bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
8-years experience with ataxia telangiectasia: A series of 7 cases
Authors:   Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú, Villagaray-Pacheco Nicole ,   Sociedad Científica de San Fernando, Lima, Perú, Franco-Bustamante Kelly ,   Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño San Borja, Lima, Perú, Córdova-Calderón Wilmer ,   Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño, Lima, Perú
Published: August 2021

Introduction. Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) is an autosomal recessive multisystemic neurodegenerative disease, considered a rare and orphan disease. Methods. A cohort of case series from 2012 to 2020. We included patients younger than 18 years, admitted with diagnosis of ataxia telangiectasia from a tertiary care hospital and national referral center in Peru. Year of diagnostic, mortality, demographics, genetic test, and other main clinical outcomes were described. Results. A series of seven cases are presented (4 are women, between 6 and 15 years old) from different provinces of Peru. Five cases had a diagnostic delay. Two cases died at 9 and 12 years. Three cases have a brother with AT. The most frequent reason for consultation (6/7) was recurrent lung infection, followed by postural instability. All had delayed psychomotor development, recurrent respiratory, and digestive infections. The main laboratory results were lymphopenia (5 cases), neutropenia (6 cases), IgA deficiency (5 cases), and elevated alpha-fetoprotein (4 cases). Conclusion. AT considerably deteriorates the quality and prognosis of life of patients.
A retrospective cohort study on the risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding in acute ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors:   Department of Neurology, Bethesda Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Pinzon Rizaldy Taslim ,   Faculty of Medicine, Duta Wacana Christian University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Anggraini Carmelia ,   Department of Neurology, Bethesda Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia,   Faculty of Medicine, Duta Wacana Christian University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Published: August 2021

Introduction. Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a serious complication of stroke causing high morbidity. Atrial fibrillation is associated with both ischemic stroke and GI bleeding due to usage of anticoagulant. The aim of this study is to determine the risk factors of GI bleeding in ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation. Material and methods. All ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation from January 2017 to December 2018 were extracted from our hospital-based stroke registry. We extracted demographical characteristic, subtypes of stroke, and medication history. Results. We found 96 ischemic stroke patients with AF were included in the study. Dyslipidemia (RR: 0.2; 95%CI:0.043-0.939; p = 0.049) and antihyperlipidemic drugs (RR: 0.183; 95%CI: 0.039-0.857; p = 0.022) was associated with lower GI bleeding risk. There were no significant association between other risk factors and GI bleeding incidence Conclusion. Our research shows that dyslipidemia and history of antihyperlipidemic drugs are associated with lower GI bleeding risk in ischemic stroke patients with AF.
EFFICACY OF COMBINED IMMUNOTHERAPY WITH PROPES AND INFLAMAFERTIN IN SELECTIVE DEFICIENCY OF NK AND NKT CELLS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH GENETIC DEFICIENCY OF THE FOLATE CYCLE
Authors:   Research Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine, Maltsev Dmitry , Stefanyshyn Volodymyr ,   Vivere Neuroimmunology Clinic, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: August 2021

Objectives. The results of previous small clinical trials indicate the potential benefit of combination immunotherapy with Propes and Inflamafertin to compensate for NK and NKT cell deficiency due to genetic deficiency of the folate cycle in children with autism spectrum disorders. The purpose of the research was to study the effectiveness of combined immunotherapy with Propes and Inflamafertin in NK and NKT cell deficiency in children with autism spectrum disorders associated with genetic deficiency of the folate cycle. Material and methods. This single-center, prospective, controlled, nonrandomized clinical trial included 96 children aged 2 to 10 years with autism spectrum disorders associated with a genetic folate deficiency (study group, SG). Children of SG received Propes at a dose of 2 ml IM every other day for 3 consecutive months (45 injections), and Inflamafertin at a dose of 2 ml IM every other day for 3 months in a row, alternating with Propes (45 injections). The control group (CG) consisted of 32 children of similar age and gender distribution who suffered from autism spectrum disorders associated with genetic deficiency of the folate cycle, but who did not receive immunotherapy. Outcomes. The number of NK cells reached the lower limit of normal in 39 out of 53 patients (74% of cases), with the resulting deficiency of these lymphocytes, and the average number of NK cells in the blood in SG almost doubling during the 3-month course of immunotherapy (р ˂ 0.05; Z ˂ Z0.05). However, it returned to almost initial level in the 2 months following the discontinuation of immunotherapeutic agents (р˃0.05; Z˃Z0.05). The number of NKT cells was normalized in 78 out of 87 patients (89% of cases) with an initial deficiency of these cells, and the average number of NKT cells in the blood in the DG increased during the course of immunotherapy by half (р ˂ 0.05; Z ˂ Z0.05) and continued to grow for the next 2 months after the discontinuation of immunotropic drugs (р ˂ 0.05; Z ˂ Z0.05). There was a link between immunotherapy and normalization of NK - (χ2 = 18.016; OR = 13.929; 95%CI = 3.498-55.468) and NKT-cells (χ2 = 60.65; OR = 46.800; 95%CI = 14.415-151.937) in the blood with a strong association between these processes (criterion φ = 0.504 and 0.715 respectively; С = 0.450 and 0.581 respectively). Conclusions. Combination immunotherapy with Propes and Inflamafertin is an effective strategy for the treatment of immunodeficiency caused by genetic deficiency of the folate cycle in children with autism spectrum disorders.
CHRONIC NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE AS AN INDEPENDENT RISK FACTOR FOR DEATH IN SEVERE COVID-19 CASES
Authors:   Federal University of Bahia, Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil, Silveira Elena Caires
Published: August 2021

