bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligent Informatization Construction of University Libraries in the Environment of Multimedia Big Data
Authors: Pang Nan , Crook Charles
Published: September 2023

With the advent of the big data internet era, the corresponding multimedia technology is also developing. At the same time, as an important place for students to improve their cognitive level and expand their knowledge coverage, the construction of knowledge and information in university libraries will have an important impact on the growth of students and the development of the library itself. Big data not only brings specific challenges to the intelligent information construction of libraries, but also provides opportunities for the further development of intelligent information construction. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze the intelligent informatization construction of university libraries in the multimedia big data environment, make suggestions for the further development of library intelligent informatization construction, and provide reference materials for library intelligent informatization construction.
Application of Multi-criteria Decision Analysis in Locating Wastewater Treatment Plants in Sri Lanka
Authors: Bandara Wasala M. K. R. T. W. , Basnayake B. M. L. A. , Rengarasu Terrance M. , Nusky N. A.
Published: September 2023

This paper presents GIS integrated with the multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method in selecting suitable sites for locating wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) for two case studies in Sri Lanka: Unawatuna and Puttalam. The study considered seven different sub-criteria under three main criteria of technical aspects, environmental, and social and cultural aspects. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was utilized to find corresponding weights. Thereafter, weighted overlay mapping was applied to produce the site suitability maps under three classes, namely, unsuitable, moderately suitable, and suitable. Building/residential areas, other land use types, and groundwater depth were found to be the most influential factors for Unawatuna. High urbanization and its closeness to the coastline might be the reasons for this result. In the case of Puttalam, surface water has gained a higher contribution than groundwater owing to the presence of saltpans. Out of the total area, 6% and 15% were suitable for locating WWTPs in Unawatuna and Puttalam, respectively, indicating a less potential area in Unawatuna. Most suitable sites were selected from the potential candidate sites by considering the WWTP capacity and by field verification. It can be concluded that MCDA integrated with GIS is a promising method for WWTP site selection analysis, especially for highly urbanized cities with fewer probable sites.
Dhamma Sermon and Popular Buddhism within the Confront of Digitization
Authors: Wijayarathna W. K. M.
Published: September 2023

Along with era 4.0 digitalization involves several aspects of modern social context and religion is one of the prominent. When it comes to Sri Lankan popular Buddhism numerous changes can be identified through digital platforms like social media. This research attends to understand the evolutionary patterns of Buddhist Dhamma sermons by applying two cases selected from Facebook. Attaragama Pragyalankara Thero, also known as “Kotuwe Podi Hamuduruwo” is a key figure which emphasizes the characteristics of modern popular Buddhism. Two posts regarding his propagation of Dhamma browsed through random Facebook pages applied to understand the characteristics of the modern evolutionary process of Buddhism. The main objective of this study is to introduce a new-found model for digital religious studies by utilizing digital anthropological knowledge to understand the digital behavior of Sri Lankan religious contexts. For the analysis of this phenomenon, the researcher applied the 5th principle of digital anthropology named, ambivalence, and the principle of openness and closure, proposed by Daniel Miller and Heather Horst in 2012 through their work titled, “Digital Anthropology”. Different patterns in language, as well as variations compared to traditional Dhamma sermons identified through literature, were identified from the data collected from the relevant posts. As an examination based on qualitative data, this research considered various literature to fulfill the research gap. One of the key conclusions that arise from the research is that digital anthropological knowledge is a way to understand modern popular Buddhism. Comparing traditional customs with modern-day and analyzing them utilizing digital anthropological principles emphasize the evolutionary patterns of contemporary Dhamma sermons.
Is photodynamic therapy with curcumin suitable for combating monkeypox?
Authors: Law Siu Kan
Published: September 2023

Monkeypox (MPX) is a zoonotic viral infection caused by the Monkeypox Virus (MPXV), which may spread person-to-person directly. It is currently being treated with previously intended drugs for smallpox or other diseases caused by the orthopoxvirus, such as tecovirimat, cidofovir, and brincidofovir. The smallpox vaccination is also the treatment for MPX, consisting of Immune Globulin (IG) combined with human plasma. However, this type of vaccine may cause several neurological adverse events such as headache, pain, vertigo, dizziness, and non-serious limb paresthesia. Up to the present, there are no available treatments, Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) may be a good choice for specifically targeting the MPXV because it is a non-invasive approach without side effects. The strategy is according to the principle of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and its photodynamic action of curcumin for the research process on MPX. Why do we apply PDT with "curcumin" as a Photosensitizer (PS) against MPX, and is this a possible choice?
Genetic characterization of non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae mobilome: a strategy for understanding and discriminating emerging environmental bacterial strains
Authors: Igere Bright E. , Nwodo Uchechukwu U.
Published: September 2023

