bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MANAJEMEN HUMAS DALAM MENINGKATKAN MUTU MADRASAH STUDI KASUS DI MADRASAH IBTIDIYAH TERPADU (MIT) AS-SALAM AMBON
Authors: Dhuhani Elfridawati Mai
Published: April 2024

Madrasah Ibtidaiyah atau sekolah dasar sebagai satuan pendidikan yang
memberikan dasar-dasar untuk mengikuti pendidikan pada jenjang berikutnya maka
perlu disadari urgent-nya sekolah dasar yang bermutu.Salah satu upaya menuju MI atau
SD bermutu dengan implementasi manajemen yang berbasis sekolah, salah satu
diantaranya manajemen humas.Humas merupakan pengembangan dan pemeliharaan
kerjasama yang efisien untuk menyampaikan saluran informasi dua arah, antara pihak
sekolah dan masyarakat di luar sekolah.
Penelitian ini mengungkapkan tentang manajemen humas dalam meningkatkan
mutu madrasah yang diadakan oleh MIT As-Salam Ambon. Secara khusus penelitian ini
bertujuan untuk menjawab permasalahan: (1) Manajemen humas dalam meningkatkan
mutu madrasah di MIT As-Salam Ambon, (2) Faktor pendukung dan penghambat yang
dihadapi dalam manajemen humas di MIT As-Salam Ambon. Penelitian ini
menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus dan tiga
teknik pengumpulan data, yaitu wawancara yang mendalam, observasi partisipatif dan
studi dokumentasi.Untuk analisis data dilakukan dengan tiga tahap, yaitu reduksi data,
penyajian data dan penarikan kesimpulan (verifikasi).Adapun dari langkah-langkah
penelitian tersebut, hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa (1) Manajemen humas dalam
meningkatkan mutu madrasah di MIT As-Salam masih secara umum terintegral dengan
pengelolaan manajemen berbasis madrasah, karena tidak ada bagian khusus dalam hal
ini wakil kepala madrasah (wakamad) yang menangani kehumasan di MIT As-Salam
Ambon. Kehumasan sendiri dilakukan secara “TIM yang solid” di bawah koordinasi
Kepala Madrasah dengan staf dewan madrasah baik dari perencanaan,
penggorganisasian, penggerakan dan pengawasan. (2) Faktor pendukung manajemen
humas di MIT As-Salam Ambon antara lain: a) Sumber daya manusia (sdm) guru yang
memiliki motivasi dan kinerja yang tinggi dan rata-rata berusia muda, b) MIT As-Salam
berada langsung di bawah Yayasan As-Salam Maluku yang bagus, c) Prestasi madrasah
yang tinggi, d) Tingginya animo masyarakat dalam memasukkan anaknya ke MIT AsSalam

Ambon, e) stakeholder yang mendukung kegiatan madrasah seperti kerjasama
dengan penerbit buku pelajaran Erlangga, LKS Sansekerta Jakarta, Bank Syariah
Mualamat, Bank Syariah Mandiri, rumah Dannis Surabaya dalam pengadaan seragam
sekolah serta Ummi Foundation Surabaya dalam Qiraati Al Qur’an, f) lokasi madrasah
yang strategis. Adapun faktor penghambat dalam manajemen humas adalah belum
adanya sub bagian atau kepala urusan (kaur) yang secara khusus menangani humas
sehingga pelayanan program humas belum berjalan optimal serta tingkat partisipasi
orang tua dalam program kehumasan belum sepenuhnya maksimal.
Kata Kunci: Manajemen Humas, Mutu Madrasah
Prospect of Biodiesel from Sludge Palm Oil in Malaysia
Authors: Ahmed Abu Saleh , Rahman Md Rezaur , Hamdan Sinin , Bin Bakri Muhammad Khusairy , Mohamad Said Khairul Anwar
Published: April 2024

High feedstock costs make biodiesel production impractical and economically unfeasible, particularly as most feedstocks are unknown for performance. Waste oil, such as sludge palm oil (SPO), may be used to produce biodiesel. This study examined the efficiency and prospect of Sludge Palm Oil Biodiesel (SPOB) production from SPO through transesterification. One-step and two-step transesterification methods were performed for SPOB conversion. However, only a two-step method was effective in converting SPO into SPOB. SPO's high free fatty acid (FFA) content necessitated a two-step process to reduce FFAs to less than 4% before SPOB conversion. Step 1 yielded 78% SPOB at 2 hours, 0.03:1 acid catalyst–to–oil, and 8:1 alcohol–to–oil. The optimal SPOB yield for step 2 at 4 hours, 0.01:1 alkaline catalyst–to–oil, and 9:1 alcohol–to–oil was 78%. SPOB components were analyzed using FTIR with SPOB having a 1435.04 cm-1 methyl peak. The diesel engine performance test mixed SPOB with mineral diesel at different concentrations with 30% SPOB blends in mineral diesel offers the lowest fuel consumption (0.1089 ml/s), maximum braking horsepower (24.9266 rpm), and best mechanical efficiency. Density, flash point, and heating value were also tested to identify SPOB's physical characteristics and discussed in detail.
Effect of Varied Cure Temperature on the Cure Behavior, Mechanical Properties and Heat Build-Up of Solid Tire Tread Compound Containing Different Particles Sizes of Ground Tire Rubber
Authors: Umunakwe Reginald , Madueke Chioma Ifeyinwa , Umunakwe Ifeoma Janefrances , Adebayo Abdullahi Olawale , Oyetunji Akinlabi , Borisade Sunday Gbenga , Adigun Oluwole Daniel , Malomo Dosu
Published: April 2024

