bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internal Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysms in Children
Authors: Kapoor Archit , Bakshi Jaimanti , Sedai Raghab , Sharma Vikas
Published: May 2023

Aneurysms of the cervical part of the internal carotid artery in children are a rare presentation. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is the key to a successful outcome. Management ranges from observation to minimally invasive or open surgical procedures. A 9-year-old female child presented to us with an ill-defined, pulsatile left neck swelling with an intraoral bulge in the left tonsillar fossa. Diagnosis was made on the basis of high clinical suspicion, and digital subtraction angiography was utilized both for diagnosis and a therapeutic intervention. There was a marked reduction of the swelling in the postoperative period showing near-complete resolution in 1 week.
Noise-induced Vestibular Dysfunction
Authors: Das Soumyajit , Bakshi Satvinder Singh , Seepana Ramesh , Kalidoss Vinoth Kumar
Published: May 2023

Noise pollution is an ever-increasing menace and affects the general and the mental well-being. The auditory effects of noise are well documented. However, noise induced vestibular dysfunction has received little attention and is an unexplored and an under-diagnosed entity. We review the effects of noise on the balance function. Various studies have shown the detrimental effects of noise on the vestibular end organs. Such changes may take place by various mechanisms and that noise induced vestibular dysfunction may occur in the absence of hearing loss. The long-term effects of noise on the vestibular physiology are not known and is an area for further research particularly in the setting of occupational noise exposure. It is imperative to understand the response of the vestibular system to noise at the molecular levels so that therapeutic measures can be adopted. At the same time, it is important to identify vestibular dysfunction at an early stage clinically so that further exposure can be prevented and permanent damage is averted.
Art of Writing Articles and Thesis
Authors: Arumugam Senthil Vadivu , Kasaragod Sreenivas Kamath , Paramasivan Vijaya Krishnan
Published: May 2023

Publication of a research work is the only way to ensure that our research work reaches another researcher/academician. A poorly written research article/thesis can derail the quality of the research done. Often reviewers find a sizable number of articles submitted to the journals, which are rejected despite being a good research work, due to its poor structured writing. We are aiming to tackle this issue by writing this review article focusing on the key area for a structured research article. Moreover, we hope this will help the younger researcher in structuring their work for a quality publication.
A rare case of invasive cribriform carcinoma
Authors: Akhtar Kafil , Irfan Sarah , Usman Syeda Iqra , Naheed Zohra
Published: May 2023

Carcinoma of the breast is a diverse disease encompassing an amalgam of different variants. It is characterized by distinguished histomorphological features, clinical manifestation and behavior, treatment response, outcome, and prognostic value. Invasive cribriform carcinoma is a special type of breast carcinoma. This rare entity with excellent prognosis has a unique histological pattern characterized by the disposition of neoplastic components in a cribriform pattern. Here, we present a case of an elderly female presenting with chief complaints of painless progressive lump in her left breast. Total mastectomy was performed and histopathological examination led to a diagnosis of cribriform carcinoma of the breast. Our patient is receiving tablet anastrozole 1 mg once daily for the past 6 months.
Unraveling the superior vena cava syndrome conundrum in lung cancer patients, a retrospective multivariate analysis – A tertiary care center venture
Authors: Arjuhn R. , Jeeva S. , Vijayasree T. N. , Ramaswamy Giridhran , Mary Nithiya B. Antoinette
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND:

Need to address superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is essential since SVCS has the potential to be fatal if not treated as an emergency.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Forty histologically confirmed patients with SVCS due to lung cancer treated from January 2015 to December 2020 were taken up for the study. Two groups of patients received two different radiation regimens for SVCS: Treatment 1:300 cGy per fraction for 10 fractions (40%, n = 18) and Treatment 2:400 cGy per fraction for 5 fractions (52.5%, n = 22). These two groups were analyzed in terms of clinical outcomes based on tumor and treatment characteristics and their association with symptom reduction and treatment response in SVCS in lung cancer patients.

RESULTS:

The mean survival for Treatment 1 is 6.6 months and Treatment 2 is 8 months but is not a statistically significant difference (P = 0.587; confidence interval [CI] 95%). The mean symptom reduction for Treatment 1 is within 10.1 days and for Treatment 2 is within 5.6 days, which is statistically significant (P = 0.001; CI 95%). Overall survival for patients whose symptoms reduced after treatment is 9.85 months while for patients where no symptom reduction is 1.2 months, which is statistically significant (P = 0.0005; CI 95%).

CONCLUSION:

Radiotherapy (RT) regimen of 400 cGy per fraction for 5 fractions is superior to 300 cGy per fraction for 10 fractions regimen in terms of rate of SVCS symptom reduction. patients whose SVCS symptoms improved after planned RT has better overall survival. Whereas progression/nil improvement/incompletion of planned RT have poorer prognosis in terms of overall survival.
Prospective of healthcare professionals regarding pharmacogenomics
Authors: Deshkar Anuradha T. , Rode Sonali
Published: May 2023

Background and objective

Pharmacogenomics is an emerging branch and its application in clinical practice will improve healthcare delivery in India. For the promotion and adaptation of pharmacogenomics, we need baseline data from healthcare professionals (HCPs). So, this study was planned to know the prospective of HCPs in India regarding pharmacogenomics.

