bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between menstrual cycle pattern and post‐traumatic stress in women following the 2023 earthquake in Turkey
Authors: Kiyak Sibel , Batı Serap
Published: September 2024

Aim

In the aftermath of natural disasters, understanding the intricate links between mental health and physiological responses, such as menstrual cycle patterns, becomes crucial. This study explores the relationship between post‐traumatic stress and menstrual irregularities among women of reproductive age residing in regions affected by the 2023 earthquake in Turkey.

Methods

309 women of reproductive age living in 11 provinces affected by the earthquake centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023 and declared as disaster areas constituted the study sample. Data were collected online using Google forms nine months after the earthquake. The collected data were obtained using the Participant Information Form, Impact of Events Scale and Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder‐Short Form. In the data analysis, descriptive statistics such as count, percentage, median, minimum, and maximum were used, along with statistical tests including the Mann–Whitney U test, chi‐squared test, multiple logistic regression analysis, and ROC analysis.

Results

In the study, an increase in menstrual irregularities among women was observed following the earthquake (%14.3 to %44.8, p < .001). Risk factors for menstrual irregularities included post‐traumatic stress symptoms, comorbid chronic diseases, and smoking. The prevalence of PTSD was found to be 22.7% and this was associated with women with menstrual irregularities. Setting the cut‐off score of the IES‐R scale at 45.50 resulted in higher sensitivity for detecting irregular menstrual cycles.

Conclusions

Women's menstrual cycles are affected after an earthquake. Therefore, post‐earthquake mental health recovery programs should specifically address the protection of women's physical and mental health. This comprehensive approach can reduce the effects of earthquake‐induced stress and trauma.
Affective neuroscience personality traits in opioid use disorder patients: The relationship with earlier onset of substance use, the severity of addiction, and motivational factors to quit opiate use
Authors: Aşut Gonca , Alıcı Yasemin Hoşgören , Ceran Selvi , Danışman Mustafa , Şahiner Şafak Yalçın
Published: September 2024

Introduction

This study aims to explore the relationship between affective personality traits and opioid use disorder (OUD), including factors such as motivation to quit, addiction severity, and age of onset of drug use.

Methods

This study included 141 patients with opioid addiction (OAP) and 160 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HC). OAP were interviewed and diagnosed according to DSM‐5 criteria. HC were screened for past or current drug use. Participants completed sociodemographic forms and the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scale (ANPS), and the OAP group also completed the Addiction Profile Index (API).

Results

SEEK, PLAY, and SADNESS were identified as different affective personality traits between OAP and HC groups. Addiction severity was positively correlated with SADNESS and ANGER, while the age of onset of drug use was correlated with ANGER. Risk factors for OA include family history of substance abuse, low education, and low PLAY scores, whereas risk factors for earlier substance use onset are childhood trauma and high ANGER scores.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of understanding affective personality traits in OUD. These findings may deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of OUD. The identification of these affective systems may have implications for the development of personalized prevention and treatment strategies.
Analysis of chemical properties for biodiesel derived from crude palm oil
Authors: Osman Wan Nur Aisyah Wan , Min Jonathan Khoo Lee , Samsuri Shafirah
Published: September 2024

High biodiesel purity (98.86% to 99.54%) has been achieved using cooking oil, which undergoes various purification stages before being sold. This inherent purity contributes to the high biodiesel purity produced during solvent‐aided crystallization (SAC). This study aims to investigate the performance of SAC using unpurified oil as the feedstock for crude biodiesel preparation. Crude palm oil (CPO) was used as the feedstock, and the effects of crystallization temperature (6, 8, 10, 12, and 14°C), crystallization time (20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 min), and shaking speed (32, 43, 61, 71, and 84 rpm) were measured. The highest biodiesel purity achieved was 99.05% at 6°C crystallization temperature, 30 min crystallization time, and medium shaking speed. Additionally, all samples met international standards EN 14214 and ASTM D6751 for chemical properties, including iodine and acid value analysis. These results suggest that SAC is an effective method for producing high‐quality biodiesel from less refined feedstock, potentially lowering production costs and expanding the range of viable raw materials for biodiesel production.
Evaluating contexts for implementing a competency‐based curriculum in south and eastern Africa: A meta‐narrative review
Authors: Christopher Mutseekwa , Jones Maeresera
Published: September 2024

Many countries have looked at schools as spaces that can impart requisite skills for future jobs through competency‐based education (CBE). Yet, there is limited comparative research evidence showing countries' implementation progress. The research design adopted for this study is a meta‐narrative. Stufflebeam's (2000) context, input, process and product evaluation model is used to reflect on the education systems of two countries, Rwanda and Zimbabwe, and the enactment of their competency‐based curricula. Data from the literature was analysed using a combination of thematic, content and narrative approaches. The findings of the study established four epistemic areas that influenced the growth of the CBE movement—competency‐based training, progressivism, competency assessment programmes and the 21st‐century CBE movement. Further results showed that the extent of support for education, literacy levels and proficiency in the language of instruction were some of the context‐determinant factors influencing CBE implementation. Despite some success stories, challenges in the areas of assessment, teaching and ICT integration were reported. The study made two recommendations. Firstly, countries can enhance effective implementation through the provision of guiding frameworks for continuous professional development to empower teachers on the knowledge and skills for a CBE. Secondly, there is a need to re‐examine the CBE approach to country‐specific contexts to assess relevance to prevailing national needs.
Skeletal Muscle Memory: An Update From the Antidoping Perspective
Authors: Traversa Claire
Published: September 2024

