bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-Depth Analysıs of Exercıse and Impact to Basketball Athlete Performance from A Bıblıometrıc Perspectıve
Authors: SOFYAN Davi , ABDULLAH Khairul Hafezad , HAMMOOD Waleed A. , HİDAYAT Yusuf
Published: December 2022

The frequency, intensity, duration, and type of exercise are all included in the exercise concept. Practice is the most important factor in improving the performance of basketball players in competition. This study looks at the expansion of publications and trends in the field of basketball player training around the world. 422 articles were retrieved for this study from the Scopus database. Four basic characteristics make up the analysis: (1) distribution of publications; (2) country distribution; (3) the most prolific writer; and (4) keywords. The findings show that 2010 marked the beginning of the growth and development of publications. It is important to publish a lot in this area. Scanlan A.T., the most prolific author, has 11 documents, 169 citations, and 10 total link strengths. In terms of training for basketball players, the terms "maturation", "athletic performance", "training load", "physical fitness", and "adolescent" will be used most frequently after 2020. According to the interpretation of these findings, training for basketball players is closely related to maturity, and training load had a greater effect on basketball player performance. Evaluation of current research trends using this paradigm has helped academics and researchers working to improve basketball player training and this sector of the sports industry.
BRAFV600E Mutation Enhances Estrogen-Induced Metastatic Potential of Thyroid Cancer by Regulating the Expression of Estrogen Receptors
Authors: Kim Minjun , Kim Su-jin , Ha Seong Yun , Xu Zhen , Han Youngjin , Jee Hyeon-Gun , Cho Sun Wook , Park Young Joo , Lee Kyu Eun
Published: December 2022

Background: Cross-talk between mitogen-activated protein kinase and estrogen has been reported; however, the role of BRAFV600E in the estrogen responsiveness of thyroid cancer is unknown. We elucidated the effect of BRAFV600E on the estrogen-induced increase in metastatic potential in thyroid cancer.Methods: Using a pair of cell lines, human thyroid cell lines which harbor wild type BRAF gene (Nthy/WT) and Nthy/BRAFV600E (Nthy/V600E), the expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) and estrogen-induced metastatic phenotypes were evaluated. Susceptibility to ERα- and ERβ-selective agents was evaluated to confirm differential ER expression. ESR expression was analyzed according to BRAFV600E status and age (≤50 years vs. >50 years) using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data.Results: Estradiol increased the ERα/ERβ expression ratio in Nthy/V600E, whereas the decreased ERα/ERβ expression ratio was found in Nthy/WT. BRAFV600E-mutated cell lines showed a higher E2-induced increase in metastatic potential, including migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth compared with Nthy/WT. An ERα antagonist significantly inhibited migration in Nthy/V600E cells, whereas an ERβ agonist was more effective in Nthy/WT. In the BRAFV600E group, ESR1/ESR2 ratio was significantly higher in younger age group (≤50 years) compared with older age group (>50 years) by TCGA data analysis.Conclusion: Our data show that BRAFV600E mutation plays a crucial role in the estrogen responsiveness of thyroid cancer by regulating ER expression. Therefore, BRAFV600E might be used as a biomarker when deciding future hormone therapies based on estrogen signaling in thyroid cancer patients.
Evaluation of Interleukin-6 Level Before Chemotherapy in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia L1 Standard-Risk and High-risk Patients
Authors: Ridha Nadirah Rasyid , Mustakim Gabriela Angel , Ganda Idham Jaya
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignancy originating from the clonal expansion of lymphoid progenitors that have undergone neoplastic transformation at various stages of differentiation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic inflammatory cytokine produced by various cell types, including T-cells, macrophages, and stromal cells in response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1.

AIM: This study aims to evaluate serum levels of IL-6 before chemotherapy in standard-risk (SR) and high-risk (HR) ALL patients.

METHODS: The research method was a cross-sectional study conducted on ALL patients who were treated at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo hospital from April 2021 to June 2021. A total of 60 ALL patients were included in the study. Serum IL-6 specimens were examined before the patient received chemotherapy.

RESULTS: The results showed that from 60 samples of ALL patients, 30 were SR and 30 were HR. Elevated levels of IL-6 before chemotherapy were found in both SR and HR ALL but were significantly higher in the HR group compared to the SR group with p value = 0.022. The cutoff point of 64.23 ng/mL for HRALL patients was obtained through ROC with a sensitivity of 63.3%, specificity of 63.3%, a positive predictive value of 63.3%, and a negative predictive value of 63.3%. Adjusted odds ratio are 2,983 with 95% confidence interval of 1.044–8.527.

