University Institute Research Articles

MRI imaging and machine learning based radiomics for detection of mixed HCC and CCA tumors: Still a need for liver biopsy?

531 Background: Primary liver cancer (PLC), comprising hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally. The combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) subtype may be less common but is relevant to treatment efficacy. We therefore evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of various approaches in distinguishing these liver cancers. Methods: Patients diagnosed with HCC, CCA, and cHCC-CC at Beijing University Cancer Hospital and Institute, China were included. Radiologists of varying expertise independently assessed MRI scans, and we measured their diagnostic consistency. Radiomic features were extracted from MRI scans, and machine learning was applied to differentiate the cancer types. Results: Standard imaging was insufficient to reliably characterize cHCC-CC. Abdominal imaging experts (AIEs) had a higher mean sensitivity for HCC and CCA, 88% and 84% respectively, while non-experts (NIEs) had a lower sensitivity of 50% for HCC and 38% for CCA (HCC: p=0.03, CCA: p=0.008). Radiomic analysis found ‘Sphericity’ and ‘ClusterShade’ as the most relevant features. However, radiomics algorithms were also not sufficient to distinguish cHCC-CC from either HCC or CCA. Regarding sensitivity, the radiomic-based model was not better than radiologists for any of the three classes (p=0.065 for HCC, p=0.426 for CCA, and p=1.0 for cHCC-CC). The random forest algorithm yielded an accuracy of 76% in the test set, since it correctly classified most HCC and CCA, while only one quarter of cHCC-CC tumors. Conclusions: Until improved diagnostic tools are available, biopsy of liver cancer remains critical to the detection, diagnosis, and effective treatment of these cancers.

Current views and trends of nanomaterials as vectors for gene delivery since the 21st century: a bibliometric analysis.

Gene therapy is garnering increasing support due to its potential for a "once-delivered, lifelong benefit." The limitations of traditional gene delivery methods have spurred the advancement of bionanomaterials. Despite this progress, a thorough analysis of the evolution, current state, key contributors, focal studies, and future directions of nanomaterials in gene delivery remains absent. This study scrutinizes articles from the Web of Science, spanning 1 January 2 000, to 31 December 2023, employing various online tools for analysis and visualization. The 21st century has witnessed consistent growth in scholarly work in this domain globally, with notable contributions from China and the US. At the same time, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Harvard University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have emerged as the most productive institutions, with CAS's academician Weihong Tan becoming the field's leading author. While drug delivery and nanoparticles (NPs) have been central themes for two decades, the research focus has shifted from modifying NPs and ultrafine particles to exploring polymer-hybrid NPs, mRNA vaccines, immune responses, green synthesis, and CRISPR/Cas tools. This shift marks the transition from nanomaterials to bionanomaterials. The insights provided by this research offer a comprehensive overview of the field and valuable guidance for future investigations.

Mamá Empoderada: study protocol for a pilot trial of a novel parenting and mental health prevention intervention for migrant mothers with young children at the Mexico-US border

IntroductionMigrant women in transit face high risk of developing mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, driven by gendered social-structural factors including violence, social isolation, migration uncertainty, limited access...

ДИНАМИКА РОСТА МОЛОДИ ПРЕСНОВОДНОЙ ФОРМЫ АРКТИЧЕСКОГО ГОЛЬЦА SALVELINUS ALPINUS (L.) В УСЛОВИЯХ ИНДУСТРИАЛЬНОГО РЫБОВОДНОГО ХОЗЯЙСТВА

