bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manajemen Program Kelas Unggulan Untuk Meningkatkan Daya Saing MTsN 1 Dan MTsN 2 Ponorogo
Authors: Zayyini Rusyda Mustarsyidah  , Sugiyar
Published: May 2023

ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh persaingan madrasah yang semakin besar untuk memikat animo masyarakat dengan berbagai inovasi. Salah satu inovasi tersebut adalah penyelenggaraan program kelas unggulan yang menawarkan berbagai pilihan program kepada calon peserta didik sesuai dengan kecerdasan dan bakat yang dimiliki. Penelitian ini termasuk jenis penelitian lapangan dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data melalui wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui penerapan fungsi manajemen pada penyelenggaraan program kelas unggulan di MTsN 1 dan MTsN 2 Ponorogo serta implikasinya terhadap peningkatan daya saing madrasah di tengah persaingan lembaga pendidikan saat ini. Temuan penelitian yang diperoleh adalah bahwa penyelenggaraan program kelas unggulan menerapkan fungsi manajemen POAC (planning, organizing, actuating, dan controlling) atau perencanaan (tujuan, pengelola, kurikulum, tenaga pengajar, dan biaya), pengorganisasian (pembagian tugas dan struktur organisasi program, materi, penempatan siswa, sarana prasarana, dan biaya), pelaksanaan (pembelajaran dan kegiatan outdoor), pengawasan dan evaluasi (pengawasan dan evaluasi secara berkala dengan pelaporan program dan evaluasi pencapaian belajar siswa). Manajemen program kelas unggulan ini berimplikasi pada capaian prestasi kepala madrasah, reputasi madrasah, prestasi siswa di bidang akademik dan non-akademik, serta peningkatan animo masyarakat dari tahun ke tahun.
Manajemen Pembelajaran Daring Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini di Masa Pandemi Covid-19 (Studi Kasus TK Fullday School Hadlonah Darussalam Gontor Ponorogo
Authors: Ulufah Aynun Nurul , Thoyib Muhammad
Published: May 2023

To prevent the spread of the corona virus, educational institutions organize distance learning. Inthe online learning process so far, teachers and students as well as parents experience many problems, so online learning is considered less effective. In such circumstances, an effective learning solution is needed in planning, implementing and evaluating online learning. The purpose of this study is to explain, describe and analyze the planning, implementation and evaluation of online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. The researcher uses a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques using interviews, observation and documentation. To analyze the research data, the Miles and Huberman model that the researcher uses as a reference. The results showed that: 1) Online learning planning for PAUD during the COVID-19 pandemicat Hadlonah Darussalam Kindergarten is a routine activity at the beginning of each semester, where the planning results include RPPS, Syllabus, RPPM, and online RPPH; 2) Implementation of online learning in Hadlonah Kindergarten using the WhatsApp application. The material is delivered through tutorials in WhatsApp Groups such as voicenotes, video recordings, youtube. The strategies used by TK are online and offline; 3) Evaluation of online learning of Hadlonah Darussalam Kindergarten is taken from observing assignments (photos, videos and voice recordings) and seeing the performance of students. The learning evaluation shows that the online learning interaction process is more effective, due to the effective use of the Whatsaap application as a means of communication between teachers and students.
Autonomous ICDs Optimize Production in Singue Field, Ecuador
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: May 2023

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This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 210417, “Autonomous ICD Introduction in Singue Field, Ecuador: Completion Methodology and Production Evaluation,” by Alejandro Chacon, SPE, Georgina Corona, and Juan Pico, Halliburton, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

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Autonomous-inflow-control-device (AICD) technology, design methodology, and production-performance evaluation for AICD completions were applied for the first time in multiple horizontal wells of the Singue oilfield development in Ecuador. The analysis described in the complete paper covered the complete cycle, from reservoir modeling, completion design, post-drilling match, calibration, and production-performance analysis.

Background and Field Information

Singue is a field in a tropical rainforest in the Sucumbios province of Ecuador. The first well in the Singue field was drilled in February 1991. Lower U was the target reservoir in this first well. The well was drilled on the basis of seismic 2D data acquired from 1979 to 1989. Field cumulative oil production between 1991 and 1997 was 447,000 bbl. The field then was shut in until 2012, when Gente Oil Company was assigned as the operator of Block 53.

Despite heavy field-development investment, a cumulative oil production of 8 million bbl was generated until 2018. Alternate completion techniques were considered to increase oil production by drilling horizontal wells. Water breakthrough was the challenge in these wells. The field has strong support from a water aquifer. An additional challenge in this area was the environmental sensitivity of the Amazon region to produced-water disposal.

A horizontal completion with inflow-control technology to restrict water was considered as a mitigation measure. The first horizontal well, AH1, was drilled in 2019; it included swell packers and AICDs to balance the oil and control and restrict water at breakthrough. The second well, BH2, was drilled in 2020; the third and fourth wells were drilled in 2021 with similar completion technology. These wells were drilled in the Lower U reservoir, which has an average oil API gravity of 22.8. This reservoir is considered a consolidated sandstone with no sand production.