CONCLUSION: IL-6 levels among HR ALL were higher than SR. Elevated levels of IL-6 were found in both SR and HR ALL.
La « bête noire » de Françoise Aubin. Vicissitudes d’une enquête sur les techniques laitières mongoles
Authors: Hille Marie-Paule , Ruhlmann Sandrine
Published: December 2022

À la disparition de notre collègue Françoise Aubin (1932-2017), nous avons étudié un de ses dossiers de recherche, constitué de trois boîtes « lait I », « lait II », « lait III », trouvées dans sa bibliothèque scientifique personnelle. Naviguant dans les méandres d’une recherche sur la technologie laitière industrielle mongole émergente en contexte communiste, nous montrons comment Françoise Aubin et son collègue technologue et microbiologiste de l’INRA Jean-Pierre Accolas (1936-2001) se sont heurtés à une énigme scientifique qualifiée de « bête noire », dont nous reconstituons un historique possible. Épluchant le contenu du dossier et examinant des documents clés, notre démarche consiste à traquer cette « bête » pour révéler l’enchevêtrement d’incertitudes, de problèmes de traduction et de contraintes d’accès au terrain durant la période communiste.
Fonctions et symbolismes des représentations écrites en contexte bouddhique et chamanique (Mongolie-Intérieure)
Authors: Dumont Aurore
Published: December 2022

Cet article explore les fonctions et les symbolismes de différents types de représentations écrites produites en contexte bouddhique et chamanique dans la région autonome de Mongolie-Intérieure en République populaire de Chine. Il s’agira tout d’abord de comprendre comment ces représentations écrites, qui ont été choisies ou imposées, sont créées et interprétées par les populations locales. Nous examinerons ensuite la manière dont elles sont déployées et manipulées par les spécialistes religieux et les participants en contexte rituel, notamment lors des rituels aux oboo et des « trois jeux virils » (naadam). Nous mettrons en évidence la manière dont ces artéfacts écrits participent d’un double processus de légitimation des spécialistes rituels et de transmission des « traditions » autochtones. Nous montrerons également que, en s’insérant dans un schéma de coordination impliquant notamment les humains et les esprits, ces écrits favorisent l’obtention d’une efficacité rituelle recherchée par les populations locales.
Manifesting the invisible. Writing, piercing, shaping, and taming potency in Southwest China
Authors: Swancutt Katherine
Published: December 2022

Potency is an often invisible form of power that becomes manifest when written deeply into bodies and things. Among the Nuosu, a Tibeto-Burman group of Southwest China, “writing” or “manifesting” (bbur ꁱ) is a vast polysemic concept rooted in the scriptures of priests, which, however, exceeds its own bounds. Nuosu manifest potency by writing it into religious scriptures and handwrought effigies, piercing it into embroidered clothing and tattooed bodies, shaping it into public statues, and taming it into animals, all of which bring animate powers and presences to life.
L’anthroponymie tibétaine
Authors: Henry Clémence
Published: December 2022

Dans l’aire culturelle tibétaine, les noms de personnes sont traditionnellement attribués par des religieux, ceux-ci pouvant aussi être dotés du statut de maîtres spirituels. Les anthroponymes sont ainsi majoritairement issus du répertoire des figures majeures ou des vertus idéales du bouddhisme. Néanmoins, ils sont également les marqueurs de différences régionales. Parfois sujets à des changements au gré des événements de la vie, ils peuvent aussi révéler, au-delà de l’état civil de la personne, son statut au sein de la société (laïc ou religieux) ou de la famille (place dans la fratrie, état du planning familial parental), revêtant quelquefois un pouvoir performatif (guérison de maladies, contrôle des naissances). La rigidité des exigences administratives ou l’arrivée dans un nouvel environnement culturel impose des réajustements ou des pratiques d’attribution du nom revisitées.
Feuilles volantes et tapis talismaniques dans les rituels d’Ak Jaŋ (République de l’Altaï, Fédération de Russie)
Authors: Jacquemoud Clément
Published: December 2022

Dans la République de l’Altaï (Sibérie du Sud, Fédération de Russie), de nombreux autochtones sont adeptes d’Ak Jaŋ (la « Voie blanche »), un mouvement religieux local revitalisant les pratiques et les représentations du bourkhanisme, un millénarisme messianique présoviétique. Durant leurs rituels saisonniers, les adeptes emploient des tapis de feutre dont l’analyse des figurations qui y sont brodées constitue le sujet de cet article. L’idée avancée est que ces broderies, confectionnées par les adeptes féminines du mouvement selon des directives transmises par l’entité suprême Altaj Kudaj (le « Dieu Altaï »), agissent comme des talismans protecteurs du territoire face aux enjeux socioéconomiques et écologiques dont l’Altaï contemporain fait l’objet. Pour appuyer cette hypothèse, l’étude met en rapport les figurations brodées avec les « informations » que certaines femmes « médiums » au sein d’Ak Jaŋ reçoivent de la part des esprits, qu’elles diffusent ensuite dans et par-delà le mouvement religieux. L’article explore également comment ces médiums, via leurs expériences visionnaires, voient leur rôle religieux prendre une dimension sociale et politique inédite.
Conceptualiser l’éducation relative au changement climatique : les enjeux de la filière nucléaire
Authors: Laberge Yves
Published: December 2022