The purpose of research is to study the growth dynamics of juvenile freshwater Arctic char in the conditions of an industrial fish farm. Objectives: to study rearing conditions, dynamics of weight, body length and safety of juveniles when fed with trout food. The object of the study was juveniles of the freshwater form of Arctic char Salvelinus alpinus (L.) of the Taimyr Peninsula, generation 2022 (n = 2892), obtained at the industrial farm of Maltat LLC. The study was carried out in a fish breeding farm in the city of Divnogorsk near the dam of the Krasnoyarsk hydroelectric power station and at the Department of Breeding, Genetics, Biology and Aquatic Bioresources of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University. The work was carried out according to the method of growing salmon fish using a combined method. Observations of the growth of char were carried out in January–August 2023. The fish were placed in a pontoon cage in the downstream of the Krasnoyarsk hydroelectric power station at a distance of 0.8 km from the dam. The depth of the cage is 4 m, the area is 36 m2. Feeding was carried out with trout feed from the Coppens company: Coppens PRE GROWER-18 2.00 mm for fish weighing up to 25 g. The amount of feed received by the juveniles was 1.5 % of the weight of the fish. Control catches were carried out monthly; the weight of at least 25 specimens was determined by random sampling. When reared in cages, the char grew intensively in the spring and summer, and by September the weight of the fry was 51.8 g and the length was 160 ± 3.59 mm. The survival rate of juveniles when fed with trout food was more than 92% throughout the entire study period.

АНАТОМО-ТОПОГРАФИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ОРГАНОВ РАЗМНОЖЕНИЯ У КРОЛИКОВ ПО ДАННЫМ РЕНТГЕНОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ

The purpose of research is to study the anatomical and topographical features of the testis, epididymis, and vas deferens in Californian breed rabbits. The studies were carried out at the Department of Anatomy, Histology, Physiology and Pathological Anatomy and the University Veterinary Clinic of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Omsk State Agrarian University using the X-R StaticExamionclassic X-DR XL digital radiographic system. The objects of the study were sexually mature male rabbits. According to X-ray studies, the testis is visualized as an elongated oval-shaped formation. When located in the testicular sac, the right testis is localized at the level of the middle third of the second caudal vertebra to the cranial third of the seventh caudal vertebra, and the edge of the capitate end of the left testis is displaced to the cranial third of the second caudal vertebra. In the abdominal cavity, the right testis is localized at the level from the middle third of the sixth lumbar vertebra to the iliopubic eminence. The left testis is displaced to the cranial third of the seventh lumbar vertebra. The epididymis of the testis on the radiograph appears as a conical formation, tapering towards the caudate end with a large number of curls. The ductsdeferentis have a complex, tortuous course. Coming from the tail of the appendage at the level of the second caudal vertebra, they turn each at an obtuse angle, follow to the cranial third of the body of the iliac bone of the pelvis, where they turn sharply at an acute angle, follow laterally, then caudally, uniting with the excretory duct of the vesicular gland into the ejaculatory canal. Both ducts open into the urogenital canal near the seminiferous colliculus. The length of the right testis and its appendage is 3.63 ± 0.06 cm, width – 1.70 ± 0.10 cm, cross-sectional area of the testis and its appendage – 4.56 ± 0.24 cm2. The length of the left testis is 3.62 ± 0.13 cm, width – 1.67 ± 0.17 cm, cross-sectional area of the testis and its appendage – 4.26 ± 0.15 cm2. The length of the right vas deferens was 7.57 ± 0.11 cm, the length of the left vas deferens was 7.45 ± 0.07 cm.

Impact of management technologies on banana growth and fusarium wilt mitigation

The study was conducted during 2023-2024 under the Department of Fruit Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The objective of the study was to find out the best technology for the Fusarium wilt management in the banana cultivar Rasthali under pot culture experiment. The experiment was conducted with nine treatments replicated thrice with three plants in each replication in a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatment T7- Bacillus subtilis (10 g/plant) +Salicylic acid 5mM spray showed more root length (71.89 cm) and number of roots (30) than other treatments. The treatment T7- Bacillus subtilis (10 g/plant) + Salicylic acid 5mM spray showed a 33 % improvement in root length over absolute control (T1) and a 53 % increase over inoculated control (T2). Whereas the number of roots was 50% more in T7 than in T1 and 76 % more than in T2. The length of the pseudostem and girth of the pseudostem were 69.40 cm and 25.43 cm. The leaf area was 2.99 m2 and the number of leaves was 12. The physiological parameters such as chlorophyll content (57.03), stomatal resistance (0.521 Scm-1) and transpiration rate (9.572 ?g H2O cm2 S-1) of T7 were significant. In soil enzymes, the chitinase activity was 37.50 ?mol/min/g and ? 1, 3 Glucanase 40.33 ?mol/min/g. It showed less disease incidence (DI %) of 18.86 % and a disease severity index (DSI %) of 14.73 %. The absolute control (T1), without the pathogen, had no disease. The inoculated control (T2) showed the highest disease incidence and disease severity index of 100 %. T7- Bacillus subtilis (10 g/plant) + Salicylic acid 5 mM spray showed less disease incidence (DI %) of 18.86 %and a disease severity index (DSI%) of 22.93 % over the absolute control (T1). And 81.14 % and 77.07 % reduced disease incidence (DI %) and disease severity index (DSI %) compared to inoculated control (T2). It is concluded that T7- Bacillus subtilis (10 g/plant) + Salicylic acid 5 mM spray can be used to control Fusarium wilt in cultivar Rasthali.

