Altmetrics and their relationship with citation counts: a case of journal articles in physics

Purpose The first purpose of the present study is to investigate the coverage of journal articles in Physics in various sources of altmetrics. Secondly, the study investigates the relationship between altmetrics and citations. Finally, the study also investigates whether the relationship between citations and altmetrics was stronger or weaker for those articles that had been mentioned at least once in the sources of altmetrics. Design/methodology/approach The journal articles in Physics having at least one author from an Indian Institution and published during 2014–2018 in sources of altmetrics have been investigated. Altmetric.com was used for collecting altmetrics data. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ρ) has been used as the data found to be skewed. Findings The highest coverage was found on Twitter (22.68%), followed by Facebook (3.62%) and blogs (2.18%). The coverage in the rest of the sources was less than 1%. The average Twitter mentions for journal articles tweeted at least once was found to be 4 (3.99) and for Facebook mentions, it was found to be 1.48. Correlations between Twitter mentions–citations and Facebook mentions–citation were found to be statistically significant but low to weak positive. Research limitations/implications The study concludes that due to the low coverage of journal articles, altmetrics should be used cautiously for research evaluation keeping in mind the disciplinary differences. The study also suggests that altmetrics can function as complementary to citation-based metrics. Originality/value The study is one of the first large scale altmetrics studies dealing with research in Physics. Also, Indian research has not been attended to in the altmetrics literature and the present study shall fill that void.

Correlation of cutaneous blood microcirculation parameters with biological age in diabetic patients

Известно, что с возрастом и при ряде хронических заболеваний происходит снижение реактивности микроциркуляторного звена кровообращения. Целью данного исследования стала оценка взаимосвязи параметров кожной микроциркуляции с биологическим и хронологическим возрастом у пациентов с сахарным диабетом. В исследование были включены 11 человек с сахарным диабетом [медиана возраста 57 (51; 64) лет]; биологический возраст определяли с помощью калькулятора Aging.AI. Показатели кожной микроциркуляции оценивали с помощью метода лазерной допплеровской флоуметрии в ходе окклюзионно-теплового теста. Для анализа взаимосвязи количественных параметров рассчитывали коэффициенты ранговой корреляции Спирмена. Были выявлены значимые множественные отрицательные корреляции биологического возраста с показателями реактивности микрососудов как при тепловом, так и при окклюзионном воздействии (сила корреляций от -0,618 до -0,97, p<0,05). У лиц с сахарным диабетом снижение реактивности микрососудов в большей мере ассоциировано с биологическим возрастом, чем с хронологическим. It has been established that the age together with the number of chronic diseases cause the decrease of the reactivity of the microcirculatory bed. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between cutaneous microcirculation parameters and biological and chronological age of patients with diabetes mellitus. 11 diabetic patients (median age 57 (51; 64) years) were examined in course of this study; biological age was figured by Aging.AI calculator. Cutaneous microcirculation parameters were measured by laser Doppler flowmetry with an occlusion-heating test. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were calculated to analyze the relationships between quantitative parameters. Significant multiple negative correlations of biological age and microvascular reactivity indices on exposure to both heat and occlusion (correlation strength from -0,618, to -0,97, p<0,05) were found. Diabetic patients have decreased microvascular reactivity that is more associated with biological age than with chronological age.

Validation of the Modified Alvarado Score in Patients Attending A&E Unit With Suspected Appendicitis – Prospective Clinical Study

