bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La santé à l’école : accompagner les transformations d’un système éducatif en mutation
Authors: Jourdan Didier
Published: February 2024

Le système éducatif accueille chaque jour un cinquième de la population française. Les enfants et les jeunes, à des moments critiques de leur développement, passent plus d’un tiers de leur temps éveillé en milieu scolaire. L’école est un milieu de vie et un espace privilégié d’éducation, c’est d’évidence une priorité de santé publique. L’ambition d’une politique de santé en milieu scolaire n’est autre que de créer les conditions (gouvernance, organisation, ressources, pratiques) pour que, dans les 60 000 établissements du pays, les élèves bénéficient d’un environnement éducatif optimal et des enseignements leur permettant de développer les compétences en santé que chacune et chacun sont appelés à maîtriser. Si des pratiques remarquables existent à tous les échelons du système éducatif, il existe des freins à leur généralisation à l’ensemble des écoles, collèges et lycées. Une véritable stratégie d’accompagnement du changement est impérative pour permettre à l’école de jouer pleinement son rôle auprès de tous les élèves en particulier des plus vulnérables.
Santé, mobiliser les territoires
Authors: Bourdillon François , Grimaldi André
Published: February 2024

Mobiliser les territoires permettrait de franchir une étape dans la réforme de notre système de santé. Il est important que tout résident puisse accéder au système de santé sur son territoire. Nous plaidons pour 1° la création d’un service d’intérêt général associant les structures publiques de santé, les établissements à but non lucratif et les médecins généralistes en secteur 1 et 2° l’attribution d’une compétence santé aux collectivités territoriales. Nous souhaitons que l’État garantisse l’intérêt général et laisse une plus grande liberté d’action dans les territoires. L’État définit le cadre de la politique de santé, les plans nationaux et régionaux de santé. Les collectivités territoriales sont mobilisées pour organiser notamment l’accès aux soins et mettre en œuvre les actions de prévention adaptées à leur population.
Unilateral Retinopathy in a Preterm Infant With 4q Duplication: Description and Management
Authors: Brant Arthur , Meyer Carlotta , Moshfeghi Darius M.
Published: February 2024

A 33-5/7, 1570 g dichorionic diamniotic twin presented with cryptorchidism, failed hearing examination (both ears), poor feeding, profound hypoglycemia, coagulopathy, conjugated hyper-bilirubinemia, hydronephrosis, and hypotension. Microarray sent with results of whole genome SNP microgray analysis detected an interstitial duplication of the chromosomal segment 4q35 1q35.2. On this basis, telemedicine screening was performed to evaluate for ocular abnormalities in association with abnormal gene testing. Unilateral advanced retinopathy was noted affecting the right eye, with mature vascularization in the left eye. This infant was managed in concordance with retinopathy of prematurity guidelines, despite not making screening criteria. Off-label intravitreal bevacizumab injection (0.625 mg in 0.025 mL) resulted in full vascular maturation assessed by fluorescein angiography 6 months later. This represents the first description and management of retinopathy in 4q duplication syndrome.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
2024;55:228–230.]
Preparation and development of amidoxime-modified Fe3O4/SiO2 core-shell magnetic microspheres for enhancing U(VI) adsorption efficiency from seawater
Authors: Syah Alif Alfarisyi , Wijaya Anugrah Ricky , Kusumaningrum Irma Kartika
Published: February 2024

We synthesized and characterized amidoxime-modified Fe3O4/SiO2 core-shell magnetic microspheres tailored for maximal U(VI) sorption efficiency from seawater. Through meticulous structure and spectroscopy analyses, the microspheres, which were designed with amidoxime functionality, exhibited remarkable U(VI) sorption capabilities compared to raw silica-coated Fe3O4 counterparts. The maximum percent uranium adsorption (98.57%) was achieved at 60 minutes with 0.05 g of adsorbent, using a synthetic solution of 25 mg L−1 UO2(CH3COO)2. 2H2O at pH 7 and 25 º C (298 K). The kinetic studies highlighted rapid equilibrium achieved within 1 hours. Following the pseudo-second-order model, the microspheres reflected a maximum sorption capacity of 24.286 mg g-1 at pH 7 and 298 K. The U(VI)-loaded microspheres could be efficiently separated via an external magnetic field with adsorption efficiency of 91.67% at pH 6.5 and efficiently regenerated by HCl, indicating their potential for U(VI) preconcentration and separation from seawater. This research contributed to the development of high-performance sorbents for U(VI) removal and holds promise for solving the radioactive element elimination and enrichment, performing its stability, selectivity, and reusability across multiple cycles.
Word distance assisted dual graph convolutional networks for accurate and fast aspect-level sentiment analysis
Authors: Jiao Jiajia , Wang Haijie , Shen Ruirui , Lu Zhuo
Published: February 2024