Fluidic-Diode AICD Technology

AICDs have a similar performance to traditional ICDs during the initial oil-production phase of the well before the onset of unwanted fluids (water/gas). During oil production, AICDs induce a low-pressure differential that allows balancing the flow across the completion. Therefore, they also provide the benefit of delaying the onset of water or gas. However, this technology offers additional benefits. In contrast to ICDs, AICDs induce a higher restriction for water or gas by creating a greater pressure differential across the devices for these fluids, which reduces the flow rate when compared with traditional ICDs.
Genetic diversity of a flightless dung beetle appears unaffected by wildfire
Authors: Shofner Ryan , Sherwin William , Reid Chris , Runagall-McNaull Aidan , Cassis Gerasimos , Laffan Shawn
Published: May 2023

The wildfires of Australia’s Black Summer in 2019/2020 caused a massive loss of wildlife and habitats, but the effects of the fire on invertebrate species post-burn are unknown. We hypothesised that the fires would negatively affect the genetic diversity of invertebrate species by impeding movement between populations due to habitat loss. We studied the genetic diversity of a flightless dung beetle, Amphistomus primonactus, to determine the impact of the wildfires on this species. We examined 90 SNPs from 193 individuals across seven localities impacted by the wildfires in north-eastern New South Wales. We used STRUCTURE to determine the overall population structure of the seven localities. We calculated four within-locality genetic diversity measures (observed heterozygosity (Ho), unbiased expected heterozygosity (uHe), Shannon’s Information (1H), and the inbreeding coefficient (FIS)). We calculated three between-locality genetic diversity measures (Fixation Index (FST), Hedrick’s G”ST, and Shannon’s Mutual Information (I)). We used partial Mantel tests to compare the between-locality genetic diversity measures with the mean fire intensity along each pairwise linear transect, while accounting for genetic variation due to geographic distance. We compared the within-locality genetic diversity measures to the mean fire intensity at each site. STRUCTURE showed a large degree of intermixing between localities. We found no significant effect of fire on any within-locality genetic diversity measure, or on any between-locality genetic diversity measure. We suggest that the genetic diversity of A. primonactus was not significantly affected by the Black Summer wildfires. Implications for insect conservation: Our results show that the 2019/2020 wildfires had a negligible impact on the genetic structure of A. primonactus. This offers a promising outlook for the species in its recovery from the fires.
Tetrafluorenofulvalene: A Sterically Frustrated Open-Shell Alkene
Authors: Prajapati Bibek , Ambhore Madan , Dang Duy-Khoi , Chmielewski Piotr , Lis Tadeusz , Gómez-García Carlos , Zimmerman Paul , Stepien Marcin
Published: May 2023

A typical π bond is weakened by oxidation and reduction, corresponding respectively to the removal of electrons from bonding orbitals and addition of electrons to antibonding orbitals, and by unpairing of the bonding electrons, e.g. in the triplet state. Here we describe tetrafluorenofulvalene (TFF), a twisted, open-shell alkene for which these general rules no longer hold. In particular, the bond in TFF becomes significantly stronger in the tri- and tetraanion, which can be generated by chemical reduction. While the triplet state of TFF does contain a weaker alkene bond than the singlet, in the quintet state the bond order increases significantly, yielding a flatter structure. The behavior of TFF originates from the doubly bifurcated topology of the underlying spin system and can be rationalized by the balancing effects of benzenoid aromaticity and spin paring.
Livelihood management strategies effectiveness in mitigation the impact of drought and improving pastoral household’s livability in Punjab Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Dilshad , Afzal Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Environmental degradation due to intense climatic dynamics has raised frequency of natural disasters which particularly increased livelihood vulnerability of disaster-prone rural communities mainly inhabited in developing countries. Rangelands dilapidation and drought caused by climate change are some severe external disruptions confronted by pastoralists’ households. Anthropogenic and climatic stressors are anticipated to amplify pastoralists’ households’ vulnerability and pretense extra stress on rangelands. Examine and identify the livelihood outcomes, strategies and its profile more appropriate measure is to application the structure of sustainable livelihood. The particular purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of environmental and economic livelihood management strategies in disaster-prone areas of Punjab, Pakistan. Multiple cluster sampling approach was applied for the data collection of 768 various pastoral groups as agro-craft pastoral, servicing pastoral, agro-pastoral and pastoral households and applied principal component analysis for empirical estimation of the study. Even so, in perspective of pastoralists household’s livelihoods status traditional pastoral group has played crucial role. Estimates of the study indicated as pastoralist’s livelihood assets significantly drives households engagements in several livelihood strategies. Outcomes of the study suggested as application of livelihood diversification in pastoralists households can sustain appropriate circumstances of rangelands and lessen poverty in pastoralist’s community. On the other significant aspect, due to livelihood assets diversity in pastoralist’s households still no sole approach can concurrently make available mutually most favorable ecological sustainability and economic returns.
Demand and supply analysis for maternal and child health services at the primary healthcare level in Nigeria
Authors: Ogu Udochukwu U. , Ebenso Bassey , Mirzoev Tolib , Uguru Nkolika , Etiaba Enyi , Uzochukwu Benjamin , Ezumah Nkoli , Onwujekwe Obinna
Published: May 2023

