bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between the Quality of Library Image at DPKD of South Tangerang City Library
Authors: Bakhtiar Dharuri , Bakhtiar Dharendi
Published: December 2023

Abstract

 Background/Problem Statement: This study aims to determine the relationship between the quality of library services and the image of the South Tangerang City DPKD Library in an effort to improve the services available in the library. Objectives: This study aims to determine the relationship of librarian performance in service, the relationship of information quality and information access, the relationship of library facilities and the quality of library services with the image of the library at the South Tangerang City DPKD Library. Method: This study used a quantitative approach with Pearson product moment correlation analysis. Result: The first hypothesis test conducted in this study shows that the affect of service dimension is significantly related to the library image, the resulting correlation coefficient of 0.542 is in the medium category. Furthermore, the results of the second hypothesis test show a significant relationship between the information control dimension and the library image, the correlation coefficient of 0.684 is in the medium category. The third hypothesis test results show a significant relationship between the library as place dimension and the library image, the correlation coefficient of 0.685 is in the medium high category. Conclusion: From some of the shortcomings of the description above, the author concludes that the quality of DPKD Library services is running quite effectively.

 

 Keywords: Library service quality; Library image; Public Library

 Abstrak

Latar Belakang/Permasalahan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan kualitas layanan perpustakaan dengan citra Perpustakaan DPKD Kota Tangerang Selatan dalam upaya peningkatan layanan yang tersedia di perpustakaan. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan kinerja pustakawan dalam pelayanan, hubungan kualitas informasi dan akses informasi, hubungan sarana perpustakaan dan kualitas layanan perpustakaan dengan citra perpustakaan di Perpustakaan DPKD Kota Tangerang Selatan. Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan analisis korelasi Pearson product moment. Hasil: Uji hipotesis yang pertama dilakukan dalam penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa dimensi affect of service berhubungan signifikan dengan  citra perpustakaan, koefisien korelasi yang di hasilkan sebesar 0,542 berada dalam kategori sedang. Selanjutnya, hasil uji hipotesis kedua menunjukkan hubungan yang signifikan antara dimensi information control dengan citra perpustakaan, koefisien korelasi sebesar 0,684 berada dalam kategori sedang. Hasil uji hipotesis ketiga menunjukkan hubungan yang signifikan antara dimensi library as place dengan citra perpustakaan, koefisien korelasi sebesar 0,685 berada dalam kategori tinggi sedang. Kesimpulan: Dari beberapa kekurangan uraian diatas, penulis menyimpulkan bahwa kualitas layanan Perpustakaan DPKD berjalan cukup efektif.

Kata kunci: Kualitas layanan perpustakaan; Citra perpustakaan; Perpustakaan umum
USING INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING (ELT)
Authors: Fitria Tira Nur
Published: December 2023

This research explains the opportunities and challenges of using Information and Technology Communication (ICT) in the English Language Teaching (ELT) process. This research is library research. The analysis shows that educators (teachers/lecturers) have opportunities and challenges in adopting ICT in their classrooms. The development of ICT requires educators to adapt to the technology. The opportunities for using ICT in ELT are improving the quality of education, encouraging the development of new teaching methods, getting get unlimited ease of information easier, providing instant access to various learning resources, changing learning styles, making ELT activities more flexible, allowing teachers to use/create interesting learning media in teaching, having the potential to reduce the price of textbooks and education costs, increasing student learning interest and motivating students to learn. While, several challenges of using ICT in ELT are the emergence of various disturbances, growing lazy mindset, requiring expensive costs, limitations of social interaction between teacher and students, difficulty in understanding learning materials in digital form, having a dependence on technology, distracting students on ICT tools, and disconnect students from face-to-face relationships. Besides, other challenges are the teacher's self-confidence is lacking use of ICT, lack of teacher competence, teacher attitudes and inherent resistance against change, the teacher's level, and the institutional or school level, limitations in the field of access, limited time available to prepare ICT, limitations in self-potential development through training of using ICT. The infrastructure problem and limitations in technical support in terms of using ICT also influenced the challenges in ICT implementation.
ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS' DIFFICULTY IN UNDERSTANDING ENGLISH PROVEBS
Authors: Prayudha S. Joko
Published: December 2023

Proverb is one of the oldest literary works in the world. Proverb contains messages, values, morals, and advice that can give meaning to life. Many students have difficulty understanding the meaning of a proverb, so the teacher needs to provide appropriate teaching regarding the meaning conveyed in a proverb. This study aims to analyze students' difficulties in understanding the meaning of English proverbs when studying English literature. The method used in this research is qualitative through a descriptive approach. Participants in this study consisted of 35 students who studied English proverbs in English literature class. Data were obtained through documentation, observation, and interviews regarding the difficulty in understanding the meaning of English proverbs. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion. The results of the study show that students are still confused about explaining the implied meaning of a proverb. This is because knowledge about the pragmatic meaning and sociolinguistic meaning of figurative sentences is still low, so the teacher needs to explain in detail the implied meaning of a proverb. Then, so that students can better get the message conveyed, the teacher asks students to provide examples of these proverbs in everyday life so that the value or advice from a proverb can be used as knowledge in living life.
CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF RHETORICAL DEVICES IN JOE BIDEN INAUGURATION SPEECH 2021
Authors: Umam Ittihadul , Laili Elisa Nurul
Published: December 2023

