bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis and comparison of the trends in burden of ischemic heart disease in China and worldwide from 1990 to 2021
Authors: Ning Siming , Jin Yanan , Yang Yue , Yang Ruixia , Chen Yechao
Published: November 2024

Objectives
This study aims to elucidate the trends in the burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in China from 1990 to 2021, stratified by gender and age. It encompasses a comprehensive analysis of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), including age-standardized rates, while also providing a comparative perspective against global data.
Methods
Utilizing open data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database, this study analyzed the characteristics of IHD burden in China and globally, focusing on changes in incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs. Joinpoint regression analysis was employed to calculate the annual average percentage change (AAPC) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI), facilitating a comparison of IHD burden differences between China and the global context across dimensions of gender, age, and time.
Results
From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of IHD in China increased from 315.31/100,000 to 365.67/100,000, while the global ASIR decreased from 419.54/100,000 to 372.90/100,000. The age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) in China rose from 2526.44/100,000 to 3042.35/100,000, whereas the global ASPR experienced a modest increase from 2904.72/100,000 to 2946.38/100,000. In terms of mortality, China's age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) climbed from 94.14/100,000 to 110.91/100,000, in contrast to the global ASMR, which declined from 158.90/100,000 to 108.73/100,000. Similarly, the age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (ASDR) rate in China rose from 1771.14/100,000 to 1856.51/100,000, while globally, the ASDR fell from 3107.61/100,000 to 2212.16/100,000. The AAPC for IHD burden in China was 0.50% for ASIR, 0.60% for ASPR, 0.49% for ASMR, and 0.11% for ASDR, compared to global changes of -0.38%, 0.03%, -1.20%, and − 1.08%, respectively. Age and gender were found to significantly influence IHD burden, with the rates of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs generally increasing with age. Males bear a higher burden at younger ages, while the disease burden becomes more pronounced in females in older age groups.
Conclusion
From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized burden of IHD in China increased significantly, contrasting sharply with the global trends of declining ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR. Moreover, The burden of IHD increases markedly with age, with males experiencing a heavier burden at younger ages, whereas females surpass males in older age groups. These gender and age differences highlight the need for early interventions targeting high-risk behaviors in males, alongside focused cardiovascular health management in elderly females. More precise prevention and control strategies are essential to effectively reduce the overall burden of IHD.
Metabarcoding with Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies Provides Unique Insight into the Mycobiota of Tree Seeds
Authors: Mittelstrass Jana , Heinzelmann Renate , Eschen René , Hartmann Martin , Kupper Quirin , Schneider Salome , Prospero Simone , Franić Iva
Published: November 2024

Background Culturing of fungi is labor-intensive and reveals limited diversity, while high-throughput sequencing of barcodes (i.e., metabarcoding) enables simultaneous detection of fungi from multiple environmental samples. Short-read metabarcoding, using for example Illumina platforms, provides high sequencing depths but results in many unidentified taxa. Long-read sequencing may improve species and genus assignments but encompasses lower sequencing depth, limiting diversity coverage. In this study, we assessed fungi in seeds of eleven angiosperm and gymnosperm tree species using traditional culturing, Illumina short-read metabarcoding, and Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-read metabarcoding. We focused on seed-borne fungi as understanding their diversity and potential impacts on seedlings is crucial for securing plant health. We compared 1) the number and identity of fungal genera and species between metabarcoding approaches and traditional culturing and 2) fungal alpha- and beta-diversity between metabarcoding methods, considering different hosts and fungal lifestyles.Results In both short- and long-read metabarcoding datasets, similar numbers of fungal reads and operational taxonomic units were assigned to comparable numbers of fungal genera and species. About one-third of the identified genera were plant pathogens, followed by saprotrophs and endophytes. Culturing overall revealed fewer fungal genera, while most of the fungal reads in short-read metabarcoding datasets stemmed from cultured taxa. Long-read metabarcoding revealed lower per-sample diversity than short-read metabarcoding and distinct fungal communities. Host-dependent patterns in alpha- and beta-diversity were observed across all methods, with angiosperms harboring more fungal taxa than gymnosperms, and distinct community structuring across host tree groups and species, although the differences were stronger in short-read than long-read metabarcoding datasets.Conclusions Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies metabarcoding captured similar host-dependent diversity patterns despite observed differences in numbers and composition of fungi. Short-read metabarcoding might be optimal for fungal biodiversity studies due to higher sequencing depths and resultant breadth of diversity. As error rates decrease, reference databases expand, and throughput improves, long-read metabarcoding may become a strong candidate for future diagnostic studies of fungi. Traditional culturing captures most of the fungi from short-read metabarcoding and remains valuable for obtaining isolates for further research.
Aquagenic urticaria in a 6-month-old infant: a case report
Authors: Dasika Poojita , Patel Malina C. , Ramesh Manish
Published: November 2024