Aspect-level sentiment analysis can provide a fine-grain sentiment classification for inferring the sentiment polarity of specific aspects. Graph convolutional network (GCN) becomes increasingly popular because its graph structure can characterize the words' correlation for extracting more sentiment information. However, the word distance is often ignored and cause the cross-misclassification of different aspects. To address the problem, we propose a novel dual GCN structure to take advantage of word distance, syntactic information, and sentiment knowledge in a joint way. The word distance is not only used to enhance the syntactic dependency tree, but also to construct a new graph with semantic knowledge. Then, the two kinds of word distance assisted graphs are fed into two GCNs for further classification. The comprehensive results on two self-collected Chinese datasets (MOOC comments and Douban book reviews) as well as five open-source English datasets, demonstrate that our proposed approach achieves higher classification accuracy than the state-of-the-art methods with up to 1.81x training acceleration.
Enhanced grip force estimation in robotic surgery: A sparrow search algorithm-optimized backpropagation neural network approach
Authors: Yan Yongli , Sun Tiansheng , Ren Teng , Ding Li
Published: February 2024

The absence of an effective gripping force feedback mechanism in minimally invasive surgical robot systems impedes physicians' ability to accurately perceive the force between surgical instruments and human tissues during surgery, thereby increasing surgical risks. To address the challenge of integrating force sensors on minimally invasive surgical tools in existing systems, a clamping force prediction method based on mechanical clamp blade motion parameters is proposed. The interrelation between clamping force, displacement, compression speed, and the contact area of the clamp blade indenter was analyzed through compression experiments conducted on isolated pig kidney tissue. Subsequently, a prediction model was developed using a backpropagation (BP) neural network optimized by the Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA). This model enables real-time prediction of clamping force, facilitating more accurate estimation of forces between instruments and tissues during surgery. The results indicate that the SSA-optimized model outperforms traditional BP networks and genetic algorithm-optimized (GA) BP models in terms of both accuracy and convergence speed. This study not only provides technical support for enhancing surgical safety and efficiency, but also offers a novel research direction for the design of force feedback systems in minimally invasive surgical robots in the future.
Housing price dynamics and elasticities: Portugal's conundrum
Authors: Cunha António M. , Loureiro Ricardo
Published: February 2024

We aimed to estimate the housing price determinants and elasticities in Portugal's metropolitan areas to help understand the dynamics of the abnormal price increase of the last decade, one of the highest in Europe and the World.

We followed a three-step methodology applying panel data and time series regression estimation. First, we estimated the determinants of housing prices at the national and metropolitan area levels. Second, we split the sample by coastal and inner metropolitan areas and estimated the determinants of housing prices and the supply elasticities of each group. Third, we estimated the correlations between housing price growth and elasticities to find whether these determinants correlate.

The results showed that at the national level, housing prices are inelastic to aggregate income (0.112). Momentum is the most significant determinant of housing prices (0.760). At the metropolitan areas level, we found an inelastic housing supply, a price-to-income elasticity close to zero, and a more inelastic supply in coastal areas. We found no significant correlation between housing price growth, price-to-income, and supply elasticity. The coastal areas registered housing price growth and a momentum effect much higher than the inner areas, suggesting the existence of dynamic speculative forces that cause prices to move beyond what can be explained by equilibrium models.

The present study contributes to the literature on housing price dynamics by showing that the conventional equilibrium stock-flow model does not explain the increase in Portugal's current housing prices, suggesting that other forces (such as economic uncertainty and sentiment) determine the housing price dynamics. The explanation for the housing price growth in Portugal is a conundrum. We believe this knowledge can help define better housing policies at the local and national levels.
L’influence d’Ernst Haeckel dans le Livre Rouge de C. G. Jung
Authors: Cambray Joseph
Published: February 2024

L’examen d’un grand nombre d’images du Livre Rouge de C. G. Jung révèle un parallélisme étroit avec les dessins et peintures du scientifique allemand, Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919). En tant que biologiste évolutionniste travaillant sur l’embryologie comparative, Haeckel a formulé la « loi biogénétique » selon laquelle l’ontogénèse récapitule la phylogénèse. Cette idée influença les fondateurs de la psychanalyse, Freud et Jung, dans leurs théories sur l’activité mentale. Cette contribution met en évidence les différences dans l’usage de la « loi » haeckelienne chez Freud et Jung, ainsi que la façon dont Jung en intègre certains aspects dans sa théorie des archétypes. Même si Jung ne cite pas Haeckel directement dans ses œuvres théoriques, il est intéressant d’observer comment il intègre certains modèles produits par le biologiste-artiste dans la série des « mandalas » du Livre Rouge, et de considérer d’éventuelles implications pour les théories de la mémoire.
Application of CALPHAD Method for Predicting of Concentration Range of Amorphization of Transition Metals Melts
Authors: Agraval Pavel , Turchanin Mikhail , Dreval Liya , Vodopyanova Anna
Published: February 2024

