bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ergonomic Transgression of the Corridor: A Sojourn of Microscopic to Endoscopic Middle Ear Surgery, the Learning Curve, Lessons Learned, and Reflections
Authors: Pandey Apoorva Kumar , Haq Ajaz ul , Gupta Mudit
Published: November 2024

Objective: For the last 20 years, transcanal endoscopic ear surgery has emerged as a viable, ergonomic, and powerful alternative surgical modality of choice replacing the conventional microscopic approach in many ways. This study compares the functional and anatomical outcomes of endoscopic tympanoplasty with microscopic tympanoplasty using full-thickness tragal cartilage as a graft of choice. Methodology: This observational, analytical, retrospective study was conducted in the department of Otolaryngology in a tertiary care hospital over two years. It included an analysis of medical records of 38 patients (above 10 years of age), who underwent conventional microscopic and transcanal endoscopic tympanoplasty (type I) for dry and small/medium size tympanic perforations. Morphological and functional outcomes were compared in both groups by noting the condition of graft and air-bone gap on follow-up. Result: There were 19 patients each in both groups. The mean pre-and post-operative ABG in each group was comparable and the difference was statistically significant in each group ( P< 0.05). Comparing the mean ABG change between both groups, there was a statistically significant difference noted (P<0.05). The success rate was found to be 89.5% (17 /19) in the endoscopic surgery group and 94.7% (18/19) in the microscopic surgery group. The difference in the anatomical success of both groups was not statistically significant. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding graft take-up rates but functionally hearing outcomes were better in the MES group which was statistically significant.
Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2024; 30(1): 5-14
Outcome Variation of CO 2 Laser and MicrodrillAssisted Stapedotomy in Otosclerosis
Authors: Hoque Imranul , Hossain Delwar , Thakur Amit Kumar , Bulbul Muhammad Rasedul Hasan , Rahman Atiqur , Zaman Saad
Published: November 2024

Background: CO2 laser and microdrill-assisted stapedotomy are widely performed procedures in otolaryngology practice. However, definite information regarding surgical advances, postoperative results, complications and how and in which patients these surgical techniques should be exclusively used is a source of continuous discussion.
Aim: To compare the outcome of CO2 laser and microdrill-assisted stapedotomy in patients with otosclerosis.
Methodology: We enrolled 26 cases as study sample on the basis of selection criteria. All these patients were evaluated by a complete clinical head and neck examination, preoperative oto-microscopic evaluation,pure tone audiometry (PTA) and a high-resolution CT scan.One group of patientswere treated by CO2 laser stapedotomy, and another group by microdrill-assisted stapedotomy. Fisher’s Exact test and Student’s t-test were done as appropriate, and a p-value <0.05 was considered as the level of significance.
Results: Maximum patients 9(69.2%) and 7(53.8%) were in the age group of 20-30 years in Group A (CO2 laser stapedotomy) and Group B (Microdrill assisted stapedotomy), respectively. The difference in the mean postoperative air–bone gap was not statistically significant (p=0.679) between the groups. All surgical procedures compared in our study showed the surgical success of > 90%. In present study, 8(61.5%) and 9(69.2%) of the study subjects presented with tinnitus in the CO2 and Microdrill groups, respectively. 1(7.7%) and 1(7.7%) of the study subjects presented with dizziness in both groups, respectively. At 3 months postoperative follow-up, only 1(7.7%) case in the CO 2 laser group and 4(30.8%) cases in the Microdrill group developed complications. Among them, 1 (7.7%) and 2(15.4%) cases developed permanent vertigo in CO2 and Microdrill groups, respectively. 1(7.7%) case developed chorda tympani injury, and 1(7.7%) case developed worsened tinnitus in the Microdrill group. No significant (p>0.05) difference was observed between the groups regarding postoperative complications at 3 months.
Conclusion: After analyzing the results of the present study, it can be concluded that there is no significant difference between CO2 laser and microdrill-assisted stapedotomy in terms of hearing outcome and complication.
Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngology 2024; 30(1): 15-23
Pyogenic Granuloma of Inferior Turbinate : A Case Report
Authors: Vishnupriyapari  , Arya Ajay Kumar , Thirunavukarasu Yuvaraj
Published: November 2024

Background: Pyogenic granuloma is a rapidly growing benign fibrovascular lesion involving the skin and mucous membranes. It usually affects the head and neck regions. The most common site is the oral cavity, while involvement of the nasal cavity is quite rare. Though few cases in the nasal cavity have been reported, occurrence in the inferior turbinates is extremely rare. The exact aetiology is unknown. It is often associated with pregnancy. Microtrauma, hormonal changes, and contraceptives may be the causative factors for the development of this vascular mass. Case report: Here we present the case of a 28-year-old woman, 2 weeks postpartum, with epistaxis and nasal obstruction. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy revealed a vascular mass arising from the right inferior turbinate. The patient was treated successfully by endoscopic excision of the mass. Conclusion: Pyogenic granuloma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in any pregnant woman presenting with a vascular mass in the head and neck region.
Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2024; 30(1): 34-38
Aseptic Otogenic Lateral Sinus Thrombosis – A case report
Authors: Afroz Maleka , Ahmad Rizwan , Khan Shahed Ali , Hossain Iqbal , Soyeb Md
Published: November 2024

