bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
English Phonetics and Phonology Learning and Its Impact on Students’ English Pronunciation
Authors: Ali Sri Widyarti
Published: October 2023

This study aims to identify students' perceptions and expectations of English Phonetics and Phonology learning, and whether the learning process in this course meets students' needs and expectations for mastering English pronunciation. This research is conducted at the English department of Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, by taking English Department students as research subjects. Students' perceptions and expectations regarding the English phonetics and phonology course are described using a qualitative method gleaned from student interviews. The interviews show students' perceptions of the English phonetics and phonology course that the process of learning the subject is enjoyable, the lecturer's teaching method aids students to comprehend the course material, and the course material was well-explained. While the findings of interviews on students' perceptions of the impact of studying English phonetics and phonology on their English pronunciation show that through this course students gain a better understanding of phonetics symbols, are able to recognize and distinguish various English sounds, are capable of producing language sounds with the proper use of speech organs, can correctly apply stress and intonation to English words and sentences, and improve their English pronunciation. Finally, students have expectations about the teaching and learning of English phonetics and phonology, such as lecturers should use more interesting teaching techniques, provide more practice to students, and ensure students comprehend the lesson learned before class ends.
Miraculous Edges of Rebellion: On the Strange History of Ḥājjī Mīr Khān
Authors: Ahmed Tanvir
Published: October 2023

In this article I consider different accounts of the 1709 uprising in Kandahar led by Mīr Ways Khān, often remembered and revered by the name Ḥājjī Mīr Khān. Narratives of the uprising guide us through a world in which supernatural happenings are held to be constitutive elements of social and political fortunes. Despite this, the strange and miraculous aspects of the rebellion are not often considered in contemporary analyses of the event. I argue that a focus on these miraculous edges of rebellion offers us one way by which to disentangle Mīr Ways Khān’s rebellion from an axiomatic teleology of tribe, kingdom, and nation-state: a teleology that has shaped securitized visions of Afghan pasts. Rather than herald the end of the Safavid dynasty or foreshadow the rise of today’s Afghanistan, the revolt was used across archives to telegraph divergent futures that never came to pass.
The Social Network: The Local Experience of Empire(s) Across Ancient Afghanistan
Authors: Ferrario Marco
Published: October 2023

This article offers a comparative analysis of two corpora, the Bactrian Documents from Northern Afghanistan and the Aramaic Documents from Ancient Bactria, to show how empires that attempted to rule over the territory of present-day Afghanistan (and beyond through Northeastern Central Asia), relied upon particular strategies of control and exploitation of people and natural resources. In particular, it highlights the crucial role of inter-aristocratic ties within the imperial administrative apparatus, which in turn offered local elites a valuable resource to exploit within the arena of local politics, sometimes even to the detriment of the empire itself. Against this backdrop, a dialectical relationship emerges between central and regional authorities. Understanding the social mechanisms of such a dialectic is crucial to make better sense of the reasons for the expansion, consolidation, and fall of empires, ancient and modern, in this region of Eurasia. Building on recent scholarship on both the Late Antique and the wider Early Medieval Iranicate world, this article seeks to show how a diachronically broad-ranging and boldly comparative methodology can substantially enrich our understanding of Eastern Iran and Central Asia under the Achaemenids, despite the challenging evidentiary record at hand.
Mapping Social Happiness in Kabul: A Case Study of Educated People between 15 and 40 Years Old
Authors: Shahabadi Akbar Zare , Firozi Sayed Mohammad , Moradabadi Mohammad Torkashvand
Published: October 2023

Happiness has been studied from philosophical, social, religious, cultural, and economic perspectives. According to global statistics, Afghanistan was ranked as the saddest country in the world in 2021 and 2022. The current study aims to study social happiness and the factors that have affected it among people in Kabul in the age range of 15–40 with academic degrees since the Taliban returned to power. It is based on an applied survey conducted with quantitative methods. The data were obtained by means of the Oxford Happiness questionnaire and analyzed through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Social happiness among this population is significantly related to the variables of gender, ethnicity, occupation, income, household, religiosity, social hope, and anomie. However, marital status, ethnicity and occupation do not appear to play a central role. The general level of happiness was found to be below average (47.5), which is influenced by the overall situation in Afghanistan. Regression analysis indicates that gender, household, income, religiosity, and social hope significantly affect social happiness.
Modern strategy of combined antihyperlipidemic therapy in the post-infarction period: focus on phytosteroid saponins
Authors: Bogdanov A. R. , Kumbatova A. V. , Fedulaev Yu. N.
Published: October 2023

Patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction have a high risk of recurrent cardiovascular events – almost every fifth patient develops new episodes of acute myocardial ischemia during the first year [5]. One of the most important tasks of the therapy of these patients is the most effective and early reduction of atherogenic lipoprotein fractions to target values. The initiating basic therapy is statins, which have proven to be highly effective. However, in a number of patients, the necessary high-dose statin treatment cannot be implemented due to developing side effects or intolerance. The article discusses the issues of combined antihyperlipidemic therapy with a discussion of the role of all available groups of drugs. A possible clinical and pharmacological niche of phyto-steroid saponins is being considered.
Iron deficiency anemia in a patient with coronary heart disease: is mimicry possible?
Authors: Tov N. L. , Kuznetsova K. V.
Published: October 2023

Relevance. Anemia is detected in chronic heart failure (CHF) in 50–60% of patients, second in frequency only to arterial hypertension and coronary artery disease. Most often it is iron deficiency anemia (IDA), the cause of which is both absolute and functional iron deficiency (ID). IDA with absolute ID in patients with coronary artery disease may manifest symptoms similar to the manifestations of CHF, which leads to unfounded prescription of iron preparations for intravenous administration.