COVID-19 is a multisystemic disease with a wild severity range, being some chronic diseases risk factors for unfavorable evolution. It has been suggested are chronic neurological diseases are associated to higher mortality in COVID-19 patients; such association however, has not been described enough. In this context, this study seeks to evaluate whether the presence of previous chronic neurological disease is a factor associated with higher mortality in hospitalized severe cases of COVID-19. For this, the association between those variables was investigated in 87,871 patients through univariate (risk ratio and χ2 test) and multivariate (Poisson regression) analysis. It was found that the mortality rate for patients presenting chronic neurological disease was 23% higher (),this being an independent and statistically significant association (RR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.2-1.3; p-value < 0.001). Therefore, more studies are needed to better characterize this association.
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN INDIA: A WEB-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors:   Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, India, Chaturvedi Rekha , Khrolia Shaveta ,   Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, India, Yadav Vandana ,   Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, India, Bagri Meenakshi ,   Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, India, Jyoti Jyoti ,   Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, India
Published: August 2021

Background and objective. Evidence based practice (EBP) is based on the combination of the best research finding and clinical skill to ease clinical decision-making procedure. Patients treated with evidence-based practices have much better results as compared to the other patients. In today’s world, EBP has attained global acceptance in physiotherapy sector. The objective of the study was to access the knowledge, attitude and implementation of EBP of physiotherapists in India via a cross sectional study. Method. A cross sectional survey was held with the help of a web based customized questionnaire and was sent to physiotherapists. Results. Most of the subjects were affirmative regarding EBP but did not have enough knowledge and expertise for its implementation. The chief barriers for EBP implementation was lack of time and the cost of information resources. Conclusions. Physiotherapists need to upgrade their perspective, knowledge, understanding and skills regarding EBP. Furthermore, EBP must be added to the academic curriculum for its early recognition among the medical students
MYASTHENIA GRAVIS IN PREGNANCY: A RARE ASSOCIATION WITH AN UNPREDICTABLE EVOLUTION – THREE CASES PRESENTATION
Authors:   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Military Hospital of Instruction Mohamed V, Rabat, Morocco, Aboubakr Benjilany , Jaouad Kouach ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Military Hospital of Instruction Mohamed V, Rabat, Morocco
Published: August 2021

Myasthenia gravis is a neuro-immunological disease due to the blockage of motor plate post-synaptic receptors by antiacetylcholine receptors antibodies, causing excessive fatigability of skeletal striated muscles. Thus, vital prognosis is engaged by swallowing disorders and respiratory distress related to pharyngeal striated and intercostal muscles damage. Myasthenia evolves by flare-ups, with two peaks of prevalence: first one, between 20 and 30 years-old with femal predominance. Then after 40 years-old, sex ratio evens out. Therefore, association of myasthenia and pregnancy is not exceptional, hence the interest in knowing particularities of these pregnancies, to ensure optimal monitoring for both mother and child. Indeed, mother’s risk is myasthenia decompensation, while child’s risk is neonatal myasthenia gravis. We report three myasthenia and pregnancy cases, from prenatal period to pueripartum, then we discuss in literature light, myasthenia gravis bidirectional influence on pregnancy, as well as impact of anti-myasthenic treatments on pregnancy.
TRIGGER FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MIGRAINE HEADACHE AMONG NORTHERN IRANIAN POPULATION
Authors:   Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran, Gorjizadeh Negar , Irian Saeed ,   Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran, Karimian Ansar ,   Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran, Saadat Payam ,   Mobility Impairment Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran,   Clinical Research Development Unite of Rouhani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
Published: August 2021

Background. Migraine is the most common neurological disorder associated with a wide range of psychiatric comorbidities. It is therefore regarded as a major global health problem due to its high prevalence. Here we investigated the factors associated with migraine among an Iranian population. Methods. This investigation included a cross-sectional study consisting of 270 migraine patients. Initially, a questionnaire was designed based on demographic information and headache characteristics. SPSS analyzed the collected data, and chi-square and logistic regression were used to evaluate the clinical data. Results. Our findings revealed that many migraine patients are experiencing multiple trigger factors, with stressful life events being the most common in both genders and migraine subtypes. The incidence of migraine was higher in women than in men. Among the trigger factors leading to the intensification of migraine attacks, stress, sleep changes, and bright lights were the most common and important causes of headache, followed by tiredness and weather change disturbance. Conclusions. Considering the contradictory reports on the effect of trigger factors on migraine, further studies are needed to be performed. Due to the significance of the socio-economic impact of migraine on patient’s quality of life, strategies for managing these factors should be effectively implemented to improve the community’s health.
Review of Clustering Methods for Slow Coherency-Based Generator Grouping
Authors: Chicco G.
Published: August 2021

