bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’école française s’est-elle démocratisée ?
Authors: Delattre Michel
Published: May 2023

Se demander si un système scolaire s’est démocratisé exige qu’on se mette au clair sur ce qu’on entend par « démocratie ». L’évolution du système scolaire français est une belle illustration des écueils auxquels on s’expose en cultivant l’ambiguïté sur cette ambition légitime de démocratisation. Contrairement à ce que laisse parfois entendre un discours à coloration nostalgique, ce système ne s’est véritablement ouvert à tous les élèves, du moins pour ce qui concerne les études longues, que de façon relativement récente : longtemps, sauf pour quelques exceptions, la naissance a décidé de façon explicite et assumée des destins scolaires, distribuant dès le début de la scolarité obligatoire les élèves entre deux filières relativement étanches. On en conclurait alors trop rapidement que l’unification du parcours scolaire obligatoire et la démocratisation de l’accès aux études longues ont contribué à mettre fin à cette ségrégation selon l’origine sociale. Les lignes qui suivent s’efforcent de montrer, sans nier certains de leurs effets positifs, comment ces politiques d’ouverture ont plutôt transformé la nature des inégalités devant l’École qu’elles ne les ont effacées et, qu’on s’en réjouisse ou qu’on le déplore, ont imposé aux enseignants des contextes d’enseignement totalement nouveaux.
Le Tribunal constitutionnel allemand et la politique extérieure de la RFA : quelques considérations
Authors: Schirmann Sylvain , Schirmann Sylvain
Published: May 2023

Créée pour défendre les droits fondamentaux des Allemands au lendemain de l’expérience national-socialiste, la Cour constitutionnelle interfère par ses arrêts dans la politique extérieure allemande. Elle est particulièrement vigilante en matière de construction européenne, d’intervention des troupes à l’extérieur du territoire national et de ratification des principaux traités internationaux. Son intervention vise dans chacun de ces secteurs à protéger les prérogatives du Bundestag, lieu de la légitimité démocratique de la nation allemande. Cette approche fournit le cadre dans lequel le gouvernement peut mener sa politique étrangère.
Dévolution et politique extérieure du Royaume-Uni dans le contexte du Brexit : le cas de l’Écosse
Authors: Camp-Pietrain Edwige , Camp-Pietrain Edwige
Published: May 2023

Entre 1999 et 2016, les relations entre institutions centrales britanniques et institutions écossaises décentralisées étaient relativement apaisées grâce à des mécanismes informels de coopération et ce, alors que des partis politiques d’obédiences différentes étaient au pouvoir à Londres et à Édimbourg. Le gouvernement écossais avait un droit de regard sur certaines politiques européennes. Le référendum de 2016 a fait voler en éclat cette bonne volonté, creusant l’écart entre les gouvernements conservateurs britanniques désireux de contrôler le Brexit, et les autorités dévolues soucieuses de protéger leur autonomie. Cet article analyse la détérioration de ces relations, tant pendant les négociations avec l’Union européenne que depuis le Brexit, et montre que les mécontentements dépassent les rangs des indépendantistes. Le gouvernement écossais poursuit néanmoins sa propre para-diplomatie.
The differential on operator $ {{\mathcal{S}}({\Gamma})} $
Authors: Castro Jair , Basilio Ludwin A. , Reyna Gerardo , Rosario Omar
Published: May 2023

Consider a simple graph $ \Gamma = (V(\Gamma), E(\Gamma)) $ with $ n $ vertices and $ m $ edges. Let $ P $ be a subset of $ V(\Gamma) $ and $ B(P) $ the set of neighbors of $ P $ in $ V(\Gamma)\backslash P $. In the study of graphs, the concept of differential refers to a measure of how much the number of edges leaving a set of vertices exceeds the size of that set. Specifically, given a subset $ P $ of vertices, the differential of $ P $, denoted by $ \partial(P) $, is defined as $ |B(P)|-|P| $. The differential of $ \Gamma $, denoted by $ \partial(\Gamma) $, is then defined as the maximum differential over all possible subsets of $ V(\Gamma) $. Additionally, the subdivision operator $ {{\mathcal{S}}({\Gamma})} $ is defined as the graph obtained from $ \Gamma $ by inserting a new vertex on each edge of $ \Gamma $. In this paper, we present results for the differential of graphs on the subdivision operator $ {{\mathcal{S}}({\Gamma})} $ where some of these show exact values of $ \partial({{\mathcal{S}}({\Gamma})}) $ if $ \Gamma $ belongs to a classical family of graphs. We obtain bounds for $ \partial({{\mathcal{S}}({\Gamma})}) $ involving invariants of a graph such as order $ n $, size $ m $ and maximum degree $ \Delta $, and we study the realizability of the graph $ \Gamma $ for any value of $ \partial({{\mathcal{S}}({\Gamma})}) $ in the interval $ \left[n-2, \frac{n(n-1)}{2}-n+2\right] $. Moreover, we give a characterization for $ \partial({{\mathcal{S}}({\Gamma})}) $ using the notion of edge star packing.
Ideación práctica y construcción creativa. El pabellón de España para la Feria Mundial de Nueva York de 1964-1965
Authors: Sancho Javier Antón , Martín-Gómez César , Tárrago Mingo Jorge
Published: May 2023