Background: In pre-antibiotic era Lateral Sinus Thrombosis (LST) was the second most common intracranial complication of otitis media with almost 100 % mortality. Now the trend has been changed. Easy availability of antibiotics has made this complication very rare. Mortality rate is also drastically reduced with alteration of the presentation of the disease. Objectives: The aim of this case report is to focus on the altered presentation of the disease, do analysis and explain the reasons behind that. Case Summary: It was a 65 years old, physically well build & psychologically sound gentleman admitted in the department of ENT-Head & Neck Surgery through Emergency with severe pain in left temporal region and concomitant history of discharge from Left ear in October, 2023. He was diagnosed as a case of LST otogenic in origin on MRI and MRV of brain. Conclusions: Otogenic LST, though has become a rare entity, can still happen with different presentation. Therefore, keeping a high level of suspicion is essential for any patient coming with severe earache and middle ear infection. Though antibiotics are available as OTC (over the counter)choosing a wrong antibiotic, not adequate in terms of dosage and duration; candirectthe clinical course towards a potentially dangerous catastrophe.
Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngology 2024; 30(1): 39-43
Exploring Adolescents Perceptions of School Safety and Experiences of Violence in Uzbekistan
Authors: Duci Veronika , Kim Olga
Published: November 2024

School safety is a critical concern for educators, policymakers, and parents alike. Ensuring that students are safe from violence, bullying, harassment, and substance use is essential for creating a conducive learning environment. The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions of students about school safety and their experience of violence – physical, emotional and online harassment. The study employed a quantitative approach, using a multi-stage stratified sampling with random selection of schools based probability proportional to enrolment from the sampling framework. A total of 299 schools from all 14 regions of Uzbekistan with N = 22,854 students in the 6th, 9th and 11th grades, participated in the study. Results showed that despite the fact that the majority of students perceived school as a safe place, there was a  constant proportion of students (varying from 1 to almost 2 out of every 10 students) who believed that schools are not safe due to students’ risky, violent and discriminatory behaviours. Boys, 6th graders and working students were more prone to believe that. Similar results were found about their experience of violence during the last month. It is of crucial importance to implement evidence-based programs that address issues related to bullying prevention, conflict resolution, mental health support, and substance abuse prevention to help foster a culture of safety within schools.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE PHASE COMPOSITION OF MIXED-PHASE MESOPOROUS TiO2 ON ITS PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY IN THE REACTION OF HYDROGEN EVOLUTION FROM AN AQUEOUS-ETHANOL MIXTURE
Authors: Ermokhina Natalia , Shvalagin Vitalii , Korzhak Anna , Grebennikov Volodymyr , Romanovska Natalia , Shulzshenko Alexander , Shcherbatyuk Mykola , Klymchuk Dmytro , Manoryk Petro
Published: November 2024

Two- and three-phase compositions of mesoporous nanocrystalline TiO2 (meso-nc-TiO2) were obtained from sol-gel reaction mixtures (ZGRM) using dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DВ18С6) as a structure-directing agent and titanium tetrabutoxide (TBOT) as a source of titanium in the presence of HCl with (or without) subsequent hydrothermal treatment (HTT) and calcination at 500 oC.
It has been shown that the addition of a small amount of dodecyldimethylethylammonium bromide (DDMEABr) and/or lanthanum salts in ZGRM, as well as HTT, has a significant effect on the phase composition and texture of the samples. It was established that the use of HTT before calcination of samples significantly increases their photocatalytic activity (PhA) in the reaction of photocatalytic hydrogen release from an aqueous-ethanol mixture mainly due to changes in their phase composition.
The hydrothermally treated sample of the anatase (85%)/rutile (4%)/brookite (11%) phase composition shows the highest photocatalytic activity, which is 2.5 times higher than the corresponding characteristic for the commercial Evonik P25 photocatalyst. It is shown that the size of the specific surface area of the sample is not the dominant factor influencing the photocatalytic activity of the obtained mixed-phase meso-nc-TiO2 samples in the process of hydrogen release from the aqueous-ethanol mixture.
Perbandingan Pengetahuan Tentang Vaksinasi Covid-19 pada Masyarakat yang Sudah Divaksin dengan yang Belum Divaksin Covid-19
Authors: Riyadi Muskhab Eko , Kusumasari RR. Viantika , Sari Dian Nur Adkhana
Published: November 2024