Patients and methods

The printed copies of the pretested and validated, single-response or multiple-response self-administered questionnaire, were distributed to the HCPs. There was a total of 19 questions to access knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding pharmacogenomics. Data obtained were entered in Microsoft Excel 2013 spreadsheet for statistical analysis and percentages were calculated for concerned responses.

Results

Out of 134 responses, 126 responses were found to be eligible for analysis. Seventy-eight (61.9%) participants scored more than or equal to 5 to show above-average knowledge. Ninety (71.4%) participants showed a favorable attitude with a score of more than or equal to 3, while 91 (72.2%) participants scored more than or equal to 3 to show favorable practices regarding pharmacogenomics. Hundred and seven (84.9%) participants believed that pharmacogenomics will lead to more effective pharmacotherapy.

Conclusion

Participants showed above-average knowledge; favorable attitude, and practice behavior regarding pharmacogenomics. The survey indicates that conducting Information, Education, and Communication activities may help to increase awareness and knowledge, and to promote the adoption and utilization of pharmacogenomics in clinical practice, which will lead to better pharmacological treatment of disease with maximum efficacy and minimum side effects.
Clinical characteristics & severity profile of children with COVID-19 during the second wave pandemic
Authors: Agrawal Poorvi , Ansari Tazeem , Wade Poonam , Save Sushma , Kondekar Alpana , Rathi Surbhi , Malik Sushma
Published: May 2023

This retrospective observational study was aimed at defining the demographic and clinical characteristics as well as severity profile of COVID-19 disease in children admitted to dedicated COVID-19 tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, India, during the second wave. COVID-19 infection detected in children (1 month-12 years) by the rapid antigen test or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction or TRUENAT from March 1 to July 31, 2021 on throat/nasopharyngeal samples were enrolled and their clinical features and outcomes were studied. During the study period, 77 children with COVID-19 infection were admitted, of whom two-third (59.7%) were <5 yr old. The common presenting symptom was fever (77%), followed by respiratory distress. Comorbidities were noted in 34 (44.2%) children. Most of the patients belonged to the mild severity category (41.55%). While 25.97 per cent of patients presented in severe category and 19.48 per cent were asymptomatic. Admission to intensive care was needed in 20 (25.9%) patients, with 13 patients needing invasive ventilation. Nine patients succumbed while 68 were discharged. The results might help understand the course, severity profile and outcomes of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the paediatric population.
Development of an integrated telerehabilitation model in children with cerebral visual impairment in South India during the COVID-19 pandemic – A pilot study
Authors: Philip Jannet , Sethuraman Saranya , Hussaindeen Jameel R , Jacob Namita , Swaminathan Meenakshi
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected the in-person rehabilitation/habilitation services in families with children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) in India. This study aimed to develop a structured and family-centered telerehabilitation model alongside conventional in-person intervention in children with CVI to observe its feasibility in the Indian population.

Methods:

This pilot study included 22 participants with a median age of 2.5 years (range: 1–6) who underwent a detailed comprehensive eye examination followed by functional vision assessment. The visual function classification system (VFCS) was administered to the children and the structured clinical question inventory (SCQI) to the parents. Every participant underwent 3 months of telerehabilitation including planning, training, and monitoring by experts. At 1 month, the parental care and ability (PCA) rubric was administered to the parents. After 3 months, in an in-person follow-up, all the measures were reassessed for 15 children.

Results:

After 3 months of Tele-rehabilitation there were significant improvements noted in PCA rubric scores (P<0.05). Also, statistically significant improvements were noted in functional vision measured using SCQI and VFCS scores (P<0.05) compared to baseline.

Conclusion:

The outcomes of the study provide the first steps towards understanding the use of a novel tele-rehabilitation model in childhood CVI along-side conventional face-to-face intervention. The added role of parental involvement in such a model is highly essential.
Characteristics of binocular vision and oculomotor function among sports-concussed athletes
Authors: Dutta Pritam
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

To compare the binocular vision and oculomotor function between sports-concussed athletes and aged-matched controls.

Methods:

Thirty mild concussed athletes were recruited and compared with aged-matched controls. All the participants underwent a comprehensive ocular assessment followed by an oculomotor assessment which included tests for accommodation, vergence, eye movements, and reading parameters.