BackgroundThe aim of our prospective study was to confirm the validity, diagnostic accuracy of the modified Alvarado score developed in the Department of Surgery, University of Szeged.Methods138 patients were enrolled in our study between 01 January 2019 and 01 January 2020. The patient’s modified Alvarado score was calculated in the Emergency Department before surgical consultation and decision of further therapy. The score was validated based on the final histology finding of the removed appendix. Additionally, potential correlation was examined between the frequency of drain usage, hospital stay, antibiotic use and the severity of the inflammation. ResultsComparing the scores with the histological findings, specificity of the modified Alvarado score was 84.78%, its sensitivity was 97.83% (with cutoff value of 5.5). Spearman's rank correlation (0.796) and ROC analysis (area under the curve 0.968) confirmed that the modified Alvarado score has an excellent predictive value in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Based on the result of the Fisher's exact test, cross tabulation and Spearman’s rank correlation correlation was found between the severity of the inflammation determined by the histology finding, the selected antibiotic and the duration of the antibiotic therapy, the average duration of hospitalization and drain insertion. ConclusionsBased on the results of our study, predictive value of the new, modified score system is excellent, using this score system is safe in the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis as an aid for non-surgical consultants in emergency care. This new score system may decrease the number of unnecessary surgical consultations, decrease waiting time of the patients and some unnecessary examinations can be avoided. Trial RegistrationValidation of the modified Alvarado score in patients presenting in the Emergency Department with right lower abdominal complaints, ethical license number: 248/2018/SZTE, date of registration: 2018.11.04., name of ethics committee: SZTE SZAKK Regionális és Intézményi Humán Orvosbiológiai Kutatásetikai Bizottság- Clinical Research Coordination Office of the University of Szeged

Genetic differences between Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from patients with chronic mild and severe gastritis

Background. Helicobacter pylori-associated chronic gastritis (CG), being a very heterogeneous group, still does not have a divisin based on Helicobacter pylori (Hp) genotyping data, which could predict the clinical form of CG.The aim of the study is to search for the prevalence of the cagA gene or any allelic combination of the vacA gene, or stable combinations of cagA and any allelic combination of vacA genes in Hp isolates from patients with mild and severe CG, as well as patients with peptic ulcer disease (PUD).Methods. Hp isolates from gastrobiopsy specimens were genotyped for cagA and vacA allelic combinations (s1m1, s2m1, s1m2, s2m2). The difference in the occurrence of vacA allelic combinations was assessed by Mann–Whitney U test; the conjunction of cagA and vacA allelic combinations was assessed by the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs).Results. The cagA gene was found in more than half of all cases, both in patients with ulcer and in patients with CG (mild and severe). The incidence of vacAs1m1 (the most virulent allelic combination) showed no significant differences in all forms of gastritis and in PUD; the correlation between cagA and vacAs1m1 was significant in all groups of patients, rs ranged from 0.57 to 0.72. In patients with mild CG, an abundance of non-virulent allelic combination vacAs2m2 was observed, which was significantly different from its occurrence both in patients with severe CG and in patients with ulcer; the joint occurrence of vacAs2m2 and cagA in patients with mild CG was chaotic (rs=-0.13; P=0.40).Conclusion. In mild CG, despite the absence of significant differences in cagA and vacAs1m1 (when compared with severe CG and ulcer disease), strains with a non-virulent allelic combination vacAs2m2 were significantly dominant; therefore, the detection of this particular allelic combination of vacA speaks in favor of a mild course of CG.

The association between parameters of oral mucosal immunity and 25-hydroxyvitamin D in patients with rampant caries

Aim. To determine the saliva level of immunoregulatory proteins in patients with rampant caries and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency and evaluate the association of their concentration with 25(OH)D plasma level.Materials and methods. The study was performed in two groups. The experimental group included 15 patients aged 20–22 years with rampant caries and the 25(OH)D plasma level of < 20 ng / ml. The control group encompassed 15 healthy age-matched volunteers with the 25(OH)D plasma level of 20–100 ng / ml. The concentrations of B7.2 (CD86), free active TGF-β1, CTLA-4, PD-1, Tim-3, LAG-3, IGFBP-4, and ICAM-1 were assessed using flow cytometry. The levels of LL-37 and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) were measured using ELISA. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to reveal a correlation between the indicated proteins and the 25(OH)D plasma level.Results. A decrease in B7.2 (CD86), PD-1, Tim-3, sIgA, and LL-37 and elevation of IGFBP-4 and ICAM-1 saliva levels were detected in patients with rampant caries and 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency. A positive Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was revealed between plasma 25(OH)D and saliva levels of free active TGF-β1, CTLA4, B7.2 (CD86), LL-37, and sIgA. A negative correlation was revealed between 25(OH)Dand ICAM-1.Conclusion. 25(OH)D deficiency in patients with rampant caries is associated with decreased levels of B7.2 (CD86), PD-1, Tim-3, sIgA, and LL-37 and elevated levels of IGFBP-4 and ICAM-1 in the saliva.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices towards Lightning in Bangladesh

