bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radial and Ulnar Artery Size in Bangladeshi Population Coming for Cardiac Catheterization
Authors: Chowdhury Mashhud Zia , Gomes Hemanta I , Nasrin Sahela , Kabir CM Shaheen , Md Taimur Syed Dawood , Md Salahuddin - , Hakim Md Enamul 
Published: April 2021

Background: Transradial approach has now become a preferred route for cardiac catheterization. However, smaller size of the artery, being liable to sustain injury during the procedure, this approach may even lead to permanent occlusion. This study is intended to measure the diameter of radial and ulnar artery and to identify the factors influencing the size of the arteries.
Methods: Using two dimensional ultrasound and Doppler examination, the inner diameter of right radial and ulnar arteries were measured in 373 consecutive patients with normal Allen test who underwent coronary angiogram (CAG) and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) through trans-radial approach in Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital and Research Institute (ICHRI), Dhaka from August 2013 to September 2014.
Results: The mean sizes of the radial and ulnar arteries were 2.2 ± 0.3 mm and 2.1 ± 0.3 mm respectively. There was no significant correlations of age with size of radial and ulnar artery (r = 0.055, p = 0.290 and r = 0.010, p = 0.846 respectively). However, sex was found to be associated with size of the arteries with male having greater size compared to their female counterparts (2.1±0.3 vs. 2.0±0.2 mm, p = 0.001 and 2.0 ± 0.3 vs. 1.9 ± 0.3 mm, p = 0.006 respectively). BMI was found to bear significant correlation with size of radial and ulnar artery (r = 0.137, p = 0.008 and r = 0.121, p = 0.019 respectively). Likewise, smokers and dyslipidaemics had bigger size of radial and ulnar arteries compared to their non-smoker and non-dyslipidemic counterparts (p = 0.015 & p = 0.017 respectively and p < 0.001 & p =0.011 respectively). However, hypertension and diabetes did not influence the size of radial and ulnar arteries (p = 0.559 and p = 0.916; p = 0.778 and p = 0.931 respectively).
Conclusion: Diameter of radial and ulnar arteries of Bangladeshi population is a bit smaller but does not vary much with other population around the world. Male, smoker, obese and dyslipidaemic persons generally have bigger size of the radial and ulnar arteries, while age, hypertension and diabetes do not bear any relationship with size of the arteries.
Ibrahim Cardiac Med J 2013; 3(1&2): 21-26
Pathophysiologic features of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: A review of the literature
Authors: Mercedes Ana , Caza Tiffany , Ahsan Chowdhury H 
Published: April 2021

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a newly recognized cause of chest pain mimicking a myocardial infarction in post-menopausal women. It is diagnosed based on clinical criteria established at the Mayo Clinic and imaging studies, including echocardiography, cardiac MRI, angiography, and left ventriculography. Several hypotheses have been postulated towards its etiology, with the dominant theory being cathecholamine toxicity to the myocardium in response to a stressful trigger. Pathologic investigations are limited, based mostly on autopsy findings, and represent inflammatory and fibrotic replacement of the myocardium. Here, we will address the current understanding of the disease entity of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, its clinical mimics, and its pathophysiology.
Ibrahim Cardiac Med J 2013; 3(1&2): 39-48
Treatment of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media: A Comparison between Topical, Systemic and Combined Topical-Systemic antibiotics
Authors: Al Masum Syed Hasan Imam , Arsalan Ali Jacob 
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to determine which of the three treatment modalities (topical, systemic and topical systemic combined) is the best in treating chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) in children.
Patients & Methods: This comparative clinical trial was conducted prospectively in Dhaka Shisu Hospital, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka over a period of 6 months. We enrolled 92 children with chronic CSOM, aged 5- 12 years, from patients attending at pediatric ENT OPD. The children were randomly assigned to three treatment groups. All parents were advised dry mopping of their children two times daily. The first group (n = 51) received topical ciprofloxacin 4 times daily, the second group received systemic ciprofloxacin only10 mg/kg body weight/day twice daily for 14 days and the third group received both systemic and topical ciprofloxacin. The primary outcome measures were resolution of otorrhoea by 2 - 3 weeks of intervention and healing of tympanic membranes on otoscopy by 8-12weeks of intervention. Hearing levels were assessed by audiometry.