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is still a problem, many of the impacts caused by this virus, such as health problems, economy to death. One of the most effective efforts to reduce the impact of the pandemic is by vaccinating against Covid-19. The government also conducts socialization to increase public knowledge and understanding of the Covid-19 vaccine, which is because there are still many people who do not know about vaccines and they easily accept rumors and hoax news about the Covid-19 vaccine. This study aims to determine the difference in the score of knowledge between people who have not been vaccinated and people who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 in Caben, Sumbermulyo, Bambanglipuro, Bantul, DI. Yogyakarta. This research uses a comparative study design, the sample size is 90 respondents which are divided into 45 people who have not been vaccinated and 45 people who have taken the Covid-19 vaccine, the research instrument uses a questionnaire to measure knowledge about vaccination, the sampling technique uses consecutive sampling and statistical test using the Mann-Whitney test. The results showed that the average knowledge score of people who had not been vaccinated for Covid-19 was 45.22 and the average score of knowledge of people who had been vaccinated was 69.68, while the results of the Mann-Whitney test showed that there was a difference in the score of knowledge about vaccination between people who had not vaccinated against Covid-19  with people who have been vaccinated against Covid-19, with a p-value of 0.000. This study concludes that knowledge about Covid-19 vaccination in people who have been vaccinated is higher than people who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19
THE RELATIONSHIP ANXIETY LEVEL OF ELDERLY PATIENTS AND HYPERTENSION AT THE OUTPATIENT INSTALLATION OF RSUD DR. R. SOEDJONO SELONG
Authors: Kalros Selly , Idawati Sri , Irawansyah Irawansyah , Ulya Tuhfatul
Published: November 2024

Anxiety is the only psychological factor that influences hypertension, in elderly people who experience anxiety or psychosocial stress can increase blood pressure. This is a problem for patients at IRJ RSUD DR. R. SOEDJONO SELONG, and this problem is experienced by most elderly people. The aim of the research was to determine the relationship between the anxiety level of elderly patients and hypertension at IRJ RSUD DR. R. SOEDJONO SELONG. This research method is analytical correlation with a cross sectional approach. The population in this study were all elderly people with hypertension at IRJ RSUD DR. R. SOEDJONO SELONG. The sample used in the research was 43 respondents, the independent variables in this research were anxiety and the dependent variable was hypertension. This research instrument uses a mandatory questionnaire and observation. Data processing uses Editing, Scoring, Coding, Tabating. The data analysis technique uses the Spearman rank test. The results of the study showed that 20 people (45%) of respondents who experienced anxiety had severe anxiety, while 23 people (53%) experienced hypertension. Based on the Spearman rank test results, it was found that the p value was 0.026, which was smaller with a significance level of 0. 05 (a) then it can be seen that p value <a so that Ha is accepted and Ho is rejected. From the SPSS output, a correlation coefficient figure of 0.339 is obtained, meaning the level of strength of correlation or relationship between anxiety levels and hypertension in the Dr.R Hospital Outpatient Installation. Soedjono Selong is a fairly strong relationship.
The Stoic ‘Science of Speaking Well’
Authors: Mikeš Vladimír
Published: November 2024

This paper argues that despite prima facie impressions, the first Stoics (the 3rd c. bc) put forward a conception of rhetoric of similar if not of equal importance as that of Plato and Aristotle, who represent two landmarks in the earliest development of what we may call ‘philosophical rhetoric’. The paper shows that the Stoics built upon their predecessors’ ideas, and that once we see this continuity, common features in Plato’s, Aristotle’s and the Stoics’ conception of rhetoric come to the fore. For all of them argumentation, logical or dialectical, is at the core of philosophical rhetoric. The paper also addresses passages in Plutarch which accuse the Stoics of contradiction in their approach to rhetoric.
Rhetoric, Philosophy, and Law in Late Republican Rome
Authors: Brouwer René
Published: November 2024

In this paper I contrast different versions of Greek rhetoric that in the late Hellenistic period were exported to Rome by both rhetoricians and philosophers, and show how with regard to Roman law these versions differed in aim and in application. With regard to the application in law, I argue that in Rome’s unique practice of resolving disputes between citizens – i.e. done with the help of specialists – the Stoic conception of rhetoric as the longer, explanatory version of dialectic, aiming at what is correct and true, was useful in conveying the correct answer to non-specialists, the judge included, whereas the Academics’, and more specifically Philo of Larissa’s, conception of rhetoric, aiming at what is verisimilar, is above all useful in the public realm, that is in political and forensic speeches.
Rhetoric and Philosophical Speech in Plotinus
Authors: Tornau Christian
Published: November 2024