Cet article se subdivise en trois parties. Nous esquisserons d’abord une définition encore provisoire de l’éducation au changement climatique. Nous discuterons ensuite des stratégies récentes de légitimation (réhabilitation, revalorisation) de l’industrie nucléaire face aux menaces causées par les changements climatiques. En troisième partie, nous apporterons quelques arguments critiques face à la prolifération du nucléaire, afin de détecter et déconstruire l’apologie (directe ou indirecte) de cette filière. Le but de cet article est de montrer la difficulté pour les éducateurs, les activistes, les jeunes - mais aussi pour les citoyens ordinaires préoccupés par l’avenir de la planète - d’appréhender l’éducation relative au changement climatique dans un contexte où beaucoup de gouvernants, de décideurs, d’experts, mais également d’éducateurs et une bonne partie de l’opinion publique doivent sans cesse soupeser l’impact réel des différentes mesures pouvant contrer le changement climatique. D’une manière habile et souvent persuasive, la filière nucléaire tente par diverses stratégies de s’imposer et de se (re)légitimer, incessamment et subtilement, sous le prétexte très contestable de ne pas produire de gaz à effet de serre, en donc tentant de faire croire - sur des bases discutables - qu’elle serait une « énergie propre ». L’article conclut que les éducateurs doivent non seulement demeurer vigilants et bien armés face aux stratégies insidieuses de la filière nucléaire, mais qu’ils doivent rester attentifs et critiques devant toutes les sources d’information scientifique mises à la disposition des élèves et des étudiants à propos des changements climatiques et aussi en matière de risques nucléaires.
#Designedtoshare
Authors: Akyol Cansu , Yurttaş Neşe Başak
Published: December 2022

The development of mass communication technology has triggered the emergence of a new image age and changed the interpretation system of the image. Personalized images, texts, or events with high interaction stood out with options such as “like,” “follow,” “save,” and “share.” In this environment, designers set aside their search for style and started to focus on designs that meet the demands of social media users and serve popular culture. In the study, starting from the representation of architecture in social media, the transformation of the architectural environment in line with the demands of popular culture is evaluated and the interaction between image production and space representation is revealed. With the sharing of the architectural object by arranging it in an “Instagrammable” way, problems such as homogenization, disidentification, and the separation of the space from the context have emerged. In this context, social media is evaluated with the dimension of space design, and it is aimed to achieve results in which designers are reminded of their responsibilities.
Preparing Pre-Service Teachers to Work With English Learners With Special Education Needs
Authors: Alvayero Ricklefs Mariana
Published: December 2022

This chapter reports a mixed methods research study with preservice teachers (PSTs) enrolled in different teacher credentialing programs at a public university in the Midwestern United States. The purpose of the study is twofold: to explore PSTs' self-efficacy and outcome expectancy beliefs to teach and assess English Learners with special education needs and to explore the relationship between PSTs' self-efficacy and outcome expectancy beliefs and with demographic and experiential factors. The findings of the study demonstrate that most PSTs did not feel capable or prepared to teach and assess English Learners with disabilities. The chapter ends with implications for collaborative teacher education and research.
Assessing the Impacts of Land Use and Land Cover Changes 1984-2020 on Wetland Habitats in the Gediz Delta (Turkey)
Authors: Guelmami Anis , Arslan Dilara , Ernoul Lisa
Published: December 2022

Monitoring land use / land cover changes is essential for planning and management activities to conserve a particular habitat. In this study, the authors mapped land use / land cover changes in the Gediz Delta (Turkey) between 1984-2020 using Earth Observation and Geographic Information Systems. The maps were built upon the Horizon-2020 satellite-based wetlands observation service processing methodology and algorithms. The authors compared changes inside and outside the Ramsar Area in the Gediz Delta. The results indicate more than 147% increase in built-up areas and decreases of 33% in natural wetland habitats and 27% in natural drylands. The urbanization occurred mainly outside of the Ramsar designated site, but within the Ramsar site, there were increases in artificial wetland habitats and sea waters, with losses in natural wetland habitats. This study provides important monitoring information for managing the land resource in order to conserve the delta and its biodiversity in the future.
Geochemistry and Sedimentology Study of a Core From Chott Geuttar
Authors: Bedoui Sana , Essefi Elhoucine , Hamed Younes
Published: December 2022

Endoreic saline systems in Tunisia such as that of Chott El Guettar recorded the climatic changes as well as the setting of millennial cycles. This study deals with high-resolution proxies (colors variability, geochemistry, magnetic susceptibility, and grain size distribution) to find the different cycles. Cycles should be attributed either to internal or external forcing. The output of this study demonstrates a sun-driven Holocene cyclostratigraphy of 1000yr that was previously discussed in the literature. Since color studies were confirmed by direct analyses, this method was used to carry a higher resolution. The solar periodicity clearly identified with a continuous cycle of around 2500 years and with two others of around 1000 and 1660 years only during the Early Holocene. This work confirmed the cycles found by colors study through the real analyses such as geochemical and magnetic measurement.
Recent Development and Field Test of CO-OPS' Real-Time, Shallow Water CURrents BuoY (CURBY)
Authors: Fiorentino Laura , Heitsenrether Robert , Kirk Katie , Krug Warren , Breuer Eric , Hensley Winston
Published: December 2022