Results: Of the three groups of children enrolled in the study, the topical-systemic group was significantly older than the topical and systemic groups (p = 0.003). However, the groups were not different in terms of sex and duration of illness (p = 0.125 and p = 0.191 respectively). The cardinal presentation was otorrhoea. Over half of the children in each group had marginal perforation (p=0.062). Most of the children in each group had mild hearing impairment (p = 0.212). Poor attention and poor academic performance were rarely found. After 2 weeks of treatment, majority of patients in Topical, Systemic and Topical Systemic Combined Group had a successful resolution (92.1%, 95.4% and 94.7%) with no significant difference among the groups (p = 0.641). Time taken for resolution was almost similar among the groups with mean resolution time being 2 weeks (p = 0.313). Difference among the groups regarding hearing impairment was evident with highest impairment being in the Topical and the lowest in the combined group (p = 0.048). Among groups, topical and systemic group had higher improvement of hearing threshold than topical, systemic combined group (p=0.024). The groups were no different with respect to treatment failure (p = 0.595)
Conclusions: The study concluded that there was no significant difference in outcome in three modalities of treatment - topical, systemic and topical-systemic combined. So only topical antibiotics will do suffice in the treatment of CSOM, unless there is no sign of complications (like fever and/or pain).
Ibrahim Cardiac Med J 2014; 4(1): 27-32
Number needed to treat for interleukin inhibitors approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Italy
Authors: Ravasio Roberto , Costanzo Antonio , Antonelli Silvia , Maiorino Alessia , Losi Serena 
Published: April 2021

Background: Interleukin (IL) inhibitors achieve greater levels of efficacy than older systemic therapies. We calculated the number needed to treat (NNT) of ixekizumab compared with other IL inhibitors approved in Italy for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
Methods: The clinical efficacy was evaluated in terms of NNT, based on the results of a recent network meta-analysis (NMA) by the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The NMA investigated many systemic and biological treatments, but this analysis compared only the efficacy of the following IL inhibitors – brodalumab, guselkumab, ixekizumab, risankizumab, secukinumab, tildrakizumab and ustekinumab – for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Drugs were compared and ranked according to effectiveness considering the PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) 90 score.
Results: One-hundred and forty trials (51,749 patients) were included in the NMA. Considering the proportion of patients who achieve PASI90, ixekizumab showed the lowest NNT among all comparators (ixekizumab 2.01 [2.46-3.00]; risankizumab 2.05 [2.50-3-05]; guselkumab 2.16 [2.68-3.36]; secukinumab 2.40 [2.90-3.51]; brodalumab 2.61 [3.18-3.88]; ustekinumab 3.44 [4.12-4.95]; tildrakizumab 3.10 [4.15-5.59].
Conclusion: The findings show that ixekizumab is the most effective option (NNT) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
Value transformation of modern Belarusian society (as results of sociological research)
Authors: Lashuk Iryna V. 
Published: April 2021

The article presents the results of the study of the structure of the basic values of the Belarusian society using the method of constructing functional-oriented clusters of basic values by N. I. Lapin. The values that ensure the integration of the population of Belarus as a whole, as well as mediate the inclusion of the individual in the life-supporting, power-political and socio-cultural structures of society, were identified. The analysis of the degree of respondents’ support for basic values, grouped on additional grounds: according to their belonging to terminal (values-goals) or instrumental (values-means) values, and in accordance with cultural types of values (traditional, modern, universal values). It is revealed that the stable integrating core of the basic values of the Belarusian society are the values of human life and order. The recognition of the value and inviolability of human life occupies a dominant position in the hierarchy of basic values of Belarusians. The high level of support for the value of order indicates the great importance for the Belarusian society of stability and the organisation of social relations based on compliance with established laws and norms. However, the means of achievement have changed due to the increased importance of moral choice, which is expressed in the ability to help other people in need, even to the detriment of themselves, and the instrumental value of power, which is manifested in the desire to influence other people. A comparative analysis by year shows that in 2020 there was a serious increase in the importance of the universal group of values due to the decline in the demand for traditional and modern values. As in 2017, terminal values are more significant than instrumental values. Among the values-goals, the greatest support of the population in 2020 is human life, order and freedom; among the values-means – sacrifice and power. In order to study the variability of the value structure, a comparative study of the basic values of different age groups of the population was carried out. The intergenerational axiological analysis showed that in all age groups the integrating components are human life and order. At the same time, in the youth cohort, svoboda also entered the integrating core.