Launching a child and adolescent psychiatry training program in Mongolia inspired by Japanese models.

This manuscript details the development and implementation of Mongolia's first official training program for child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) specialists. This initiative, inspired by and developed in collaboration with Japanese CAP training models, addresses the substantial gap in specialized mental health services for children and adolescents in Mongolia. Our discussion elaborates on the collaborative efforts between the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Nagoya University, and other partnering institutions, reflecting on the initial outcomes and the strategic importance of this program.

Nurse management of minor problems in primary care emergencies: a non-randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHealth systems must implement strategies to adapt to the high demand in primary care caused by social changes. Since 2009, the Catalan Institute of Health has been expanding the Nurse Demand Management programme through which nursing autonomously addresses minor health problems. This study aims to analyse whether this programme is a factor in improving the efficiency and quality of care in a primary care emergency centre. The results come from a non-randomised controlled experimental study that tested the implementation of the programme applied to an experimental group treated by nurses versus a control group treated by doctors. The study was approved on 14 July 2022 by the Research Ethics Committee of the Jordi Gol University Institute following the guidelines of the TREND statement.ResultsA total of 312 patients were included in the study, all of whom came to the emergency centre with five types of minor problems. Exactly half (156) were seen by nurses and half were seen by doctors. The experimental group had an average waiting time of 15.1 min and the control group 33.25 min. There was no significant difference in the assessment of the quality of care received and there were no differences in the total number of consultations for the same problem. There were fewer prescriptions given out by nurses, with an average of 1.79 medicines per participant versus 2.26 medicines prescribed by doctors. The results of the study suggest that the Nurse Demand Management programme was a factor in improving the efficiency and in the emergency centre. Nurse resolution capacity, after applying algorithms, offered quality care, with fewer prescriptions and good patient satisfaction without increasing the total number of consultations due to the same problem.Trial registrationThe protocol for the current study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov, with identification NCT06298240, retrospectively registered February 29, 2024.

Screening of Crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis (L.) (Nees.) Genotypes for Root Lesion Nematode

An experiment was conducted with ten crossandra genotypes collected from various institutions and local sources at Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Coimbatore. The experiment was laid out using FCRD design with three replications with genotypes uninoculated and inoculated with nematodes. Observations were taken after 60 days of inoculation. The results revealed that Nilakottai local and Arka Shravya recorded the least percentage of reduction of shoot weight (13.73 & 14.55%) and root weight (18.83 & 16.93%) under inoculated condition. The increased percentage of phenol, polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase activity and phenylalanine ammonia lyase was higher in Nilakottai local and Arka Shravya and the least was noticed in Dharmapuri local under inoculated conditions. The root necrosis percentage ranged from 7.05 to 21.17. The lowest root lesion percentage was recorded in genotype Nilakottai local (7.05) followed by Arka Shravya (8.67) and the highest necrosis percentage was observed in genotype Dharmapuri local (21.17). Resistant reaction was noticed in genotype Nilakottai local and Arka Shravya. Tolerant reaction was observed in genotype Delhi crossandra, Arka Ambara, Arka Chenna, Arka Shreeya and Arka Kanaka. The susceptible reaction was found in genotype Villupuram local, Neyveli local and Dharmapuri local.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Psychological Resilience, Emotional Symptoms, and Recovery Duration in Adolescent Sport-Related Concussion