Abstract: In this study, researchers used a descriptive qualitative method to analyze data on rhetorical devices and how this was applied in the inauguration speech for the 2021 United States president. This study used theory from Jones and Peccei (2004) and the CDA approach by Van Dijk at the microstructural level. This study aims to find out how the speaker conveys the implied meaning by using rhetorical devices and also to find out how this is constructed in this speech. After data collection, the data is identified and analyzed using rhetorical devices based on the theory of Jones and Peccei 2004 coupled with critical discourse analysis which is limited to the microstructural elements of Van Dijk's theory. The researcher found that the speaker used all kinds of rhetorical devices, except for euphemisms. Those rhetorical devices are metaphor, parallelism, the rule of three, and pronouns. There are 16 devices found in the data. Based on the findings, the most dominant is parallelism, this shows that speakers like to use similar structures in explaining and conveying the contents of speech without changing the context. In addition, it can be concluded that the use of rhetorical devices and critical discourse analysis approaches in delivering speeches can contribute to making speeches more interesting and memorable.
SIMILARITY AND DIFFERENCE VOCABULARY BETWEEN INDONESIA LANGUAGE AND PATTANI MALAY USED BY THAI STUDENTS STUDYING IN INDONESIA
Authors: Sama-ae Seetee A-E-Soh , Agustina Ria Kamilah
Published: December 2023

This study aims to find out the difference and the similarity vocabulary between Indonesia Language and Pattani Malay used by Thai students studying in Indonesia. This research method is descriptive qualitative. The source of research data is speech in the form of sentences or words spoken by Thai Students studying in Indonesia. This research data collection technique is a technique of listening to conversations, recordings, recordings, and interviews, most recently analyzing them. Data analysis techniques using contrastive analysis methods. The results of this study are three, first, the breadth of Indonesia Language is wider than Pattani Malay. Second, some words in Indonesian and Pattani Malay have the same meaning as the same voice and speech as vocabulary in both languages. Third, some Indonesian words and Pattani Malay language that have very different meanings although in terms of the same designation.
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE SEMANTIC ANALYSIS IN ADHITIA SOFYAN'S ALBUM "Forget YOUR PLAN"
Authors: Mawarti Miya , Laili Elisa Nurul
Published: December 2023

Figurative language is part of the semantic. As we know that with semantic we can know the true meaning in a song. Figurative language is language which employs various figures as speech. This analyzes the figurative languages are used in Adhitia Sofyan's album â€œForget Your Plansâ€. It is expected that the result of this study will be useful for the student of linguistics since this study is done based on the theory of Figurative Language. The benefit of figurative language and category used in this thesis is that the readers will comprehend that such theory can be used to give clearer and better understanding about the meanings of figurative language. Kind of figurative language was found in Adhitia Sofyan song selected songs lyric are paradox, metaphor, hyperbole, personification, rhetoric, allegory, repetition, and antithesis. Figurative language in the song could make the readers understand that the lyric of the song can describe massages that must be known by learning them deeply in terms of categories. This study attempts to provide a description about figurative language in human daily life. The type of data that is used in this study is a qualitative data. The data analyzed in this study are some written texts. The text discuss is song taken from Adhitia Sofyan's album â€œForget Your Plansâ€. By these classifications, we can recognize well which one includes each figurative speech. The result of this study will be able to give contribution to the readers who are interested in learning
Application of laccase produced by marine
actinomycetes in accelerating the rate of biodegradation of polyethylene
Authors: Bhelose Dhanashree , Malik Nagesh
Published: December 2023

Although plastic is very useful in modern life, its widespread use could impair human sustainability. Improper plastic waste management generates greenhouse gases and harmful waste. Plastics and its associated by-products, such as microplastics, accumulate on land and in the oceans causing harm to human and ecological health. An environmentally friendly solution, such as enzymes-mediated biocatalytic depolymerization, is required for efficient management of the large amount of waste generated around the world. Actinomycetes are less explored for commercial biodegradation processes but have attracted attention since they constitute a significant proportion of the soil and aquatic flora and because of their ability to degrade complex materials. This study involves identification of laccase-producing marine actinomycetes and examining the possibility of accelerating the rate of biodegradation of polyethylene by treating with laccase enzyme. The polyethylene test material treated with laccase enzyme for 30 days shows 9.36 percent rate of biodegradation, which was six times higher than the rate of biodegradation of an untreated one. The change in the chemical structure of the polyethylene was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. After treatment with laccase enzyme, the carbonyl index of the polyethylene test material increased to 1.25 indicating that the polymer was oxidized, and post biodegradation study showed that the carbonyl index decreased to 0.66 which confirms the concept that oxidized polymer was utilized by the microorganisms. The laccase-producing isolate A-09 showed 99 percent identity as Streptomyces rubiginosus based on molecular fingerprinting.
Vermistabilization of water
hyacinth and secondary sewage sludge
Authors: Talaviya Kavita , Desai Jigna
Published: December 2023