This work investigates the effect of variation in vulcanization temperature on the cure behavior, tensile properties, tear strength, hardness, Akron abrasion loss and heat build-up of vulcanized tire tread compound in which the total rubber was replaced with 10% and 20% ground tire rubber (GTR) of 40, 60 and 80 mesh sizes. The first step was the characterization of the GTR using optical microscopy and a thermogravimetric analyzer. The first step of mixing each rubber compound was carried out using an internal mixer (Brabender) at 60°C and 40 rev/min rotor speed and the second step was done on a two-roll mill. The mooney viscosity of each rubber compound was investigated. the cure behavior of the rubber compounds was studied at 140°C, 150°C, and 160°C respectively. Results show that the introduction of GTR reduced vulcanization time, while increased cure temperature resulted in a lower vulcanization time. No significant difference was observed in the vulcanization time at a particular temperature of the rubber sample with different particle sizes and varied amounts of GTR. The introduction of ground tire rubber in the rubber vulcanizate however resulted in decreased tensile strength, tear strength and elongation, and increased hardness, abrasion resistance, modulus and heat build-up. An increase in the vulcanization temperature from 140°C to 150°C and 160°C  did not impart a significant reduction in the tensile strength of the vulcanizates containing GTR. Vulcanization at higher temperatures resulted in reduced hardness, and modulus, slightly increased abrasion loss and increased elongation of the vulcanizates containing GTR. The heat build-up increased as the cure temperature increased. Generally, the control sample with no content of ground tire rubber exhibited the best properties. If GTR is to be introduced in rubber matrix at an amount up to 20%, the results suggest that 60 mesh size particles will impart better properties. The optimal vulcanization temperature recommended based on the findings from the work is 150°C.
Assessment of Ambient Water Quality Deterioration in Proximity to Municipal Solid Waste Dumpsites in Urban Areas of Chattogram, Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Md Didarul Alam , Uddin Mohammad Helal , Barua Sagar , Barua Suman , Aquib Tahmidul Islam
Published: April 2024

This study aims to assess the impact of waste dumping on groundwater quality within the Chattogram City Corporation area. Monitoring eight groundwater sampling points over four years, various physical and chemical parameters were analyzed, utilizing the APHA method. Parameters assessed include pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), Turbidity, Total Hardness, Ca-Hardness, Alkalinity, TSS, Chloride, Phosphate, Sulphate, Nitrite, Nitrate, Fluoride, Iron, Arsenic, Zinc, Copper, and Chromium. The findings were compared to the Department of Environment's (DoE) recommended values, as well as the Bangladesh standard and World Health Organization (WHO) values. During sample collection, deep tube wells near the dumping site points were prioritized. According to the investigation CNB, Ananda Bazar Halishahar and Arefin Nagar, deep pump water carries too many irons in their groundwater. Iron levels exceed both WHO and Bangladesh standards across all samples. Specifically, Arefin Nagar and Ananda Bazar Halishahar area sampling points S6, S7, and S8 surpass standards in TDS, Total Hardness, Turbidity, TSS, Chloride, and Iron. Water Quality Index (WQI) calculations suggest unsuitability for drinking purposes in all sampled water, with S5 and S8 demonstrating particularly high values, indicating their unsuitability for human consumption. Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) calculations reveal a decrease at CNB sampling points S1 and S2, where waste dumping ceased in 2017. However, HPI values at other points show an increasing trend, indicating the leaching of heavy metals from solid waste into groundwater. S5 and S8 exhibit notably high HPI values (Average 464.99 and 319.59), suggesting an accumulation of heavy metals in the groundwater. Carcinogenic Risk Analysis of Arsenic highlights the failure of most sampled water to meet Carcinogenic Risk (CR) standards, signalling a potential cancer risk with prolonged use of this water.
Research on the facile regeneration of degraded cathode materials from spent LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yang Chen , Hao Yujia , Wang Jiayi , Zhang Mingdao , Song Li , Qu Jiaan
Published: April 2024