Results:

Three categories of oculomotor-based deficits were found: convergence insufficiency (40%), accommodative insufficiency (25%), and oculomotor-based reading dysfunctions (20%). A statistically significant reduction in the mean ± SD of the following parameters was noted in concussed athletes v/s controls:- binocular accommodative amplitude: 7.13 ± 1.59 v/s 15.35 ± 2.95 (P < 0.001), convergence amplitude: 14.23 ± 5.00 v/s 5.65 ± 0.90 (P < 0.001), positive fusional vergence for distance: 21.17 ± 8.97 v/s 31.32 ± 6.23 (P < 0.001), vergence facility: 6.47 ± 1.47 v/s 11.84 ± 1.00 (P < 0.001), accommodative facility: 7.10 ± 4.57 v/s 11.67 ± 1.83 (P < 0.001), reading speed: 66.97 ± 17.82 v/s 144.13 ± 24.45 (P = 0.03) and Developmental Eye Movement ratio: 1.40 ± 0.19 v/s 1.17 ± 0.06 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Concussions caused by sports have a considerable impact on binocular vision and oculomotor parameters. These findings have substantial therapeutic implications in terms of establishing a periodic screening program for athletes so that essential therapy can be provided for a better outcome.
Ophthalmic manifestations of monkeypox infection
Authors: Gurnani Bharat , Kaur Kirandeep , Chaudhary Sameer , Balakrishnan Harinikrishna
Published: May 2023

After the global COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an alarming concern with the monkeypox (mpox) outbreak, which has affected more than 110 countries worldwide. Monkeypox virus is a doublestranded DNA virus of the genus Orthopox of the Poxviridae family, which causes this zoonotic disease. Recently, the mpox outbreak was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Monkeypox patients can present with ophthalmic manifestation and ophthalmologists have a role to play in managing this rare entity. Apart from causing systemic involvement such as skin lesions, respiratory infection and involvement of body fluids, Monkeypox related ophthalmic disease (MPXROD) causes varied ocular manifestations such as lid and adnexal involvement, periorbital and lid lesion, periorbital rash, conjunctivitis, blepharocounctivitis and keratitis. A detailed literature review shows few reports on MPXROD infections with limited overview on management strategies. The current review article is aimed to provide the ophthalmologist with an overview of the disease with a spotlight on ophthalmic features. We briefly discuss the morphology of the MPX, various modes of transmission, an infectious pathway of the virus, and the host immune response. A brief overview of the systemic manifestations and complications has also been elucidated. We especially highlight the detailed ophthalmic manifestations of mpox, their management, and prevention of vision threatening sequelae.
Profiling of idiopathic macular hole vitreous proteome identifies the role of extracellular matrix remodelling, epithelial–mesenchymal transformation and unfolded protein-response pathways
Authors: Sen Sagnik , Udaya Prithviraj , Maheshwari Jayapal J , Ramasamy Kim , Kannan Naresh B , Dharmalingam Kuppamuthu
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

To analyze and describe the proteome of the vitreous humour in eyes with idiopathic macular holes.

Methods:

We performed mass spectrometry (MS)-based label-free quantitative analysis of the vitreous proteome of idiopathic macular hole (IMH) and control donor vitreous. Comparative quantification was performed using SCAFFOLD software which calculated fold changes of differential expression. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using DAVID and STRING software.

Results:

A total of 448 proteins were identified by LC-MS/MS in IMH and cadaveric eye vitreous samples, of which 199 proteins were common. IMH samples had 189 proteins that were unique and 60 proteins were present only in the control cadaveric vitreous. We found upregulation of several extracellular matrix (ECM) and cytoskeletal proteins, namely collagen alpha-1 (XVIII) chain, N-cadherin, EFEMP1/fibulin-3, basement membrane-specific heparan sulfate proteoglycan core protein, and target of Nesh-3. Several cytoskeleton proteins, namely tubulin, actin, and fibronectin levels, were significantly lower in IMH vitreous, probably reflecting increased ECM degradation. IMH vitreous also had a downregulation of unfolded protein response-mediated-mediated apoptosis proteins, possibly related to a state of increased cell survival and proliferation, along with a remodelling and aberrant production of ECM contents.

Conclusion:

The pathogenesis of macular holes may involve ECM remodelling, epithelial–mesenchymal transformation, downregulation of apoptosis, protein folding defects, and complement pathway. The vitreo-retinal milieu in macular holes contain molecules related to both ECM degradation and inhibition of the same, thereby maintaining a homeostasis.
Practical tips and common mistakes in ocular microbiology sampling and processing
Authors: Mitra Sanchita , Chandran Kavya , Fernandes Merle
Published: May 2023

Ocular microbiology deals with miniscule samples from ocular infections, which are difficult to collect, process, and analyze, necessitating special skills, and the knowledge of troubleshooting errors to reach a specific diagnosis. In this article, we highlight several practical points in ocular microbiology, common mistakes, and various approaches to resolve them. We have covered sample collection from different ocular compartments, processing for smear preparation and culture, transport of samples, staining and reagents issues, artifacts and contaminants, and interpretation of in-vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing reports. This review aims to help both ophthalmologists and microbiologists in making the practice of ocular microbiology and the interpretation of reports more reliable, hassle-free, and precise.
Cross-sectional study to describe the severity, bio-chemical associations, and final outcomes of COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis in a tertiary hospital of East India
Authors: Kumari Abhilasha , Ranjan Alok , Nishant Prateek , Sinha Sony , Sinha Ranjeet K
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

The second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic triggered a mucormycosis epidemic in India. Diabetes mellitus and dysregulated immune response were contributors, and rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) was the most common presentation. It is however not known whether bio-chemical parameters at presentation correlate with stage of ROCM or final outcome in terms of vision or mortality.