This narrative review explores the concept of muscle memory, focusing on the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying information retention in skeletal muscle tissue as it relates to antidoping. The discussion encompasses the role of satellite cells (SCs) in myonuclei recruitment, resulting in increased myonuclear density and heightened muscle protein turnover. The myonuclear domain theory suggests that myonuclei acquired during hypertrophy may persist, contributing to enhanced muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and potential benefits of muscle memory. The impact of sustained training, protein intake, and resistance exercise on muscle memory, especially in elite athletes, is considered. The review also delves into the influence of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) on muscle tissue, highlighting their role in elevating the performance threshold and supporting recovery during intense training through increased muscle protein turnover rates. Additionally, genetic and epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, are explored as potential contributors to muscle memory. The complex interplay of continuous training, AAS use, and genetic factors offers avenues for further research, especially in the context of antidoping efforts. The understanding of muscle memory has implications for maintaining performance gains and addressing ethical challenges in sports.
What's on the menu? A novel molecular gut content analysis to investigate the feeding behavior of phytophagous insects
Authors: Fluch Maja , Chignola Marta , Corretto Erika , Wolf Manfred , Fischnaller Stefanie , Borruso Luigimaria , Schuler Hannes
Published: September 2024

The relationship between phytophagous insects and plants is a central aspect of food webs and ecosystem functioning. The introduction of new species into an environment can have significant impacts on the food web of a native ecosystem. In many cases, there is a lack of knowledge on the biology and feeding behavior of invasive species prior their introduction and in the invaded regions. Gut content analyses of insects have provided valuable information on the host spectrum of insects. However, current approaches are time‐consuming and costly. Here, we describe a new molecular gut content analysis (GCA) approach using the Oxford Nanopore (ONT) Flongle sequencing platform to characterize the plant DNA present in the gut of the highly polyphagous insect species Halyomorpha halys. We demonstrate that this technique efficiently amplifies and correctly identifies plant DNA in a mock community. We performed a feeding experiment to determine the sensitivity of this approach and to assess how long the plant DNA can be detected. All plants used in the feeding experiment were correctly identified and detected after 56 days. Surprisingly, we also detected various plant genera that were not included in the feeding experiment and thus were likely ingested months before the experiment. Our study suggests that the GCA using the ONT Flongle sequencing platform represents a rapid and cost‐efficient diagnosis of the dietary preferences, host range, and the diversity of consumed plant species of pest insects with high precision.
Habitat quality effects on the abundance of a coral‐dwelling fish across spatial scales
Authors: Fahim Hana , Naaykens Taylor , D'Aloia Cassidy C.
Published: September 2024

Microhabitat associated fishes are expected to be negatively affected by coral reef degradation, given that many species are coral dwellers. However, the factors underlying this negative impact and the spatial scale(s) at which it occurs are poorly understood. We explored how habitat quality metrics and host preferences influence fish abundance across multiple spatial scales, using the functionally important cleaner fish Elacatinus evelynae as a study species. We surveyed fish at 10 sites in Curaçao that varied in coral cover and health. At the microhabitat scale, we found that E. evelynae group size increases on large, healthy corals and on some coral host species, namely Montastraea cavernosa. We also found that, although E. evelynae can occupy at least 10 coral host species, it selectively inhabits just three corals: M. cavernosa, Colpophyllia natans, and Diploria labrynthiformis. Scaling up to explore goby abundance along 30‐m transects, we did not find a clear relationship between live coral cover and goby abundance. However, goby abundance was substantially higher at one location with elevated coral cover and a high relative abundance of E. evelynae host species. Collectively, these results confirm that E. evelynae abundance is impacted by reef health. They also indicate that the species' long‐term persistence may depend on both the maintenance of healthy coral hosts and the gobies' plasticity in host preferences on changing reefscapes. Cryptobenthic fishes such as E. evelynae play a vital role in the ecosystem and understanding drivers of their abundance is important as reefs face increased degradation.
Optimizing mangrove afforestation: Mollusc biodiversity comparisons reveal optimal mudflat–mangrove area ratio
Authors: Lin Yufeng , Luo Zifeng , Gu Xuan , Deng Yijuan , Guo Pingping , Chen Guogui , Wang Wenqing , Wang Mao
Published: September 2024

