bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hindsight to foresight: an AI-powered analysis of future events in EJFR in 10 years
Authors: Barbosa Carlos Eduardo , Lyra Alan , de Souza Jano Moreira , Lima Yuri , Salazar Herbert , Argôlo Matheus
Published: May 2024

The world is changing increasingly faster, bringing uncertainty and complexity to many processes, and this acceleration leads to the rise of demand for studies regarding the future. Futures Studies have been widely used to support decision-making, emphasizing forecasting technologies’ timing, diffusion, and life cycle. Therefore, evaluating previous forecasts to understand their proposed scenarios better is often necessary. This work analyzes all articles published until the end of 2023 in one of the most relevant journals of this field of study, the European Journal of Futures Research (EJFR). The EJFR is among the main contributors to fostering dialogue among scholars, practitioners, and policymakers interested in anticipating and shaping the future. We streamlined the uncovering of future events written on EJFR articles using NERMAP, a software we designed to semi-automate the roadmapping process. We built five simple scenarios and associated each of the 214 future events found into a scenario. Then, we analyzed the 52 events that were supposed to happen until 2023 to discover how the expected possible events did occur in real life. Therefore, we expect to provide insights, better understand how expected possible events occur in real life, and write a novel way to understand the journal’s history. The methodology used in this study is novel and applicable to other studies to reduce the time and risk of errors when developing large-scale roadmaps. This work provides valuable information for decision-makers in organizations and governments. The Futures Research scientific community can use the results to improve their research frameworks.
Associations between medical students’ stress, academic burnout and moral courage efficacy
Authors: Neufeld-Kroszynski Galit , Michael Keren , Karnieli-Miller Orit
Published: May 2024

Background

Medical students, especially during the clinical years, are often exposed to breaches of safety and professionalism. These contradict personal and professional values exposing them to moral distress and to the dilemma of whether and how to act. Acting requires moral courage, i.e., overcoming fear to maintain one’s core values and professional obligations. It includes speaking up and “doing the right thing” despite stressors and risks (e.g., humiliation). Acting morally courageously is difficult, and ways to enhance it are needed. Though moral courage efficacy, i.e., individuals’ belief in their capability to act morally, might play a significant role, there is little empirical research on the factors contributing to students’ moral courage efficacy. Therefore, this study examined the associations between perceived stress, academic burnout, and moral courage efficacy.

Methods

A cross-sectional study among 239 medical students who completed self-reported questionnaires measuring perceived stress, academic burnout (‘exhaustion,’ ‘cynicism,’ ‘reduced professional efficacy’), and moral courage efficacy (toward others’ actions and toward self-actions). Data analysis via Pearson’s correlations, regression-based PROCESS macro, and independent t-tests for group differences.

Results

The burnout dimension of ‘reduced professional efficacy’ mediated the association between perceived stress and moral courage efficacy toward others’ actions. The burnout dimensions ‘exhaustion’ and ‘reduced professional efficacy’ mediated the association between perceived stress and moral courage efficacy toward self-actions.

Conclusions

The results emphasize the importance of promoting medical students’ well-being—in terms of stress and burnout—to enhance their moral courage efficacy. Medical education interventions should focus on improving medical students’ professional efficacy since it affects both their moral courage efficacy toward others and their self-actions. This can help create a safer and more appropriate medical culture.
The predicting factors of chronic pain among nursing students: a national study in Iran
Authors: Shaygan Maryam , Tehranineshat Banafsheh , Teshnizi Saeed Hosseini , Mohammadi Agrin
Published: May 2024

Background

Nursing students are faced with a variety of challenges that demand effective cognitive and emotional resources. The physical and psychological well-being of the students plays a key part in the public health of the community. Despite the special lifestyle of nursing students, few studies have addressed chronic pain in this population. Accordingly, the present study aims to identify the predictors of chronic pain among nursing students.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,719 nursing students aged 18–42 years, between February and November 2019. Sampling was carried out in several stages. Data were collected using seven instruments, namely a demographics survey, the characteristics of chronic pain form, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Bar-on Emotional Quotient Inventory, Academic Satisfaction Scale, and Procidano and Heller Social Support Scale. Descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression, and regression models were used to describe the characteristics of the pain and its predictive factors.

Results

The average age of the participants was 22.4 ± 2.96 years. The results of univariate analysis showed that gender (P = 0.506), mother’s education (P = 0.056, P = 0.278, P = 0.278), father’s education (P = 0.817, P = 0.597, P = 0.41), place of residence (P = 0.215), depression (P = 0.501), grade point average (P = 0.488), academic satisfaction (P = 0.183) and chronic pain weren’t significantly correlated with chronic pain in nursing students. The results of the multiple logistic regression models showed that chronic pain was positively correlated with age, social support, state anxiety, and trait anxiety (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02–1.12; OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93–0.97; OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02–1.05; and OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 0.95–1.99; respectively).