Slow coherency is one of the most relevant concepts used in power systems dynamics to group generators that exhibit similar response to disturbances. Among the approaches developed for generator grouping based on slow coherency, clustering algorithms play a significant role. This paper reviews the clustering algorithms applied in model-based and data-driven approaches, highlighting the metrics used, the feature selection, the types of algorithms and the comparison among the results obtained considering simulated or measured data.
Generation Structure, Prices, and Tariffs in the Russian Electric Power Industry in 2009-2018
Authors: Vasilyev M. Yu.
Published: August 2021

The paper aims to summarize and analyze the statistical data on the generation structure and price behavior in the Russian electric power industry and, based on the analysis, make a statistical contribution to the discussion on the outcomes of the electricity reform in Russia. A brief review of this topic is provided. The study states that the electric power industry should be regarded as a combination of four sub-industries when regulation, market design, and industrial organization problems are discussed. These four sub-industries are generation, transmission, distribution, and sales because of different regulations applied to these businesses. The main trends in the retail price index and some other indexes in the four sub-industries are observed from 2009 to 2018. The trends in electricity consumption and generation structure are discussed as essential components of economic processes in the industry. The findings suggest that the four sub-industries make different contributions to the overall growth of the electricity supply costs for end consumers. Most growth was determined by regulated government-granted monopolies in network businesses (transmission and distribution companies). The sales business is represented in the research by suppliers of last resort.
Amplitude Sampled Reference-Based Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation for Control of Voltage Source Converters
Authors: Ratib Mohamed K. , Rashwan Ahmed
Published: August 2021

Memory, speed, reliability, and efficiency are the main characteristics of concern in new contemporary control techniques of electric power converters. Space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) is a widespread digital compute-intensive control technique used in the control of power converters. This study aims to overcome the large number of calculations needed by the SVPWM algorithm, which limits its implementation in many advanced industrial applications. This paper presents a low-cost software implemented simplified SVPWM technique. The proposed strategy generates the inverter switching times in a straightforward manner with no need for complicated and time-consuming sector identification and look-up switching tables. A simulation study has been done using MATLAB/SIMULINK environment for the three-phase voltage source converter (VSC). The results in terms of total harmonic distortion (THD) in the converter line voltage are compared for the proposed technique, conventional SVPWM, and space pulse width modulation (SPWM). The execution time is reduced considerably with a slight increase in the value of THD and about 14.4 percent DC-link voltage utilization over the SPWM.
Simulation of Electromagnetic Fields Generated by Overhead Power Lines and Railroad Traction Networks
Authors: Buyakova N.V. , Zakaryukin V.P. , Kryukov A.V. , Seredkin D.A.
Published: August 2021

The establishment of smart grids requires special attention to the safety of power industry facilities and the reduction in their negative impact on personnel and the environment. A significant factor of such an impact is the considerable intensities of electromagnetic field (EMF) generated by such facilities. In the context of power industry digitalization, the development of methods and tools for EMF digital simulation is needed to ensure the electromagnetic safety of the service personnel. Computer models designed to adequately determine the EMF generated by overhead power lines (OPL) can be implemented based on the methods and tools created to determine operating parameters of electric power systems in phase coordinates developed at Irkutsk State Transport University. The technique of electromagnetic safety analysis is implemented based on the proposed approach and has the following features: a systems approach, which is the possibility of simulating electromagnetic fields in terms of properties and characteristics of a complex electric power system; versatility, which allows simulating power lines and traction networks of various designs; appropriateness to the environment achieved by considering the profile of the underlying surface, underground utilities, and artificial structures of rail transport, such as galleries, bridges, and tunnels; comprehensiveness, which is provided by combining the computation of operating parameters and the determination of EMF intensities. The paper describes methods and algorithms developed to determine the intensities of electromagnetic fields generated by multi-conductor power lines at fundamental and higher harmonics frequencies. A technique for the EMF determination at the points of OPL orthogonal crossing is also presented.
Impact of a sports mega-event on the perception of the image of a tourist destination
Authors: Rozhda Yana , Sheresheva Marina
Published: August 2021