We, the Authors, Editors and Publisher of the journal Applied Neuropsychology: Child have retracted the following article: Psychological resilience, emotional symptoms, and recovery duration in adolescent sport-related concussion, DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2024.2317307 (Feb 2024). Julia C. Nahman, Cody Staples, Lauren N. Irwin Harper, Luis Ahumada, Mohamed Rehman, Sarah Irani, P. Patrick Mularoni, Danielle M. Ransom Following publication, the authors have requested the retraction of this article in line with the procedures outlined by the John Hopkins University Institutional Review Board (IRB). This is due to the parent study being terminated; as a result, the IRB approval granted for the secondary study reported in the article was suspended at the time of publication. We have been informed in our decision-making by our editorial policies and the COPE guidelines. The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as ‘Retracted’.

Differentiation of Early Sacroiliitis Using Machine-Learning- Supported Texture Analysis.

Objectives: We wished to compare the diagnostic performance of texture analysis (TA) against that of a visual qualitative assessment in identifying early sacroiliitis (nr-axSpA). Methods: A total of 92 participants were retrospectively included at our university hospital institution, comprising 30 controls and 62 patients with axSpA, including 32 with nr-axSpA and 30 with r-axSpA, who underwent MR examination of the sacroiliac joints. MRI at 3T of the lumbar spine and the sacroiliac joint was performed using oblique T1-weighted (W), fluid-sensitive, fat-saturated (Fs) T2WI images. The modified New York criteria for AS were used. Patients were classified into the nr-axSpA group if their digital radiography (DR) and/or CT results within 7 days from the MR examination showed a DR and/or CT grade < 2 for the bilateral sacroiliac joints or a DR and/or CT grade < 3 for the unilateral sacroiliac joint. Patients were classified into the r-axSpA group if their DR and/or CT grade was 2 to 3 for the bilateral sacroiliac joints or their DR and/or CT grade was 3 for the unilateral sacroiliac joint. Patients were considered to have a confirmed diagnosis if their DR or CT grade was 4 for the sacroiliac joints and were thereby excluded. A control group of healthy individuals matched in terms of age and sex to the patients was included in this study. First, two readers independently qualitatively scored the oblique coronal T1WI and FsT2WI non-enhanced sacroiliac joint images. The diagnostic efficacies of the two readers were judged and compared using an assigned Likert score, conducting a Kappa consistency test of the diagnostic results between two readers. Texture analysis models (the T1WI-TA model and the FsT2WI-TA model) were constructed through feature extraction and feature screening. The qualitative and quantitative results were evaluated for their diagnostic performance and compared against a clinical reference standard. Results: The qualitative scores of the two readers could significantly distinguish between the healthy controls and the nr-axSpA group and the nr-axSpA and r-axSpA groups (both p < 0.05). Both TA models could significantly distinguish between the healthy controls and the nr-axSpA group and the nr-axSpA group and the r-axSpA group (both p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the differential diagnoses of the two TA models between the healthy controls and the nr-axSpA group (AUC: 0.934 vs. 0.976; p = 0.1838) and between the nr-axSpA and r-axSpA groups (AUC: 0.917 vs. 0.848; p = 0.2592). In terms of distinguishing between the healthy control and nr-axSpA groups, both the TA models were superior to the qualitative scores of the two readers (all p < 0.05). In terms of distinguishing between the nr-axSpA and r-axSpA groups, the T1WI-TA model was superior to the qualitative scores of the two readers (p = 0.023 and p = 0.007), whereas there was no significant difference between the fsT2WI-TA model and the qualitative scores of the two readers (p = 0.134 and p = 0.065). Conclusions: Based on MR imaging, the T1WI-TA and fsT2WI-TA models were highly effective for the early diagnosis of sacroiliac joint arthritis. The T1WI-TA model significantly improved the early diagnostic efficacy for sacroiliac arthritis compared to that of the qualitative scores of the readers, while the efficacy of the fsT2WI-TA model was comparable to that of the readers.

The mediating role of impulsivity on suicidal behaviour among higher education students with depression and substance abuse disorders.