In recent decades, mangrove wetlands globally have suffered from human activities and climate change, leading to issues like area reduction, degraded ecological functions and declining biodiversity. Restoration efforts, primarily through mangrove afforestation (i.e. mangrove plantation in mudflats), have been widespread, yet they often overlook the significance of unvegetated mudflats. In addition, under the condition that the total area of suitable mudflats is limited, the problem of what is the threshold of mangrove forests and unvegetated mudflats to better protect mangrove biodiversity has not been solved. Therefore, this study conducted a field survey of molluscs in mangrove wetlands in Hainan Island in China and explored the relative importance of mangroves and unvegetated mudflats through taxonomic alpha diversity and functional diversity. The results showed that (1) mollusc abundance of unvegetated mudflats was notably higher than this of mangrove forests, and the species richness, functional richness and functional vulnerability were significantly lower than those of mangrove forests; (2) the abundance and functional vulnerability of molluscs were mainly affected by sediment properties (pH, interstitial water salinity, median diameter, total nitrogen, C/N ratio), while the species richness and functional richness of molluscs were primarily influenced by vegetation structure (plant density); and (3) retaining at least 20% of the unvegetated mudflat area could well protect the biodiversity of mangrove wetlands. To our knowledge, our study is the first to propose the proportion of mangrove forests and unvegetated mudflats on the basis of benthic biodiversity, providing theoretical support and decision‐making reference for mangrove protection and restoration.
Predation scars provide a new method to distinguish native and invasive crab predation on mollusc prey
Authors: Barclay Kristina M. , Amos Paige , Leighton Lindsey R. , Schneider Chris L. , Baum Julia K.
Published: September 2024

Crab species are increasingly important socioeconomic resources that are threatened by human exploitation, climate change, and invasive species, such as European green crabs (Carcinus maenas). However, the continued health of their populations is often uncertain given the limited long‐term population data, necessitating alternate approaches to ensure their continued viability. Furthermore, C. maenas are one of the most highly invasive and destructive marine species globally, posing a threat to local ecosystems and species, including socioeconomically important crabs and their mollusc prey. Improved understanding of C. maenas invasions and their impacts on local crab and mollusc resources is therefore vitally important. Here, we present a new method for identifying species‐level presence and relative abundances of important crab species, including invasive C. maenas, from the scars they leave on their prey. We conducted controlled manipulative feeding experiments in which individuals of Dungeness crabs (Metacarcinus magister), red rock crabs (Cancer productus), and C. maenas, were allowed to attack snails (Tegula funebralis) and produce sublethal shell damage. Resulting shell damage was photographed and landmarked for geometric morphometric analyses to determine any differences in the shape of shell damage between crab species. There were statistically significant differences between the shape of shell damage created by all three crab species (p < .0001). Shell damage formed a gradient from narrow/deep (C. productus) to shallow/wide (C. maenas) with M. magister as an intermediate form. Our method provides a novel, cost‐effective tool for long‐term species‐specific reconstructions of crab populations and assessing the broader ecological impacts of C. maenas invasions that can inform management and mitigation for these three important crab species.
Black‐throated blue warblers (Setophaga caerulescens) exhibit diet flexibility and track seasonal changes in insect availability
Authors: Kaiser Sara A. , Forg Lindsey E. , Stillman Andrew N. , Deitsch John F. , Sillett T. Scott , Clucas Gemma V.
Published: September 2024

Changes in leaf phenology from warming spring and autumn temperatures have lengthened the temperate zone growing “green” season and breeding window for migratory birds in North America. However, the fitness benefits of an extended breeding season will depend, in part, on whether species have sufficient dietary flexibility to accommodate seasonal changes in prey availability. We used fecal DNA metabarcoding to test the hypothesis that seasonal changes in the diets of the insectivorous, migratory black‐throated blue warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) track changes in the availability of arthropod prey at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire, USA. We examined changes across the breeding season and along an elevation gradient encompassing a 2‐week difference in green season length. From 98 fecal samples, we identified 395 taxa from 17 arthropod orders; 242 were identified to species, with Cecrita guttivitta (saddled prominent moth), Theridion frondeum (eastern long‐legged cobweaver), and Philodromus rufus (white‐striped running crab spider) occurring at the highest frequency. We found significant differences in diet composition between survey periods and weak differences among elevation zones. Variance in diet composition was highest late in the season, and diet richness and diversity were highest early in the season. Diet composition was associated with changes in prey availability surveyed over the green season. However, several taxa occurred in diets more or less than expected relative to their frequency of occurrence from survey data, suggesting that prey selection or avoidance sometimes accompanies opportunistic foraging. This study demonstrates that black‐throated blue warblers exhibit diet flexibility and track seasonal changes in prey availability, which has implications for migratory bird responses to climate‐induced changes in insect communities with longer green seasons.
The analysis of Yunnan Dayao basin effect based on microtremor test and numerical simulation
Authors: He Jiacong , Zhang Long , Liu Wei , Zhou Zhenghua , Zhang Haoran , Peng Cheng , Gao Jiachen , Pan Jingmin
Published: September 2024

