment, is a more wider problem than we think. There is a large number of risk factors and also consequences of child neglect. Improvement in understanding of the problem has resulted in a multidisciplinary approach, with contributions from medicine, law, public health, sociology, psychology and social work. Studies have shown that the education of physicans is still insufficient. Primary prevention of child abuse and neglect has a priority in the worldwide endeavors to prevent violence.
Experiences with the day care hospital at the Department of pediatrics, University Hospital Sestre milosrdnice
Authors: Hajnžić T. F. , Ćuk M. , Jurčić Z. , Cvitanović-Šojat Lj. , Verona E. , Lukanović T. , Stipančić G. , Đelmiš J. , Zah V. , Divčić B.
Published: November 2024

We began to acquire our first experiences of a day care hospital at our Clinic in January 2002. That was the time when our Clinic, the oldest pediatric department in Croatia, was destroyed by fire on its 98th anniversary. 24 hours after the fire we restarted observation of a number of our patients in an improvised, donated ward of our University hospital, at the Department of internal medicine. We could not accommodate 98 beds on the ward that was only one fifth of the size of our old ward. We equipped only 30 beds for in-patients, while the others were examined and treated in the day-care hospital. This unusual situation required a great deal of effort, quick examinations and efficacious treatment of as large as possible number of patients in the couple of hours a day. After acquiring the necessary experience both doctors, nurses and patients and their parents became content with that kind of treatment despite the absolutely inadequate accommodation which was the main obstacle until we moved into our present, modern renewed facilities. After the four years of experience with the day care hospital we shall say something first about all our positive experiences although we shall mention some problems that occurred.
The Genius of the Classical Irish Grammarian: The Case of the Unique Finite Verbal Form Beith 'May Be' and the History of the Conjunction Cía 'Though, If, That' From Old to Early Modern Irish
Authors: McManus Damian
Published: November 2024

This paper shows that the finite verbal form beith is unique for a variety of different reasons in Early and Early Modern Irish. It also argues that the history of the conjunction cía ‘although’ from Old to Modern Irish has been misunderstood, and that a correct understanding of it is at the core of statements in the grammatical and syntactical tracts.
On Jacob's Room : The Figure and Ground of Protest
Authors: Cole Sarah , Fernald Anne E. , Saint-Amour Paul K. , Seshagiri Urmila
Published: November 2024

Abstract: Virginia Woolf's career entails a lifelong effort to think in public. In this essay-in-dialogue, four scholars spend an afternoon discussing Woolf's Jacob's Room , approaching it not as an anticipation of her later work but as an experimental variation on the protest novel. Their conversation begins with Woolf's central character, Jacob Flanders, whose strange hollowness makes him both figure and ground of feminist resistance in the novel. Later phases of the discussion touch on the role of proleptic mourning, the thwarted protagonism of Woolf's seemingly peripheral characters, and the indelible language of the women who love Jacob Flanders.
Design and analysis of a far-infrared metamaterial perfect absorber with sensing applications
Authors: Ankit  , Kishor Kamal , Sinha Ravindra Kumar
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we present an analysis and design of a metamaterial as the perfect absorber and refractive index sensor in the far-infrared (IR) region, utilizing the finite element method (FEM). The structure consists of a metal resonator on a silicon dielectric with a bottom copper layer beneath the dielectric. Our results demonstrate that the designed structure achieves nearly perfect absorption of transverse electric (TE) polarization at a resonance wavelength of λ
r
=9.40µm. This occurs because of the perfect impedance matching condition, which achieves a 99.47% absorption efficiency. This condition is also sensitive to the angle of incidence and causes minimal reflection at the resonating wavelength of λ
r
. This characteristic makes the designed metamaterial structure suitable for use as a sensor. The structure enables maximum electric field confinement in the gap region (g) of the split ring resonator (SRR) at the metal-dielectric interface. The resonance wavelength can be effectively tuned and optimized by varying the gap size (g), dielectric material, dielectric thickness (t
d
), copper layer thickness (t
c
), and incident angle of the metamaterial absorber (MA). The absorption peak shows a highly sensitive response to changes in the refractive index of the surrounding medium, with a sensitivity of 1600 nm/RIU. This absorber, with its excellent absorption in the far-IR spectrum, holds promising potential for applications in energy harvesting and IR sensing.
Phonon number measurement using optimal composite pulses
Authors: Li Xie-Qian , Wu Chun-Wang , Chen Ping-Xing
Published: November 2024

The measurement of phonon numbers in laser-cooled ions is pivotal for determining whether an ion is in its ground state. Commonly employed experimental techniques include the analysis of red-to-blue sideband ratios and the adiabatic evolution on the red-sideband transition. We introduce a theoretical approach utilizing composite pulses that enables the direct measurement of the population in a specific Fock state, eliminating the need for state evolution fitting. This method offers a more straightforward quantification of higher Fock state populations compared to the red-sideband adiabatic evolution technique. By applying quantum optimal control strategies, we enhance the fidelity of the unitary operations executed by the composite pulses. By utilizing numerical calculation methods of quantum optimal control, we have overcome the limitations of analytical calculations that require weak coupling and first-order Lamb-Dicke expansion, allowing our method to achieve sufficient accuracy in strong coupling regime. Furthermore, we also present a data processing method that allows the estimated value of the phonon number to be closer to the true value. An illustrative example of its efficacy in high Fock state measurement is provided.
Quasi-point NIR light source based on laser-driven photoluminescence for eye-safe imaging applications
Authors: Li Shunzi , Chen Xinrong , Yuan Shaoda , Zhang Jiafu , Li Yangzi , Zhao Dan , Xu Peng , Du Baoli , Dam-Hansen Carsten , Xu Jian , Jensen Ole Bjarlin
Published: November 2024

