bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal and spatial variations in local sex ratios in a suburban population of the European green toad Bufotes viridis
Authors: Staufer Martina , Burgstaller Stephan , Horvath András , Landler Lukas
Published: March 2023

Background

Sex ratios of animal populations are important factors of population demographics. In pond-breeding amphibians, the operational sex ratio (OSR) among the breeding population is usually male-biased. Also, in European green toads (Bufotes viridis), males usually outnumber females at breeding sites, while the sex ratio of the total adult population (ASR) is assumed to be balanced. It has been suggested that sex-specific breeding behavior causes male-predominance at the breeding sites. We used a dataset of 5 years of street patrols to test this hypothesis. For this we analyzed local sex ratios of green toads in terrestrial habitats and at two artificial breeding ponds. We expected temporal and/or spatial changes of local sex ratios which would indicate sex dependent differences in breeding behavior.

Results

Overall observed ASR among 2111 green toads, counted in the course of street patrols from 2016 to 2020, was slightly male-biased (ASR = 0.56, annual ASRs = 0.49–0.63). Based on the data of 1631 toads (920 males, 711 females) captured within a radius of 300 m around nine main breeding sites, temporal and spatial variations in local ASRs were evaluated. Resulting values were compared to the calculated OSR at two artificial breeding ponds in 2021 (645 adult: 553 males, 92 females). Estimates predict more equally distributed females and males prior to the main breeding season. During breeding season, males predominated at both breeding sites (B1: 0.83, B2: 0.89), whereas females are estimated to outnumber males in terrestrial habitats. Proportions of females highly significantly increased with advancing time of the year and increasing distance to the breeding sites. While males tended to accumulate in proximity to water bodies, females dispersed soon after breeding to more distant areas.

Conclusions

Observed sex ratios in the studied green toad population changed with time and sampling site, deviating from the population-wide sex ratio. Expanding sampling effort in amphibian conservation assessments in time and space, i.e., outside the main breeding season and away from the breeding sites, would be important to encompass such variations.
Seven-year outcomes following intensive anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Lukacs Regina , Schneider Miklos , Nagy Zoltan Zsolt , Sandor Gabor Laszlo , Kaan Kinga , Asztalos Antonia , Enyedi Lajos , Pek Gyorgy , Barcsay Gyorgy , Szabo Antal , Borbandy Agnes , Kovacs Illes , Resch Miklos Denes , Papp Andras
Published: March 2023

Background

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is currently the most effective therapy of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The aim of this study was to assess long-term benefits of intensive aflibercept and ranibizumab anti-VEGF therapy in patients with exudative AMD.

Methods

Two clinical trial sites recruited their original subjects for a re-evaluation 7 years after the baseline visit of the phase-3 Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Trap-Eye: Investigation of Efficacy and Safety in Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (VIEW 2) trial.

Forty-seven eyes of 47 patients with AMD originally treated with ranibizumab (14 eyes) or aflibercept (33 eyes) were included.

Results

Mean number of injections was 17.8 ± 3.0 during participation in the VIEW 2 trial. Fourteen of 47 (30%) eyes were given additional injections with a mean number of 5.7 ± 4.5 after the trial. At a mean follow-up time of 82 ± 5 months best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) remained stable or improved (≤ 10 letters lost) in 55% of patients in the entire study population, in 43% in the ranibizumab group and in 60% in the aflibercept group. In both groups combined mean BCVA was 54 ± 13 letters at baseline, 65 ± 17 letters at the end of the intensive phase and 45 ± 25 letters at the end of follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference in BCVA between the two groups at baseline (p = 0.88) and at the end of follow-up (p = 0.40). Macular atrophy was observed in 96% of eyes, average area was 7.22 ± 6.31 mm2 with no statistically significant difference between groups (p = 0.47). Correlation between BCVA at end-of-follow-up and the area of atrophy was significant (p < 0.001). At the end of follow-up, fluid was detected in 7 of 47 eyes (15%) indicating disease activity.

Conclusion

Long-term efficacy of aflibercept and ranibizumab was largely consistent. Following a two-year intensive therapy with as-needed regimen, BCVA was maintained or improved in almost half of the patients and in the ranibizumab group and more than half of the patients in the aflibercept group with very few injections. In a remarkable proportion of eyes, BCVA declined severely which underlines the need for long-term follow-ups and may indicate a more prolonged intensive therapy.

Trial registrations

VIEW 2 study: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT00637377, date of registration: March 18, 2008.

Long-term follow-up: IRB nr.: SE RKEB 168/2022, ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05678517, date of registration: December 28, 2022, retrospectively registered.
Laser in situ keratomileusis versus Artisan lens implantation in correcting ametropia after penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus
Authors: Feizi Sepehr , Javadi Mohammad Ali , Bineshfar Niloufar , Esfandiari Hamed
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To compare the long-term safety and efficacy of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with Artisan phakic intraocular lens implantation to correct refractive errors after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for keratoconus.

Methods

This retrospective comparative interventional case series included a total of 33 consecutive keratoconus eyes that had previous PK and received subsequent LASIK (n = 16) or Artisan lens implantation (n = 17) were included in this study. Outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refractive error, and complications.