Acute diarrhea and cholera (AWD/C) result in more than 21000 to 143000 global mortality annually and are associated with Vibrio cholerae. The pathogen has shown increasing evolutionary/emerging dynamics linked with mobilome or ubiquitous nature of mobile integrative genetic and conjugative elements (MIGCE), however, such dynamics are rarely reported amongst somatic-antigen non-agglutinating Type-1/-139 V. cholerae (SA-NAG-T-1/139Vc). The study reports the genetic detection of mobilome-associated indices in SA-NAG-T-1/139Vc as a potential strategy for differentiating/discriminating emerging environmental bacteria. Presumptive V. cholerae isolates were retrieved from five water sources, while strains were characterized/serogrouped and confirmed using simplex and comparative-genomic-multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Genomic island (GI-12det, GI-14det, GI-15det); Phages (TLC-phagedet, Kappa-phagedet) and ICEs of the SXT/R391 family genes (SXT/R391-ICEs integrase, SXT-Hotspot-IV, ICEVchInd5Hotspot-IV, ICEVchMoz10Hotspot-IV) were detected. Other rare ICE members such as the ICEVcBan8att gene and Vibrio Seventh Pandemic island detection (VSP-II Integrase, Prototypical VSP-II) were also detected. Results revealed that the 8.22% (61/742) SA-NAG-T-1/139Vc serogroup observed harbors the Vibrio Seventh Pandemic island integrase (34/61; 55.7%) and other rare genetic traits including; attB/attP (29/61; 47.5%, 14/61; 23%), integrative genetic elements (4/61; 6.56%), phage types (TLC-phagedet: 2/61; 3.28% and Kappa-phagedet: 7/61; 11.48%) as well as the integrase genes (INT1, Sul1, Sul2) (29/61: 47.5%; 21/61: 34.4%; 25/61: 41%). Such genetic detection of mobilome determinants/MIGCE suggests potential discriminatory tendencies amongst SA-NAG-T-1/139Vcwhich may be applied in mobilome typing of evolving/emerging environmental bacteria. The need to encourage the application of such mobilome typing indices and continuous study of these strains is suggestive of interest in controlling future potential emerging environmental strains.
Clinical outcomes of children with acute asthma managed with intravenous magnesium sulphate outside intensive care setting
Authors: Aziz Danish Abdul , Sajjad Muhammad Aqib , Iftikhar Haissan
Published: September 2023

Asthma in children constitutes a well-known respiratory condition with significant mortality. In poorly controlled asthma, multiple adjunct therapies including magnesium sulphate (MgSO4), are recommended to decrease the likelihood of intubation; however, limited evidence exists to support their routine usage in day-to-day situations. Aim of this study is to determine the outcomes of pediatric patients treated with magnesium sulphate during exacerbations of asthma admitted at a tertiary care unit. A retrospective study was conducted at The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from January 2019 to December 2021. Patients aged 6 years to 15 years presented with acute asthma through Emergency Room (ER) having clinical respiratory score (CRS) more than five, admitted in high-dependency unit (HDU) were included in the study. Patients who were started on magnesium sulfate within 24 hours of admission were categorized in magnesium sulfate (MS) group. Patients receiving all standard acute asthma treatment but were not started on magnesium therapy within 24 hours of admission were categorized in the non-magnesium sulfate (non-MS) group. Different outcome variables were compared between the groups. A total of 110 patients with asthma were enrolled. Fifty-four patients were categorized into MS group while 56 were included in non-MS group. Fewer patients were transferred from HDU to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) (24.07%) in MS group compared to non-MS group (42.85%), (p=0.02). In MS group, the mean number of days spent on oxygen in HDU were 2.38±0.81, while non-MS group spent more days (3.10±0.84 (p<0.01). This study demonstrates that for pediatric patients with severe asthma exacerbations, administration of IV MgSO4 (within 24 hours) is beneficial and results in fewer admissions to PICU and reduces the mean number of days spent on oxygen therapy.
Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: a retrospective review of clinical, radiological, microbiological and lung function profile at a tertiary care center of low-middle income country
Authors: Shahid Shayan , Abdul Jabbar Ali bin , Wagley Abdullah , Musharraf Muhammad Daniyal , Zahid Haris , Zubair Syed Muhammad , Irfan Muhammad
Published: September 2023

