bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traces of past reintroduction in genetic diversity: The case of the Balkan chamois (Mammalia, Artiodactyla)
Authors: Rezić Andrea , Safner Toni , Iacolina Laura , Bužan Elena , Šprem Nikica
Published: August 2022

The translocation of wild animal species became a common practice worldwide to re-establish local populations threatened with extinction. Archaeological data confirm that chamois once lived in the Biokovo Mountain but, prior to their reintroduction in the 1960s, there was no written evidence of their recent existence in the area. The population was reintroduced in the period 1964–1969, when 48 individuals of Balkan chamois from the neighbouring mountains in Bosnia and Herzegovina were released. The main objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of the existing historical data on the origin of the Balkan chamois population from the Biokovo Mountain and to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of the source and translocated populations 56 years after reintroduction. Sixteen microsatellite loci were used to analyse the genetic structure of three source chamois populations from Prenj, Čvrsnica and Čabulja Mountains and from Biokovo Mountain. Both STRUCTURE and GENELAND analyses showed a clear separation of the reintroduced population on Biokovo from Prenj’s chamois and considerable genetic similarity between the Biokovo population and the Čvrsnica-Čabulja population. This suggests that the current genetic composition of the Biokovo population does not derive exclusively from Prenj, as suggested by the available literature and personal interviews, but also from Čvrsnica and Čabulja. GENELAND analysis recognised the Balkan chamois from Prenj as a separate cluster, distinct from the populations of Čvrsnica and Čabulja. Our results thus highlight the need to implement genetic monitoring of both reintroduced and source populations of endangered Balkan chamois to inform sustainable management and conservation strategies in order to maximise the chances of population persistence.
Simiand au Collège de France
Authors: Steiner Philippe
Published: August 2022

Dans un premier temps, cet article situe la place de François Simiand au sein de la sociologie durkheimienne. Dans un deuxième temps, il examine les développements nouveaux qu’élabore Simiand pour rendre compte de la crise économique, et les phénomènes économiques de courte période pour lesquels il introduit des typologies nouvelles et des considérations d’ordre psycho-sociologique, comme l’attente, l’estimation, l’interprétation. Enfin, l’article prend en considération ses réflexions sur la monnaie, avec les relations qu’il propose entre la sociologie économique et la sociologie religieuse.
Lévi-Strauss, disciple inconstant de Durkheim… et de Granet
Authors: Héran François
Published: August 2022

Comme les jeunes philosophes de sa génération, Claude Lévi-Strauss a d’abord rejeté l’héritage de Durkheim, jugé moralisant et conservateur, avant de saluer ses travaux sur les systèmes de classification. Toutefois, la méthode durkheimienne a fortement inspiré ses travaux à travers la figure de Marcel Granet, auteur en 1940 d’un essai sur les catégories de parenté dans la Chine ancienne qui établit déjà la typologie structurale des formes élémentaires de parenté et dégage ses implications pour le choix du conjoint et la cohésion sociale. Mettant en avant l’influence largement mythique de Roman Jakobson, Lévi-Strauss a minimisé, voire dénigré, l’apport de Granet, et ce, pendant une quarantaine d’années, avant de l’admettre en partie en 1988. L’article explore les motifs de cette attitude et tente de cerner en quoi Lévi-Strauss, via Granet, se situe bel et bien dans le sillage de la philosophie politique de Durkheim.
À la recherche de l’unité de la sociologie
Authors: Demeulenaere Pierre
Published: August 2022

Cet article analyse la manière dont Raymond Boudon a interprété la théorie d’Émile Durkheim. Il souligne le fait que Boudon l’a réduite à une théorie des croyances et qu’il a négligé l’insistance de Durkheim sur la pression sociale qui découle de l’appartenance à des groupes et s’exprime par l’adhésion à des normes sociales culturelles particulières et à des rituels. L’article se propose alors de montrer qu’une telle intégration à des groupes peut apparaître comme le résultat typique de situations de dilemme social, et être ainsi interprétée sur la base d’une méthodologie « individualiste ».
Partisans et supplétifs dans la pacification du Vietnam (1914-1954)
Authors: Bodin Michel
Published: August 2022

Durant tout le xx e  siècle, les supplétifs apportent une contribution indispensable aux troupes d’Indochine. Force de maintien de l’ordre puis acteurs de la contre guerre révolutionnaire, recrutés surtout parmi les minorités ethniques et religieuses, ils participent à tous les combats. Ils permettent à France d’avoir des hommes adaptés au milieu indochinois et surtout ils évitent à la métropole d’envoyer des effectifs coûteux. Ils sont donc un élément fondamental de la pacification du Vietnam.
Réagir à une insurrection naissante : analyse croisée des méthodes de pacification britanniques en Malaisie et au Kenya
Authors: Modeste Rodolphe
Published: August 2022