Background
The low usage (demand) of maternity and child health (MCH) services is a key contributor to the high maternal death rate in most regions of Nigeria. A special health programme called the SURE-P/MCH programme had both supply and demand interventions and was implemented over 5 years in selected states in Nigeria. The paper adds new knowledge on demand and supply-side determinants of MCH services at the primary healthcare level. It provides information on the factors that affect provision and utilisation and then discusses how they may improve access to MCH services.
Methods
This qualitative study was undertaken in Anambra state, southeast Nigeria. Anambra state was purposively chosen because the SURE-P/MCH programme was implemented in the state. The Three-Delay model was used to analyze supply and demand aspects that affect MCH services and improve access to care for pregnant women/mothers and newborns/infants.
Result
The findings show that there were problems with both the demand and supply aspects of the programme and both were interlinked. For service users, their delays were connected to the constraints on the supply side.
Conclusion
There are some issues related to optimal supply and demand for MCH services within the programme that are important for improved programme design and implementation. Addressing the supply constraints would also improve problems with the demand for MCH services.
The role of hydrogen peroxide in tomato axillary shoot growth
Authors: Dewi Juwita , Considine John A. , Considine Michael James
Published: May 2023

The plasticity of shoot branching determines the aerial structure of plants. The establishment of shoot branching depends on the capability of axillary meristem to grow, which is regulated in part by the balance of plant hormones auxin and cytokinin. Emerging evidence indicates that reactive oxygen species also play a regulatory role in axillary shoot branching. This study explored the concentration dependence of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on axillary bud outgrowth of tomatoes under two growth conditions, a glasshouse and a controlled environment room (CER). Here we showed the effect of oxidative treatments was inconsistent between the two growth conditions. H₂O₂ repressed axillary bud outgrowth in glasshouse-grown plants, while in CER-grown plants, H₂O₂ positively regulates axillary bud outgrowth in concentrations up to 5 mM, indicating that growth conditions influence the effect of H₂O₂ treatment. Furthermore, results suggest that the effect of H₂O₂ in modulating axillary bud outgrowth appeared to be concentration-dependent. This study has identified the significance of reactive oxygen species in regulating axillary shoot branching in tomatoes, highlighting the importance of H₂O₂ dosage and the influence of environmental conditions which potentially affect the oxidative treatments.
3D bioprinting of Mg-doped PLA composite as a potential material for bone tissue regeneration- synthesis, characterization and additive manufacturing
Authors: Ali Fawad , Rashid Ans Al , Kalva Sumama , Koc Muammer
Published: May 2023

Magnesium (Mg)/Polylactic acid (PLA) composites are promising materials for bone regeneration and tissue engineering applications. PLA is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer that can be easily processed into various shapes and structures, such as scaffolds, films, and fibers but have low biodegrabilibilty. Mg is a biocompatible metal that has been proven to have good biodegradability and osteoconductivity, which makes it suitable for bone tissue engineering. In this study, we prepared and characterized Mg/PLA composite bio-ink as a potential material for bioprinting. The results showed that the addition of Mg has a significant impact on the PLA’s thermal and structural properties and also has significantly increased the degradation of PLA. XRD was used to determine the degree of crystallinity in the PLA/Mg composite, which provides insight into its thermal stability and degradation behavior. The crystallization temperature of PLA increased and the melting temperature reduced Mg incorporation. The films with 5 wt% Mg particles displayed the best-ordered honeycomb structure in the film form. Such structures are considered to affect the mechanical, biological, and heat/mass transfer properties of the Mg/PLA composites and products. The preliminary 3D bioprinting experiments were successful to result in dimensionally and structurally integral scaffold samples.
Genetic Analysis of Important Traits of Rapeseed Under Normal and Salinity Stress Conditions
Authors: Saberi Ali Akbar , Ravari Seid Zabihalla , Mehrban Ahmad , Ganjali Hamid Reza , Oghan Hassan Amiri
Published: May 2023

This study was conducted to determine the heritability of salinity tolerance in canola over three years. In the first year, 39 rapeseed lines and cultivars were cultivated in two conditions (normal and salinity irrigation conditions) and were grouped based on the amount of salt tolerance. In the second year, five salinity-tolerant cultivars as lines and three salinity-sensitive cultivars as testers, selected from the first-year experiment, were crossed based on the line × tester crossing method. In the third year, plant material obtained from the second year was grown under normal and salinity irrigation conditions. The significant difference of parents vs. crosses indicated significant average heterosis under both normal and stress conditions: under normal conditions for all the traits except grain yield and 1000-kernel weight and under the salinity stress conditions, for all the traits except, the pod length and the number of seeds per Pod. For important traits such as grain yield under normal conditions, L5 and L2 also in stress salinity conditions lines; L5 and T2 had high general combining and were the best general combiner parent. Crosses L5 × T3, L5 × T2, and L4 × T2 in both normal and salinity conditions were the compounds with the highest amounts of heterosis compared to the superior parent in terms of grain yield per plant and could have the potential to be used in breeding programs to boost the yield.
Effect of Uncaria tomentosa aqueous extract on the response to palmitate- induced lipotoxicity in cultured skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Freitas-Marchi Bruna Leticia , Santos Jeniffer Farias dos , Reigado Gustavo Roncoli , Fernandes Myrian Thiago Pruschinski , Alcalde Felipe Santiago Chambergo , Carvalho Carla Roberta Oliveira , Nunes Viviane Abreu
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is frequently associated with dyslipidemia, which corresponds to the increase in the triglycerides and fatty acid concentrations in tissues, such as the skeletal muscle. The use of herbal medicines as Uncaria tomentosa (Ut) has been proposed as an auxiliary treatment for patients with T2DM. In this study, it was evaluated the Ut aqueous extract effect on cell viability of skeletal myoblasts from C2C12 lineage exposed to the free fatty acid palmitate (PA), and on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which consists a central event involved in T2DM pathogenesis.
Methods: Cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM), supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), at 37°C humidified atmosphere and 5% CO2. The cells were incubated with PA in different concentrations, in the presence or absence of 250 μg/ml Ut aqueous extract, for 2, 6 or 24 h. After these periods, oxidative stress was evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy.
Results: Incubation of cells with PA and Ut aqueous extract resulted in an increase of, at least, 50% in cell viability compared to control with only PA. The treatment of cells with Ut aqueous extract, for 6 h, followed by exposure to 500 μM PA, caused 38% less ROS formation than those incubated with only the free fatty acid.
Conclusion: The Ut aqueous extract promoted a rise in cell viability, reduced cell death and attenuated ROS formation in cultures incubated with 500 μM PA, protecting cells from the fatty acid lipotoxicity.
Preparation of Ultrafine Fibrous Membrane with TiO2/Bi2SiO5 Photocatalyst on Eggshell and its Degradation of Organic Dye under Visible Light
Authors: Nien Yu-Hsun , Liu Ming-Sheng , Lin Yan-Liang , Syu Zih-Jie , Chen Ho-Fu , Wu Cheng-Chang , Chen Zhong-Yi , Lai Tai-Hong
Published: May 2023