Results

Postoperatively, the UDVA of ≥20/40 was achieved in none of the LASIK group compared to 62.5% of eyes in the Artisan group (P < 0.001); the respective values for CDVA of ≥20/40 were 87.5 and 94.1% (P = 0.51). Spherical equivalent refraction decreased from − 6.97 ± 1.50 D preoperatively to − 4.20 ± 2.05 D postoperatively in the LASIK group (P < 0.001) and from − 10.79 ± 2.15 D preoperatively to − 2.13 ± 1.23 D postoperatively in the Artisan group (P < 0.001). There was no significant change in the refractive astigmatism in LASIK group (P = 0.30) or Artisan group (P = 0.11). The efficacy and safety indices were significantly better for Artisan (0.82 ± 0.34 and 1.13 ± 0.30, respectively) than for LASIK (0.22 ± 0.17 and 0.85 ± 0.24, respectively, P ≤ 0.006 for both comparisons). While refractive error changed significantly from postoperative year 3 to the final visit in the LASIK group, it remained stable in the Artisan group through follow-up period. No significant complications were observed in any group.

Conclusion

Artisan lens implantation provided superior and stable visual outcomes compared to LASIK for the management of post PK refractive errors in keratoconus eyes.
Cross-sectional study of the relationship between trait emotional intelligence and career adaptability of Chinese youths
Authors: Pong Hok-Ko , Leung Chi-Hung
Published: March 2023

Background

Young people often experience dramatic changes, both psychologically and physically, as they are transiting from students to working adults. However, there is still a lack of empirical studies on the relationship between the trait emotional intelligence and the career adaptability of youths in the Asia-Pacific region. This research examines that relationship in Chinese youths in Hong Kong.

Method

Cross-sectional data (N = 500) was collected from two universities in 2019 and 2020. The 2019 sample was made up of 256 Chinese university students (117 males, 139 females; ages 21-25). The 2020 sample included 244 Chinese university students (132 males, 112 females; ages 21-25). The participants were asked to complete the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS) to evaluate their emotional intelligence in the domains of self-emotion appraisal, other people's emotion appraisal, regulation of emotion, and use of emotion. Participants completed the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS) to assess their career adaptability in the areas of concern, control, curiosity, and confidence.

Results

All domains of trait emotional intelligence were positively associated with career adaptability. Multiple Regression analysis showed that self-emotion appraisal and appraisal of other people's emotional were the most predictive factors in terms of career adaptability. Together, these two dimensions of emotional intelligence explain 12.5%, 26.2%, 13.4% and 69.4% respectively of the variance in students’ concern, control, curiosity, and confidence in relation to career adaptability.

Conclusion

The results highlight the importance of emotional intelligence in career adaptability. It is thus of value to study further whether career adaptability of young people may improve if emotional intelligence is incorporated into the student curriculum. The findings offer valuable insights for educators and teachers who are responsible for well-rounded development of students, and will thereby foster healthy lifestyles, stable emotional well-being and greater career adaptability in adolescents.
Involvement of inflammasomes in tumor microenvironment and tumor therapies
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Li Xue , Wang Yang , Wei Yuquan , Wei Xiawei
Published: March 2023

Inflammasomes are macromolecular platforms formed in response to damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and pathogen-associated molecular patterns, whose formation would cause maturation of interleukin-1 (IL-1) family members and gasdermin D (GSDMD), leading to IL-1 secretion and pyroptosis respectively. Several kinds of inflammasomes detecting different types of dangers have been found. The activation of inflammasomes is regulated at both transcription and posttranscription levels, which is crucial in protecting the host from infections and sterile insults. Present findings have illustrated that inflammasomes are involved in not only infection but also the pathology of tumors implying an important link between inflammation and tumor development. Generally, inflammasomes participate in tumorigenesis, cell death, metastasis, immune evasion, chemotherapy, target therapy, and radiotherapy. Inflammasome components are upregulated in some tumors, and inflammasomes can be activated in cancer cells and other stromal cells by DAMPs, chemotherapy agents, and radiation. In some cases, inflammasomes inhibit tumor progression by initiating GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in cancer cells and stimulating IL-1 signal-mediated anti-tumor immunity. However, IL-1 signal recruits immunosuppressive cell subsets in other cases. We discuss the conflicting results and propose some possible explanations. Additionally, we also summarize interventions targeting inflammasome pathways in both preclinical and clinical stages. Interventions targeting inflammasomes are promising for immunotherapy and combination therapy.
Occurrence features of intermediate descending layer and Sporadic E observed over the higher mid-latitude ionospheric station of Moscow
Authors: Oikonomou Christina , Leontiou Theodoros , Haralambous Haris , Gulyaeva Tamara L. , Panchenko V. A.
Published: March 2023

Nine years of ionograms from a higher mid-latitude ionospheric station (Moscow) are analyzed, by applying the ‘height–time–intensity’ (HTI) technique along with Spectrum (Lomb periodogram) analysis with the aim to investigate the daily and seasonal variability of sporadic E (Es) and intermediate descending layers (IDLs). Es and IDL traces are observed over Moscow, which are characterized by a 12-h periodicity prevailing throughout the year. Shorter periodicities in IDL and Es occurrence are also observed. A 6-h periodicity in Es and IDL dominates during November and December, while an 8-h periodicity is found mainly from October to February for IDL and in July for Es. These periodicities are primarily induced by the semi-, quarter- and terdiurnal thermospheric tides, respectively. Our results also establish the systematic and widespread manifestation of shorter-scale (4.8- and 4-h) periodicities observed mainly for IDL and less frequently for Es only during December and January, in the nine years considered, which is most probably linked to higher-order solar tides.

Graphical Abstract
Hotspots of un-iodized salt availability among Ethiopian households, evidence from the national survey data
Authors: Muluneh Atalay Goshu , Merid Mehari W. Mariam , Kassa Getahun Molla
Published: March 2023

Background

Universal salt iodization was started before decades but there are communities using the un-iodized salt till now. More than one-tenth of the Ethiopian community uses un-iodized salt.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the hotspots and associate factors of un-iodized salt availability in Ethiopia based on Ethiopian national household survey data.