Au Kenya et en Malaisie, les armées britanniques initialement en difficulté se sont adaptées (doctrine, chaîne décisionnelle, services de renseignement, tactiques de combat, méthodes de confinement des rebelles et de la population, politisation de la lutte) à la nature asymétrique de leurs ennemis. Elles sont parvenues à les neutraliser. Ces deux campagnes militaires ont rétroagi l’une par rapport à l’autre (circulation de doctrines, modes d’action). L’enjeu théorique de cette étude est de déterminer les méthodes réussies de pacification communes aux deux conflits, de saisir les modalités classiques d’échange d’idées entre théâtres d’opération et d’interroger sur la prétendue existence d’ingrédients contre-insurrectionnels « intemporels ».
Tuer la vache et récupérer la carcasse : le pillage nazi des métaux néerlandais, belges et français, mai-août 1940
Authors: Denton Chad B.
Published: August 2022

En février 1940, l’Allemagne est presque à court de métaux pour subvenir aux besoins en munitions de la Wehrmacht. De mai à juin 1940, des équipes de « commandos économiques » suivent les troupes allemandes au Luxembourg, aux Pays-Bas, en Belgique et en France dans le but de réquisitionner les réserves en métal de ces pays. Celles-ci sont soit à destination de l’Allemagne, soit pour l’usage des usines locales. Hermann Göring et Georg Thomas décident de la répartition de ce butin, mais se heurtent à la question suivante : doivent-ils confisquer les métaux bruts des usines ou réquisitionner produits, ou encore, en d’autres termes, « tuer ou traire la vache » ? Cette étude de cas vise à démontrer que l’été 1940 voit l’émergence d’une politique qui en même temps « tue » et « trait la vache ».
Mésologie de la rencontre : une invitation au dialogue. Série I : introduction à la mésologie
Authors: Kioka Nobuo , Berque Augustin
Published: August 2022

Traduction de l’« Introduction à la mésologie », premier des quatre actes de Mésologie de la rencontre : une invitation au dialogue , de Kioka Nobuo. Cet acte comprend trois scènes dont chacune se compose d’abord d’un cours suivi d’un dialogue entre trois personnages. La scène 1 « Qu’est-ce qu’un milieu  ? » définit les trois concepts d’environnement, d’écosystème et de milieu, le « milieu » se distinguant des deux autres en tant que leur trajection . La scène 2 « La mésologie comme géo-philosophie » montre que les notions géophilosophiques, « lieu » « paysage » et « rencontre » ont une importance décisive pour la philosophie japonaise comme mésologie. La scène 3 « Critique de la civilisation moderne », enfin, insiste sur la nécessité de renouer l’« entrelien » ( aida ) brisé par le dualisme moderne, afin de dépasser la « logique du désir », source de la crise environnementale d’aujourd’hui.
Milieu, contingence et sens dans la nature
Authors: Berque Augustin
Published: August 2022

En référence à la mésologie ( Umweltlehre ) de Jakob von Uexküll (1864-1944), à la logique du lemme de Yamauchi Tokuryû (1890-1982) et à la « science naturelle » ( shizengaku 自然学) d’Imanishi Kinji (1902-1992), on examine ici le rapport entre hasard, contingence et nécessité dans l’évolution des espèces.
Du monde au milieu. Heidegger et Watsuji
Authors: Gérard Vincent
Published: August 2022

On examine dans cet article trois voies de l’élaboration de la question du monde : la voie historiographique empruntée par Heidegger dans la dissertation de 1929 Vom Wesen des Grundes , que l’on compare avec celle suivie par Watsuji dans le dernier chapitre de Fûdo pour le concept de « milieu humain » ; la voie historiographique suivie par Watsuji dans l’Introduction de l’ Éthique pour le concept de monde ( seken ) ; la voie comparative suivie par Heidegger dans le cours de 1929-1930 Die Grundbegriffe der Metaphysik , dont on indique qu’elle déploie un problème philosophique – celui de la transposition ( Ersetzung ) – qui permet d’éclairer certaines difficultés du texte de Watsuji.
Monotonicity of entropy for unimodal real quadratic rational maps
Authors: Gao Yan
Published: August 2022

We show that the topological entropy is monotonic for unimodal interval maps which are obtained from the restriction of quadratic rational maps with real coefficients and real critical points. This confirms a conjecture made in [8].
Involvement of smart technologies in an advanced supply chain management to solve unreliability under distribution robust approach
Authors: Hota Soumya Kanti , Ghosh Santanu Kumar , Sarkar Biswajit
Published: August 2022

The proposed study described the application of innovative technology to solve the issues in a supply chain model due to the players' unreliability. The unreliable manufacturer delivers a percentage of the ordered quantity to the retailer, which causes shortages. At the same time, the retailer provides wrong information regarding the amount of the sales of the product. Besides intelligent technology, a single setup multiple unequal increasing delivery transportation policy is applied in this study to reduce the holding cost of the retailer. A consumed fuel and electricity-dependent carbon emission cost are used for environmental sustainability. Since the industries face problems with smooth functioning in each of its steps for unreliable players, the study is proposed to solve the unpredictable player problem in the supply chain. The robust distribution approach is utilized to overcome the situation of unknown lead time demand. Two metaheuristic optimization techniques, genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) are used to optimize the total cost. From the numerical section, it is clear the PSO is $ 0.32 $ % more beneficial than GA to obtain the minimum total cost of the supply chain. The discussed case studies show that the applied single-setup-multi-unequal-increasing delivery policy is $ 0.62 $ % beneficial compared to the single-setup-single-delivery policy and $ 0.35 $ % beneficial compared to the single-setup-multi-delivery policy. The sensitivity analysis with graphical representation is provided to explain the result clearly.
Output-Feedback stabilization for stochastic nonlinear systems with Markovian switching and time-varying powers
Authors: Gu Jiabao , Wang Hui , Li Wuquan
Published: August 2022