Due to the wide energy gap as well as short life of TiO2 and its photocatalytic active only under ultraviolet light, its application is greatly limited. TiO2 can form a heterojunction with other semiconductors to enhance its photocatalytic ability under visible light. In this study, a TiO2/Bi2SiO5 photocatalyst with n-n heterojunction is successfully synthesized by sol-gel method and hydrothermal method. Eggshell waste has long been used as fertilizer for planting plants or food additives for livestock, or as an adsorbent in metal ions and organic dyes. Using eggshell as a carrier of photocatalyst reduces its cracking of the substrate. The photocatalyst is deposited on eggshell powder by solid state dispersion (SSD). It is analyzed for the adsorption and degradation of methylene blue by various compositions of the photocatalysts and eggshell powder under visible light. The results show that the ratio of TiO2/Bi2SiO5: eggshell powder at 1:1 has the best removal ability. To facilitate the recovery of the photocatalyst from the aqueous solution, we use electrostatic spraying and electrospinning techniques to prepare nylon 6,6 nanofiber membranes with various composite photocatalyst (TiO2/Bi2SiO5/Eggshell/Nylon 6,6 NFM), the nanofiber membrane degraded 98% of methylene blue after 30 minutes of dark adsorption and 1 hour of visible light irradiation.
Nutritional improvement status of primary and secondary school students in the pilot nutrition improvement areas of Hainan, China from 2014 to 2021
Authors: Liu Di-yue , Zhang Fan , Zhang Yan-ming , Wu Yu-ting , Lu Jing-jing , Dong Chun-bo , Xiao Ying-chen , Xiao Xiao-yu , Zhang Jia-qing , Feng Qi-qin
Published: May 2023

Objective:
In 2013, Hainan Provincial Government launched the pilot project of the “Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students” (NIPRCES) in Qiongzhong County. The study aims to provide a more scientific basis for subsequent program implementation by monitoring the nutritional status of students in the course of the nutrition improvement program.
Design:
It has been monitoring the nutritional health of students in the pilot area annually since 2014. Multi-stage sampling was used to select 6 each for primary and secondary schools. The Cochran Armitage trend test (CATT), χ2 test and Bonferroni correction were used to analyze the data.
Setting:
China
Participants:
18,762 participants aged 6~15 in Hainan Provence Qiongzhong County, China
Results:
In 2014-2021, the average height of both boys and girls has increased. The prevalence of undernutrition showed a significant downward trend (P<0.05) decreasing by 7.11%, and the prevalence of overnutrition showed an upward trend (both P< 0.05) rising by 2.86% and 2.74%, respectively. There was a downward trend in the prevalence of undernutrition among students in all grades (all P< 0.05), and a significant upward trend in obesity among students in grades 1-6 (all P< 0.05). For all students, the prevalence of undernutrition in Li students showed a downward trend (P<0.05), and the prevalence of obesity in Han, Li, and other ethnic minorities showed an upward trend (all P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
After implementing the NIPRCES, the prevalence of malnutrition among students has declined. However, their prevalence is still high, while the overnutrition prevalence is rising.
Resistance mechanisms of cereal plants and rhizosphere soil microbial communities to chromium stress
Authors: Zhao Pengyu , Li Yujing , Bai Xue , Jing Xiuqing , Huo Dongao , Zhao Xiaodong , Ding Yuqin
Published: May 2023

