bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dissonance in Harmony: The UV/Optical Periodic Outbursts of ASASSN-14ko Exhibit Repeated Bumps and Rebrightenings
Authors: Huang Shifeng , Jiang Ning , Shen Rong-Feng , Wang Tinggui , Sheng Zhenfeng 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
ASASSN-14ko was identified as an abnormal periodic nuclear transient with a potential decreasing period. Its outbursts in the optical and UV bands have displayed a consistent and smooth “fast rise and slow decay” pattern since its discovery, which has recently experienced an unexpected alteration in the last two epochs, as revealed by our proposed high-cadence Swift observations. The new light curve profiles show a bump during the rising stages and a rebrightening during the declining stages, making them much broader and symmetrical than the previous ones. In the last two epochs, there is no significant difference in the X-ray spectral slope compared to the previous one, and its overall luminosity is lower than those of the previous epochs. The energy released in the early bump and rebrightening phases (∼1050 erg) could be due to collision of the stripped stream from partial tidal disruption events with an expanded accretion disk. We also discussed other potential explanations, such as disk instability and star–disk collisions. Further high-cadence multiwavelength observations of subsequent cycles are encouraged to comprehend the unique periodic source with its new intriguing features.
Anthropogenic Coal Ash as a Contaminant in a Micro-meteoritic Underwater Search
Authors: Gallardo Patricio A. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Chemical composition for spherules recovered from the search area of CNEOS 2014-01-08 in the Pacific Ocean has been recently released. A three-order of magnitude difference from CI-chondrites has been identified for elements beryllium, lanthanum and uranium in five samples. The lack of consensus regarding atmospheric survival and precision of path estimates motivate an examination of possible contaminants. Contents of nickel, beryllium, lanthanum and uranium are examined in the context of a known anthropogenic source of contamination, and found to be consistent with coal ash as suggested from a publicly available coal chemical composition database (COALQUAL). The meteoritic origin is disfavored.
Liaison variable et modèle variationniste labovien : une exception française ?
Authors: Hornsby David 
Published: October 2023

Une analyse de la liaison chez 96 élèves de lycée a démontré que le nombre global de liaisons produites a été nettement supérieur en lecture qu’en conversation et que les filles en ont réalisé plus que les garçons. Si ces deux résultats ne surprennent guère, ils vont néanmoins à l’encontre des attentes de la théorie variationniste. Nous soutiendrons que ces deux tendances ont pour facteur commun le rôle de la liaison comme marqueur de l’écrit à l’oral et soulignent le fait que, pour le français du moins, les dimensions formalité et scripturalité doivent être découplées dans toute analyse stylistique.
Theories, Facts, and Meanings in Political Philosophy
Authors: Robson Gregory , Pincione Guido 
Published: October 2023

The consequences of correctly implementing a normative political theory arguably bear on its acceptability. A theory whose correct implementation permits slavery is highly implausible. We defend a claim about incorrect implementation. We argue that normative political theories that will predictably be put to bad use deserve harsher assessments than theories that will predictably be put to better use. Theories that key political actors will predictably invoke to justify bad policy recommendations are bad theories, even if those recommendations are not logical consequences of the theories (even in conjunction with well-established factual propositions). However, standard discussions of political theories ignore such “misapplications” when it comes to assessing the principles and values proclaimed by those theories. We reject this view because the action guidance that a normative political theory effectively provides is mediated by political actors’ prior beliefs. At the limit, these actors may regard public policies as specifying principles that the theory proclaims, as something different from regarding such policies as causally effective in achieving the ends or enforcing the rights proclaimed by those principles. As a result, political actors see themselves as exempted from the need to undertake careful causal analysis. Morally defensible action guidance requires, then, that those principles be qualified by empirically-grounded policy constraints. Normative political theories qualified in those ways constitute theoretical improvements, that is, improvements on the action guidance that the theories provide on their own.
Disseminated tuberculosis presenting as meningitis and spondylodiscitis in an immunocompetent adult
Authors: Arumugam Jeyapraniya , De Silva Shamila 
Published: October 2023

Rationale:
Disseminated tuberculosis involves the central nervous system in up to a third of cases. However, meningitis and spondylodiscitis due to miliary tuberculosis rarely occur together, particularly in the immuno-competent population.