El pabellón de España para la Feria Mundial de Nueva York de 1964-1965 constituye un hito en la carrera profesional de Javier Carvajal Ferrer (1926-2013). Recurriendo a las fuentes originales de archivos y a diversas entrevistas con varios de los técnicos que participaron en su diseño y construcción, en este artículo se explica y contextualiza el desarrollo de su ideación y edificación. Se proporcionan suficientes datos y fuentes de primera mano que señalan las complejas condiciones a las que hubo que adaptarse durante el proceso. Esas dificultades, que hay que calibrar junto con la elevada inversión y esfuerzo de propaganda del régimen español, lo convierten en un verdadero milagro de gestación a la par que confirman su condición paradigmática por sus aportaciones técnicas, singularmente de los procesos de obra y de las instalaciones, y metodológicas. La supervisión y coordinación entre todos los técnicos, el buen número de elementos prefabricados y los procesos de montaje, permitieron su erección en tiempo récord y después su total desmontaje y reconstrucción en otra localización.
Quels productions, usages et partages des cartographies de végétation dans l’estuaire de la Loire ?
Authors: Sawtschuk Jérôme , Dez Mathieu Le , Urvois Valentin , Mericskay Boris , Bot Kristell Le
Published: May 2023

Cette étude interroge les méthodes, typologies, moyens de diffusion et de partage des cartographies de végétation. Différentes sources d’informations sont mobilisées pour décrire les pratiques sur le territoire français de l’estuaire de la Loire : une analyse documentaire sur la production et l’usage des cartographies de végétation, une synthèse des demandes de données effectuées auprès d’un organisme ressource et une enquête réalisée auprès des professionnels. Les résultats sont analysés de façon à déterminer si les besoins diffèrent entre les catégories d’acteurs et sont mis en perspective avec les outils de diffusion actuellement disponibles. La synthèse bibliographique a permis de recenser 55 cartes de végétation et d’habitats éditées entre 1979 et 2020. La demande de cartes est croissante et peut être mise en lien avec l’évolution des politiques publiques d’aménagement et la prise en compte grandissante des problématiques environnementales. Les usages principaux concernent la réalisation d’études d’impacts, la gestion des milieux et l’aménagement. La désignation du site Natura 2000 a impulsé la construction d’une connaissance partagée sur ce territoire. Les connaissances de la dynamique des végétations restent encore partielles et requièrent des typologies standardisées pour pouvoir comparer les cartographies entre elles et mieux appréhender les évolutions de l’estuaire. La production et la diffusion de ces documents d’aide à la décision nécessitent des moyens, notamment humains, pour animer un réseau d’échanges de données environnementales entre utilisateurs et producteurs qui ne doit pas se limiter à une plateforme numérique.
STOREVAL, un indicateur de valeur écologique du foncier pour la définition de meilleures stratégies de gestion des sites des entreprises en lien avec les réseaux écologiques locaux
Authors: Thuillier Laura , Zutter Caroline De , Leca Denis , Machon Nathalie
Published: May 2023

Les entreprises industrielles, notamment du fait de l’emprise foncière de leurs sites de production et des produits qu’elles utilisent, contribuent à la dégradation et à la fragmentation des milieux, impactant négativement la biodiversité. Elles sont soumises à une pression sociétale croissante pour diminuer leurs impacts. Ainsi, de plus en plus d’entreprises développent des stratégies pour prendre en compte la biodiversité dans leurs activités. Elles établissent des partenariats avec des organismes scientifiques reconnus afin d’étudier leurs impacts sur la biodiversité et leur proposer des mesures pour les diminuer. Dans cet article, nous présentons un indicateur de valeur écologique, Storeval, issu de ce type de démarche. Cet indicateur composite permet à partir d’inventaires naturalistes, d’indicateurs structurels et de la modélisation des réseaux écologiques, d’estimer la qualité de l’écosystème, les pressions exercées sur lui, de prioriser les mesures de gestion et d’en évaluer les effets dans le temps. Il est applicable à l’échelle très fine de la tâche d’habitat pour des sites composés de parcelles plus ou moins dispersées dans l’espace. Sur les sites où il a été utilisé, Storeval a servi de base pour établir un plan de gestion sur le long terme. À l’échelle de l’entreprise, il apparaît comme un outil de conduite du changement vers des pratiques plus respectueuses de la biodiversité.
La trajectoire des savoirs citoyens : le cas du développement d’un projet minier québécois
Authors: Lalande Justine
Published: May 2023

Grâce à une démarche de type exploratoire inspirée de l’ethnographie organisationnelle, nous suivons la trajectoire des savoirs citoyens, c’est-à-dire leur formation, leur reconnaissance et enfin, leur intégration dans les décisions. Ce texte propose d’abord une typologie de la formation des différents savoirs citoyens. Pour illustrer cette trajectoire, nous utilisons le cas d’une mobilisation citoyenne qui conteste un projet de développement minier dans une petite municipalité au Québec. Nous en venons au constat que malgré les mobilisations de différents types de savoirs par les citoyens, les promoteurs sont tentés de poursuivre une démarche d’acceptabilité sociale ancrée dans le modèle du déversement du savoir, qui est relativement hermétique à la réception et l’intégration des savoirs citoyens. Nous proposons enfin des stratégies visant à dépasser le modèle du déversement du savoir afin de rendre compte des savoirs citoyens dans les projets.
Pluralité des valeurs attribuées à la nature : le rôle des instances de socialisation primaire
Authors: Tilbeurgh Véronique Van , Atlan Anne
Published: May 2023