Early, the efficiency of the CALPHAD (Calculation of Phase Diagrams) method to a targeted search for compositions of amorphous alloys has been shown. The method for predicting the ranges of amorphization is based on the calculation of diagrams of metastable phase transformations between supercooled melts and boundary solid solutions on the base of pure elements. In this work, the model parameters for thermodynamic properties of liquid alloys and boundary solid solutions were summarized in a self-consistent database for the multicomponent Cu–Fe–Ni–Ti–Zr–Hf system. Such database for the multicomponent system is based on a common set of model parameters for boundary binary and ternary systems. This database was used to predict the concentration ranges of amorphization for the quinary Cu–Fe–Ni–Ti–Zr, Cu–Fe–Ni–Ti–Hf and boundary ternary and quaternary systems. The results of calculations are presented along sections in quaternary and quinary systems. The ternary and quaternary equiatomic alloys along with high entropy CuFeNiTiZr and CuFeNiTiHf alloys are trapped into prognosed composition ranges of amorphization. Predicted composition space of amorphization for melts of the Fe–Ni–Ti–Zr system is shown on the concentration tetrahedron. Based on the obtained results, a new criterion for predicting the concentration regions of amorphization of multicomponent melts is proposed, according to which the presence of a sufficient content of metals that are electron acceptors and donors is a chemical factor that affects the thermodynamic stability of melts and determines their glass-forming ability. For multicomponent melts of the Cu–Fe–Ni–Ti–Zr–Hf system the concentration ranges of amorphization correspond to the simultaneous fulfillment of the conditions xFe + xNi + xCu > 0.25 and xTi + xZr + xHf > 0.15, where Fe, Ni, and Cu are electron acceptors and Ti, Zr, and Hf are electron donors.
Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder nodule successfully treated with laser Co2 ablation: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zengarini Corrado , Guglielmo Alba , Mussi Martina , Filippini Andrea , Vaccari Sabina , Piraccini Bianca Maria , Pileri Alessandro
Published: February 2024

This case report describes an 83-year-old patient with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer who presented with a violaceous, painless nodule on the neck. Dermoscopic examination and subsequent biopsy revealed a Small/Medium CD4+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (SMPLPD) of the skin. Although excision was initially recommended, the patient opted for treatment with CO2 laser ablation. The procedure had some minor complications but resulted in successful healing. SMPLPDs are a rare skin condition with limited treatment data, and this case suggests that CO2 laser ablation with minimal margins could be a viable alternative for selected patients, reducing bleeding and promoting second-intention healing for small nodules. However, more extensive follow-up data for SMPLPD cases are needed to understand long-term outcomes better.
Resolution of paraneoplastic palmoplantar keratoderma after treating mixed serous neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas: a case report and literature review
Authors: Alotaibi Hend M. , Alluhaybi Abdulrahman , Nagshabandi Khalid Nabil , Barakeh Maha M.
Published: February 2024

Palmoplantar keratodermas (PPKs), also known as ‘keratosis palmaris et plantaris’, are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by abnormal thickening of the epidermal skin of the palms and soles leading to hyperkeratosis. It could be acquired or hereditary. Acquired PPK often occurs as a paraneoplastic syndrome as well as a stigma of other dermatoses. We report a rare case of paraneoplastic PPK secondary to mixed neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas with complete remission after surgical excision of the cancer.
On A Mathematical Theory Of Sustainability Assessment
Authors: Phillis Yannis A. , Kouikoglou Vassilis S. , Grigoroudis Evangelos , Kanellos Fotis D.
Published: February 2024

We compile a number of postulates to be satisfied by a function that mathematically assesses sustainability of some type: national, urban, energy, etc. These postulates lay the mathematical foundations of a sustainability theory and lead to a simple model based on shifted geometric means combining basic sustainability indicators into an overall index. The model has a number of desirable properties and generalizes the weighted arithmetic and weighted geometric means, which are commonly used aggregation functions in sustainability assessments. Numerical results demonstrate the closeness of the model to other established techniques of sustainability.
EASA Expert Group: Digitalization, AI, and Societal Impact
Authors: Group Expert
Published: February 2024

Klaus Mainzer (President)Prof. Dr. Marco Aiello; VIPhD, MBA, Thomas Beyer II; Prof. Dr. Humberto Bustince, VI;Prof. Dr. Carlucci Aiello Luigia, VI; Prof. Tiziana Catarci, VI; Prof. Dr. C.L. Phillip Chen, VI; Prof. Dr.hab. Krzysztof Cios, VI; Prof. Ophir Frieder, VI; Prof. Giovanna Guidoboni PhD, VI; Prof. Dr. Dr. Ulrich Hemel, VII; Prof. Dr. Peter Herrmann, V; Prof. Dr Sabine T. Köszegi, V; Prof. Georgios Kouroupetroglou, VI;Prof. Ioannis Liritzis, IV; Prof. Gilles Lubineau, VI; Prof. Elpida Keravou-Papailiou;Prof. Dr. Matilde Santos, VI; Prof. Dr. rer.nat. habil. Jürgen Schmidhuber, VI; Prof. Dr. Bernhard Schölkopf, IV; Prof. Dr. Siegfried Selberherr, VI; Prof. Giancarlo Elia Valori, V; Prof. Kun Yang, VI.
EASA Expert Group: Education, Research, Innovation (ERI)/Policy paper on ERI
Authors: Group Expert
Published: February 2024