Patient concerns:
A 37-year-old immunocompetent male presented with altered level of consciousness for one week and lower back pain with evening pyrexia for one month. Examination revealed spastic paraplegia and left hemiparesis.

Diagnosis:
Disseminated tuberculosis presenting with meningitis and spondylodiscitis.

Interventions:
Category I anti-tuberculous therapy with a tapering regimen of intravenous dexamethasone was administered.

Outcomes:
There was clinical improvement after nine months of treatment.

Lessons:
Tuberculosis may present with atypical clinical manifestations. Contrast enhanced computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging combined with histopathological features, a high index of suspicion and clinical improvement with anti-tuberculous treatment can confirm the diagnosis in the absence of microbiological evidence, especially in extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Early detection and correlation of tear fluid inflammatory factors that influence angiogenesis in premature infants with and without retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Vinekar Anand , Nair Archana Padmanabhan , Sinha Shivani , Vaidya Tanuja , Shetty Rohit , Ghosh Arkasubhra , Sethu Swaminathan 
Published: October 2023

Purpose:
To measure the levels of inflammatory factors in tear fluid of pre-term infants with and without retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods:
The cross-sectional pilot study included 29 pre-term infants undergoing routine ROP screening. Pre-term infants were grouped as those without ROP (no ROP; n = 14) and with ROP (ROP; n = 15). Sterile Schirmer’s strips were used to collect the tear fluid from pre-term infants. Inflammatory factors such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, MCP1 (Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1; CCL2), RANTES (Regulated on Activation, Normal T Cell Expressed and Secreted; CCL5), and soluble L-selectin (sL-selectin) were measured by cytometric bead array using a flow cytometer.

Results:
Birth weight (BW) and gestation age (GA) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in pre-term infants with ROP compared with those without ROP. Higher levels of RANTES (P < 0.05) and IL-8 (P = 0.09) were observed in the tear fluid of pre-term infants with ROP compared with those without ROP. Lower levels of tear fluid IL-6 (P = 0.14) and sL-selectin (P = 0.18) were measured in pre-term infants with ROP compared with those without ROP. IL-8 and RANTES were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the tear fluid of pre-term infants with stage 3 ROP compared with those without ROP. Tear fluid RANTES level was observed to be inversely associated with GA and BW of pre-term infants with ROP and not in those without ROP. Furthermore, the area under the curve and odds ratio analysis demonstrated the relevance of RANTES/BW (AUC = 0.798; OR-7.2) and RANTES/MCP1 (AUC = 0.824; OR-6.8) ratios in ROP.

Conclusions:
Distinct changes were observed in the levels of tear inflammatory factors in ROP infants. The status of RANTES in ROP suggests its possible role in pathobiology and warrants further mechanistic studies to harness it in ROP screening and management.
Association between resistivity index of central retinal artery and severity of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Pillai Gopal S , Kutumbaka Akhila , Nazar P K , Chandiri Anvesh , Ravindran Greeshma C 
Published: October 2023

Purpose:
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of ocular morbidity. Its progression depends mainly on retinal vasculature and ocular blood flow. Color Doppler imaging (CDI) is a noninvasive imaging technique that measures blood flow velocity. The resistivity index (RI), calculated by the CDI, reflects the vascular resistance distal to the measuring location. RI is independent of the doppler angle and position of the patient, making it a reliable and reproducible parameter. To the best of our knowledge, there is only one study in literature studying the association between resistivity index (RI) of the central retinal artery (CRA) and severity of DR.

Aim:
To determine the association between RI of CRA and severity of DR. To determine the association between RI of CRA and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) biomarkers for DR.