Abstract The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Ocean Service Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) manages the National Current Observation Program (NCOP) and Physical Oceanographic Real-Time Systems (PORTS®).
These programs provide tide and current predictions, as well as real-time current and meteorological information. Outdated current predictions, navigational support requirements, and incident response scenarios (e.g., oil spills, vessel accidents) have highlighted CO-OPS' need for a rapidly
deployable system that provides near-surface current and meteorological observations. To address this, CO-OPS designed, developed, and tested a real-time system based on a surface buoy platform, hereinafter referred as CURrents BuoY (CURBY). This paper provides an overview of the system design,
field test results, operational applications, and future plans.In 2018, CO-OPS completed the build, integration, and testing of the first prototype CURBY. A successful field test was completed during 2018 in the Chesapeake Bay, and the first operational deployment followed shortly on the
Delaware River in 2019. Resulting measurements were used to improve tidal current predictions and to plan for a 2021 regional survey. Initial success with tidal current survey operations led to design enhancement and wider use. During 2020‐2021, CO-OPS partnered with the NOAA Office
of Response and Restoration to build two new CURBYs to support emergency response applications in the Gulf of Mexico region. During 2022, two CURBY systems were deployed in the Columbia River, Oregon, to support additional NCOP operations. Future plans include establishing a long-term CURBY
system for Kings Bay, Georgia, PORTS®.
“SeaWARRDD”: Coastal Warning and Rapid Response Data Density: Rethinking Coastal Ocean Observing, Intelligence, Resilience, and Prediction
Authors: Cole Rick , Duncan Scott , Jose Felix , Kaur Anju , Kinder Jeffery
Published: December 2022

Abstract Florida has a rich coastal and offshore biodiversity and ecology, and its low-lying geography with three dynamic coastlines is unique in many respects. Millions of people are attracted to visit, live, and work in the region. The same unique qualities make Florida
highly exposed to impact-weather events, climate change, sea level rise, and environmental interference from exploding population growth over the last few decades. Environmental conditions must be monitored, baselines formed, and advanced circulation and ecosystem models created and verified
(in-situ). The SeaWARRDD team discusses the proposed implementation of a comprehensive “Florida Coastal Ocean Observing System” beginning with a pilot study along the inner-West Florida Shelf. Our SeaWARRDD team brings decades of experience to the ocean-observing community, from
the federal, state, academic, and private sectors including designing, developing, installing, and maintaining ocean (bay and estuary) monitoring and data collection systems. The SeaWARRDDobserving technologies are described in their application to monitor impact-weather, the structure of
water-column density (conductivity, temperature, depth/ocean heat content), water-quality parameters, harmful algal blooms, acidification, and met-ocean physical components. Also discussed is the engagement with new ocean technologies and artificial intelligence, machine learning, and neural
networks as they progress from concept, to prototype, and onto operational status. SeaWARRDD takes ocean-data processing to higher levels within the observing community and opens new avenues to provide both direct and indirect benefits to the millions of people who live along the Florida coast.
Expression analysis elucidates the roles of Nicastrin, Notch4, and Hes1 in prognosis and endocrine-therapy resistance in ER-positive breast cancer patients
Authors: Boustan Arad , Jahangiri Rosa , Ghalehno Asefeh Dahmardeh , Khorsandi Mahdieh , Mosaffa Fatemeh , Jamialahmadi Khadijeh
Published: December 2022

Background and purpose:

Although some proposed mechanisms responsible for tamoxifen resistance have already been present, further study is needed to determine the mechanisms underlying tamoxifen resistance more clearly. The critical role of Notch signaling has been described in promoting resistance in therapeutics, but there is little information about its role in tamoxifen resistance progression.

Experimental approach:

In the present study, the expression of Notch pathway genes, includingNotch4, nicastrinand the Notch downstream targetHes1was evaluated using quantitative RT-PCR in 36 tamoxifen-resistant (TAM-R) and 36 tamoxifen-sensitive (TAM-S) patients. Expression data were correlated with the clinical outcome and survival of patients.

Findings/Results:

mRNA levels ofNotch4(fold change = 2.7),nicastrin(fold change = 6.71), andHes1(fold change= 7.07) were significantly higher in TAM-R breast carcinoma patients compared to sensitive cases. We confirmed all these genes were co-expressed. Hence, it seems that Notch signaling is involved in tamoxifen resistance in our TAM-R patients. Obtained results showed thatHes1, nicastrin,andNotch4mRNA upregulation was correlated with the N stage. The extracapsular nodal extension was associated withnicastrinandNotch4overexpression. Moreover,nicastrinoverexpression was correlated with perineural invasion.Hes1upregulation was also associated with nipple involvement. Finally, the Cox regression proportional hazard test revealed that overexpression ofnicastrinwas an independent worse survival factor.

Conclusion and implications:

Presumably, upregulation of the Notch pathway may be involved in tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer patients.
Acoustic speech analysis of CAD/CAM and conventional Kennedy class IV removable partial dentures
Authors: El Naggar Shady M. , Helal Eman , Khalil Maie F. , Esmat El-Sisy Ahmed M. , Elboraey Asmaa N.
Published: December 2022

Background/aim

Phonetics is an important function of the oral cavity that can be affected by partial or total loss of teeth. This study aimed to examine the influence of the partial denture’s construction technique (conventional and CAD/CAM) on speech quality through acoustic analysis of sound production of letters S, Sh, T, and D using sound analysis software.