Non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis has emerged as a significant respiratory disease in developing countries. Given the variation in causes and clinical characteristics across different regions, it is necessary to conduct studies in regions with limited data such as low-middle income countries (LMIC). The aim of the study was to investigate the underlying causes, clinical presentation, etiology, lung function and imaging in patients with bronchiectasis who sought treatment at a tertiary care hospital in a LMIC. We conducted retrospective observational study at the Aga Khan University, Pakistan. Adult patients diagnosed with non-CF bronchiectasis on high-resolution computed tomography scan between 2000 and 2020 were included. We evaluated the etiology, clinical characteristics, microbiology, radiology and spirometric pattern of these patients. A total of 340 patients were included with 56.5% being female and 44.7% aged over 60 years. Among them, 157 (46.2%) had experienced symptoms for 1-5 years. The most common spirometric pattern observed was obstructive impairment (58.1%). Previous tuberculosis (TB) (52.94%) was the most common etiology followed by allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (7.64%). Bilateral lung involvement on HRCT scan was found in 63.2% of patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently identified organism (38.75%) among 240 patients with available specimens. Patients with P. aeruginosa infections had a significantly higher number of exacerbations (p=0.016). There was a significant difference (p<0.001) in P. aeruginosa growth among different etiologies. In conclusion, post-TB bronchiectasis was the most common cause of non-CF bronchiectasis in our study population. P. aeruginosa was the predominant organism, and 63.2% of the patients exhibited bilateral lung involvement. Since P. aeruginosa growth and extensive lung involvement have been associated with poor prognosis and increased mortality risk, we recommend close follow ups of these patients to improve quality of life and survival in developing countries like Pakistan.
Nutraceuticals as therapeutic interventions in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Gargantiel Maryglen , Faller Erwin , Kumar Dileep , Tiwari Prashant
Published: September 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease of the brain. Currently, approximately 55 million people have dementia across the globe and the number of AD patients is estimated by the WHO to reach about 78 million people by 2030 and nearly 139 million by 2050 globally. Amyloid β42, amyloid β oligomers, and tau proteins are the major biomarkers to understand the AD-like pathology. Therapies target β-amyloid (Aβ) for the modification of AD but poor permeability hampers the uses of drugs against AD. Other drugs including NMDA-receptor antagonists, cholinesterase inhibitors and their combination provide only temporary symptomatic relief. Meanwhile nutraceuticals are studied for mitigating the course of dementia. This study reviews therapeutic nutraceuticals which could be effective for treating AD.
Clinical utility of reverse perfusion pattern with 99mTc myocardial stress perfusion scintigraphy
Authors: Ajit Nimmagadda , Manthri Ranadheer Gupta , Velam Vanajakshamma , Mohan V. S. Krishna , Rallapeta Ramya Priya , Kalawat Tek Chand
Published: September 2023

Background:

Reverse distribution is a pattern that is occasionally observed with 99mTc sestamibi myocardial stress perfusion scintigraphy. The actual cause for this kind of pattern to occur is still under evaluation with no specific aetiology identified.

Methods:

We retrospectively studied 1195 patients who underwent 99mTc sestamibi myocardial stress perfusion scintigraphy. There was no history of acute myocardial infraction 1 month before the scan; no prior percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was performed in any of these patients. Twenty-seven patients (2.2%) were found to have reverse distribution pattern based on the criteria after ruling out artefacts.

Results:

Their mean age was 53.5 ± 10.4 years; there were 18 females. Their mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.6 ± 3.4 kg/m2. Six patients had a history of hypertension, 4 patients had a history of diabetes mellitus and 2 patients had both before the scan. Scan findings suggested low probability for coronary artery disease (CAD) in 24 patients and high probability for CAD in three patients. Left anterior descending artery (LAD) territory, posterior descending artery and left circumflex (LCX) artery territory were involved in 22, 8 and 1 patient respectively. The mean time of follow-up was 36.3 ± 4.3 months. None of the patients later had any recurrent episode of chest pain or worsening of symptoms or sentinel events such as death after the scan.

Conclusions:

Reverse distribution pattern is sometimes observed with 99mTc-MIBI stress MPI. Such a finding has minimal prognostic significance, especially in patients with low and intermediate probability for CAD on imaging.
Intraoperative modifications done to continue performing traumatic maxillofacial surgery during COVID-19 times
Authors: Narendra S. M. , Shetty Naren , Ellur Sunder Raj
Published: September 2023

Background:

Operating on maxillofacial trauma cases in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 disease 2019 (COVID-19) era comes with its own disadvantages to operating teams with the current standard operating protocol.

Methods:

We present the various modification in techniques we have devised in a step-wise manner to overcome these difficulties while operating in COVID-19 times. Twenty-eight cases of maxillofacial fracture were operated in a span of 1 COVID year, i.e., from March 2020 to February 2021. Intraoperative modifications were applied for the techniques of drilling, implants used associated with aerosol generation (AG).

Results:

Of the 28 cases that had undergone maxillofacial injury, 20 were mandible fractures, 6 are midface, 2 are upperface/midface and 1 upper face fracture, of the mandible fractures, 12 were single sites and 8 were fractures involving two sites.

Conclusions:

Using microplating with self-drilling screws appear to be the first choice for fixing mandible fractures in COVID times, reducing AG by decreasing the duration of drilling and containing the aerosol spread by an adequate protective barrier around the drill apparatus should be considered. Intraoperative stability of fracture fixation sites post-fixation with mini and microplate as individual and in combination was found to be helpful.
Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine
Authors: XU Bing , LIU Miao , HU Hairong , ZHANG Jing , HUANG Yanping , TANG Ling
Published: September 2023