This paper investigates the output-feedback stabilization for stochastic nonlinear systems with both Markovian switching and time-varying powers. Specifically, by developing a novel dynamic gain method and using the Itô formula of Markovian switching systems, a reduced-order observer with a dynamic gain and an output-feedback controller are designed. By using advanced stochastic analysis methods, we show that the closed-loop system has an almost surely unique solution and the states are regulated to the origin almost surely. A distinct feature of this paper is that even though there is no Markovian switching, our design is also new since it can deal with nonlinear growth rate, while the existing results can only deal with constant growth rate. Finally, the effectiveness of the design method is verified by a simulation example.
Bitensorial formulation of the singularity method for Stokes flows
Authors: Procopio Giuseppe , Giona Massimiliano
Published: August 2022

This paper develops the bitensorial formulation of the system of singularities associated with unbounded and bounded Stokes flows. The motivation for this extension is that Stokesian singularities and hydrodynamic fundamental solutions are multi-point functions, and bitensor calculus provides either the proper geometrical setting, in order to avoid inconsistencies and misunderstandings on the role of the different tensorial indices, or a way for compactly deriving hydrodynamic properties. A first relevant result is to provide a clear definition of the singularities (both bounded and unbounded) in Stokes flow, specifying the associated differential equations and boundary conditions. Using this formalism for bounded flows, we show the existence of an integro-differential operator providing the whole system of hydrodynamic singularities by acting on the unbounded Green function (Stokeslet) at its pole and we derive its explicit representation in terms of moments. In the case of an immersed body in a unbounded fluid, we show that, the operator furnishing the disturbance field of a purely $ n $-th order ambient flow, is a generalized $ n $-th order Faxén operator, i.e., it yields the $ n $-th moment on the body if applied to a generic ambient flow, and that a generic disturbance field can be expressed by a summation of the generalized $ n $-th order Faxén operators. Furthermore, we find that the operator providing the disturbance of an ambient flow coincides with the reflection operator for the Stokes solutions in the same flow geometry. We apply this result to the paradigmatic case of fundamental singularities for the Stokes flow bounded by a plane. In this way, we obtain in an alternative and easy way the image system for the Sourcelet and the Rotlet (already derived in the literature) and for the Source Doublet and the Strainlet (presented here for the first time).
Measuring Waste Recyclability Level Using Convolutional Neural Network and Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Ghnemat Rawan , Shaout Adnan
Published: August 2022

This paper presents a hybrid model that is used to measure the waste recyclability level using a convolutional neural network (CNN) and fuzzy inference system (FIS; WRL-CNNFIS). The proposed system uses waste images to train a multilayer convolutional neural network to extract the most relevant features that were used in a rule-based fuzzy system to give an accurate percentage of the recyclability level of these images. The proposed model did overcome many challenges in transfer learning models alone, like overfitting and low accuracy. The use of fuzzy rules improved the performance even with a small data set. Results have shown the effectiveness of the proposed model in terms of all four metrics: accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. The performance was measured under two testing scenarios. For all evaluation measurements in all experiments, the validation was conducted using the cross validation in the last step. The proposed approach is a robust and consistent approach for classifying organic and recyclable waste types. WRL-CNNFIS has achieved an accuracy rate of more than 98%.
Challenges of STEM Approach in Higher Education
Authors: Kundu Arnab , Mondal Gourish Chandra , Mandal Arpita , Sau Sabuj
Published: August 2022

Scientific advancement had been creating wisdom lag in society that demands quality involvement with science at all levels of life. The rapid growth of industrialization, automation, and allied insecurities across the globe requires people educated in a STEM discipline to focus on hands-on learning with real-world applications accosting a variety of skill sets, scientific might, and creativity. But what challenges are being faced in its adoption? How do overcome those challenges? This bibliometric analysis aimed to find the answer to these questions relating to STEM implementation in higher education along with way outs for improvement. Findings revealed a considerable number of deescalating factors such as socioeconomic status of the students, gender biases, lack of teachers’ understanding of STEM, the insufficiency of resources, and the eventual science anxiety. After deep deliberations over past literature, the authors suggest gradually pushing whole STEM education in a project-based manner, adopting an integrated STEM curriculum, focussing on the informal learning process, and
Sea-level change and the supralittoral environment: Potential impact on a splashpool habitat on the Ligurian coast (NW Mediterranean)
Authors: Bonello Guido , Carpi Luca , Mucerino Luigi , Grillo Marco , Ferrari Marco
Published: August 2022