Plotinus’ Enneads display a strategy of persuasion that can be called a philosophical rhetoric in more than just a general sense. It takes its lead from Plato’s definition of rhetoric as psychagogy and is, at least to some extent, theorized in Ennead V 3.6. Plotinus starts from the fact that logical necessity does not always entail inner assent, which he explains with the fallen state of the embodied soul – the addressee of all philosophical speech – and the influence of the senses. To heal the discrepancy of necessity and persuasion, which on the level of pure Intellect does not exist, philosophy must persuade the soul to ascend to the Intelligible, where it has its true roots. To achieve this goal, Plotinus combines two modes of philosophical speech: the ‘necessity mode’, which considers intelligible Being in itself and from its proper principles, and the ‘persuasive mode’, which teaches soul to view itself as a part and offspring of the intelligible world. Some examples, mainly from Ennead V.3, show how this combination works in practice and how it can be transferred to the Neoplatonic One, which, being ineffable, is strictly speaking unaccessible to speech and rhetoric.
Renegotiating the Biopolitics of Physical Activities among Ethnic Minority Groups in the Netherlands
Authors: Bakuri Amisah Zenabu
Published: November 2024

Research on physical activities among religious and minority ethnic groups in Europe often focuses on classical public health issues or how to ‘empower’, and ‘equip’ people to stay healthy as well as integrated. In producing healthy citizens, bodies have been disciplined and are attuned to dominant discourses regarding religion, race, minority ethnic groups, and their health practices. This paper aims to show how minority ethnic groups, through physical activities, pursue their wellbeing beyond matters of integration and physical health. With a focus on participants from the predominantly Muslim Somali-Dutch and Christian Ghanaian-Dutch communities in the Netherlands, I argue from a biopolitical lens that physical activities are used by state institutions to ‘produce’ bodies in particular ways that are meaningful to the state. However, the demands of the state on ethnic minority groups often leads to the racialisation of bodies. Compliance with and resistance to disciplinary mechanisms emerge around understanding and engaging in physical activities. Thus, people adopt creative ways to incorporate physical activities into their daily routines, considering their migration situation and living conditions to address or negotiate issues of sociality, intimacy, and morality. This paper, therefore, shows how engaging in physical activities enables the embodiment of different forms of sociality, experience, and aesthetics that are important in the pursuit of wellbeing, especially when dealing with racisms.
A Solution to the Seat-Product Problem: The Square Root Rule of Elections
Authors: Bailey Jack
Published: November 2024

Seat-product models of the effective number of parties offer our best explanation for why party-systems fragment. Yet they rely on a simplification. Rather than model the effective number of parties writ large, they models this index using the largest party alone. This induces a positive bias, since small parties have a suppressive effect. I show that we can derive new seat-product models without need for this simplification. The key is to recognise that the effective number of parties is information theoretic in nature. This lets us use well-known information theoretic identities to avoid party shares altogether. Further, this process produces an interesting by-product: a new “root rule” of elections. Just like the cube root of a nation's population approximates the number of seats in its assembly, I show that the square root of the actual number of parties approximates the effective number of parties as well.
Did Citizens United Cause Democratic Backsliding?
Authors: Feiner Amelia , van Noort Sam
Published: November 2024

Prior research has found that Citizens United—which legalized unlimited independent expenditures by corporations—has moved public policy in a more conservative pro-business direction. We argue that Citizens United may have had an even more fundamental effect on the institutions of American democracy itself. More specifically, we argue that Citizens United has on net favored the Republican Party electorally, and that the Republican Party has used this increased leverage to engage in democratic backsliding. Using a state-level difference-in-differences design we find that Citizens United (which forced 23 states to remove pre-existing limitations on independent expenditures but left the other 27 states untouched) induced a significant decline in the freeness and fairness of state elections. The effect is largely explained by Citizens United tipping several close elections in favor of Republicans just before the 2010 electoral redistricting cycle, which enabled significant Republican gerrymandering and voter suppression.
Linking PVA models into metamodels to explore impacts of declining sea ice on ice-dependent species in the Arctic: the ringed seal, bearded seal, polar bear complex
Authors: Lacy Robert C. , Kovacs Kit M. , Lydersen Christian , Aars Jon
Published: November 2024

Arctic ecosystems are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change because of the limit to possible northward shifts for species dependent on land or continental shelf and because the rate of warming of the region has been 2-4 x the global average in recent decades. The decline in sea ice in the Arctic has both direct and indirect impacts on the species that live in association with ice, breeding on it, traveling over it, feeding on other ice-dependent species or avoiding competition with subarctic species that cannot exploit resources in ice-covered areas. Herein, we present a metamodel of a top-level predator, the polar bear (Ursus maritimus), and two of its key prey species, ringed seals (Pusa hispida) and bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus), which are important in maintaining current polar bear densities and in turn are strongly influenced by bear predation. We used a metamodel that links Population Viability Analyses of the three species in order to examine how the impacts of declining spring land-fast sea ice on the fjords of Svalbard (Norway) and Frans Josef Land (Russia) can cascade through this predator-prey system. As the ice conditions that allow ringed seals to raise pups in snow-covered lairs on the frozen fjords diminish, or even disappear, ringed seal populations using the land-fast sea ice will collapse due to lack of successful recruitment. Consequently, the polar bear population, which relies heavily on hunting ringed seals in the land-fast sea ice to be able to raise their own offspring is also likely to decline. Our models suggest time-lags of decades, with the polar bear population not entering into decline until the lack of recruitment of ringed seals results in the depletion of breeding age ringed seals – starting in the third decade from the start point of the model and dropping below the initial population size only some decades later. Although lags between climate change and impacts on the ice-associated fauna are expected, the sea ice conditions have already changed dramatically in the northern Barents Sea region, including the Svalbard Archipelago, and the collapse of this Arctic species assemblage might already be underway.
Comparative analysis of high-temperature targets retrieved from SWIR and TIR data
Authors: Yu Yifan , Pan Jun , Du Huishi
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Forest fires, grassland fires, heap coking, straw burning, and volcanic eruptions are thermal anomalies. They attract attention and are designated as high-temperature targets. They can be retrieved macroscopically and quickly by remote sensing technology.