Methods

We conducted an in-depth analysis of the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016 data. A total of 15,567 households were included in the final analysis. We cleaned and weighed the data using Stata version 16 software and descriptive outputs were reported in graphs and tables. We computed the weighted prevalence of un-iodized salt and prepared it for spatial analysis. Global-level spatial autocorrelation, hotspot analysis using the Getis-Ord Gi* statistics, and spatial interpolation using empirical Bayesian interpolation were executed using ArcGIS 10.3 to predict the magnitude of un-iodized salt at the national level. The binary logistics regression model was used to identify the contributing factors of un-iodized salt utilization. Model goodness of fit was tested with Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (P = 0.96). Finally, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI was reported to identify significant factors.

Results

The magnitude of un-iodized salt availability was 14.19% (95% CI: 13.65, 14.75) among Ethiopian households. Un-iodized salt hotspots were found in Afar, Somalia, and Benishangul Gumuz regions. Compared to poorest wealth index: poorer (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.64), middle (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.60), richer (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.64), and richest (AOR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.75); compared to uneducated household head: heads with secondary (AOR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.60, 0.67) and above secondary (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.67) education reduced the odds of un-iodized salt viability, while households living in highland (AOR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.29) had increased the odds of un-iodized salt availability.

Conclusion

More than a tenth of the households in Ethiopia uses un-iodized salt. Hotspots of un-iodized salt availability were found in Somali and Afar regions of Ethiopia. Better wealth index and education of the household heads reduces the odds of un-iodized salt availability while living in a high altitude above 2200 m increases the odds of un-iodized salt availability in Ethiopia.
Comparison between ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block and quadratus lumborum block for open nephrectomy surgeries
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed Nasser , Afifi Galal Abou-elseoud , Shokeir Mohamed Hossam , Samir Ghada M. , Eldin Doaa M. Kamal
Published: March 2023

Background

This prospective randomized study was performed on 80 patients, 21–60 years old, scheduled for open nephrectomy surgery. Patients were equally allocated to two groups: the transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) group and the quadratus lumborum block (QLB) group. Both groups received 0.3 ml/kg of bupivacaine 0.25% on the side of the operation. Total postoperative pethidine consumption, time to rescue analgesia, postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS), and pethidine-related postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were recorded.

Results

Total postoperative pethidine consumption was significantly lower in the QLB group: 73.75 ± 23.99 mg versus 115.63 ± 31.87 mg in the TAPB group. Time to 1st rescue analgesia was significantly prolonged in the QLB group: 477.075 ± 49.2 min versus 430.825 ± 48 min in the TAPB group. The VAS was significantly lower in the QLB group, on arrival to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), and at 1, 4, 8, and 12 postoperative hours. At 16 and 24 postoperative hours, both groups showed nonsignificant differences in the VAS scores. In the QLB group, 20% of patients had PONV versus 35% of patients in the TAPB group with no significant difference.

Conclusions

QLB efficiently reduced pain after open nephrectomy surgeries, in terms of quality and duration of pain control compared to TAPB.

Trial registration

FMASU MD 90a/2021/2022. The trial was registered on the 23rd of May 2021, with Pan Africa Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR202110858627849) on 27 October 2021
Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the aging population in the northeastern of Iran
Authors: Fakhari Ali , Herizchi Sepideh , Sadeghi-Bazargani Homayoun , Amiri Shahrokh , Noorazar Seyed Gholamreza , Mirzajanzade Maryam , Barzegar Habibeh , Farahbakhsh Mostafa , Azizi Hosein
Published: March 2023

Background

The prevalence of psychiatric disorders by demographic characteristics in elderly people is poorly understood, at least in the northwest of Iran. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of various psychiatric disorders in the elderly population in East Azerbaijan Province, Tabriz. A total of 1000 aging people were randomly selected from the general population. Data were collected using valid structured instruments and face-to-face interviews by trained psychologists. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR (SCID-IV) and Abbreviated Mental Test Questionnaire were used. Chi-square (χ2) test was used for categorized variables, and an independent T-test was carried out for quantitative variables.

Results

Overall, 38.5% of the elderly had at least one mental disorder (47.2% women, 27.3% men). The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and any anxiety disorders was 16.6% (22.4% female and 9.3% male) and 16.7% (23.1% female and 8.6% male), respectively. Likewise, the overall prevalence of any depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), general anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and panic disorders were 21.6%, 7%, 5.3%, and 5.9%, respectively. The prevalence of any mental disorder in the first, second, and third quartiles of the socio-economic level was 54.3%, 37%, and 17.8%, respectively. The prevalence of any mental disorders among the marginalized and the non-marginalized population is 55.3 and 31.5%, respectively.

Conclusions

We found 38.5% (47.2% women, 27.3% men) of the elderly people had any mental disorders, and 21.6% of them had any depressive disorders. The prevalence of mental disorders in elders was almost like adults and middle-aged people in this study. However, the prevalence of mental disorders was higher than in marginalized population and low socio-economic status.
Real-World Validation of Molecular International Prognostic Scoring System for Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Sauta Elisabetta , Robin Marie , Bersanelli Matteo , Travaglino Erica , Meggendorfer Manja , Zhao Lin-Pierre , Caballero Berrocal Juan Carlos , Sala Claudia , Maggioni Giulia , Bernardi Massimo , Di Grazia Carmen , Vago Luca , Rivoli Giulia , Borin Lorenza , D'Amico Saverio , Tentori Cristina Astrid , Ubezio Marta , Campagna Alessia , Russo Antonio , Mannina Daniele , Lanino Luca , Chiusolo Patrizia , Giaccone Luisa , Voso Maria Teresa , Riva Marta , Oliva Esther Natalie , Zampini Matteo , Riva Elena , Nibourel Olivier , Bicchieri Marilena , Bolli Niccolo’ , Rambaldi Alessandro , Passamonti Francesco , Savevski Victor , Santoro Armando , Germing Ulrich , Kordasti Shahram , Santini Valeria , Diez-Campelo Maria , Sanz Guillermo , Sole Francesc , Kern Wolfgang , Platzbecker Uwe , Ades Lionel , Fenaux Pierre , Haferlach Torsten , Castellani Gastone , Della Porta Matteo Giovanni
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are heterogeneous myeloid neoplasms in which a risk-adapted treatment strategy is needed. Recently, a new clinical-molecular prognostic model, the Molecular International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-M) was proposed to improve the prediction of clinical outcome of the currently available tool (Revised International Prognostic Scoring System [IPSS-R]). We aimed to provide an extensive validation of IPSS-M.