Conclusion

The prevalence of chronic pain was relatively high in these students. In addition, age, social support, and anxiety could be important factors in the development or persistence of chronic pain in nursing students. The results also provided basic and essential information about the contributing factors in this area. However, consideration of factors such as referral for treatment, home medications for pain relief, and outcomes of chronic pain are suggested in future longitudinal studies.
7 Tesla magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging predicting IDH status and glioma grading
Authors: Cadrien Cornelius , Sharma Sukrit , Lazen Philipp , Licandro Roxane , Furtner Julia , Lipka Alexandra , Niess Eva , Hingerl Lukas , Motyka Stanislav , Gruber Stephan , Strasser Bernhard , Kiesel Barbara , Mischkulnig Mario , Preusser Matthias , Roetzer-Pejrimovsky Thomas , Wöhrer Adelheid , Weber Michael , Dorfer Christian , Trattnig Siegfried , Rössler Karl , Bogner Wolfgang , Widhalm Georg , Hangel Gilbert
Published: May 2024

Introduction

With the application of high-resolution 3D 7 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Imaging (MRSI) in high-grade gliomas, we previously identified intratumoral metabolic heterogeneities.

In this study, we evaluated the potential of 3D 7 T-MRSI for the preoperative noninvasive classification of glioma grade and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) status. We demonstrated that IDH mutation and glioma grade are detectable by ultra-high field (UHF) MRI. This technique might potentially optimize the perioperative management of glioma patients.

Methods

We prospectively included 36 patients with WHO 2021 grade 2–4 gliomas (20 IDH mutated, 16 IDH wildtype). Our 7 T 3D MRSI sequence provided high-resolution metabolic maps (e.g., choline, creatine, glutamine, and glycine) of these patients’ brains. We employed multivariate random forest and support vector machine models to voxels within a tumor segmentation, for classification of glioma grade and IDH mutation status.

Results

Random forest analysis yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.86 for multivariate IDH classification based on metabolic ratios. We distinguished high- and low-grade tumors by total choline (tCho) / total N-acetyl-aspartate (tNAA) ratio difference, yielding an AUC of 0.99. Tumor categorization based on other measured metabolic ratios provided comparable accuracy.

Conclusions

We successfully classified IDH mutation status and high- versus low-grade gliomas preoperatively based on 7 T MRSI and clinical tumor segmentation. With this approach, we demonstrated imaging based tumor marker predictions at least as accurate as comparable studies, highlighting the potential application of MRSI for pre-operative tumor classifications.
The hepatoprotective effect of 4-phenyltetrahydroquinolines on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats through autophagy inhibition
Authors: Abdelgalil Mohamed Hussein , Elhammamy Reem H. , Ragab Hanan M. , Sheta Eman , Wahid Ahmed
Published: May 2024

Background

The liver serves as a metabolic hub within the human body, playing a crucial role in various essential functions, such as detoxification, nutrient metabolism, and hormone regulation. Therefore, protecting the liver against endogenous and exogenous insults has become a primary focus in medical research. Consequently, the potential hepatoprotective properties of multiple 4-phenyltetrahydroquinolines inspired us to thoroughly study the influence of four specially designed and synthesized derivatives on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in rats.

Methods and results

Seventy-seven Wistar albino male rats weighing 140 ± 18 g were divided into eleven groups to investigate both the toxicity profile and the hepatoprotective potential of 4-phenyltetrahydroquinolines. An in-vivo hepatotoxicity model was conducted using CCl4 (1 ml/kg body weight, a 1:1 v/v mixture with corn oil, i.p.) every 72 h for 14 days. The concurrent treatment of rats with our newly synthesized compounds (each at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight, suspended in 0.5% CMC, p.o.) every 24 h effectively lowered transaminases, preserved liver tissue integrity, and mitigated oxidative stress and inflammation. Moreover, the histopathological examination of liver tissues revealed a significant reduction in liver fibrosis, which was further supported by the immunohistochemical analysis of α-SMA. Additionally, the expression of the apoptotic genes BAX and BCL2 was monitored using real-time PCR, which showed a significant decrease in liver apoptosis. Further investigations unveiled the ability of the compounds to significantly decrease the expression of autophagy-related proteins, Beclin-1 and LC3B, consequently inhibiting autophagy. Finally, our computer-assisted simulation dockingonfirmed the obtained experimental activities.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that derivatives of 4-phenyltetrahydroquinoline demonstrate hepatoprotective properties in CCl4-induced liver damage and fibrosis in rats. The potential mechanism of action may be due to the inhibition of autophagy in liver cells.
Factors affecting major depression in Iran: a mixed-method study
Authors: Hosseinzadeh-Shanjani Zarrintaj , Khodayari-Zarnaq Rahim , Khosravi Mohammad Farough , Arab-Zozani Morteza , Alizadeh Gisoo
Published: May 2024