Given a changing global context, there is a need to understand if sports mega-events that are now often hosted by the BRICS countries can serve as a tool to improve their international perception as attractive tourist destinations. The study presented in the paper analyzes the perception of Russia and host cities of the 2018 FIFA World Cup by visiting fans. The problem was examined using the available secondary data, as well as empirical data obtained in the spring of 2021 by means of semi-structured interviews and survey methods. The study confirms that hosting of a sports mega-event affects the perception of the destination by its visitors. Organizing such an event encourages people to choose a location that has not been considered before and helps to dispel negative myths and stereotypes imposed by the media. The results also confirm that attending a sports mega-event may lead to an intention to revisit its venue. The results of the study are useful to an international audience, both academics and practitioners, including policy makers.
Learning Greek and Latin Through Digital Annotation
Authors: Mugelli Gloria , Re Giulia , Boschetti Frederico , Taddei Andrea
Published: August 2021

Gloria Mugelli, Giulia Re, Andrea Taddei & Federico Boschetti describe the Ephoria EDU system, a resource for digital annotation of ancient texts developed by the Lab.
of Anthropology of Ancient Greece (LAMA), the CoPhiLab at the ILC-CNR in Pisa and the Venice Digital and Public Humanities Department. The system allows to structure textual
information by connecting keywords and creating networks of concepts such as ritual actions in Greek Tragedy. It is applicable to all kinds of linguistic or cultural observations,
allowing a wide range of collaboration between teachers and students from high school to university.
VERGILIUS
Authors: Capozzoli Vincenzo
Published: August 2021

Vincenzo Capozzoli presents VERGILIUS, a collaborative platform for studying and promoting the heritage of the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, which consists in Greek antiquities, a
model of the ancient city of Rome, a collection of pottery sherds from the Near East, a corpus of stamp seals from ancient Iran, several thousands of slides and photographs, the archives of
former professors, a collection of plaster casts and a film library. Since October 2011, these collections have been digitized and organised into archives and virtual exhibitions.
This work has proved a valuable training instrument for students, who learn about the objects and their history but also significantly improve their IT skills.
Success Factors for Teaching Museum Studies in the Digital Age
Authors: Hutz-Nierhoff Dorthe , Menschner Antje-Sophie
Published: August 2021

Dorthe Hutz-Nierhoff and Antje-Sophie Menschner present ‘Success Factors for Teaching Museum Studies in the Digital Age: Insights into museOn | weiterbildung & netzwerk`. By demonstrating
the key factors of the blended learning program museOn, the authors suggest that these factors be transferred to the basic teaching of Classics. While there may be obstacles such as the
unfamiliarity of teaching staff with digital methods and traditional forms of examination, the digital format presents many benefits for a shift from teaching to learning and for fostering
highly relevant skills such as digital interaction and collaborative working.
Ancient Cities
Authors: Blömer Michael , Brouns Francis , Duplouy Alain , Feuser Stefan , Malmberg Simon , Merten Stephanie , Videbech Christina , Zarmakoupi Mantha
Published: August 2021

The paper presents the international, multilingual teaching project 'Ancient Cities'. The contributors explain the production of the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) 'Discovering Greek &
Roman Cities', its structure and learning material (such as videos, introductory texts, and quizzes), the participants’ varied demographics and their feedback. Furthermore, they show how
the course’s materials were successfully implemented in academic teaching at the Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and at the University of Pennsylvania.
Simulating Digital Classics in Classical Teaching
Authors: Reinhardt Corinna , Bendschus Torsten
Published: August 2021

In the 21st century, Classical Archaeology is making more and more use of digital tools and methods. This tendency towards a future field of “Digital Classics” requires participation not
only as users, but also as developers. For this reason, the required qualification profile for a student of Classical Archaeology is changing and academic teaching at universities is confronted
with new challenges. Our presentation tackles this issue by suggesting a new teaching concept that focuses especially on the pivotal skills that are needed to use and develop digital methods
within an interdisciplinary team. It is based on the didactic model of a simulation game. This simulation is attached to a (real) interdisciplinary research project. In this way it offers the
possibility of a structured process model and challenges the participants’ skills of interaction and complex decision-making. The result is a realistic environment whose demands, means and
conditions of action support the assessment and evaluation of academic expectations in multidisciplinary professional situations
Nghiên cứu mối liên quan giữa các yếu tố nguy cơ tim mạch và điểm MEHRAN với tổn thương thận cấp do thuốc cản quang
Authors: Ho Anh Binh
Published: August 2021

Đặt vấn đề: Tổn thương thận cấp do thuốc cản quang là một trong những biến chứng quan trọng mà nếu dự đoán sớm các YTNC chúng ta có biện pháp phòng ngừa. Gần đây các nhà nghiên cứu còn đề xuất ra nhiều bảng điểm để xác định nguy cơ xuất hiện tổn thương thận cấp do thuốc cản quang như: điểm nguy cơ Mehran tỉ số giữa lượng thuốc cản quang và mức lọc cầu thận ước đoán. Chúng tôi nghiên cứu đề tài với mục tiêu: Đánh giá mối liên quan giữa các yếu tố nguy cơ tim mạch, điểm Mehran với tổn thương thận cấp do thuốc cản quang

Đối tượng: 221 BN bệnh động mạch vành có chỉ định chụp, can thiệp động mạch vành. Phương pháp nghiên cứu: Mô tả cắt ngang, tiến cứu.