Rational reusing the waste materials in spent batteries play a key role in the sustainable development for the future lithium-ion batteries. In this work, we propose an effective and facile solid-state-calcination strategy for the recycling and regeneration of the cathode materials in spent LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523) ternary lithium-ion batteries. By systemic physicochemical characterizations, the stoichiometry, phase purity and elemental composition of the regenerated material were deeply investigated. The electrochemical tests confirm that the material characteristics and performances got recovered after the regeneration process. The optimal material was proved to exhibit the excellent capacity with a discharge capacity of 147.9 mAh g−1 at 1 C and an outstanding capacity retention of 86% after 500 cycles at 1 C, which were comparable to those of commercial NCM materials.
Effect of post-vitrification cryopreservation duration on singleton birth-weight in frozen-thawed blastocysts transfer cycles
Authors: Wang Xue , Xiao Yaling , Sun Zhengyi , Xiong Wei
Published: April 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to explore the effect of cryopreservation duration after blastocyst vitrification on the singleton birth-weight of newborns to assess the safety of long-term preservation of frozen–thawed blastocyst transfer (FBT) cycles.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study conducted at the Gynecological Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction Center of the Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Patients who gave birth to singletons between January 2006 and December 2021 after undergoing FBT cycles were included. Five groups were formed according to the duration of cryopreservation of embryos at FBT: Group I included 274 patients with a storage time < 3 months. Group II included 607 patients with a storage time of 3–6 months. Group III included 322 patients with a storage time of 6–12 months. Group IV included 190 patients with a storage time of 12–24 months. Group V included 118 patients with a storage time of > 24 months. Neonatal outcomes were compared among the groups. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate birth-weights and other birth-related outcomes.

Results

A total of 1,511 patients were included in the analysis. The longest cryopreservation period was 12 years. The birth-weights of neonates in the five groups were 3344.1 ± 529.3, 3326.1 ± 565.7, 3260.3 ± 584.1, 3349.9 ± 582.7, and 3296.7 ± 491.9 g, respectively (P > 0.05). The incidences of preterm birth, very preterm birth, low birth-weight, and very low birth-weight were similar in all groups (P > 0.05). The large-for-gestational-age and small-for-gestational-age rates did not differ significantly among the groups (P > 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors that may affect neonatal outcomes, a trend for an increased risk of low birth-weight with prolonged cryopreservation was observed. However, cryopreservation duration and neonatal birth-weight were not significantly correlated (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The duration of cryopreservation after blastocyst vitrification with an open device for more than 2 years had no significant effect on the birth-weight of FBT singletons; however, attention should be paid to a possible increase in the risk of low birth-weight.
VELVET: an enclosure vegetation system to measure BVOC emission fingerprints in temperate and tropical climates
Authors: Rocco Manon , Brugere Etienne , Magand Olivier , Borbon Agnes , Colomb Aurelie , Bouvier Laetitia , Baray Jean-Luc , Duflot Valentin , Ribeiro Mickael , Picard David , Metzger Jean-Marc , Stamenoff Pierre , Benoit Yoan , Ah-Peng Claudine
Published: April 2024

The VELVET chamber, utilizing the vegetation enclosure technique, was used to measure biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions from representative plant leaves in temperate and tropical climates. This study demonstrates the instrument’s capability, among the various measurements conducted in other studies using the vegetation enclosure technique, in qualifying and quantifying volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from different tree species. The measurements were performed using Tenax tubes for sampling and GC/MS analysis. The use of PTR-ToF-MS for temperate species allows us to perform flux measurements in the chamber of Norway spruce (Picea abies), European beech (Fagus sylvatica), and common hazel tree (Corylus avellana) in the Puy de Dôme region (France). We found that all species are monoterpene emitters (on average 1.52 ± 0.29 ng m−2 s−1) and more particularly sesquiterpene emitters for C. avellana (7.49 ± 0.70 ng m−2 s−1). In the tropical region of Réunion Island (France), comprehensive measurements were conducted across three distinct vegetation types, on 10 of the most representative species, native and exotic to the island. The study revealed that emissions from these species were influenced by spatial variability, their environment, and the type of the forest (cloud forest, and high- and low-altitude forests). Notably, the research marked a groundbreaking achievement by capturing emissions from endemic species on the island for the first time. The collected data will be added to the biogenic emission inventory of the island, thereby enhancing model simulations by incorporating these new measurements.
Total eosinophil count as a biomarker for therapeutic effects of upadacitinib in atopic dermatitis over 48 weeks
Authors: Hagino Teppei , Hamada Risa , Yoshida Mai , Fujimoto Eita , Saeki Hidehisa , Kanda Naoko
Published: April 2024

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disease characterized by type 2-skewed immune responses, and significantly influenced by cytokines dependent on Janus kinases (JAKs). Upadacitinib, a JAK1 inhibitor, is effective for moderate-to-severe AD. This study aims to identify biomarkers that reflect long-term therapeutic effects of upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg.

Methods

A retrospective study from August 2021 to July 2023 included 213 AD patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg and 70 AD patients with 30 mg. We analyzed eczema area and severity index (EASI), peak pruritus-numerical rating scale (PP-NRS), serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and total eosinophil count (TEC) at weeks 0, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 of treatment.