Depression is a major cause of disability and, if left untreated, can increase the risk of suicide. Evidence on the determinants of depression is incomplete, making it challenging to interpret results across studies. This study aims to identify the social, economic, environmental, political, and technological factors influencing the great recession in Iran. The study was conducted in two parts. The first step involved a literature review to identify the factors, using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for the search. The reference lists of all identified articles were reviewed to find relevant studies, and the extracted information was summarized and reported descriptively. The second steps involved compiling and consulting 14 experts from different fields, using a framework analysis method. Twenty-four articles were used as primary sources of information, and a total of 28 factors were found to exist. After removing duplicates and related factors, 19 of these were subsequently declared as factors, resulting in a total of 36 determinants being identified. Most of these factors belong to the social category. The health policies implemented have a significant impact on disease risk factors and ultimately their occurrence. Political decisions and policy-making processes play a crucial role in all areas, particularly in addressing disease risk factors. Severe depression can disrupt all aspects of the healthcare system, underscoring the importance of access to care. Policies concerning physical education, transportation, nutrition, employment, green spaces, recreational facilities, and tobacco are vital in this context. The influence of health policies on disease risk factors and disease occurrence is profound. Severe depression can have far-reaching effects on the healthcare system, emphasizing the critical need for access to care. The formulation of policies to combat depression must be thoroughly evaluated in terms of economic, political, social, technological, and environmental factors. The findings suggest that addressing social inequalities and emphasizing the role of political action, as highlighted by the social determinants of health, should be top priorities in addressing depression. Efforts to prevent depression should incorporate ecological approaches that consider the impact of the socioeconomic environment on depressive symptoms.
The effects of probiotic supplementation on cerebral cognitive function: a systematic review
Authors: Widyadharma I Putu Eka , Hendellyn Alvin , de Liyis Bryan Gervais , Putri Ni Luh Putu Saswatasya Widha , Indrayani Agung Wiwiek , Darwinata Agus Eka , Sujaya I Nengah
Published: May 2024

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) stands as a formidable challenge within the realm of neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by its inexorable progression and the profound cognitive impairments it engenders. Despite decades of research, the management of AD remains in a conundrum, with currently available treatments offering only modest symptomatic relief and none that can definitively alter the course of the disease.

Objective

This investigation seeks to provide a concise overview of the influence of probiotics on the cognitive aspects of AD, drawing upon a compilation of conducted studies.

Methods

The study was conducted by means of comprehensive searches in MEDLINE, Pubmed, and Google Scholar databases spanning from January 2015 to December 2020. The composition of this review adhered to the guidelines outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The evaluation of eligibility criteria was guided by the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, and Study Design (PICOS) framework, a methodology that was systematically applied to each identified research entry.

Results

Upon the implementation of the search protocol, a total of five articles that satisfied the predetermined inclusion criteria were incorporated into this review. Among these, four encompassed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), while the fifth pertained to an explorative interventional study. AD stands as a progressive neurodegenerative affliction of considerable clinical import. Through the assessment of diverse investigations, compelling evidence has emerged affirming that probiotic microorganisms, acting via the intricate gut–brain axis signaling pathway, harbor the capacity to ameliorate cognitive function in AD. The collective findings across all the studies unequivocally indicate a notable enhancement in cognitive function subsequent to the administration of probiotic supplementation (p < 0.05). While not all domains of cognitive function exhibit amelioration in response to probiotic supplementation, the consideration of incorporating probiotics within the therapeutic schema for AD warrants deliberation as a strategy to enhance cognitive performance.

Conclusion

Despite the intricate pathophysiology of AD, probiotic supplementation exerts a discernible influence on cognitive well-being. Notably, the symbiotic interplay between the gut and the brain, elucidated through the intricate gut–brain axis, emerges as a conduit through which probiotics could potentially modulate cognitive function.
Neuro-sarcoidosis with isolated optic neuropathy: unmasking the chameleon
Authors: Jha Shreyashi , Pendyala Santosh Kumar , Tiwari Mona
Published: May 2024

Isolated optic nerve involvement is rare in sarcoidosis. We report three cases describing atypical clinical and radiological features of isolated optic nerve involvement in sarcoidosis to expand the spectrum of neuro-ophthalmic sarcoidosis. Bilateral optic neuritis, sudden vision loss, primary optic atrophy, long segment optic neuritis, and isolated intrao-orbital sarcoidosis are described as atypical features of optic nerve involvement in this case series.
Comparative study between different types of intermediate osteotomies in twisted nose deformity management: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sabaa Mohamed A. E. , Elfouly Mahmoud S. , Elemam Amr M.
Published: May 2024

Background

The nasal dorsum plays an important role in defining the facial harmony. Osteotomy techniques in rhinoplasty surgery are challenging, as in many cases they require visionless tissue manipulation to achieve an aesthetic facial symmetry. This research elucidates the aesthetic outcome of the different types of intermediate osteotomies for correction of twisted nose deformity.

Patients and methods

This study was randomized controlled trial on 20 selected patients, divided randomly into 2 groups: group A included 10 patients who underwent routine vertical intermediate nasal osteotomies, while group B involved 10 patients subjected to transverse intermediate nasal osteotomies. Patients were assessed aesthetically both by the surgeon and a layperson based on pre and postoperative VAS scale and frontal view photography.

Results

Comparing pre and postoperative VAS showed statistically significant improvement with median score improvement from 8 pre to 1–2 post which is 80% improvement with P value of 0.004 for surgeon and 0.004 for layperson. Comparing the postoperative VAS for both groups showed statistically insignificant difference with P value of 0.106 for surgeon and 0.218 for lay person.

Conclusion

Twisted nose deformity is one of the challenging cases in rhinoplasty. Both types of intermediate osteotomies have shown significant improvement in postoperative dorsal aesthetic view. There was no statistically significant difference between either group; yet, more improvement was noted in the transverse type.
Anaerobic digestion of spoiled milk from dairy industry for biogas production – optimization of operating parameters and kinetic modeling of the pilot scale study
Authors: Mutegoa Eric
Published: May 2024

Background

Spoiled milk from the dairy industry was subjected to anaerobic treatment to produce biogas at 37℃ in this experiment. Parameters such as inoculum dosage, pH, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and retention time were optimized in a laboratory-scale batch reactor for 90 days.