Towards a Platform for Robot-Assisted Minimally-Supervised Therapy of Hand Function: Design and Pilot Usability Evaluation
Authors: Ranzani Raffaele , Eicher Lucas , Viggiano Federica , Engelbrecht Bernadette , Held Jeremia P. O. , Lambercy Olivier , Gassert Roger 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundRobot-assisted therapy can increase therapy dose after stroke, which is often considered insufficient in clinical practice and after discharge, especially with respect to hand function. Thus far, there has been a focus on rather complex systems that require therapist supervision. To better exploit the potential of robot-assisted therapy, we propose a platform designed for minimal therapist supervision, and present the preliminary evaluation of its immediate usability, one of the main and frequently neglected challenges for real-world application. Such an approach could help increase therapy dose by allowing the training of multiple patients in parallel by a single therapist, as well as independent training in the clinic or at home.MethodsWe implemented design changes on a hand rehabilitation robot, considering aspects relevant to enabling minimally-supervised therapy, such as new physical/graphical user interfaces and two functional therapy exercises to train hand motor coordination, somatosensation and memory. Ten participants with chronic stroke assessed the usability of the platform and reported the perceived workload during a single therapy session with minimal supervision. The ability to independently use the platform was evaluated with a checklist.ResultsParticipants were able to independently perform the therapy session after a short familiarization period, requiring assistance in only 13.46 (7.69–19.23)% of the tasks. They assigned good-to-excellent scores on the System Usability Scale to the user-interface and the exercises [85.00 (75.63–86.88) and 73.75 (63.13–83.75) out of 100, respectively]. Nine participants stated that they would use the platform frequently. Perceived workloads lay within desired workload bands. Object grasping with simultaneous control of forearm pronosupination and stiffness discrimination were identified as the most difficult tasks.DiscussionOur findings demonstrate that a robot-assisted therapy device can be rendered safely and intuitively usable upon first exposure with minimal supervision through compliance with usability and perceived workload requirements. The preliminary usability evaluation identified usability challenges that should be solved to allow real-world minimally-supervised use. Such a platform could complement conventional therapy, allowing to provide increased dose with the available resources, and establish a continuum of care that progressively increases therapy lead of the patient from the clinic to the home.
Bombax ceiba is a Good Native Tree Species for Performing Reforestation to Restore Highly Degraded Tropical Forests in Hainan Island, China
Authors: Luo Jinhuan , Hong Wenjun , Yang Jindian , Jiang Kai , Tan Zhaoyuan , He Qifang , Zhang Hui , Cui Jie 
Published: April 2021

Reforestation is an effective way to alleviate deforestation and its negative impacts on ecosystem services. It is widely recognized that the most key step for reforestation is using suitable native species, but selecting suitable native tree species is much more complex and challenging than the selection of non-native tree species that have been widely used for reforestation. Here, we quantify whether the native tree species (Bombax ceiba) can be suitable for performing reforestation to restore a 0.2 km2 highly degraded tropical monsoon forest in Baopoling Mountain (BPL), Sanya, China, due to 20 years of limestone mining for cement production. We found that stomatal closure helped Bombax ceiba develop higher drought stress tolerance than the most dominant native tree species (Bridelia tomentosa) in an undisturbed tropical rainforest in BPL, thereby better adapting well to drought stress in the dry season. These characteristics in turn facilitated it to have high survival rate (92% ± 4%) and fast growth rate, after three years of monoculture in BPL. Thus, Bombax ceiba is very suitable for performing reforestation to recover highly degraded tropical forests in Hainan Island, China.