Alors qu’il existe une grande diversité de valeurs attribuées à la nature, les déterminants sociaux habituels, tels que la catégorie socio-professionnelle, l’âge ou le sexe, se sont avérés peu explicatifs. Cet article explore le rôle de la socialisation, et plus particulièrement de la socialisation primaire dans le type de valeur que les individus affectent à la nature. L’enquête s’est déroulée dans les îles subantarctiques, choisies car la nature y est valorisée dans un contexte non-utilitariste et non-marchand, ce qui permet l’expression d’un grand nombre de valeurs. Nous avons analysé les correspondances entre les formes de socialisation des individus à la nature et les valeurs qu’ils lui affectent. La principale distinction met en tension deux instances de socialisation primaire : au sein de la famille et par les groupes de pairs. Les premières conduisent à une évaluation de la nature suivant un principe dominant et abstrait, les secondes à une évaluation égalitaire et concrète. En revanche, ceux qui n’ont pas été socialisés à la nature durant l’enfance ont plutôt tendance à mettre en avant la valorisation d’eux-mêmes acquise par l’expérience de nature. Si les trajectoires linéaires sont largement majoritaires, des renforcements ou des altérations sont possibles, montrant que certaines formes de socialisation secondaire peuvent faire ou évoluer les valeurs attribuées à la nature.
Examining Customer Experience in Using a Chatbot
Authors: Sari Hasrini , Adinda Rachmasari
Published: May 2023

While the use of artificial intelligence and chatbots is increasing, studies of customer experiences in using chatbots remain rare. This article explores the experience of customers before, during, and after their interaction with a chatbot to determine what aspects draw their attention when interacting with the chatbot. It identifies potential problems customers face when using a chatbot from different points of view, specifically those of a chatbot developer, a chatbot buyer, and a customer. This study focuses on VX, a chatbot from a leading telecommunications company in Indonesia, and uses interviews of fourteen customers, identified personas, and individual customer journeys to analyze interactions. The personas revealed five types of needs: two basic ones for information and transactions, and three others for security, entertainment, and complaints.
Vietnamese Americans' Experiences With Hurricane Harvey
Authors: Do Mai , Diep Jannette , Pham NhuNgoc K.
Published: May 2023

Immigrant populations in the United States continue to receive inadequate attention in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery despite the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters and catastrophic events. This analysis documents the experiences and challenges of Vietnamese Americans in the Houston metropolitan area after 2017 Hurricane Harvey. Findings highlight diverse experiences and unequal successes and challenges among this population. It is critical for planners and emergency managers to take into account such recovery asymmetries to better prepare for and plan their responses to natural disasters and the current or future pandemics.
Prenol, but Not Vitamin C, of Fruit Binds to SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 to Inhibit Viral Entry: Implications for COVID-19
Authors: Paidi Ramesh K , Jana Malabendu , Raha Sumita , Mishra Rama K , Jeong Brian , Sheinin Monica , Pahan Kalipada
Published: May 2023

Fruit consumption may be beneficial for fighting infection. Although vitamin C is the celebrity component of fruit, its role in COVID-19 is unclear. Because spike S1 of SARS-CoV-2 binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on host cells to enter the cell and initiate COVID-19, using an α-screen–based assay, we screened vitamin C and other components of fruit for inhibiting the interaction between spike S1 and ACE2. We found that prenol, but neither vitamin C nor other major components of fruit (e.g., cyanidin and rutin), reduced the interaction between spike S1 and ACE2. Thermal shift assays indicated that prenol associated with spike S1, but not ACE2, and that vitamin C remained unable to do so. Although prenol inhibited the entry of pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2, but not vesicular stomatitis virus, into human ACE2-expressing HEK293 cells, vitamin C blocked the entry of pseudotyped vesicular stomatitis virus, not SARS-CoV-2, indicating the specificity of the effect. Prenol, but not vitamin C, decreased SARS-CoV-2 spike S1–induced activation of NF-κB and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in human A549 lung cells. Moreover, prenol also decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines induced by spike S1 of N501Y, E484K, Omicron, and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2. Finally, oral treatment with prenol reduced fever, decreased lung inflammation, enhanced heart function, and improved locomotor activities in SARS-CoV-2 spike S1–intoxicated mice. These results suggest that prenol and prenol-containing fruits, but not vitamin C, may be more beneficial for fighting against COVID-19.
Twist1–IRF9 Interaction Is Necessary for IFN-Stimulated Gene Anti-Zika Viral Infection
Authors: You Yuan , Grasso Esteban , Alvero Ayesha , Condon Jennifer , Dimova Tanya , Hu Anna , Ding Jiahui , Alexandrova Marina , Manchorova Diana , Dimitrova Violeta , Liao Aihua , Mor Gil
Published: May 2023