Methods

The anaerobic digestion of spoilt milk was carried out in a laboratory setting using a batch reactor. Then, using the recognized protocols of the APHA, the characteristics of the spoilt milk were assessed. In order to enhance the accuracy of predicting the reactor's performance, the research adopted two different models for kinetic analysis: the Stover-Kincannon model and the Grau second-order multi-component model. The reactor's improved performance, as indicated by evaluated kinetic parameters, was shown by the superior results from both of these models.

Results

The results attained from the reactor’s performance were then used as a reference to improve biogas production in a 100 L Anaerobic Sequential Batch Reactor (ASBR) for 45 days. The ASBR achieved a high COD removal efficiency of 92.4% and produced a maximum of 70.4 L of biogas per liter of spoiled milk, equivalent to 69.6% methane content.

Conclusion

The Stover-Kincannon model yielded kinetic parameters of Umax = 0.295 gCOD/L and KB = 12.87 gCOD/L, whereas the Grau second-order model presented kinetic coefficients a = 6.744 and b = 2.578. The results obtained from the two models suggest that the investigated kinetic coefficients could be improved upon to increase the reactor's capability for handling different substrates during the AD process.
Investigating changes in student mental health and help-seeking behaviour after the introduction of new well-being support services at a UK university
Authors: Bennett Jacks , Haworth Claire M. A. , Kidger Judi , Heron Jon , Linton Myles-Jay , Gunnell David
Published: May 2024

Background

Growing numbers of students now seek mental health support from their higher education providers. In response, a number of universities have invested in non-clinical well-being services, but there have been few evaluations of these. This research addresses a critical gap in the existing literature.

Aims

This study examined the impact of introducing non-clinical well-being advisers on student mental health and help-seeking behaviour at a large UK university.

Method

Survey data collected pre–post service introduction in 2018 (n = 5562) and 2019 (n = 2637) measured prevalence of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7), and low mental well-being (Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale), alongside student support-seeking behaviour. Logistic regression models investigated changes in outcome measures. Administrative data (2014–2020) were used to investigate corresponding trends in antidepressant prescribing at the onsite health service, student counselling referrals and course withdrawal rates.

Results

Adjusted models suggested reductions in students’ levels of anxiety (odds ratio 0.86, 95% CI 0.77–0.96) and low well-being (odds ratio 0.84, 95% CI 0.75–0.94) in 2019, but not depression symptoms (odds ratio 1.05, 95% CI 0.93–1.17). Statistical evidence showed reduced student counselling referrals, with antidepressant prescribing and course withdrawal rates levelling off. Student perception of the availability and accessibility of university support improved.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a non-clinical well-being service model may improve student perception of support, influence overall levels of anxiety and low well-being, and reduce clinical need. The current study was only able to examine changes over the short term, and a longer follow-up is needed.
Multidisciplinary Management of Skull Metastatic Follicular Thyroid Cancer in a Resource-Limited Setting
Authors: Suga Yisihak , Wondafrash Mulualem , Abebe Metasebia Worku , Eshetu Helagenet
Published: May 2024

A 60-year-old woman presented to the Department of Surgery with an anterior neck mass and a mass on her left forehead. She was diagnosed with follicular thyroid cancer with metastasis to the skull, a rare presentation of follicular thyroid cancer that is associated with a poor prognosis. A multidisciplinary team evaluated the patient and devised a 3-staged surgical management plan: total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection, cranial metastasectomy, and cranioplasty with autologous split rib graft. This case illustrates how innovative multidisciplinary surgical management can be applied in a low-resource setting involving 3 surgical sub-specialties for the best possible outcome in a patient with metastatic follicular thyroid cancer.
Novel STAR Gene Variant of Congenital Lipoid Adrenal Hyperplasia With Testicular Adrenal Rests
Authors: Harinarayan Chittari Venkata , Vikram Halkurke Shivashankariah , Tandon Anisha Sawkar , Zacharia Marsha , Roohi Shabnam , Janardhan Raghu
Published: May 2024

A mutation in the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) gene, which encodes a protein that plays a crucial role in steroid hormone synthesis, causes a severe form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) known as lipoid CAH (LCAH). LCAH presents with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) as well as atypical genitalia. Individuals with LCAH require adrenal steroid hormone supplements for survival. Masculinization in males with STAR deficiency varies from incomplete to normal virilization. Radiological examinations reveal enlarged and lipid-laden adrenals.