METHODS

A total of 2,876 patients with primary MDS from the GenoMed4All consortium were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

IPSS-M improved prognostic discrimination across all clinical end points with respect to IPSS-R (concordance was 0.81 v 0.74 for overall survival and 0.89 v 0.76 for leukemia-free survival, respectively). This was true even in those patients without detectable gene mutations. Compared with the IPSS-R based stratification, the IPSS-M risk group changed in 46% of patients (23.6% and 22.4% of subjects were upstaged and downstaged, respectively). In patients treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), IPSS-M significantly improved the prediction of the risk of disease relapse and the probability of post-transplantation survival versus IPSS-R (concordance was 0.76 v 0.60 for overall survival and 0.89 v 0.70 for probability of relapse, respectively). In high-risk patients treated with hypomethylating agents (HMA), IPSS-M failed to stratify individual probability of response; response duration and probability of survival were inversely related to IPSS-M risk. Finally, we tested the accuracy in predicting IPSS-M when molecular information was missed and we defined a minimum set of 15 relevant genes associated with high performance of the score.

CONCLUSION

IPSS-M improves MDS prognostication and might result in a more effective selection of candidates to HSCT. Additional factors other than gene mutations can be involved in determining HMA sensitivity. The definition of a minimum set of relevant genes may facilitate the clinical implementation of the score.
Definition and Clinical Significance of the Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance–Like Phenotype in Patients With Monoclonal Gammopathies
Authors: Burgos Leire , Tamariz-Amador Luis-Esteban , Puig Noemi , Cedena Maria-Teresa , Guerrero Camila , Jelínek Tomas , Johnson Sarah , Milani Paolo , Cordon Lourdes , Perez Jose J. , Lasa Marta , Termini Rosalinda , Oriol Albert , Hernandez Miguel-Teodoro , Palomera Luis , Martinez-Martinez Rafael , de la Rubia Javier , de Arriba Felipe , Rios Rafael , Gonzalez Maria-Esther , Gironella Mercedes , Cabañas Valentin , Casanova Maria , Krsnik Isabel , Perez-Montaña Albert , González-Calle Verónica , Rodriguez-Otero Paula , Maisnar Vladimir , Hajek Roman , Van Rhee Fritz , Jimenez-Zepeda Victor , Palladini Giovanni , Merlini Giampaolo , Orfao Alberto , de la Cruz Javier , Martinez-Lopez Joaquin , Lahuerta Juan-Jose , Rosiñol Laura , Blade Joan , Mateos Maria-Victoria , San-Miguel Jesus F. , Paiva Bruno ,   on behalf of the PETHEMA/GEM Cooperative Group
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE

The existence of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and light-chain (AL) amyloidosis who present with a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)–like phenotype has been hypothesized, but methods to identify this subgroup are not standardized and its clinical significance is not properly validated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An algorithm to identify patients having MGUS-like phenotype was developed on the basis of the percentages of total bone marrow (BM) plasma cells (PC) and of clonal PC within the BM PC compartment, determined at diagnosis using flow cytometry in 548 patients with MGUS and 2,011 patients with active MM. The clinical significance of the algorithm was tested and validated in 488 patients with smoldering MM, 3,870 patients with active MM and 211 patients with AL amyloidosis.

RESULTS

Patients with smoldering MM with MGUS-like phenotype showed significantly lower rates of disease progression (4.5% and 0% at 2 years in two independent series). There were no statistically significant differences in time to progression between treatment versus observation in these patients. In active newly diagnosed MM, MGUS-like phenotype retained independent prognostic value in multivariate analyses of progression-free survival (PFS; hazard ratio [HR], 0.49; P = .001) and overall survival (OS; HR, 0.56; P = .039), together with International Staging System, lactate dehydrogenase, cytogenetic risk, transplant eligibility, and complete remission status. Transplant-eligible patients with active MM with MGUS-like phenotype showed PFS and OS rates at 5 years of 79% and 96%, respectively. In this subgroup, there were no differences in PFS and OS according to complete remission and measurable residual disease status. Application of the algorithm in two independent series of patients with AL predicted for different survival.