An efficient immune defense against pathogens requires sufficient basal sensing mechanisms that can deliver prompt responses. Type I IFNs are protective against acute viral infections and respond to viral and bacterial infections, but their efficacy depends on constitutive basal activity that promotes the expression of downstream genes known as IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Type I IFNs and ISGs are constitutively produced at low quantities and yet exert profound effects essential for numerous physiological processes beyond antiviral and antimicrobial defense, including immunomodulation, cell cycle regulation, cell survival, and cell differentiation. Although the canonical response pathway for type I IFNs has been extensively characterized, less is known regarding the transcriptional regulation of constitutive ISG expression. Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a major risk for human pregnancy complications and fetal development and depends on an appropriate IFN-β response. However, it is poorly understood how ZIKV, despite an IFN-β response, causes miscarriages. We have uncovered a mechanism for this function specifically in the context of the early antiviral response. Our results demonstrate that IFN regulatory factor (IRF9) is critical in the early response to ZIKV infection in human trophoblast. This function is contingent on IRF9 binding to Twist1. In this signaling cascade, Twist1 was not only a required partner that promotes IRF9 binding to the IFN-stimulated response element but also an upstream regulator that controls basal levels of IRF9. The absence of Twist1 renders human trophoblast cells susceptible to ZIKV infection.
Four-year overall surgical mortality rate at Princess Marina Hospital, a tertiary hospital in Botswana
Authors: Chinyepi Nkhabe , Motsumi Mpapho J. , Rackara Samuel , Lwango Rashid , Kapinga Getrude , Ngwako Karabo , Sentsho Maranatha , Leshomo Tefo , Chilisa Unami , Lekgowe Elijah K. , Binikwa Mogomotsi , Motlaleselelo Pako
Published: May 2023

Background: Improving surgical mortality rates is a global priority as they measure the success of surgical care systems. There is no data on Botswana’s overall surgical mortality rate. Therefore, this study set out to evaluate the overall mortality rate in a surgical department at Princess Marina Hospital, a tertiary hospital in Botswana. Method: This study is a single-center quantitative and retrospective study conducted in the surgical department at Princess Marina Hospital from August 2016 to December 2019. The Department of Surgery at Princess Marina Hospital keeps a prospectively updated database for quality assurance, which started in August 2016. The study received ethical approval. We included all patients older than 12 years admitted to the surgical department. Our adults surgical wards admit patients who are older than 12 years. This study collected all mortality data and determined the overall mortality rate as a percentage of surgical admissions. Results: We retrieved 4660 admissions. The mean age was 56 (standard deviation=20.1). 66% (3083/4660) were operated. Out of the 4660 admissions, 267 deaths were registered, giving an overall mortality rate of 6%. The overall postoperative mortality rate was 3.63% (112/3083), and the non-operatively managed patient mortality rate 9.83% (155/1577). Overall, malignancies were the leading cause of death, at 49.1%(131/267), followed by trauma at 22.1% (59/267).Conclusions: The 4-year overall surgical mortality rate at Princess Marina Hospital was 6%. The mortality rate of the non-operatively managed patients was more than twice as high as the postoperative mortality rate. Overall, malignancies were the leading cause of death, followed by trauma.
The effects of displacement, food crisis and a crippled economic production on women: The case of Ukraine and the book of Ruth
Authors: Berman Sidney K.
Published: May 2023

As of the time of writing of this paper (January 2023), Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused a European refugee crisis, death and displacement of countless Ukrainians, worldwide food shortage, fuel crisis and inflation. By comparing the Ukrainian example and the book of Ruth, this paper demonstrates that the effects of forced migration, food shortage and arrested economic productivity are tilted against women. This results in sudden stati of family headship and breadwinner, inability to provide meals for or stabilise the family, and difficulty in attempting to re-establish a livelihood due to the double burden of care. The methodology of the paper is qualitative and gendered. In its interpretation of the biblical text, it is also allegorical and literary while for gathering the Ukrainian data, it is textual. One of the key findings of the study is that during displacement and crisis, women, unlike their male counterparts, tend to carry the family with them wherever they go, which means that women bear the greater burdens of these variables by far. The discussions in the sections of the paper merge the gendered situations, mindsets and events of the book of Ruth with those of the Ukrainian context.Contribution: Using the examples of the Russo Ukrainian war and the character of the biblical book of Ruth, this article examines the effects of displacement, food crisis and arrested economic production on women. This topic is aligned with the journal’s focus on religion, gender equality and environmental preservation, all of which fall within the journal’s scope.
A confirmatory factor analytic study of an ethical climate measure in Zimbabwe
Authors: Gwamanda Nelson , Mahembe Bright
Published: May 2023

Orientation: A psychometrically sound ethical climate instrument helps in establishing the appropriate ethical values important for positive organisational outcomes.Research purpose: The primary goal of the present study was to test the psychometric properties of the ethical climate questionnaire on a Zimbabwean sample.Motivation for the study: The ethical climate questionnaire (ECQ) is one of the questionnaires used to measure ethical climate. There is a need to assess the reliability and construct validity of the ECQ on a Zimbabwean sample owing to the lack of studies on its psychometric properties in this setting.Research design, approach and method: A quantitative design was adopted in this study. A non-probability sample consisting of 304 participants from selected security organisations was studied. The ECQ was used to measure ethical climate and its reliability was determined by calculating Cronbach alpha coefficients for each of the survey sub-scales. Construct validity was assessed through confirmatory factor analyses (CFA).Main findings: The ECQ demonstrated a reasonable model fit. Moderately high reliability coefficients were recorded on all the subscales of the ECQ with the caring subscale having a Cronbach alpha of 0.79, the law and code subscale, 0.86, rules, 0.85, 0.86 for instrumental and the independence subscale having 0.87.Practical implications: The ECQ has demonstrated acceptable reliability coefficients and the subscales are uni-dimensional. Although most of the psychometric properties of the ECQ are acceptable including the confirmatory factor analysis of the ECQ, the underlying theoretical structure might have to be re-examined for its alignment with the values in the Zimbabwean context.Contribution/value-add: The study promotes the use of reliable and valid instruments in Zimbabwe by confirming the psychometric properties of the ethical climate questionnaire.
A study of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Mohan Manjushree , Kavya S T , Kumar H. R. Sanjay
Published: May 2023