[Purpose]Agricultural soils contaminated with heavy metals poison crops and disturb the normal functioning of rhizosphere microbial communities. Different crops and rhizosphere microbial communities exhibit different heavy metal resistance mechanisms. Here, indoor pot studies were used to assess the mechanisms of grain and soil rhizosphere microbial communities on chromium (Cr) stress.
[Methods]Grain and soil samples were collected prior to (CK), 6 h after (Cr_6h), and 6 days following (Cr_6d) Cr stress. Transcriptomic analysis, high-throughput sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used for sample determination and data analysis.
[Results]Cr stress inhibited the expression of genes related to cell division, and photosynthesis in grain plants while stimulating the expression of genes related to DNA replication and repair, in addition to plant defense systems resist Cr stress. Cr stress also significantly influenced the composition and diversity of soil microbial communities. Bacterial community networks were larger than fungal community networks and were more tightly connected and less modular than fungal networks. However, both co-occurrence networks primarily comprised positively correlated edges that could serve to increase community stability. Only the abundances of AOA- and AOB-amoA genes significantly increased in relation to Cr stress (p < 0.05), while the abundances of other genes exhibited increasing trends with increased Cr exposure.
[Conclusions]Overall, these results suggest that Cr stress primarily prevented cereal seedlings from completing photosynthesis, cell division, and proliferation while simultaneously triggering plant defense mechanisms to resist the toxic effects of Cr. Soil bacterial and fungal populations exhibited diverse response traits, community-assembly mechanisms, and increased expression of functional genes related to carbon and nitrogen cycling, all of which are likely related to microbial survival during Cr stress. This study provides new insights into resistance mechanisms, microbial community structures, and mechanisms of functional responses in cereal plants to heavy metal contaminated agricultural soils.
IK is essentially involved in ciliogenesis as an upstream regulator of oral-facial-digital syndrome ciliopathy gene,ofd1
Authors: Ka Hye In , Cho Mina , Kwon Seung-Hae , Mun Se Hwan , Han Sora , Kim Min Jung , Yang Young
Published: May 2023

Background
The cilia are microtubule-based organelles that protrude from the cell surface. Abnormalities in cilia result in various ciliopathies, including polycystic kidney disease (PKD), Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS), and oral-facial-digital syndrome type I (OFD1), which show genetic defects associated with cilia formation. Although an increasing number of human diseases is attributed to ciliary defects, the functions or regulatory mechanisms of several ciliopathy genes remain unclear. Because cilia are deep in vivo, studying ciliogenesis is challenging. Here, we demonstrate that IK is essential for ciliogenesis in vivo.
Results
In the absence of IK, zebrafish embryos showed various ciliopathy phenotypes, such as body curvature, abnormal otoliths, and cyst formation in the kidney. RNA sequencing analysis showed that IK positively regulated ofd1 expression required for cilium assembly. Downregulation of ofd1 expression upon depletion of IK led to ciliary defects that was rescued by restoration of ofd1 expression. Interestingly, IK affected ciliogenesis particularly in the proximal tubule but not in the distal tubule in the kidney.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates the role of IK in ciliogenesis in vivo for the first time. Loss of IK in zebrafish embryos displays various ciliopathy phenotypes with abnormal ciliary morphology in ciliary tissues. Our findings on the IK–OFD1 axis provide new insights into the biological function of IK in clinical ciliopathy studies in humans.
Postoperative Urinary Retention After Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion Under the Systematic Management Protocol
Authors: Lim Joonsoo , Lim Jangyeob , Khan Asfandyar , Lee Chang-Hyun , Kim Jun-Hoe , Choi Sejin , Kim Tae-Shin , Chung Chun Kee , Yoon Sangwook T. , Kim Kyoung-Tae , Kim Chi Heon
Published: May 2023

Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is a minimally invasive lateral lumbar fusion technique and patients are discharged 1–2 days after surgery. Because OLIF utilizes a retroperitoneal approach close to the superior hypogastric plexus, postoperative urinary retention (POUR) may not be an uncommon problem. The purpose of this study was to present the incidence and outcomes of POUR with a systematic care protocol. The records of 102 consecutive patients (M:F = 34:68; mean age, 68.0 ± 8.4 years) were retrospectively reviewed. After OLIF, the indwelling urinary catheter was immediately removed, and every patient was encouraged to void within 6 hours. The POUR care protocol, following a clinical pathway, was based on residual urine (RU), which was monitored with an ultrasound bladder scan after each voiding or every 6 hours for 48 hours. The incidence rate of POUR was 44% (45/102) at 24 hours, 17% (17/102) at 48 hours, and 2% (2/102) at 1 month. Preoperative urological symptoms (odds ratio [OR], 3.6) and violation of the protocol (OR, 28.0) were risk factors at 24 hours. At 48 hours, violation of the protocol was the only risk factor (OR, 10.5). Identifying risk factors and a preemptive care protocol may reduce permanent POUR.
Assessment of the Accuracy of Biparametric MRI/TRUS Fusion-Guided Biopsy for Index Tumor Evaluation using Postoperative Pathology Specimens
Authors: Shimizu Ryutaro , Morizane Shuichi , Yamamoto Atsushi , Yamane Hiroshi , Nishikawa Ryoma , Kimura Yusuke , Yamaguchi Noriya , Hikita Katsuya , Honda Masashi , Takenaka Atsushi
Published: May 2023