Patients and methods

The study was conducted on 20 patients aged from 25 to 50 years having maxillary anterior teeth loss (Kennedy class IV classification). The patients were randomly categorized into two groups: group I received conventional removable partial dentures (RPDs), while group II received CAD/CAM RPDs. Acoustic speech analysis of the selected letters (S, Sh, T, and D) of the delivered RPDs was assessed and analyzed using ANSYS sound software and SIL speech Analyzer, 1 and 3 months after denture insertion. Statistical analysis was carried out using paired t test and independent t test.

Results

Group II showed significant difference (P<0.05) in the acoustic pronunciation of the selected letters, in the follow-up period from denture insertion to 1 month after, while for the follow-up period from denture insertion to 3 months there was insignificant difference (P>0.05) in the acoustic pronunciation of the S, Sh, and T sound compared to group I. Within group I and group II separately, they revealed significant difference for all the measured parameters except for VOT/(D) which was insignificantly different.

Conclusion

RPDs constructed by CAD/CAM technology have a more precise fit of the chrome–cobalt framework with a high quality of sound production even at the time of denture insertion.
The efficacy of salivary biomarkers versus serum biomarkers in diagnosis of breast carcinoma
Authors: Tarek Heba E. , Ellithy Marwa M. , Morsy Reham A.A. , El-Lebedy Dalia , Abbas Rania M. , Shalash Heba N.
Published: December 2022

Background/aim

The diagnosis of breast cancer depends mainly on mammography or histopathology, but recently, salivary biomarkers have proved to be a promising tool as a noninvasive diagnostic technique. Cancer antigen (CA)15-3 is a widely used prognostic serum breast cancer biomarker. Cytokines have been used as biomarkers in research for prognosis and have been related with symptoms and adverse outcomes in breast cancer. The present study aimed to assess the accuracy of CA15-3 and interleukin (IL)-1β expression in saliva versus serum of patients with breast cancer.

Patients and methods

This study enrolled 26 patients with breast cancer from El Demerdash Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. In addition, 16 healthy individuals served as a control group. Saliva and blood samples were collected from all participants. Saliva was collected in the morning at least 2 h after the last intake of food. CA15-3 and IL-1β expressions were measured in saliva and serum using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique.

Results

The present results indicated that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the expression of CA15-3 between patients with breast cancer and healthy individuals. Moreover, a significant difference was found in the expression of IL-1β between patients with breast cancer and healthy individuals in both serum and saliva samples. There were higher expressions (P<0.05) of CA15-3 in saliva than in serum as well as a higher expression (P<0.05) of IL-1β in saliva than in serum.

Conclusion

Saliva can be used as a diagnostic tool in early detection of breast cancer with high accuracy in comparison with serum.
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms (BsmI and FokI) and serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes and their association with atherosclerosis
Authors: Gomaa Salwa H. , Shehata Gihan M. , Ooda Said A. , Eldeeb Mona K.
Published: December 2022

Background/aim

A large number of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) die owing to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The role of vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms in the development of T2DM-related CVD has yet to be established. We aimed to determine the association of 25(OH) vitamin D and VDR gene (BsmI and FokI) polymorphisms with T2DM and its accompanying atherosclerosis.

Patients and methods

This study enrolled 45 male patients with T2DM and manifested CVD who were admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine of Medical Research Institute Hospital, Alexandria University, Egypt, in addition to 45 healthy male volunteers. 25(OH) vitamin D was measured in all cases. Carotid intima-medial thickness was measured, in addition to analysis of VDR gene (BsmI and FokI) polymorphisms using PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism for all studied participants.

Results

Significantly lower vitamin D levels were observed in the diabetic atherosclerotic group than controls. The minor allele f of the FokI polymorphism and the minor allele b of BsmI polymorphism were associated with a higher risk of coronary artery disease in patients with T2DM, with an odds ratio of 12.750 (P=0.002) and 6.122 (1.202–30.078), respectively. FF genotype had significantly lower levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol than Ff and ff genotypes (P=0.01 and 0.04, respectively).

Conclusion

Presence of the f allele of FokI as well as the b allele of BsmI polymorphisms of the VDR gene could increase the risk of atherosclerosis in Egyptian patients with T2DM, through influencing lipid metabolism. Vitamin D deficiency might contribute to increased risk of atherosclerosis in T2DM independent of the variants of VDR gene.
Establishment and implementation of an improvement plan using Lean Six Sigma methodology to minimize variation in ordering laboratory tests
Authors: Gomaa Salwa H. , Abaza Mona M. , Rashwan Reham M. , Dowidar Nabil L. , Elgaddar Ola H.
Published: December 2022

Background/aim

Ordering laboratory (laboratory) tests by physicians is a part of the pre-preanalytical laboratory phase, which is a high error-prone process. Many of the laboratory tests ordered are unnecessary, where excess ordering represents as much as 25–40% of all ordered tests. The present study aimed at establishing and implementing a quality improvement project to avoid misutilization of laboratory tests using the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology that could help to minimize variation in the laboratory requests ordered by clinicians.

Materials and methods

LSS approach methodology with its five phases, namely, define, measure, analyze, improve, and control (DMAIC), was applied to define and solve the problem of ordering of inappropriate laboratory tests. Sigma levels of the ordering process of selected laboratory tests were measured before and after implementation of the selected solutions. The stability and capability of the ordering process were retested after implementing the project.