Neuromodulation Effect of Very Low Intensity Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation on Multiple Nuclei in Rat Brain
Authors: Liu Yingjian , Wang Gang , Cao Chao , Zhang Gaorui , Tanzi Emily B. , Zhang Yang , Zhou Weidong , Li Yi 
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveLow-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique with high spatial resolution and feasible penetration depth. To date, the mechanisms of TUS modulated neural oscillations are not fully understood. This study designed a very low acoustic intensity (AI) TUS system that produces considerably reduced AI Ultrasound pulses (ISPTA &lt; 0.5 W/cm2) when compared to previous methods used to measure regional neural oscillation patterns under different TUS parameters.MethodsWe recorded the local field potential (LFP) of five brain nuclei under TUS with three groups of simulating parameters. Spectrum estimation, time-frequency analysis (TFA), and relative power analysis methods have been applied to investigate neural oscillation patterns under different stimulation parameters.ResultsUnder PRF, 500 Hz and 1 kHz TUS, high-amplitude LFP activity with the auto-rhythmic pattern appeared in selected nuclei when ISPTA exceeded 12 mW/cm2. With TFA, high-frequency energy (slow gamma and high gamma) was significantly increased during the auto-rhythmic patterns. We observed an initial plateau in nuclei response when ISPTA reached 16.4 mW/cm2 for RPF 500 Hz and 20.8 mW/cm2 for RPF 1 kHz. The number of responding nuclei started decreasing while ISPTA continued increasing. Under 1.5 kHz TUS, no auto-rhythmic patterns have been observed, but slow frequency power was increased during TUS. TUS inhibited most of the frequency band and generated obvious slow waves (theta and delta band) when stimulated at RPF = 1.5 kHz, ISPTA = 8.8 mW/cm2.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that very low intensity Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation (VLTUS) exerts significant neuromodulator effects under specific parameters in rat models and may be a valid tool to study neuronal physiology.
Imaging 6-Phosphogluconolactonase Activity in Brain Tumors In Vivo Using Hyperpolarized δ-[1-13C]gluconolactone
Authors: Batsios Georgios , Taglang Céline , Cao Peng , Gillespie Anne Marie , Najac Chloé , Subramani Elavarasan , Wilson David M. , Flavell Robert R. , Larson Peder E. Z. , Ronen Sabrina M. , Viswanath Pavithra 
Published: April 2021

IntroductionThe pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is essential for NADPH generation and redox homeostasis in cancer, including glioblastomas. However, the precise contribution to redox and tumor proliferation of the second PPP enzyme 6-phosphogluconolactonase (PGLS), which converts 6-phospho-δ-gluconolactone to 6-phosphogluconate (6PG), remains unclear. Furthermore, non-invasive methods of assessing PGLS activity are lacking. The goal of this study was to examine the role of PGLS in glioblastomas and assess the utility of probing PGLS activity using hyperpolarized δ-[1-13C]gluconolactone for non-invasive imaging.MethodsTo interrogate the function of PGLS in redox, PGLS expression was silenced in U87, U251 and GS2 glioblastoma cells by RNA interference and levels of NADPH and reduced glutathione (GSH) measured. Clonogenicity assays were used to assess the effect of PGLS silencing on glioblastoma proliferation. Hyperpolarized δ-[1-13C]gluconolactone metabolism to 6PG was assessed in live cells treated with the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide (TMZ) or with vehicle control. 13C 2D echo-planar spectroscopic imaging (EPSI) studies of hyperpolarized δ-[1-13C]gluconolactone metabolism were performed on rats bearing orthotopic glioblastoma tumors or tumor-free controls on a 3T spectrometer. Longitudinal 2D EPSI studies of hyperpolarized δ-[1-13C]gluconolactone metabolism and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed in rats bearing orthotopic U251 tumors following treatment with TMZ to examine the ability of hyperpolarized δ-[1-13C]gluconolactone to report on treatment response.ResultsPGLS knockdown downregulated NADPH and GSH, elevated oxidative stress and inhibited clonogenicity in all models. Conversely, PGLS expression and activity and steady-state NADPH and GSH were higher in tumor tissues from rats bearing orthotopic glioblastoma xenografts relative to contralateral brain and tumor-free brain. Importantly, [1-13C]6PG production from hyperpolarized δ-[1-13C]gluconolactone was observed in live glioblastoma cells and was significantly reduced by treatment with TMZ. Furthermore, hyperpolarized δ-[1-13C]gluconolactone metabolism to [1-13C]6PG could differentiate tumor from contralateral normal brain in vivo. Notably, TMZ significantly reduced 6PG production from hyperpolarized δ-[1-13C]gluconolactone at an early timepoint prior to volumetric alterations as assessed by anatomical imaging.ConclusionsCollectively, we have, for the first time, identified a role for PGLS activity in glioblastoma proliferation and validated the utility of probing PGLS activity using hyperpolarized δ-[1-13C]gluconolactone for non-invasive in vivo imaging of glioblastomas and their response to therapy.