Background and Aim of the Study:

Numerous studies have shown an association of metabolic syndrome (MS) and insulin resistance with inflammation. The prevalence of MS as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Programme, Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP, ATP), and other criteria indicates ranges from 11% to 41% in India. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, which is calculated from a routine complete blood count with differential, is an easily obtained, inexpensive, can be used as a widely available marker of inflammation. This ratio can also aid in the risk stratification of patients with various cardiovascular diseases in addition to the traditionally used markers.

Materials and Methodology:

In this cross-sectional study, 210 patients with and without MS were included after detailed history and examination. Patients were considered as cases based on the NCEP, ATP III criteria for MS. Both groups of patients were subjected to routine investigations which included complete blood counts, total white blood counts, neutrophil and lymphocyte levels, HbA1c levels, serum glucose levels, fasting lipid profile, and electrocardiography. Logistic regression analysis was done to look for the association of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio with MS.P< 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results:

It was seen that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in participants without MS was found to be 1.57 ± 0.728 and the ratio in participants with MS fulfilling 3 out of the 5 criteria, 4 out of 5 and 5 out of 5 criteria were, respectively, 2.65 ± 1.003, 3.59 ± 1.258, and 4.79 ± 2.143. This association was statistically significant with aP= 0.00.

Conclusion:

Participants with MS had increased neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio when compared to participants without MS. Participants fulfilling higher criteria of MS had higher neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio suggesting increasing inflammatory state.
C-Reactive Protein and Lactate Dehydrogenase in Intensive Care Unit and Nonintensive Care Unit COVID-19 Patients – A Retrospective Study
Authors: Astagimath Muragendraswami , Aryapu Raviraja , Patil Vishwanath , Doddamani Suman
Published: May 2023

Background:

Appropriate diagnostic markers play an important role in categorizing COVID-19 patients with respect to the severity of the disease.

Aims and Objectives:

The aim and objective of this study were to compare C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU patients of COVID-19 disease.

Materials and Methods:

Data was collected from the COVID-19 laboratory (n = approximately 3700). The patients were divided into two groups: ICU and non-ICU. The levels of CRP and LDH were estimated by the microslide method based on an enzymatic heterogeneous sandwich immunoassay.

Results:

In the ICU group, patients above 50 years were four times in number compared to patients below 50 years. COVID-19 infection was twice more common in males than females. The mean CRP levels in the ICU group were higher compared to non-ICU group, and this difference was statistically significant. LDH was elevated significantly in ICU patients compared to non-ICU patients.

Conclusion:

The study concludes that patients aged above 50 years are more prone to develop severe COVID-19. Men are more susceptible to develop severe COVID-19. The most evident finding of this study is that among patients below 50 years, higher CRP levels can be used as an alarming marker in predicting severe COVID-19 disease. We suggest that LDH can be used as a marker to predict the severity of COVID-19 disease in all age groups. We also suggest that in patients above 50 years, it is better to use the combination of CRP and LDH in the assessment of severe COVID-19, rather than using CRP alone.
Nivolumab-Induced Thyroid Dysfunction
Authors: Kumbar Lohit , Selvan Chitra , Ganavi Y. P.
Published: May 2023

Nivolumab is one of human IgG4 monoclonal antibody belonging to the family of immune checkpoint inhibitors which acts by blocking ligand activation of programmed Cell death 1 receptor on T cells. Nivolumab has been approved for the management of patients with metastatic melanoma, metastatic squamous nonsmall cell lung carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Associated side effects include increased risk of severe immune-mediated reactions involving the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, liver, kidney, and thyroid gland. Its effects on thyroid gland can result in hypothyroidism (7%), hyperthyroidism (1%), and thyroiditis (<1%), mostly developing around week 12 after the start of therapy with nivolumab. Here, we report a case of nivolumab-induced thyroid dysfunction
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Wadhwa Rajkumar P. , Gosavi Deven Shrikant , Ravindranath Aathira
Published: May 2023

9%-32% of general population with higher prevalence in those with overweight or obesity and those with diabetes or prediabetes. NAFLD is an important cause of unexplained rise in hepatic transaminases, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The spectrum of abnormalities which the term NAFLD encompasses is isolated fatty liver, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and cirrhosis. The pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH is complex and includes the development of insulin resistance, accumulation of excess lipids in the liver, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell damage, and development of necroinflammation. Diagnosis is usually incidental during the evaluation for unrelated abdominal symptoms, elevated transaminases without any other explanation. Imaging modalities such as ultrasound are useful to diagnose the presence of excessive fat deposition in the liver but are not useful in differentiating simple steatosis from NASH. Liver biopsy may be useful in making this distinction, especially in those with risk factors for significant liver disease. Treatment modalities include weight reduction and exercise, metformin, Vitamin E, pentoxifylline, and saroglitazar and are effective in normalizing transaminases or in improving hepatic steatosis and inflammation in Indian patients with NAFLD. Randomized controlled treatment trials involving large number of patients with histological end point are required to assess the efficacy of different modalities.
A Study to Assess Diabetic Distress and Other Factors which Affect Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Nagabhushana Amruthavarshini , Ramaiah Madhumathi , Khan Mumtaz Ali , Nijaguna Siddesh
Published: May 2023

Objective:

The objective of the study was to assess diabetes distress and other factors, which affect glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to assess the relation between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and diabetes distress, duration of illness, educational status and treatment modalities, and body mass index (BMI).