Results

Both treatments with upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg significantly reduced EASI and PP-NRS scores over week 4 to 48 compared to baseline. Upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg treatment significantly decreased TEC compared to baseline through week 4 to 36 or week 4 to 48, respectively. The percent reduction of TEC correlated with those of EASI and PP-NRS through week 4 to 48 of treatment with upadacitinib 15 mg, or through week 12 to 48 with 30 mg, respectively. After adjusting for % reductions of other laboratory markers, the significance of correlations was preserved at weeks 36 and 48 of 15 mg treatment, while at weeks 4 and 36 of 30 mg treatment.

Conclusion

The % reduction of TEC correlated with those of EASI and PP-NRS during upadacitinib treatment, indicating its potential as a biomarker reflecting treatment responses to upadacitinib in AD patients. However, the variability of significant correlation during treatment indicates that further inspection is needed for its usefulness in monitoring responses to upadacitinib treatment for AD.
Heterogeneity of immune cells and their communications unveiled by transcriptome profiling in acute inflammatory lung injury
Authors: Kang Zhi-ying , Huang Qian-yu , Zhen Ning-xin , Xuan Nan-xia , Zhou Qi-chao , Zhao Jie , Cui Wei , Zhang Zhao-cai , Tian Bao-ping
Published: April 2024

Background

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) or its earlier stage Acute lung injury (ALI), is a worldwide health concern that jeopardizes human well-being. Currently, the treatment strategies to mitigate the incidence and mortality of ARDS are severely restricted. This limitation can be attributed, at least in part, to the substantial variations in immunity observed in individuals with this syndrome.

Methods

Bulk and single cell RNA sequencing from ALI mice and single cell RNA sequencing from ARDS patients were analyzed. We utilized the Seurat program package in R and cellmarker 2.0 to cluster and annotate the data. The differential, enrichment, protein interaction, and cell-cell communication analysis were conducted.

Results

The mice with ALI caused by pulmonary and extrapulmonary factors demonstrated differential expression including Clec4e, Retnlg, S100a9, Coro1a, and Lars2. We have determined that inflammatory factors have a greater significance in extrapulmonary ALI, while multiple pathways collaborate in the development of pulmonary ALI. Clustering analysis revealed significant heterogeneity in the relative abundance of immune cells in different ALI models. The autocrine action of neutrophils plays a crucial role in pulmonary ALI. Additionally, there was a significant increase in signaling intensity between B cells and M1 macrophages, NKT cells and M1 macrophages in extrapulmonary ALI. The CXCL, CSF3 and MIF, TGFβ signaling pathways play a vital role in pulmonary and extrapulmonary ALI, respectively. Moreover, the analysis of human single-cell revealed DCs signaling to monocytes and neutrophils in COVID-19-associated ARDS is stronger compared to sepsis-related ARDS. In sepsis-related ARDS, CD8+ T and Th cells exhibit more prominent signaling to B-cell nucleated DCs. Meanwhile, both MIF and CXCL signaling pathways are specific to sepsis-related ARDS.

Conclusion

This study has identified specific gene signatures and signaling pathways in animal models and human samples that facilitate the interaction between immune cells, which could be targeted therapeutically in ARDS patients of various etiologies.
Causal associations between gut microbiota and synovitis–tenosynovitis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yin Xietian , Zhao Shichao , Tan Zhangkui , Xu Jun , Lu Qiping
Published: April 2024

Background

Increasing evidence indicates that gut microbiota dysbiosis is related to synovitis and tenosynovitis. Nonetheless, whether these associations are causal is currently unknown.

Objectives

A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was performed to reveal the causality of gut microbiota with synovitis and tenosynovitis.

Methods

The summary statistical data from a large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) were applied as the basis for a two-sample MR analysis. The causal effect was estimated using inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, simple mode, MR-Egger, and weighted mode methods, of which IVW was the important method. Meanwhile, the pleiotropy and heterogeneity were detected and measured using MR-Egger regression, Cochran’s Q statistics, funnel plots, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) methods.