Coordinator: Prof. Ioannis Liritzis (Dean Class IV)Compilation input: Prof. Andrew Balas (Class II); Prof. Thomas Beyer (Class II); Prof. Costas Demetzos (Class IV); Prof. Igor Emri (Class VI); Prof. Gilles Lubineau (Class V)Members of the Expert Group: Prof. Dr. Stefan Brunnhuber (Class II); Prof. Dr. Miklós Bendzsel (Class V); Prof. Tiziana Catarci (Class IV); Prof. Dr. Dr. Ulrich Hemel (Class VII); Prof. Werner G Faix (Class V); Prof. Kristof Fenyvesi (Class III); Prof. Dr. Klaus Mainzer (Class I); Prof. Lucas Rasulic (Class II); Prof. Peng Shi (Class IV); Professor John S. Torday (Class II); Prof. Miroslav Veskovic (Class IV)
Music Therapy: Scientific Perspectives and Clinical Prospects
Authors: Mastnak Wolfgang
Published: February 2024

Music and arts for healing purposes look back over a multifaceted evolution and a myriad of phenomena in various cultures. Interdisciplinary considerations suggest to distinguish five different, but partly overlapping stages. The first refers to historical roots and ethnological sources, which have also influenced modern meta-theoretical perspectives and practices. The next stage marks the heterogeneous origins of modern music therapy in the 20th century that mirror psychological positions and novel clinical ideas about the healing power of music and the arts. The following heyday of music therapeutic models and schools of thought yielded an enormous variety of concepts and methods such as Nordoff-Robbins MT, Orff MT, Analytic MT, Regulatory MT, GIM or Sound Work. As music and arts therapies gained in international importance, clinical applications required research about their therapeutic efficacy. According to standards of evidence based medicine and with regard to clearly defined diagnoses research on music therapeutic practice became the core of stage four. The present stage is characterised by an emerging epistemological dissatisfaction with the paradigmatic reductionism of evidence based medicine and the strong will to discover the ‘true healing nature’ of music. This trend has given birth to interdisciplinary hermeneutics for novel foundations of music and arts therapies. Epigenetics, neuroplasticity, regulatory and chronobiological sciences, quantum physical philosophies, universal harmonies, spiritual and religious views, and the cultural anthropological phenomenon of aesthetics and creativity have become guiding principles. The present paper relates to the author’s EASA-speech on the 2nd of December 2022 about landmarks in the evolution of modern music therapy and its interdisciplinary perspectives.
Artificial cavernosa-like tissue based on multibubble Matrigel and a human corpus cavernous fibroblast scaffold
Authors: Chen Yu-Zhuo , Zhou Yi-Hong , Yan Min-Bo , Xiao Ming , Liu Biao , Yin Ying-Hao , Tan Xiao-Li , Huang Yong-Quan , Lin Yu-Hong , Xie Ting , Tian Jia-Li , Wang Qi , Li Jian-Ying , Meng Zi-Zhou , Li Zheng , Xing Emily , Tang Yu-Xin , Li Ya-Wei , Su Zhong-Zhen , Zhao Liang-Yu
Published: February 2024

Ex vivo tissue culture of the human corpus cavernosum (CC) can be used to explore the tissue structural changes and complex signaling networks. At present, artificial CC-like tissues based on acellular or three-dimensional (3D)-printed scaffolds are used to solve the scarcity of primary penis tissue samples. However, inconvenience and high costs limit the wide application of such methods. Here, we describe a simple, fast, and economical method of constructing artificial CC-like tissue. Human CC fibroblasts (FBs), endothelial cells (ECs), and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were expanded in vitro and mixed with Matrigel in specific proportions. A large number of bubbles were formed in the mixture by vortexing combined with pipette blowing, creating a porous, spongy, and spatial structure. The CC FBs produced a variety of signaling factors, showed multidirectional differentiation potential, and grew in a 3D grid in Matrigel, which is necessary for CC-like tissue to maintain a porous structure as a cell scaffold. Within the CC-like tissue, ECs covered the surface of the lumen, and SMCs were located inside the trabeculae, similar to the structure of the primary CC. Various cell components remained stable for 3 days in vitro, but the EC content decreased on the 7th day. Wingless/integrated (WNT) signaling activation led to lumen atrophy and increased tissue fibrosis in CC-like tissue, inducing the same changes in characteristics as in the primary CC. This study describes a preparation method for human artificial CC-like tissue that may provide an improved experimental platform for exploring the function and structure of the CC and conducting drug screening for erectile dysfunction therapy.
Methemoglobinemia: Case of Falsely low SpO2
Authors: Tripathy Srishthi , Sharma Anmol , Choudhary Robin , Verma Shipra
Published: February 2024

Pulse oximetry is often regarded as the fifth vital sign. Based on the absorption of near-infrared light, any changes in the concentration of oxyhemoglobin influence the reading on the pulse oximeter. We present one such case of a 30-year-old lady with leprosy on multiple drug therapy that showed low SpO2 readings not associated with respiratory distress and did not improve with oxygenation. She was found to have dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia, which was reversed after 48 h of stopping the drug intake.
Five decades of the use of botulinum toxin in ophthalmology
Authors: Leszczynska Anna , Nowicka Danuta , Pillunat Lutz E , Szepietowski Jacek C
Published: February 2024