Water hyacinth, the invasive aquatic macrophyte, can be used as a bulking agent in vermicomposting of secondary sewage sludge. Vermicompost was obtained from different ratios of water hyacinth (WH) and secondary sewage sludge (SS). First set was prepared with 25 % WH + 75 % SS (Set 1), and the second set with 50 % WH + 50 % SS (Set 2). Vermicomposting of these two sets was done using the earthworm species Eisenia fetida. A seed germination test was performed to compare the efficiency of compost with normal (garden) soil. Four different seeds were taken for the experiment: Moong bean (Vigna radiata), Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), and Mustard seeds (Brassica nigra). After 7 days of growth, the seed vigour index was calculated for each seedling. Seeds grown in vermicompost obtained from sets 1 and 2 showed a higher seed vigour index compared to garden soil. It can be concluded that vermicompost obtained from these two substances is suitable for planting.
Mapping Extremist Discourse Communities on Telegram: The Case of the Russian Imperial Movement and Its Affiliates
Authors: Morrell Sara
Published: December 2023

Measuring extremist behavior and discourse online presents a significant methodological challenge largely due to the volume of content. This paper assesses the extent to which discourse communities created by extremists identified through qualitative analysis in prior research are present in a novel Telegram dataset and can be identified through Latent Dirichlet Allocation topic modeling and network analysis. It then compares the results of Louvian and Girvan-Newman network community detection methods and the topics assigned to each community to see if the underlying structure of association between topics is robust to the use of different community detection methods. The results indicate that it may be possible to map discourse communities through topic modeling and network analysis. However, the comparison of the algorithms is inconclusive. This work contributes to our understanding of how computational social science methods can be used to measure and analyze extremist use of the Internet at scale.
Keynote presentation - Taking affective robots into the real world: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Spitale Micol
Published: December 2023

This presentation will address the current challenges identified in literature for the deployment of affective robots in real-world scenarios. By sharing insights from various case studies, ranging from the use of robots in the treatment of language disorders in children to utilising robotic coaches for promoting mental well-being, this talk will shed light on the obstacles faced in bringing affective robots out of the lab and into practical applications. Additionally, potential solutions and future directions for advancing the field will also be discussed.
OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY
Authors: Tzenios Nikolaos
Published: December 2023

This presentation by Professor Nikolaos Tzenios offers a detailed examination of the overweight and obesity crisis, particularly in the context of the Healthy People 2030 objectives. The presentation begins with an outline of the objectives set by Healthy People 2030, emphasizing the reduction of juvenile and adult obesity through healthy eating and regular exercise. A thorough overview of obesity and overweight is provided, including definitions, causes such as genetics, overeating, lack of physical activity, and medical conditions, and associated health risks like type II diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, stroke, and cancer. Significant emphasis is placed on the alarming statistics of obesity and overweight, highlighting the prevalence in both children and adults in the United States and globally. The presentation explores various evidence-based resources and websites, including peer-reviewed articles, government agencies like the CDC and WHO, and research institutions, offering a rich repository of information on obesity. A key focus is the "Active Communities for Healthy Lifestyles" program under Healthy People 2030, which aims to support obesity prevention and management through increased physical activity, healthy eating, community engagement, and policy and environmental adjustments. The conclusion reiterates the high rates of teenage and adult overweight and obesity in the U.S., the significant healthcare costs involved, and the factors leading to obesity. The presentation underscores the objectives of Healthy People 2030 in promoting a healthier lifestyle to combat these issues, highlighting the importance of accessible, evidence-based information on obesity and overweight from credible sources like CDC, WHO, NIH, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library.
Keynote presentation - Language and thought: residual thought in global aphasia
Authors: Varley Rosemary
Published: December 2023

In a series of studies, we have explored claims of language mediation in various forms of thinking by recruiting people with severe (global) aphasia and dense impairment of language processing across modalities. These investigations reveal residual capacities in, for example, theory of mind reasoning and calculation, in some people with global aphasia. Given evidence of residual cognitive capacity and retention of high-order abilities even in people with very severe language impairment, this spurs the development of better therapies for neurodisability. In a final segment of the talk, I will discuss how new technologies will drive innovation and enhancement in neurotherapeutics.
Pengaruh Inject Pressure Dan Clamping Force Terhadap Cacat Flashing Pada Proses Injection Molding Cover Pot
Authors: Siti Qomariah  , Agus Dani
Published: December 2023