Methods

In temperature inversion, the mid-infrared (MIR, 3∼5 μm) and thermal infrared (TIR, 8∼14 μm) band data are most commonly used for temperature inversion. However, it is difficult to effectively retrieve the temperature of small-area high-temperature targets with them; the SWIR band data can perform this task more effectively. Additionally, inversion methods for short-wave infrared (SWIR, 1.3∼2.5 μm) and TIR band data are different. These differences lie in the mechanisms and models. Therefore, we use SWIR and TIR band data to retrieve heap coking temperature with Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 data.

Results

SWIR data obtained the results 496∼651 K and 912 K, and TIR data obtained the results 313∼334 K and 320 K.

Conclusion

The SWIR inversion results have higher accuracy than the TIR inversion results. The inversion results are closer to the actual temperature of local coking. For this reason, SWIR is more suitable for temperature inversion of small-area high-temperature targets.
Olfactometer-measured responses of Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to feeding-induced grass volatiles and conspecific frass as influenced by the weevil’s seasonality
Authors: Vereijssen Jessica , van Tol Rob , Rostás Michael , van Koten Chikako , Goldson Stephen
Published: November 2024

This contribution aimed to uncover the unique host plant-finding and spatial ecology of reproductive and diapausing Argentine stem weevil, Listronotus bonariensis, and its adaptive implications in Aotearoa-New Zealand pasture. Still-air two-armed olfactometers revealed the reproductive and diapausing L. bonariensis preferences for plant and weevil-derived volatiles. Winter-collected diapausing weevils were strongly attracted to host plant feeding damage by conspecifics and their frass. Such attraction disappeared when 20 stem weevils were added to the damaged ryegrass. This suggests that L. bonariensis on a damaged host plant above a certain density causes repellency probably avoiding over-exploitation of the host plant. Neither the weevils’ sex nor related physiological condition were found to impart any significant effects. Volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis showed that phenylacetaldehyde was the only de novo synthesised herbivore-induced volatile compound found resulting from diapausing L. bonariensis feeding damage. This study therefore found that the seasonal behaviour of L. bonariensis was very closely related to that of the rice water weevil Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus and its very similar responses to phenylacetaldehyde. In both cases the compound attracts spring populations (emerging from diapause) to their host plants and conspecifics. Thereafter, as with L. oryzophilus, L. bonariensis similarly on becoming reproductive, its sensitivity to phenylacetaldehyde ceases. Such close connection between L. bonariensis and L. oryzophilus seasonal responses to phenylacetaldehyde therefore greatly reenforces the concept of evolved L. bonariensis behaviour in its native range as being relict behaviour in New Zealand’s grassland ecosystem.
Eastern larch beetle (Dendroctonus simplex LeConte) as a potential threat to western (Larix occidentalis Nutt.) and subalpine larches (Larix lyalli Parl.)
Authors: Picklo Rose M. , Eidson Erika , Steed Brytten , Aukema Brian H.
Published: November 2024

Eastern larch beetle Dendroctonus simplex LeConte has been outbreaking for the past two decades in the Great Lakes region of North America, impacting approximately 400,000 hectares of eastern larch Larix laricina (tamarack) forest in Minnesota, United States, alone. Range expansions of some Dendroctonus species driven by climate change have occurred across North America as rising temperatures increase climatically suitable habitats across latitudes and elevations. The range of eastern larch beetle is currently sympatric to that of its host, eastern larch, but the insect could, in theory, eventually access ranges of other species of Larix native to North America. We compared host suitability of two potential novel hosts, western larch (Larix occidentalis Nutt.) and subalpine larch (Larix lyalli Parl.) against the beetle’s native host, eastern larch, using a reproductive success experiment conducted in cut bolts of all three species. We measured fertility, maternal gallery length, and offspring size and lipid content as metrics of reproductive success. We found beetles could reproduce in both novel Larix species, with subalpine larch having high levels of success compared to the beetle’s native host, eastern larch. These findings suggest that subalpine larch may be at risk should a range expansion of eastern larch beetle occur.
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in autoimmune diseases
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhao Yan , Zhao Hai
Published: November 2024