Microtremor tests and finite element numerical simulations were used to analyze the seismic ground motion effects of the Yunnan Dayao sedimentary basin. The results of the microtremor relative to the reference point spectral ratio (HS/HR) method showed that the spectral ratio curves of each observation point in Dayao basin show multipeak characteristics, indicating that the site consists of different soil layers; the predominant frequencies of each observation point mainly are 6~9 Hz in the basin and there are lots of differences in the predominant frequencies of different observation points, which indicate that the site stiffness of each observation point is different; the differences of spectral ratios between the east–west directions (EW) and the north–south directions (NS) reveal the site's anisotropy. The amplification coefficient characteristics of each observation point in the basin obtained by numerical simulation show that the predominant frequency is 6 ~ 9 Hz; the amplification coefficients of each observation point are different; the edge effect and the focusing effect amplify the seismic ground motion in the basin; the different amplification coefficients of the two sub‐basins reflect the significant effect of the basin soil layers' differences on the seismic ground motion, the site is softer and amplification coefficients are larger; the slope degree of basin edges significantly affects the seismic ground motion near the basins edge, the amplification coefficients of the slope steeper and amplification coefficients larger. This study demonstrates that the microtremor test spectral ratio (HS/HR) method has good reliability applied to the analysis of basin effect and combining the finite element numerical simulation method is more effective in revealing the basin effect mechanism.
Rockburst mechanism and prevention technology for wide coal pillar return airway
Authors: Wang Zhensuo , Liu Yongli , Song ZhiXiang , Cong Li , Zhu Yongtao
Published: September 2024

In the Shaanxi‐Inner Mongolia region, where most mines employ wide coal pillar retention and dual entry layout techniques, mining pressure manifestations frequently occur during working face retreatment, posing significant challenges to safe and efficient coal production. Based on numerical simulation, theoretical analysis, and field test research, this study proposes a technical solution for preventing rockburst hazards in a wide coal pillar return airway. The research findings indicate the following: (a) Through numerical simulation and theoretical analysis, during the working face retreatment process, the wide coal pillar return airway exhibits a characteristic h‐pattern of high‐stress distribution, with asymmetric camelback curves appearing within the wide coal pillar, leading to significant static load concentration. When the roof breaks, the coal pillar bends excessively, and a large amount of energy is released, potentially causing instability. (b) Through the numerical simulation analysis, the stress peak value of the two sides of the return air lane of 21,103 working face decreases the most when the hole length is 15 m, the hole diameter is 150 mm and the hole distance is 1 m. (c) Implementation of drilling relief with a large diameter in the field effectively alleviates the issue of the return airway adjacent to the wide coal pillar, causing the stress peaks to shift deeper into the rock mass, this significantly reduces the risk of rockburst occurrence.
Income effect of prenatal sunlight exposure: Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Wan Guanghua , Zhang Tongjin , Hu Xiaoshan
Published: September 2024

Despite a growing interest in the impacts of prenatal factors on adulthood quality of life, economists have not estimated the income effects of sunlight exposures by mothers during pregnancy. This paper estimates such effects using data from China General Social Survey and China National Meteorological Data Service Center. The results show that the income effects of prenatal sunlight exposure in the second trimester are significantly positive. The effects differ for individuals born in different months and the effects are larger for female employees, older employees, those born in rural areas, in the pre‐reform period, or whose mothers are less‐educated. Finally, we investigate the possible mechanisms via the human capital pathway, discovering that fetuses with longer sunlight exposure in the second trimester are healthier and do more exercises in adulthood. It is suggested that families, communities, policymakers should pay attention to prenatal sunlight exposure, especially for pregnant women in the developing world who are less educated or live in rural areas.
Performance of visual inspection, partial genotyping, and their combination for the triage of women living with HIV who are screen positive for human papillomavirus: Results from the AIMA‐CC ANRS 12375 multicentric screening study
Authors: Debeaudrap Pierre , Kabore Firmin Nongodo , Setha Limsreng , Tegbe Joseph , Doukoure Brahima , Sotheara Moeung , Segeral Olivier , Aun Korn , Messou Eugène , Bitolog Pauline , Sothea Kim , Vassilakos Pierre , Poda Armel , Poda Evelyn Kasilé , Jaquet Antoine , Some Adolphe , Petignat Patrick , Clifford Gary , Horo Apollinaire
Published: September 2024