Pesatnya industri kosmetik saat ini menyebabkan semakin bertambahnya permintaan kemasan untuk kosmetik. Cover pot merupakan salah satu kemasan kosmetik yang diproduksi menggunakan material plastik polystyrene dengan metode injection molding. Dalam proses produksi cover pot terdapat ketidaksesuaian antara produk yang dihasilkan dengan spesifikasi yang diinginkan customer dikarenakan terdapat cacat produk. Cacat flashing terdapat pada produksi cover pot. Penggunaan parameter injection molding yang kurang sesuai seringkali menghasilkan cacat produk, salah satunya adalah flashing, yaitu terdapat material berlebih yang ikut membeku di pinggir-pinggir produk. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui parameter yang optimal sehingga meminimalisasi terjadinya cacat flashing. Penelitian menggunakan 2 (dua) variabel bebas yaitu inject pressure dengan variasi 45 bar, 55 bar, dan 65 bar dan clamping force dengan variasi 125 ton, 135 ton, dan 145 ton serta variabel terikat berupa cacat flashing. Rancangan penelitian menggunakan metode eksperimen faktorial dengan replikasi sebanyak 3 (tiga) kali. Pengolahan dan analisis data menggunakan metode desain faktorial. Pengolahan data menggunakan software statistik. Hasil dari penelitian ini didapatkan parameter yang optimal untuk produk cover pot proses injection molding pada kombinasi inject pressure 45 bar dan clamping force 145 ton dengan nilai cacat flashing 0 mm atau tidak terdapat cacat sehingga mampu meningkatkan kualitas dan kuantitas produksi kemasan kosmetik cover pot.
Simulasi CFD pada Solar Still Double Slope dengan Kolektor Pasir Besi
Authors: Suwandono Purbo , Ismail Nova , Hermawan Dadang , Anggraeni Frida
Published: December 2023

Solar distillation can be a sustainable alternative energy option to get fresh water from salt water. Distillation with solar energy is one of the cheap devices used for the solar desalination process in most parts of Indonesia. Numerical simulation is an analytical tool that has the ability to handle many types of complex systems. Computational fluid dynamics analysis (CFD) can play an important role in optimizing water production, energy consumption, and thermal-based desalination unit costs. Solar still modeling uses multiphase type flow with the number of phases is 3 namely air, water and water vapor. The temperature collector experimentally and the temperature collector simulatively have reached a value close to that.
Attenuated inflammatory response in infant mice with Staphylococcus epidermidis CNS catheter infection
Authors: Skar Gwenn L. , Eaton Kathryn , Beaver Matt , White Brian , Harris Morgan , Snowden Jessica N.
Published: December 2023

Children under one year of age are consistently found to be at the highest risk for shunt infection as a complication of hydrocephalus treatment, and repeated infections in the same patient are common. The mechanisms responsible for the increase in infant infection are not known. Our laboratory adapted our existing mouse model of Staphylococcus epidermidis central nervous system (CNS) catheter infection to characterize infection in infant mice as a foundation of on-going studies to determine the mechanisms of increased morbidity in infant shunt infections. The well-established model of S. epidermidis biofilm infection in the CNS was adapted to generate infection in 14-day old C57BL/6 mice. The catheter preparation was identical to the adult model, in which silicone catheters are pre-coated with a clinically derived biofilm-forming strain of S. epidermidis strain 1457) to introduce S. epidermidis into the brain. The catheters are stereotactically implanted into the lateral left ventricle. Bacterial titers as well as cytokine and chemokine levels were measured at days 1, 3, and 5 in mice implanted with sterile and S. epidermidis-coated catheters. Cultures demonstrated both catheter-associated and parenchymal infection through day 5 post-implantation. In contrast to prior adult models of CNS catheter infection, however, the catheter-associated bacterial burdens were less than or equal to parenchymal bacterial burdens. There was no significant difference between the chemokine and cytokine levels in the brain tissues of pups with sterile versus S. epidermidis infected catheters for any of the analytes tested. The infant model of S. epidermidis CNS catheter infection is characterized by both a greater degree of parenchymal spread of bacteria and the absence of the elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines previously observed in adult mice with this infection. The attenuated inflammatory response may contribute to the increased infection risk observed in this population.
Review of the recent advances on the fabrication, modification and application of electrospun TiO2 and ZnO nanofibers for the treatment of organic pollutants in wastewater
Authors: Mapukata Sivuyisiwe , Shingange Katekani , Mokhena Teboho
Published: December 2023