Purpose. Determine the need for a thorough examination of patients with coronary artery disease and IDA, taking into account existing clinical guidelines to exclude overdiagnosis of CHF.

Materials. A clinical observation is presented demonstrating that a full examination of patients, including the determination of erythrocyte and ferrokinetic parameters, the level of natriuretic peptides and the left ventricular ejection fraction, makes it possible to distinguish between absolute and functional ID and differentiate the symptoms of IDA and CHF. Identification of the cause of ID, often associated with the use of anticoagulants and disagregants, and its correction using oral forms of iron sulfate avoids both overdiagnosis of CHF and unfounded prescription of drugs for parenteral administration. This avoids undesirable effects of therapy, improves prognosis and improves the patient’s quality of life, and reduces the burden on the health care system.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE DOCTRINE OF V.R. WILLIAMS OF THE SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF MEADOW PRODUCTION (To the 160th anniversary of Academician Vasily Robertovich Williams)
Authors: Privalova Kira
Published: October 2023

The ideas of academician V.R. Williams served as the basis for the development of meadow science and meadow farming in our country. He gave a comprehensive assessment of the meadow as an element of the geographical agricultural landscape. He was interested in studies of meadow flora, its habitat, soils, natural meadows, and ways to improve them. At the Department of Soil Science and Agriculture of the Moscow Agricultural Institute, Professor V.R. Williams taught courses on meadow farming and forage plant culture. Research on meadow science and meadow farming was the foundation for the creation of a demonstration farm, a station, and the State Meadow Institute in 1922. Throughout the history of the Institute's development, they have remained and remain among its most important areas of scientific research. V.R. Williams proved the leading role of perennial grasses in the vital activity of meadow communities, in the productive and soil-forming processes. He introduced the concept of the types of tillering of cereals — rhizomatous, loose and dense. In the conditions of cultivated grassland, due to the long-term preservation of the first and second stages of the development of the meadow (rhizome and loose shrub), stable productive longevity of phytocenoses is ensured. An important merit of V.R. Williams is the study of the sod-forming process — the interaction of meadow vegetation with soil. The teaching of V.R. Williams about the turf process was a prerequisite for the development of a grass-field system of agriculture, as well as for the creation of short-term sown grass stands in grassland crop rotations.
CONSERVATION OF LAND, SOIL FERTILITY AND PERENNIAL GRASSES FOR RATIONAL USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN AGRICULTURE (To the 160th anniversary of the birth of Vasily Robertovich Williams)
Authors: Trofimov Ilya , Trofimova Lyudmila , Yakovleva Elena
Published: October 2023

Vasily Robertovich Williams is an outstanding Russian scientist of global scale and responsible state approach to his work. He devoted his life to solving the most important problem of ensuring food and environmental security of the country. To achieve this goal, he set and solved the following tasks: scientific support of sustainable development and stability of domestic agriculture, agricultural lands and agricultural landscapes; balance of agriculture, crop production and animal husbandry; increasing soil fertility. His priority was the need to develop soil science in close connection with solving practical problems of obtaining high and sustainable yields of agricultural crops. V.R. Williams introduced many important elements into the Dokuchaev doctrine of soil and soil formation. He discovered new sides in understanding the soil, the importance of perennial grasses in the formation of soil fertility, created a new science about meadows, improved the basics of agricultural landscape management. His scientific works covered a wide range of issues of soil science, biology, geography, agriculture, meadow science, agricultural science. V.R. Williams founded the biological direction in the study of soils, developed the doctrine of the biological cycle of substances, about the essence of a single soil-forming process, about the organic matter of the soil. A significant contribution to the management and rational use of agricultural lands and agricultural landscapes is made by the grass-field farming system of V.R. Williams, which he named after his teachers — "Dokuchaev – Kostychev – Williams".
SELECTION OF YELLOW LUPINE FOR ECONOMICALLY VALUABLE TRAITS
Authors: Draganskaya Maria , Lishchenko Pavel
Published: October 2023