Kết quả: Hạ huyết áp quanh thủ thuật là YTNC độc lập của tổn thương thận cấp do thuốc cản quang với OR = 5,299, khoảng tin cậy 95% 1,177-23,854 và P = 0,030. Nồng độ NT-proBNP là YTNC độc lập của tổn thương thận cấp do thuốc cản quang với OR = 1,000, khoảng tin cậy 95% 1,000-1,000 và P = 0,018. Điểm nguy cơ Mehran ở nhóm nguy cơ cao (11-15 điểm) là YTNC độc lập của tổn thương thận cấp do thuốc cản quang với OR = 7,983, khoảng tin cậy 95% 1,080-58,990 và P = 0,042. Điểm nguy cơ Mehran ở nhóm nguy cơ rất cao (≥ 16 điểm) là YTNC độc lập của tổn thương thận cấp do thuốc cản quang với OR = 53,821, khoảng tin cậy 95% 3,046-951,033 và P = 0,007.

Kết luận: Hạ huyết áp quanh thủ thuật, nồng độ NT-proBNP, điểm Mehran ở nhóm nguy cơ cao và rất cao là YTNC độc lập của tổn thương thận cấp do thuốc cản quang.

Từ khóa: Điểm nguy cơ Mehran, tổn thương thận cấp, thuốc cản quang, động mạch vành.
MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE TREATMENT OF THYROID DISEASES. REVIEW
Authors: Glushkov P. S. , Azimov R. K. , Shemyatovsky K. A. , Gorsky V. A.
Published: August 2021

The Kocher approach, which has already become traditional for many decades, in operations on the thyroid gland (TG) in the 21st century has ceased to meet the standards of minimally invasive surgery. Providing an excellent view of the organ and the convenience of an operative reception, a 4-5 cm incision on the anterior surface of the neck leaves behind a visible scar, which is a cosmetic defect. The development of technologies made it possible to develop and optimize access to the thyroid gland, which have the best cosmetic effect, but also require changes in the surgical technique. This literature review provides a description and analysis of the existing minimally invasive approaches to the thyroid gland.
MULTIPLE PRIMARY SYNCHRONOUS NEOPLASMS OF THE SIGMOID COLON AND BREAST IN COMBINATION WITH SPINAL CORD MENINGIOMA. CLINICAL CASE
Authors: Agapov M. A. , Donchenko K. A. , Kubyshkin V. A. , Kakotkin V. V. , Kasheev A. A. , Poltorako E. N. , Sigaleva T. V. , Bondar S. V. , Britikova M. V.
Published: August 2021

The incidence of multiple primary oncological diseases ranges from 2.4% to 17%. The main causes of primary multiple diseases include factors related to the patient's lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors, as well as factors related to the comprehensive treatment of previously identified malignant diseases.

We demonstrate a clinical case of treatment of a patient with synchronous primary multiple cancer of the sigmoid colon and breast in combination with spinal cord meningioma. An interesting fact is the possible correlation between meningioma and breast cancer. Thus, the risk of meningioma in women who have had breast cancer and the risk of breast cancer in women with a history of meningioma is moderately increased (RR = 1.40-1.64 and 1.54, respectively). This two-way statistical association may be a consequence of common risk factors and a partial coincidence of gene-environmental interactions that determine carcinogenesis. Further research is needed to identify problems of prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and disease-free survival. It is important that patients diagnosed with cancer have information about possible late and long-term consequences of treatment and its symptoms, as well as possible signs of relapse and the appearance of secondary tumors. It is important that patients receiving treatment for malignant neoplasms follow the recommendations for cancer prevention and early detection, including smoking cessation, physical activity, nutrition and diet, a healthy weight and all standard cancer screening tests.
Does Age Matter in Psoriatic Arthritis? A Narrative Review
Authors: Fragoulis George E. , Nikiphorou Elena , McInnes Iain B. , Siebert Stefan
Published: August 2021

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) affects approximately 0.8% of the general population. PsA, together with psoriasis (PsO), constitute psoriatic disease (PsD). Comorbidities play an important role in the clinical expression and treatment of PsD. Aging adds another level of complexity, partly because age directly accrues increasing risk of comorbidities, but also because of its complex interactions with several factors such as depression and social determinants. Aging seems to have a “paradoxical association” with cardiovascular comorbidities, for which the relative risk is more pronounced in younger patients with PsD. It also affects treatment decisions and treatment response in patients with PsD. Finally, there is convincing evidence that there are clinical, genetic, and histopathological differences between early- and late-onset PsA and PsO. Herein, we review the effect of age in patients with PsD, with a focus on PsA, highlighting the need to consider this factor in routine clinical practice as well as in research.
La recherche enracinée en management
Authors: Pesqueux Yvon , Sogbossi Bocco Bertrand
Published: August 2021