The WHO recommends the use of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for primary cervical cancer (CC) screening because of its high sensitivity. However, triage is desirable to correctly identify HPV+ women who have high‐grade lesions (CIN2+) and require treatment. The ANRS‐12375 study was conducted in Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Cambodia to assess the performance, feasibility and benefits of different triage options for detecting CIN2+ lesions: partial (HPV16 and HPV16/18/45) and extended genotyping, visual inspection (VIA) alone and VIA combined with partial genotyping. VIA was performed by gynecologists. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic likelihood ratio (DLR) of each triage option for detecting CIN2+ lesions with histology as a reference standard were calculated. Of the 2253 women living with HIV (WLHIV) included, 932 (41%) were HPV+. A CIN2+ lesion was identified in 105 (13%) of the 777 participants with histopathology results. The sensitivity of VIA as a triage test for CIN2+ patients was 89%, while that for extended genotyping was 89%, that for HPV16/18/45 partial genotyping was 51%, and that for HPV16 partial genotyping was 36%. The specificities for these tests were 45%, 29%, 72%., and 85%, respectively. Combining VIA and/or partial genotyping positivity slightly increased the sensitivity (94%) at the cost of lower specificity (28%). There was significant intersite heterogeneity (p = .04). Among the three triage tests with a sensitivity ≥85%, the VIA had the highest specificity and positive likelihood ratio (p < .001). VIA and extended genotyping, whether independent or combined, are good triage options with high sensitivity for identifying WLHIV needing treatment for CIN2+.
Reducing nitrogen fertilizer usage coupled with organic substitution improves soil quality and boosts tea yield and quality in tea plantations
Authors: Wang Biao , Wang Shang , Li Guangyun , Fu Libo , Chen Hua , Yin Mei , Chen Jianfeng
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

The utilization of chemical fertilizers is a key measure for maintaining tea yield and quality, but excessive use has negative environmental impacts. The substitution of chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer has been promoted to sustain crop yield and soil quality. However, knowledge gaps regarding the effects of organic substitution on soil quality and tea yield in tea plantations still exist.

RESULTS

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of organic substitution treatments (i.e. 25% partial substitution: biogas slurry + green manure + formula fertilizer, BFG; sheep manure + formula fertilizer, OFF; 100% complete substitution: sheep manure + green manure, OG) on the soil quality, tea yield and quality, and nitrogen utilization efficiency in southwestern China. Results showed that all organic substitution treatments slightly increased soil pH, and significantly increased soil organic matter by 13.22–14.88% compared to conventional fertilization (CF). The BFG treatment was the most effective in enhancing the soil quality index, showing increases of 16.80%, 8.37% and 24.87% higher than the CF, OFF and OG treatments, respectively. Tea yield significantly increased under the BFG, OFF and OG treatments by 11.97%, 13.58% and 5.90% compared to CF, respectively. The BFG treatment increased the amino acid content by 7.78% and decreased the tea polyphenol/amino acid ratio by 6.87%. Additionally, the BFG, OFF and OG treatments greatly increased the nitrogen utilization efficiency of young sprouts by 70.71%, 82.54% and 34.28%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Overall, partial organic substitution could effectively improve soil quality while maintaining tea yield. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Impact of Environmental Health Determinants in Surgical Oncology
Authors: Johnson Shaneeta , Corbin Sasha , South Chevar , Cawich Shamir
Published: September 2024

Environmental determinants of health refer to external factors in our surroundings that influence health outcomes. It is estimated that healthier environments could prevent almost one‐quarter of the global burden of disease. Additionally, environmental factors, including lifestyle factors, air pollution, chemical exposures, and natural exposures, are responsible for a significant incidence of cancers and premature cancer deaths. Minority populations, low‐income populations, children, and older adults are at increased risk for oncologic risks secondary to environmental factors.
Safety and Efficacy of Salvage Surgery after Treatment With Immune‐Checkpoint Adjuvant Inhibitors for Advanced Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Multicentric Study
Authors: Schiavon Marco , Cannone Giorgio , Bertolaccini Luca , Gallina Filippo Tommaso , Pezzuto Federica , Lorenzoni Giulia , Facciolo Francesco , Spaggiari Lorenzo , Calabrese Fiorella , Rea Federico , Pasello Giulia ,   The Lung Oncology Group
Published: September 2024

Objective

In advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), immune‐checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can achieve significant clinical responses. This raises the question of whether to consider salvage surgery as a curative treatment option. Few case series reported encouraging results in terms of pathological response. However, intraoperative risk and postoperative morbidity have been highlighted. This study aims to assess the safety and feasibility of surgery after ICIs administration and to evaluate its effectiveness on the final pathological examination.

Methods

We retrospectively identified stages III–IVA NSCLC consecutive patients who underwent surgery with radical intent after ICIs at three National Centers (2016–2022). Before treatment, all patients were considered unresectable by a multidisciplinary discussion. After surgery, pathological response was evaluated according to the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) recommendation.

Results

Thirty‐one patients were included; pretreatment clinical stage was: IIIA in 4 patients (10%), IIIB in 13 (42%), IIIC in 3 (13%), and IVA in 11 (35%). Median treatment duration was four cycles. Only anatomical resections were performed, with lobectomy that represent the main type of resection (22 patients, 74%). A minimally invasive approach was performed in 10 patients (32%), with a conversion rate of 0%. Postoperative complications were observed in eight patients (25%). Complete pathologic response (CPR) and major pathologic response (MPR) were 48% and 16%, respectively. Two and 3‐years survival were 88%.