Methods:

This retrospective, hospital-based study included all in-patients of mucormycosis with ophthalmic manifestations at presentation admitted during June 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021. It aimed to evaluate the association between severity of infection, serum levels of HbA1c, ferritin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and D-dimer levels at presentation and outcome.

Results:

There were altogether 47 eligible cases having a mean age of 48.8 ± 10.9 years with a male:female ratio of 2.6:1; forty-two (89.4%) had pre-existing diabetes, and five (10.6%) had steroid-induced hyperglycemia. The mean HbA1c among diabetics was 9.7 ± 2.1. HbA1c and serum CRP showed an increase over subsequent stages, which was not statistically significant (P = 0.31). IL-6 values for all stages were similar (P = 0.97). Only serum ferritin levels showed a statistically significant increase over stages (P = 0.04). IL-6 was significantly lower (P = 0.03) in patients who survived, whereas CRP levels were significantly lower in patients who had final visual acuity (VA) better than only perception of light (P = 0.03).

Conclusion:

Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is a significant association of ROCM. Serum ferritin levels at presentation best correlate with extent of the disease. CRP levels are best to prognosticate cases that will have sufficient VA to carry on activities of daily living, whereas IL-6 levels are best associated with survival.
Molecular genetics of primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Yadav Manoj , Bhardwaj Aarti , Yadav Anshu , Dada Rima , Tanwar Mukesh
Published: May 2023

Glaucoma is a series of linked optic diseases resulting in progressive vision loss and total blindness due to the acquired loss of retinal ganglion cells. This harm to the optic nerve results in visual impairment and, ultimately, total blindness if left untreated. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most frequent variety within the large family of glaucoma. It is a multifaceted and heterogeneous condition with several environmental and genetic variables aiding in its etiology. By 2040, there will be 111.8 million glaucoma patients globally, with Asia and Africa accounting for the vast majority. The goal of this review is to elaborate on the role of genes (nuclear and mitochondrial) as well as their variants in the pathogenesis of POAG. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched online for papers until September 2022. Prevalence and inheritance patterns vary significantly across different ethnic and geographic populations. Numerous causative genetic loci may exist; however, only a few have been recognized and characterized. Further investigation into the genetic etiology of POAG is expected to uncover novel and intriguing causal genes, allowing for a more precise pathogenesis pattern of the disease.
Higher-order aberrations and visual quality after incision lenticule extraction surgery with intraoperative angle kappa adjustments between small and large kappa patients: A 2-year follow-up
Authors: Xie Mengzhen , Deng Yingping , Sun Chengshu , Qiu Lemei , Tang Jing
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

To evaluate the postoperative visual outcomes, that is, corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and visual quality, of patients with an angle kappa greater than 0.30 mm who underwent angle kappa adjustment during small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) 2 years after surgery compared to eyes with an angle kappa less than 0.30 mm.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study and included 12 patients from October 2019 to December 2019 who underwent the SMILE procedure for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism and had one eye with a large kappa angle and another eye with a small kappa angle. Twenty-four months after surgery, an optical quality analysis system (OQAS II; Visiometrics, Terrassa, Spain) was used to measure the modulation transfer function cutoff frequency (MTFcutoff), Strehl2D ratio, and objective scatter index (OSI). HOAs were measured with a Tracey iTrace Visual Function Analyzer (Tracey version 6.1.0; Tracey Technologies, Houston, TX, USA). Assessment of subjective visual quality was achieved using the quality of vision (QOV) questionnaire.

Results:

At 24 months postoperatively, the mean spherical equivalent (SE) refraction was − 0.32 ± 0.40 and − 0.31 ± 0.35 in the S-kappa group (kappa <0.3 mm) and the L-kappa group (kappa ≥0.3 mm), respectively (P > 0.05). The mean OSI was 0.73 ± 0.32 and 0.81 ± 0.47, respectively (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in MTFcutoff and Strehl2D ratio between the two groups (P > 0.05). Total HOA, coma, spherical, trefoil, and secondary astigmatism were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Adjustment of angle kappa during SMILE helps reduce the decentration, results in less HOAs, and promotes visual quality. It provides a reliable method to optimize the treatment concentration in SMILE.
Radial peripapillary capillary network in optic disc anomalies with abnormal tissues on disc surface
Authors: Mansoori Tarannum
Published: May 2023

Background:

Optic disc anomalies with abnormal tissue on the disc surface includes, myelinated nerve fiber, optic disc drusen, and Bergmeister papillae. Imaging the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) network in optic disc anomalies with optical coherence tomography–angiography (OCTA) can give information on the RPC network in these conditions.

Purpose:

This video describes the OCTA of optic nerve head and RPC network using the angio disc mode in cases of optic disc anomalies with abnormal tissue on the disc surface.

Synopsis:

This video presents characteristic features of RPC network in one eye each of myelinated nerve fiber, optic disc drusen, and Bergmeister papillae.

Highlights:

OCTA in optic disc anomalies with abnormal tissue on the disc surface show a dense RPC microvascular network. OCTA is an effective imaging modality to study vascular plexus/RPC and their alteration in these disc anomalies.