Background
Aquagenic urticaria (AU) is a rare form of physical urticaria that occurs upon exposure to water at any temperature. With fewer than 100 documented cases, AU displays a notable female predominance and typically manifests during puberty or shortly thereafter. While isolated occurrences are most common, rare instances of AU in children and familial cases have been reported in the literature, underscoring the need for further investigation into its etiology and pathophysiology.
Case presentation
A 6-month-old male infant presented with recurring pruritic wheals that developed shortly after contact with water unrelated to water temperature. The urticaria was primarily associated with baths and did not respond to cetirizine but showed significant improvement with diphenhydramine as a premedication. Due to socioeconomic factors, telemedicine visits were primarily utilized, with typical symptoms occurring following a home-based water provocation test. The patient also had a history of food allergies and eczema, alongside a family history of chronic urticaria, including a sibling who experienced similar symptoms at birth but outgrew them.
Conclusions
This unique case of AU at birth highlights significant diagnostic challenges due to its rarity in infants and the inability to communicate symptoms, further complicated by social determinants of health. An innovative home-based water provocation test conducted via telemedicine facilitated the diagnostic evaluation. The infant's particular responsiveness to diphenhydramine, rather than second-generation antihistamines, contributes to the distinct profile of AU. The family history of an affected sibling and other relatives with chronic urticaria, excluding aquagenic, suggests a potential genetic or epigenetic etiology. Although various theories on its pathogenesis exist, further research is crucial to fully understand the mechanisms at play and develop effective treatments for this poorly understood condition.
A Critical Analysis of Spoofing and Jamming Approaches in UAV Navigation
Authors: Meheretu Simegnew Eshetu , Nigussie Ethiopia , Gebremeskel Gebeyehu Belay , Hailesilassie Serkalem yikeber
Published: November 2024

In the recent decade, there has been an exponential rise in the development and use of unmanned aerial vehicles in various industries. Inaccessible control, load capability, imagination, target, and secrecy drove the interest in unmanned aerial vehicles for various applications. UAVs' navigation and communication systems are becoming vulnerable to multiple security issues. The most serious concern about security threats emanates from GNSS systems; spoofing and jamming are common. In this paper, we have made an in-depth analysis using selected and recent peer-reviewed journals that seek to secure UAV navigation. Analyze. The gaps were addressed and summarized considering the root cause of GNSS-related challenges and promising research directions in the field of UAV navigation security.
Investigating Parameter Initialization Techniques in Variational Quantum Circuits
Authors: Cunningham Jack , Zhuang Jun
Published: November 2024

Variational Quantum Circuits (VQC)s have been widely explored to advance quantum circuits against classic models in various domains. Similar to classic machine-learning models, VQCs can be optimized through gradient-based approaches. However, the gradient of VQCs may dramatically vanish during the optimization process for various reasons. This issue, known as Barren Plateaus (BP)s, seriously hinders the advancement of quantum computing. To mitigate BPs, extensive efforts have been devoted to tackling this issue through different methods. In this work, we aim to investigate several circuit components through the lens of parameter initialization techniques. We study the performance and gradient variance of the different quantum circuit structures in combination with various initialization methods. This investigation will provide a better understanding of how the VQC structures behave under different initialization strategies for binary classification problems.
ADLM-stega: A Universal Adaptive TokenSelection Algorithm for Improving SteganographicText Quality via Information Entropy
Authors: Qin Zezheng , Sun Congcong , He Taiyi , He Yuke , Abdullah Azizol , Samian Normalia , Roslan Nuur Alifah
Published: November 2024

In the context of widespread global information sharing, information security andprivacy protection have become focal points. Steganographic systems enhanceinformation security by embedding confidential information into public carriers; however, existing generative text steganography methods face challenges inhandling the long-tail distribution of candidate word pools, which impacts theimperceptibility of steganographic information. This paper proposes a qualitycontrol theory for steganographic text generation based on information entropyconstraints, exploring the relationship between the imperceptibility of steganographic texts and information entropy. By controlling the information entropy of the candidate word pool within a specific range, we optimize the imperceptibilityof the steganographic text. We establish upper and lower bounds for information entropy and introduce an adaptive truncation method to balance semanticcoherence and lexical diversity. Experimental results demonstrate that reasonablycontrolling the candidate pool size and information entropy thresholds significantly enhances the quality and detection resistance of steganographic texts,showcasing broad application potential in the field of natural language processing.
Fertility Transition Across Major Sub-Saharan African Cities: The Role of Proximate Determinants
Authors: Mekonnen Yared , Telake Daniel
Published: November 2024