Conclusions

Based on our experience, salvage surgery of advanced NSCLC treated with ICIs confirm his feasibility and safety in responder patients. Moreover, it is associated with low morbidity, high CPR rate, and satisfying medium‐term survival.
The Effect of Social Presence on User's Participation Willingness Under Tourism Live Streaming
Authors: Shen Yulan , Du Jian , Liu Yutong , Peng Jiayin
Published: September 2024

Tourism live streaming, as a powerful online platform connecting destinations and users, has promoted the recovery of tourism in the post‐epidemic era. This study uses the stimulus‐organism‐response (SOR) framework to investigate the connections among social presence, perceived value, and user's participation willingness in tourism activities. Through analyzing 383 responses collected from Douyin users, it is confirmed that social presence and emotional social presence will positively affect users' participation willingness. In addition, perceived functional value and perceived affective value play a partial positive mediating role, and user innovativeness positively moderates the connection between perceived value and users' participation willingness. This study is helpful for anchors and platforms to achieve better tourism live broadcast operation and management and is helpful for the tourism service industry to expand product influence and business performance.
Network Analysis of Women in Otolaryngology and Demographic Trends
Authors: Cheng Tracy Z. , Reddy Pooja D. , Robertson Dawn C. , Magaña Linda C. , Gardiner Lauren A. , Tang Anthony J. , Rahman Amaan Z. , Pollack Ian M. , Garg Meera M. , Wang Vivian L. , Olson Caitlin , McCarty E.B. , Carley Kathleen M. , Stinnett Sandra , Snyderman Carl H.
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study analyzes gender disparities between men and women otolaryngology faculty in the top 20 otolaryngology departments ranked by research output and discusses the implications of these disparities.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of all articles published by faculty from January 2020 to December 2021 at the top 20 otolaryngology departments as ranked by Doximity's 2022 research output report. Integrated data from Web of Science, faculty directories, and NIH RePORT were used to collect data on faculty. Social network analysis was performed using ORA‐LITE. Student's and Welch's t‐tests and Pearson chi‐squared tests were used to evaluate gender differences in academic metrics.

Results

The findings revealed significant gender disparities, with men holding higher academic positions (men = 3.16, women = 2.69, p < 0.0001), higher H‐indices (22.4, 13.8, p < 0.0001), more NIH grants (0.15, 0.07, p = 0.0032), and greater total degree centrality (3.98E‐4, 2.4E‐4, p < 0.0001) and betweenness centrality (4.47E‐3, 3.00E‐3, p = 0.0021). Men also had more publications (9.8, 6.8, p < 0.0001) with more distinct co‐authors, both within (4, 3.1, p = 0.0074) and across (38.1, 25.8, p < 0.0001) institutions. Disparities persisted after accounting for career length. Notably, total degree centrality differences between men and women were statistically significant from 1991 to 2017 (p < 0.0001), but not from 2018 to 2022 (p = 0.83).

Conclusions

This study highlights gender inequities in otolaryngology, encouraging mentors to foster new collaborations with female peers. Importantly, it identifies a trend toward narrowing the gender gap within the specialty, particularly over the past 5 years, emphasizing the need to sustain these positive changes for enhanced gender equity.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 135:1039–1045, 2025
Sustainable Lignin Extraction Using a Mild Acidic γ‐Valerolactone Process for the Identification of White and Red Oaks
Authors: Liu Xiujuan , Dichiara Anthony , Wang Mei , Xu Xinwu , Liu Nanqing , Zhou Bingliang
Published: September 2024

Current wood identification struggles to differentiate white and red oak (Quercus alba and Quercus rubra) due to highly similar microstructures, as demonstrated by morphological microscope analysis. The present research explores lignin composition as a potential discriminating factor. Here, a rapid and sustainable method for extracting high‐quality lignin from oak samples using acidic γ‐valerolactone (GVL) under mild conditions is described. As‐extracted lignin is thoroughly characterized using various analytical methods, and results reveal a distinct structural difference between the lignin from the two species. White oak lignin possesses a unique “Hibbert ketone” unit detectable by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), which is absent in red oak lignin. In addition, infrared spectroscopy differentiates the species based on specific carbonyl groups present in their lignin. These findings suggest that identifying the presence of the Hibbert ketone unit in lignin may offer a highly efficient and reliable method for differentiating white and red oak, opening new avenues for wood identification.
A novel high‐isolation dual‐polarized air‐patch antenna based on composite decoupling structure
Authors: Li Fuwang , Cheng Yi‐Feng , Xu Kuiwen , Wang Gaofeng
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a novel wideband dual‐polarized air‐patch antenna with enhanced port isolation. The proposed design consists of a suspended metal patch, two feeding slots, and novel composite decoupling structures (CDS). The CDS is composed of two reactive loads (RLs), an additional square slot (ASS), and two neutralizing lines (NLs). The reactive loads and one NL are connected to the feeding slots. The other NL is connected to the ASS. The CDS plays a critical role in achieving wideband high port isolation. The decoupling principles are illustrated by using a circuit model and through rigorous mathematical derivation. Design evolution of the proposed antenna (Ant 1–5) was carefully explained. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed antenna has a −15 dB refection coefficient bandwidth covering the frequency range of 3.32–3.67 GHz. Additionally, it exhibits high port isolation (>35 dB), low cross polarization, high gain, and excellent total efficiency (>85%).
Exact synthesis of couple‐line based wideband four‐way filtering power divider with unequal power division
Authors: Chen Shuyi , Liu Hongmei , Wang Zhongbao , Fang Shaojun
Published: September 2024