Video link:
https://youtu.be/zlflgijy56c.

Key words: Optic disc anomalies, OCTA, RPC network
Role of Incontinence Severity Index in Evaluating Severity and Impact of Treatment Of Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Sharma Jai Bhagwan , Kakkad Vivek , Roy K. K. , Kumari Rajesh , Pandey Kavita
Published: May 2023

Background:

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common ailment in affecting quality of life. This study was performed to see role of incontinence severity index (ISI) in evaluating severity of SUI and to see the impact of treatment of SUI.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 40 women with the diagnosis of SUI on history and clinical examination were enrolled. ISI was calculated on all the women before treatment. All women were treated with either conservative treatment (pelvic floor exercises, life style modification, and duloxetine therapy) (4, 10%) or Burch's colposuspension (18, 45%) or tension-free obturator tape (18, 45%) as per clinical situation after discussion with patients. ISI was again calculated 6 months after treatment.

Results:

Mean age, parity, body mass index in the study were 41.60 years, 2.73, and 24.2 kg/m2, respectively. All 40 (100%) patients had SUI with the mean duration of symptoms being 4.04 years. A total of 11 (27.5%) had moderate SUI (ISI 3–6), while 24 (60%) had severe SUI (ISI 8–9), while 5 (12.5%) had very severe SUI (ISI 12). Range of pretreatment ISI was 3–12 with mean being 8.8 ± 3.2. Posttreatment ISI reduced significantly with range of 1–4 and mean of 1.3 ± 0.4 (P < 0.001). The reduction was significant for all the groups, but there was no significant difference in efficacy of three treatment groups. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS IBM Version 2-1-0 using Chi-square test, Fisher's Extract test, and ANOVA test as appropriate.

Conclusion:

ISI is a useful modality to evaluate the severity of SUI and to see the impact of treatment modalities on SUI.
Sarcomatous Nodules Associated with Mucinous Neoplasms of Ovary
Authors: Kaur Navpreet , Chaudhary Dimple , Singh Vishal , Mallya Varuna , Khurana Nita , Sachdeva Poonam , Mala Y. M.
Published: May 2023

Ovarian mucinous neoplasms (benign/borderline/malignant), one of the common surface epithelial tumours of ovary, at times can be associated with mural nodules. These mural nodules can either be sarcomatous, sarcoma like or anaplastic carcinomatous. The nodules can be single or multiple and appear solid, white to brown in color. Sarcomatous nodules tend to occur in older patients and microscopically are poorly circumscribed, comprising of a population of pleomorphic spindled cells. Two cases of sarcomatous nodules associated with ovarian mucinous neoplasm are being presented here.
Combination of B-Mode Ultrasound and Doppler Ultrasound in Approaching to Uterine Intracavitary Pathologies Among Women Above 40 Years with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Authors: Nguyen Phuc Nhon , Nguyen Van Tuan
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

To determine the role of B-mode ultrasonography combined with Doppler ultrasonography in diagnosing uterine intracavitary pathology in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).

Patients and Methods:

This prospective observational study included 150 women aged >40 years with AUB hospitalized at Hue University Hospital and Hue Central Hospital between 6/2016 and 6/2019. All participants were investigated by B-mode transvaginal ultrasound and Doppler transvaginal ultrasound, and the result of sonography was compared to the histopathological endpoint.

Results:

The morphological features, structure, margin, border line of the endometrial-mass lesion, intracavitary uterine fluid, and Doppler signal clearly differed between benign and malignant intracavitary pathologies (P < 0.0001). However, echogenicity had a limited value in distinguishing between uterine intracavitary pathologies (P = 0.1). The sensitivity and specificity of the pedicle sign in diagnosing endometrial polyps were 50.0% and 97.6%, respectively; for the circular pattern in subendometrial fibroids were 46.2% and 100.0%, respectively; for the multiple vessel pattern in endometrial cancer were 64.0% and 96.0%, respectively, and for the scattered-vessel pattern in endometrial hyperplasia were 43.96% and 56.43%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Ultrasound B-mode combined with Doppler as a noninvasive tool was significantly valuable in the diagnostic procedures for uterine intracavitary pathology in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with AUB. It could also help differentiate malignant diseases from benign endometrial changes.
Use of artificial intelligence in forecasting glaucoma progression
Authors: Thakur Sahil , Dinh Linh Le , Lavanya Raghavan , Quek Ten Cheer , Liu Yong , Cheng Ching-Yu
Published: May 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been widely used in ophthalmology for disease detection and monitoring progression. For glaucoma research, AI has been used to understand progression patterns and forecast disease trajectory based on analysis of clinical and imaging data. Techniques such as machine learning, natural language processing, and deep learning have been employed for this purpose. The results from studies using AI for forecasting glaucoma progression however vary considerably due to dataset constraints, lack of a standard progression definition and differences in methodology and approach. While glaucoma detection and screening have been the focus of most research that has been published in the last few years, in this narrative review we focus on studies that specifically address glaucoma progression. We also summarize the current evidence, highlight studies that have translational potential, and provide suggestions on how future research that addresses glaucoma progression can be improved.
Manin–Drinfeld cycles and derivatives of $L$-functions
Authors: Shnidman Ari
Published: May 2023

We study algebraic cycles in the moduli space of

\operatorname{PGL}_2

-shtukas, arising from the diagonal torus. Our main result shows that their intersection pairing with the Heegner–Drinfeld cycle is the product of the

r

-th central derivative of an automorphic

L

-function

L(\pi,s)

and Waldspurger's toric period integral. When

L(\pi,1/2) \neq 0

, this gives a new geometric interpretation for the Taylor series expansion. When

L(\pi,1/2) = 0

, the pairing vanishes, suggesting higher order analogues of the vanishing of cusps in the modular Jacobian, as well as other new phenomena.