Background
Sub-Saharan Africa’s fertility transition has lagged behind other regions despite rapid urbanization, resulting in persistently high fertility rates. Studies on fertility transitions in African cities remain scarce. This study examines the stages of fertility transition across major sub-Saharan African cities and analyzes the impact of key proximate determinants on fertility rate differences among these major cities.
Methods
This analysis used Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 19 cities with populations over 1 million, classifying cities into four fertility transition stages: post-transition (TFR < 2.1), late-transition (TFR 2.1–2.99), mid-transition (TFR 3.0–3.99), and upper mid-transition (TFR ≥ 4.0). The Bongaarts’ Proximate Determinants model was applied to examine the contributions of marriage, contraception, Postpartum Infecundability (PPI), and abortion to fertility differences across these stages.
Results
Among the 19 cities studied, only one city falls into the post-transition stage, six in the late-transition, eight in the mid-transition, and four in the upper mid-transition. Marriage rates are lowest in post-transition cities (34.3%) compared to 52–56% in the other stages. Contraceptive use is highest in post-transition at 50.1% and lower at 45.2%, 38.4%, and 21.3% in late-transition, mid-transition, and upper mid-transition cities, respectively. Marriage rates account for the largest portion of the TFR difference between post-transition and late-transition cities (38%), while contraceptive use explains only 2.8% of this gap. Together, marriage and contraceptive use account for 45–60% of the TFR difference between post-transition cities and those in the mid- and upper mid-transition stages. Between late-transition and mid/upper mid-transition cities, contraceptive use explains up to 32% of the TFR difference. Abortion has minimal impact, while PPI slightly offsets fertility differences across the transition groups.
Conclusion
Most cities in this study were in mid- or late-transition stages, with contraceptive use and marriage rates central to fertility differences. In earlier stages, increased contraceptive use significantly reduces fertility, advancing cities through initial transition phases. However, as cities shift from late to post-transition stages, contraceptive influence declines, and lower marriage rates become dominant, illustrating that a complex interplay between family planning services and cultural shifts around marriage drives fertility transition in the region.
Effect of copper sulfide nanoparticle incorporation on cost-effective carbon-based hole-transport-free perovskite solar cells
Authors: Mirzaei Mahdieh , Shojaeifar Mohsen , Tajaldini Mehdi
Published: November 2024

This investigation posits the development of an economically feasible graphite-based carbon electrode for use in hole transport-free perovskite solar cells. The weight ratio of graphite was systematically optimized, and the incorporation of copper sulfide nanoparticles was implemented to augment the electrical characteristics of the carbon-based electrode. Copper sulfide nanoparticles were synthesized through a hydrothermal method and subsequently amalgamated with pre-prepared carbon paste to produce CuS-modified carbon electrodes. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibit flower-like morphologies with crystalline nanosheets measuring approximately 30 nanometers. The influence of varying doping ratios of CuS nanoparticles on the electrical properties of carbon-based hole transport-free perovskite solar cells was meticulously examined. The integration of CuS nanoparticles into the carbon electrode facilitates enhanced charge extraction, thereby resulting in increased current density within the perovskite solar cells. The suggested carbon-based hole transport-free perovskite solar cell demonstrates adequate stability over a duration exceeding one year.
Improvement of Menopausal Symptoms by Oat Hull Extracts in Ovariectomized Animal Model
Authors: Lee Mi-Ja , Lee Yongjin , Lee Han Gyeol , Jin Holim , Shin Yoon-A , Song Seung Yeob , Seo Woo Duck , Son Young-Jin
Published: November 2024

Female menopause is a disease characterized by the gradual loss of ovarian function that occurs before and after menopause. Female menopausal symptoms include osteoporosis, facial flushing, and dyslipidemia. Oats are known to be rich in protein and lipids, and their hulls are used as feed. In this study, we sought to explore the potential of oat hull extract as a treatment for menopause by analyzing its estrogen-like activity and menopause-related biomarkers in ovariectomized (OVX) animals. We investigated changes in mRNA expression and estrogen activity of several menopause-related genes induced by oat hull extract in vitro using MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Additionally, we used an ovariectomized mouse model to investigate the effects of oat hull extract on menopause in vivo through changes in body weight, tissue morphology, and bone mineral density. Therefore, this study suggests that oat hull extract may be a promising alternative for treating female menopause.
Literary Appreciation Through Online Learning Platforms
Authors:   MICK MARS P. SILVAN0, GALLARDO MELANI JOY S.
Published: November 2024

This study investigates how teachers integrate literature into online learning platforms during the pandemic. It examines which platforms are employed and the competence of teachers in administering literary appreciation. Conducted across three divisions in Surigao del Sur, the research used a mixed-method approach involving surveys, while quantitative data analysis included mean, percentage, and Pearson r correlation. Results revealed that common platforms, such as DepEd LMS, Google Classroom, and Quipperlink, are widely used, with most teachers demonstrating average digital competency. Despite the shift to online platforms, there was no significant relationship between teacher competency and student grades.
Integration experience of resistivity method contactless technology and unmanned aerial vehicle measurements in primary gold prospecting in Bodaibo synclinorium
Authors: Trofimov I. V. , Bashkeev A. S. , Savchenko V. A. , Konshin I. O.
Published: November 2024

The current situation in the mining and geological industry requires acceleration and reduction of the cost of exploration works. Ground-based contactless methods as well as methods using unmanned aerial vehicles have significant prospects for geophysical exploration optimization in difficult-to-access areas with faltering galvanic grounding. The purpose of the study is to present the results of both the use of contactless electrical exploration (electric field contactless measurement), which is commonly used in engineering surveys, and magnetic exploration performed with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles. The complex is aimed at searching for primary gold in the Bodaibo district of the Irkutsk region. The paper provides a brief description of the geological (geophysical) situation and justifies a rational measurement method. Geophysical works have been carried out on a scale of 1:10000. Also, the obtained data have been compared with the application field of the contactless technology of the resistivity method. As a result, additional and necessary theses have been proposed for the long-held measurement technique. It has been determined that the proposed complex allows confident mapping of the main geological structures promising for gold mineralization in a shorter period of field work.
Forecasting stability of Irokinda deposit underground mine workings based on comparison of rock mass state prediction estimate methods
Authors: Matveeva I. V. , Shigarova T. O. , Matveev O. A.
Published: November 2024