Ce texte se situe dans la lignée des textes publiés par les collègues africains et européens quant à la nécessité radicale de contextualiser, tant sur le plan théorique que sur le plan empirique. C’est d’abord ce qui pose la question épistémologique de l’équilibre à trouver entre « rigueur », « pertinence » et « impact ». Cette question prend d’autres dimensions – celle de la validité – quand on convoque des théories et/ou notions issues de disciplines voisines comme, par exemple, quand il s’agit de modèles et de théories issues de la psychologie sociale. Ce texte invite à examiner les contours d’une triple contextualisation : la contextualisation quant à la circulation des idées (par exemple au regard de théories élaborées aux États-Unis et à une autre époque), la contextualisation quant à la dimension méthodologique (les approches hypothético-déductives sont partielles et partiales et posent la question de la validité de leur usage face à la question de recherche – où l’on retrouve la question de la pertinence et de l’impact) et surtout la contextualisation quant à l’environnement étudié (les pays africains se caractérisent par un contexte socio-économique largement différent de celui des pays du Nord où l’on retrouve encore la question de la pertinence et de l’impact).
Association Between Cohabitation Status and Sleep Quality in Families of Persons With Dementia in Korea: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kim Seung Hoon , Park Minah , Jeong Sung Hoon , Jang Sung-In , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: August 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the association between cohabitation status and sleep quality in family members of people with dementia (PwDs).Methods: Data of 190 365 participants aged ≥19 years from the 2018 Korea Community Health Survey were analyzed. Participants were categorized according to their cohabitation status with PwDs. Multiple logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between the cohabitation status of PwDs’ relatives and sleep quality measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and PSQI subscales.Results: Compared to participants without PwDs in their families, both cohabitation and non-cohabitation with PwDs were associated with poor sleep quality (cohabitation, male: odds ratio [OR],1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08 to 1.52; female: OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.20 to 1.64; non-cohabitation, male: OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.24; female: OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.33). In a subgroup analysis, non-cohabiting family members showed the highest odds of experiencing poor sleep quality when the PwD lived alone (male: OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.91; female: OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.24 to 2.01). Cohabiting male and female participants had higher odds of poor subjective sleep quality and use of sleeping medications than non-cohabiting male and female participants, respectively.Conclusions: The residence of PwDs and cohabitation status may contribute to poor sleep quality among PwDs’ family members. The circumstances faced by cohabiting and non-cohabiting family members should be considered when evaluating sleep quality in family members of PwDs, and appropriate interventions may be needed to improve sleep quality in both cohabiting and non-cohabiting family members.
Personal Judgments and Emotional Reactions towards Online based Self-Service Technologies
Authors: Galdolage B. S.
Published: August 2021

Currently Self-Service Technologies (SSTs) become prominent in many service transactions. However, customer reactions towards SSTs may vary according to their personal evaluation of its suitability. Although tremendous growth is visible in practice, there has been a little exploration of consumer reactions towards SSTs in academic research. Thus, this study aims at identifying customers’ personal judgements and emotional reactions towards SSTs. Based on the inductive approach, qualitative inquiries with semi-structured interviews were carried out with 25 individuals. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis approach and found five emotional reactions and nine personal judgements which individuals differently bear for SSTs. These findings will provide insights for SST providers on understanding what customers feel about SSTs and how should these be changed to enhance customer acceptance of SSTs.
The Impact of Optimism and Pre-Entrepreneurial Curiosity on the Entrepreneurial Intention with the Moderating Effect of Gender: With Special Reference to the Undergraduates of the University of Kelaniya
Authors: Wijesinghe H. S. , Gunathunga K. L. N. K.
Published: August 2021

Many research studies were performed concerning factors influencing entrepreneurial intention. Yet, none of these studies described the impact of optimism and pre-entrepreneurial curiosity with the moderating effect of gender among the undergraduates in a state university in Sri Lanka. The researchers conducted a questionnaire survey to fill this gap by collecting data from 353 undergraduates covering all the faculties of the University of Kelaniya by utilizing the proportionate stratified random sampling method. Findings indicate that optimism and pre-entrepreneurial curiosity have a positive impact on undergraduates' entrepreneurial intention. Moreover, the findings reveal that gender moderates the relationship between optimism and entrepreneurial intention. Identifying psychological factors that determine an undergraduate's entrepreneurial intention is essential because, after recognizing that, educators and policymakers can implement different strategies to enhance those aspects to stimulate entrepreneurial intention further.
What Motivates the Adoption Intention of e-banking Services: The Moderating Role of Age and Gender
Authors: Aboobucker Ilmudeen
Published: August 2021