Climate change represents one of the major drivers of habitat modification that is affecting a wide variety of environments. In coastal environments, great effort is being put in trying to understand and forecast the possible effects of such processes, and the Sea-Level Rise (SLR) is one of the most investigated phenomena. This paper describes the possible effects of different 2100 sea-level scenarios related to greenhouse gas mitigation policies (Representative Concentration Pathways - RCPs). This work was conducted on a supralittoral habitat situated in Genova (Ligurian Sea), and has covered an eventual change of environmental conditions driven by SLR, which might impact the Culicid Acartomyiamariae, a resident species. The wave run-up stemming from the different RCPs was simulated using the XBeach model, and to infer SLR effects on A. mariae life cycle; the results were coupled with data obtained from field surveys. The model outputs highlighted a variation in the wave run-up oscillations under common wave conditions, which might affect the supralittoral area in terms of water input and hydric balance, and the A. mariae life cycle, which is highly dependent on temperature and salinity.
Application of competency-based education in the Korean anesthesiology residency program and survey analysis
Authors: Kim Kyung Woo , Choe Won Joo , Kim Jun Hyun
Published: August 2022

Background: Although competency-based education (CBE) is becoming a popular form of medical education, it has not been used to train residents. Recently, the Korean Society of Anesthesiologists completed a pilot implementation and evaluation of a CBE program.This study aims to outline the experience.Methods: The chief training faculty from each hospital took a one-hour online course about CBE. Emails on the seven core competencies and their evaluation were sent ahead of a pilot core competency evaluation (CCE) to residents and faculty. The pilot CCE took place in late 2021, followed by a survey.Results: A total of 68 out of 84 hospitals participated in the pilot CCE. The survey response rate was 55.9% (38/68) for chief training faculty, 10.2% (91/888) for training faculty, and 30.2% (206/683) for residents. More than half of the training faculty thought that CCE was necessary for the education of residents. Residents’ and training faculty’s responses about CCE were generally positive, although their understanding of CCE criteria was low. More than 80% of the hospitals had a defibrillator and cardiopulmonary resuscitation manikin while the rarest piece of equipment was an ultrasound vessel model. Only defibrillators were used in more than half of the hospitals. Thoughts about CCE were related to various factors, such as length of employment, location of hospitals, and the number of residents per grade. Conclusions: This study’s results may be helpful in improving resident education quality to meet the expectations of both teaching faculty and residents while establishing CBE.
Unmasking the influence of corporate controls on organisational performance during strategy implementation: A case of eight South African public entities
Authors: Gasela Moses M.
Published: August 2022

Background: Nonalignment and failure of implementation of corporate and business level strategies are negatively influencing organisational performance in South African (SA) public entities. This influence is moderated by corporate controls. Yet little is known as to whether corporate controls influence the organisational performance and service delivery during strategy implementation in the public entities that are situated in the Northern Cape province. Hence, this study was intended to fill this gap.Aim: To examine the influence of corporate controls on organisational performance during the implementation of strategy in the Schedule 3 public entities that are situated in the Northern Cape province.Setting: The setting involves public entities at the local, provincial and national levels, in terms of corporate controls, legal framework, linkages and especially performance, as well as service delivery as it relates to the topic and political dynamics.Method: A concurrent mixed methods design was used. A purposive sample of 11 executives of the public entities and government departments was interviewed to collect qualitative data, complemented by content analysis of the relevant official strategic documents. A questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from a probability sample of 38 executives. The qualitative data were categorised into themes, patterns and trends around which narratives were written, and multiple regression was used to analyse the quantitative data.Results: Findings established that corporate controls affect strategy implementation positively during strategy implementation. This in return positively effects the organisational performance of the public entities.Conclusion: The inadequate corporate controls in the public entities affect the strategy implementation negatively because of the financial and human capital inadequacy and/or lack of human resources and working in silos. This results in unsatisfactory organisational performance and service delivery.
How codicology can reveal the religion mysteries surrounding a literary work
Authors: Karomani Karomani , Gustina Zainal Anna , Paramita Djausal Gita , Nurdiana Novita , Fitri Meutia Intan
Published: August 2022

Codicology, also known as ‘the archaeology of the book’, is the study of manuscripts as physical objects. It is a discipline that studies manuscripts with a predominantly historical orientation. This essay explores the sequel to the most famous literature before and after Islamic epic story and the link between Islamic signs and literature review. The greatest pre-Islamic mysteries in the history of Moslem literature and its religious effects were disused, which were solved by manuscript studies and some case studies. The research method is based on the position story and finding the Islamic signs of the research to confirm the Islamic signs in the history and its changes over time. Therefore, in this research, religious symbols in the history of literature have been studied. The authors try to reach a new knowledge regarding the foundations of this school by tracing the history of religious literature. Furthermore, the connection between culture and religious literature is made by examining the Islamic religion mysteries sample. The symbolism and explanation of codes and elements in art works have been studied and the role of myths and metaphors in semantic analysis and religious concepts has been discussed. Finally, the effect of the Islamic events in literature review and art development is discussed.Contribution: This study provides further insights into the relationship between theology and literature through a historical literature review.
Comparison of Neurological Manifestations in the Two Waves of COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Sureshbabu Sachin , Joseph Merisin , Haseena C V , Basheer Noufal , Srutha Keerthi R N , Samrooda N , Abdurehiman K P , Deepthi P V , Peter Babitha , Alappat Jacob
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is an ongoing pandemic caused by highly contagious virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) that has infected millions of people across the world. Most of the countries have seen two wave patterns of the pandemic. The second wave is potentially more challenging due to high influx of cases, differing properties of the emerging mutants, and other dynamics of the evolving pandemic. Neurological manifestations are common among COVID-19 positive patients. In this context, the present study attempts to compare the neurological manifestation in the first and second waves of COVID-19.