In this paper, a coupled‐line‐based wideband four‐way filtering power divider (FPD) with unequal power division is presented. It is composed of three groups of coupled lines (CLs), four types of open‐ended stubs, and three kinds of resistors. By setting the CLs in each group with different parameters, unequal power distribution is obtained. Besides, open‐ended stubs with different characteristic impedances are inserted to each output port to generate two extra transmission zeros, at the same time maintaining good impedance matchings. Resistors are inserted to each group of the CLs to improve the isolations. By applying twice parity mode analysis, the exact synthesis of the proposed FPD is first derived. For demonstration, a prototype with power division ratio of 1:1.2:1.5:1.8 is designed and manufactured. Measurement results verified that more than 60% fractional bandwidth (FBW) is obtained under the criterion of 10 dB return loss and 10 dB isolation. Besides, the 3 dB passband FBWs for the four outputs reach 70% with high frequency selectivity and low insertion loss. And more than 15 dB out‐of‐band rejections are achieved for both the lower and upper stopbands.
A dual mode circular waveguide cavity resonator based frequency tunable band pass filter using a single tuning element
Authors: Patnaik Kalyan Mohan , Basavarajappa Gowrish , Mansour Raafat R.
Published: September 2024

In this letter, we present a tunable band pass filter (BPF) using a dual‐mode circular waveguide cavity resonator using a single tuning element. For the proof of the concept, a 2nd order tunable BPF has been designed and developed over a tuning range from 4.92 to 6.1 GHz (21.4%). The measured bandwidth is 85 ± 10 MHz over the entire tuning range. The peak insertion loss is within 1.3 dB and return loss is better than 15 dB. The tunable filter is proposed to be used in high Q reconfigurable radio systems.
Using 3D facial information to predict malnutrition and consequent complications
Authors: Wang Xue , Wang Weijia , Chen Moxi , Han Meifen , Rong Zhiqin , Fu Jin , Chong Yuming , Yu Nanze , Long Xiao , Cheng Zhitao , Tang Yong , Chen Wei
Published: September 2024

Background

Phase angle (PhA) correlates with body composition and could predict the nutrition status of patients and disease prognosis. We aimed to explore the feasibility of predicting PhA‐diagnosed malnutrition using facial image information based on deep learning (DL).

Methods

From August 2021 to April 2022, inpatients were enrolled from surgery, gastroenterology, and oncology departments in a tertiary hospital. Subjective global assessment was used as the gold standard of malnutrition diagnosis. The highest Youden index value was selected as the PhA cutoff point. We developed a multimodal DL framework to automatically analyze the three‐dimensional (3D) facial data and accurately determine patients’ PhA categories. The framework was trained and validated using a cross‐validation approach and tested on an independent dataset.

Results

Four hundred eighty‐two patients were included in the final dataset, including 176 with malnourishment. In male patients, the PhA value with the highest Youden index was 5.55°, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.68; in female patients, the PhA value with the highest Youden index was 4.88°, and AUC = 0.69. Inpatients with low PhA had higher incidence of infectious complications during the hospital stay (P = 0.003). The DL model trained with 4096 points extracted from 3D facial data had the best performance. The algorithm showed fair performance in predicting PhA, with an AUC of 0.77 and an accuracy of 0.74.

Conclusion

Predicting the PhA of inpatients from facial images is feasible and can be used for malnutrition assessment and prognostic prediction.
Implementation of standardized feeding pathways for infants with gastroschisis to improve patient outcomes: A quality improvement project in a level IV surgical NICU
Authors: Adler Andrea , Radhakrishnan Kadakkal , Yeaney Natalie
Published: September 2024

Gastroschisis is a leading cause of pediatric intestinal failure. Feeding guidelines may lead to improved patient outcomes including decreased time to reach full feeds, a reduction in the duration of parenteral nutrition, and reduced length of stay. However, there is limited evidence on what the ideal feeding guidelines are for this complex gastrointestinal diagnosis. In this quality improvement project, after completing a literature review, we created three pathways based on the complexity of the gastroschisis. We reviewed historical data without a defined feeding pathway/guideline to our newly created pathways in the intervention group. The study included 35 patients with varying degrees of gastroschisis complexity, consisting of 9 current patients (October 2021–December 2022) who were provided with defined feeding pathways and 26 historical patients before the protocol was implemented (January 2015–August 2021). There were no significant differences in the number of days required for full feeds between the two groups. However, the mean duration of parenteral nutrition was 18.9 days (95% CI, –31.8 to −7.0) shorter in the intervention group. Although not statistically significant, the patients in the intervention group had a mean length of stay that was 13.1 days (95% CI, −50.0 to 25.4) shorter than the historical group. The creation of standardized feeding guidelines for the gastroschisis population resulted in a statistically nonsignificant decrease in time to reach full enteral feeds, a statistically significant reduced duration of parenteral nutrition, and a statistically nonsignifiant decreased length of stay.
Who admires you? The importance of remembering our influence
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: September 2024