Methods:
Type II diabetics visiting our OPD underwent DR screening and were graded into three categories according to ETDRS classification which include Group A—No diabetic retinopathy (No DR), Group B—Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (Moderate–Severe–Very Severe NPDR), and Group C—Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). SD-OCT was performed. Ultrasonic color doppler imaging was done. RI of the CRA was noted. It was compared between the three groups and its association with severity of DR and OCT biomarkers (central subfield thickness, cube average thickness and ellipsoid zone disruption) was studied.

Results:
56 eyes of 28 patients were included in our study with 20 in Group A,14 in Group B, and 22 in Group C. RI of CRA compared within groups showed statistically significant association with severity of DR (P < 0.001). The presenting BCVA (LogMar) showed positive correlation with RI in all groups. OCT biomarker central subfield thickness showed a positive correlation with RI in Groups A (P < 0.001) and B. Ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption showed a statistically significant association with RI in Group C (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
The RI of CRA is a reliable biomarker for the assessment of the severity of DR. Patients with high RI of CRA had higher chances of EZ disruption and presented with poor visual acuity.
Long and short of Ahmed glaucoma valve tube
Authors: Mansoori Tarannum , Saleem Shaima 
Published: October 2023

Background:
The Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV, New World Medical Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA) is a glaucoma drainage device commonly used in the treatment of refractory glaucoma either as a primary surgical procedure or after the failure of conventional filtration procedures. During surgery, After the AGV plate is fixed to the sclera, at least 8 mm posterior to the corneoscleral limbus, the length of tube is trimmed to the desired length, based on decision to insert it in the anterior chamber (AC) or ciliary sulcus.

Purpose:
This video describes that the length of AGV silicone tube should be cut based on decision to place it in the AC or ciliary sulcus. The tube should not be cut too long or short as in either case it may cause postoperative complications.

Synopsis:
The video illustrates useful tips for AGV tube insertion into the AC, taking care that it does not cross pupillary margin and is of adequate length. The silicone AGV tube is cut using Westcott scissors to permit a length of 2- to 3-mm tube insertion in the AC, with its bevel facing up, and the tip is cut to an angle of 30°, to facilitate AC entering. In ciliary sulcus placement of the AGV tube, the tunnel is made longer when compared with the AC implantation, and the length of tube should be kept long enough for the tip to be just visible beyond the pupillary border.

Highlights:
This video highlights the importance of customization of the AGV tube length for individual patients based on its placement into AC or ciliary sulcus.

Video link:
https://youtu.be/jqS4SvCkSqs
Single-cell transcriptomics in thyroid eye disease
Authors: Ahsanuddin Sofia , Wu Albert Y. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a poorly understood autoimmune condition affecting the retroorbital tissue. Tissue inflammation, expansion, and fibrosis can potentially lead to debilitating sequelae such as vision loss, painful eye movement, proptosis, and eyelid retraction. Current treatment modalities for TED include systemic glucocorticoids, thioamides, methimazole, teprotumumab, beta-blockers, and radioactive iodine; however, it has been reported that up to 10%–20% of TED patients relapse after treatment withdrawal and 20%–30% are unresponsive to mainstay therapy for reasons that have yet to be more clearly elucidated. In the past 4 years, vision researchers have harnessed high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing to elucidate the diversity of cell types and molecular mechanisms driving the pathogenesis of TED at single-cell resolution. Such studies have provided unprecedented insight regarding novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in TED. This timely review summarizes recent breakthroughs and emerging opportunities for using single-cell and single-nuclei transcriptomic data to characterize this highly complex disease state. We also provide an overview of current challenges and future applications of this technology to potentially improve patient quality of life and facilitate reversal of disease endpoints.
Sphincter preservation techniques during radical prostatectomies: Lessons learned
Authors: Spinos Theodoros , Kyriazis Iason , Tsaturyan Arman , Stolzenburg Jens-Uwe , Liatsikos Evangelos , Al-Aown Abdulrahman , Kallidonis Panagiotis 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Prolonged urinary incontinence represents one of the most severe complications after a radical prostatectomy procedure, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life. In an attempt to ameliorate postprostatectomy continence rates, several sphincter preservation techniques have been reported. The purpose of this article is to report several different sphincter preservation techniques and identify the ones which affect postoperative outcomes the most. For our narrative review, PubMed was searched using the keywords “sphincter,” “continence,” “preservation,” “techniques,” and “prostatectomy.” Other potentially eligible studies were identified using the reference lists of included studies. Sphincter preservation techniques can be summarized into bladder neck preservation, minimizing injury to the external urethral sphincter, and preserving the maximal length of the external sphincter and of the membranous urethra. Three anatomical structures must be recognized and protected in an attempt to maintain the sphincter complex: the bladder neck, the external urethral sphincter and the musculature of the membranous urethra. While there is strong evidence supporting the importance of bladder neck preservation, the role of maximal preservation of the external sphincter and of the intraprostatic part of the membranous urethra in improving continence rates has not yet been reported in a statistically significant manner by high-quality studies.
The difference between cytokeratin 20 expression in high- and low-grade urothelial bladder carcinomas: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Warli Syah Mirsya , Kadar Dhirajaya Dharma , Siregar Ginanda Putra , Husein Ali 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background:
Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Expression of cytokeratin 20 (CK 20) could be used as a biomarker in different epithelia to determine malignancy, especially in gastrointestinal, urinary tract, and Merkel cells. CK 20 could be detected in several urothelial carcinomas and was associated with bladder cancer recurrence. The study aimed to assess the utility of CK 20 expression for bladder cancer grading.