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study conducted at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute included T2DM patients attending outpatient departments between November 2018 and February 2019, 280 patients were screened for diabetic-related distress using Diabetes Distress Screening Scale (DDS), the patients with diabetes distress were subjected to DDS 17 Questionnaire to determine the type of diabetes distress, and based on score divided into (0–2) little/no distress, (2–2.9) moderate distress, and (3 and more) severe distress.

Results:

Among 280 patients, 184 patients had diabetic distress and among them, 58.2% had severe distress, 7.5% had moderate distress, 34.3% had little/no distress, 83.1% had emotional burden, 59.2% had physician-related distress, 60.4 had regimen-related distress, and 83% had interpersonal distress. The diabetes distress was significantly associated with age (P = 0.032) and medication adherence (P = 0.00) with educational status. 51.4% had poor glycemic control with HbA1c of >7. The factors significantly associated with poor glycemic control included duration of diabetes withP= 0.008, diabetic distress withP= 0.00, and no significant association with educational status, age, BMI, and treatment modalities.

Conclusion:

Among type 2 diabetes patients, diabetic distress is a serious problem and needs to be addressed for better glycemic outcome.
Plasmablastic transformation of a double hit follicular lymphoma: An emerging entity
Authors: Khodaiji Shanaz , Mahajan Vidisha , Satyakam Krishna Sawaimoon , Amare Pratibha Sudhan Kadam
Published: May 2023

Plasmablastic transformation of follicular lymphoma is very rare and has been reported in only 5 cases till date. We report a case of simultaneous identification of extranodal, soft tissue plasmablastic lymphoma in the ankle and bone marrow involvement by follicular lymphoma. This unusual case presentation is a challenge for the treating physician with the patient becoming resistant to chemotherapy and succumbing to the disease within a few months of diagnosis. These cases are known to have an aggressive clinical course with very poor prognosis and survival rate of less than 6 months. This report broadens the spectrum of morphological transformation of follicular lymphoma and it may represent a new category of high-grade transformation of follicular lymphoma.
Utility of percentage signal recovery derived from dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion magnetic resonance imaging for differentiating glioblastoma, lymphoma, metastasis and meningioma: An observational prospective study
Authors: Shankar Abhay , Brar Rahat , Dwivedi Ankur , Rathore Deepander Singh , Prasad Abhishek , Rana Shaleen , Goudihalli Sachin Ranganatha , Budhiraja Manish , Singh Paramdeep , Saha Soma , Thakur Pragyat , Sancheti Sankalp
Published: May 2023

Background:

Pre-operative differentiation of brain neoplasm (gliomas, metastasis, lymphoma and meningiomas) is important for staging, intra-operative management and post-operative treatment. Dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC)-enhanced perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on microvasculature assessment can aid in differentiating these intracranial mass lesions.

Methods:

Thirty three patients referred to the radiology department for MRI with a presumptive diagnosis of primary intracranial tumour were included in the study. DSC imaging was performed by using a gradient-recalled T2*-weighted echo-planar imaging sequence. These data were used to calculate mean and maximum relative cerebral blood volume (rCBVmean and rCBVmax) and also percentage signal recovery (PSR) and relative PSR (rPSR) values.

Results:

The final histopathology was glioblastoma multiforme (GBM, n = 10, 30.3%), followed by metastasis in 9 (27.3%), lymphoma in 8 (24.2%) and meningioma in 6 cases (18.2%). All PSR parameters (maximum PSR, mean PSR, minimum PSR [minPSR] and rPSR) and rCBVmean were observed to be helpful (P < 0.05) in differentiating GBM (glioblastoma) from lymphoma; of these, the rCBVmean and rPSR (P = 0.0001) were most useful. Only rCBVmean could differentiate GBM from metastasis (P < 0.05); rCBVmean (P < 0.05) and minPSR (P <0.05) could differentiate GBM from meningioma.

Conclusions:

DSC-enhanced perfusion MRI based on microvasculature assessment can aid in differentiating intracranial mass lesions.
Clinico-mycological profile of suspected pulmonary aspergillosis cases
Authors: Kaur Bavleen , Gupta Veenu , Kashyap Anil Kumar , Chaudhary Jyoti
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Aspergillus is one of the most ubiquitous airborne saprophytic fungi. Humans constantly inhale numerous conidia of this fungus. The conidia are normally eliminated in the immunocompetent host by innate immune mechanisms. With increase in the number of immunocompromised patients, there has been a dramatic increase in severe and fatal invasive aspergillosis (IA). The present study was aimed to know the clinico-mycological profile of suspected pulmonary aspergillosis cases.