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic nonspecific intestinal inflammatory disease of unclear etiology, characterized by continuous and diffuse inflammatory changes of colorectal mucosa. In recent years, the incidence rate of UC in China has increased year by year, but there is no effective cure method in Western medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment based on syndrome differentiation has the unique advantages of simplicity, convenience, effectiveness, and low cost. Therefore, integration of Chinese and Western medicine has become an important strategy for UC diagnosis and treatment, and has made significant progress in UC. On the basis of learning from a number of consensuses at home and abroad, combined with Chinese research results and the actual clinical situation of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, the UC group of the Chinese Association of Integrative Medicine has formulated the expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of UC with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. In this consensus, the pathogenesis, etiology and pathogenesis, diagnosis, integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment, and chronic disease management with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine for UC were recommended by experts. This article interprets the consensus from the perspective of nursing in order to provide reference basis for clinical nursing workers.
Operating procedures of traditional Chinese medicine breast massage
Authors: XU Jingjin , CHEN Hong , ZHANG Jing , LI Jiaji , LI Ye , TANG Ling
Published: September 2023

Traditional Chinese medicine breast massage, also known as breast Tuina or manual expression of breast milk, is a technique of using certain manipulations to act on specific positions or acupoints of the breast to promote blood and lymphatic circulation of breast and facilitate the discharge of stagnant milk. This technique is widely used in China to treat breastfeeding problems such as breast engorgement, mastitis, and postpartum hypogalactia. In this article, we introduce the definition and standardization process of breast massage, elaborate the operating procedures of breast massage in detail, and summarize and discuss the current situation of its clinical application, so as to provide a reference for its wide application and in-depth research.
A comparison of the effect of Vitamin D and Vitamin E supplementations, alone, and in combination, on reducing the intensity and duration of dysmenorrhea in women
Authors: BEHROUZI LAK Tahereh , AGHAKHANI Nader , VAHABZADEH Davoud , EGHTEDAR Samereh , CHERAGHI Rozita , GHASEMZADEH Nazafarin , ALINEJAD Vahid , MESGARZADEH Maryam
Published: September 2023

Objective:

The aim of this study is to compare the effect of Vitamin D and Vitamin E supplementations, alone, and in combination, on reducing the intensity and duration of dysmenorrhea in women who were referred to the Kowsar gynecological clinics of Shahid Motahari Hospital of Urmia University of Medical Sciences.

Materials and Methods:

A double-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 112 women with dysmenorrhea who were randomly allocated into the four study groups. Finally, 100 women complete the study and received capsules containing a placebo (n = 25), 1000 IU of Vitamin D (n = 25), 400 mg of Vitamin E (n = 25), and 1000 IU of Vitamin D + 400 mg of Vitamin E (n = 25) every 24 h for 2 consecutive months at the beginning of the menstrual period. The pain intensity and duration among groups were compared before and after the intervention.

Results:

The mean menstrual pain duration in all three experimental groups (Vitamin E, Vitamin D, and the combination of them) was lower than the placebo group (all P < 0.05), and the mean pain intensity scores in all three experimental groups were significantly lower than the placebo group (all P < 0.05). The results (means) for all of the drugs administered at the end of the 2nd month were better than the 1st month (all P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Vitamin E and Vitamin D, as well as their combination, are recommended as an effective and safe treatment for the management of the complications of dysmenorrhea.
Influence of cultural factors on choice of childbirth place among women in Oyigbo Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: OBIKA-NDIRI Ngozi Afulenu , NDIKOM Chizoma Millicent , OBIKA Ogochukwu Immaculate , ASEMINASO Omineokuma Tubonemi
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

This study aims to ascertain if cultural factors influence the childbirth place choice of women in Oyigbo.

Materials and Methods:

The study used a cross-sectional study design using a self-structured questionnaire as the instrument to collect data from 384 volunteers through simple random sampling, and these data were analyzed using frequency and percentage for descriptive statistics while Chi-square was used for inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance.

Results:

The influence of cultural factors such as family traditions (χ
2 = 12.56, P = 0.006), beliefs (χ
2 = 70.66, P = 0.000), lack of confidence in health facilities (χ
2 = 367.83, P = 0.000), and the presence of male skilled birth attendants (χ
2 = 50.85, P = 0.000) were statistically significant to the choice of childbirth place, while patriarchal system (χ
2 = 2.99, P = 0.393) was not statistically significant to the choices of childbirth places of women in Oyigbo. Religion had a statistically significant influence on childbirth place (χ
2 = 125.46, P = 0.000).

Conclusion:

This study shows that religious and cultural factors have a significant influence on the childbirth place choices of women in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Prognostic Impact of Lynch Syndrome in Signet-Ring Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review
Authors: Kaler Amrit Kaur , Fatima Sheereen , Bora Nandini Shyamali , Satpute Shalaka , Balaji Varsha , Kavyashree P , Goyle Sandeep , Mulchandani Manoj
Published: September 2023

Signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a rare subtype of colorectal cancer with distinct molecular features and aggressive behavior compared to adenocarcinoma. Most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage with poor prognosis. SRCC is often associated with CpG island methylation phenotype (CIMP)-high, high (Methylation) BRAF mutations, but their prognostic role is unclear. We report a 57-year-old male with locally advanced sigmoid SRCC and germline Lynch syndrome (pathogenic MLH1 mutation). Despite the advanced stage, he has shown excellent response to adjuvant 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy, unlike typical SRCC outcomes. This case highlights the need to determine the prognostic and predictive significance of lynch syndrome in colorectal SRCC. Identifying patients with improved chemotherapy sensitivity in lynch Syndrome could treatment and improve survival in this rare histological subtype.
Evaluating the Psychosocial Determinants of Patients and Caregivers Seeking Treatment at a Tertiary Cancer Care Center: A Clinical Study
Authors: Agarwal Harsha , Rana Shalu , Mittal Disha
Published: September 2023

Objective:

This clinical study aimed to evaluate the psychosocial determinants influencing patients and caregivers seeking treatment at a tertiary cancer care center.