Methodology:

A single-center retrospective observational study was undertaken to compare neurological manifestations in the first and second waves of COVID-19. A sample of 1500 patients in the second wave admitted with COVID-19 were included in this study and the findings were compared with 1700 patients in the first wave (data derived from a former study in the same center). A detailed questionnaire addressing co-morbidities, admission details, and clinical features was employed to collect data from the hospital records.

Results:

Out of 1500 COVID-19 patients in the second wave of COVID-19, 355 (23.7%) of them had one or more neurological manifestations during their in-patient stay. The most common neurological symptom in the 2nd wave of COVID-19 was headache reported in 216 (14.4%) of patients followed by fatigue in 130 (8.7%), myalgia in 120 (8.0%), smell and taste disorders (STD) in 90 (6.0%), altered sensorium in 40 (2.7%), dizziness in 24 (1.6%), seizures in 34 (2.3%), encephalopathy in 26 (1.7%), strokes in 13 (0.9%), etc., Compared to the first wave of COVID-19, dizziness (P < 0.001), myalgia (P = 0.001), headache (P < 0.001) and meningoencephalitis (P = 0.01) were more common while cerebrovascular syndromes (P = 0.001) were less common in the second wave. The mortality in the 2nd wave neurological subgroup was higher [66 (18.6%)] than 1st wave neurological subgroup [23 (10%)].

Conclusion:

Meningoencephalitis, headache, and seizures were found to be more common in second wave as compared to first wave. The severity and mortality rate were higher in the second wave.
Peripheral Neuropathy in Children With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Sonbhadra Ahibhushan , Reddy Bandi V. Chaithanya , Saini Arushi G. , Tiewsoh Kara , Paria Pradip , Kesavan Shivan , Suthar Renu , Dawman Lesa , Attri Savita
Published: August 2022

Background:

Peripheral neuropathy in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common neurological complication. We aimed to look at the prevalence and patterns of neuropathy in children with CKD.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted over 1 year in children with CKD, stage III and above. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) were performed as per standard protocols using surface electrodes on the muscles and by supramaximal stimulation of the corresponding nerves. Presence of electrophysiological abnormalities in the absence of clinical symptoms or signs was considered as subclinical neuropathy.

Results:

Nearly 45 children were evaluated. The majority were males (n = 39, 86.7%). The mean age was 7.9 ± 3 years (range 2–14). The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at enrolment was 23.3 ± 14.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 (range 5–67). The majority of children were in stage III (n = 19, 42%), followed by stages V (n = 15, 33%) and IV (n = 11, 25%). There was no evidence of clinical neuropathy; 13 children (29%) showed subclinical neuropathy. All the nerves had an axonal pattern of involvement. Motor polyneuropathy was most common type of peripheral neuropathy. The commonest nerves involved were tibial and common peroneal nerves. There were no biochemical or clinical predictors of neuropathy in our cohort.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of subclinical neuropathy is high in children with CKD, stage III and above. Axonal motor polyneuropathy is the predominant pattern. Electrophysiological assessment of nerve function should be routinely done in children with advanced stages of CKD to prevent chronic complications.
Nodo-paranodopathies
Authors: Khadilkar Satish V. , Kamat Saurabh , Patel Riddhi
Published: August 2022

Peripheral neuropathies are traditionally categorized into demyelinating or axonal. It has been proposed that dysfunction at nodal/paranodal region may be a key for better understanding of pathophysiology in patients with immune mediated neuropathies. In last few years, antibodies targeting node and paranode of myelinated nerves have been increasingly detected in patients with immune mediated neuropathies. These patients have clinical phenotype similar common inflammatory neuropathies like Guillain Barre syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy with some additional atypical neurological and systemic features, and they respond poorly to conventional first line immunotherapies like IVIG. This review summarizes the structure of the node, concept and pathophysiology of nodopathies. We provide an overview of clinical phenotypes in patients with specific nodal/paranodal antibodies, along with electrophysiological and other diagnostic features and suggest therapeutic line of management based on current evidence.
Evaluation of the Effect of Air Pollution on Cognitive Functions, Cognitive Decline, and Dementia
Authors: Eren Fettah , Ozturk Serefnur
Published: August 2022