Despite the significant number of fatalities and injuries, there is currently a lack of data on public knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding lightning in Bangladesh. This study aims to assess the public’s knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) towards lightning in the country. A total of 1641 individuals participated in an online KAP survey. Where appropriate, the Kruskal–Wallis or Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman’s rank correlation, and logistic regression models were performed. About 65% of the survey population reported frequent lightning; most (72.64%) did not receive any warning messages, and small proportions (22.12%) had lightning safety precautions. Individuals with numerous lightning experiences perceived considerably unsafe places against lightning compared to infrequent lightning experiences (p < 0.05). Respondents reported good knowledge (56.06%), positive attitudes (82.27%), and good preventive practices (72.33%). The logistic regression demonstrated that having good knowledge and positive attitudes can help people practice lightning safety. Females demonstrated better lightning attitudes and practices compared to males. In comparison to urban residents, rural residents had poor practices. In addition, individuals’ educational levels might also play a crucial role in preparing them for lightning. Overall, extensive lightning campaign activities combined with effective education are required for the behavioral changes in this lightning-vulnerable society.

The relationship between the effectiveness of performing technical elements and indicators of static and dynamic balance in young acrobats 6-7 years old

Purpose: to determine the relationship between the performance of basic elements and indicators of static and dynamic balance in the training process of young acrobats 6-7 years. Material and methods. The study involved 16 young acrobats at the stage of initial training (age 6-7 years). All parents of the participants gave written consent for the participation of children in the study. The study involved testing the technique of performing basic elements of sports acrobatics and assessing the static and dynamic balance of young athletes. The relationship between (swallow, shoulder blade, forward squat, wheel (sideways overturning), bridges) and static and dynamic equilibrium tests was determined. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient method was used as a method of statistical analysis. Results. It is established that the largest relationship between the performance of basic elements and static balance in the basic exercises of young acrobats have: Romberg's test with the elements "Swallow", "Stand on the shoulders", "Bridge"; Biryuk test with elements "Swallow", "Wheel", "Bridge"; balance "Swallow" with elements "Swallow", "Wheel"; static equilibrium test with the elements "Swallow", "Rack on the shoulders", "Rolling forward with a squat", "Wheel". Reliable values ​​of the correlation coefficient were established between the tests of dynamic balance and the basic elements of sports acrobatics in young athletes 6-7 years, namely: "Swallow", "Flip forward with a squat", "Wheel" and "Bridge". The analysis of special tests of static and dynamic balance in mastering the basic elements of acrobatics at the first stage of long-term training makes it possible to use them to determine the level of coordination capabilities of young athletes and further improve the use of acrobatic exercises. Conclusions. A reliable relationship between the performance of basic exercises and indicators of static and dynamic balance in young acrobats at the initial stage of training. It is shown that the level of static and dynamic balance is of great importance for the assimilation and improvement of basic elements of technology by young acrobats 6-7 years. Static and dynamic balance tests can be used to individually build training programs and young acrobats. It is shown that sports acrobatics is a significant means of developing the balance of children 6-7 years.