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) has been known for over 50 years. It has conquered many areas of medicine and has become indispensable in contemporary medicine. Now, BoNT is used to treat at least 26 conditions in six medical specialties. Although the use of BoNT began in strabology, it became the gold standard for many ophthalmologic pathologies. The present review of the literature focuses on the use of BoNT in ophthalmology and treatment of the following conditions: blepharospasm, facial hemispasm, facial palsy, spastic entropion, strabismus, endocrine orbitopathy, convergence spasm, and facial trauma. We conclude that nearly half a century of experience in utilizing BoNT in ophthalmology ensured a satisfactory level of effectiveness and safety for patients with many pathologies. Areas of future research include the application of BoNT in new selected indications, the development of the route of application without injections, and the development of long-acting BoNT forms for patients who require repeated long-term treatment.
Chamber shallowing technique for challenging DMEK cases: Tucking cellulose spears under the speculum to augment posterior pressure
Authors: Kam Yong , Kigin Matthew , Rosenberg Eric D , Blitzer Andrea , Sales Christopher S
Published: February 2024

Some anterior chambers do not readily shallow because of insufficient posterior pressure and/or very deep anterior chamber anatomy, which can make unscrolling descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) tissue more challenging with an unmodified tap technique. We present a hands-free method for augmenting posterior pressure by temporarily tucking cellulose sponges under the blades of the eyelid speculum. The sponges transfer some of the eyelid speculum’s weight onto the bulbar surface posterior to the iris, thereby indenting the sclera and causing the iris diaphragm to bulge further forward. This hands-free technique can transform a potentially challenging DMEK case into a more straightforward one by facilitating both a shallow anterior chamber and a bimanual unscrolling technique. However, it only works in bicameral eyes with a vitreous body (e.g., an eye with penetrating keratoplasty, vitreous syneresis, and axial myopia) and will not work in unicameral eyes after vitrectomy (e.g., an eye with an Anterior Chamber Intraocular Lens (ACIOL)).
Evaluation of tear film in patients with AIDS without opportunistic ocular infections in the era of COVID-19: A case–control study
Authors: Ruan Fang , Fan Qian , Kong Wenjun , Zhang Wei , Dong Hongwei , Wei Wenbin , Jie Ying
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

The assessment of tear film and ocular surface conditions in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been poorly studied thus far. We aim to assess tear film parameters, ocular surface characteristics, and dry eye disease (DED) symptoms of patients with AIDS who did not undergo highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART).

Methods:

This case–control study included 154 age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched healthy controls and patients with AIDS. All participants underwent comprehensive ocular surface assessment and subjective DED symptomology evaluation. Data were collected between March 2022 and July 2022.

Results:

HAART-naïve patients with AIDS had a shorter noninvasive tear film breakup time (median 3.76 vs. 8.54 s), thinner tear film lipid layer thickness (median 73.00 vs. 91.00 nm), and lower Schirmer I test values (median 5.00 mm/5 min vs. 12.00 mm/5 min) (all P < 0.001). Moreover, higher corneal fluorescein staining scores (median 1.00 vs. 0.00) and higher upper, lower, and total meibomian gland grades were observed in AIDS patients (all P < 0.05). Negative correlations between the blood viral load and the Ocular Surface Disease Index score (r = -3.50, P = 0.027) and the Schirmer I test score (r = -0.374, P = 0.017) were detected in patients with AIDS.

Conclusion:

Altered tear film status was observed in individuals with HAART-naïve AIDS, even when there were no other ocular symptoms present. Therefore, patients with AIDS should be encouraged to undergo comprehensive ocular surface examinations to detect any subclinical tear film alterations occurring.
Clinical profile and treatment outcomes in pediatric uveitis – A series from South India
Authors: Mooss Vidya S , Babu Kalpana
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of the study was to look at the clinical spectrum, treatment options, and visual outcomes in a large cohort of pediatric uveitis from a tertiary eye care center in South India.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study carried out at a tertiary eye center in South India. Cases of pediatric uveitis between January 2012 and June 2022 were retrieved from the hospital’s medical database. Uveitis was classified according to the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature criteria. Demographic details, clinical presentation, complications, medical and surgical management, and visual outcome were evaluated.

Results:

Two hundred and six eyes of 132 cases were included, with a median age of 12 years. The male to female ratio was 1:1. Bilaterality was seen in 63.1% of cases. The mean duration of uveitis was 11.5 ± 18.5 months, and the mean follow-up period was 20.5 ± 25.1 months. Noninfectious uveitis was seen in 70.45% cases. Most common etiology in the noninfectious group was idiopathic (27.3%), while in the infectious group, it was tuberculosis (TB; 14.4%). Immunomodulators were used in 43.9% and biologics in 10.9% of cases. Most common complications were cataract (25.24%) and posterior synechiae (21.35%). Surgical procedures were done in 12.62%. The mean visual acuity was 0.81 ± 1.14 log of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at presentation and 0.49 ± 0.87 logMAR at the end of the study (P= 0.002).