The administration of T cells that have been modified to carry chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) aimed at B cells has been an effective strategy in treating B cell malignancies. This breakthrough has spurred the creation of CAR T cells intended to specifically reduce or alter the faulty immune responses associated with autoimmune disorders. Early positive outcomes from clinical trials involving CAR T cells that target the B cell protein CD19 in patients suffering from autoimmune diseases driven by B cells have been reported. Additional strategies are being developed to broaden the use of CAR T cell therapy and enhance its safety in autoimmune conditions. These include employing chimeric autoantireceptors (CAAR) to specifically eliminate B cells that are reactive to autoantigens, and using regulatory T cells (Tregs) engineered to carry antigen-specific CARs for precise immune modulation. This discussion emphasizes key factors such as choosing the right target cell groups, designing CAR constructs, defining tolerable side effects, and achieving a lasting immune modification, all of which are critical for safely integrating CAR T cell therapy in treating autoimmune diseases.
Assessing self-administration of medication: video-based evaluation of patient performance in the ABLYMED study
Authors: Luegering Anneke , Langner Robert , Wilm Stefan , Doeppner Thorsten R. , Hermann Dirk M. , Frohnhofen Helmut , Gronewold Janine
Published: November 2024

Background

Older adults often face challenges in medication management due to multimorbidity and complex medication regimens, which frequently go unreported. Unrecognized problems, however, may lead to a loss of drug efficacy and harmful side effects. This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of such problems by applying a novel video-based assessment procedure in a sample of elderly patients.

Methods

In this study, 67 elderly in-patients (≥70 years old and regularly taking ≥5 different drugs autonomously) from the ABLYMED study participated in a placebo-based assessment of medication management with five different dosage forms in an instructed manner while being filmed. Patient performance was quantified by the median value of two raters who evaluated each step of medication administration, which were summed to sum scores for each dosage form and an overall impression for each dosage form with a standardized and previously validated rating scheme.

Results

The median (Q1;Q3) sum score for tablets was 7.0 (5.0;8.0) with a theoretical range between 4.0 and 17.0, for eye-drops 2.0 (1.0;2.0) with a theoretical range between 1.0 and 5.0, for oral drops 4.0 (3.0;6.0) with a theoretical range between 3.0 and 12.0, for pens 7.0 (5.0;9.0) with a theoretical range between 4.0 and 17.0 and for patches 5.0 (4.0;7.0) with a theoretical range between 3.0 and 15.0. The most difficult step of medication administration was peeling off the protective liner of a patch: 30% had severe difficulties or it was not possible, 21% had moderate difficulties and 49% had mild or no difficulties.

Discussion

In a sample of patients with autonomous medication management, our novel assessment procedure identified a substantial fraction of patients with handling problems for each dosage form. This suggests that patients´ medication management problems should be assessed regularly in clinical routine and tackled by patient-individual training or modification of the prescribed drug regimens to achieve effective drug therapy in the elderly.
Machine-learning models to predict myopia in children and adolescents
Authors: Mu Jingfeng , Zhong Haoxi , Jiang Mingjie
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To explore machine-learning applications in myopia prediction and analyze the influencing factors of myopia.

Methods

Stratified cluster random sampling was used to select elementary school students in Shenzhen, China for inclusion in this case-control study. Myopia screening, ocular biological parameter measurements, and questionnaires were conducted. Random forest (RF), decision tree (DT), extreme gradient boosting trees (XGBoost), support vector machine (SVM), and logistic regression (LR) algorithms were used to construct five myopia prediction models using R software (version 4.3.0). These myopia prediction models were used to investigate the relationship between ocular biological parameters, environmental factors, behavioral factors, genetic factors, and myopia.

Results

This study included 2,947 elementary school students, with a myopia prevalence rate of 47.2%. All five prediction models had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) above 0.75, with prediction accuracy and precision exceeding 0.70. The AUCs in the testing set were 0.846, 0.837, 0.833, and 0.815 for SVM, LR, RF, and XGBoost, respectively, indicating their superior predictive performance to that of DT (0.791). In the RF model, the five most important variables were axial length, age, sex, maternal myopia, and feeding pattern. LR identified axial length was the most significant risk factor for myopia [odds ratio (OR) =8.203], followed by sex (OR = 2.349), maternal myopia (OR = 1.437), Reading and writing posture (OR = 1.270), infant feeding pattern (OR = 1.207), and age (OR = 1.168); corneal radius (OR = 0.034) and anterior chamber depth (OR = 0.516) served as protective factors.