Background
Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is widely used for prostate cancer diagnosis, surveillance, and staging; however, it has some limitations, including higher cost, longer examination time, and the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents. This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of index tumor (IT) assessed preoperatively using biparametric MRI (bpMRI)/transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) fusion prostate biopsy with radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens.
Methods
We included 69 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer through bpMRI/TRUS fusion-guided biopsy of lesions with Prostate Imaging Reporting & Data System (PI-RADS) category ≥ 3 and underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) at our institution between July 2017 and December 2021. The localization of preoperative and postoperative IT, highest Gleason score (GS), and tumor diameter were examined in these patients.
Results
The preoperative cT stage matched the postoperative pT stage in 34 cases (48%), while 20 cases (30%) were upstaged, and 15 cases (22%) were downstaged (Weighted Kappa = 0.236). The preoperative and postoperative IT localization were consistent in 59 cases (85.5%). The concordance rate between Gleason groups in targeted biopsy and RP specimens was 48%, with an upgrade in 17 cases (24%) and a downgrade in 29 cases (28%) (Weighted Kappa = 0.424). The IT maximum diameter and maximum cancer core length on biopsy were correlated with RP tumor maximum diameter (p = 0.007, p = 0.008).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the diagnostic accuracy of bpMRI/TRUS fusion biopsy is comparable to that of previous reports using mpMRI. The findings suggest that bpMRI/TRUS fusion biopsy can be a cost-effective and time-saving alternative.
Solving Lime Stabilization Issues Using Woven Geotextile in Soaked Conditions
Authors: Akerele Daniel D.
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the engineering and geotechnical properties of poor subgrade soils and explores the use of lime and geotextile to improve soil properties. The aim is to enhance soil strength and mechanical properties in extreme conditions and address challenges associated with lime stabilization. Poor subgrade soil with low plasticity and strength can pose challenges to road construction and maintenance, particularly during the rainy season. In this study, experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of woven geotextiles on soaked lime-stabilized lateritic soils. Geotechnical tests, including particle size analysis, Atterberg, compaction, and California bearing ratio (CBR) tests were conducted. Geotextile was placed at varying depths under soaked conditions to evaluate the soil's bearing capacity. The findings indicate that the strength of lateritic soil was considerably improved by introducing geotextiles at different layers in the soil. It was observed that geotextiles placed at 3/5 the distance from the base showed a higher CBR value compared to the control results. The use of geotextiles has several advantages, including low maintenance, corrosion resistance, and increased service life of road pavement. In conclusion, geotextiles should be considered as a modernized approach to enhancing road construction on poor lateritic soils, particularly in wet situations where there are issues with lime stabilization.
Genetic Nature and Role of Environment in Sex Expression and Phenological Characters of Pistillate Lines in Castor (Ricinus communis L.)
Authors: MANJUNATHA T , Ramya KT , Lavanya C , Sarada C , Senthilvel S , Patel CJ , Patel AM , Patel Mukesh Kumar , Madariya R
Published: May 2023

Sex Expression of pistillate lines and their agronomic traits were studied by evaluating six pistillate lines (DPC-22, IPC-30, IPC-31, DPC-9, SKP-84 and M-574) in different environments in India (Hyderabad, Bengaluru, SK Nagar and Junagadh). Stable pistillate expressions even at later order spikes were observed at all locations without any sex reversions to monoeciousness. Interspersed staminate flowers (ISFs) are produced on pistillate spikes for facilitating pollination and maintenance of pistillate lines. Lesser or preferably no ISFs production in pistillate lines is advantageous to maintain genetic purity of castor hybrid seed. Evaluation of genetically diverse pistillate lines in different environments indicated that the expression of interspersed staminate flowers (ISFs) is governed by different temperature dependent genes. It was found that nitrogen and other environmental factors, except temperature, have no role in ISF or sex expression of pistillate lines. We are also the first to report that genes for expression of ISFs and sex reversion are different and not related, though both of their expression depend on temperature. There was no sex reversion in any order of racemes in all the evaluated pistillate lines even at temperatures > 380C and only number of ISFs varied in the pistillate lines in different locations. This study has also established that genetically stable pistillate lines with least or no ISFs and without any sex reversion even at higher temperatures > 320C can be developed by evaluating and selecting diverse pistillate lines in different environments. GGE biplot analysis indicated that the four environments could discriminate the genotypes for the expression of ISFs. SK Nagar, Junagadh and Hyderabad locations were the best testing centres for discriminating the genotypes for stable pistillateness and ISF expression and thereby development of best and stable pistillate lines can be done in these locations. Whereas Bengaluru could be the ideal location for genetically pure castor hybrid seed production as there was no/least expression of ISFs in all the pistillate lines in the location. Pistillate line, IPC-30 had stable pistillate expression with lowest ISFs (0.37 ISFs) than SKP-84 (0.94 ISFs), followed by DPC-22 (4.92 ISFs) and IPC-31 (5.03 ISFs). DPC-22, IPC-30 and IPC-31 had no ISFs in primary spike and S1 spikes in both Hyderabad and Bengaluru locations. IPC-30 had zero to one ISF up to S4 order of spikes in SK Nagar and Junagadh and was the stable pistillate line across the four test environments. Phonological evaluation indicated that DPC-22 and IPC-31 were relatively early flowering with lower node number to primary spike.
Effect of hydrogen on the passivation for ultra-thin 316L SS foil
Authors: Yang Zhile , Larsson Alfred , Tang Huajie , Appelfeller Stephan , Sefer Birhan , Preobrajenski Alexei , Li Jun , Zhang Lei , Pan Jinshan , Yue Xiaoqi
Published: May 2023