Conclusion:

Pediatric uveitis poses a challenge in comparison to adult uveitis. Our study highlights the need for early diagnosis and aggressive management to prevent sequelae. Multidisciplinary approach is a key in improving the overall visual prognosis.
Relationship between coping styles (problem-oriented, emotion-oriented, and avoidance-oriented) with psychological well-being in people with coronavirus-2019 experience in Kermanshah city
Authors: Veisi Razieh , Kakabaraee Keivan , Chehri Azita , Arefi Mukhtar
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Considering the epidemic status of the COVID-19 virus, the discussion of the psychological effects of this disease on the mental health of people at different levels of society is of great importance. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between coping (problem-oriented, emotion-oriented, and avoidance-oriented) with psychological well-being in people with coronavirus disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this correlational study, the statistical population consisted of all individuals with experience of coronavirus in 2021 in Kermanshah city. In total, 220 people were selected as the sample using an available sampling method. The instruments used in this study were Reef Psycho-Welfare Questionnaire (PWBQ) and Andler and Parker Coping Styles (CISS-SF). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and simultaneous regression.

RESULTS:

Multiple correlations of coping variables (problem-oriented, emotion-oriented, and avoidance-oriented) with psychological well-being (R = 0.671; P = 0.01) are significant. Problem-oriented coping style (beta = 0.329; P = 0.05), emotional coping style (beta = 0.329; P = 0.05); avoidant coping style (beta = 0.144; P = 0.05) had a significant relationship with psychological well-being.

CONCLUSION:

According to the obtained results, the importance of paying attention to coping styles in psychological well-being is felt more than before. Psychological well-being seems to be influenced by other factors and their interactive effects as well.
Evaluation of oral health education programs among patients with schizophrenia in India: An interventional study
Authors: Purushothaman Binu , Karishma  , Agrawal Akriti , Nazeer Jazib , Choudhury Basanta K. , Rajguru Jagadish Prasad , Huda Irfanula , Das Indrani
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Schizophrenia is a mental disease that can drastically affect oral health. Hence, this remains a significant factor that affects oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Assessing the OHRQoLin schizophrenic patients is one of the primary needs. The oral health impact profile is an impressive range of instruments that assesses the impact of oral conditions on well-being and quality of life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A 100 schizophrenic individuals were randomly selected from the Psychiatry Department of Government Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India, and grouped into two groups: (a) Group I with.group-based sessions and (b) Group II with one-on-one interactions. Inclusion criteria: (a) Individuals who received the clinical confirmatory diagnosis of schizophrenia, (b) Patients who regularly reported to the psychologist for periodic evaluation, and (c) Patients who could follow instructions. Exclusion criteria: (a) Patients or their caregivers who were unwilling to participate in the study, (b) Patients with any other mental health disability other than schizophrenia, (c) Patients with muscular or nervous system disorders, and (d) Patients who could not follow instructions. Patients were educated on the modified Bass technique, and mean ± standard deviation plaque scores were compared at the baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention.

RESULTS:

Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square analytical test and paired “t-test.” Statistically significant differences were observed in plaque scores in both groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

Educational training tools help in improving oral health in schizophrenic patients.
Severity of menopausal symptoms on quality of life among working women
Authors: Ramyashree S , Veigas Jacintha , Kanagal Deepa
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Menopause is experienced by every woman; some women attain it very early as they reach 42 years old. This happens when there is a dysfunction of follicles. The symptoms experienced by the women vary from mild to severe. The study aims to identify the severity of menopausal symptoms and their effect on the quality of life (QOL) among working women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional research design was used for the study. A total of 93 menopausal working women were selected by using the nonprobability sampling technique. A standardized menopausal symptom rating scale and menopausal quality of life scale were used.

RESULTS:

The mean age of women employees was 49.8 with a standard deviation (SD) of 8.6, and almost half the number of subjects had completed diplomas and graduated. The majority of the women (77.7%) belonged to nuclear families. More than half of the subjects (59.6%) were having above 30,000 monthly incomes. More than three-fourths of the participants were married. Nearly half the number of subjects (46.8%) had completed diplomas, and 47.9% of working women were graduates. Nearly one-quarter of the subjects had severe menopausal symptoms, The most-reported menopausal symptoms were hot flush (57%), sweating (62%), muscle and joint problems (52%), depressive mood (45%), and irritability (51%). About 22.5% of women had a low quality of life. The study realizes that there is a positive correlation (r = 0.71, P = 0.001*) between menopausal symptoms and quality of life.

CONCLUSION:

The study justifies that menopause causes both physical and psychological problems. The stress at the workplace causes more mental disturbance and physical fatigue in working menopausal women, directly affecting their quality of life.
Lymphoma and Other Lymph Node Pathologies Among Adult Patients with Lymphadenopathy in Abakaliki, Nigeria
Authors: Ugwu NI , Iyare FE , Ugwu CN , Edegbe FO , Ezeokoli EO , Eni UE , Ugwu GC , Okparaoka SU , Uzoigwe JC , Omoruyi KA , Otuu O , Dilibe UC
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Lymphadenopathy is usually due to benign or malignant conditions. It can also be local or systemic in distribution and can involve peripheral or deep-seated lymph nodes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of lymphoma and the distribution pattern of lymph node pathologies among adult patients who presented with lymphadenopathy and its relationship with age and sex.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted, and a record of all cases of lymphadenopathy with histological diagnosis over 5-year period (January 2017 to December 2021) was extracted from Departments of Anatomical Pathology of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. The data generated were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 26.