Results

The sigma level of alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase tests ordering process has been improved to 1.2 sigma, which represented 45% improvement. The sigma level of urea and creatinine ordering has been improved to 2.16 sigma, which represented 43.1% improvement, saving about 14 520 LE per year.

Conclusion

Successful implementation of LSS significantly improved laboratory test ordering. Simple modification in the laboratory request form could be an important source of improvement and a cost reduction tool in the pre-preanalytical laboratory phase. LSS is an evidence-based powerful tool that could improve the health care sector in general and the clinical laboratories in particular.
Green coffee as a modified agent for improving the erosive potentiality of the energy drinks on hard tooth structure
Authors: Salem Ghada , Sayed Ahmed M. , Bakr Noura M.
Published: December 2022

Background/aim

The interest in herbal products has increased in the last years because of their limited adverse effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the remineralization effect of green coffee on demineralized enamel in comparison with green tea.

Materials and methods

A total of 42 crowns of primary molars were divided equally into buccal and lingual segments (84 totals). Each specimen was embedded into an acrylic block and then immersed in Red Bull for 4 h. The specimens were divided into two groups according to the type of remineralizing solution used: group 1 using green tea and group 2 using green coffee. In each group, the buccal halves were subjected to microhardness test, whereas the lingual halves were subjected to scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive radiograph analysis examinations.

Results

The results of scanning electron microscopy revealed a demineralization effect after immersion into Red Bull, which decreased after immersion into both remineralizing solutions of green tea and coffee. The energy-dispersive radiograph analysis showed a decrease in calcium and phosphorous weight% after demineralization, which is increased after remineralization with both solutions. The microhardness test revealed a decrease in surface hardness after demineralization, which increased after the remineralization process. Moreover, in comparing the two remineralizing solutions, the remineralization effect of green coffee was statistically higher than that of green tea.

Conclusion

Green coffee has an efficient remineralizing effect than green tea, which was superior in treatment of initial caries.
Unusual Coexistence of Atrial Fibrillation with Nonsurgically Acquired Complete Atrioventricular Block in a Patient with Ostium Primum Atrial Septal Defect
Authors: Okechukwu Uzoma Chukwunonso
Published: December 2022

Atrial septal defects (ASDs) make up about 10%-15% of congenital heart diseases. Clinical sequelae are insidious and present around the fourth decade of life. Arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are common in patients with delayed presentation, while conduction abnormalities are rare. Conduction abnormalities mainly occur after defect closure by surgery or percutaneous device. Hereditary forms of ASD, as seen in the Holt-Oram syndrome, may also be associated with conduction disturbances. Our case is a female with newly diagnosed ostium primum ASD in the sixth decade of life and with the unusual presentation of atrial fibrillation coexisting with a complete atrioventricular block. We highlight the need for genetic testing in this uncommon clinical scenario.
Comparison of Posterior Pleural Pericardial Window and Pericardiocentesis in Patients with Cardiac Tamponade
Authors: ER Zafer Cengiz , Alagha Sameh , Ekim Hasan , Afşar Ferhat Ikbali
Published: December 2022

Objective:

In our study, we aimed to compare the results of patients who underwent pericardiocentesis and posterior pleura-pericardial window in the treatment of cardiac tamponade.

Materials and Methods:

The results of all patients presenting to our hospitals with cardiac tamponade and who underwent pericardiocentesis and/or posterior pleural pericardial window (PPPW) between January 2010 and May 2021 were compared and analyzed in a retrospective review. They were divided into Group A comprising 37 patients who underwent pericardiocentesis, and Group B comprising 37 patients who underwent PPPW.

Results:

The mean age was 62.8 ± 7.6 years, with 54.1% males in Group A compared to 59.5 ± 12.3 years and 62.2% males in Group B. The most common etiology in Groups A and B was idiopathic in 24.3% and 16.2%, respectively. Atrial fibrillation occurred in 32.4% versus 10.8% in Groups A and B, respectively (P < 0.02), and recurrent cardiac tamponade in 24.3% versus 5.4% in Groups A and B, respectively (P < 0.02). The 30 days' mortality was 5.4% versus 10.8% in Groups A and B, respectively (P < 0.39).

Conclusions:

Pericardiocentesis is a safe and effective treatment for cardiac tamponade in select cases; however, PPPW was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation and recurrent cardiac tamponade at 6 and 12 months' follow-up, respectively. PPPW appears a more effective treatment option, especially in recurrent pericardial effusion.
Intelligent Dashboards to Monitor the Occurrences in Smart Cities – A Portuguese Case Study
Authors: Silva Rita , Silva Maria , Caldas Gustavo , Portela Filipe , Santos Henrique
Published: December 2022