Results

The IVW technique demonstrated that genetically predicted five genera, namely Gordonibacter [odds ratio (OR) = 0.999, 95% confidence interval (CI): (0.9977, 0.9998), p = 0.019], Paraprevotella [OR = 0.999, 95% CI: (0.9971, 0.9999), p = 0.036], Lachnoclostridium [OR = 0.998, 95% CI: (0.9954, 0.9999), p = 0.041], RuminococcaceaeUCG003 [OR = 0.997, 95% CI: (0.9955, 0.9994), p = 0.011], and FamilyXIIIAD3011group [OR = 0.997, 95% CI: (0.9954, 0.9992), p = 0.006] were negatively correlated with the risk of synovitis and tenosynovitis, while two other genera, namely Ruminococcustorquesgroup [OR = 1.003, 95% CI: (1.0004, 1.0049), p = 0.019] and Parabacteroides [OR = 1.003, 95% CI: (1.0002, 1.0052), p = 0.035] were positively associated with synovitis and tenosynovitis risk. In addition, the data of sensitivity analyses demonstrated that there were no outliers, horizontal pleiotropy, or heterogeneity in the causal relationship of the above-mentioned gut microbiota on synovitis and tenosynovitis (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of the study suggested that the gut microbiota was causally involved in synovitis and tenosynovitis and identified specific bacterial taxa that affect synovitis and tenosynovitis, which provide new insights into the pathogenesis underlying the development of synovitis and tenosynovitis mediated by gut microbiota.
1H-NMR metabolomics investigation of CSF from children with HIV reveals altered neuroenergetics due to persistent immune activation
Authors: Thirion Anicia , Loots Du Toit , Williams Monray E. , Solomons Regan , Mason Shayne
Published: April 2024

Background

HIV can invade the central nervous system (CNS) early during infection, invading perivascular macrophages and microglia, which, in turn, release viral particles and immune mediators that dysregulate all brain cell types. Consequently, children living with HIV often present with neurodevelopmental delays.

Methods

In this study, we used proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy to analyze the neurometabolic profile of HIV infection using cerebrospinal fluid samples obtained from 17 HIV+ and 50 HIV− South African children.

Results

Nine metabolites, including glucose, lactate, glutamine, 1,2-propanediol, acetone, 3-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, 2-hydroxybutyrate, and myo-inositol, showed significant differences when comparing children infected with HIV and those uninfected. These metabolites may be associated with activation of the innate immune response and disruption of neuroenergetics pathways.

Conclusion

These results elucidate the neurometabolic state of children infected with HIV, including upregulation of glycolysis, dysregulation of ketone body metabolism, and elevated reactive oxygen species production. Furthermore, we hypothesize that neuroinflammation alters astrocyte–neuron communication, lowering neuronal activity in children infected with HIV, which may contribute to the neurodevelopmental delay often observed in this population.
Efficacy of acupuncture for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tan Yawen , Duan Ruqian , Wen Chuanbiao
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Depression is a pervasive mental health challenge with substantial global ramifications. Contemporary therapeutic strategies predominantly consist of psychological interventions and pharmacological treatments. Acupuncture, deeply rooted in ancient traditions and bolstered by a plethora of clinical trials, demonstrates considerable efficacy in depression. This study aims to elucidate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture as a standalone therapy for depression patients by reviewing randomized controlled trials that compare acupuncture treatment with conventional drug therapy.

Methods

Comprehensive searches were conducted across six databases in both Chinese and English: CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Embase, Medline, and CENTRAL. The literature search spanned from 1 July 2013, to 1 July 2023. Two researchers independently carried out literature screening and data extraction. Review Manager 5.4 was utilized for data analysis and bias risk assessment. A total of 20 randomized controlled trials were included in the qualitative synthesis, involving 1,376 participants and 43 relevant acupoints.

Results

The Meta-analysis results, based on the HAMD scale scores, revealed that acupuncture regimens (RR: −1.63; 95% CI: −2.49 to −0.76; P = 0.0002; I2 = 86%; n = 1,668) were significantly more effective compared to standalone medication. Moreover, efficacy metrics from the HAMD highlighted a substantial advantage of acupuncture (RR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.6 to 4.23; P = 0.0001; I2 = 0; n = 614). Further assessments utilizing SERS and TESS demonstrated a lower incidence of side effects and adverse outcomes in the acupuncture group.

Conclusions

Acupuncture, when compared to conventional pharmacotherapy, exhibits significant efficacy as a standalone treatment after four weeks of intervention, with fewer side effects and adverse reactions. However, further investigation is needed to determine the most effective acupoints and appropriate types of acupuncture techniques for treating depression.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023443711.
Rapid identification of pediatric brain tumors with differential mobility spectrometry
Authors: Haapala Ilkka , Rauhameri Anton , Mäkelä Meri , Karjalainen Markus , Kontunen Anton , Mieskolainen Markus , Haapasalo Hannu , Roine Antti , Oksala Niku , Vehkaoja Antti , Haapasalo Joonas , Nordfors Kristiina
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Brain tumors are a major source of disease burden in pediatric population, with the most common tumor types being pilocytic astrocytoma, ependymoma and medulloblastoma. In every tumor entity, surgery is the cornerstone of treatment, but the importance of gross-total resection and the corresponding patient prognosis is highly variant. However, real-time identification of pediatric CNS malignancies based on the histology of the frozen sections alone is especially troublesome. We propose a novel method based on differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) analysis for rapid identification of pediatric brain tumors.

Methods

We prospectively obtained tumor samples from 15 pediatric patients (5 pilocytic astrocytomas, 5 ependymomas and 5 medulloblastomas). The samples were cut into 36 smaller specimens that were analyzed with the DMS.