A 10-year-old boy born of second-degree consanguinity presented with weight gain and hyperpigmentation for 1 year. He was diagnosed with PAI at age 7 months and treated with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone. Dynamic adrenal gland testing revealed undetectable hormone reserves. Imaging detected hypoplastic adrenals and a small testis with testicular adrenal rests (TART). Genetic analysis indicated a novel homozygous pathogenic variant of STAR in exon 7, c.814C > G(pArg272Gly) associated with LCAH (OMIM No. 201710). Testing revealed that asymptomatic family members and relatives were heterozygotes for the variant. The patient was diagnosed with nonclassic LCAH with hypoplastic adrenals and TART. Adequate hormone supplementation resulted in TART regression. This genetic variation is reported for the first time.
Long-Term Outcomes of Orthotopic Neobladder Versus Ileal Conduit Urinary Diversion in Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy (RARC): Multicenter Results from the Asian RARC Consortium
Authors: Wong Chris Ho-ming , Ko Ivan Ching-ho , Kang Seok Ho , Kitamura Kousuke , Horie Shigeo , Muto Satoru , Ohyama Chikara , Hatakeyama Shingo , Patel Manish , Yang Cheung-Kuang , Kijvikai Kittinut , Youl Lee Ji , Chen Hai-ge , Zhang Rui-yun , Lin Tian-xin , Lee Lui Shiong , Teoh Jeremy Yuen-chun , Chan Eddie
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) has gained traction in the management of muscle invasive bladder cancer. Urinary diversion for RARC was achieved with orthotopic neobladder and ileal conduit. Evidence on the optimal method of urinary diversion was limited. Long-term outcomes were not reported before. This study was designed to compare the perioperative and oncological outcomes of ileal conduit versus orthotopic neobladder cases of nonmetastatic bladder cancer treated with RARC.

Patients and Methods

The Asian RARC consortium was a multicenter registry involving nine Asian centers. Consecutive patients receiving RARC were included. Cases were divided into the ileal conduit and neobladder groups. Background characteristics, operative details, perioperative outcomes, recurrence information, and survival outcomes were reviewed and compared. Primary outcomes include disease-free and overall survival. Secondary outcomes were perioperative results. Multivariate regression analyses were performed.

Results

From 2007 to 2020, 521 patients who underwent radical cystectomy were analyzed. Overall, 314 (60.3%) had ileal conduit and 207 (39.7%) had neobladder. The use of neobladder was found to be protective in terms of disease-free survival [Hazard ratio (HR) = 0.870, p = 0.037] and overall survival (HR = 0.670, p = 0.044) compared with ileal conduit. The difference became statistically nonsignificant after being adjusted in multivariate cox-regression analysis. Moreover, neobladder reconstruction was not associated with increased blood loss, nor additional risk of major complications.

Conclusions

Orthotopic neobladder urinary diversion is not inferior to ileal conduit in terms of perioperative safety profile and long-term oncological outcomes. Further prospective studies are warranted for further investigation.
A Comparison of Near-Infrared Autofluorescence Findings in Benign Versus Malignant Adrenal Tumors
Authors: Bletsis Panagiotis , Akgun Ege , Romero-Velez Gustavo , La Riva Anibal , Berber Eren
Published: May 2024

Background

Many adrenal tumors are deemed radiologically indeterminate and surgically removed. Adrenal tissue, like parathyroid glands, exhibits near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) properties. This study was designed to investigate the potential of NIRAF to differentiate benign versus malignant adrenal tumors.

Methods

Patients undergoing adrenalectomy between October 2021 and May 2023 were prospectively studied. Adrenalectomy specimens were inspected with NIRAF imaging. Specimen autofluorescence (AF) characteristics were recorded. Comparisons were made between different tumor types and a logistic regression model was constructed to differentiate benign versus malignant tumors. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to identify an optimal AF threshold differentiating benign versus malignant tumors.

Results

A total of 108 adrenal specimens were examined: adrenocortical adenomas/other benign lesions (n = 72), pheochromocytomas (n = 18), adrenocortical neoplasms of uncertain behavior (n = 4), and malignant tumors (n = 14). A significant difference in normalized AF intensity was identified when comparing adrenocortical adenomas (3.08 times background) with pheochromocytomas (1.95, p = 0.001) and malignant tumors (1.11, p < 0.0001). The Area Under the Curve differentiating benign vs malignant tumors was 0.87, with an optimal normalized AF threshold at 1.93.

Conclusions

Different adrenal pathologies exhibit diverse AF properties. These findings suggest a potential intraoperative utility of NIRAF in predicting benign versus malignant nature for radiologically indeterminate adrenal tumors.
Μελέτη δομής και δυναμικής διαλυμάτων αμινών και αμινοξέων με σημαντική βιολογική δράση μέσω ακουστικών, δονητικών φασματοσκοπιών και θεωρητικών υπολογισμών
Authors: Τσιγκόιας Στέφανος
Published: May 2024

Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή παρουσιάζονται οι μελέτες τριών υδατικών συστημάτων, της αμίνης Νορσπερμιδίνης (Nspd), της αμίνης Εξαμέθυλο Τετραμίνης (ΗΜΤΑ) και του αμινοξέος της β-Αλανίνης (β-Ala). Τα συστήματα αυτά μελετήθηκαν χρησιμοποιώντας την ακουστική φασματοσκοπία για τον προσδιορισμό των εγγενών μηχανισμών που λαμβάνουν χώρα στα υδατικά διαλύματα των ενώσεων αυτών. Επίσης χρησιμοποιήθηκαν οι δονητικές φασματοσκοπίες Raman και IR για την μελέτη της δομής των ενώσεων μέσα στα διαλύματα και πως αυτές οι ενώσεις αλληλεπιδρούν μεταξύ τους και με τα μόρια του διαλύτη. Επιπλέον, πραγματοποιήθηκαν κβαντομηχανικοί υπολογισμοί για τον προσδιορισμό των βελτιστοποιημένων δομών και τον υπολογισμό θερμοχημικών πληροφοριών. Από το συνδυασμό των δονητικών φασματοσκοπιών και των κβαντομηχανικών υπολογισμών έγινε δυνατή η αποσαφήνιση του μηχανισμού συσσωμάτωσης της ΗΜΤΑ με μόρια νερού και με τον εαυτό της, καθώς και της αντίδρασης συσσωμάτωσης της β-Αλανίνης με τα μόρια νερού. Από τις ακουστικές μετρήσεις μπορέσαμε να εξακριβώσουμε την εμφάνιση μιας και μοναδικής διαδικασίας χαλάρωσης που αποδίδεται στην αντίδραση μεταφοράς πρωτονίων στα υδατικά διαλύματα της Nspd. Για το σύστημα της HMTA, επαληθεύσαμε ότι λαμβάνουν χώρα οι αντιδράσεις ετερο- και αυτο-συσσωμάτωσης από τα ακουστικά φάσματα. Τέλος, επιβεβαιώθηκε η αντίδραση ετερο-συσσωμάτωσης που λαμβάνει χώρα στα υδατικά διαλύματα της β-Αλανίνης. Παρατηρήθηκε επιπλέον, η εξάρτηση από τη συγκέντρωση των ακουστικών παραμέτρων, του κινηματικού ιξώδους και της πυκνότητας μάζας, από τα οποία λαμβάνουμε πληροφορίες για τη διαμοριακή συσχέτιση στα διαλύματα των τριών συστημάτων. Από αυτές τις εξαρτήσεις μπορέσαμε ακόμα να δούμε την ικανότητα ή μη των μορίων του νερού να σχηματίζουν σταθερές υπερδομές μετά την προσθήκη των τριών ενώσεων στο δίκτυο του νερού.
Pollution and health problems
Authors: Αργυροπούλου Γεωργία
Published: May 2024

Στη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία είναι ευρέως διαδεδομένο το συμπέρασμα ότι η ατμοσφαιρική ρύπανση σχετίζεται με διάφορα προβλήματα υγείας. Η παρούσα διατριβή εξετάζει δύο διακριτά μοντέλα της Μεθόδου Περιβάλλουσας Ανάλυσης και δύο σχετικούς δείκτες. Κατά συνέπεια, η παρούσα διατριβή χρησιμοποιεί τις προαναφερθείσες μεθοδολογίες για την αξιολόγηση της αποτελεσματικότητας της διαχείρισης των προβλημάτων που προκαλούνται στην ανθρώπινη υγεία εξαιτίας της ρύπανσης σε επίπεδο χωρών. Επιπλέον προσφέρει χρήσιμα εργαλεία στους ερευνητές, ώστε ανάλογα με τις ανάγκες τους να μπορούν να ανατρέχουν στην κατάλληλη μεθοδολογία, συγκρίνοντας τα παραπάνω μοντέλα αξιολόγησης και παρουσιάζοντας τις δυνατότητες, τα πλεονεκτήματα και τα μειονεκτήματά τους. Τέλος, τα αποτελέσματα παράγουν συμπεράσματα χρήσιμα για τη λήψη μέτρων βελτίωσης της διαχείρισης των προβλημάτων στην ανθρώπινη υγεία που προκαλεί η ρύπανση.
Sixty years of recurrence prevention in mood disorders
Authors: Rybakowski Janusz
Published: May 2024

W bieżącym roku przypada sześćdziesiąta rocznica artykułu brytyjskiego psychiatry Geoffreya Hartigana, w którym po raz pierwszy udokumentowano możliwość profilaktyki nawrotów chorób afektywnych za pomocą stosowania soli litu. Obecnie przedstawiona zostanie historia profilaktyki nawrotów chorób afektywnych na świecie i w Polsce, dotycząca zarówno soli litu, jak również innych leków normotymicznych. Dla weryfikacji profilaktycznego działania litu największe zasługi w latach 1960-1970 ponieśli badacze duńscy, Mogens Schou i Poul Baastrup. W naszym kraju pierwsza praca na temat profilaktycznego działania litu ukazała się już w 1971 roku. W latach 1970-tych badacze francuscy wykazali profilaktyczne działanie amidu kwasu walproinowego, a psychiatrzy japońscy – karbamazepiny. W latach 1980-tych badania nad amidem kwasu walproinowego prowadzono w II Klinice Psychiatrycznej Instytutu Psychiatrii i Neurologii pod przewodnictwem prof. Pużynskiego. Od połowy lat 1990-tych mamy do czynienia z II generacją leków normotymicznych, obejmującą niektóre atypowe leki przeciwpsychotyczne (klozapina, olanzapina, kwetiapina, aripiprazol, risperidon) oraz lek przeciwpadaczkowy, lamotrigina, co do których uzyskano dowody na działanie profilaktyczne w chorobie afektywnej dwubiegunowej. Badania nad stosowaniem litu doprowadziły do identyfikacji czynników klinicznych związanych ze skutecznością profilaktycznej oraz efektu antysuicydalnego, przeciwwirusowego i neuroprotekcyjnego tego leku. Z perspektywy 60 lat po artykule Geoffreya Hartigana wydaje się, że jego pionierska koncepcja odnośnie możliwości wpływu farmakoterapii na przebieg chorób afektywnych została w pełni potwierdzona. Aktualne polskie zalecenia dotyczące farmakologicznej profilaktyki chorób afektywnych zostały przedstawione w „Standardach leczenia niektórych zaburzeń psychicznych” oraz podręczniku „Psychofarmakologia kliniczna”. Obie te pozycje zostały wydane w 2022 roku.
Surgical treatment of extensive and multiple skin cancers via excision and reconstruction using multiple flaps: a case report
Authors: Lee Dianne Dong Un , Lee Kyeong Tae
Published: May 2024