CONCLUSION

We developed an open-access algorithm for the identification of MGUS-like patients with distinct clinical outcomes. This phenotypic classification could become part of the diagnostic workup of MM and AL amyloidosis.
Posterior Quadratus Lumborum Block, A Novel Approach to Treat Chronic Hip Pain: A Case Series
Authors: Fernández María T. , Aguirre José A. , López Servando
Published: March 2023

Osteoarthritis frequently results in chronic pain and has a major impact on patients’ quality of life. We present a case series of 20 patients with chronic hip pain who received a posterior quadratus lumborum block with the aim of improving their pain and, consequently, their quality of life. The results showed global improvement in pain and quality of life. These preliminary results support our conclusion. Posterior quadratus lumborum block is a safe and minimally invasive option for refractory chronic hip pain.
Algorithmic approach to neuroradiological diagnosis with pre-natal MRI: non-visualization of the fetal cavum septi pellucidi on mid-trimester screening ultrasound
Authors: Goergen Stacy , Furruqh Farha , Evans Rachel , Cicilet Soumya , Mankad Kshitij
Published: March 2023

This pictorial review provides an algorithmic approach and framework for systematic diagnostic evaluation of the fetus with intrauterine/fetal MRI (iuMRI) failed visualization of the cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) flanked by the septal leaflets (SLs) at the mid-trimester ultrasound. Pitfalls in sonographic diagnosis of normal or abnormal CSP/SLs, iuMR evaluation and differentiation of failed formation from perforation of the SLs, the latter secondary to obstructive hydrocephalus (OH), usually at the cerebral aqueduct, are discussed. Diagnosis with iuMR of malformations associated with obstructive hydrocephalus that are commonly underdiagnosed with ultrasound are highlighted. Failed formation of SLs can be an isolated abnormality or associated with abnormal formation of the corpus callosum, the holoprosencephaly spectrum, malformations of cortical development and Apert Syndrome. Septo-optic dysplasia is absent post-natally in most fetuses with isolated absence of the SLs. We describe the “five spots sign” to evaluate the pituitary and optic nerves on iuMR to help risk stratify the fetus with isolated failed SL formation for the presence of septo-optic dysplasia. This review will help clinicians to provide more accurate, evidence—informed counselling of pregnant females with a fetus who has absence of the SLs.

Advances in knowledge:

A systematic approach by the radiologist to analysis of imaging and other clinical data in the fetus with absent septal leaflets suspected on ultrasound will improve diagnostic efficiency, accuracy, and pre-natal counselling.
An integrated information modelling system for assessing urban geohazard risk
Authors: Προβιδάκης Στυλιανός
Published: March 2023

Με τη πάροδο των χρόνων, η συνεχής επέκταση των πόλεων έχει κεντρίσει το ενδιαφέρον μηχανικών και ερευνητών στην ανάγκη για υποστήριξη του βιώσιμου σχεδιασμού. Με την πολεοδομική επέκταση των σημερινών αστικών περιοχών αυξάνεται επίσης ο βαθμός επικινδυνότητας για γεωλογικές καταστροφές, με αποτέλεσμα ταυτόχρονα να αυξάνονται σημαντικά και τα οικονομικά μεγέθη για την αντιμετώπισή τους. Για τον λόγο αυτό, ένα ολοκληρωμένο ψηφιακό σύστημα που θα παρέχει και θα αναλύει πληροφοριές και δεδομένα για την επικινδυνότητα λόγω του κινδύνου γεωλογικών καταστροφών θα ήταν ικανό να υποστηρίξει τον βιώσιμο αστικό σχεδιασμό. Στη παρούσα Διδακτορική διατριβή προτείνεται ένα πλαίσιο μεθοδολογίας για να βοηθήσει στην αξιολόγηση του βαθμού επικινδυνότητας από τον κίνδυνο γεωλογικών καταστροφών σε αστικές περιοχές. Μια αυτού του είδους ολοκληρωμένη ψηφιακή εφαρμογή προτείνεται σε αυτήν την διατριβή για να αξιολογήσει την επικινδυνότητα δημιουργίας καθιζήσης του εδάφους που οφείλεται στη κατασκευή υπόγειου τούνελ. Οι προτεινόμενες αναλύσεις και τεχνικές για την αξιολόγηση της επικινδυνότητας από καθιζήσεις σε αστικές περιοχές καθώς και για την εκτίμηση των σχετιζόμενων δομικών καταστροφών και του αντίστοιχου οικονομικού κόστους αποτελούν το βασικό πλαίσιο της διατριβής. Η μοντελοποίηση κατασκευαστικών πληροφοριών παρείχε και υποστήριξε τις πληροφορίες για την επεξεργασία των δεδομένων που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν σε όλη την ανάλυση και της δημιουργίας του τρισδιάστατου μοντέλου γεωλογίκης δομης-υπογείου τούνελ-κτιρίου. Οι αξιολογήσεις επικινδυνότητας δημιουργίας καθιζήσεων που προκύπτουν παρουσιάζονται μέσω τρισδιάστατων απεικονίσεων. Με βάση αυτές τις απεικονίσεις μπορεί να καταλήξει κάποιος σε σημαντικά συμπεράσματα ως προς τις περιοχές που συγκεντρώνεται ο υψηλότερος βαθμός επικινδυνότητας για να επικεντρωθεί σε αυτές για περαιτέρω γεωτεχνικές έρευνες. Αυτό δημιουργεί ένα χρήσιμο εργαλείο προκαταρκτικής αξιολόγησης διαφόρων σεναρίων για την πιθανή πολεοδομική ανάπτυξη πόλεων. Τα αποτέλεσμα της διατριβής αυτής συνεισφέρουν στη γνώση και κατανόηση σχετιζόμενων εδαφικών προβλημάτων, αλληλεπιδράσεων του υπεδάφους με το δομικό περιβάλλον και μηχανισμών κινδύνων γεωλογικών καταστροφών και εν τέλει υποστηρίζει την βιώσιμη λήψη αποφάσεων.
Economic and behavioral lifestyle interventions to confront health risk factors
Authors: Ευθυμίου Παναγιώτα
Published: March 2023