Materials and Methods:
This was a retrospective study assessing CK 20 expression in 73 bladder cancer patients who had transurethral resection of bladder tumor or cystectomy. The data were then collected and analyzed with SPSS Statistics version 20.0.

Results:
Fifty-six (76.7%) cases of high- and 17 (23.3%) cases of low-grade urothelial bladder cancer were examined for CK 20 expression. Positive expression was present in 57 (78.1%) samples. A significant difference (P = 0.034) in CK 20 expression was observed between low-grade and high-grade urothelial carcinomas. Positive expression was seen in 44 (77.2%) high-grade cases and only 13 (22.8%) low-grade cases.

Conclusion:
The difference in the CK 20 expression was found to be statistically significant among different grades of bladder cancer but not to metastatic bladder cancer. Further, studies are required to establish CK 20 as a diagnostic tool. We suggest a combination with several markers to compare which is superior.
The use of artificial intelligence and deep learning reconstruction in urological computed tomography: Dose reduction at ghost level
Authors: Rauf Abdul , Javed Saqib , Chandrasekar Bhargavi , Miah Saiful , Lyttle Margaret , Siraj Mamoon , Mukherjee Rono , McLeavy Christopher M. , Alaaraj Hazem , Hawkins Richard 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective:
The objective of the study is to demonstrate that with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in computed tomography (CT), radiation doses of CT kidney-ureter-bladder (KUB) and CT urogram (CTU) can be reduced to less than that of X-ray KUB and CT KUB, respectively, while maintaining the good image quality.

Materials and Methods:
We reviewed all CT KUBs (n = 121) performed in September 2019 and all CTUs (n = 74) performed in December 2019 at our institution. The dose length product (DLP) of all CT KUBs and each individual phase of CTU were recorded. DLP of each scan done with new scanner (Canon Aquilion One Genesis with AiCE [CAOG]) which uses AI and deep learning reconstruction (DLR) were compared against traditional non-AI scanner (GE OPTIMA 660 [GEO-660]). We also compared DLPs of both scanners against the United Kingdom, National Diagnostic Reference Levels (NDRL) for CT.

Results:
One hundred and twenty-one patient’s CT KUBs and 74 patient’s CTUs were reviewed. For CT KUB group, the mean DLP of 81/121 scans done using AI/DLR scanner (CAOG) was 77.8 mGy cm (1.16 mSv), while the mean DLP of 40/121 CT KUB done with GEO-660 was 317.1 mGy cm (4.75 mSv). For CTU group, the mean DLP for 46/74 scans done using AI/DLR scanner (CAOG) was 401.9 mGy cm (6 mSv), compared to mean DLP of 1352.6 mGy cm (20.2 mSv) from GEO-660.