Changes Over Time and Predictors of Online Gambling in Three Norwegian Population Studies 2013–2019
Authors: Pallesen Ståle , Mentzoni Rune Aune , Morken Arne Magnus , Engebø Jonny , Kaur Puneet , Erevik Eilin Kristine 
Published: April 2021

Objectives: To investigate changes over time and identify predictors of online gambling among gamblers by using three Norwegian representative samples covering a 6-year (2013–2019) period. We also aimed to identify different characteristics (including video game participation and video gaming problems) of online compared to offline gamblers.Methods: Data from gamblers (N = 15,096) participating in three cross-sectional surveys (2013, 2015, and 2019) based on random sampling from the Norwegian Population Registry were analyzed. Participants were asked how frequently they engaged in online gambling on different platforms (e.g., mobile phone). Data on sociodemographics, games gambled, gambling problems, gaming, and problem gaming were collected and analyzed by logistic regression analyses.Results: Overall, an increase in online gambling from 2013 to 2015 was found (a larger percentage of gamblers reported having gambled online at least once during the last year), and an increase in online gambling from 2015 to 2019 was found (more gamblers reported having gambled online at least once last year and at least once per week). The increase was largest for gambling on mobile phone. Consistent predictors of online gambling (at least once last year and at least once per week) were male gender, high income, being unemployed, being on disability pension, having work assessment allowance, being a homemaker or retiree, number of games gambled, and gambling problems.Conclusions: Online gambling, especially on mobile phones, has increased significantly during the last 6 years in Norway. Hence, gambling availability seems to have grown, which may pose a risk for development of gambling problems. Compared to offline gamblers, online gamblers were more likely to be men, young, not working or studying, gambling on several games, and having gambling problems. Responsible gambling efforts aiming at preventing or minimizing harm related to online gambling should thus target these groups.
Selected, Adopted and Implemented Social-Emotional Learning Program: the Kindness Curriculum for Kids
Authors: Uşakli Hakan 
Published: April 2021

The aim of this manuscript is to introduce the program of social-emotional learning. Developed by the Centre for Healthy Minds (CHM) this program is called the Kindness Curriculum (CHM, 2017). Founded by the world renowned neuroscientist Dr. Richard J. Davidson, the Centre for Healthy Minds offers a kinder, wiser, more compassionate world.
Methodology. Qualitative research method was used in this study. The methods of documentary research, observation and interview were also applied. The Kindness Curriculum was employed as a documentary study. The target audience and the object of observation were primary school children aged 6 to 7, the teachers were interviewed.
Results. The mission of the centre is to cultivate kindness and relieve suffering through the scientific study of the mind. There are some social-emotional training programs, but the program developed by the centre is free. This program has been used by preschools and some researchers. The study involves the adaptation of the Kindness Curriculum to Turkish culture. The program contains twenty-four lessons in eight topics. These lessons include short stories, songs and entertaining games. The program can be conducted by one specialist both in preschool institutions and in primary classes. During the adaptation process, the program was translated into Turkish by two specialists and they controlled the entire translation process, which balanced the adaptation of the program by 80%. The benefits of the program for Turkish children have been studied by three psychologists. The program was used as a pilot research in the first grade of primary school.
Conclusions. There are many positive results of the program application implemented by teachers. Schools are encouraged to add this program to their curriculum, and there is a need for more experimental research on the usefulness of the proposed program.