The purpose of the study is to compare and adjust the results of stability forecast for Irokinda gold deposit underground mine workings using various estimation methods of rock mass state based on the analysis of structural parameters only, multiparameter classification of structural parameters and engineering-geological indicators according to Z. Bieniawski as well as mass fracturing distribution. Engineering and geological conditions of deposit deep horizons have been estimated using the data obtained under geomechanical description of the core when drilling exploratory and hydrogeological boreholes and description of the walls of underground mine workings. All these made it possible to estimate the rock mass fragmentation degree, which affects the stability of underground mine workings. A full range of physical, mechanical and deformation property definition was performed using rock samples taken from the core of exploratory boreholes and mine workings. A total of 184 samples have been taken and analyzed during the field season with distinguishing of 10 rock varieties characterized by different strength and stability degree. The comparative analysis conducted on the example of the Irokinda field implies the need of the integrated use of these methods, which will enable increasing of result reliability and most accurate determination of the stability class of the rock mass for its further mining. The results obtained by various methods should be considered as a set of signals for making design decisions on strengthening mine workings.
QSpace - An open-source tensor library for Abelian and non-Abelian symmetries
Authors: Weichselbaum Andreas
Published: November 2024

This is the documentation for the tensor library QSpace (v4.0) that provides a toolbox to exploit `quantum symmetry spaces’ in tensor network states in the quantum many-body context. QSpace permits arbitrary combinations of symmetries including the Abelian symmetries \mathbb{Z}_nℤn and U(1)U(1), as well as all non-Abelian symmetries represented by the simple classical Lie algebras: A_nAn, B_nBn, C_nCn, and D_nDn, or respectively, the special unitary group SU(nn), the odd orthogonal group SO(2n+12n+1), the symplectic group Sp(2n2n), and the even orthogonal group SO(2n2n). The code (C++ embedded via the MEX interface into Matlab) is available open-source as of QSpace v4.0 on bitbucket (https://bitbucket.org/qspace4u) under the Apache 2.0 license. QSpace is designed as a bottom-up approach for non-Abelian symmetries. It starts from the defining representation and the respective Lie algebra. By explicitly computing and tabulating generalized Clebsch-Gordan coefficient tensors, QSpace is versatile in its operations across all symmetries. At the level of an application, much of the symmetry-related details are hidden within the QSpace C++ core libraries. Hence when developing tensor network algorithms with QSpace, these can be coded (nearly) as if there are no symmetries at all, despite being able to fully exploit general non-Abelian symmetries.
The impact of agricultural value added and biomass energy consumption on Vietnam’s environmental quality
Authors: Thi Hoa Do Lien , Vo Hang Hoang Phuong
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the impact of biomass energy consumption, agricultural value added, raw material productivity, and gross domestic product growth rate on Vietnam’s environmental quality within the framework of the load capacity curve hypothesis over the period from 1986 to 2021. The analysis employs ARDL estimation and Granger causality tests to examine correlations. The results proved that agricultural value added and biomass energy are critical long-term drivers of environmental quality in Vietnam. The long-term estimation results suggest that a 1% increase in biomass energy consumption contributes to a marginal increase of 0.82% in the load capacity factor. In addition, agricultural value added appears to have a significant diminishing effect on the load capacity factor in Vietnam (an increase of 1% in agriculture value added versus a reduction of the load capacity factor by 2.28%). The study unveils a bidirectional relationship between biomass energy consumption and load capacity factor. These findings suggest that in Vietnam, biomass energy consumption improves environmental quality. In turn, improved environmental quality will promote biomass energy consumption.
Residual cholesteatoma of the temporal bone in a patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Osipova I. A. , Kosyakov S. Ya. , Pchelenok E. V. , Novikov P. I.
Published: November 2024

A case of residual temporal bone cholesteatoma in a patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener) (GPA) is presented. At the onset of the disease, the patient developed a symptom complex, which included, along with sinonasal manifestations, left-sided purulent otitis media, refractory to traditional therapy. A separate atticoanthrotomy on the left temporal bone, performed in the active phase, before the diagnosis of vasculitis, did not lead to a clinical improvement in the condition of the middle ear. Despite the subsequent implementation of adequate immunosuppressive therapy and drug remission of GPA, the continuously recurrent course of purulent otitis media of the operated ear contributed to the development of residual cholesteatoma of the temporal bone with the spread of the process to surrounding structures. The presence of cholesteatoma was confirmed by MRI of the temporal bones in the non-EPI DWI mode. During the period of drug remission of GPA, repeated sanitizing surgery was performed on the middle ear with tympanoplasty and obliteration of the parathympanic spaces, which made it possible to achieve remission of purulent otitis media. The development of residual middle ear cholesteatoma in a patient with GPA could be due to the untimely initial diagnosis, the late onset of specific immunotherapy, the rapidly progressive and recurrent nature of the course of the disease, and surgical treatment in the phase of high disease activity. The insufficient volume of primary surgical treatment contributed to the formation of laced cavities and the development of residual cholesteatoma of the temporal bone. The use of MRI in the non-EPI DWI mode for diagnosis made it possible to identify the development of cholesteatoma of the left temporal bone in a patient with GPA and track the results of surgical treatment in the postoperative period. The non-EPI DWI MRI method proved effective both for detecting temporal bone cholesteatoma and tracking changes in the postoperative period of a patient with GPA. Tympanoplasty with surgical obliteration of the parathympanic spaces allowed to stop the inflammation of the middle ear in a patient with a systemic autoimmune disease.
Bleeding after tonsillectomy: search for additional risk factors
Authors: Komarov M. V. , Maltseva G. S.
Published: November 2024