During the 1960's, my father worked for the locally‐owned, Amarillo, Texas business Graham Plow. It was owned by W.T. Graham; his son Dan also worked for the company.
Application of Response Surface Methodology for the Optimization of Operating Conditions of a Self‐Pulsing Discharge (SPD) Plasma Reactor for the Degradation of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) in Water
Authors: Ulucan‐Altuntas Kubra , Foglia Simone , Saleem Mubbshir , Tomei Giulia , Ceriani Elisa , Carmagnani Massimo , Marotta Ester , Paradisi Cristina
Published: September 2024

This study explores atmospheric plasma as a novel approach for the degradation of persistent per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in contaminated waters. Using response surface methodology and Box–Behnken design, the performance of the self‐pulsing discharge (SPD) reactor was optimized by adjusting the following independent factors: input power, plasma area‐to‐liquid volume ratio, and argon bubbling time. Optimization was assessed using four specific indicators: kPFOA and G50, for the process velocity and energy efficiency, respectively; kPFOA/kPFHpA and ΣPFAS/C0, both for the presence of PFAS in the treated water for the process products. Under the optimized operating conditions, residual PFAS summed up to only 2.4% of the carbon initially present as PFOA, and a remarkable G50 value of (523 ± 10) mg/kWh was obtained.
Deposition of Thin Films From HMDSO Utilizing the Vacuum UV Radiation From an Atmospheric Plasma
Authors: Winzer Tristan , Benedikt Jan
Published: September 2024

This study presents a source for studying thin‐film deposition utilizing vacuum UV (VUV) radiation from a remote argon or helium atmospheric plasma to initiate photochemistry in the precursor gas. We aim to assess how this radiation affects the deposition process and film structure while avoiding deposition inside the plasma source or particle formation. Deposition occurs where radiation interacts with the precursor and the growing film, as well as further downstream. The measured film properties clearly show that photon interaction with the film has a significant effect. Using hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) as a precursor, we achieved nearly carbon‐free silicon dioxide () film growth due to photodesorption of hydrocarbons from the growing film, as confirmed by infrared spectra and positive ion mass spectrometry.
Beyond 4 × 4: Paramotoring a novel approach to accelerate plant exploration in challenging environments
Authors: Moat Justin , Tovar Carolina , Lewis Gwilym , Orellana‐Garcia Alfonso , Bailetti Miguel , Capcha‐Ramos Jean , Quispe‐Delgado Yannet , Arteaga Mary Carmen , Campbell‐Jones Mike , Júnior Márcio Aita , Gomes Leonardo , Laurido Senderson , Hechenleitner Paulina , Whaley Oliver
Published: September 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Addressing the burning environmental crisis, we explore how the ‘extreme sport’ of paramotoring can enhance and accelerate scientific exploration with minimal environmental impact compared to off‐road vehicles. Our study demonstrates the scientific potential of paramotoring to access fragile desert ecosystems and investigate unrecorded habitats and species. Comparisons with 4 × 4s showed significant reductions in CO2‐eq emissions for longer missions and ninefold faster travel times. Unlike off‐road vehicles, which can damage the equivalent of over one football pitch in area per linear kilometre driven, paramotors cause minimal damage. Integrating extreme sports and science can accelerate data and specimen collection for more effective habitat conservation. This has the potential to spark discoveries and engagement across diverse communities.

In the face of an urgent climate and environmental crisis, we explore the potential of paramotoring to expand scientific reach and collection capability without the environmental harm associated with off‐road vehicles.

In Peru's fog oasis desert, we brought together paramotor experts and scientists to conduct missions involving monitoring, plant sampling, surveying, sensor placement and transportation. We compared the environmental impact and time taken by paramotoring with surveys conducted using off‐road vehicles and walking.

Shorter paramotor missions showed small differences in CO2 equivalents and time efficiency compared to off‐road vehicles. However, longer missions (28 km from base camp) revealed up to nine times faster travel and two thirds less CO2 equivalent emissions. Notably, off‐road vehicles left a substantial environmental footprint (700 to 8000 m2 per km), whilst paramotors had a minimal impact, with a tiny surface ‘footprint’ of just a few square metres, representing orders of magnitude (1000 to 10,000) less environmental impact. With basic training in identification and sampling, paramotorists collected plant specimens that are invaluable for ongoing and future scientific study.

Whilst logistical and safety challenges in transporting scientists via paramotors need further investigation, the benefits, especially compared to surface travel, are evident. Integrating extreme sports into scientific endeavour promises wider and more comprehensive exploration, new discoveries and increased engagement across diverse communities—and in summary—offers significant potential to address urgent environmental challenges.