Τα καρδιαγγειακά νοσήματα θα μπορούσαν να χαρακτηριστούν ως μια σύγχρονη επιδημία - κατέχουν την πρώτη θέση στον κατάλογο των πιο θανατηφόρων ασθενειών τόσο στις ανεπτυγμένες όσο και στις αναπτυσσόμενες χώρες. Μεταξύ των περιφερειών του ΠΟΥ, η Ευρωπαϊκή Περιφέρεια έχει το μεγαλύτερο βάρος των μη μεταδιδόμενων νοσημάτων και η Ελλάδα είναι από τις χώρες που πλήττεται περισσότερο. Έχει διαπιστωθεί ότι οι παράγοντες κινδύνου που αυξάνουν τα ποσοστά των καρδιαγγειακών νοσημάτων σχετίζονται με τον τρόπο ζωής και τις καθημερινές συνήθειες των ανθρώπων, όπως το κάπνισμα, η κατανάλωση αλκοόλ, η διατροφή και η έλλειψη άσκησης, και μπορούν να οδηγήσουν σε αυξημένα καρδιαγγειακά νοσήματα, συνηθέστερα εγκεφαλικα επεισόδια και στεφανιαία νόσο. Δεδομένου ότι ο τρόπος ζωής παίζει καθοριστικό ρόλο στην πρόληψη και την καταπολέμηση των καρδιαγγειακών νοσημάτων, ο ΠΟΥ προτείνει κυρίως αλλαγές στη συμπεριφορά που μπορούν να οδηγήσουν σε μείωση των περιστατικών αυτών των νοσημάτων. Στη διατριβή εξετάζονται οι κυριότεροι παράγοντες κινδύνου που αυξάνουν τη συχνότητα εμφάνισης των μη μεταδιδόμενων νοσημάτων και διερευνούμε τον όρο ''Ποιότητα Ζωής''. Παρουσιάζονται οι κυριότεροι παράγοντες κινδύνου για την υγεία, καθώς και οι παράγοντες κινδύνου των καρδιαγγειακών νοσημάτων και οι οικονομικές πτυχές των παραπάνω. Επίσης, παρουσιάζεται η ερευνητική μελέτη που διεξήχθη και αναλύει τις καθημερινές συνήθειες των νέων (2019 φοιτητές) που σχετίζονται με τους παράγοντες κινδύνου των εν λόγω ασθενειών. Με βάση τα αποτελέσματα και τους συσχετισμούς της ανάλυσης εξάγεται το συμπέρασμα ότι πρέπει να διαμορφώσουμε τις κατάλληλες προληπτικές δράσεις/παρεμβάσεις με στόχο την αλλαγή του τρόπου ζωής και των καθημερινών συνηθειών, ώστε να μειωθεί ο κίνδυνος εμφάνισης παχυσαρκίας, καρκίνου ή καρδιαγγειακών νοσημάτων τα επόμενα χρόνια. Στη συνέχεια παρουσιάζεται η εφαρμογή της ROI (Return on Investment) στις πολιτικές δημόσιας υγείας. Τέλος, συζητάμε πτυχές μιας διεπιστημονικής προσέγγισης που απαιτείται για τη διαμόρφωση κατάλληλων προληπτικών δράσεων/παρεμβάσεων και προτείνουμε μέτρα πολιτικής, όπως η υιοθέτηση μιας ολιστικής προσέγγισης της ευημερίας, η αξιοποίηση των συμπεριφορικών οικονομικών και η χρήση της τεχνολογίας.
Η μεταφορά των παιδαγωγικών ιδεών στην Ελλάδα μέσω του παιδαγωγικού περιοδικού τύπου και η διαμόρφωση της παιδαγωγικής θεωρίας (1898-1940)
Authors: Μαρτζιβάνου Άννα
Published: March 2023

Η μεταφορά παιδαγωγικών ιδεών και πρακτικών από τόπο σε τόπο αποτελεί αναμφισβήτητο γεγονός, ενώ στη διάχυση των ιδεών σημαντικό ρόλο διαδραματίζουν τα παιδαγωγικά περιοδικά. Με αφετηρία αυτές τις δύο παραδοχές σκοπός της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής ορίζεται η διερεύνηση και η παρουσίαση των ξένων εκπαιδευτικών ιδρυμάτων, τα οποία περιγράφονται στα ελληνικά παιδαγωγικά περιοδικά, που εκδίδονται στην Αθήνα κατά την περίοδο 1898-1940, συμβάλλοντας στη διαμόρφωση της παιδαγωγικής θεωρίας. Ειδικότερα, ερευνάται ποια εκπαιδευτικά ιδρύματα παρουσιάζονται, ο τρόπος γνωριμίας των Ελλήνων αρθρογράφων με αυτά, ο χρόνος παρουσίασής τους, οι παιδαγωγοί και οι παιδαγωγικές θεωρίες με τις οποίες συνδέονται και οι παιδαγωγικές αρχές που μεταφέρουν για τον σκοπό και τις βασικές αρχές της αγωγής, τον σχολικό χώρο, τη μεθόδευση της διδασκαλίας, τους τρόπους αξιολόγησης, τον/την εκπαιδευτικό και τον μαθητή ή τη μαθήτρια, τα μέσα διαπαιδαγώγησης και τη σχολική κοινότητα. Επίσης, εξετάζονται οι διαφοροποιήσεις που συναντώνται σε συνάρτηση με τη φυσιογνωμία και τους αρθρογράφους του κάθε παιδαγωγικού περιοδικού, καθώς και οι απόψεις για την αποτελεσματικότητά τους και οι συνεπαγόμενες συστάσεις.
Equation of state of nuclear matter with applications to rapid rotating neutron stars
Authors: Κολιογιάννης-Κουτμηρίδης Πολυχρόνης
Published: March 2023