Conclusion:
We propose that CT scanners using AI/DLR method have the potential of reducing radiation doses of CT KUB and CTU to such an extent that it heralds the extinction of plain film XR KUB for follow-up of urinary tract stones. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study comparing CT KUB and CTU doses from new scanners utilizing AI/DLR technology with traditional scanners using hybrid iterative reconstruction technology. Moreover, we have shown that this technology can markedly reduce the cumulative radiation burden in all urological patients undergoing CT examinations, whether this is CT KUB or CTU.
The Church and the Covid-19 Pandemic: The Intricate Role of Masculinities of the Clergymen
Authors: Fiedler Rachel NyaGondwe , Kaminga Atipatsa , Munyenyembe Rhodian , Kudzula Francis 
Published: October 2023

This article seeks to determine how the masculinities of clergymen influenced the church’s responses to Covid-19. In Malawi, about 70% of confirmed Covid-19 cases were men, and about 83% of those who died were men. Pastors influence the church’s response to the world. There are many responses from the Churches to the need for prevention and care during Covid-19. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research on the church’s responses to Covid-19 in the global south and how the masculinities of clergymen played a role in the church’s reactions during Covid-19. The article, thus, focuses on clergymen’s masculinities of power and authority in influencing the church’s responses to Covid-19. This article builds on grounded theory and qualitative methods. The article is based on data from two evangelical and two mainline churches in the four cities of Malawi. The study found that the masculinities of clergymen had little influence on the responses of evangelical churches during Covid-19. However, the masculinities of clergymen significantly impacted the responses of mainline churches within the confines of Sunday services but not outside it. We found that African realities, such as African beliefs in healing, among others, limited the role of masculinities of clergymen in evangelical churches during and after Sunday services. This article discusses ways of solidifying the roles of clergymen in the church responses.
Soil Amendment With Biochar Blend Produced From Selected Waste
Authors: Ekebafe M O , Ekebafe I O , Ikyaahemba P T 
Published: October 2023

Agricultural performance of biochar blend prepared from waste on the properties of soil supporting the oil palm was investigated. The biochar from the waste produced from coconut coir and chicken dung at 300oC for three hours were characterized in terms of pH, attrition, porosity, bulk density, ash content, conductivity, surface charge, nutrient value, yield% and surface area. Soil samples collected at the Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) main station were prepared and analyzed for physico-chemical properties in the laboratory using standard techniques. The physico-chemical properties of the biochar blend –soil mixture samples in which sprouted oil palm seedlets have been planted were measured as a function of biochar blend and loading and compared with the values obtained in the control without biochar. The biochar blend showed significant (p<0.05) improvement in soil properties and growth of the oil palm seedlets.
Public Perceptions of Water Quality in the Lake Bunyonyi Sub-Catchment, Western Uganda
Authors: Saturday Alex , Lyimo Thomas J. , Pamba Siajali , Kangume Susan , Turyatemba Jeniffer 
Published: October 2023

Lake Bunyonyi ecosystem plays vital roles in water resource conservancy and tourism. Nevertheless, the rapid increase in human population and the unrelenting human activities are threatening the values, functions, and ecological integrity of the lake. In this study, the public perceptions of drinking water quality and its health implications in the Lake Bunyonyi Sub-catchment, Western Uganda are presented. A closed-ended questionnaire was administered to 267 respondents living within one Kilometre away from the lake shores. Besides, observation and interview methods were used to complement data collected by the questionnaire method. Results indicate that the prominent activities around the lake are peasantry and small-scale businesses attributed to soil fertility and rural tourism. Despite the lake being a popular source of drinking water in the sub-catchment, the quality of its water suffers from diffuse pollution and little has been done to avert it. This study recommends regular surveillance and water quality testing to increase people’s awareness of water quality. Besides, the local authorities should train people the alternative environmentally-friendly farming practices like afforestation with correct tree species and agro-forestry practices to increase vegetation cover and reduce soil erosion debris washed into the lake system. Environmental-friendly household water treatment methods (biosand filtration and solar disinfection) should be promoted to improve the quality of drinking water.