Results:

One hundred and ninety results were extracted with an age range of 18 to 94 years and a mean age of 41 ± 16 years. They were made up of 75 (39.5%) males and 115 (60.5%) females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.5. The prevalence of lymphoma was 50.0% (95/190). Thirty-five (18.4%) were Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL), while 60 (31.6%) were non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Other pathologies manifested by cases of lymphadenopathy include metastatic tumor deposits (38 (20%)), reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (29 (15.3%)), and tuberculous lymphadenitis (18 (9.5%)). Others include sinus histiocytosis (4 (2.1%)), dermatopathic lymphadenitis (5 (2.6%)), and Castleman’s disease (1 (0.5%)).

Conclusion:

About half of all patients who presented with lymphadenopathy were lymphoma with a high prevalence of 50%, and the majority were NHL. Other major causes of lymphadenopathy were metastatic tumor deposits, reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, and tuberculous lymphadenitis. Any case of lymphadenopathy should be properly investigated early for effective management.
The Investigation of Bone-Implant Connection and New Bone Formation in Fasting and High-Fatty Diet Rats
Authors: Yavuz MC , Guler R , Ozcan EC , Bozoglan A , Kirtay M , Kaya CA , Dundar S
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Hyperlipidemia caused by a high-fat diet (HFD) has many adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, including vascular problems. In addition, a HFD also has significant adverse effects on bone health.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to examine bone-implant osteointegration and new bone formation in peri-implant defects in fasting and high-fatty diet applied rats.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, 28 female Sprague Dawley rats were used. The rats were divided into four groups, with seven rats in each group: the control group on a normal diet (Group 1) (n = 7), the fasted group (Group 2) (n = 7), the high-fatty diet (HFD) group (Group 3) (n = 7), and the fasted and HFD group (Group 4) (n = 7). Titanium implants with a diameter of 2.5 mm and a length of 4 mm were placed in the right tibia bones of the subjects, and a bone graft corresponding to 2 mm of the implant length was placed in the bone defect applied to the neck region. All rats that continued the administered diet for 12 weeks were sacrificed at the end of the experiment period. The implants and surrounding bone tissue were surgically removed and subjected to biomechanical analysis to assess bone-implant osteointegration and peri-implant new bone formation.

Results:

It was determined that there was no statistically significant difference between the rats in the control group and the other three groups in terms of bone-implant osteointegration and peri-implant new bone formation (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

As a result of this study, it was determined that fasting or maintaining a HFD does not adversely affect bone-implant osteointegration or peri-implant new bone formation in the tibias of rats.
Perceptions of the COVID-19 Vaccine and Willingness to Receive Vaccination among Health Workers in Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Isiguzo GC , Stefanovics E , Unamba NN , Mbam TT , Anyaehie UG , Chukwu CC , Anyaehie UB , Osy-Eneze C , Ibezim EO , Okoro UG , Njoku PO , Adimekwe AI , Ibediro K , Stefanovics G , Iheanacho T
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is a major barrier to vaccine uptake, and the achievement of herd immunity is required to reduce morbidity and mortality and protect the most vulnerable populations. In Nigeria, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has been high, and uptake remains very low. Healthcare workers (HCWs) in Nigeria can help support public health efforts to increase vaccine uptake.

Aim:

This study evaluates Nigerian HCWs’ acceptance and intent to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine.

Subjects and Methods:

Cross-sectional survey among 1,852 HCWs in primary, secondary, and tertiary care settings across Nigeria. Respondents included doctors, nurses, pharmacy workers, and clinical laboratory professionals who have direct clinical contact with patients in various healthcare settings. A 33-item questionnaire was used in the study, with two of the questions focused on the COVID-19 vaccine. The responses to the two questions were analyzed using Chi-square (c2) tests and independent t-tests to determine the acceptance of the vaccine.

Results:

The majority of respondents were younger than 34 years (n = 1,227; 69.2%) and primarily worked in hospitals (n = 1,278; 72.0%). Among the respondents, 79.2% (n = 1,467) endorsed the COVID-19 vaccine as a critical tool in reducing the impact of the disease, and 76.2% (n = 1,412) will accept and recommend the vaccine to their patients. The younger HCWs were more likely to endorse and recommend the vaccine to their patients.

Conclusion:

There is a moderately high COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate among HCWs surveyed in our study. The confidence of HCWs in its use and their willingness to recommend it to their patients can provide a potentially useful element in increasing acceptance by the larger population in Nigeria.
Modelling and Simulation of Grid Connected Wind Turbine Induction Generator for Windfarm
Authors: Rathinavel A , Ramya R
Published: February 2024

As the power generation sector moving towards the sustainability to achieve clean and renewable energy source, the wind power generation plays a vital role due to its abundance in nature. A big chunk of the decrease in carbon emission is a major attribute to the growth of the wind energy sector. Wind turbine production, structural development, logistics, maintenance and R&D are just some of the areas that could benefit from the growth of the wind energy industry. This brought out the attention of researchers of the electrical engineering to focus on wind power generation.  It can be more efficient and cost-effective to operate wind turbines as a wind farm rather than individually. This has led to a surge in the construction of wind farms, both onshore and offshore wind farms. Therefore, in this paper, the study and analyse of single Induction generator with wind turbines and 33MW windfarm performance is presented. The simulation result demonstrates the efficiency of DFIG in producing energy at a constant wind speed, as well as its ability to regulate both active and reactive power at steady-state.
Оценка скорости равномерной сходимости ряда Фурье
непрерывной периодической функции ограниченной $p$-вариации
Authors: Semenova Tatyana Yurevna
Published: February 2024