Results

With linear discriminant analysis algorithm, a classification accuracy (CA) of 70% was reached. Additionally, a 75% CA was achieved in a pooled analysis of medulloblastoma vs. gliomas.

Discussion

Our results show that the DMS is able to differentiate most common pediatric brain tumor samples, thus making it a promising additional instrument for real-time brain tumor diagnostics.
Effectiveness of an add-on brief group behavioral activation treatment for depression in psychiatric care: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Haakana Riikka , Rosenström Tom , Parkkinen Lauri , Tuomisto Martti T. , Isometsä Erkki
Published: April 2024

Objective

Behavioral activation (BA) is an effective treatment for depression. We investigated the effectiveness of add-on group-format BA and peer support (PS) with treatment as usual (TAU) in a registered randomized clinical trial in psychiatric outpatient settings (ISRCTN10647845).

Methods

Adult outpatients (N = 140) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score ≥10 were randomized into a) group BA, consisting of eight 90-minute weekly group sessions plus TAU; b) group PS, including eight 90-minute weekly group sessions plus TAU; or c) TAU alone. The primary outcome was a within-individual change in PHQ-9 score between baseline and 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes were 1) response, 2) remission, and 3) functional impairment at 8 weeks, plus 4) change in PHQ-9 at 6 months.

Results

Of the randomized patients, 100 (71.4%) completed treatments, including 29/45 (64.4%) patients in the BA group, 39/49 (79.6%) in the PS group, and 32/46 (69.6%) in the TAU group. By 8 weeks, PHQ-9 scores declined most in the TAU group [BA −0.28 (95% CI −2.48, 1.92), PS −0.58 (−2.09, 0.94) vs. TAU −3.32 (−5.21, −1.44); group-difference test, p = 0.034]. The secondary outcomes in the BA or PS arms did not significantly differ from those in TAU. Videotaped sessions revealed marked variation in briefly trained therapists’ adherence to the treatment manual.

Conclusions

In this randomized trial, the effectiveness of treatments with the added BA and PS groups did not exceed that of TAU alone. The preconditions in which brief BA or PS group interventions benefit outpatients with depression in psychiatric settings warrant critical investigation.
Geographical association of biodiversity with cancer and cardiovascular mortality rates: analysis of 39 distinct conditions
Authors: Xu Qiaochu , Qu Bingjie , Li Li , Chen Ying
Published: April 2024

Background

Biodiversity has been recognized as a positive contributor to human health and wellbeing. Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two most significant global health burdens, and understanding their relationship with biodiversity forms an essential step toward promoting biodiversity conservation and human health.

Methods

The species richness of birds is a common indicator of biodiversity, given their vast numbers, distinctive distribution, and acute sensitivity to environmental disturbances. This ecological study utilized avian observation data derived from the eBird database, human health data from the International Health Metrics and Evaluation, and county-level statistics, including population characteristics, socio-economics, healthcare service, residential environment, and geographic and climatic characteristics in 2014. We aimed to extensively explore the individual associations between biodiversity (i.e., avian species richness) and age-standardized cause-specific mortalities for different types of cancers (29 conditions) and cardiovascular diseases (10 conditions) across the United States (US).

Results

Our multiple regression analyses that adjusted for a variety of socio-demographic and geographical factors showed that increased rarefied species richness of birds was associated with reduced mortality rates for three of the five most common cancers, namely, tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer, breast cancer (in women only), and colon and rectal cancer. For cardiovascular conditions, a similar relationship was observed for ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease—the two most frequent causes of mortality. This study provided extended details regarding the beneficial effects of biodiversity on human health.
The protective role of resilience and social support against burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Shahwan Shazana , Tay Eng Hong , Shafie Saleha , Tan Yoke Boon , Gunasekaran Savita , Tan Rachel Hsiao Shen , Satghare Pratika , Zhang Yunjue , Wang Peizhi , Tan Sing Chik , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: April 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic brought on a range of stressors in homes and workplaces. With no sign of ending after one year, burnout was a concern. Resilience has been known to shield against the effects of stress. While often thought of as an individual trait, previous studies have shown social support to improve resilience. The study aimed to examine the extent of burnout in the Singapore population and whether social support and resilience cushioned the impact of COVID-19 related stressors a year into the pandemic.

Methods

Participants were 858 Singapore residents who participated in a larger study between October 2021 and September 2022. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory provided Work-and Personal-related burnout scores. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify demographic variables associated with burnout. Path analysis revealed the associations between COVID-19 stressors, social support, resilience and burnout.

Results

22 and 19% of the sample reported work and personal burnout respectively, with younger adults being more burnt out than older adults. Higher stress was associated with higher burnout and higher social support was associated with lower burnout. Path analysis revealed that the relationship between social support and burnout was partially accounted for by increased resilience.