An important stage in the creation of varieties with economically valuable traits is the selection of parental forms that have a general and specific combination ability, adapted to the cultivation area. The crosses carried out in 2020 with the involvement of parental forms of local selection showed that in the F1 hybrid nursery, out of 29 combinations of crossing in plant height, 9 (3-20 2a, 8-20 2c, 15-20 2c, 16-2 2c, etc. ) belonged to the group of complete dominance (1–9 times). By the number of pods on the main stem, the dominance ratio over the best parent was 1.4–15 times, and the total number of pods per plant was 1.2–11.3 times due to good lateral branching with fruiting pods. In the second generation F2, the effect of the total positive action of polymeric genes was not manifested in all combinations. In terms of height, transgression was preserved in hybrids 16-20 2c, 17-20 4c, 22-20 2c, 24-20 2c at the level of 12.5–23.6% with a frequency of occurrence of 6.6–17.7%. Without dominance in F1, the effect of transgression in F2 in height was manifested in 7 combinations with a high frequency from 11.4 to 24.3%. Transgressive forms according to the number of beans on the main raceme were obtained in 6 combinations (12.5–37.5%) with the occurrence of such plants at the level of 2.7–10.5%. By the number of beans in total on the plant, 4 combinations were identified both in dominance (F1) and in the second generation (F2): 16-20 2c, 17-20 2c, 22-20 2c, 25-20 2c with a degree of positive transgression of 48.6 %, 41.1, 19.2 and 17.6%, respectively. The selected new hybrid material, together with the parental forms, is being tested in the third generation nursery.
PROBLEM OF AEROBIC STABILITY IN THE HARVESTING AND USE OF CORN SILOS
Authors: Kuchin Nikolay
Published: October 2023

One of the most important problems of preserving corn silage is its aerobic stability in the process of harvesting, storage and using. It depends on the term and mowing height of plants, the milling degree, and the compaction of ramming, the hermetic nature of shelter, the duration of storage and the sampling rate during feeding. Spoilage of silage from aerobic instability leads to large losses of feed and the acquisition of properties dangerous to animal health. The best time for harvesting corn for silage is the phase of waxy ripeness of grain, in which plants contain the optimal amount of dry matter for silage and the maximum yield and concentration of nutrients in it. To increase the nutritional value of corn silage, the mowing height of plants is increased. However, the decrease in the yield of grass stand should be taken into account. The milling degree of plants varies depending on the moisture content of the raw material: the higher the moisture content, the larger particles size of silage mass should be. However, their largest size should not exceed 20 mm. To exclude aerobic instability, the silage mass must be compactly packed and sealed. Unsealing of the silage for feeding assumes such sampling rates that exclude aerobic spoilage. They are differentiated depending on the season of feed use: large when feeding silage in summer and smaller in winter.
Participação da agricultura familiar no Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE) no município de Nova Xavantina-MT
Authors: Maia Ana Heloisa , Pina Ticiana Petean , Silva Flaviana Cavalcanti da
Published: October 2023

A relevância da agricultura familiar para a segurança alimentar está atrelada diretamente a produção de alimentos. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo, realizar uma análise sobre a aquisição de alimentos da agricultura familiar via Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE) no município de Nova Xavantina-MT. A metodologia envolveu a aplicação de questionários aos gestores público-responsáveis pela alimentação escolar, e entrevistas com representantes do segmento da agricultura familiar e com os agricultores familiares participantes do PNAE para posterior tabulação e apresentação dos resultados. A pesquisa concluiu que há um claro e evidente desconhecimento da legislação do PNAE, além da resistência dos gestores públicos, principalmente da prefeitura municipal quanto a compra de alimentos da agricultura familiar, além disso, falta uma maior articulação entre os principais atores que permitam estabelecer um diálogo coerente quanto as informações repassadas e os problemas mencionados para aquisição de produtos da agricultura familiar via PNAE.
Desempenho agronômico de cultivares de feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris) em solo latossolo vermelho eutrófico
Authors: Marques Lidiane Pereira , Pina Ticiana Petean
Published: October 2023

O feijão do gênero Phaseolus tem sua origem e a diversificação nas América, a cultura é um dos principais produtos da comercialização no mercado interno, uma espécie rústica resistente ao estresse hídrico e ciclo de produção curto de 55 a 90 dias. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar cultivares de feijão e gerar dados para implantação da cultura do feijoeiro na região Noroeste do Paraná, ademais visando seu comportamento em solo Latossolos Vermelho eutrófico. O experimento foi realizado em condições de campo, no sítio Vô Verônica, Rodovia PR-158, Km 65, no município de Paranavaí, Paraná a 52°23’17,165” de latitude Sul, 23° 1’10,184” de longitude Oeste. O solo utilizado no estudo é textura muito arenosa e relevo plano, período de 29/03/2022 a 23/06/2022. O ensaio foi conduzido com diferentes cultivares de feijão, sendo elas as cultivares IPR Curió, IPR Campos Gerais, IPR Bem-te-vi, IPR Tuiuiú e IPR Urutau. o plantio foi realizado com solo friável, utilizando espaçamento de 0,5 m entre linhas e 15 sementes por metro linear, com densidade populacional de 300.000 plantas por hectare. O delineamento experimental adotado foi em o delineamento em blocos casualizados (DBC) constituído de 5 (cinco) tratamentos e 4 (quatro) repetições, totalizando em 20 parcelas experimentais, apresentavam as dimensões 2,5 m de largura e 5 m de comprimento e área total por parcela de 12,5 m², cada bloco foi separado por um corredor de 0,50 m, o ensaio teve uma área total de 508,75 m². Com base nos resultados obtidos em relação aos grupos comerciais carioca e preto, o grupo carioca apresentou maior potencial produtivo quanto a produtividade para região noroeste do estado do Paraná. Pode-se dizer que na condição de experimento, as cultivares IPR Bem-te-vi e IPR Campos gerais apresentaram maior potencial produtivo, pois apresentaram resultados superiores as demais cultivares avaliados.
Influences of Geohazard Susceptibility on the Geodiversity of the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
Authors: Zakharovskyi Vladyslav , Németh Károly , Gravis Ilmars , Twemlow Chris
Published: October 2023