Introduction. Currently, the most common method of surgical treatment of patients suffering from chronic decompensated tonsillitis is bilateral extracapsular tonsillectomy (ТЕ). The most dangerous and common complication of this surgical method is postoperative bleeding from the area of the surgical wound, leading to repeated medical treatment and the development of hemodynamic disorders. The frequency of postoperative bleeding after TE is estimated by the authors in a different range depending on the research methodology and can reach 21.8%

Aim. To search for additional factors determining the frequency and timing of bleeding after bilateral tonsillectomy performed for chronic decompensated tonsillitis.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted in the format of a retrospective cohort analysis (over 3 years) with the participation of 51 patients, as well as two control groups: a group of patients who underwent bilateral tonsillectomy (404 patients), and a group of patients with nosebleeds of various etiologies (1548 patients). The article presents generalized data on the timing of bleeding, indicators of blood loss, gender and age composition of patients and other parameters.

Results. The inverse dependence of bleeding time on age and body mass index (p < 0.05) was revealed, a direct dependence on the number of tonsillectomies performed, the same distribution of bleeding frequencies after tonsillectomies and nosebleeds over the observed period, as well as a significant association of the frequency of nosebleeds with various atmospheric and geophysical phenomena (p < 0.01).

Conclusion. Summarizing the data from several centers where bleeding after TE was recorded by increasing the study sample may help identify additional risk factors for the development of this complication.
Perithonsillar and parapharyngeal abscess: microbiological and morphological features
Authors: Gurov A. V. , Ermolaev A. G. , Magomedov М. М. , Khalifaeva J. Z.
Published: November 2024

Introduction. The most dangerous local complication of acute and exacerbations of chronic inflammatory diseases of the pharynx is the formation of abscesses in the structure of the cellular spaces of the neck. Paratonsillar abscess (PTA) is the most common abscessing lesion. In turn, parapharyngeal abscess (PFA) is often found in patients with PTA as its complication.

Aim. To study the clinical, microbiological and pathomorphological features of parapharyngeal complications in patients with PTA.

Materials and methods. The analysis of medical records of 50 patients with diagnoses of parathonsillar and parapharyngeal abscesses who underwent inpatient treatment at the otorhinolaryngological department of the N.I. Pirogov State Clinical Hospital No. 1 in the period from September 2021 to April 2023 was carried out. The studied patients were divided into 2 groups. In group 2 of patients (n = 25; F 10, M 15; average age -37.2 years ± 10.8 years) an isolated PTA was diagnosed. In the 2 group of patients (n = 25; F 10, M 15, the average age was 44.6 years ± 14.8 years) PTA was complicated by the development of PFA.

Results and discussion. Associations of facultative anaerobic and obligate anaerobic microorganisms were found in all pus aspirates obtained from PTA and PFA. Monocultures of microorganisms were not isolated in any case. The detection of Fusobacterium necrophorum was associated with pronounced necrotic changes in the tissues of the tonsils and surrounding structures; Peptostreptococcus anaerobius with purulent melting of fiber tissue; Veillonella dispar with pronounced infiltrative processes in tissues combined with oral pathology in patients.

Conclusions. The most common microorganisms in patients with PTA and PFA were Streptococcus pyogenes and Fusobacterium necrophorum. The activity of Fusobacterium necrophorum is associated with a more severe course of the inflammatory process in the near-pharyngeal space.
Potential of bioregulatory therapy in the treatment of patients with rhinitis medicamentosa
Authors: Karpishchenko S. A. , Kolesnikova O. M. , Alekseenko S. A.
Published: November 2024

Chronic rhinitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose. It can lead to troublesome symptoms like itching, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and irritation. Rhinitis can significantly lower the quality of life, have a detrimental effect on productivity and negatively affect social communications. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and treat this disease in due time. There are two main types of rhinitis: allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis. Non-allergic rhinitis refers to patients who have nasal symptoms, but skin tests do not show any allergic reactions. In this case, additional tests are necessary before making an accurate diagnosis. In turn, several subgroups of non-allergic rhinitis can be distinguished according to the causes and mechanisms of its development. The article discusses the features of the treatment of rhinitis medicamentosa. The use of different drugs can cause nasal symptoms, including nasal congestion. Rhinitis medicamentosa can be divided into two subgroups: rhinitis caused by adverse effects of systemic drugs and rhinitis due to overuse of antioedemic nasal therapy. Topically active vasoconstrictors are used to relieve nasal congestion caused by various reasons. However, the long-term use of such drugs can lead to the development of rhinitis medicamentosa and other adverse reactions. There are several hypotheses as to why rhinitis medicamentosa occurs. They include activation of beta-adrenergic receptors, the decreased production of presynaptic endogenous norepinephrine, and the development of tachyphylaxis. The overuse of topical nasal decongestants can bring on vicious cycle: the more frequently the patients use the drugs, the more likely thery are to get increased adverse effects. It is important to understand the potential risks and limitations of using topical nasal decongestants. If symptoms of nasal congestion or other adverse effects develop, it is necessary to consult a doctor to adjust the treatment.
Disability and Attitudes toward It in the Christian Thoughts of St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas
Authors: Machowski Adam , Borowska-Beszta Beata
Published: November 2024