Methods:

The present study was a prospective study conducted over a period of 1 year in the department of microbiology in admitted cases with clinical suspicion of pulmonary aspergillosis. Samples such as sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, endotracheal secretions, fine-needle aspiration or biopsy and blood (for serological analysis) were collected and processed as per standard protocol.

Results:

Over a period of 1 year, 89 cases were included in the study. Their mean age was 58.7 years. Majority were male (60.6%). The most common presentation was cough (89.9%), followed by chest pain (57.3%) and fever (56.2% most common chest X-ray finding was homogeneous haziness (40.4%). Fungal smear was positive in 55.1% and 61.8% showed fungal growth. Galactomannan (GM) and (1-3)-β-D glucan positivity were 56% and 83.3%, respectively. The mortality was observed in 21.4% of patients.

Conclusions:

The study demonstrated that GM assay and (1-3)-β-D glucan assay are useful diagnostic modalities with a high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of pulmonary aspergillosis in high-risk patients along with positive fungal culture. Thus, these tests are early markers for IA.
Glimpse of TENS in Dentistry: A Literature Review
Authors: Ostwal Priyanka P. , Gupta Ekta , Maiti Niladri , Surana Pratik , Dutta Brahmananda , Waskle Rajesh
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy has been accepted to treat a wide range of illnesses, including phantom limb pain, joint pain, low back pain, and cervical discomfort. TENS is not frequently used in dentistry, despite its potential advantages. 3, 4 Therefore, the rationale of present review is to discuss its dental applications in order to spread awareness of them among the dental profession.
Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and High-Resolution Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Pathologies of the Peripheral Nerve
Authors: Alkhalifah Bassam
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

The study was done to evaluate high-resolution ultrasound with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of peripheral nerve pathologies. Ultrasound examination and MRI were performed for selected cases, and their sensitivity and specificity were compared. Ultrasound was found to detect peripheral pathologies with greater accuracy as compared to MRI. Also, ultrasound was found to have higher sensitivity and specificity than MRI. It was concluded that ultrasound is a better adjunct tool for the diagnosis of peripheral nerve lesions when compared with MRI.
Assessment of Bone Loss Around Dental Implant in Smokers
Authors: Singh Arundhati , Bhoi Shreedevi , Parmar Pravin M , Deepak TS , Almutairi Abdullah Khalid , Parihar Anuj Singh , Ramaiah Vardharajula Venkata
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

This research was done to assess how much bone is lost around dental implants in smokers.

Material and Method:

There were 80 participants total in the study, 40 of whom were smokers (Group I) and 40 of who were non-smokers (Group II). By evaluating the patients’ clinical and radiographic data, the marginal bone-level measurements were determined. The acquired information underwent statistical analysis.

Results:

Smokers were found to have worse overall clinical parameters than non-smokers (P 0.05). Smokers experience more marginal bone loss around implants than non-smokers do.

Conclusion:

Smoking has a negative impact on the outcome rate of dental implants.
Clinical Assessment of SDF Effect in Arresting Dental Caries in Deciduous Teeth
Authors: Joshi Keyur H , Basheer Shameer Muhammad , Ehsan Aliya , Singh Satpreet , Kaur Rajandeep , Suman Sudha , Babaji Prashant
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

Current research was done to evaluate the effectiveness of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) on carious lesions in deciduous teeth.

Materials and Method:

The study included kids who had at least one carious lesion in accordance to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System II. A 38% SDF (FAgamin, Tedequim Company, Córdoba, Argentina) solution was applied directly to the lesion on the deciduous teeth as per the manufacturer’s instructions. A follow-up evaluation was performed after one, three, and six months. Clinical results were used to assess the efficacy of SDF. The obtained data were statistically evaluated.

Result:

When it came to halting dental caries in primary teeth, 38% SDF was 92% effective.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, 38% SDF can be used to effectively stop caries in primary teeth.
Assessment of Aloe Vera and Tulsi’s Effectiveness in Treating Oral Submucous Fibrosis
Authors: Dalai Radha P. , Abdulcader Riyaz SS Mohamed , Awinashe Minal , Almutairy Mohammed , Sidhu Ruhi , Amlutairi Faris J. , Ramaiah Vardarajula V.
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

Aloe vera and tulsi were compared in this study to see how well they treated oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF).

Materials and Method:

The study involved thirty healthy volunteers aged from 20 to 55 without any systemic complications. The patients were given medications that needed to be applied two to three times daily. For four months, patients were followed up with monthly follow-up visits. The differences in the mouth opening and changes to the burning sensation on the visual analog scale (VAS) were statistically analyzed.

Results:

Both the burning sensation and mouth opening showed a statistically significant improvement.

Conclusion:

Tulsi and aloe vera provide a secure and effective method for treating OSMF symptoms.
Assessment of Static and Dynamic Load Tolerance of the Implant Mounts on its Particular Implant
Authors: Bijjargi Supriya P , Awinashe Vaibhav , Kashyap Rucha , Archana  , Qattan Ahmed Abdulmohsen , Choudhury Gopal Krishna , Jerry Jeethu John , Ramaiah Vardarajula Venkata
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

We compared the loads at which the implant holders from Astra Tech (AST) (AstraOsseoSpeed) and Osseotite Certain failed under static compression after experiencing fatigue, as well as the gap that resulted from dynamic loading between the implant-holder complexes.