Conclusion

Myopia prediction models based on machine learning demonstrated favorable predictive performance and accurately identified myopia risk factors, and may therefore aid in the implementation of myopia prevention and control measures among high-risk individuals.
Characterization of the microbial communities and their correlations with volatile flavor compounds and physicochemical factors in Bashang suancai, a traditional Chinese pickle
Authors: Liu Yuan , Yin Chen , Wang Jian , Xing Weihai , Huang Yali , Yan Zhiyu , Chen Jiachen , Han Yu , Zhu Weiran , Zhao Yidi , Zhang Kai , Tian Tingting , Guo Xinru , Yuan Lin , Liu Yang
Published: November 2024

Bashang suancai is one of the most wellknown traditional fermented vegetables in North China. The study examined the variations in bacterial diversity, physicochemical properties, and volatile flavor compounds (VFCs) of Bashang suancai over a 7-day fermentation period, utilizing Illumina NovaSeq sequencing and headspace solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). The leading bacterial phyla were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Cyanobacteria, while the predominant bacterial species included Vibrio, Lactiplantibacillus, Cyanobacteriales, Weissella, and Latilactobacillus. The bacterial community diversity decreased significantly following 7 days of fermentation. The microbial profiles were markedly affected by pH, reducing sugar content (RSC), and salt content (SC). A total of 187 VFCs were identified from the specimens. Following 5 days of fermentation, the taste compounds achieved equilibrium, with isothiocyanates, alcohols, and esters predominating among the volatile molecules. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that a strong link between Latilactobacillus, Levilactobacillus, Lactiplantibacillus, Weissella, and Vibrio with the flavor of pickles. This study established a significant foundation for identifying strains that enhance taste development and improve the nutritional and sensory quality of Bashang suancai.
The effect of protein intake on athletic performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Shiao , Zhang Hong , Xu Yipin , Li Jiarui , Du Senyao , Ning Ziheng
Published: November 2024

Background

The impact of a protein-rich diet and protein supplements on athletic performance remains a topic of debate. Does protein intake offer benefits for athletes? If so, which specific aspects of athletic performance are most influenced by protein?

Methods

This study aimed to explore the relationship between protein intake and athletic performance. A systematic database search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of protein intake on athletes’ performance. The databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Ovid. The meta-analysis included a total of 28 studies involving 373 athletes. The meta-analysis employed both the fixed-effects model and the random-effects model to investigate the impact of protein intake on sports performance. Subgroup analyses were conducted to provide solid evidence to explain the results of the meta-analysis. Sensitive analysis and funnel plots were used to assess the risk of bias and data robustness.

Results

Overall, protein intake did not show a statistically significant improvement in athletic performance (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.01 to 0.25). However, in subgroup analysis, the protein group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in endurance performance, as indicated by the forest plot of final values (SMD = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.32). Additionally, the change value in the forest plot for endurance performance showed even greater statistical significance than the final value (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.46). In the subgroup analysis based on physiological indices, muscle glycogen showed a statistically significant improvement in the protein group (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02 to 0.32). Furthermore, subgroup analyses based on protein supplementation strategies revealed that co-ingestion of protein and carbohydrates (CHO) demonstrated statistically significant improvements in endurance performance (SMD = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.61), whereas high protein intake alone did not.

Conclusion

Protein intake appears to provide modest benefits to athletes in improving their performance, particularly by enhancing endurance. Subgroup analysis suggests that protein intake improves muscle glycogen levels and that the co-ingestion of protein with CHO is more effective for endurance athletes than high protein intake alone.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, Identifier CRD42024508021.
Genome-wide identification and expression profile of HIR gene family members in Oryza sativa L
Authors: Li Jiahao , Shao Lingyu , Wang Qian , Shi Liyu , Wu Wei , Chen Wei , Yang Zhenfeng , Li Saisai
Published: November 2024

The hypersensitive-induced reaction (HIR) gene family is associated with the hypersensitive response (HR) in plant defense against pathogens. Although rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a crucial food crop, studies on its HIR genes are limited. This study identified six HIR members, categorized into three phylogenetic clades. The analyses of phylogenetics, gene structures, and collinear relationships revealed a high conservation of these genes, featuring the stomatin/prohibitin/flotillin/HflK/C domain. OsHIR genes were regulated by cis-acting elements, including ARE, SARE, DRE, LTR, and GARE. OsHIRs were widely expressed in multiple plant organs, including roots, stems, and leaves. These genes respond to various abiotic stresses (like drought and low temperature) and hormone treatments (including ABA, SA, GA, and MeJA) with overlapping yet distinct expression patterns. Our results indicate that OsHIRs are involved in abiotic stresses and hormone responses, which provides a basis for further functional analysis of OsHIRs in rice crop plants.
Molecular prevalence and genotype identification of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in cattle and goats from Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Xin Xianming , Sun Lijie , Liu Wei , Zhang Jiayin , Ma Shiyang , Fu Xinyi , Zhao Wei , Yan Baolong
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi) is a widespread intracellular fungi that poses a significant zoonotic threat due to its infectivity toward both humans and animals.

Methods

To evaluate the zoonotic transmission potential of this fungi, a molecular investigation was undertaken on E. bieneusi in cattle and goats reared across multiple cities in Zhejiang Province, China. A total of 651 fresh samples were collected, consisting of 265 cattle and 386 goats. The presence of E. bieneusi was determined by PCR amplification and sequencing analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene in all collected samples.