A 47-year-old male patient presented with multiple squamous and basal cell carcinomas on the anterior chest, back, and left cheek. The patient experienced odorous discharge from the tumors. Surgical excision was planned, beginning with the anterior chest squamous cell carcinoma. An extensive 32×30 cm cutaneous defect was created, which was covered by a bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator and pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps. The basal cell carcinomas on the back and squamous cell carcinoma on the left cheek were serially excised, after which the left cheek wound required flap coverage. Postoperative complications such as venous thrombosis and infection led to several reoperations, yet the extensive defect was successfully reconstructed. No local recurrence developed during 31 months of follow-up. We report this case to demonstrate that although the wide excision of very large skin cancers may result in extensive and challenging defects as large as 5.8% of the total body surface area, coverage with appropriate flaps may lead to successful oncologic outcomes and improve the patient’s quality of life.
¿De qué hablamos cuando hablamos de educación STEAM? Una revisión de experiencias educativas.
Authors: Aguilera David , Vílchez-González José Miguel
Published: May 2024

Desde el origen del emergente enfoque educativo STEAM hasta la actualidad han surgido diversas perspectivas que conllevan la adopción de distintas vías para implementar una intervención educativa. Este hecho parece estar conduciendo a una peligrosa polisemia que no facilita la labor docente e incluso podría restar potencial a su intención inicial: mostrar los vínculos entre las disciplinas y favorecer el gusto por su aprendizaje. Este estudio persigue dos objetivos: (1) dilucidar la conceptualización que realizan los autores sobre la educación STEAM; y (2) analizar aquellas intervenciones educativas que integran las cinco disciplinas del acrónimo. Para arrojar luz al asunto se ha realizado una revisión sistemática de la literatura publicada durante el periodo 2015-2020 e indexada en Web of Science. Tras aplicar los criterios de inclusión, fueron seleccionados 20 artículos. Los principales resultados apuntan que: (1) la calidad de la fundamentación teórica de los trabajos determina la calidad de la “intervención STEAM” desarrollada; (2) no existe consenso en cuanto a los significados otorgados a la “A” de STEAM; y (3) el modo de integración disciplinar preferente es a partir de un contexto concreto, siendo los de carácter histórico o cultural los más utilizados. Se finaliza apuntando la conveniencia de continuar esta línea de trabajo hasta consensuar un marco teórico para la educación STEAM que dirija el diseño de propuestas educativas, así como la necesidad de evaluar su eficacia en las aulas.
Frecuencia y motivos para procrastinar: impacto del curso, género, autorregulación y autoeficacia.
Authors: Malpica-Chavarria Erika Andrea , Garzón-Umerenkova Angélica
Published: May 2024

Introducción: en el alumnado la procrastinación académica se asocia con dificultades de bajo rendimiento, repitencia, conflictos familiares y salud. Se busca caracterizar la procrastinación y sus motivos, y diferencias por curso, género, niveles de autorregulación y autoeficacia. Metodología: participan 451 alumnos de secundaria, de sexto a once, 44.8% hombres y 55.2% mujeres, edad M =13.99; DE= 1.91. Se aplican pruebas de procrastinación, autoeficacia y autorregulación. Se realizan análisis descriptivos de frecuencia y motivos para procrastinar; pruebas t y ANOVA, por autoeficacia, autorregulación, género, curso y su interacción. Resultados: los motivos más frecuentes para procrastinar son perfeccionismo, ansiedad a la evaluación y búsqueda de entusiasmo. El motivo de búsqueda de entusiasmo es más frecuente en hombres. El motivo de falta de energía y autocontrol incrementa en los cursos superiores. Para los motivos de poca confianza y de ansiedad, se encontró interacción entre cursos y género; son más frecuentes en hombres de curso 6, y mujeres de 9 y 10. La procrastinación incrementa significativamente en los grupos de menor autoeficacia y autorregulación. Conclusión: para disminuir la procrastinación en el alumnado sería recomendable: la detección de su motivación, y el fomento de la autorregulación y la autoeficacia, teniendo presentes las diferencias motivacionales por curso y género. Enfocándose, en los cursos superiores en la falta de energía y en las mujeres de cursos superiores, en la falta de confianza y la ansiedad a la evaluación.
O ESTÁGIO DE DOCÊNCIA NO CURSO DE DOUTORADO EM EDUCAÇÃO DE UMA UNIVERSIDADE COMUNITÁRIA NO NORTE DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL
Authors: Rizzarda Angélica Dalla , Battisti Sabrina , Teixeira Adriano Canabarro
Published: May 2024