The reformation and characterization of the passive film formed on ultra-thin 316L after hydrogen charging was investigated by combining EBSD, TMDS, XRD, Synchrotron-based XPS, and electrochemical experiments. The results show that ultra-thin foil reforms a passive film after 12 hours of hydrogen release in NaCl solution. The reformed passive film was half the thickness of the as-received passive film and was dominated by Cr oxides/hydroxides. The lattice extension caused by residual hydrogen accelerated Cr migration to form Cr2O3; while the diffusible hydrogen occupied the cation vacancies and resulted in high defect density for the reformed passive film within 12 hours.
Hematopoietic dysregulation caused by neutrophils underlies impaired T-cell response and enhanced susceptibility to tuberculosis.
Authors: Saqib Mohd , McDonough Elizabeth , Das Shreya , Cheng Zhong-shan , Sankar Poornima , Li Fuxiang , Yang Qianting , wang wenfei , Xu Yuzhong , Chen Xinchun , Sun Wei , Ojha Anil , Ginty Fiona , Cai Yi , Mishra Bibhuti
Published: May 2023

Control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection requires the generation of T cells that migrate to granulomas, specialized immune structures surrounding sites of bacterial replication. Here we report that persistent influx of neutrophils impedes T-cell recruitment to the lung and limits bacterial control in tuberculosis (TB) granulomas. We found that type I interferons (IFN-1) induced by Mtb infection dampens T-cell production in the bone marrow by driving a granulocyte-biased hematopoietic program. Neutrophil-intrinsic IFN-1 signaling, and bacterial type VII secretion system are critical for this process. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that IFN-1 facilitates neutrophil influx to the lung, where these cells produce granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in response to Mtb and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Augmented and sustained release of G-CSF support granulopoiesis and impair lymphopoiesis, causing sub-optimal T-cell responses in the lung and spleen. Therapeutically, inhibiting IFN-1 signaling or neutralizing G-CSF limits neutrophil-driven immunopathology and bacterial replication by restoring optimal T-cell responses. Thus, we identify a mechanism by which neutrophils limit T-cell immunity during TB by disrupting the hematopoietic equillibrium and propose “IFN-1→NETosis→GCSF” immune axis as targets for host-directed therapy and immunization
Cytotoxicity, biocompatibility and calcium deposition capacity of 45S5 bioglass experimental paste and Bio-C Temp: in vitro and in vivo study using Wistar rats
Authors: Benetti Francine , de Oliveira Pedro Henrique Chaves , de Andrade Maria Paula Bernal , Cantiga-Silva Cristiane , Diniz Ivana Márcia Alvez , Reis-Prado Alexandre Henrique dos , Souza Marina Trevelin , Zanotto Edgar Dutra , Cintra Luciano Tavares Angelo
Published: May 2023

Objectives To evaluate cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, calcium deposition, and collagen maturation of 45S5 bioglass experimental paste and Bio-C Temp compared to calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) paste.
Materials and methods 45S5 bioglass and Ca(OH)2 powder were mixed with distilled water (ratio 2:1) and Bio-C Temp is ready-for-use. Dental pulp cells were exposed to material extracts (½ and ¼ dilutions; 24, 48, 72h) for MTT and live/dead analysis. Polyethylene tubes filled with 45S5 bioglass, Bio-C Temp, and Ca(OH)2 pastes, or empty for control, were implanted on the dorsum of 16 rats. After 7 and 30 days (n=8/period), the rats were euthanised and the specimens processed for haematoxylin-eosin staining, von Kossa (vK) technique, and picrosirius red (PSR), or without staining for polarized light birefringence analysis (PL). Statistical analysis was applied (p<0.05).
Results In vitro, there was no difference in cell viability among the Ca(OH)2, 45S5 bioglass and control, in all periods and extracts dilutions (p>0.05). Bio-C Temp was more cytotoxic than control in all periods and dilutions (p<0.05). In addition, it was more cytotoxic than 45S5 bioglass in 24 hours in 1:2 and 1:4 dilutions, and in 48 hours in the 1:2 dilution (p<0.05). In vivo, there was no difference between groups for any of the periods (p>0.05). However, there was a reduction in inflammation from 7 to 30 days for all groups. The fibrous capsule was thick for all groups at 7 days, and thin at 30 days. All materials showed positive structures for vK and birefringent in PL, which did not occur with the control. At 7 days, there were more immature fibers in control and 45S5 bioglass compared to other materials (p<0.05); at 30 days, 45S5 bioglass had more immature than mature fibers, being different from the other groups (p<0.05).
Conclusions Bio-C Temp presented cytotoxicity superior to the experimental 45S5 bioglass and Ca(OH)2 pastes. On the other hand, the three pastes showed biocompatibility and ability to induce calcium deposition. In addition, the experimental bioglass paste allowed a marked and continuous proliferation of collagen fibers.
Clinical relevance Bioglass-based intracanal medications are potential substitutes for traditional intracanal medications
Preferred learning style of Gross Anatomy in undergraduate medical students of Pakistan: Insights from the Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire
Authors: Salman Amber , Umar Zaima , Riaz Momna , Ali Uzma , Hanif Faiza , Zulfiqar Saba
Published: May 2023