The incidence of dementia increases with aging. It is known that the disease brings with it many problems for patients and caregivers. Studies on the development of various treatment modalities for the disease continue. However, the main step in the management of this process is the identification of dementia risk factors. The prevalence of dementia is higher in those living in urban areas where exposure to air pollution and chemical effects is higher. This situation supports the relationship of air pollution, which has increased especially in the last decade, with the increase in cognitive decline and dementia frequency. Exposure to air pollution is one of the well-known causes of neurological diseases. This condition was associated with significant disability and early mortality. Although the close relationship between cerebrovascular diseases and air pollution is known, current studies also reveal the relationship between neuropsychiatric diseases and air pollution. It has been shown that microparticles inhaled through the respiratory system are responsible for this situation. Although individual sensitivity is prominent in the disease, the etiopathogenetic process remains relatively uncertain. Researchers have detected that the relationship between dementia and air pollution is because of the effects of increased proinflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen radicals. Evaluation of air pollution, which plays a role in the etiopathogenesis of dementia, in the light of current literature and revealing this relationship will provide important contributions in taking the necessary measures to prevent the disease.
Low-cost multiport and uniport video-assisted thoracic surgery bullectomy
Authors: Saleh Amr A. , Allam Akram , Etman Waheed , Zeerban Mounier
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Egypt, like many other third world countries, faces a problem of rising health care cost, adding that a large number of patients are not covered by medical insurance so they have to fully pay for their health care, pneumothorax due to presence of lung bullae and blebs is a very common presentation in the emergency rooms. Video-assisted thoracic surgery bullectomy is now considered the standard procedure for treatment. We have a relatively low-cost approach for the treatment of apical lung blebs and bullae using a heavy silk suture.

Patients and methods

Between the year January 2018 and August 2020, we operated on 22 patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax using the technique of hand ligation of blebs under multiport or uniport video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

Results

This study was carried out on 22 patients, comprising 59.1% male, with a mean age of 44.18 ± 14.09 years. The most frequent complaint was cough in 90.9% of the patients followed by dyspnea in 81.8% and chest pain in 63.6%. The cause of presentation was spontaneous pneumothorax in 31.8%, recurrent pneumothorax in 40.9, and lung bullae in 27.3%. The most frequent previous intervention was intercostal tube insertion (ICT) twice in 54.5% followed by ICT once in 36.4%, and finally, pigtail catheter in 9.1%. The indication of video-assisted thoracic surgery was failure of lung expansion in 59.1% followed by recurrence in 40.9%, and persistent air leak from ICT in 13.6%.

Conclusion

Our method for treatment of lung blebs and bullae using ligation via multiport or uniport offers better economic results through avoiding the use of expensive disposables, and the clinical outcomes are similar.
Study of undiagnosed clinical hypothyroidism in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Salem Ayman , Mousa Heba , Saeed Hamza , Ibrahim Eman K.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Symptoms of hypothyroidism and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) overlap. Previous research studies have found a clear association between both disorders. Different mechanisms could explain this association such as airway narrowing owing precipitation of mucoproteins in the upper airways, hypothyroid myopathy, and decreased ventilatory drive. The research aimed to study the occurrence of undiagnosed clinical hypothyroidism among patients with OSA.

Patients and method

Retrospective study was conducted in Chest department, Kasr Al Ainy hospital, Cairo University; it included 140 patients diagnosed as obstructive sleep apnea. History taking, clinical examination, blood tests including thyroid profile, Body measurements, the Epworth Sleepiness scale (ESS), Polysomnography (PSG) and Neck ultrasound were performed to all.

Results

It included 48 females (34.3%) and 92 males (65.7%), with a mean age of 53.09 ± 12.84 years. Patients were classified into two groups: OSA with euthyroid state (108 patients=77.1%) and OSA with hypothyroidism (32 patients=22.9%). Significant differences were found between both groups regarding neck ultrasound abnormalities, with P value less than 0.001. Regarding comorbidities, anthropometric measurements, Epworth sleepiness score, and apnea-hypopnea index, no significant difference was found. Although desaturation index and SpO2 less than 90% were higher in hypothyroid group (26.08 ± 25.42 and 47.16 ± 43.61, respectively), the difference did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

The percent of clinical hypothyroidism in patients with OSA was 22.9% among our studied patients.
Assessment of the value of mesothelin in differentiating between different pleural malignancies by different interventional modalities
Authors: Ahmed Mona M. , El-Assal Gehan M. , Abdel Halim Hesham A. , Mohamed Rasha G.M.
Published: August 2022

Context

Malignant mesothelioma is an insidious neoplasm, with malignant pleural mesothelioma as the most common type, which is characterized by poor prognosis in most patients owing to late presentation. The use of noninvasive markers for early diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma is of great importance in decreasing the incidence of associated morbidity and mortality.

Aims

To evaluate the value of soluble mesothelin level in serum and pleural fluid as a diagnostic marker in patients with pleural malignancies and in differentiation of different causes of pleural effusion.