Unexpected natural hazardous events can lead communities to create preparedness plans and identify risks associated with future devastating events. In the case of Cyclone
Gabrielle
, which resulted in catastrophic damage throughout the North Island of New Zealand, we recognised a need for models that could define the most hazardous areas in the Coromandel Peninsula with respect to the potential risk of hazardous influences on the anthroposphere as shaped by geodiversity. In this research, we utilise a qualitative-quantitative methodology for the assessment of hazard susceptibility applied to locations with varying levels of geodiversity on the Coromandel Peninsula. Because most of the geological sites displaying high values are located near cliff sides and/or along valleys, they are likely to align with hazardous areas. Utilising the same methodology for the recognition of two different parameters will provide an opportunity to compare results to find a potential similarity and/or correlation between geological locations and hazardous zones. Meanwhile, a flood prediction model has been analysed along with hazard susceptibility to recognise potential risks in the anthropological sphere (presented as buildings) on the Coromandel Peninsula. Our research results demonstrate a significant correlation between hazard susceptibility and geodiversity models, while flood prediction models together with the hazard model define vulnerable regions in the event of future natural events on the Coromandel Peninsula.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the efficacy and safety of two doses of azelastine hydrochloride in perennial allergic rhinitis
Authors: Bousquet Jean , Klimek Ludger , Kuhl Hans-Christian , Nguyen Duc Tung , Ramalingam Rajesh Kumar , Canonica G. W. , Berger William E.
Published: October 2023

Background

Azelastine hydrochloride (AZE) is a selective, non-sedating H1 antagonist with anti-inflammatory and mast cell stabilizing properties, which can be used as an alternative to intranasal corticosteroids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the new formulation of 0.15% AZE compared to that of the placebo at a dosage of two sprays per nostril twice daily for 4 weeks in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR).

Materials and methods

A total of 581 subjects were randomized in this double-blind (DB) placebo-controlled trial (NCT00712920) that compared 0.10% (1,096 μg daily) and 0.15% AZE (1,644 μg daily) to the placebo in PAR patients. The study consisted of a 7-day single-blind placebo lead-in period and a 28-day DB treatment period. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in the 12-h reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) for the entire 28-day study period of 0.15% AZE, two sprays per nostril BID compared to the placebo. The efficacy and safety of 0.15% AZE were compared to the placebo.

Results

Least square (LS) mean improvement from baseline in the morning (AM) and evening (PM) combined rTNSS was statistically significant for the 0.15% AZE group (p = 0.04) compared to the placebo group. LS mean improvement from baseline in the AM and PM combined rTNSS was 4.10 (4.26) units for 0.15% AZE and 3.81 (3.99) for 0.10% AZE. For individual symptoms, there was a statistically significant change in the LS mean (p = 0.04) improvement from baseline on the 12-h reflective assessment for the 0.15% AZE group for runny nose. Further numerical improvements were shown for itchy nose, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing compared to the placebo. No deaths or serious adverse events related to the study medication were reported.

Conclusion

The present formulation of 0.15% AZE is safe and effective in relieving PAR symptoms. It effectively relieves nasal and non-nasal symptoms.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT00712920.
Evaluating a systematic intensive therapy using continuous glucose monitoring and intermittent scanning glucose monitoring in clinical diabetes care: a protocol for a multi-center randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ólafsdóttir Arndís F. , Lind Marcus
Published: October 2023

Introduction

As many people with type 1 diabetes find it hard to reach the recommended glycemic goals, even with CGM, this study aims to determine if a closer, digitally supported collaboration on interpreting CGM data together with a diabetes nurse can improve glycemic control.

Methods and analysis

A total of 120 individuals, 18 years and older and with HbA1c ≥ 58 mmol/mol will be included in the study at 8 different sites in Sweden and Norway. To be included, the participants must use a CGM or isCGM and be able to upload the data to the appropriate online service for their clinic and sensor. Both those with insulin pumps and insulin pens will be included in the study. Participants will be randomized into two different groups, that is, the intensive therapy group and the control group. The intensive therapy group will upload their glucose data weekly for the first 4 months and have telephone contact with their diabetes care team to receive support in interpreting CGM data and taking appropriate actions if their mean blood glucose level is above 8.4 mmol/L. After the 4-month-long intensive treatment phase, both randomized groups will have the same number of clinical visits and receive the same type of diabetes support.