O processo formativo de educadores se faz extremamente necessário e contínuo. Ministrar aulas e formar sujeitos, requer um amplo e capacitado repertório e conhecimento  sobre o assunto que será abordado, pautado em um compromisso profissional com a sociedade. O objetivo principal deste trabalho, é relatar e refletir sobre a importância do estágio de docência no processo formativo do curso de Doutorado em Educação. A metodologia empregada foi a revisão bibliográfica, com base nos estudos dos autores Freire (2014), Nóvoa (1985), Dewey (1976), Lévy (1999) e Anderson (2012), além da intervenção-ação da pesquisadora e doutoranda no campo de atuação. Ao final do estágio de docência, observa-se que a atualização profissional e o uso de metodologias ativas, tornam-se cada vez mais necessárias e emergentes na sociedade do século XXI.
PROMOVENDO A FORMAÇÃO CONTÍNUA DE PROFESSORES DAS ESCOLAS COMUNITÁRIAS EM ANGOLA: UMA EXPERIÊNCIA DE ELEARNING
Authors: Vieira Teresa , Amante Lúcia
Published: May 2024

Partindo do diagnóstico de necessidades de formação contínua dos professores das Escolas Comunitárias de Luanda, a presente investigação visou desenvolver e proporcionar um curso na modalidade eLearning, bem como estudar o impacto e as potencialidades desta formação específica no contexto em causa. Estes professores desenvolvem a sua atividade docente em escolas carenciadas de bairros situados na periferia da capital de Angola. No enquadramento do estudo abordamos as alterações provocadas pela sociedade em rede no paradigma educacional, designadamente a emergência da formação na modalidade eLearning e realizamos ainda a contextualização da intervenção, dando conta da Associação dos Professores Comunitários e do seu papel no âmbito do sistema educativo de Angola. No plano metodológico, foram seguidas as etapas de conceção e desenvolvimento de projetos educacionais. Adotámos instrumentos de natureza qualitativa designadamente a entrevista, na fase de diagnóstico, associada a um questionário. Na fase de avaliação além de observação participante durante a implementação do projeto, concebemos também um questionário que aplicámos ao conjunto dos formandos no final da formação. Apresentamos a implementação do curso e damos conta dos resultados da sua avaliação, assinalando algumas condicionantes que influenciaram o seu nível de sucesso. Discutimos a possível contribuição da pedagogia do eLearning, em consonância com objetivo principal do presente projeto, identificando constrangimentos bem como pontos fortes. Concluímos que o curso delineado despertou o interesse e a motivação do público-alvo, contribuiu para o aperfeiçoamento de práticas, bem como alcançou o reconhecimento dos participantes, evidenciando, contudo, certas limitações. Assim, com base na análise realizada damos conta de reajustamentos no modelo de curso com vista a uma maior eficácia em contextos como o que estudámos, designadamente apontando para uma opção híbrida, que conjugue momentos presenciais e períodos de trabalho on-line. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: ELearning, Formação de professores, Literacia digital, Escolas Comunitárias de Luanda.
Cibernética, inteligencia artificial, investigación y descolonización
Authors: González González Miguel Alberto , Andrés Felipe Restrepo Pineda
Published: May 2024

Este artículo aborda la cibernética como campo de despliegue de las inteligencias artificiales, como escenarios de control, de investigación, pero también como un campo para explorar en los ejercicios académicos no sólo como implementación tecnológica sino como campo de observación para, dentro de la colonización digital, pensar las alternativas para avanzar en la descolonización política, jurídica, religiosa, económica y formativa de los pueblos que no coinciden con las imposiciones de los poderes.En este período de la historia de la humanidad ligada a las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC), el uso de medios de comunicación como redes sociales y sistemas informáticos, nos abren a horizontes interesantes, uno para descolonizarnos de la tradición o dos para dejarnos colonizar del mundo digital.La investigación, apoyada en la cibernética, nos puede ayudar a descolonizarnos de los saberes tradicionales, nos puede dar líneas para renovadas posibilidades, pero también, nos puede acentuar el sometimiento, las brechas digitales y las desigualdades humanas, dependerá, cómo no, del sentido y los niveles éticos políticos de los usuarios para pasar de una colonización digital a una liberación cibernética donde las democracias y saberes estén a disposición de todos y no de unos cuantos como ahora nos acontece
Identifying and managing employees with negative attitudes: how to develop a positive working environment
Authors: Bernstein Adam
Published: May 2024

In this article, Adam Bernstein discusses how to deal with challenging individuals and develop a positive working environment.
Opinions of Religious Culture and Ethics Teachers on Mobbing
Authors: Gokalp Serkan
Published: May 2024

This study aims to examine the opinions of Religious Culture and Ethics Teachers (RCET) on mobbing in the workplace. The research focuses on RCET’s definition of mobbing, the reasons for mobbing, the results of mobbing, and the suggestions of RCET to prevent mobbing. This study used the phenomenological method, one of the qualitative research methods. The data obtained from the interview forms were analyzed by the content analysis method. The findings were organized and presented under themes and sub-themes. The study group of the research was determined by a systematic sampling technique, one of the probability-based sampling methods. The study group of the research consisted of 35 RCET working in the middle schools of Mersin central districts in the 2023-2024 academic years. Findings revealed that participants defined the concept of mobbing using terms such as pressure, violence, distress, attack, discomfort, implication, and exposure. It was found that participants expressed reasons for mobbing, such as establishing dominance, jealousy, inadequacy, and conflict of interest. It was determined that participants indicated the results of mobbing, such as asynchrony, inefficiency, failure, resignation, reluctance, and fear-anxiety. The participants suggested solutions such as support, awareness activities, relationships and communication, knowledge of legislation and laws, equality, responsibility, trust, problem identification, solution orientation, and providing education.