Materials and Method:

The ISO 14801 recommendation served as the foundation for the test protocol. Each brand’s five implant-implant holder assemblies underwent dynamic loading. A load of 200 N was applied at a stress frequency of 12 Hz and a cycle rate of 5105. (Eden Prairie, MN, USA). Using scanning electron microscopy (S3700N, HITACHI, Japan), the gap (m) at the interface was measured post-fatigue. Static loading was then used to determine the highest load (N) after the point of failure. Controls included definitive abutment-implant complexes. Statistics were used to analyze the data.

Result:

The Osseotite Certain group showed a slight trend toward greater resistance, but there was no diversity among the two implant holder groups (P 0.05). AST (AstraOsseoSpeed) implants had a larger interface gap, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

With respect to greatest compression load or the interface gap following dynamic loading, there were no discernible differences between the two experimental groups.
Compressive Strength Evaluation of Three Distinct Implant Design Approaches
Authors: Sahoo Pradyumna K. , Priyadarshini Smita R. , Das Abhaya C. , Panda Saurav , Choudhury Purobi , Swain Pragyan
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

The study was done to assess the implant–abutment interface static compressive. strength of three design types and implant–abutment connection failure style.

Materials and Methods:

The implants at 306 with respect to the y-axis were aligned using a stainless steel holding device. Twenty specimens from each system totaled 60 total. A unidirectional vertical piston in a computer-controlled universal testing machine (MTS 810) generated static compression loading until failure. Specimens were macroscopically examined for fracture of the screw and implant, abutment looseness, and longitudinal displacement. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the data (ANOVA).

Result:

The screw-vent system had a mean compressive strength of 335.6 22.7 psi for the Unipost system, 384.3 37.1 psi for the screw-vent system, and 245.3 25.4 psi for the ITI-1 piece abutment connection.

Conclusion:

The connection between the Unipost implant and abutment showed a statistically significant variation.
Comparison of Mechanical Properties, Physical Properties, and Biocompatibility of Four Different Denture Base Resins: An In vitro Study
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Mishra Amit Kumar , Rani Varsha , Priyadarshi Siddharth , Sharma Vishakha , Kharat Swati
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

Four new dental replacement base tars were evaluated in vitro to determine their mechanical qualities, authentic properties, and biocompatibility.

Materials and Methods:

In this experiment, we employed SR Triplet HOT (a fiber-developed heat fix tar), Sunflex (a multipurpose force fix sap), Trevalon-Hello (a high-impact heat fix tar), DPI (a digital pigment imaging system), and a variety of other pigments and inks (normal power fix tar). For these models, the ISO specification 1567 for dental substitute base gums called for testing of flexural strength, hardness, impact strength, water sorption and dissolvability, and cytotoxicity.

Results:

All the strength and mechanical properties tested had a statistically significant difference when intergroup analysis was performed.

Conclusion:

The exceptional physical and mechanical capabilities of the Sunflex denture base resin, together with its biocompatibility with oral tissues, make it a good candidate for use as a denture base material in routine clinical practice.
A Comparative Evaluation of Micro-Leakage in Fiber Post Luted and Core Buildup Performed with Two Different Resin Cements: An In vitro Study
Authors: Kadam Vijay S. , Huddar Dayanand , Badadare Mokshada , Jadhav Priyanka , Aher Sakshi , Botadra Ayushi
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To compare the micro-leakages of fiber post luted and core buildup performed with ParaCore (Coltene) and LuxaCore (DMG) resin cement.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-six single-rooted teeth were selected and treated with root canal treatment and fiber post cementation with two types of resin cement (LuxaCore and ParaCore). Samples were exposed to 500 cycles of thermocycling, immersed in 2% methylene dye and centrifuged and sectioned longitudinally, and checked under a stereomicroscope.

Results:

LuxaCore and ParaCore showed a mean of 0.39250 mm and 0.47500 mm micro-leakage, respectively.

Conclusion:

There was a statistically non-significant difference seen with group 3 (LuxaCore) versus group 4 (ParaCore) (P > 0.05).
Evaluation of Influence of Incisal Guidance on the Force Exerted at the Maximum Possible Intercuspal Position and in Protrusion – An In vivo Study
Authors: Lulla Samdisha S. , Adaki Raghavendra , Samant Aditi , Adaki Shridevi , Surwase Swateja , Pardesi Shruti
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

Aim:

Incisal guidance (IG) varies with maxillary and mandibular teeth wear. It in turn governs the forces on adhesive restorations. The present study evaluates the variation in forces because of changes in IG.

Materials and Methods:

IG was recorded on 46 subjects along with the distance from centric contact to incisal edge. Biteforce was recorded in the maximum possible intercuspal position (MIP) and in protrusion in the anterior region. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Version 21 at a confidence level ≤0.05. Pearson correlation test was applied to determine r value.

Results:

The association between forces on anterior teeth in MIP and forces on teeth in contact in protrusion is statistically significant (P value 0.001). There is definitive correlation between forces exerted in MIP and the distance travelled from centric contact to incisal edge (r = 0.059). There is a weak correlation between forces on anterior teeth in MIP and protrusive IG (r value 0.172).

Conclusion:

The force on anterior teeth in MIP with steeper IG is higher. Hence, the restoration margin should be kept away from the centric contact point.