Purpose There are many different learning and processing styles adopted by the students and it is necessary for their instructors to know which style is preferred by them so that effective teaching methodology can be implemented. However, there is considerable lack of data on learning style preferences of undergraduate medical students studying gross anatomy.
Methods The current study was designed to bridge this gap using Index of Learning Styles (ILS) questionnaire to the undergraduate medical students.
Results The results revealed that predominant learning style preferred by the students (n=505) were active (54.9%), sensing (85.1%), visual (81.2%) and sequential (74.4%). The understanding of student’s preferred learning style can help to tailor the course design, but it should not be considered in isolation. Instead, it can be improved by incorporating other effective tools concurrently such as flipped classroom.
Conclusion According to this study, the undergraduate medical students preferred active (hands on activities), sensing (grounded in concrete information), visual (employ visual representation like models, prosected specimens, figures and images and sequential (taught in small incremental steps).
Microfluidic investigation of the impacts of flow fluctuations on the development of Pseudomonas putida biofilms
Authors: Wei Guanju , Yang Judy
Published: May 2023

Biofilms play critical roles in wastewater treatment, bioremediation, and medical-device-related infections. Understanding the dynamics of biofilm formation and growth is essential for controlling and exploiting their properties. However, the majority of current studies have focused on the impact of steady flows on biofilm growth, while flow fluctuations are commonly encountered in natural and engineered systems such as water pipes and blood vessels. Here, we investigated the effects of flow fluctuations on Pseudomonas putida biofilm growth through systematic microfluidic experiments and developed a theoretical model to account for such effects. Our experimental results revealed that biofilm growth under fluctuating flow conditions followed three phases: lag phase, exponential phase, and fluctuation phase. In contrast, we observed the four phases of biofilm growth under steady-flow conditions, i.e., lag, exponential, stationary, and decline phases. Furthermore, we demonstrated that low-frequency flow fluctuations promoted biofilm growth, while high-frequency fluctuations inhibited its development. We attributed the contradictory impacts of flow fluctuations on biofilm growth to the adjust time needed for biofilm to grow. Based on the experimental measurements, we developed a theoretical model to predict the growth of biofilm thickness under fluctuating flow conditions. Our study provides insights into the mechanisms underlying biofilm development under fluctuating flows and can inform the design of strategies to control biofilm formation in diverse natural and engineered systems.
Reconsidering Repurposing: Long-term metformin treatment impairs cognition in Alzheimer’s model mice
Authors: Cho So Yeon , Kim Eun Woo , Park Soo Jin , Phillips Benjamin , Kim Hyunjeong , Heath Christopher , Kim Daehwan , Jang Yurim , López-Cruz Laura , Saksida Lisa , Bussey Timothy , Lee Do Yup , Kim Eosu
Published: May 2023

Metformin, a first-line anti-diabetic medication, may provide benefits against the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or “type 3 diabetes”. However, studies have demonstrated that metformin treatment may increase the risk of AD and aggravate its pathology. At present, no comprehensive investigation of the cognitive impact of chronic metformin treatment has been conducted. To address this issue, we chronically treated transgenic 3xTg-AD and non-transgenic (NT) C57BL/6 mice with metformin (300 mg/kg/day) over 1 and 2 years, respectively. During this period, we assessed behaviours in a number of domains including motivation, attention, memory, visual discrimination, and cognitive flexibility using touchscreen operant chambers. We found that metformin enhanced attention, inhibitory control, and associative learning in younger NT mice (≤16 months). In contrast, the chronic treatment caused impairments in memory retention and discrimination learning at an older age. In AD mice, metformin treatment also caused an impairment in learning and memory as assessed by the object-location paired-associates learning task. Consistent with these results, increased levels of β-amyloid oligomers, plaques, phosphorylated tau, and GSK3β expression were observed in the hippocampus of metformin-treated AD mice. Interestingly, chronic metformin treatment induced an increase in AMPKα1-subunit expression, which has been previously reported in the human AD brain. Potential confounding factors were ruled out since the levels of motivation, locomotion, appetite, body weight, blood glucose, and serum vitamin B12 were not altered by metformin. Our study indicates that the repurposing of metformin should be carefully reconsidered when this drug is used for persons with AD.
Sediment recycling at the slab-mantle interface andfore-arc metasomatism: experimental production ofK-rich metasomes
Authors: Gülmez Fatma , Prelević Dejan , Förster Michael W. , Buhre Stephan , Günther Jennifer
Published: May 2023

Sediment contribution to the mantle is the key step for the generation of orogenic magmatism to produce its isotopic and geochemical inventory. Even though they are exceptional for the subduction settings, there are worldwide samples of arc-related ultrapotassic mafic magmas which require complex multi-stage processes along with sediment melting. To understand the metasomatism leading the mantle to produce ultrapotassic mafic melts we simulated the reactions of depleted (harzburgite)and fertile (lherzolite) mantle with subducted carbonate-rich sediment at relatively cold (800-850 oC) and shallow (2 GPa, 60-80 km) slab-mantle interfaces. The progressive devolatilization of the sediments can trigger the formation of immiscible and conjugate carbonatitic and silicic melts which flux the mantle to develop exotic minerals and dolomitic melts. The metasomatic growth product is a wehrlite composed of clinopyroxene, phlogopite, carbonate minerals, and amphibole