Methods:

The study included 175 patients or caregivers (86 males and 88 females) who visited the cancer hospital for checkups or treatment. Data were collected using self-designed questionnaires. The questionnaire assessed psychological and psychosocial issues, including anxiety, sleep, appetite, pain, fatigue, distress, depression, financial issues, family issues, social support, occupational issues, sexual issues, patient satisfaction, mood and thought, and concerns about the future. Statistical analyses, such as independent t-tests, were conducted to compare the differences between demographic factors and psychological and psychosocial issues.

Results:

The findings revealed that males scored higher on psychological issues, while females scored higher on psychosocial issues. Caregivers reported higher scores on both psychological and psychosocial issues compared to patients. Married patients exhibited higher scores on anxiety, sleep, and appetite compared to unmarried patients. Moreover, individuals with a family history of cancer scored higher on psychological issues, while those without a family history of cancer scored higher on psychosocial issues.

Conclusion:

The study highlights the significance of addressing psychosocial determinants when patients or their caregivers visit a tertiary cancer care center. Understanding and addressing psychological and psychosocial factors can contribute to better support and treatment for cancer patients and their caregivers.
Evaluation of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Initial Oncology Treatment: A Clinical Study
Authors: Agarwal Harsha , Rana Shalu , Pal Shivangi
Published: September 2023

Background:

This clinical study aimed to evaluate the symptoms and severity of anxiety and depression among patients undergoing initial treatment in an oncology setup. The research focused on assessing the psychological and demographic factors related to anxiety and depression.

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of the study was to identify the symptoms and severity of anxiety and depression in patients admitted for the first time to an oncology setup. The specific objectives were to determine the psychological antecedents, i.e., severity and symptoms of anxiety and depression, and explore the differences in demographic antecedents, particularly gender.

Methods:

A total sample of 137 patients (69 males and 68 females) admitted for the first time to an oncology setup was included in the study. The data were collected using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit the participants.

Results:

Data analysis revealed the presence of symptoms of anxiety and depression among the participants, with varying severities. The results indicated that females exhibited higher levels of anxiety compared to males, while males showed higher levels of depression than females.

Conclusion:

This study provides evidence of the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among patients undergoing initial oncology treatment. The findings highlight the importance of early identification and appropriate management of anxiety and depression in this patient population. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the gender differences in the levels of anxiety and depression, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions and support for both male and female patients.
Genomically Driven NUTM1-NSD3 Carcinoma of the Lung: Opportunity for Chemotherapy Response
Authors: Fatima Sheereen , Kaler Amrit Kaur , Shaikh Imran Nisar
Published: September 2023

Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) carcinoma is a rare, genetically-driven carcinoma defined by NUTM1 gene rearrangements. It frequently presents as an aggressive, poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the midline. NUT carcinoma originating in the lung is extremely uncommon. We present a unique case of a 23-year-old female diagnosed mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung found to harbor a rare NSD3-NUTM1 gene fusion on targeted sequencing. Despite multiple metastases at diagnosis, she exhibited dramatic response to first-line carboplatin and paclitaxel doublet chemotherapy. Interim PET-CT after three cycles showed near complete resolution of the left hilar mass and metastases. This response was sustained after six total cycles and continues after six months on maintenance chemotherapy. To our knowledge, this represents the first reported case of NUTM1-NSD3 fusion positive lung carcinoma displaying chemosensitivity, unlike the typically aggressive course of NUT cancers. Our case reveals the emerging molecular heterogeneity of these rare malignancies and suggests platinum doublets may be an effective treatment option warranting further study. Overall, it highlights the potential for precision diagnostics to uncover actionable targets and prognostic insights even in elusive cancers.
A Patient with Glucose Transporter Type 1 Deficiency Syndrome
Authors: Yapici Zuhal , Topaloğlu Pinar , Turkmen Cuneyt , Eraksoy Mefkure , Zuberi Sameer
Published: September 2023

Glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (GLUT-1 DS) is an inborn error of metabolism that results in defective glucose transport and consequently a reduced supply of glucose to the brain. Here, we describe a patient with a molecularly proven GLUT-1 mutation who presented with severe paroxysmal choreoathetosis. Different regional changes involving bilateral mesial temporal lobes were revealed using positron-emission tomography (PET). Several cases of GLUT-1 DS have been studied from the point of view of hyperkinetic movement disorders rather than epilepsy and ataxia. It is usual for these patients to first present with dystonia, choreoathetosis, parkinsonism, and paroxysmal exercise-induced dyskinesia, including dystonic, choreoathetotic, and ballistic movements. F18-fluorodeoxyglucose PET revealed hypometabolism in bilateral mesial temporal lobes along with the cerebellar cortex, confirming an impaired glucose metabolism effect on the area responsible for the extrapyramidal movement disorders.
The Role of Electrophysiology in the Diagnosis of Radiculopathy and Its Comparison with Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Bölük Ebru , Uzunoğlu Cansu , Seçil Yaprak , Çetinoğlu Yusuf Kenan , Arıcı Şehnaz , Gelal Mustafa Fazil , Kurt-İncesu Tülay
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

Patients are frequently referred to electrophysiology laboratories by physicians from various specialties with a presumptive diagnosis of radiculopathy. Recent advances in spinal imaging techniques have led to an increase in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in the diagnosis of radiculopathy. This study aimed to compare these two techniques in the diagnosis of radiculopathy.

Subjects and Methods:

Data of 170 patients who were diagnosed as having radiculopathy using electrophysiologic studies in our laboratory by defining a myotome level and who had spinal MRI examinations in our hospital database were included in the study.

Results:

Among the 170 patients in our study, 40% (n = 68) had cervical radiculopathy and 60% (n = 102) had lumbar radiculopathy. In the electrophysiologic diagnosis of radiculopathy, the most sensitive root level of electromyography (EMG) was the C7 radix level in the cervical region and the L5 level in the lumbar region. Correlations between radiologic grading based on foraminal assessments for radicular involvement at the cervical region using MRI and EMG data showed fair agreement in C5, C7, and C8 radix levels (κ: 0.21–0.40), and the lumbar region showed fair agreement in L4 and L5 radix levels (κ: 0.21–0.40).

Conclusion:

Although EMG has indisputable importance in the diagnosis of radiculopathy, its use with MRI significantly increases the diagnostic power at most spinal levels.
Application of the Life-Size Patient-Specific Three-Dimensional Cervical Spine Anatomical Model for Odontoid Fracture Fixation
Authors: Özgiray Erkin , Özer Mehmet Asim , Şirintürk Suzan , Gùvsa Figen , Dursun Emre , Eraslan Cenk , Hepgüler Simin
Published: September 2023

Objective:

Cervical fixation is the most common treatment of vertebral fractures, osteosarcoma, osteomyelitis, arthritis, and congenital disorders. Mortal complications, such as internal carotid artery, vertebral artery (VA), and spinal cord damages, may occur during the application. The aim of this study was to create the application of the actual three-dimensional (3D) personalized model which was exercised for screwing insertion in C2 damage patients.

Methods:

Two patients with Type II of C2 fractures were treated with personalized spine models. These models were investigated to achieve particular information of non- and bony elements such as the highness, thickness, and the field of pedicles and vascular diameters for an intraoperative reference. The model was to determine the probable variations and to observe the success of screw rate in the treatment of C2 fractures. The operation duration, instrumentation time, blood loss volume, and clinical and radiological assessment were done. The 3D model's perception was evaluated.

Results:

Cervical models were defined to secure intervention areas of the VA pedicles and screws. Neither vascular nor neurologic damages were happened in all cases. Besides, the cases did not include broken nails, screw pullout, fracture of bone structure, or infection. Cervical models demonstrated (1) examination of the VA pattern, (2) valuation of virtual screw trajectory line before screw fixation, (3) the application of prebent rods during procedure to contribute to the safety of the posterior instrumentation, (4) postsurgical confirmation, and (5) examined movements of the neck postoperatively. The perception of 3D model for treating C2 fracture was thereby diminishing surgical time, bleeding amount and operative complications. Survey perception of model was calculated in statistical significance (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Personalized model is active and confident in achieving an accurate and safe screw fixation during surgery, especially in anatomically abnormal cases. Cervical model provides an accurate representation of the fracture location, pedicle size, and VA shapes. It is therefore useful in surgical planning as it maximizes the possibility of ideal screw position, as well as providing individualized information concerning cervical spinal anatomy.
The Effects of Menstrual Cycle on Sympathetic Skin Response and Strength–Duration Properties
Authors: Keskin Ahmet Onur , Yerdelen Vahide Deniz
Published: September 2023

Background:

Sympathetic control of the circulation is considerably affected by female reproductive hormones. Sudomotor function can be easily evaluated with sympathetic skin response (SSR). Although studies reveal that SSR amplitude decreases with hormone replacement therapy, the effect of estrogen on SSR is unclear. Measuring axonal excitability provides information about the physiological and physical properties of axonal ion channels and nerves. Axonal excitability tests may also give valuable information about the pathophysiology underlying neuronal disorders. In this study, we investigate the influence of female hormones, especially estrogen, on neuronal excitability and the sympathetic nervous system.