Conclusion

Managing altered work arrangements, career expectations, and increased responsibilities at home may contribute to greater levels of burnout in the younger adults. Increased employer support and targeted interventions could mitigate the impact of these stressors. The study also highlighted the importance of maintaining social connections even while physically distancing.
Mathematical Models for the Single-Channel and Multi-Channel PMU Allocation Problem and Their Solution Algorithms
Authors: Theodorakatos Nikolaos P. , Babu Rohit , Theodoridis Christos A. , Moschoudis Angelos P.
Published: April 2024

Phasor measurement units (PMUs) are deployed at power grid nodes around the transmission grid, determining precise power system monitoring conditions. In real life, it is not realistic to place a PMU at every power grid node; thus, the lowest PMU number is optimally selected for the full observation of the entire network. In this study, the PMU placement model is reconsidered, taking into account single- and multi-capacity placement models rather than the well-studied PMU placement model with an unrestricted number of channels. A restricted number of channels per monitoring device is used, instead of supposing that a PMU is able to observe all incident buses through the transmission connectivity lines. The optimization models are declared closely to the power dominating set and minimum edge cover problem in graph theory. These discrete optimization problems are directly related with the minimum set covering problem. Initially, the allocation model is declared as a constrained mixed-integer linear program implemented by mathematical and stochastic algorithms. Then, the 0/1 integer linear problem is reformulated into a non-convex constraint program to find optimality. The mathematical models are solved either in binary form or in the continuous domain using specialized optimization libraries, and are all implemented in YALMIP software in conjunction with MATLAB. Mixed-integer linear solvers, nonlinear programming solvers, and heuristic algorithms are utilized in the aforementioned software packages to locate the global solution for each instance solved in this application, which considers the transformation of the existing power grids to smart grids.
De Novo Assembly, Characterization, and Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Mature Male and Female Gonads of Rabbitfish (Siganus oramin) (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Authors: Huang Xiaolin , Huang Zhong , Li Qiang , Li Wenjun , Han Chong , Yang Yukai , Lin Heizhao , Wu Qiaer , Zhou Yanbo
Published: April 2024

The rabbitfish, Siganus oramin, is a commercially important table fish in southeastern China. However, there have been few studies on its gonad development and reproduction regulation. Comparative transcriptome analysis was first performed on adult male and female gonads of S. oramin. In total, 47,070 unigenes were successfully assembled and 22,737 unigenes were successfully annotated. Through comparative transcriptome analysis of male and female gonads, a total of 6722 differentially expressed genes were successfully identified, with 3528 upregulated genes and 3154 downregulated genes in the testes. In addition, 39 differentially expressed reproduction-related genes were identified. Finally, quantitative real-time PCR was used to validate the expression levels of several differentially expressed genes. These results provide important data for further studying the function of reproduction-related genes and the molecular mechanism regulating gonad development and reproduction in S. oramin.
Effects of Medetomidine–Butorphanol and Medetomidine–Buprenorphine on Oxidative Stress and Vital Parameters in Dogs Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy
Authors: Burbaitė Evelina , Čechovičienė Sandra , Sarapinienė Ieva , Karvelienė Birutė , Riškevičienė Vita , Daunoras Gintaras , Juodžentė Dalia
Published: April 2024

Oxidative stress (OS) is caused by an imbalance between the production of oxygen-containing free radicals and their elimination. General anesthesia increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and therefore causes oxidative stress. Our objective was to determine the effects of medetomidine–butorphanol (MEDBUT) and medetomidine–buprenorphine (MEDBUP) on oxidative stress and cardiorespiratory parameters in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OHE). Ten healthy female dogs were randomly assigned to two groups: the MEDBUT group (n = 5) received medetomidine and butorphanol, while the MEDBUP group (n = 5) received medetomidine and buprenorphine. OS was evaluated by measuring total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) during five different time points (from the administration of anesthetic drugs to 2 h after surgery). The observed vital cardiorespiratory parameters included heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR), noninvasive systolic (SAP) and diastolic (DAP) arterial blood pressures, oxygen saturation (SpO2), end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2), and body temperature (BT). Cardiorespiratory parameters were altered at a significantly greater degree in animals sedated with MEDBUT (p < 0.05). The administration of medetomidine–butorphanol was more likely to increase OS parameters, while medetomidine–buprenorphine showed decreased levels of oxidative stress throughout the study.
Diversity and Population Sizes of Wintering Waterbirds in the Wetlands of the Saïss–Middle Atlas Region (North–Central Morocco): Main Survival Factors and Evaluation of Habitat Loss
Authors: Squalli Wafae , Mansouri Ismail , Douini Ikram , Achiban Hamid , Saghrouchni Hamza , El Agy Abdelbari , Fadil Fatima , Wink Michael , Dakki Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Moroccan wetlands host up to half a million wintering birds and provide a stopover for tens of thousands of migrants, while they are inhabited by few nesting species. Most of this avifauna prefers to use the large coastal wetlands or reservoirs, while many species are dispersed across hundreds of small inland wetlands of various types. In this study, we monitored the wintering avifauna of 11 wetlands of the Saïss plain and its adjacent Atlas Mountains (north–center of Morocco), during six wintering seasons (2017–2018 to 2022–2023), with the objective of assessing the importance of this region as a waterbird wintering area. Using the richness of the species, we determine the bird population changes during this pentad and between the different types of wetlands (natural, human-made, and natural wetlands). During this study, we recorded 51 species, belonging to 17 families, among which exist four remarkable birds: the endangered Oxyura leucocephala, the vulnerable Aythya ferina and the near-threatened Aythya nyroca and Limosa limosa. Bird diversity is higher in human-made ecosystems than in peri-urban and natural ecosystems, while the populations’ size is similar in urban and non-urban wetlands. With regard to bird conservation, these inland wetlands, mainly the small ones, are threatened by recurrent droughts and various anthropic stressors, which we describe using our observations of the two last decades (2003–2023). The loss of habitat is significant, reaching 348.5 hectares, while the impacts of reduced precipitation and temperature increase are particularly evident in the mountainous natural lakes.
Antifungal Activity of Brilacidin, a Nonpeptide Host Defense Molecule
Authors: Larwood David J. , Stevens David A.
Published: April 2024