Получена оценка скорости сходимости ряда Фурье
непрерывной периодической функции
через модуль непрерывности функции и
значение ее $p$-вариации.
Доказана неулучшаемость главного члена оценки.
Библиография: 14 названий.
Outreach Training and Supportive Supervision for Quality Malaria Service Delivery: A Qualitative Evaluation in 11 Sub-Saharan African Countries
Authors: Altaras Robin , Worges Matt , La Torre Sabrina , Audu Bala M. , Mwangi Grace , Zeh-Meka Albert , Yikpotey Paul , Domkam Kammogne Irenee , Chanda-Kapata Pascalina , Vanderick Caroline , Yukich Joshua , Streat Elizabeth
Published: February 2024

Quality improvement of malaria services aims to ensure that more patients receive accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and referral. The Outreach Training and Supportive Supervision
Plus (OTSS+) approach seeks to improve health facility readiness and provider competency through onsite supportive supervision, troubleshooting, and on-the-job training. As part of a multicomponent evaluation, qualitative research was conducted to understand the value of the OTSS+ approach for malaria quality improvement. Semistructured key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and structured health facility–based interviews were used to gather stakeholder perspectives at subnational, national, and global levels. Data were collected globally and in 11 countries implementing OTSS+; in-depth data collection was done in four: Cameroon, Ghana, Niger, and Zambia. Study sites and participants were selected purposively. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed thematically, following the Framework approach. A total of 262 participants were included in the analysis; 98 (37.4%) were supervisees, 99 (37.8%) were supervisors, and 65 (24.8%) were other stakeholders. The OTSS+ approach was perceived to improve provider knowledge and skills in malaria service delivery and to improve data and supply management indirectly. Improvements were attributed to a combination of factors. Participants valued the relevance, adaptation, and digitization of supervision checklists; the quality and amount of contact with problem-solving supervisors; and the joint identification of problems and solutions, and development of action plans. Opportunities for improvement were digitized checklist refinement, assurance of a sufficient pool of supervisors, prioritization of health facilities, action plan dissemination and follow-up, and data review and use. The OTSS+ approach was perceived to be a useful quality improvement approach for malaria services.
Evaluation of Lightweight Cotton Textiles for Durable and Comfortable
Automotive Interior Applications
Authors: Natrayan L. , Mohammed Ali H. , Mothilal T. , Reddy Vinay
Published: February 2024

In regions with hot and humid climatic conditions, lightweight cotton textiles
such as lawns, are famous for clothing and being explored for use in automobile
interiors. Specifically, there’s an interest in these fabrics for car seat
covers, interior roof linings, and door trims. Textiles must balance weight and
durability for automotive applications to ensure passenger comfort while
withstanding regular wear and tear. This study assesses cotton fabrics’ wear and
mechanical performance with densities between 40 and 60 g/m2,
produced using yarn counts of 70, 60, and 40 Ne. The objective was to determine
the optimal fabric parameters for creating automotive spare parts that are both
durable and comfortable. Two production strategies were contrasted: coarser yarn
counts with fewer warp and weft threads per inch and finer yarn counts with a
higher thread density. Findings revealed that fabrics crafted from the coarser
yarns, with more irregular warp and weft threads, demonstrated better light
transmittance and tear strength, making them potential candidates for
sustainable automobile spare parts.
Administration of combined exogenous L-arginine and ascorbic acid attenuates potassium bromate-induced renal and hepatic toxicity
Authors: Kolawole O.T. , Bakare S.O. , Ayankunle A.A. , Adeyeba O.A.
Published: February 2024

Background: The use of potassium bromate (KBrO3) as food additive is still widespread and there is need to search for agents with protective effect against KBrO3-induced toxicity.

Objective: In this study, the protective effects of L-arginine, ascorbic acid, and their combined regimen on KBrO3-induced renal and hepatic toxicity were investigated in Wistar rats.

Methods: Five groups of male rats were used for the study. Group A was given distilled water (control), and group B was treated with KBrO3 only. In addition to KBrO3, groups C, D, and E were given L-arginine, ascorbic acid, and combined L-arginine and ascorbic acid respectively. After 28-day treatment, blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis; liver and kidney were harvested for histological examination.

Results: KBrO3 significantly (p < 0.05) raised serum levels of creatinine, urea, ALT, and AST compared to distilled water-treated control. Levels of SOD, CAT, and GPx were also significantly reduced. No significant changes in these parameters were observed with ascorbic acid and L-arginine given separately. Treatment with combined regimen of L-arginine and ascorbic acid resulted in significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the serum levels of creatinine, AST and ALT, and significant increase in the serum levels of SOD, CAT and GPx compared to the control. The distortions induced by KBrO3 in the structural architecture of renal and hepatic tissues were largely reduced in rats treated with combined ascorbic acid and L-arginine.

Conclusion: The study showed that L-arginine and ascorbic acid synergistically attenuate KBrO3-induced renal and hepatic toxicity.