Discussion

It is of great importance to find new ways to help people with type 1 diabetes manage their condition as well as they can to help them achieve better glycemic control so that hopefully more people can achieve the recommended glycemic goals, which are associated with fewer diabetes complications. If it is shown that people with type 1 diabetes achieve better glycemic control with intensive therapy, then this can be incorporated into clinical praxis as an option for those not currently reaching the recommended glycemic goals.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03474393?locStr=Uddevalla,%20Sweden&country=Sweden&distance=50&cond=Diabetes&aggFilters=ages:adult%20older&state=V%C3%A4stra%20G%C3%B6taland%20County&city=Uddevalla&page=4&rank=34, identifier 03474393.
Site-oriented conjugation of poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) for enhanced brain delivery of antibody
Authors: Ren Jie , Jepson Chloe E. , Nealy Sarah L. , Kuhlmann Charles J. , Osuka Satoru , Azolibe Stella Uloma , Blucas Madison T. , Nagaoka-Kamata Yoshiko , Kharlampieva Eugenia , Kamata Masakazu
Published: October 2023

Antibody therapeutics are limited in treating brain diseases due to poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. We have discovered that poly 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (PMPC), a biocompatible polymer, effectively facilitates BBB penetration via receptor-mediated transcytosis and have developed a PMPC-shell-based platform for brain delivery of therapeutic antibodies, termed nanocapsule. Yet, the platform results in functional loss of antibodies due to epitope masking by the PMPC polymer network, which necessitates the incorporation of a targeting moiety and degradable crosslinker to enable on-site antibody release. In this study, we developed a novel platform based on site-oriented conjugation of PMPC to the antibody, allowing it to maintain key functionalities of the original antibody. With an optimized PMPC chain length, the PMPC-antibody conjugate exhibited enhanced brain delivery while retaining epitope recognition, cellular internalization, and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytic activity. This simple formula incorporates only the antibody and PMPC without requiring additional components, thereby addressing the issues of the nanocapsule platform and paving the way for PMPC-based brain delivery strategies for antibodies.
Characterization of enteric-coated erythromycin tablets by Raman mapping and its pharmaceutical evaluation
Authors: Zou Wenbo , Liu Wanhui , Hu Changqin
Published: October 2023

Enteric tablet coating thickness is a critical quality attribute of the coating process that can affect dissolution behavior in vitro as well as release in vivo. Raman mapping offers unique advantages in analyzing the distribution of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients in formulations. In this study, Raman mapping was used to characterize the coating of enteric-coated erythromycin tablets coated by two different processes and compare the differences in their coating formulation, thickness, and uniformity. Furthermore, we aimed to select the appropriate pH of the dissolution medium at which the coating slowly cracks to release the drug and determine the dissolution profile. The differences in the coating thickness and uniformity of the two products resulted in differences in dissolution behavior. Although there are differences in the coating processes for the two types of enteric-coated erythromycin tablets, the thickness of the outer coating on the side is a critical quality attribute in both processes. The outer coating of product A is relatively thick, and the thickness of the outer coating on the side affects the dissolution amount. The outer coating of product B is relatively thin, resulting in a short cracking time and large variation and a significant difference in the initial dissolution amounts between tablets. Raman mapping can be used to analyze the differences in coating formulations and for process evaluation.
Lactate dehydrogenase predicts disease progression outcome in COVID-19 patients treated with Azvudine
Authors: Mao Manyun , Dian Yating , Sun Yuming , Chen Wangqing , Zhu Wu , Deng Guangtong
Published: October 2023

Background

Azvudine has been approved in China for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Previous studies have suggested a correlation between high levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the severity of COVID-19. However, the impact of LDH levels in COVID-19 patients receiving Azvudine treatment remains unclear.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed the data of 351 hospitalized COVID-19 patients who were consecutively treated with Azvudine, with or without high LDH levels. The clinical features, treatment strategies and prognosis data were collected and analyzed.

Results

Among the 351 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 treated with Azvudine (119 with high-LDH levels), the median age was 69 years (range 58–78), and 213 (60.7%) were male. Common symptoms included cough (86.0%), expectoration (73.5%), fever (69.8%), polypnea (47.6%) and poor appetite (46.4%). Patients with high LDH levels exhibited significantly elevated leucocyte and neutrophil counts, elevated level of myocardial enzymes, as well as higher levels of inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6, interleukin-10, procalcitonin, C reactive protein, ferritin, and prolonged erythrocyte sedimentation rate upon admission. COVID-19 patients with high-LDH levels had higher rates of corticosteroid therapy, non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, worsened and death (2.5% vs. 0%). The Cox proportional hazard model demonstrated that high LDH levels (adjusted hazard ratio = 5.27; 95% confidence interval: 1.19, 14.50) were associated with a more unfavorable composite disease progression outcome among COVID-19 patients treated with Azvudine, after accounting for potential confounding variables.