Methods:

SSR and strength–duration time constant (SDTC) tests were conducted on healthy women with a mean age of 26 ± 4 years with regular menstrual cycles. The tests were performed during the first 3 days of the menstrual cycle when the level of estrogen is at its lowest and 2 days before ovulation when the estrogen is at its highest level.

Results:

SDTC, rheobase, and the latency of SSR were found to be relatively shorter at 2 days before ovulation when compared with the values of the first 3 days of the menstrual cycle. However, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Discussion:

The SDTC and SSR values in the 2 days before ovulation and the first 3 days of the menstrual cycle did not show any significant differences. We suggested that these parameters do not affect neuronal excitability associated with varied estrogen levels.

Conclusion:

Further research will be required to fully understand the influence of sex hormones on the nervous system in menstrual cycles, which can suggest underlying mechanisms of various diseases that are linked with autonomic and hormonal alterations.
The Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire and the Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Özden Fatih , Özkeskin Mehmet , Sarı Zübeyir , Ekmekçi Özgül , Yüceyar Nur
Published: September 2023

Objective:

The aim of the study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) and the Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ) into Turkish and also to analyze the reliability and validity of both questionnaires.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 107 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients were recruited. The department clinician monitored all participants with telemedicine for 4 years. Internal consistency was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The test–retest reliability was calculated with intraclass correlation coefficient by analyzing the scores of retested 52 patients 1 week later. The construct validity was examined by Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). Besides, the internal consistency for the subscores of the TUQ and exploratory factor analysis of the TSQ was analyzed.

Results:

The mean age was 40.5 ± 11.0 years. Internal consistency of all items and the total score of the TUQ were excellent (>0.80; ranged: 0.976–0.979). On the other hand, the internal consistency of all items and total score of the TSQ was excellent, either (>0.80; ranged: 0.969–0.973). The reproducibility of the total score for the TUQ was excellent (>0.80). The test–retest reliability of all items and the total score of the TSQ were within limits ranging from acceptable to excellent (0.617–0.860). The reliability of the total score for the TSQ was excellent (>0.80). The internal consistency of all subscales of the TUQ was excellent (>0.80). The correlation between TUQ and TSQ was strong (r = 0.882, P < 0.001). The factor loading scores of the TSQ were high (0.814–0.919).

Conclusions:

The Turkish version of the TUQ and the TSQ are valid and reliable in MS patients.
Antiviral microRNA Expression Signatures are Altered in Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis
Authors: Tüfekçi Kemal Uğur , Allmer Jens , Çarman Kürşat Bora , Bayram Erhan , Topçu Yasemin , Hız Semra , Genç Şermin , Yiş Uluç
Published: September 2023

Background:

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a chronic, progressive disease caused by a persistent infection of the measles virus. Despite extensive efforts, the exact neurodegeneration mechanism in SSPE remains unknown. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as an essential part of cellular antiviral defense mechanisms and can be modulated by antiviral cytokines Such as interferon-beta (IFN-β). Aims and Objectives: In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of antiviral miRNAs in the pathogenesis of SSPE and analyze the interaction between host antiviral miRNAs and virus genes.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-seven patients who were followed with SSPE and age-matched healthy children were included in the study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell levels of miR-196b, miR-296, miR-431, and miR-448 were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Target predictions and pathway constructions of deregulated miRNAs were assessed.

Results:

Here, we showed that IFN-β-modulated miR-196b, miR-296, and miR-431 were significantly upregulated in patients with SSPE compared with healthy controls. Besides, sequence complementarity analysis showed that miR-296 and miR-196b predicted binding regions in measles virus genomic RNA.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that antiviral miRNAs are upregulated in patients with SSPE, which could be a part of the host antiviral defense mechanism.
Tremor and Myoclonus is Common in Immune-Mediated and Hereditary Polyneuropathies
Authors: Tezer Damla Çetinkaya , Gündüz Ayşegül , Tütüncü Melih , Akalın Mehmet Ali , Adatepe Nurten Uzun , Savrun Feray Karaali , Kızıltan Meral Erdemir
Published: September 2023

Objective:

Our goal was to identify the frequency and types of involuntary movements in immune mediated and hereditary polyneuropathies.

Methods:

In this prospective study, we included all consecutive patients with immune mediated or hereditary polyneuropathy between January 2017 and November 2019. The presence and type of the involuntary movements were determined by the clinical examination and multichannel surface electromyography.

Results:

We identified 23 (48.9%) patients with involuntary movements among 47 patients with immune mediated or hereditary polyneuropathy in the study period. All patients with an involuntary movement had postural tremor with accompanying action and/or rest tremor. Short duration and high-amplitude myoclonus was accompanying in 18 (38.3%) patients. The demographic and clinical characteristics and features of nerve conduction studies were similar between patients with and without involuntary movements.

Discussion:

Tremor and myoclonus were frequent in our cohort. Postural tremor was the most frequent subtype. There was no significant relationship between myoclonus or tremor and clinical/electrophysiological features.