Despite the benefits of using e-banking services, the adoption intention of e-banking in Sri Lanka is still under-researched. This paper integrates awareness, convenience, and website usability with moderators' effects to test customer acceptance of e-banking services. Hence, this paper extends the technology acceptance model (TAM). Data were collected through a primary survey of 186 banking customers and used the structured equation modeling for data analysis. The results show that perceived usefulness, convenience, and website usability influence customers' intention to e-banking adoption. In contrast, perceived ease of use and awareness failed to show a significant relationship. Age and gender did not have substantial moderating effects but explain the impact on the exogenous variable relationship. This study integrates moderators into a broader model to investigate the users' acceptance of ebanking services, and particularly, the country-specific research could be more viable ground for other countries similar in context.
Health and social problems following illicit drug use among males experiencing incarceration in prison; a cross sectional study on single centre experience
Authors: Darshana I. L. A. N. , Ruben R. , Wijesinghe C. J.
Published: August 2021

Background: Illicit drug use is a growing problem in Sri Lanka. A significant proportion of prison admissions is illicit drug related in many countries including Sri Lanka.

Objective: This study was conducted to describe the possible health and social problems following illicit drug use among males experiencing incarceration in Prison, Galle.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 254 males with history of illicit drug use behavior. An interviewer assisted, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the presence of known health and social problems related to drug use which were identified through literature. Associations for presence of health and social problems following illicit drug use were assessed using Chi square test at 0.05 significance level.

Results: Health and social problems following illicit drug use were common among individuals experiencing incarceration and their presence was associated with poly drug use, drug dependence and problematic drug use (p
Save the children from screen overuse
Authors: Liyanarachchi Nayana
Published: August 2021

No abstract available
Profile of stress among a group of female school children in their early adolescence in the Galle educational zone; a descriptive cross sectional study
Authors: Madhushanthi H. J. , Wimalasekera S. W. , Goonewardena C. S. E. , Amarasekara A. A. T. D. , Lenora J.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Age ranging from 11 to 14 years is regarded as early adolescence. Females are p vulnerable to experience stress with rapid physical, psychological, cognitive and social changes accompanied in adolescence. Stress experienced in adolescence is linked with a range of adverse physical and psychological consequences. The study aimed to determine the level of stress and factors contributing to stress among female adolescents in the Galle educational zone, Sri Lanka. Methods: A school based cross - sectional study was conducted on female adolescents (11 - 14 years, n = 218). A self-administered socio-demographic questionnaire and psychosocial adversity scale were used to assess socioeconomic status and psychosocial adversities respectively. The Body Mass Index (BMI), waist hip ratio (WHR), waist height ratio (WHtR) and fat percentage (FM%) were calculated to assess the nutritional status. Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ), which measures 9 dimensions of stress, was used to assess stress. Results: Normal nutritional status was observed in 118 (54.1%) while 65 (29.8%) and 35(16.1%) adolescents were underweight and overweight respectively. A majority of adolescents (n = 158, 72.9%) were experiencing stress. An increased stress levels were observed for the domains of school attendance (n = 203, 93.1%), future uncertainty (n = 202, 92.7%), school performance (n = 185, 84.9%), emerging responsibility (n = 186, 85.3%), and conflict of school/leisure time (n = 178, 81.7%). Conclusions: Most adolescents considered future uncertainty and school attendance as the greatest stress inducing factors. Urgent measures to decrease stress levels amongst these adolescents need to be implemented.
Physiological profile of Sri Lankan male long distance runners and sprinters competing at national level and university level; a descriptive study
Authors: Wijayasiri K. D. C. U. , Wimalasekera S. W. , Sivayogan S. , Waidyasekara H. , Ishikawa Y.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Despite regular training Sri Lankan runners do not perform well in international sports arena. The performance of a runner is determined by cardiopulmonary fitness level. However, little is known about the cardiopulmonary fitness levels of Sri Lankan runners. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the status of the cardiopulmonary fitness of a group of Sri Lankan national level and university level male long distance runners and sprinters. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the baseline data using interviewer administered questionnaire and clinical examination of 95 male runners [national level long distance runners (n = 27), national level sprinters (n = 27), university level long distance runners (n = 20), university level sprinters (n = 21)] and age and sex matched control subjects (n = 41). Cardiopulmonary exercise fitness was assessed by a fully automated Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) machine. Results: The CPET parameters such as VO , peak workload, exercise duration, heart rate at rest (HR ) and 2max rest at peak (HR ), systolic blood pressure at rest (SBP ), and at peak (SBP ), diastolic blood pressure at peak rest peak rest (DBP ), and at peak (DBP ) amongst Sri Lankan national level runners indicated minimal improvement rest peak when compared to Sri Lankan university level runners. Further, most of the CPET parameters of Sri Lankan runners were lower when compared with those parameters of runners from the Asian region. Conclusions and recommendations: Cardiopulmonary fitness of Sri Lankan long distance runners and sprinters is low. Thus, training protocols are needed to be modified in accordance with the baseline CPET parameters to attain optimal cardiovascular remodelling to enhance he performance of Sri Lankan runners.
Kawasaki-like disease and myocarditis in a child with recent COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Jayawardana P. P. , Gamage P. , Ragunathan I. R. , Vithanage I. C. , Aslam W. A. M.
Published: August 2021