Οι αστέρες νετρονίων αποτελούν ένα από τα πιο πυκνά αντικείμενα του Σύμπαντος, όπου η πυρηνική φυσική συνδυάζεται με τη γενική θεωρία της σχετικότητας. Η πυκνή πυρηνική ύλη περιγράφεται από την άγνωστη ακόμη καταστατική εξίσωση, η οποία αναπαριστά την ύλη στο εσωτερικό του αστέρα και ο συνδυασμός της με τις εξισώσεις Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff παρέχει τη δομή του αστέρα νετρονίων. Αν και οι ψυχροί μη περιστρεφόμενοι αστέρες νετρονίων είναι μια χρήσιμη πηγή περιορισμών, η θερμοκρασία και οι υψηλές περιστροφικές συχνότητες βελτιώνουν σημαντικά και επεκτείνουν το επίπεδο της γνώσης μας. Ειδικότερα, η έρευνα επικεντρώνεται στην κατασκευή τόσο ψυχρών όσο και θερμών, πλούσιων σε λεπτονική ύλη καταστατικών εξισώσεων και τις επιπτώσεις τους στα μακροσκοπικά και μικροσκοπικά μεγέθη που περιγράφουν τους αστέρες νετρονίων. Συγκεκριμένα, παράγονται καθολικές σχέσεις για κάθε αντιπροσωπευτική περίπτωση και εξάγεται ένα κριτήριο για το τελικό στάδιο των συμπαγών αντικειμένων. Επιπλέον, η έρευνα επεκτείνεται στους πρωταστέρες και στο θερμό και ταχέως περιστρεφόμενο υπόλειμμα μιας συγχώνευσης ενός δυαδικού συστήματος αστέρων νετρονίων, μια και αποτελούν ιδιαίτερα χρήσιμα μέσα για να εξάγουμε περιορισμούς με βάση την θερμοκρασία και την περιστροφή. Το προαναφερθέν σχετίζεται άμεσα με την εσωτερική δομή και τη σταθερότητα των αστέρων νετρονίων. Τέλος, η θεωρητική μελέτη ομοιόμορφα περιστρεφόμενων αστέρων νετρονίων, που περιέχουν είτε ψυχρή είτε θερμή ύλη, και η παρατήρηση μεμονωμένων ή δυαδικών αστέρων νετρονίων, μαζί με την παρούσα έρευνα ρίχνουν φως και παρέχουν περιορισμούς στην καταστατική εξίσωση της πυκνής πυρηνικής ύλης.
Taking Over the Role of Law Enforcement by National Television: The Case Study of Women’s Strike Protests in Pandemic-Ridden Poland
Authors: Rezmer-Płotka Kamila
Published: March 2023

The study aims to show how the media took over the role of law enforcement by categorising who and how broke the law during women’s protests. These protests took place during the second wave of the pandemic. It all started with the judgment of the Constitutional Court, which decided to restrict abortion law in Poland. The method used in the study is a qualitative analysis of sources published on Tvp.info. The analysis made it possible to answer the question of how public television assessed and categorised the activity of protesters and why it is possible to talk about taking over the functions of the security services. As a result, the way the protests were reported became a form of mediatised control of protest. The research hypothesis is that National Television, as the ruling party's propaganda tool, was enabled in order to take over the police function  of ensuring public order and security in crisis situations in relation to the protests. Based on the analysis, the paper introduces recommendations to the ruling party and subordinated national television in order to restore neutrality and realise the original functions of national television.
Big Data, Sentiment Analysis, and Examples during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Diareme Kyvele Constantina , Liapakis Anastasios , Efthymiou Iris
Published: March 2023

Applied research in Big Data has gained popularity and is already transforming corporations, public sector, health care and subsequently everyday life. Big Data are being analysed for a variety of reasons, e.g., predict Brexit negotiating outcomes, optimise operations in agriculture, map and analyse human mobility trends under non-pharmaceutical interventions during the recent pandemic. The period of the COVID-19 pandemic has been characterised also by an ‘infodemic’, meaning an overabundance of both good and bad information. This information needs to be managed effectively as it can yield valuable insights when analysed. In this paper the terms of Big Data, Geospatial Big Data and Sentiment Analysis are presented along with selected cases, from the international literature, of the use of Big Data and analytics during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Diverse People in Diverse Businesses: Creating an Ecosystem around Inclusiveness
Authors: Vasilopoulos Eleftherios Foivos
Published: March 2023

In Greece only one out of three people with difficulties in basic activities is employed (Eurostat, 2011). These significantly low employment rates among people with disabilities (PwDs) have negative implications regarding their living standards, making them economically dependent on social benefits and socially excluded. One of the main factors for that issue is the deficient rates of absorption of PwDs in the private sector, although multiple EU and Greek policies for the increase of these rates currently exist. This policy brief emphasizes on the existing situation, the reasons why disabled people are excluded from the private labor market and the potential of investing in all-inclusive work-systems for businesses. Finally, it provides policy recommendations, on both European and national level, for motivating enterprises to increase diversity in their workforce, through the creation of an EU Disability Inclusion Index and Regional Disability Projects.
Greening International Trade: Unilateral Tendencies and the Role of International Institutions
Authors: Abedinaj Djego
Published: March 2023

International climate and trade regimes are becoming increasingly interchangeably linked to each other. Over the last months’ discussions about greening the international trade have rapidly increased, aiming to take concrete steps towards climate mitigation. Some countries such as the EU have come up with courageous unilateral measures such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and Germany forwarded by introducing to the G7 the idea of a Climate Club. Bypassing international institutions might be flexible to move forward, but at the same time may create fragmentation of the international regimes. This policy brief maps the new unilateral tendencies towards climate-related measures on trade policy and also examines the internal dynamic within the international organization. Firstly, it starts by analyzing how the regime complexity of climate change has left space for non-multilateral tendencies to emerge. Second, it maps the new tendencies and then explores how we got there. And lastly, it draws some insights into the potential risk of a more fragmented international climate regime may pose for international cooperation.
Polish Local Government Aid to Refugees from Ukraine on the Example of the City of Poznań
Authors: Wojtasz Adrian
Published: March 2023