The heightened occurrence of emerging organic pollutants (EOPs) in aquatic bodies has been the subject of global apprehension due to the toxicity they pose to the environment, humans and animals alike. The presence of EOPs has soared due to industrialization and is further exacerbated by human activities like the overuse and poor disposal of dyes, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, surfactants, personal care products and food additives. The complete treatment and removal of EOPs from industrial wastewater and sewage has remained a challenge because of their pseudo-persistence and resistance to degradation. Due to their impressive light absorption properties, high surface-area-to-volume ratio, high porosity, superior mechanical strength, electrospun titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofibers have been proposed for the photocatalytic treatment of EOPs. Therefore, this review first highlights the fabrication and modification methods of TiO2 and ZnO nanofibers. A systematic survey of the latest progress in the application of TiO2 and ZnO nanofibers for the degradation of EOPs is then elaborated. Thus, the main goal is to shed light and give insight to researchers on the possibilities surrounding the elimination of EOPs by applying electrospun TiO2 and ZnO semiconductor materials. In addition, the loopholes associated with fabrication and modification processes are discussed with the aim of encouraging innovation for prospective technology advancement and commercialization, as well as to enhance research efforts in wastewater treatment and environmental sustainability.
First case report of Candida guilliermondii native left-sided valve endocarditis
Authors: Zheng Zilong , Tu Xiaokang , Jiang Chuanhao , Liu Feng , Fan Chengming
Published: December 2023

Endocarditis, a life-threatening inflammation of the endocardium, is incited by bacteria, fungi, or other pathogenic microorganisms. Fungal endocarditis closely mirrors bacterial endocarditis in clinical signs and symptoms, leading to potential misdiagnoses. Here, we unveil the inaugural confirmed instance of native left-sided valve endocarditis attributed to Candida guilliermondii. Diagnosis was substantiated through valvular biopsies, blood and vegetative cultures. Treatment encompassed surgical excision of vegetations along with a six-week regimen of fluconazole administration (12 mg/kg/day), followed by 4 years of meticulous monitoring, resulting in sustained patient recovery.
The predictive value of coronary microvascular dysfunction for left ventricular reverse remodelling in dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kan Ao , Leng Yinping , Li Shuhao , Lin Fang , Fang Qimin , Tao Xinwei , Hu Mengyao , Gong Lianggeng
Published: December 2023

Aims

To evaluate the degree of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) first-pass perfusion parameters and to examine the correlation between myocardial perfusion and left ventricle reverse remodelling (LVRR).

Methods

In this study, 94 DCM patients and 35 healthy controls matched for age and sex were included. Myocardial perfusion parameters, including upslope, time to maximum signal intensity (Timemax), maximum signal intensity (SImax), baseline signal intensity (SIbaseline), and the difference between maximum and baseline signal intensity (SImax−baseline) were measured. Additionally, left ventricular (LV) structure, function parameters, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were also recorded. The parameters were compared between healthy controls and DCM patients. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the predictors of LVRR.

Results

With a median follow-up period of 12 months [interquartile range (IQR), 8–13], 41 DCM patients (44%) achieved LVRR. Compared with healthy controls, DCM patients presented CMD with reduced upslope, SIbaseline, and increased Timemax (all p < 0.01). Timemax, SImax, and SImax−baseline were further decreased in LVRR than non-LVRR group (Timemax: 60.35 [IQR, 51.46–74.71] vs. 72.41 [IQR, 59.68–97.70], p = 0.017; SImax: 723.52 [IQR, 209.76–909.27] vs. 810.92 [IQR, 581.30–996.89], p = 0.049; SImax−baseline: 462.99 [IQR, 152.25–580.43] vs. 551.13 [IQR, 402.57–675.36], p = 0.038). In the analysis of multivariate logistic regression, Timemax [odds ratio (OR) 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95–1.00; p = 0.032)], heart rate (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.08; p = 0.029), LV remodelling index (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.06–3.00; p = 0.038) and LGE extent (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.73–0.96; p = 0.021) were independent predictors of LVRR.

Conclusions

CMD could be found in DCM patients and was more impaired in patients with non-LVRR than LVRR patients. Timemax at baseline was an independent predictor of LVRR in DCM.
SwiftNINJA steerable microcatheter: a new kid on the block for selective catheterization of vascular and valvular congenital lesions
Authors: Haddad Raymond N. , Adel Hassan Ahmed , Al Soufi Mahmoud , Kasem Mohamed
Published: December 2023

Background

SwiftNINJA (Merit Medical Systems, USA) is a novel steerable microcatheter intended for coronary and peripheral vascular interventions. We evaluate and report the first use of SwiftNINJA in pediatric catheterization of congenital heart defects (CHDs).

Methods

We performed a retrospective clinical data review of children with CHDs in whom SwiftNINJA was used during cardiac catheterization between April 2022 and June 2023. Utility, application, and standard safety were described comprehensively.

Results

We identified 19 patients (78.9% males) with a median age of 5.3 months (IQR, 2–13.9), and a median weight of 5.3 kg (IQR, 4–7.7). 36.8% of the catheterizations were transarterial and 78.9% were interventional. SwiftNINJA was applied upfront in 3/19 patients to cannulate precisely the right pulmonary artery and eliminate the risk of dislocating a freshly implanted left pulmonary flow restrictor. In 16/19 patients, SwiftNINJA was applied after a median of 5 (IQR, 5–7) failed catheterization attempts using various combinations of catheters, microcatheters, and wires to cannulate challenging vasculature in seven, engage the lumen of stented vessels in five, cross complex aortic valve stenosis in three, and cross an apical ventricular septal defect in one patient with Damus-Kaye-Stansel repair. After the SwiftNINJA application, catheterization was done from the first attempt in 12/16 patients and from the second attempt in 4/16 patients. The median applied tip angulation was 90 degrees (IQR, 85–95). All procedures were completed successfully. No device malfunction or adverse events occurred.