Our proof sheds new light on the algebraic correspondence introduced by Yun and Zhang, which is the geometric incarnation of “differentiating the

L

-function”. We realize it as the Lie algebra action of

e+f \in \mathfrak{sl}_2

on

(\mathbb{Q}_\ell^2)^{\otimes 2d}

. The comparison of relative trace formulas needed to prove our formula is then a consequence of Schur–Weyl duality.
$L^p$-bounds for semigroups generated by non-elliptic quadratic differential operators
Authors: White Francis
Published: May 2023

In this note, we establish

L^p

-bounds for the semigroup

e^{-tq^w(x,D)}

,

t \ge 0

, generated by a quadratic differential operator

q^w(x,D)

on

\mathbb{R}^n

that is the Weyl quantization of a complex-valued quadratic form

q

defined on the phase space

\mathbb{R}^{2n}

with non-negative real part

\operatorname{Re} q \ge 0

and trivial singular space. Specifically, we show that

e^{-tq^w(x,D)}

is bounded from

L^p(\mathbb{R}^n)

to

L^q(\mathbb{R}^n)

for all

t > 0

whenever

1 \le p \le q \le \infty

, and we prove bounds on

\parallel { e^{-tq^w(x,D)}}_{L^p \rightarrow L^q} \parallel

in both the large

t \gg 1

and small

0 < t \ll 1

time regimes.Regardin g

L^p \rightarrow L^q

bounds for the evolution semigroup at large times, we show that

\parallel{e^{-tq^w(x,D)}}_{L^p \rightarrow L^q} \parallel

is exponentially decaying as

t \rightarrow \infty

, and we determine the precise rate of exponential decay, which is independent of

(p,q)

. At small times

0 < t \ll 1

, we establish bounds on

\parallel {e^{-tq^w(x,D)}}_{L^p \rightarrow L^q} \parallel

for

(p,q)

with

1 \le p \le q \le \infty

that are polynomial in

t^{-1}

.
A comparison between Neumann and Steklov eigenvalues
Authors: Henrot Antoine , Michetti Marco
Published: May 2023

This paper is devoted to a comparison between the normalized first (non-trivial) Neumann eigenvalue

|\Omega| \mu_1(\Omega)

for a Lipschitz open set

\Omega

in the plane and the normalized first (non-trivial) Steklov eigenvalue

P(\Omega) \sigma_1(\Omega)

. More precisely, we study the ratio

F(\Omega):=|\Omega| \mu_1(\Omega)/P(\Omega) \sigma_1(\Omega)

. We prove that this ratio can take arbitrarily small or large values if we do not put any restriction on the class of sets

\Omega

. Then we restrict ourselves to the class of plane convex domains for which we get explicit bounds. We also study the case of thin convex domains for which we give more precise bounds. The paper finishes with the plot of the corresponding Blaschke–Santaló diagrams

(x,y)=(|\Omega| \mu_1(\Omega), P(\Omega) \sigma_1(\Omega) )

.
Spectral characteristics of Schrödinger operators generated by product systems
Authors: Damanik David , Fillman Jake , Gohlke Philipp
Published: May 2023

Motivated by the question of what spectral properties of dynamically defined Schrödinger operators may be preserved under periodic perturbations, we study ergodic Schrödinger operators defined over product dynamical systems in which one factor is periodic and the other factor is either a subshift over a finite alphabet or an irrational rotation of the circle. The scenario given by a periodic background potential corresponds to a separable structure in which the sampling function is the sum of two pieces, each of which depends only on a single factor of the product system. However, in each case that we study, our methods apply more generally to sampling functions that allow non-trivial dependencies between the product factors.

In the case in which one factor is a Boshernitzan subshift, we prove that either the resulting operators are periodic or the resulting spectra must be Cantor sets. The main ingredient is a suitable stability result for the Boshernitzan condition under taking products. We also discuss the stability of purely singular continuous spectrum, which, given the zero-measure spectrum result, amounts to stability results for eigenvalue exclusion. In particular, we examine situations in which the existing criteria for the exclusion of eigenvalues are stable under periodic perturbations. As a highlight of this, we show that any simple Toeplitz subshift over a binary alphabet exhibits uniform absence of eigenvalues on the hull for any periodic perturbation whose period is commensurate with the coding sequence. This is new, even in the case in which the periodic background vanishes entirely. In the case of a full shift, we give an effective criterion to compute exactly the spectrum of a random Anderson model perturbed by a potential of period two, and we further show that the naive generalization of this criterion does not hold for period three. Next, we consider quasi-periodic potentials with potentials generated by trigonometric polynomials with periodic background. We show that the quasiperiodic cocycle induced by passing to blocks of period length is subcritical when the coupling constant is small and supercritical when the coupling constant is large. Thus, the spectral type is absolutely continuous for small coupling and pure point (for a.e. frequency and phase) when the coupling is large.
On split extensions of preordered groups
Authors: Clementino Maria Manuel , Ruivo Carla
Published: May 2023