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 resulted in a mass migration of refugees. Poland, as a neighbour, took in those fleeing the war and deployed them in cities in different parts of the country. A large part of the population was taken in by towns and cities in the east of Poland, but Ukrainian citizens were leaving further west. One city that provided assistance was Poznań, which, in cooperation with many local institutions, created living conditions for the refugees. The article analyses the actions that the local government carried out to deal with the migration crisis and what goals guided them.
Sino-North Korean Ideological Relations in Face of 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China
Authors: Kierasiński Mariusz
Published: March 2023

The aim of this paper is to analyze the most important aspects of the ideological relations between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the face of the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The Policy Brief is divided into four parts: Reactions of the Workers' Party of Korea to the 20th Congress of the Communist Party CPC; Mention of Korea during the 20th CPC Congress; The role of CPC in People's Republic of China according to WKP and the Significance of Sino-North Korean ideological relations after 20th Congress of the CPC. The methodology included media and literature review, which were collected through Korean Central News Agency, Rodong Sinmun and documents of the 20th Congress of the CPC. This study makes evident the importance of ideological relations between China and North Korea.
Natural Gas Price Inefficiencies as an Obstacle in Taming EU Inflation
Authors: Krompas Ioannis
Published: March 2023

During both the Covid-19 and energy crises, EU member states were forced to dedicate a tremendous amount of financial support to ensure economic survival and recovery, which inadvertently triggered inflation pressures. But as countries opted to switch from targeted measures against high energy prices to horizontal ones due to both political and practical reasons, demand-side inflation began to determine core inflation to an extent equal to that of the supply-side. Given that EU member states cannot withdraw fiscal support at the moment, as natural gas prices remain extraordinarily high, the focus must shift towards addressing the inefficiencies of natural gas pricing in the EU. By correcting those inefficiencies, pricing will reflect actual supply conditions, out of which increased LNG availability is the most important one, thus allowing countries to roll back fiscal support and monetary authorities to address inflation.
European Union’s Energy Security in the Aftermath of Russia’s War in Ukraine: From Dependence to Independence
Authors: Nastos George
Published: March 2023

The war in Ukraine and the ensuing consequences for the energy supply of Europe, creates a turning point in external energy relations and the energy policy of the European Union. This turning point forces the revision of the EU relations with Russia and a shift in external energy policy in geopolitical and energy security terms. By examining energy relations with Russia and within the framework of energy security, this article attempts to formulate concise policy proposals in this new emerging environment. These policies are based on 3 axes: a) increasing energy autonomy through energy diversification, b) creating alternative routes of energy supply and c) protecting society from the consequences of the current energy crisis.
Linking major depressive disorder pathogenesis with kynurenine pathway - a literature review
Authors: Szawica Dominik , Kuźniar Aleksandra , Fularska Kamila , Oleszko Michał , Wąsiewicz Edward
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Depressive disorders are a significant problem. They lead to suffering, loss of interest and may contribute to suicide attempts. Despite the large number of available medications, 10-35% of patients fail to achieve remission. Therefore, for these ongoing researches are underway to thoroughly understand the pathophysiology of depression.
Aim of study: The purpose of the study was to review the latest literature on the kynurenine pathway importance in depression, and to discover its links with theories relating to the pathogenesis of depression.
Matherials and methods: A systemic review was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar databases and it was limited to studies published between 2000 and 2023. The search strategy was based on following terms: kynurenine, depression, kynurenine pathway in depression, treatment resistant depression, tryptofan metabolites.
Results: Animal studies confirm the importance of the kynurenine pathway in animal models of depression. Peripherally directed inflammatory stimuli in humans lead to peripheral activation of the kynurenine pathway. The regulation of the kynurenine pathway in the brain is specific to a particular region as well as to a given type of depression.Conclusions: Further studies of the kynurenine pathway targeting different regions of the brain are necessary. Conducting a simultaneous analysis of many central and peripheral tryptofan metabolites will be helpful to accurately determine their mutual impact in both compartments. Understanding changes in kynurenine pathway transmission in a particular type of depression may be helpful in developing new, more effective drugs.
Oportunidades y riesgos de colonizar el periodismo con vieja propaganda que circula por las ntic: del caso de Siria a Ucrania
Authors: Sapag Muñoz de la Peña Pablo
Published: March 2023

Esta investigación identifica y analiza oportunidades y riesgos del uso de nuevas tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (ntic) como difusores propagandísticos en conflictos armados, hoy en continuo cambio, aunque no en cuanto a los mensajes persuasivos asociados con ellos. Mediante buscadores como Google se identificaron emisores prolíficos en el uso de ntic en el conflicto de Siria. El modelo de análisis propagandístico de Pizarroso Quintero y un análisis de contenido cualitativo y por inferencia permiten concluir que en “conflictos híbridos” combinar ntic con “vieja propaganda” ofrece resultados dispares. Aunque coloniza el discurso periodístico, también encierra riesgos. Sin filtros externos, los emisores difunden mensajes inconvenientes que lastran su estrategia propagandística. Para los medios, su reproducción acrítica descubre una mala praxis estructural que mina su credibilidad. Este modelo puede ser útil para evaluar la relación entre ntic-vieja propaganda-medios de comunicación periodística en otros conflictos, como el de Ucrania.
Personalised stratified follow-up after colorectal cancer treatment
Authors: Lane Julie , Becker Tracey
Published: March 2023

Julie Lane and Tracey Becker present a report from an Association of Coloproctology Nurses interactive session