This article concerns the needed response by the Professional Fire Brigade Regiment (FBR) in the city of Lisbon. To solve and answer the question "How to improve FBR intervention requests when an emergency is detected?" the project aims to create a functional prototype containing interactive dashboards allowing the analysis of indicators that improve decision capacity. As results attest, 58% of false alarms are cancelled even after the emergency and rescue means have been activated to the location. About 97% of the suspended requests are not cancelled before the means are sent. The number of records of occurrences tends to increase over the 8 years of study. Sunday is the weekday with the highest number of associated records, with 23.33%, specifically at 9 am and 8 pm. Autumn is the season with more occurrences, with 26.51%. More than 50% of the occurrences are in the administrative services closing time and more than 50% of the registrations send only one vehicle to the place. These indicators aim to understand if these variables are probabilistically associated with requests for interventions to be able to anticipate these scenarios and help in decision-making whenever necessary.
Epidemiology of Second Non-breast Primary Cancers among Survivors of Breast Cancer: A Korean Population–Based Study by the SMARTSHIP Group
Authors: Kim Haeyoung , Kim Su SSan , Lee Ji Sung , Yoon Jae Sun , Youn Hyun Jo , Shin Hyukjai , Lee Jeong Eon , Lee Se Kyung , Chung Il Yong , Jung So-Youn , Choi Young Jin , Cho Jihyoung , Woo Sang Uk ,   Korean Breast Cancer Society
Published: December 2022

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and prognosis of second non-breast primary cancer (SNBPC) among Korean survivors of breast cancer.Materials and Methods Data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service were searched to identify women who received curative surgery for initial breast cancer (IBC) between 2003 and 2008 (n=64,340). Among them, patients with the following characteristics were excluded: other cancer diagnosis before IBC (n=10,866), radiotherapy before IBC (n=349), absence of data on sex or age (n=371), or male (n=248). Accordingly, data of 52,506 women until December 2017 were analyzed. SNBPC was defined as a newly diagnosed SNBPC that occurred 5 years or more after IBC diagnosis.Results The median follow-up time of all patients was 12.13 years. SNBPC was developed in 3,084 (5.87%) women after a median of 7.61 years following IBC diagnosis. The 10-year incidence of SNBPC was 5.78% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.56 to 6.00). Higher SNBPC incidence was found in survivors with the following factors: old age at IBC diagnosis, low household income, and receiving combined chemotherapy with endocrine therapy, whereas receiving radiotherapy was related to a lower incidence of SNBPC (hazard ratio, 0.89; p < 0.01). Among the patients with SNBPC, the 5-year survival rate was 62.28% (95% CI, 65.53 to 69.02).Conclusion Approximately 5% of breast cancer survivors developed SNBPC within 10 years after IBC diagnosis. The risk of SNBPC was associated with patient’s age at IBC diagnosis, income level, and a receipt of systemic treatments.
Sustainability issues on islands: a case of Cephalonia (Greece)
Authors: Komis Michalis , Wassler Philipp
Published: December 2022

Sustainability influences and is influenced by tourism resources on islands which require suppliers to be proactive in their contribution to sustainable production. However, these tourism suppliers are challenged by a myriad of sustainability issues that paralyze progress toward sustainable development of island tourism. This study employs the core and peripheral sustainable tourism indicator framework proposed by Agyeiwaah et al. (2017) to illustrate the sustainability issues tourism suppliers contend with. Based on qualitative semi-structured interviews (SSIs) with 15 tourism and hospitality suppliers in both the private and public sector on the Greek island of Cephalonia, the results point to the perceived powerlessness and lack of control over the core and peripheral sustainability issues such as poor accessibility, unfair competition, foreign investment dependence, and bureaucracy that need to be addressed for sustainable production. Findings point towards a pessimistic and fatalist view of sustainability issues from a supply perspective in Cephalonia. Implications of these findings for island destinations are discussed.
Female friends’ holiday experiences in heterotopia
Authors: Matteucci Xavier
Published: December 2022

While the travel experiences of women have received some attention, there is scope for further exploration of the relationship between holiday spaces and the impact they have on females’ experiences. Drawing from narrative interviews, and informed by the Foucauldian concept of heterotopia, this paper explores the tourism experiences of female friends on the island of Ada Bojana, Montenegro. The findings reveal that the island’s environment facilitates release from the pressures of everyday life through playful and transgressive practices. Also, the intimate socialities of some holiday spaces are conducive to empowerment, self-transformation and bonding with significant others. It is argued that heterotopias possess the agency to foster positive change in the individuals who dwell in them.
A tourism research agenda for Uzbekistan
Authors: Eitzenberger Florian J. , Thimm Tatjana
Published: December 2022

Uzbekistan is an emerging tourism destination that has experienced a strong increase in tourist numbers since 2017. However, as little research on tourism development in Uzbekistan exists to date, this study analyzes possible research topics and proposes a tourism research agenda for the country. A mix of methods was used, consisting of participant observation, semi-structured qualitative expert interviews and qualitative content analysis. The results revealed a range of research gaps in different areas which could be synthesized into a total of ten fields, clustered into three overarching areas – namely market research, management, and culture and the environment. The subordinate research fields identified are demand, statistics, potential, governance, products, infrastructure and development, marketing, heritage and nation-building, sustainability, and peace and conflict prevention. A strategic research plan based on this tourism research agenda could help foster a purposeful scientific debate. Tourism research in these fields has the potential both to investigate and compare theoretical issues in a unique context and to produce applicable results that can make a relevant contribution to tourism development in Uzbekistan.
Walls and asymptotics for Bridgeland stability conditions on 3-folds
Authors: Jardim Marcos , Maciocia Antony
Published: December 2022

We consider Bridgeland stability conditions for three-folds conjectured by Bayer-Macr\`i-Toda in the case of Picard rank one. We study the differential geometry of numerical walls, characterizing when they are bounded, discussing possible intersections, and showing that they are essentially regular. Next, we prove that walls within a certain region of the upper half plane that parametrizes geometric stability conditions must always intersect the curve given by the vanishing of the slope function and, for a fixed value of s, have a maximum turning point there. We then use all of these facts to prove that Gieseker semistability is equivalent to asymptotic semistability along a class of paths in the upper half plane, and to show how to find large families of walls. We illustrate how to compute all of the walls and describe the Bridgeland moduli spaces for the Chern character (2,0,-1,0) on complex projective 3-space in a suitable region of the upper half plane.