Conclusions

SwiftNINJA is a valuable addition for selective catheterization of challenging vasculatures or valvular anatomies in children with CHDs.
Prevalence of groundnut dry root rot (Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid.) and its pathogenic variability in Southern India
Authors: Pamala Prince Jayasimha , Jayalakshmi R. Sarada , Vemana K. , Naidu G. Mohan , Varshney Rajeev K. , Sudini Hari Kishan
Published: December 2023

Macrophomina phaseolina is the most devastating and emerging threat to groundnut production in India. An increase in average temperature and inconsistent rainfalls resulting from changing climatic conditions are strongly believed to aggravate the disease and cause severe yield losses. The present study aims to conduct a holistic survey to assess the prevalence and incidence of dry root rot of groundnut in major groundnut growing regions of Southern India, viz., Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Furthermore, the pathogenic variability was determined using different assays such as morphological, cultural, pathogenic, and molecular assays. Results indicate that disease incidence in surveyed locations ranged from 8.06 to 20.61%. Both temperature and rainfall played a major role in increasing the disease incidence. The pathogenic variability of M. phaseolina isolates differed significantly, based on the percent disease incidence induced on cultivars of JL-24 groundnut and K-6 groundnut. Morphological variations in terms of growth pattern, culture color, sclerotia number, and sclerotia size were observed. The molecular characterization of M. phaseolina isolates done by ITS rDNA region using ITS1 and ITS4 primers yielded approximately 600 bp PCR amplicons, sequenced and deposited in GenBank (NCBI). Molecular variability analysis using SSR primers indicated the genetic variation among the isolates collected from different states. The present investigation revealed significant variations in pathogenic variability among isolates of M. phaseolina and these may be considered important in disease management and the development of resistant cultivars against groundnut dry root rot disease.
Case Report: Long-term metabolic response of metastatic uveal melanoma to pembrolizumab on FDG-PET/CT despite a serial pseudoprogressions phenomenon
Authors: Amrane Karim , Le Meur Coline , Thuillier Philippe , Dzuko Kamga Jacques , Alemany Pierre , Chauvelot Frederic , Niel Clémence , Bellange Alex , Abgral Ronan
Published: December 2023

Uveal melanoma (UV) is a rare and aggressive melanoma with poor 1-year survival. up to 50% of UV patients develop metastases, mainly to the liver. Here, the authors present a 2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) study of a very rare case of secondarily metastatic UV in an 81-year-old Caucasian with a dramatic response to pembrolizumab associated with serial pseudogression. 18F-FDG-PET associated with clinical status and peripheral blood derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) were performed to guide therapeutic strategy due to an atypical pseudoprogression phenomenon.
Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy complicated with low flow perimedullary arteriovenous fistula: a case report
Authors: Xu Ting , Chen Jingyun , Xuan Tingting , Cheng Jiang , Li Haining
Published: December 2023

Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy and low-flow perimedullary arteriovenous fistulas (PMAVFs) may cause longitudinal widespread myelopathy. We report a middle-aged male patient with autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy complicated with low flow PMAVFs disease, presenting with lower extremity weakness and dysuria. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spinal cord revealed a significant longitudinal extent of T2 high signal from T11 to L1, with the lesion located proximal to the vascular territory supplied by the anterior spinal artery. Multiple patchy abnormal signals were seen adjacent to the anterior and posterior horns of the lateral ventricles bilaterally and at the centers of the semi-ovals on MRI of the cranial brain, with iso signal in T1Flair, the high signal in T2WI, and no high signal seen in Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI). Subsequently, the presence of anti-GFAP antibodies was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and the diagnosis of autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy in conjunction with low-flow PMAVFs was confirmed through spinal digital subtraction angiography (DSA). This case report aims to increase neurologists’ awareness of this disease and avoid missed or misdiagnosed cases that may lead to delayed treatment.
Suction circuit flushing with chlorhexidine decreases ventilator-associated pneumonia: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Eid Mohamed H. , Ţânţu Monica – Marilena , Latour Jos M. , Sultan Mohammed Ahmed , Kandeel Nahed Attia
Published: December 2023

Background

Endotracheal suctioning of mechanically ventilated patients differs across the world. In many low and middle-income countries, endotracheal suctioning is often performed with a sterile suctioning catheter that is used for 12 h or during the length of one nursing shift. The effect of flushing multiple used endotracheal suction system with chlorhexidine after suctioning to reduce ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) remains unclear.