We investigate the behaviour of split extensions in the category

OrdGrp

of (pre)- ordered groups. Namely we show that the lexicographic order plays a key role on the existence of compatible orders for semidirect products, establishing necessary and sufficient conditions for such existence; we prove that the Split Short Five Lemma holds for (stably) strong split extensions, and identify classes of split extensions which admit a classifier.
On the asymptotic behavior of solutions to a class of grand canonical master equations
Authors: Bögli Sabine , Vuillermot Pierre-A.
Published: May 2023

In this article, we investigate the long-time behavior of solutions to a class of infinitely many master equations defined from transition rates that are suitable for the description of a quantum system approaching thermodynamical equilibrium with a heat bath at fixed temperature and a reservoir consisting of one species of particles characterized by a fixed chemical potential.We do so by proving a result which pertains to the spectral resolution of the semigroup generated by the equations, whose infinitesimal generator is realized as a trace-class self-adjoint operator defined in a suitably weighted sequence space. This allows us to prove the existence of global solutions which all stabilize toward the grand canonical equilibrium probability distribution as the time variable becomes large, some of them doing so exponentially rapidly but not all. When we set the chemical potential equal to zero, the stability statements continue to hold in the sense that all solutions converge toward the Gibbs probability distribution of the canonical ensemble which characterizes the equilibrium of the given system with a heat bath at fixed temperature.
An examination of the challenges faced by female brass musicians in Britain, 1870-1920.
Authors:   , Crowe Sarah
Published: May 2023

This study examines the challenges facing female brass players in Britain between 1870 and 1920. In order to do this, it analyses several different areas of the lives of these women including their everyday experiences living in a patriarchal society, the difficulties of cumbersome Victorian clothing, and the judgement and scorn aimed at women who performed on the public stage. It also considers the upheaval brought about by the Industrial Revolution which created uncertainty around women’s ‘place’ and increasing freedoms. By bringing together these separate strands of scholarship concerning women and female musicians, this thesis explains why female brass players emerged in such low numbers. Essentially, this study shows that the set of challenges faced by female brass musicians was uniquely constraining and difficult to overcome, and when examined in combination as they have been here, they comprehensively demonstrate why so few women took up these instruments at this time. Of equal importance is the discussion surrounding those few musicians who did manage to break through the prejudice and perform. What has been revealed through this research and analysis of case studies is much commonality in their experiences in terms of familial or group support, and the embracing of wearing looser-fitting uniforms and costumes to circumnavigate the impractical clothing of the day. This study shows that women faced limitations in every area of their lives at this time. However, it also reveals a small number of female brass musicians were able to overcome these hurdles with support, courage, and sartorial imagination.
Analysis of the stress state around wellbores in saturated porothermoelastic rock
Authors: Tran Hung Nam , Trieu Truong Hung , Nguyen Nga Thu Thi ,   Le Quy Don Technical University, Hanoi, Vietnam  Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, Hanoi, Vietnam
Published: May 2023

In the oil and gas exploitation or geo-thermal energy exploitation industries, wellbores can be drilled at great depths where the formation would be hot and saturated. In such case, a large temperature difference between the rock mass and drilling fluid can occur and cannot be ignored. During drilling the wellbores, thermic, hydraulic and mechanical phenomena appear simultaneously and interact with each other within the rock. This study presents the analysis of stress state around the wellbore located in saturated hot rock based on the fully thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior model of the rock mass by the finite element method. Two scenarios involving thermal conditions at the well wall are taken into account, i.e. the drilling fluid temperature is lower or higher than the formation temperature so-called the cases of “cooling” and “heating”, respectively. In this study, the influence of some thermic, hydraulic and initial stress field parameters of the rock mass on the stress state around the wellbore was also clarified. The obtained results showed that, in the cooling case, the well wall may be destabilized by fracture failure while in the heating case this would be collapse failure. The maximum points of tangential and axial stresses appear at the same locations for the two scenarios. In addition, the thermal expansion coefficient, the initial shear stress in the rock mass greatly affect the stress state around the wellbore whilst the permeability of the formation does not influence on the stresses on the well wall but only on the stresses inside the surrounding formation.
The language issue of Ukraine during the russian-Ukrainian war. The impact of centuries of repression of the Ukrainian language on modern society
Authors: Dzyublenko Iryna
Published: May 2023