Alcohol and drug dependent individuals have consistently exhibited elevated impulsivity and some studies have indicated that impulsivity recorded in young adults predicts future alcohol abuse. Research also indicates that depressed individuals with higher impulsivity are more likely to report suicidal ideation even when they are less depressed, which may indicate that impulsivity could more strongly predict suicidality than severity of depressive symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of impulsivity on suicidal behaviour and self-harm among students with depression, alcohol and substance abuse disorders. Participants were first-year undergraduate students (n=1829) across Ulster University (NI) and Letterkenny Institute of Technology (ROI), who were recruited as part of the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative. Participants completed an online survey utilising the WMH-Composite International Diagnostic Interview Screening Scales (CIDI-SC). Mediation analyses were conducted in three different stages. A high prevalence of depression and substance use disorders, suicidal ideation, plans, attempts and self-harm were observed. Impulsivity was found to partially mediate the association between depression and suicidal behaviours and substance use disorders and suicidal behaviours. Impulsivity was significantly associated with suicide ideation, attempts and self-harm, but not suicide plans. Males were more likely to be impulsive, and higher levels of depression and substance use disorders were related to higher impulsivity. The main findings of this study reinforce the role of impulsivity in mediating the relationship between depression and suicidality and substance use and suicidality. College wellbeing services may consider whether screening for impulsivity, rather than for example substance abuse, could be more beneficial and less prone to under-reporting, when assessing for suicide risk among vulnerable students.

Enhancing the Trapping of Melon Fruit Fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquilette through Synergizing the Odour and Visual Cues

The melon fruit fly (Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett) poses a significant threat to cucurbit crops with substantial yield losses and challenging sustainable vegetable production. This study systematically investigated efficient color-based visual cues for attracting melon flies and explored the synergistic effects of these visual cues in conjunction with odour cues. This study was conducted in Agricultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Madurai during 2024. Our studies included investigations on preferred colour by melon fly through olfactometer &amp; insect cage bioassays in no choice &amp; multiple choice conditions. The additive effect of the preferred colour when combined with the fruit fly attractive odour cue was investigated under field conditions. For both male and female melon fruit flies, yellow colour (RBG coordinates - 255:255:0) consistently emerged as the most efficient visual cue followed by white (255:255:255) and red (255:0:0). Field trials also confirmed the attractiveness of yellow colour as it outperformed other colours. The visual cue, yellow colour and odour cue (synthetic blend of four fruit fly EAG active synthetic compounds in a known ratio) were combined and found to be synergistic as this fusing captured significantly more flies than the either cues alone. These results highlighted the yellow colour as the most attractive visual cue for melon flies and combining effective of visual cues with established odour attractant to greatly enhance the trapping efficiency. This integrated approach offers a promising strategy for the management of melon fly and reduction of reliance on chemical pesticides contributing to more sustainable pest control in cucurbit production. The findings have significant implications for pest management strategies, especially in regions facing melon fly infestations that threaten crop yields and export potential.

Governance in Higher Education Institutions - Algeria as a Model

The effectiveness of governance has become increasingly important in the case of higher education institutions in the Arab region. Higher education institutions face various challenges that threaten the crisis of education quality and the credibility of existing institutions, and various international rankings reveal a loss of institutional integrity, including recurring issues related to fraud and corruption in higher education. To address these challenges, many higher education institutions are focusing their attention on the quality of internal governance, as this has become a serious issue related to the importance and legitimacy of institutions. In this research, we will conduct a study of how to develop governance in university institutions in the Arab world and the obstacles they face. We will highlight a study on Algerian universities.

Morocco's cybersecurity strategy between challenges and aspirations

The threats and challenges associated with the cyberspace have increased, and no country is excluded from its economic, social and cultural activities on the Internet, and Morocco has also not been spared some digital machinations to harm its cyberspace. For this reason, the contours of its cyber strategy have been prominent since 2012 to counter the risks coming from the virtual world. This strategy focused on the establishment of national institutions specialized in cyber securitization, benefiting from international and regional partnerships, and did not neglect the issuance of laws and the signing of regulatory agreements. But this strategy has run into some challenges resulting from legal loopholes and treaty reservations. Despite these challenges, Morocco has registered a strong desire to develop its capabilities and strengthen its position in the global cybersecurity index, by benefiting from international experiences and foreign companies specialized in cyber issues, and by including digital education in its university institutions.