Disability as a human condition has aroused the interest of philosophers and theologians from ancient times, through the Middle Ages, to the present day. The article attempts to demonstrate the development and continuity of Christian views on the phenomenon of disability by examining the philosophical and theological thoughts of St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas. The hermeneutical analyses conducted in this article suggest that contrary to the position of theologian Brian Brock, Saint Augustine’s thought concerning disabilities did not focus solely on the category of wonders. Moreover, Augustine’s original openness to disability was not forgotten in the Middle Ages. There is a development in the understanding of disability in the texts of Augustine and Aquinas. It is possible to interpret in this way medieval theological texts referring to disability, as well as texts of Aristotle, which at that time returned to intellectual circulation.
Dzieło Świętego Jakuba Apostoła
Authors: Tulej Andrzej
Published: November 2024

Utworzone w maju 1948 r. Państwo Izrael określiło nowe ramy prawne dla Kościołów znajdujących się na jego terytorium. W Deklaracji Niepodległości zagwarantowano wolność wyznania i kultu dla wszystkich obywateli. Jednakże od samego początku pojawił się problem w odniesieniu do Żydów, którzy przeszli na chrześcijaństwo, a których należało objąć opieką duszpasterską, posługując się w tym celu także w liturgii językiem hebrajskim. Wśród pionierów znaleźli się ojcowie: Jean-Roger Héné AA, Joseph Stiassny NCD i Bruno Hussar OP. Pewna niechęć ze strony duchowieństwa arabskiego i europejskiego została przezwyciężona poparciem ze strony zarówno miejscowej hierarchii, jak i watykańskiej. 11 lutego 1955 r. Dzieło Świętego Jakuba zostało zatwierdzone ad experimentum ad annum, a po roku próby 11 lutego 1956 r. Patriarcha zatwierdził jego statuty. Pionierzy Dzieła widzieli w tym wydarzeniu powrót do początku, kiedy to pierwszą kościelną wspólnotą była jerozolimska gmina judeochrześcijańska. Ta próba odtworzenia Kościoła początków miałaby przywrócić element hebrajski utracony w historycznym rozwoju Kościoła. Zagadnieniem do rozstrzygnięcia pozostaje jego kształt i sposób realizacji.
Pensamento crítico como recurso para o enfrentamento à desinformação
Authors: Borges Jussara , Silva Daniela , Flores Rodrigo
Published: November 2024

O fenômeno da desinformação convoca esforços de diferentes frentes pela complexidade e pelas consequências que provoca na sociedade atual. Este artigo, a partir de reflexões teóricas, destaca a educação em informação, cuja base é sustentada pelo pensamento crítico. Em um contexto de ambientes digitais contaminados por discursos de ódio e intolerância, a criticidade ganha ainda mais relevância, considerando que o cidadão precisa de informações confiáveis e credíveis para tomar decisões coerentes. Isso requer competências críticas para analisar e fundamentar ideias e ações a partir de evidências, interpretando o mundo por meio de relações dialógicas. Este trabalho, portanto, explora as possibilidades que o pensamento crítico oferece ao enfrentamento à desinformação pela educação. Conclui-se que esta abordagem deve ser estimulada nos ambientes formais e informais de educação, na interação em família ou em qualquer relação social, usando ou não tecnologias digitais. É necessária a disposição para a escuta sensível, com flexibilidade para rever ou aprimorar concepções e comportamentos. É preciso, sobretudo, assumir o pensamento crítico como um processo reflexivo, que impulsiona o autoquestionamento sobre os próprios preconceitos, interpretações e conclusões, além de estimular o reconhecimento das limitações sobre o que cada indivíduo acha que sabe. Trata-se, portanto, de um questionamento saudável e necessário, que contribui para as interações positivas com as informações, com as pessoas e com as próprias ações e motivações
Entre notícias e lembranças
Authors: Santos da Silva Medeiros Irenilda
Published: November 2024