Aim

The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of flushing multiple-used open endotracheal suction catheters and suctioning system with chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% to reduce VAP in mechanically ventilated patients in a resource-limited Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Methods

Due to the difficulty of blinding the intervention for nurses who perform endo-tracheal suction procedures, we adopted a quasi-experimental method with a randomized controlled trial design. A sample of 136 ICU patients were allocated to the intervention (n = 68) or control group (n = 68) between May and November 2020. The intervention was flushing the multiple-used suction catheter and suction system with 40ml chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% and in the control group we used normal saline to flush the catheter and suction system. The primary outcome was incidence of VAP and the cost of the flushing solutions was the secondary outcome measure.

Results

Patients in the intervention group had a lower incidence of VAP compared to patients in the control group; 15 (22.1%) vs 29 (42.6%), p = 0.01. The incidence of late-onset VAP was 26.2% in the intervention group and 49% in the control group (p = 0.026) and the early-onset VAP was 13.2% in the intervention group and 25% in the control group (p = 0.081). Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% reduced the cost of suction system flushing (median: 78.4 vs 300 EGP, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Using chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% to flush multiple-used suctioning catheters after every endo-tracheal suction procedure might reduce the incidence of VAP in mechanically ventilated patients. Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% can be a cost-effective solution for flushing the suction circuit. Nurses working in resource-limited ICUs and using suctioning catheters multiple times might consider using chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% instead of normal saline or distilled water when flushing the suction system.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05206721.
Tacrolimus monitoring in hair samples of kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Born Alexander , Bocchi Federica , Kuhn Christian , Amstutz Ursula , Baumgartner Markus R. , Sidler Daniel
Published: December 2023

Background

Calcineurin inhibitors, including tacrolimus, remain a cornerstone of immunosuppressive therapy after kidney transplantation. However, the therapeutic window is narrow, and nephrotoxic side effects occur with overdose, while the risk of alloimmunization and graft rejection increases with underdose. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) allows quantification of tacrolimus in biological samples from patients. This study investigates the feasibility of quantifying tacrolimus in scalp hair from kidney transplant (KT) recipients and correlates hair tacrolimus concentrations with tacrolimus dosage and blood trough levels. The aim was to provide proof-of-principle for hair tacrolimus drug monitoring in KT recipients.

Method

Single-center prospective study between September 9, 2021 and December 4, 2021, including KT recipients under tacrolimus. Minors, patients with active skin or hair diseases, and patients with scalp hair shorter than 4 cm were excluded from participation. Scalp hair was collected from the posterior vertex of patients, cut into segments, and analyzed for tacrolimus by LC-MS/MS. Patients filled out a questionnaire on hair treatments and washing habits. In parallel, tacrolimus trough levels were measured in whole blood and correlated with hair tacrolimus concentrations.

Results

In total, 39 consenting KT recipients were included, and hair samples were collected at 53 visits. Tacrolimus was detected in 98% of hair samples from patients exposed to the drug. Tacrolimus hair levels and whole blood trough levels were correlated with a beta coefficient of 0.42 (95% CI: −0.22–1.1, p = n.s.). Age and dark hair affected hair tacrolimus measurements, while different tacrolimus formulations (immediate release vs. extended release), hair washes, and permanent coloring did not. Longitudinal measurements in a subgroup of patients indicate that long-term measurement of hair tacrolimus levels is feasible.

Conclusion

Measuring tacrolimus in hair is a potentially reliable method to monitor drug exposure in KT patients. Rapid wash-in effects and consistent concentrations over time indicate that tacrolimus is incorporated into the hair matrix, allowing temporal resolution in the analysis of recent exposure and exposure history. This method provides a simple and low-risk alternative to regular blood sampling, sparing patients from frequent hospital visits through the self-collection of hair samples.
Hydrated lime promoted the polysaccharide content and affected the transcriptomes of Lentinula edodes during brown film formation
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Hongcheng , Zhang Ying , Xiang Quanju , Chen Qiang , Yu Xiumei , Zhang Lingzi , Peng Weihong , Penttinen Petri , Gu Yunfu
Published: December 2023