Conclusion:

For assessing movement disorders in polyneuropathies not only clinical examination, but also electrophysiological studies such as multichannel surface electromyography should be used.
Multi-systemic melioidosis mimics malignancy
Authors: Fan Long , Wu Yuhua , Lu Hong , Zhan Yuefu
Published: September 2023

Melioidosis is often referred to as “the great imitator,” and it is more likely to be misdiagnosed when multiple systems are involved. This report describes a patient with an 11-year history of diabetes with poor blood glucose control, a history of heavy smoking, and multi-systemic diseases including lung nodules, multiple enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes, bone destruction and soft-tissue swelling in the proximal right tibia, and intracerebral lesions. Computed tomography (CT) of the lung and tibia and head magnetic resonance imaging with enhanced magnetic resonance spectroscopy led to a misdiagnosis of lung cancer with metastasis to the brain and proximal tibia. The patient was admitted to the hospital on January 17, 2012 and hospitalized for 51 days. He was in stable condition but was not cured and requested to be discharged voluntarily. Head and lung CT was repeated on July 28, 2016. Although the patient's family members reported that he had not received regular treatment in the hospital, his intracerebral lesions, chest lesions, and right calf lesions had all improved. This case indicates that even when medical imaging is consistent with multi-systemic malignancy, imaging must be combined with clinical and laboratory tests to exclude the possibility of melioidosis.
Research progress with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Delta variant
Authors: Li Ai , Lu Hong
Published: September 2023

The global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected more than 200 million people worldwide, caused millions of deaths, and has threatened global economic stability. Vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the causative agent of COVID-19, have been developed, and the rollout of widespread vaccination has curbed the epidemic in many countries. However, variants of the virus, including the Delta variant, have emerged that have triggered new rounds of infection. In this review, we discuss the epidemiological characteristics, pathogenicity, clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and imaging manifestations of the Delta variant, with the aim of offering new insight into strategies for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease caused by this coronavirus variant.
Socioeconomic inequalities in metabolic syndrome and its components in a sample of Iranian Kurdish adults
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Pardis , Moradpour Farhad , Nouri Bijan , Mostafavi Farideh , Najafi Farid , Moradi Ghobad
Published: September 2023

OBJECTIVES: The worldwide incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has increased in recent decades. In this study, we investigated the socioeconomic inequalities associated with MetS and its components in a sample of the Iranian Kurdish population.METHODS: We used data from 3,996 participants, aged 35 years to 70 years, from the baseline phase of the Dehgolan Prospective Cohort Study (February 2018 to March 2019). The concentration index and concentration curve were used to measure inequality and the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition method was used to examine the contribution of various determinants to the observed socioeconomic inequality in MetS and its components.RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS was 34.44% (95% confidence interval [CI], 32.97 to 35.93). The prevalence of MetS was 26.18% for those in the highest socioeconomic status (SES), compared with 40.51% for participants in the lowest SES. There was a significant negative concentration index for MetS (C=-0.13; 95% CI, -0.16 to -0.09), indicating a concentration of MetS among participants with a lower SES. The most prevalent component was abdominal obesity (59.14%) with a significant negative concentration index (C=-0.21; 95% CI, -0.25 to -0.18). According to decomposition analysis, age, gender, and education were the highest contributing factors to inequality in MetS and its components.CONCLUSIONS: This study showed socioeconomic inequality in MetS. People with a low SES were more likely to have MetS. Therefore, policymakers and health managers need to develop appropriate strategies to reduce these inequalities in MetS across age groups, genders, and education levels, especially among women and the elderly.
Percepciones sobre un periodismo valioso para las comunidades de zonas despobladas: oportunidades para una reforma mediática
Authors: Galletero-Campos Belén , Saiz Echezarreta Vanesa , Rodriguez-Amat Joan Ramon
Published: September 2023

Introducción: Este trabajo analiza las percepciones y las demandas de las comunidades en territorios despoblados respecto a los medios locales e identifica qué funciones y roles periodísticos consideran más valiosos. Los hallazgos son una oportunidad para reflexionar sobre la conexión entre los desiertos mediáticos, las expectativas de las comunidades sobre los medios locales y el futuro de estos últimos en el marco de una potencial reforma mediática. Metodología: Se realiza el análisis del discurso de cinco grupos de discusión: cuatro de ellos celebrados en dos poblaciones situadas en la provincia de Cuenca, Ledaña (1.563 habitantes) y Priego (885 habitantes), y un quinto grupo online de comunicadores seleccionados por su especialización profesional en territorios despoblados y en el medio rural. Resultados: El análisis refleja que profesionales y ciudadanía apuestan por un “periodismo militante” a la hora de trabajar en zonas despobladas, valoran un enfoque atento y de cuidado hacia las comunidades, la crítica constructiva, la generación de redes de interacción y la profundidad a la hora de abordar sus problemas. En particular, se identifican tres funciones para los medios: instrumental, de reconocimiento y de mediación. Discusión y conclusiones: En el contexto actual hay un espacio de oportunidad para explorar fórmulas que incorporen a los medios como actores estratégicos en las políticas públicas frente al reto demográfico, lo que puede catalizar al mismo tiempo la implantación de algunas propuestas de reforma mediática.