The study of the language issue in Ukraine is relevant considering the importance of linguistic identification: since most Ukrainians have been Russified, it is necessary to pursue a clear and strategic language policy that could ensure the gradual but steady development of all things Ukrainian in the future. The purpose of this research was to explore the current state of linguistic consciousness in Ukrainian society, and the specifics of the establishment and development of the Ukrainian language during the long linguistic crimes and after the outbreak of the russian-Ukrainian war. The following methods were used to achieve the set purposes: analytical and synthetic, comparative and contrastive, historical, diachronic and synchronous. A panoramic analysis of the prohibitions and restrictions on the functioning of the Ukrainian language over the past four centuries was conducted, in particular in the fields of education, book publishing, office work, the church, etc. The study examined the historical stages of the development and formation of the identity of the Ukrainian language and provided statistics on the language issue a few years after independence, after the russian aggression in eastern Ukraine, and after russia's full-scale invasion. It developed an understanding of the causes and consequences of linguistic crimes and assessed the stages of Russification and the impact of the russian-speaking space in different regions of Ukraine. Attention was focused on the mechanisms of linguistic decolonisation on the example of different national languages and countries, forms of linguistic planning and national policies of states affected by language bans, and the revival of identification. The materials presented in this work can be used for further scientific research in the field of linguistics, sociology, historiography, and cultural studies, in particular, in the study of colonisation and decolonisation processes in various national languages of the world
The political path of independent Ukraine from the national-state revival to its place in the modern historical process
Authors: Meleshchenko Tatyana
Published: May 2023

The relevance of the stated research subject is conditioned upon the fact that at the beginning of 2022, Ukraine faced new challenges that threaten its sovereignty and territorial integrity and are related to russia's armed aggression. The full-scale invasion is frequently justified by russian politicians as a “fall from grace” and a historical misunderstanding. However, there are hundreds of facts that confirm the thesis that Ukrainian statehood is the result of the centuries-long struggle of the Ukrainian people for independence from the empire. The purpose of this research is to analyse the political path of Ukraine from the period of national and state revival to the present stage of historical development. To address the tasks set, the author used a range of general scientific and special research methods, including historical and genetic, political and legal analysis, and comparative and institutional analysis. The results obtained in the course of the study should be considered as the identification of the main stages of the establishment of Ukrainian statehood and the analysis of the events that established and strengthened Ukraine's independence. In addition, the author identifies the reasons for the strengthening of national-democratic movements and ideas during the Ukrainian Revolution in the late 1980s and in independent Ukraine, explains the content of national revival processes in different historical periods, and analyses the prospects for the development of the state against the backdrop of the war with russia. The materials of this study can be used in research and applied fields, and to explore the issues of Ukrainian state-building, nation-state building in the context of independence and transformation of political institutions
The role of natural resources in international relations in the 20th – early 21st century
Authors: Tsybukh Valery
Published: May 2023

The availability of natural resources has always been one of the most important aspects of international relations, which have historically developed as a system of interconnections between different countries. However, there is a problem of natural resource scarcity in the world, thus, it is necessary to understand how markets influence national policies and how states can intervene and regulate the balance of natural resources and energy markets, which is the relevance of the study. The purpose of the study is to determine the impact of natural resources on the development of international relations in the 20th – early 21st centuries. To achieve this purpose, the study uses general scientific and special methods: historical, synchronous and diachronic, logical, analysis and synthesis, generalisation and quantitative comparison, scientific abstraction, and comparative analysis. The study established that the United States of America, South America and the Middle East had significant reserves of oil, natural gas, coal and precious metals. In addition, as noted, at the end of the 20th century, the issue of energy security was increasingly used to define international energy policy, and at the beginning of the 21st century, energy became one of the important aspects of geopolitics and an instrument of geopolitical competition. The consolidation of economic interests realised through the exploitation of natural resources is becoming the foundation for conflicts between different countries seeking to dominate the global resource market. It is established that the policy of the United States of America in the Middle East was based on an attempt to control natural resources, and in South America - on supporting its national interests. The practical significance of the study allows exploring key issues in international relations for an in-depth understanding of the balance of geopolitical forces in the 20th – early 21st centuries
El Hospital de Nostra Dona de Montserrat de Roma (1519), testimonio de piedad e identidad
Authors: Ruiz Garnelo Isabel
Published: May 2023

Esta investigación rellena un vacio en los estudios sobre los lugares donde la comunidad de la Corona de Aragón en Roma practicaba la asistencia caritativa a finales del siglo XV y principios del XVI. Usando pruebas documentales inéditas, procedentes de diversos archivos de Roma, Ciudad del Vaticano, Madrid y la propia institución, revisa e incrementa el conocimiento precedente, el cual había focalizado en los hospitales de San Nicolás y en aquél promovido por Tomás Borja y Gabriel Robuster. Revela la existencia de otros dos cerca de Corte Savella, en el lugar actualmente ocupado por la Iglesia Nacional Española de Santiago y Montserrat. Para finalizar, también reflexiona sobre el interés que esta hospitalidad despertó en el rey Fernando el Católico y cómo contribuyó a consolidar su imagen en la Urbe; así como la importancia que dichos hospitales tuvieron para la cofradía de Nostra Dona de Montserrat, materializada en particular a través de sus generosas donaciones en especie y en metálico a fin de ayudar a construirlos y equiparlos.