Traz como objeto de estudo o Diário da Borborema, periódico campinense com 54 anos de existência, que deixou de circular em 1º de fevereiro de 2012. Atualmente, está incorporado à coleção da Biblioteca de Obras Raras Átila Almeida (BORAA), da  Universidade Estadual da Paraíba (UEPB). Aponta como questão norteadora da pesquisa: De que forma o Jornal Diário da Borborema (JDBO) contribui para a preservação e ressignificação da memória social de Campina Grande e da Paraíba? Tem como objetivo geral: analisar de que forma o JDBO. E, como objetivos específicos a) identificar as razões que levaram o encerramento do JDBO; b) investigar os motivos que levaram os Diários Associados a escolherem a UEPB e a BORAA para recepção da coleção do JDBO; c) reunir as características do JDB, enquanto espaço de memória, com vistas a ressignificação do JDBO para a Cidade de Campina Grande, por meio da oralidade. O percurso metodológico foi construído a partir da: abordagem qualitativa, pesquisa exploratória, descritiva, bibliográfica e documental. As técnicas de coleta de dados são inerentes a entrevistas semiestruturadas com funcionários da UEPB e por observação participante para captar nuances que possam não ser evidentes em entrevistas ou documentos escritos. A análise e interpretação dos dados segue os princípios da análise de conteúdo (Bardin, 2011). Quanto aos resultados estes não apenas comprovam o potencial da pesquisa em relação à preservação da memória coletiva e da identidade cultural de Campina Grande, também fortalecem ideias e práticas entre pesquisadores da Ciência da Informação e áreas afins.
Enlisting of Some Molluscan Species from Pujaritola Dam of Gondia Maharashtra, India.
Authors: Ade G. V.
Published: November 2024

Freshwater molluscs are of the important components of aquatic ecosystem which help in maintaining the balance and cleanliness of aquatic environments. Some gastropods serve as intermediate host to transfer helminthic infections. This survey was carried out to study diversity of freshwater malacofauna of Gondia region from Maharshtra India. Survey was done by visual searching across the banks of Pujaritola dam. Molluscan shells were collected by hand picking method. Species identification was carried out using standard references. Total 12 species of molluscs have been reported in this paper, 9 of these are gastropods and 3 are bivalves. These species belong to 3 orders, 7 families and 7 genera. Gastropod species recorded were Pila theobaldi, Pila pesmei, Gabbia orcula producta, Thiara scabra, Lymnaea acuminata form gracilior, Lymnaea acuminata form patula, Lymnaea biacuminata, Gyraulus convexiusculus, and Gyraulus rotula. Bivalves found at site were Corbicula striatella, Corbicula peninsularis and Sphaerium indicum. Lymnaea biacuminata was rarest species at this site followed by Pila theobaldi, Pila pesmei, Lymnaea acuminata form gracilior. This study will contribute to carry out further investigations on the freshwater malacofauna’s occurrence in this area as well as its analysis of distribution and richness. Three new species that had not before been documented in Maharashtra have been found during this survey. Understanding the region’s molluscan species—both edible and harmful—will be aided by this inventory. This work will form the basis of further research in this area. There is further scope of research in implications in other field such as, food, disease transmissions and medicine.
Trends of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Western Ethiopia: A retrospective study.
Authors: Kaba Zalalem
Published: November 2024

In Ethiopia, cutaneous leishmaniasis is primarily caused by Leishmania aethiopica and less often by Leishmania Tropica and Leishmania major. There is a major prevalence gap in study areas. Hence, this study assessed the trends of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the western part of Ethiopia. A three-year retrospective study (09 October 2018 to 31 January 2022) was conducted by extracting information from the national leishmaniasis register for patients visiting the Nekemte Specialized Hospital (NSH) treatment center, Nekemte, Western Ethiopia. A standard data abstraction checklist was used to review Leishmaniasis records. Data were extracted from the national leishmaniasis cases registration book by principal investigators and summarized using Microsoft Excel. All data were entered and analyzed using the Excel Microsoft office package. A total of 64 patients were treated for cutaneous leishmaniasis in the area during the study period. Most of the cases were among those aged 15-24 years (39.1%) while extreme age groups reported the least. About 35 (54.69%) of cutaneous leishmaniasis cases were from rural areas, and two-thirds (31, 65.96%) of patients were seeking medical treatment after 3-6 months of developing signs and symptoms. One-fourth (17, 26.56%) of CL cases were reported in January followed by August (10, 15.63), and there were no cases reported in June and October.The most affected age groups are those 15-24 years and those from rural communities. January is the month most cases are reported and late coming to treatment and needs awareness creation.
Exploring Remote Monitoring of Poststroke Mood With Digital Sensors by Assessment of Depression Phenotypes and Accelerometer Data in UK Biobank: Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Zawada Stephanie J , Ganjizadeh Ali , Conte Gian Marco , Demaerschalk Bart M , Erickson Bradley J
Published: November 2024

Background

Interest in using digital sensors to monitor patients with prior stroke for depression, a risk factor for poor outcomes, has grown rapidly; however, little is known about behavioral phenotypes related to future mood symptoms and if patients with and without previously diagnosed depression experience similar phenotypes.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using digital sensors to monitor mood in patients with prior stroke with a prestroke depression diagnosis (DD) and controls. We examined relationships between physical activity behaviors and self-reported depression frequency.

Methods

In the UK Biobank wearable accelerometer cohort, we retrospectively identified patients who had previously suffered a stroke (N=1603) and conducted cross-sectional analyses with those who completed a subsequent depression survey follow-up. Sensitivity analyses assessed a general population cohort excluding previous stroke participants and 2 incident cohorts: incident stroke (IS) and incident cerebrovascular disease (IC).