Brown film formation, a unique developmental stage in the life cycle of Lentinula edodes, is essential for the subsequent development of fruiting bodies in L. edodes cultivation. The pH of mushroom growth substrates are usually adjusted with hydrated lime, yet the effects of hydrated lime on cultivating L. edodes and the molecular mechanisms associated with the effects have not been studied systemically. We cultivated L. edodes on substrates supplemented with 0% (CK), 1% (T1), 3% (T2), and 5% (T3) hydrated lime (Ca (OH)2), and applied transcriptomics and qRT-PCR to study gene expression on the brown film formation stage. Hydrated lime increased polysaccharide contents in L. edodes, especially in T2, where the 5.3% polysaccharide content was approximately 1.5 times higher than in the CK. The addition of hydrated lime in the substrate promoted laccase, lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase activities, implying that hydrated lime improved the ability of L. edodes to decompose lignin and provide nutrition for its growth and development. Among the annotated 9,913 genes, compared to the control, 47 genes were up-regulated and 52 genes down-regulated in T1; 73 genes were up-regulated and 44 were down-regulated in T2; and 125 genes were up-regulated and 65 genes were down-regulated in T3. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in the amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism related pathways. The carbohydrate-active enzyme genes up-regulated in the hydrated lime treatments were mostly glycosyl hydrolase genes. The results will facilitate future optimization of L. edodes cultivation techniques and possibly shortening the production cycle.
Phenotypic shifts induced by environmental pre-stressors modify antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Wee Gui Nam , Lyou Eun Sun , Nishu Susmita Das , Lee Tae Kwon
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Escalating prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus has necessitated urgent exploration into the fundamental mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance emergence, particularly in relation to its interaction with environmental stressors. This study aimed to investigate the effects of environmental stressors prior to antibiotic exposure on the antibiotic resistance of S. aureus.

Methods

We used Raman spectroscopy and flow cytometry to measure prior stress-induced phenotypic alterations of S. aureus, and identified the association between phenotypic shifts and the antibiotic resistance.

Results

The results revealed a multifaceted relationship between stressors and the development of antibiotic resistance. The stressors effectuate distinct phenotypic diversifications and subsequently amplify these phenotypic alterations following antibiotic treatments, contingent upon the specific mode of action; these phenotypic shifts in turn promote the development of antibiotic resistance in S. aureus. This study’s findings demonstrated that the presence of pre-stress conditions triggered an augmentation of resistance to vancomycin (VAN), while concurrently attenuating resistance to norfloxacin. Marked shifts in Raman peaks associated with lipids and nucleic acids demonstrated correlations with elevated survival rates following VAN treatment.

Conclusion

Consequently, these observations indicate that pre-stress conditions “prime” bacterial cells for differential responses to antibiotics and bear significant implications for formulating clinical therapeutic strategies.
Safe physical interaction with cobots: a multi-modal fusion approach for health monitoring
Authors: Guo Bo , Liu Huaming , Niu Lei
Published: December 2023

Health monitoring is a critical aspect of personalized healthcare, enabling early detection, and intervention for various medical conditions. The emergence of cloud-based robot-assisted systems has opened new possibilities for efficient and remote health monitoring. In this paper, we present a Transformer-based Multi-modal Fusion approach for health monitoring, focusing on the effects of cognitive workload, assessment of cognitive workload in human-machine collaboration, and acceptability in human-machine interactions. Additionally, we investigate biomechanical strain measurement and evaluation, utilizing wearable devices to assess biomechanical risks in working environments. Furthermore, we study muscle fatigue assessment during collaborative tasks and propose methods for improving safe physical interaction with cobots. Our approach integrates multi-modal data, including visual, audio, and sensor- based inputs, enabling a holistic assessment of an individual's health status. The core of our method lies in leveraging the powerful Transformer model, known for its ability to capture complex relationships in sequential data. Through effective fusion and representation learning, our approach extracts meaningful features for accurate health monitoring. Experimental results on diverse datasets demonstrate the superiority of our Transformer-based multi- modal fusion approach, outperforming existing methods in capturing intricate patterns and predicting health conditions. The significance of our research lies in revolutionizing remote health monitoring, providing more accurate, and personalized healthcare services.
The effect of doorway characteristics on freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Cockx Helena M. , Lemmen Eefke M. , van Wezel Richard J. A. , Cameron Ian G. M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Freezing of gait is a debilitating symptom in Parkinson’s disease, during which a sudden motor block prevents someone from moving forward. Remarkably, doorways can provoke freezing. Most research has focused on the influence of doorway width, and little is known about other doorway characteristics influencing doorway freezing.

Objective

Firstly, to provide guidelines on how to design doorways for people with freezing. Secondly, to compare people with doorway freezing to people without doorway freezing, and to explore the underlying mechanisms of doorway freezing.

Methods

We designed a web-based, structured survey consisting of two parts. Part I (n = 171 responders), open to people with Parkinson’s disease with freezing in general, aimed to compare people with doorway freezing to people without doorway freezing. We explored underlying processes related to doorway freezing with the Gait-Specific Attention Profile (G-SAP), inquiring about conscious movement processes occurring during doorway passing. Part II (n = 60), open for people experiencing weekly doorway freezing episodes, inquired about the influence of specific doorway characteristics on freezing.

Results

People with doorway freezing (69% of Part I) had higher freezing severity, longer disease duration, and scored higher on all sub scores of the G-SAP (indicating heightened motor, attentional, and emotional thoughts when passing through doorways) than people without doorway freezing. The main categories provoking doorway freezing were: dimensions of the door and surroundings, clutter around the door, lighting conditions, and automatic doors.

Conclusion

We provide recommendations on how to maximally avoid freezing in a practical setting. Furthermore, we suggest that doorways trigger freezing based on visuomotor, attentional, and emotional processes.