Results

The results revealed that 17.1% (111/859) of the animals were afflicted with E. bieneusi, cattle having a prevalence of 14.0% (37/265) and goats displaying a higher rate of 19.2% (74/386). Seventeen E. bieneusi genotypes were identified, including 10 known, CHG5 (n = 30), CHG3 (n = 21), I (n = 14), J (n = 12), CHG2 (n = 11), COS-II (n = 8), D (n = 4), CHG19 (n = 2), ETMK5 (n = 1), and Henan III (n = 1), and seven novel, ZJG-I to ZJG-VI and ZJN-I (one each) genotypes.

Discussion

These findings indicate widespread infection of E. bieneusi among the surveyed animals, thereby raising concerns about zoonotic genotypes that could pose potential threats to public health. Furthermore, the identification of novel genotypes of E. bieneusi offers valuable insights into the genetic diversity of this pathogen.
A review on the functional roles of trehalose during cryopreservation of small ruminant semen
Authors: Jia Baoyu , Allai Larbi , Li Chunyan , Liang Jiachong , Lv Chunrong , Wu Guoquan , Quan Guobo
Published: November 2024

Sperm cryopreservation is an approach to preserve sperm cells in liquid nitrogen or other cryogenic media for future use in assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization or artificial insemination. Sperm cryopreservation has been extensively used in the dairy industry and has attained excellent results after artificial insemination. However, for small ruminants the application of sperm cryopreservation is limited, due to the poor quality of frozen semen and special characteristics of the reproductive female tract. In order to improve post-thaw semen quality various cryoprotectants are used. Currently, many types of cryoprotectants, such as permeable organic solvents, sugars, antioxidants, and natural or synthetic ice blockers, have been tested on small ruminants’ sperm cryopreservation. Among them, trehalose; has shown potential acting as an excellent cryoprotectant for semen freezing. While, the exact roles and action mechanisms of trehalose during cryopreservation remain unclear. In this review, we systematically summarized the present usage status, potential action mechanisms, and future application prospects of trehalose in small-ruminant sperm cryopreservation.
Design and Parameter Optimization of a Rigid–Flexible Coupled Rod Tooth Threshing Device for Ratoon Rice Based on MBD-DEM
Authors: Liu Weijian , Chen Xuegeng , Zeng Shan
Published: November 2024

To solve the problem of the high loss rate of threshing devices during the mechanical harvesting of ratoon rice, we propose a method using the principle of rigid–flexible coupling in this paper to reduce losses. Through analysis of the forces and collisions on ratoon rice grains during the threshing process, it has been confirmed that changing the structure and materials of the threshing contact components can effectively reduce grain loss. A rigid–flexible coupling rod tooth was designed, and the overall structural parameters of the device were determined based on force analysis results and dimensional boundary conditions. The MBD-DEM coupling method was used to simulate the threshing process, and the force conditions of the threshing rod teeth and threshing drum were obtained. The influence of the feeding amount and of the flexible body thickness on the crushing of ratoon rice grains was analyzed. In order to obtain the device’s optimal parameter combination, a three-factor quadratic regression orthogonal rotation combination experiment was conducted with drum speed, flexible body thickness, and rod tooth length as experimental factors. The optimization results showed that when the drum speed, flexible body thickness, and rod tooth length were 684 r/min, 3.86 mm, and 72.7 mm, respectively, the crushing rate, entrainment loss rate, and uncleaned rate were 1.260%, 2.132%, and 1.241%, respectively. The bench test showed that it is feasible to use the MBD–DEM coupling method to measure the motion and force of ratoon rice. The rigid–flexible coupling threshing device can reduce the grain crushing rate while ensuring grain cleanliness. Compared with traditional threshing devices, the crushing rate and entrainment loss rate of the rigid–flexible coupling threshing device were reduced by 55.7% and 27.5%, respectively. The research results can provide a reference for the design of threshing devices for ratoon rice harvesters.
Comparison of Organic and Conventional Agriculture in the Czech Republic: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vašková Hana , Saska Pavel
Published: November 2024

This systematic review aims to comprehensively examine publications that compared conventional and organic agriculture in the Czech Republic. Agriculture in the Czech Republic is unique because of considerable variability in natural and climatic conditions and from a historical context. The ultimate objective of this systematic review was to identify possible research gaps that could serve as a background for updating national research policy. The search for suitable publications was performed in Scopus and Web of Science, and screening for eligibility followed the PRISMA approach. In total, 65 publications satisfied the inclusion criteria, the extraction of which provided 380 data records. Crop production appeared to be the most frequent research theme (204 records), followed by economy (122 records), biodiversity (n = 30), animal production (n = 18) and food (n = 6). Unfortunately, numerous records suffer from methodological and statistical flaws. The research gaps identified in this systematic review include important crops, comparisons between varieties and individual practices, topics related to drought, biodiversity-oriented research including ecosystem services, and meat or egg production. We propose that, to obtain robust comparisons between the two farming systems across multiple areas of research, one large experiment covering several organic and conventional farms across the country is needed.