Near-infrared (NIR) imaging, as a newly emerged technique, demonstrates immense potential in various imaging applications such as biological detection, night vision, and anti-counterfeiting. The imaging quality of the currently available NIR light sources is limited by their low radiant exitance and poor beam quality. Herein, a quasi-point NIR light source based on a laser-driven photoluminescence technique was successfully developed. A single blue laser diode (LD) with a power of ∼2250 mW and a minimum spot size of ≈ 0.13 mm-2 is employed as the pumping source. A Cr-doped MgO ceramic displaying strong luminescence in the NIR region is used as the emitter. Interestingly, the prepared MgO:Cr ceramic is able to withstand the blue laser irradiation density of > 5600 mW·mm-2, and therefore, the fabricated NIR light source demonstrates a high radiant flux of ∼234 mW with a high radiant exitance of ∼139 mW·mm-2. Furthermore, the emitting area is as small as ∼1.6 mm2, which is highly beneficial for optical design and device miniaturization. The overall performance of the quasi-point NIR light source in blood vessel imaging and night vision applications is evaluated.
Photonic properties of InGaN-based micro LEDs in the cryogenic temperature regime
Authors: Chang Hao-Jen , Chiang Ke-Hsi , Jao Yu-Ming , Wang Yuan-Chao , Shih Min-Hsiung , Kuo Hao-Chung , Huang Jian-Jang , Lin Chien-Chung
Published: November 2024

InGaN/GaN-based micro LEDs ranging from 2 to 100 microns were characterized at cryogenic temperatures to reveal their temperature-dependent photonic properties. An atomic layer deposition technique was applied to passivate the sidewall of the device to enable photon emission of the 2-micron micro LEDs. The size-dependent Shockley-Read-Hall coefficients are extracted via the external quantum efficiency measurements under different temperatures. The micro LEDs’ numerically fitted surface recombination velocity can be as low as 117.85 cm/sec. The emission peak photon energy revealed a non-monotonic variation across the 80 K-300 K temperature range. This behavior closely resembles the S-shaped temperature dependence of the emission peak due to carrier distribution in localized states in InGaN active regions. This localization effect, however, would be reduced when the injected current level increases and the temperature increases beyond 200 K.
High-accuracy phase unwrapping based on binarized wrap count
Authors: Liu Huazhen , Shao Rongjun , Qu Yuan , Ding Chunxu , Lian Hengyu , Wu Siqi , Yang Jiamiao
Published: November 2024

Spatial phase unwrapping is essential for converting wrapped phase fringes into a continuous unwrapped phase map, which is critical for various high-precision measurement technologies. The accuracy of phase unwrapping directly affects measurement precision. Recently, deep learning-based phase unwrapping has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional methods, primarily due to its strong resilience against noise. However, existing approaches often struggle to produce consistent results, limiting their practical applicability. This study introduces binarized wrap count phase unwrapping (BWCPU), which we belive is a novel method that utilizes neural networks to analyze phase gradient structures through binarized wrap counts. This approach reduces prediction complexity while ensuring accurate phase segmentation. In structured light surface measurements, BWCPU significantly decreases misinterpretations in noisy conditions, achieving a remarkable 76.9% improvement over leading deep learning-based wrap-count estimation methods. Furthermore, by employing a stitching algorithm known as unidirectional optimal seam stitching, BWCPU extends its capabilities to handle 1024 × 1024 patterns, showcasing its potential for high-precision measurements in noisy environments.
Femtosecond vortices generated from a self-started Kerr-lens mode-locked Hermite–Gaussian thin-disk oscillator with a defective mirror
Authors: Hao Jingjie , Wang Qing , Dai Kunjian , Yang Tingting , Liu Heyan , Liu Hongyu , Chen Hongshan , Zhang Jinwei
Published: November 2024

We demonstrate the generation of stable femtosecond vortices from a self-started Kerr-lens mode-locked Yb:YAG thin-disk oscillator. By using a defective mirror inscribed with a fine line, 218-fs Hermite–Gaussian (HG) pulses are delivered directly from the thin-disk oscillator with an average power of 12 W at the repetition rate of 105 MHz and subsequently converted to Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) vortices by a cylindrical-lens mode-converter. The average output power of the Hermite–Gaussian pulses is further improved to 19 W by applying a rectangular aperture. This is the highest, to the best of our knowledge, average power obtained from any mode-locked Hermite–Gaussian oscillator to date. This work provides an effective way to generating a high-order and high-power ultrafast vortex beam.
Kerr-lens mode-locked GHz-repetition-rate Yb:CYA laser with 11-W average power
Authors: Tao Jie , Tian Wenlong , Zheng Li , Wang Geyang , Yu Yang , Xu Xiaodong , Ye Peng , Wei Zhiyi , Zhu Jiangfeng
Published: November 2024