Early diagnosis of lung cancer using a sensor gas analysis complex: case report

Background. Currently, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is the only screening test that reduces the risk of death from lung cancer. However, there are a number of disadvantages, such as lack of widespread use, high cost, high false-positive rate and the need to conduct studies only in high-risk groups, which significantly limit mass screening. exhaled breath analysis, which uses sensitive breath sensors, is a promising method to improve early diagnosis of lung cancer. Cancer Research Institute of Tomsk National Research Medical Center together with Tomsk State University and Tomsk Polytechnic Research Institute has developed a gas analysis complex capable of analyzing the gas composition of exhaled air with remote sampling from bags. during the study, data obtained by digitizing signals from gas analysis system sensors and patient metadata are recorded in a database for subsequent automated processing and analysis using a neural network. Case description. A 48-year-old female patient with a long history of smoking came to the clinic of the Cancer Research Institute for consultation with suspected pathological infiltration around the celiac trunk detected by abdominal CT. As a clinical trial of the developed gas analytical complex for cancer detection, a sample of exhaled air was taken, and the comparison of the composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with that in the control group (healthy individuals) revealed abnormalities characteristic of lung cancer. the patient underwent a chest CT scan, which revealed stage IIB peripheral cancer of the lower lobe of the left lung. the original sensor gas analysis complex, which has no analogues in Russia, was used for the first time in the detection of lung cancer. the data obtained allowed us to suspect the presence of lung tumor in the patient and perform radical surgical treatment. the composition of VOCs in exhaled air was assessed on day 10 after surgery, and no significant changes in the composition of exhaled air were observed. Conclusion. Machine learning algorithms are actively used to diagnose socially significant diseases. the platforms being developed based on arrays of chemical sensors with data analysis using a neural network are promising candidates for implementation in screening activities.

A study to correlate the association of Gender, Age, Physiology (GAP) index and radiological patterns in interstitial lung disease

ABSTRACT Background: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of lung tissue, leading to impaired gas exchange and respiratory failure. The GAP index, based on gender, age, and pulmonary function, predicts mortality and disease severity in patients with ILD. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is a critical diagnostic tool that provides detailed information on lung morphology and disease extent. This study aims to investigate the relationship between HRCT patterns and the GAP index in patients with ILD, enhancing disease staging and prognostication. Objectives: 1. To identify various radiological patterns in ILD patients using HRCT of the thorax. 2) To correlate these radiological patterns with the GAP index and verify the relationship mentioned above. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study analyzed data from 154 patients with ILD treated at Victoria Hospital, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, from January 2021 to September 2023. The inclusion criteria included patients aged ≥ 18 years diagnosed with ILD based on the ATS/ERS criteria. Thoracic HRCT was performed using a Philips Ingenuity 128-slice CT scanner, and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were conducted using a Power cube Diffusion Plus spirometer. The GAP score was calculated, and the HRCT patterns were compared with the GAP stages. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software. Results: The study population had a mean age of 55.5 years, consisting of 68 males and 86 females. Shortness of breath (97.4%) and cough (87.7%) were the most common symptoms. Hypertension (31.2%) and diabetes mellitus (28.6%) were the most common comorbidities observed. The prevalence of definitive UIP sharply increased in stage 3 (58.8%) compared to stage 1 (9.5%) and stage 2 (41.5%), with a highly significant P value (&lt;0.0001). In contrast, NSIP was more common in Stage 1 (39.3%) and decreases in later stages, with a significant P value (0.011). Over half of the patients were in GAP Stage 1 (54.5%), with significant correlations found between advancing GAP stages and an increased prevalence of honeycombing (P = 0.0005) and traction bronchiectasis (P = 0.010). The ground-glass opacity decreased with increasing GAP stage (P = 0.035). Conclusion: This study revealed a significant correlation between particular HRCT patterns and GAP index stages in patients with ILD, highlighting the importance of honeycombing and traction bronchiectasis as indicators of advanced disease. This approach is advantageous in both resource-limited settings, where HRCT availability is limited, and in advanced medical centers, as it can help minimize the need for frequent CT scans.