Patients and methods

We included 48 patients who were classified into three groups: group A (mesothelioma), group B (metastatic malignancy), and group C (transudative effusion). History taking, clinical examination, and laboratory assessment were performed in all groups, in addition to measuring mesothelin level in serum and pleural fluid. Histopathological examination of pleural biopsies was performed in groups A and B.

Results

Mesothelin levels in serum and pleural fluid demonstrated a statistically significant increase in group A as compared with the cases in groups B and C (P<0.001). Moreover, mesothelin levels in serum and pleural fluid demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the samples taken from the cases in group B as compared with the cases in group C (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRP) could be used as a valuable marker in diagnosis of different causes of pleural effusion. The diagnostic accuracy of pleural fluid SMRP was higher as compared with the serum SMRP.
Chest ultrasound as a differentiating modality between pneumonia and pulmonary edema
Authors: Elbaz Shata Hanan M.G. , Abdelmaksoud Amina M. , Arram Eman O. , Abumossalam Ahmed M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Chest ultrasound is still impressing physicians with its capabilities in variable lung disorders.

Aim

To assess the effectiveness of chest ultrasound as a diagnostic and a differentiating modality in cases of pneumonia and pulmonary edema. It also evaluates chest sonography effectiveness in follow-up of patients with pneumonia and pulmonary edema.

Patients and methods

Chest ultrasound, chest radiograph, and computed tomography (CT) chest were performed on patients on their arrival, as well as on day 7 and 14 of admission. Patients were divided into group 1, which included 30 patients with clinically consistent signs of pneumonia based on respiratory signs and symptoms in accordance with the American Thoracic Society guidelines 2016, and group 2, which included 15 patients with clinically consistent signs of pulmonary edema.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of ultrasound in the follow-up of pneumonia and pulmonary edema were 100% each. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of chest radiograph in the follow-up of pneumonia on day 7 were 100, 90, 81.2, 100, and 93.1%, respectively, but for pulmonary edema were 91.7, 66.7, 91.7, 66.7, and 86.7%, respectively. However, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of CT chest in the follow-up of pneumonia on day 7 were 88.9, 100, 100, 95.2, and 96.6%, respectively, whereas the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of CT chest in the follow-up of pulmonary edema on day 7 were 33.3, 100, 85.7, 100, and 86.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

Chest ultrasound might be a dependable method in the diagnosis and follow-up of pneumonia cases as well as differentiating pulmonary edema, both cardiogenic and noncardiogenic.
Is anemia a risk factor in pneumonia progression in covid-19-infected patients?
Authors: Akçiçek Mehmet , Ilgar Mehtap , Ünlü Serkan
Published: August 2022

Background

Determining the factors contributing to the development of severe coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) disease is of great importance for health guidance. In this study, the authors aimed to investigate whether there is a relationship between anemia and progression of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Patients and methods

Records of 201 patients whose RT-PCR positivity for COVID-19 was confirmed between August 2020 and October 2020, when admissions and hospitalizations were at their peak, were retrospectively reviewed. The scoring system based on visual evaluation was used for evaluating the severity of the disease on each computed tomography (CT). To determine the progression status of pneumonia, the score difference was calculated by the difference between two CT scores. The patients were divided into two groups according to their hemoglobin levels as anemic and nonanemic patients.

Results

A significant difference was reported between the CT score difference groups in terms of mean age (P<0.001). The mean age of the group that did not show progression was significantly lower than the other groups. Although the mean hemoglobin level of the group that did not show progression was higher than the other groups, no significant difference was reported between the groups (P=0.768). There was no significant difference between the CT score difference groups in terms of the presence or absence of anemia (P=0.791).

Conclusion

No significant relationship was found between hemoglobin levels, anemia, and pneumonia progression in COVID-19-infected patients.
Association of allergen sensitization patterns with clinical outcome of subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy in polysensitized allergic patients
Authors: Abdelwahab Heba W. , El-Maksoud Amina Abd , Farrag Nesrine S. , Fouda Ahmed M. , Ehab Ahmed
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Understanding sensitization patterns helps clinicians tailor care more effectively. Most clinical studies with positive results used single allergens, but many patients are sensitized to multiple allergens.

Aim

This study was planned to assess the correlation between different allergen sensitization patterns (the presence of sensitization to some but not other allergens) and clinical effectiveness of subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy.

Patients and methods

This ex post facto study was conducted on patients with already diagnosed allergic disorders, who were attending our allergy and immunotherapy clinic and receiving subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy. Data collected include patient’s demographic data, diagnosis of allergic disorders, and sensitization pattern duration of subcutaneous immunotherapy. The outcome of subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy was assessed based on symptom score, medication score, and overall clinical outcome.

Results

A total of 100 patients were included. The frequencies of allergens, to which the patients were sensitized, were pollen (1 and 2) (63%), mold (61%), mite (59%), hay dust (41%), and chicken feather (23%). There were no significant association between sensitization patterns and the preimmunotherapy symptom and medication. Apart from cotton pollen, all other allergens were not associated with improvement in symptom score, and apart from chicken feather and dog sensitization all other allergens were not associated with improvement in medication score.