Conclusion

High-LDH levels predict a worse composite disease progression outcome in COVID-19 patients treated with Azvudine.
Rare tuberculosis in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation successfully treated with contezolid–a typical case report and literature review
Authors: Li Junhong , Yu Zhaoxian , Jiang Yingyi , Lao Suihua , Li Dexian
Published: October 2023

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a rare but potentially devastating complication in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. Myelosuppression-related antibiotics should be used cautiously in patients with hematological malignancies, especially those undergoing bone marrow transplantation and receiving bone marrow suppression therapy. Although linezolid has become the recommended drug for severe TB, its hematological toxicity is still an obstacle to its clinical application. Contezolid is a new representative of oxazolidinones in clinical development, showing superior anti-infection efficacy, but there have been no reports on the treatment of post-HSCT TB.

Case presentation

We reported a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia suffered from pulmonary TB infection after HSCT. During anti-TB treatment, the patient had a poor response to linezolid-containing regimen, and developed side effects such as gingival bleeding and thrombocytopenia, so the administration was switched to contezolid. After 15 days of continuous treatment, the patient’s platelet increased to 58×109/L, and he was discharged in stable condition. During subsequent anti-TB treatment with contezolid for more than 7 months, the platelets remained stable, and no hematological adverse reactions and no symptoms of peripheral neuropathy were observed. Moreover, repeat imaging showed that the bilateral lung lesions were significantly reduced, indicating a good outcome for the patient.

Conclusion

This was the first successful case of post-HSCT TB patients treated with contezolid-containing antibiotic management strategies, which exhibited remarkable efficacy and good safety in this deadly disease.
Molecular pathogenesis of Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Jury Brittany , Fleming Charlotte , Huston Wilhelmina M. , Luu Laurence Don Wai
Published: October 2023

Chlamydia trachomatis is a strict intracellular human pathogen. It is the main bacterial cause of sexually transmitted infections and the etiologic agent of trachoma, which is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Despite over 100 years since C. trachomatis was first identified, there is still no vaccine. However in recent years, the advancement of genetic manipulation approaches for C. trachomatis has increased our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of C. trachomatis and progress towards a vaccine. In this mini-review, we aimed to outline the factors related to the developmental cycle phase and specific pathogenesis activity of C. trachomatis in order to focus priorities for future genetic approaches. We highlight the factors known to be critical for developmental cycle stages, gene expression regulatory factors, type III secretion system and their effectors, and individual virulence factors with known impacts.
Unraveling the relationships between alpha- and beta-adrenergic modulation and the risk of heart failure
Authors: Baudier Claire , Fougerousse Françoise , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Guedj Mickael , Komajda Michel , Kotecha Dipak , Thomas Lumbers R. , Schmidt Amand F. , Tyl Benoît
Published: October 2023

Background

The effects of α and ß adrenergic receptor modulation on the risk of developing heart failure (HF) remains uncertain due to a lack of randomized controlled trials. This study aimed to estimate the effects of α and ß adrenergic receptors modulation on the risk of HF and to provide proof of principle for genetic target validation studies in HF.

Methods

Genetic variants within the cis regions encoding the adrenergic receptors α1A, α2B, ß1, and ß2 associated with blood pressure in a 757,601-participant genome-wide association study (GWAS) were selected as instruments to perform a drug target Mendelian randomization study. Effects of these variants on HF risk were derived from the HERMES GWAS (542,362 controls; 40,805 HF cases).

Results

Lower α1A or ß1 activity was associated with reduced HF risk: odds ratio (OR) 0.83 (95% CI 0.74–0.93, P = 0.001) and 0.95 (95% CI 0.93–0.97, P = 8 × 10−6). Conversely, lower α2B activity was associated with increased HF risk: OR 1.09 (95% CI 1.05–1.12, P = 3 × 10−7). No evidence of an effect of lower ß2 activity on HF risk was found: OR 0.99 (95% CI 0.92–1.07, P = 0.95). Complementary analyses showed that these effects were consistent with those on left ventricular dimensions and acted independently of any potential effect on coronary artery disease.

Conclusions

This study provides genetic evidence that α1A or ß1 receptor inhibition will likely decrease HF risk, while lower α2B activity may increase this risk. Genetic variant analysis can assist with drug development for HF prevention.
Long-term outcomes of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect by different initial rehabilitative surgical age
Authors: Ma Jianrui , Tan Tong , Zhang Shuai , Xie Wen , He Yinru , Tian Miao , Tujia Zichao , Li Xinming , Liu Xiaobing , Chen Jimei , Zhuang Jian , Cen Jianzheng , Wen Shusheng , Yuan Haiyun
Published: October 2023

Background

There is a lack of evidence guiding the surgical timing selection in pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect. This study aims to compare the long-term outcomes of different initial rehabilitative surgical ages in patients with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PAVSD).