Relationship of Selected Anthropometric and Linear Kinematical Variables with the Performance of Toe-Touch Skill in Kabaddi

The purpose of this study was to find out the relationship of selected anthropometric and linear kinematical variables with the performance of toe-touch skill among male kabaddi players (raiders). Materials and Methods. One hundred male raiders were selected for this study. The age of the subjects ranged between 18 to 25 years. Selected anthropometric variables: foot length, upper leg length, lower leg length, thigh girth and calf girth were measured by standardized equipment. Selected linear kinematical variables were measured by digital software ‘Kinovea version-0.9.3’. The toe-touch skill performed by raiders was assessed by three experts rating. The inter-rater reliability of the scores awarded by the experts to the subjects was tested by Cohen’s Kappa test and Kappa coefficient was found significant. Results. Spearman’s rank correlation revealed that there was significant correlation in case of thigh girth (rs = 0.230, p = 0.022), distance (rs = 0.245, p = 0.014) and center of gravity (rs = -0.270, p = 0.007) variables, and there was not significant correlation in case of upper leg length (rs = 0.048, p = 0.634), lower leg length (rs = -0.90, p = 0.373), calf girth (rs = 0.093, p = 0.355), foot length (rs = -0.17, p = 0.863) and time (rs = -0.006, p = 0.952) variables with the performance of toe-touch skill in kabaddi. Conclusion. The study concludes that thigh girth and distance positively and center of gravity negatively contributes to the performance of toe-touch skill in male kabaddi players.

Convolutional Neural Networks for Breast Density Classification: Performance and Explanation Insights

We propose and evaluate a procedure for the explainability of a breast density deep learning based classifier. A total of 1662 mammography exams labeled according to the BI-RADS categories of breast density was used. We built a residual Convolutional Neural Network, trained it and studied the responses of the model to input changes, such as different distributions of class labels in training and test sets and suitable image pre-processing. The aim was to identify the steps of the analysis with a relevant impact on the classifier performance and on the model explainability. We used the grad-CAM algorithm for CNN to produce saliency maps and computed the Spearman’s rank correlation between input images and saliency maps as a measure of explanation accuracy. We found that pre-processing is critical not only for accuracy, precision and recall of a model but also to have a reasonable explanation of the model itself. Our CNN reaches good performances compared to the state-of-art and it considers the dense pattern to make the classification. Saliency maps strongly correlate with the dense pattern. This work is a starting point towards the implementation of a standard framework to evaluate both CNN performances and the explainability of their predictions in medical image classification problems.

Pulp hyperemia: analysis of treatment based on the results of a survey of dentists

The purpose of the study: to analyze the methods of treatment of deep caries by dentists of the Samara region.Materials and methods. In 2021, 220 specialists of the Samara region were surveyed on the treatment of deep dental caries on the bases of budgetary and extra-budgetary organizations. The questionnaires contained 20 questions that provided information about the level of professional training of specialists, the degree of their awareness of quality criteria and standards, the use of modern technologies and the implementation of each stage of deep caries treatment. The statistical significance of the obtained results (p) was calculated using the Student’s criterion (t) and its interpretation based on the standard table of critical values of the Student’s coefficient. Spearman’s rank correlation method was used to determine the strength and direction of the correlation.Results. The majority of dentists – 89.9% use a medical pad in the treatment of deep caries, of which 38.7% of respondents use this pad only when accidentally opening the tooth cavity. Based on the answers to the questionnaire, 77.0% of respondents prefer calcium-containing self-hardening medical pads and only 4.6% use MTA-based pads. A comparative analysis of doctors with rare early complications and doctors with frequent early complications showed that doctors of the second group apply a medical pad when opening the tooth cavity 25% more often than doctors of the first group when performing necrectomy in full volume in both groups. A comparative analysis of doctors with rare late complications and frequent late complications did not reveal a statistical significance between the imposition of a medical pad and the opening of the tooth cavity during a complete necrectomy in doctors of the first and second groups. Complications after the treatment of deep caries may be due to an incorrect interpretation of reversible and irreversible changes in the pulp, and in this regard – incorrectly chosen treatment tactics.Conclusion. The success of the treatment of deep carisea largely depends on the correct determination of reversible and irreversible changes in the pulp of the tooth.