Comment: 61 pages with 11 figures. Published in \'Epijournal de G\'eom\'etrie Alg\'ebrique
GAMBARAN UROBILINOGEN PADA MASYARAKAT YANG MENGONSUMSI KAMEKO DI KELURAHAN MANGGA DUA KOTA KENDARI
Authors: Idris Sri Aprilianti , Balaka Kemal Idris , Santoso Edwin
Published: December 2022

Urobilinogen is a by-product formed by the reduction of bilirubin and is a colorless component produced by bacteria in bilirubin in the intestine. Determination of the amount of urobilinogen excreted in a given period allows to help in diagnosing liver dysfunction. Kameko is a drink containing ethanol made from fermented sap then mixed with mangrove wood. The consumption of kameko alcohol is at risk for impaired liver function, which is divided into fatty liver (fatty liver), alcoholic hepatitis (alcoholic hepatitis), and cirrhosis (cirrhosis). The purpose of this study was to determine the description of urobilinogen in people who consume kameko alcohol in Mangga Dua Village Kendari City. The method used in this study is an analitik descriptif, method with purposive sampling, which has the categories of male population, age 18-40 years, and duration of consuming kameko at least 2-10 years and sample examination is carried out using a Urine Analyzer ( Verify U120). The results showed that, from a total of 32 patients who underwent examination, 14 patients had urine urobilinogen levels of 0.2 mg/dL and 18 patients had urine urobilinogen levels of 1.0 mg/dL. Urine urobilinogen levels in 32 patients were normal, ie 0.2-1.0 mg/dL.
Key Words : Urobilinogen, Kameko, Mangga Dua Village
UJI SKRINING ASTO (ANTI STREPTOLISIN O) PADA MANUSIA USIA LANJUT (MANULA) DI PANTI SOSIAL TRESNA WERDHA MINAULA RANOMEETO SULAWESI TENGGARA
Authors: Susanti Susanti , Fusvita Angriani , Fifi Wa
Published: December 2022

Elderly human is a process of growth that is carried out by every human being, which is characterized by a decrease in the body’s ability to adapt to the environment. Elderly human experience a decline in the immune system so that they are susceptible to various disease. Anti Streptolisin O (ASTO) are antibodies to the resulting streptolysin O antigen by bacterium Streptococcus B hemolyticus group A. Examination of Anti Streptolysin O (ASTO) is a blood test that works for to know the antibodies to streptolysin O produced by Streptolysin group A. The purpose of this study is to know the screening test of result anti streptolisin O (ASTO) in elderly human at the Tresna Werdha Minaula Ranomeeto social institution in Southeast Sulawesi,Elderly human samples were 30 samples with the taking technique sample is total sampling with latex test method. Based on the research that has been done can that from 30 samples there were 4 people (13%) positive samples Anti Streptolysin O (ASTO) is characterized by agglutination and 26 (87%) of the anticipated negative streptolysin O (ASTO) negative samples with no agglutination occuring.
 Key words: Anti Streptolysin O, Agglutination, Elderly Human, Social  Institution
TREND PERUBAHAN KADAR HEMOGLOBIN PADA PASIEN THALASEMIA DENGAN PEMBERIAN PACKED RED CELLS DI RSUD KABUPATEN SLEMAN
Authors: Suhada Reza Iqbal , Artini Dyah
Published: December 2022

Thalassemia is a genetic disorder that can be experienced by a person. A person suffering from thalassemia can be detected at the age of 2 years. There are two types of thalassemia, namely major and minor. The Sleman district general hospital is one of the referral hospitals for thalassemia patients in the Sleman district. The number of thalassemia patients who were registered and carried out routine examinations were 30 patients.This study aims to determine trend changes in hemoglobin levels giving packed red cells in thalassemia patients. This study used descriptive analytic research method by looking at the trend of changes in hemoglobin levels of patients who underwent blood transfusions for 3 months. A total of 30 thalassemia patients were included in this study but there were 3 patients who did not re-control the first post-control during the study. The results of patient data analysis showed that from 30 thalassemia patients, 11 patients had an increasing trend of hemoglobin levels. A total of 4 patients had a trend of decreased hemoglobin levels. A total of 11 patients had a trend of increasing and decreasing hemoglobin levels. And there is 1 patient who has a steady trend of hemoglobin levels. The trend of increasing hemoglobin levels was as many as 11 patients.
 Keywords: packed red cells; Hemoglobin levels; Thalassemia;