A Study on the Strengthening of R&amp;D Security through Survey on the Status of University Institutions : Focusing on R&amp;D Security Regulations

A Study on the Strengthening of R&amp;D Security through Survey on the Status of University Institutions : Focusing on R&amp;D Security Regulations

СЕЗОННЫЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ПСИХОФИЗИОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ПАРАМЕТРОВ СТУДЕНТОВ НА СЕВЕРО-ВОСТОКЕ РОССИИ

The study of the mechanisms of adaptation of the organism to extreme environmental factors is one of the main issues of physiology, which does not lose its relevance. Specific photoperiodism, characteristic of different seasons of the year in the North, can affect not only the physiological, but also the psychoemotional state of the organism. In order to identify evolutionarily formed chronophysiological mechanisms of human adaptation to extreme conditions of the North, a longitudinal study was conducted in different seasons (autumn, winter, spring and summer) of the features of psychoemotional instability, anxiety (situational and personal anxiety), regulatory restructuring of the heart rhythm of the organism of young practically healthy males of indigenous nationality. The object of the longitudinal study were young Yakut men (MY), volunteers, students of the Medical Institute of the North-Eastern Federal University named after M.K. Ammosov (n = 26). The average age was 19.1±2.2 years. The high psycho-emotional stress of young Yakut men in winter revealed by the study is probably an adaptation mechanism that determines high functional activity and stability of the nervous system during the period of combined exposure to cold and polar night. Intrasystemic activation of the cardiovascular system of young Yakut men against the background of high overall power of vegetative regulation (3476.15 ms2) and normal value of the stress index (119.92 c.u.) in winter contributes to the mobilization of the adaptive mechanisms of the human body, which is reflected in the growth of the adaptive-restorative potential in extreme conditions and higher indicators of this potential in people with a high level of psycho-emotional stress.

RELATIONSHIP OF EARPHONE USAGE WITH THE EMERGENCE OF HEARING LOSS AND HEALTH PROBLEMS IN MEDICAL STUDENTS OF SOUTH PUNJAB

Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a rising concern, particularly in the young adult population who frequently use personal listening devices (PLDs) such as earphones. Medical students are at risk of having hearing related problems due to the high usage of PLDs for both academic and recreational purposes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hearing loss, symptoms associated with earphone use, and the relationship between earphone usage patterns and hearing thresholds among medical students in South Punjab, Pakistan. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of hearing loss and associated symptoms (headache, tinnitus, otalgia, fatigue) about earphone usage habits, including daily duration, volume, and frequency of use, among undergraduate medical students. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at Nishtar Medical University and CMH Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS), Multan from October 2023 to August 2024. A total of 267 medical students aged 18 26 years participated in this study. Participants were categorized into two groups: mild users (≤1 hour/day) and Intense users (&gt;1 hour/day) of PLDs. Data were collected using a self administered questionnaire on demographics, earphone usage patterns, and associated symptoms. Audiometric testing was performed using Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) to assess hearing thresholds at 250 Hz to 8000 Hz. Descriptive statistics, t tests, chi square tests, and Pearson correlation were used to analyze the data. Results: The majority of participants (55.4%) were aged 21 23 years, with a balanced gender distribution (52.4% male, 47.6% female). Intense users (53.2%) had significantly higher hearing thresholds at all frequencies compared to mild users, particularly at higher frequencies (4000 Hz and 8000 Hz). In the right ear, the prevalence of hearing loss is 3.2% for mild users and 13.3% for intense users whereas in the left ear, it is 4.8% and 12.7% for mild and intense users respectively. The most common form of hearing loss was mild sensorineural hearing loss at 4000Hz. Intense users reported higher rates of symptoms, including headache (35.9% vs. 16%), fatigue (47.2% vs. 17.6%), otalgia (46.5% vs. 22.4%), and tinnitus (34.5% vs. 17.6%), with statistically significant associations between symptom prevalence and usage duration and volume. Conclusion: Prolonged earphone usage is significantly associated with the emergence of hearing loss and increased prevalence of auditory symptoms among medical students. Despite being aware of the risks, many students do not follow safe listening practices, underscoring the need for educational initiatives. Promoting the "Rule of 60" and encouraging regular breaks during usage are essential steps to mitigate the risk of NIHL.