Conclusion

Allergen sensitization pattern could affect clinical outcome of subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy in polysensitized patients. Cotton pollen sensitization is associated with less improvement in symptoms score. Chicken feather sensitization is associated with significant improvement in medication score in contrast to dog hair sensitization. The number of allergens in each patient is not significantly associated with the clinical outcome of subcutaneous immunotherapy.
Predictors of successful weaning
Authors: Sadek Samiaa H. , Hetta Helal F. , Maghrapy Hatem H.M. , Moktar Salma , Tawfek Samir El-Hadidy , Eldeeb Seham M. , Kasem Soheir M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Early release of patients from mechanical ventilation and intubation associated with significant decrease in mortality and morbidities.

Aim

Evaluation of echocardiography and oxidative stress markers in the prediction of weaning failure.

Patients and methods

In all, 120 mechanically ventilated patients were included in the study. Patients were evaluated by tissue Doppler transthoracic echocardiography before and during the spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). In addition to ventilatory parameters, blood samples were obtained for the measurement of lipid peroxidase, glutathione oxidase, and nitric oxide. Different parameters were compared between failed and successful weaning groups.

Results

During SBT, respiratory rate, heart rate, and rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) were significantly increased compared with before SBT. The serum level of nitric oxide before SBT was significantly decreased in the failed group. All cardiac dimensions significantly increased during SBT compared with before SBT; moreover, the left ventricular dimensions increased significantly in the failed group during SBT. There was significant decrease in right ventricular systolic function during SBT as estimated by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and myocardial performance index. Weaning success was positively correlated with tidal volume, TAPSE, and nitric oxide, while negatively correlated with lipid peroxidase, respiratory rate, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, and E/E’ of lateral mitral valve annulus. Tidal volume more than or equal to 493 ml before SBT had the highest sensitivity for predicting successful weaning; on the other hand, during SBT left ventricular end-diastolic dimension less than or equal to 5.05 cm had 100% sensitivity and TAPSE more than or equal to 1.65 had 88.9% sensitivity. Respiratory rate less than or equal to 27.5 during SBT had the highest specificity (72.7%).

Conclusion

In comparison to oxidative stress markers, clinical assessment and bedside transthoracic echocardiography have higher sensitivity, so they can be considered valuable and cheap predictors of successful weaning.
Physical activity status of hookah smokers
Authors: Saad Helmi Ben
Published: August 2022

Background

Studies concerning the effects of hookah use on smokers’ physical activity are few. The main aim of this study was to highlight briefly the main results of studies examining the effects of hookah use on smokers’ physical activity.

Materials and methods

Medline and Scopus were consulted on October 15, 2019, using the following combination: waterpipe and exercise. Only English original articles were retained.

Results

Three studies dealt with the effects of hookah use on smokers’ physical activity. They were performed in the Middle East (n=1), and Tunisia (n=2) and they reported conflicting results.

Conclusion

This report is a request to boost the upcoming investigation to detect the real impacts of hookah use on physical activity.
Risk Factors Associated with Perineal and Vaginal Lacerations and Vaginal Removal in Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Authors: Chikazawa Kenro , Imai Ken , Ko Hiroyoshi , Ichi Naoki , Misawa Masahiro , Kuwata Tomoyuki
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with perineal and vaginal lacerations related to vaginal removal during total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH).

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively assessed 134 patients who underwent TLH, of whom 44 (32.8%) had vaginal lacerations.

Results:

Univariate analysis revealed that for patients with myomas and adenomyosis, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist use and myomas with a transverse diameter of ≥5 cm were significant risk factors, while multiparity (vaginal delivery) was a protective factor for perineal and vaginal lacerations. Moreover, multivariate analysis indicated that multiparity was the only statistically significant protective factor. For cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, endometrial cancer, and endometrial hyperplasia, only a uterine transverse diameter of ≥5 cm was a significant risk factor for perineal or vaginal lacerations.

Conclusion:

For patients with large myomas, multiple vaginal delivery was a protective factor, and in patients with normal-sized uteri, a uterine transverse diameter of ≥5 cm was a risk factor for perineal or vaginal lacerations.
Patient Safety in Hysteroscopic Procedure
Authors: Hadisaputra Wachyu , Hani Cindikia Ayu Sholekha , Putri Nidya Annisa
Published: August 2022

This article aims to explain about outpatient hysteroscopy, where this procedure is currently being carried out. However, this procedure is also widely chosen by patients, because of its convenience, fast procedure, minimal complications, and of course more economical than day-case hysteroscopy. Before taking the procedure, it is important to explain to the patient about the disease, therapy, and the procedure to be carried out. Consent needs to be obtained voluntarily. We searched related publications using “patient safety” and “office hysteroscopy” and “informed consent” and “medical procedure” and “patient safety” and “injury” and “operative hysteroscopy” as keywords. This search had considered articles that had been published between 2002 and 2021. The conclusion from this library is that patient's convenient and safety is the top priority of outpatient hysteroscopy. Outpatient hysteroscopy showed higher satisfaction results than day-case hysteroscopy. Because it is more comfortable, faster, patients can immediately return to their activities and of course more efficient.