No abstract available
Performance and Loads of a Lift Offset Rotor, Part II: Prediction Validations with Measurements
Authors: Schmaus Joseph H. , Chopra Inderjit
Published: August 2021

The predictions of an upgraded UMARC comprehensive analysis are compared to experimental lift offset rotor results. The experiments cover a range of collective pitch angles (o) from 2° to 10°, advance ratios (μ) from 0.21 to 0.53, and lift
offset from 0% to 20%. The experimental model rotors are from a system of coaxial hingeless rotors, with two blades each, and a first flap frequency of approximately 1.6/rev. The simulation is compared with isolated rotor performance and controls with lift offset, loads, and pitch link forces.
Increasing efficiency with increasing lift offset, the impact of lift offset on different loads, and the dependence of pitch link loads on pitch bearing damping are identified in the experiment and correlated with the simulation.
Thyroid disorders in children and adolescents
Authors: Dayal Devi , Gupta Brij Mohan , Gupta Atul
Published: August 2021

Background:

Several countries research thyroid problems in children and adolescents. However, a scientometric assessment of global research in this field is unavailable.

Aim:

We aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of research in thyroid disorders in children during 1990–2019.

Methods:

The data on pediatric thyroid disorders (PTDs) publications were retrieved from the Scopus database and analyzed using select bibliometric tools.

Results:

There were 4658 publications over the 30-year period registering an average annual and 15-year cumulative growth of 6.9% and 149.4%, respectively, and averaging 24.0 citations per paper. Of the 144 participating countries, the top ten contributed 69.9% of the global share. The most productive countries were the USA, Italy, and UK, whereas Netherlands, Canada, and the USA were the most impactful. Of the 745 participating organizations and 1275 authors, the top 20 of each contributed 26.2% and 7.9% of publication share, and 42.8% and 14.6% of citation share, respectively. The top three most productive organizations were INSERM, France, National Institute of Health, USA, and National Cancer Research Institute, USA, whereas the top three most productive authors were S. Yamashita, L. Persani, and G. Weber. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Thyroid were the journals that published most research in PTDs.

Conclusions:

There is a substantial recent increase in the quantity of research on PTDs dominated by the North-American and Western-European countries. The vast disparities in pediatric thyroid research between high- and low-income countries need to be addressed through collaborations.
Impact of video clinics in the management of fracture nasal bones in COVID times
Authors: Narang V. , Eswarappa V. , Calder N.
Published: August 2021

Background: The COVID -19 pandemic created a panic situation where patient interaction with the other patients and health care staff had to be restricted to avoid spreading the disease. We planned an innovative strategy to restrict the inflow of patients to those who may need nasal bone manipulation by using Video Clinics (VC). Methods: All consecutive patients presenting to three units of Accident & Emergency (A & E) NHS sites of our trust with suspicion of fractured nasal bones were included in the study group for a period of three months. The impact of VC was studied by calculating the percentage of patients who could be discharged without a recall to the hospital from those attending it, the percentage who finally needed a fracture reduction, and the satisfaction scores of patients with VC. Results: Forty-two patients were offered appointments in VC. Thirty-one could attend VC, out of which thirteen (41.9%) were discharged without a recall. Twenty-three patients were recalled for F2F (Face2Face) clinic, out of which twelve (28.5% of 42) required fracture reduction, and 11 were discharged to home. Ten patients underwent fracture reduction under local anaesthesia, and two were booked for Septorhinoplasty later. Twenty-seven (87.1 %) patients expressed satisfaction with VC, two (6.4%) were lost to follow-up, and the remaining two (6.4%) were not satisfied. Conclusion: VC could effectively filter 41.9% of patients who did not need surgical intervention from the comfort of their homes or workplace by using the available multimedia facility without compromising outcomes and satisfaction scores. The satisfaction score was 87.1% with VC. The clinics helped prevent potential coronavirus exposure by staying safe, and they are recommended in emergencies like COVID -19.
The impact of credit risk on the financial stability of commercial banks in Vietnam
Authors: Anh Nguyen Quoc , Phuong Duong Nguyen Thanh
Published: August 2021

This study investigates the impact of credit risk on the financial stability of Vietnamese commercial banks. The paper uses the Z-score to proxy the financial stability of banks. We use the data of 27 Vietnamese commercial banks on BankScope, during 2010 - 2019. The paper applied a dynamic panel data approach; the selected method is the difference GMM (DGMM). The key question discussed is which factor impacts on Z-score. Analysis results show the negative effect of non-performing loans on the financial stability of banks. When commercial banks have higher non-performing loans, the lower the financial stability is. Additionally, bank-specific variables such as equity on asset ratio, the return on equity, the size of the bank and set of macroeconomic variables affect the bank’s financial stability. Based on the analysis results, we imply relevant policies for the State Bank of Vietnam and commercial banks.