We demonstrate on a high-power 1-GHz Kerr-lens mode-locked (KLM) ytterbium (Yb):CYA laser delivering 149-fs pulses with an average power of 11.1 W. The corresponding single-pulse energy and peak power are 10.3 nJ and 60.8 kW, respectively. The mode-locking operation can be consistently sustained with root mean square (RMS) values of power fluctuations of only 0.52% for 100 min. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest average power ever reported from a GHz femtosecond mode-locked oscillator.
Few-cycle 12.5-GW pulses generated via efficient all-solid-state post-compression from an ytterbium laser
Authors: Liu Yuzhe , Chen Zhidong , Yang Senchi , He Yicheng , Wang Xinbo , Ma Yunfeng , Zhou Chun , Fang Shaobo
Published: November 2024

In contrast to the more conventional gas-filled post-compression technique, solid-state-based multi-pass cells and multiple plates allow for the robust and efficient generation of intense few-cycle pulses from ytterbium (Yb) lasers with moderate energies. In this Letter, 180-fs 200-μJ pulses at 50 kHz were efficiently compressed down to 6.9 fs 144 μJ, enhancing the peak power from 1.1 GW to 12.5 GW with a long-term power stability of 0.1%. Moreover, we generated over-1.5-octave-spanning white light (500 nm–1420 nm) by using an enhanced self-steepening effect, supporting a Fourier transform limit (FTL) pulse of 2.7 fs (0.8-cycle).
Filtering-free complex-valued DSB-16QAM generation for a 100 G direct detection optical interconnection
Authors: Ming Jun , Song Junyuan , Wen Yuyao , He Hailian , Mu Yujia , Gao Ran , Wang Chenchen , Li Zhipei , Xin Xiangjun , Dong Ze
Published: November 2024

In this Letter, a complex-valued double-sideband 16QAM (CV-DSB-16QAM) signaling scheme is proposed and experimentally demonstrated in a 100-Gb/s intensity modulation/direct detection (IM/DD) interconnection system. Unlike the conventional real-valued double-sideband (DSB) quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) of relatively lower spectral efficiency (SE) and single-sideband (SSB) QAM relying on sharp-edged optical filtering, the CV-DSB-16QAM signal is generated by combining two independent sideband modulated QPSK signals using a single intensity modulator with an optical filtering-free profile, which also saves one photodiode and one analog-to-digital-converter compared with the twin-SSB scheme. Compared to typical pulse amplitude modulation or SSB schemes, the proposed approach offers a compelling alternative for complex-valued DD systems’ evolution, particularly in scenarios with high SE demands and controllable chromatic dispersion. The experimental demonstration evaluates a 25-GBaud CV-DSB-16QAM signal over a 2-km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF), achieving a net bit rate of 100 Gb/s and occupying only a 25.1-GHz electrical bandwidth with a 4% guard band.
Bloch–Zener oscillation with engineered Floquet energy bands in synthetic temporal lattices
Authors: Zhao Lange , Wang Shulin , Qin Chengzhi , Liu Zhuoxiong , Liu Chenyu , Hu Xinyuan , Li Yinglan , Wang Bing , Lu Peixiang
Published: November 2024

Here we experimentally demonstrate the dynamics of Bloch–Zener oscillations (BZOs) in a synthetic temporal lattice formed by the optical pulses in coupled fiber loops. By periodically modulating the phases imposed to the optical pulses in linear driven lattices, a two-band Floquet system with tunable bandgaps is realized, and the related BZOs that occurred in this system are displayed. On this basis, by manipulating the phase difference and coupling angle of the synthetic lattice, the widths of 0-gap and π-gap are tuned feasibly so that a wide variety of the interplays between Bloch oscillations and Landau–Zener tunneling (LZT) are exhibited. As an application, the temporal Mach–Zehnder interferometer utilizing BZOs is realized, where the output patterns could be modulated by the coupling rate of the synthetic lattice. This work lays the foundation for exploring BZO physics with synthetic dimensions, which may find applications in temporal pulse controlling and optical signal processing.
Near-field enhancement beneath a vacancy in a close-packed colloidal monolayer of dielectric microspheres
Authors: Sveshnikova Maria , Afanasiev Andrey , Pikulin Alexander , Bityurin Nikita
Published: November 2024

Close-packed monolayers of colloidal dielectric spheres are used as near-field masks for parallel processing of various substrates with a single laser shot. Indeed, each of the spheres produces its own near-field maximum within the substrate. However, the deposited monolayers can contain certain defects either occasionally or intentionally. The missing spheres, i.e. vacancies, often occur. In this work, we show that the field enhancement beneath the vacancy may be comparable or even stronger than that beneath the regular spheres in the array. This phenomenon is theoretically studied and explained in terms of the interference of the spherical harmonics of the scattered laser field provided by the spheres that surround the vacancy.