Methods

From January 2011 to December 2020, a total of 101 PAVSD patients undergoing the initial rehabilitative surgery at our center were retrospectively reviewed. Receiver-operator characteristics curve analysis was used to identify the cutoff age of 6.4 months and therefore to classify the patients into two groups. Competing risk models were used to identify risk factors associated with complete repair. The probability of survival and complete repair were compared between the two groups using the Kaplan-Meier curve and cumulative incidence curve, respectively.

Results

The median duration of follow-up was 72.76 months. There were similar ΔMcGoon ratio and ΔNakata index between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that age ≤6.4 months (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.728; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.122–6.637; p = 0.027) and right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery connection (HR = 4.196; 95% CI = 1.782–9.883; p = 0.001) were associated with increased probability of complete repair. The cumulative incidence curve showed that the estimated complete repair rates were 64% ± 8% after 3 years and 69% ± 8%% after 5 years in the younger group, significantly higher than 28% ± 6% after 3 years and 33% ± 6% after 5 years in the elder group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference regarding the estimated survival rate between the two groups.

Conclusion

Compared with those undergoing the initial rehabilitative surgery at the age >6.4 months, PAVSD patients at the age ≤6.4 months had an equal pulmonary vasculature development, a similar probability of survival but an improved probability of complete repair.
Data processing method for magnetotelluric sounding based on cepstral analysis
Authors: Zhan Qining , Liu Cai , Liu Yang , Zhao Pengfei
Published: October 2023

Magnetotelluric (MT) signals exhibit the characteristics of being weak and having a wide frequency band. The acquired field data are susceptible to various types of noise, which poses challenges in accurate identification and processing. Currently, there exist numerous MT data processing methods; however, they lack efficiency and physical meaning. To address this issue and improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the acquired data, this study proposes a MT data processing method based on cepstral analysis. By employing cepstral analysis on the MT data, the cepstrum is obtained, and an appropriate truncation position is selected for processing. The experimental results demonstrate that this method obtains smoother and more continuous apparent resistivity curves with fewer errors. Compared with other methods, the cepstral analysis method can effectively suppress different types of MT noise, and the method is simple and efficient with clear physical significance.
Field monitoring of vibration characteristics during advanced ductule installation in sandy cobble stratum
Authors: Kang Jiawei , Deng Guohua , Zhang Kai , Shao Shengjun
Published: October 2023

The sandy cobble stratum presents a high risk for underground tunnel construction due to its low cohesive properties and susceptibility to loosening and falling. The use of Advanced ductule for grouting reinforcement inevitably results in vibrations, and understanding how these vibrations propagate is crucial in selecting tunnel engineering support schemes and responding to accident risks. Based on a bored tunnel under construction in Xi’an, field vibration propagation characteristics testing were carried out for advanced ductile installation. The time-history response and frequency distribution characteristics of the vibration velocity within the tunnel face under sandy cobble stratum conditions were studied, and the law of vibration propagation attenuation within the tunnel face range was obtained. The results showed that: 1) During the conduit drilling process, the tunnel face mainly experienced vertical vibrations, with the horizontal velocity amplitude accounting for only 15%–20% of the vertical velocity amplitude. At a distance of 1.0 m from the conduit, the vertical velocity amplitude reaches 10.602 mm/s, and the vibration energy concentrates mainly in the frequency range of 150–250 Hz. At a distance of 1.5 m from the conduit, the bidirectional vibration velocity significantly attenuates; 2) The vibration characteristics within the tunnel face can be classified into three primary areas: “Loose and Falling” area, “Significant Vibration” area, and “Vibration Attenuation” area. Loose, falling and significant vibrations occurred mainly within a range of about 1.25 m around the conduit. 3) As the diameter of the conduit decreases, the amplitude of vertical vibration velocity decreases by about 20%. By reducing the design diameter of the advanced ductule in a reasonable manner, it is possible to effectively mitigate the impact of vibration caused by the sandy cobble stratum during installation. This can yield a positive impact, curtailing the occurrence of the tunnel’s collapse phenomenon and ensuring its stability.
Case Report: Abruptio placentae and epileptic seizure after occurrence of perinatal hyperglycaemia in woman with gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis
Authors: He Yanlang , Huang Zhijie , Wei Changli , Chen Jianyong
Published: October 2023

Hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis seldom occurs in the second trimester of pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus. For these patients, the existing knowledge on concomitant hyperglycemia is not sufficient. We report a case of abruptio placentae and epileptic seizure following perinatal hyperglycaemia in woman with gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis. The occurrence of abruptio placentae and epileptic seizure may be associated with concomitant hyperglycemia, and the epileptic seizure was terminated after she underwent treatment with insulin. We should pay more attention to the adverse effects of perinatal hyperglycemia and continue to give appropriate insulin treatment even if patients have passed the acute phase of hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis.
Case Report: Osteosclerotic metaphyseal dysplasia with optic nerve involvement and progressive osteonecrosis of the jaw due to a novel LRRK1 mutation
Authors: Pieridou Chariklia , Sabir Ataf , Lancashire Jonathan , Liang Yifan , McMillan Kevin , Shaw Nick , Uday Suma
Published: October 2023

Background

Osteosclerotic metaphyseal dysplasia (OSMD, OMIM 615198) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive osteopetrosis disorder resulting in a distinctive pattern of osteosclerosis of the metaphyseal margins of long tubular bones. To date, only thirteen cases have been reported (eight molecularly confirmed). Five homozygous sequence variants in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 1 (LRRK1) gene have been identified to cause OSMD. We present two male siblings with OSMD with a novel LRRK1 variant.