Results

In controls, the odds of being in a higher depressed mood frequency category decreased by 23% for each minute spent in moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (odds ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.69‐0.87; P<.001). This association persisted in both general cohorts and in the IC control cohort.

Conclusions

Although moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity was linked with less frequent depressed mood in patients with prior stroke without DD, this finding did not persist in DDs. Thus, accelerometer-mood monitoring may provide clinically useful insights about future mood in patients with prior stroke without DDs. Considering the finding in the IC cohort and the lack of findings in the IS cohorts, accelerometer-mood monitoring may also be appropriately applied to observing broader cerebrovascular disease pathogenesis.
Performance of ChatGPT in Ophthalmic Registration and Clinical Diagnosis: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ming Shuai , Yao Xi , Guo Xiaohong , Guo Qingge , Xie Kunpeng , Chen Dandan , Lei Bo
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots such as ChatGPT are expected to impact vision health care significantly. Their potential to optimize the consultation process and diagnostic capabilities across range of ophthalmic subspecialties have yet to be fully explored.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the performance of AI chatbots in recommending ophthalmic outpatient registration and diagnosing eye diseases within clinical case profiles.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used clinical cases from Chinese Standardized Resident Training–Ophthalmology (2nd Edition). For each case, 2 profiles were created: patient with history (Hx) and patient with history and examination (Hx+Ex). These profiles served as independent queries for GPT-3.5 and GPT-4.0 (accessed from March 5 to 18, 2024). Similarly, 3 ophthalmic residents were posed the same profiles in a questionnaire format. The accuracy of recommending ophthalmic subspecialty registration was primarily evaluated using Hx profiles. The accuracy of the top-ranked diagnosis and the accuracy of the diagnosis within the top 3 suggestions (do-not-miss diagnosis) were assessed using Hx+Ex profiles. The gold standard for judgment was the published, official diagnosis. Characteristics of incorrect diagnoses by ChatGPT were also analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 208 clinical profiles from 12 ophthalmic subspecialties were analyzed (104 Hx and 104 Hx+Ex profiles). For Hx profiles, GPT-3.5, GPT-4.0, and residents showed comparable accuracy in registration suggestions (66/104, 63.5%; 81/104, 77.9%; and 72/104, 69.2%, respectively; P=.07), with ocular trauma, retinal diseases, and strabismus and amblyopia achieving the top 3 accuracies. For Hx+Ex profiles, both GPT-4.0 and residents demonstrated higher diagnostic accuracy than GPT-3.5 (62/104, 59.6% and 63/104, 60.6% vs 41/104, 39.4%; P=.003 and P=.001, respectively). Accuracy for do-not-miss diagnoses also improved (79/104, 76% and 68/104, 65.4% vs 51/104, 49%; P<.001 and P=.02, respectively). The highest diagnostic accuracies were observed in glaucoma; lens diseases; and eyelid, lacrimal, and orbital diseases. GPT-4.0 recorded fewer incorrect top-3 diagnoses (25/42, 60% vs 53/63, 84%; P=.005) and more partially correct diagnoses (21/42, 50% vs 7/63 11%; P<.001) than GPT-3.5, while GPT-3.5 had more completely incorrect (27/63, 43% vs 7/42, 17%; P=.005) and less precise diagnoses (22/63, 35% vs 5/42, 12%; P=.009).

CONCLUSIONS

GPT-3.5 and GPT-4.0 showed intermediate performance in recommending ophthalmic subspecialties for registration. While GPT-3.5 underperformed, GPT-4.0 approached and numerically surpassed residents in differential diagnosis. AI chatbots show promise in facilitating ophthalmic patient registration. However, their integration into diagnostic decision-making requires more validation.
Effect of zinc oxide nanoparticle concentration coated on acrylic resin upon surface roughness and abrasion resistance
Authors: Yoga I Gede Krisna Merta , Harsini Harsini , Sunarintyas Siti , Handajani Juni , Nuryono Nuryono , Irnawati Dyah
Published: November 2024

Acrylic resin is the material most often used as a base for dentures; however, acrylic resin has shortcomings in its biological properties as it does not have antimicrobial properties. ZnO is added to acrylic resin because of its antimicrobial properties. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of the concentration of ZnO nanoparticles as a heat polymerization acrylic resin coating on the coating’s resistance to abrasion. A total of 24 acrylic resin samples were made, each measuring 13 x 13 x 2 mm. The acrylic resin was coated with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate), then with ZnO nanoparticles with varying concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% in ethanol. ZnO nanoparticle coating was applied using the dip coating method. Subsequently, the samples were subjected to an initial roughness test, abrasion test, and final roughness test. The data obtained were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and LSD(0.05). The results showed that the mean change in roughness (μm) and standard deviation for groups I to IV were 0.11 ± 0.13, 0.08 ± 0.33, 0.1 ± 0.12, and 0.19 ± 0.15, respectively. The results of the one-way ANOVA test showed that there was no significant difference in the roughness after the abrasion test (p > 0.05). Thus, zinc oxide nanoparticles can reduce surface roughness and are resistant to surface abrasion.