Cases

The index case, now aged 6 years, was referred aged 9 months when diffuse sclerosis of the ribs and vertebral bodies, suggestive of osteopetrosis, was incidentally identified on a chest radiograph for suspected lower respiratory tract infection. Parents were consanguineous and of Pakistani origin. Further evaluation revealed developmental delay, nystagmus with bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia and severe visual impairment. Skeletal survey confirmed typical changes of OSMD, with widespread diffuse sclerosis and Erlenmeyer flask deformity of long bones. His older sibling, now aged 12 years, was 7 years at the time of referral and had similar clinical course and skeletal findings. Additionally, he had a chronic progressive osteonecrosis of the left mandible that required debridement, debulking and long-term antibiotics. Skeletal survey revealed findings similar to his sibling. Neither sibling had significant skeletal fractures or seizures. Unlike most previous reports suggesting sparing of the skull and lack of visual impairment, our patients had evidence of osteosclerosis of the cranium. Genetic screening for the common autosomal recessive and dominant pathogenic variants of osteopetrosis was negative. Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) followed by Sanger sequencing, identified a novel homozygous LRRK1 c.2506C>T p. (Gln836Ter) nonsense variant predicted to result in premature truncation of LRRK1 transcript.

Conclusion

Our cases confirm the autosomal recessive inheritance and expand the spectrum of genotype and phenotype of OSMD reported in the literature. Increasing reports of LRRK1 variants in this phenotype raise the question of whether LRRK1 should be included in targeted osteopetrosis panels. Bone histology in previous cases has shown this to be an osteoclast rich form of osteopetrosis raising the possibility that haematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be an appropriate treatment modality.
Simulation of a rapid compression machine for evaluation of ignition chemistry and soot formation using gasoline/ethanol blends
Authors: Chowdhury Musharrat , Gross Joseph , Allen Casey , Dempsey Adam
Published: October 2023

Due to the projected decline of demand for gasoline in light duty engines and the advent of ethanol as a green fuel, the use of gasoline/ethanol blend fuels in heavy duty applications are being investigated as they are projected to have lower cost and lower lifecycle green house gas (GHG) emissions. In heavy duty engines, the primary mode of combustion is mixing controlled combustion where wide range of mixture conditions (equivalence ratio) exist. Soot emissions of these fuels in richer conditions are not well understood. The goal of this research is to evaluate some commercially available soot modeling codes for the particulate matter emissions from gasoline/ethanol fuel blends, especially at fuel rich conditions. A Rapid Compression Machine (RCM) is modeled in a three-dimensional numerical simulation using CONVERGE computational software using a reduced chemical kinetic mechanism with SAGE chemistry solver and a RANS k-ϵ turbulence model with a sector model including the creviced piston. The creviced piston is used in the experimental setup to reduce boundary layer effects and to maintain a homogeneous core in the reaction cylinder. Computational fluid dynamics simulations are conducted for different gasoline-ethanol fuel blends from E10 (10% ethanol v/v) to E100. The fuel blend is modeled as a surrogate mixture of toluene, iso-octane, n-heptane for gasoline content, and ethanol. The computational results were validated against experimental results using pressure measurements and laser extinction diagnostics. Different soot models are investigated to evaluate their capability of predicting the sooting tendencies of fuel blends, especially in richer conditions experienced during mixing-controlled combustion. The experimental combustion characteristics such as the ignition delay of different blends of fuel are reasonably well predicted. The Particulate Size Mimic (PSM) model accurately predicts the soot generation characteristics of the different fuels, but the Hiroyasu-NSC model falls short in this regard. For accurate prediction of soot with the PSM model, the thermodynamic conditions during combustion must be accurately modeled. While the current computational modeling tools can produce accurate results for the prediction of particulate matter emissions, there is much work to be done in improving our understanding of the underlying fundamental processes.
Application of X-ray computed tomography in soil and plant -a review
Authors: Ghosh Tridiv , Maity Pragati Pramanik , Rabbi Sheikh M. F. , Das T. K. , Bhattacharyya Ranjan
Published: October 2023

X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) is a non-destructive method of soil analysis which can provide three-dimensional (3D) view, quantitative information of the internal organization of the soil. In this paper, we discuss the potential application of X-ray CT in characterization of soil properties like porosity and pore size distribution (PSD), root architecture, soil phase classification, water and solute transport in soil, and highlight the research during last 10–15 years. Here, we review the recent development of X-ray CT in soil science, use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in image analysis, point out the major challenges associated with its use, discuss few improvements to overcome these difficulties and elaborate the possible future technological developments for non-invasive/destructive soil characterization by integrating X-ray CT with recently available complementary techniques.