Natural host defensins, also sometimes termed antimicrobial peptides, are evolutionarily conserved. They have been studied as antimicrobials, but some pharmaceutical properties, undesirable for clinical use, have led to the development of synthetic molecules with constructed peptide arrangements and/or peptides not found in nature. The leading development currently is synthetic small-molecule nonpeptide mimetics, whose physical properties capture the characteristics of the natural molecules and share their biological attributes. We studied brilacidin, an arylamide of this type, for its activity in vitro against fungi (40 clinical isolates, 20 species) that the World Health Organization has highlighted as problem human pathogens. We found antifungal activity at low concentrations for many pathogens, which indicates that further screening for activity, particularly in vivo, is justified to evaluate this compound, and other mimetics, as attractive leads for the development of effective antifungal agents.
Linking S. aureus Immune Evasion Mechanisms to Staphylococcal Vaccine Failures
Authors: Hajam Irshad Ahmed , Liu George Y.
Published: April 2024

Vaccination arguably remains the only long-term strategy to limit the spread of S. aureus infections and its related antibiotic resistance. To date, however, all staphylococcal vaccines tested in clinical trials have failed. In this review, we propose that the failure of S. aureus vaccines is intricately linked to prior host exposure to S. aureus and the pathogen’s capacity to evade adaptive immune defenses. We suggest that non-protective immune imprints created by previous exposure to S. aureus are preferentially recalled by SA vaccines, and IL-10 induced by S. aureus plays a unique role in shaping these non-protective anti-staphylococcal immune responses. We discuss how S. aureus modifies the host immune landscape, which thereby necessitates alternative approaches to develop successful staphylococcal vaccines.
Correction: Lungu et al. Molecular Characterisation of Antimicrobial Resistance in E. coli Isolates from Piglets in the West Region of Romania. Antibiotics 2023, 12, 1544
Authors: Lungu Bianca Cornelia , Hutu Ioan , Barrow Paul Andrew
Published: April 2024

The authors Bianca Cornelia Lungu and Ioan Hutu did not state contributed equally [...]
A Review on the Potential Use of Medicinal Plants from the Apiaceae and the Rosaceae Families in Cardiovascular Diseases—Experimental Evidence and Traditional Applications
Authors: Celiński Rafał , Krzemińska Barbara , Grzywa-Celińska Anna , Szewczyk Gabriela , Szewczyk Katarzyna Dos Santos
Published: April 2024

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The World Health Organization has presented alarming data stating that in 2019, 17.9 million people globally died due to cardiovascular diseases, constituting 32% of all deaths. Despite increasingly advanced pharmacological and procedural treatment methods for these diseases, there is still a quest for new therapeutic possibilities that promise even greater efficacy and safety. The overriding purpose of this study is to provide an insight into the traditional uses of species from the Apiaceae and Rosaceae families as well as to systematize knowledge regarding their scientifically proven cardiovascular activities (animal studies and clinical trials). The review is intended to indicate knowledge gaps for future studies concerning plants used in traditional medicine but without scientific research. As a result, various plant species from both Apiaceae and Rosaceae family have been collected and described based on their study that has proven their effectiveness and uses in cardiovascular diseases. Most of these plants have a hypotensive effect, followed by anti-hyperlipidemic, vasorelaxant, antithrombotic, and diuretic activity. These are the mechanisms that contribute to various cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and stroke.
Two-Line Element Outlier and Space Event Detection Method Based on Multi-Strategy Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Haoyue , Zhao Chunmei , He Zhengbin
Published: April 2024

The detection of two-line element (TLE) outliers and space events play a crucial role in enhancing spatial situational awareness. Therefore, this paper addresses the issue of TLE outlier detection methods that often overlook the mutual influence of multiple factors. Hence, a Multivariate Gaussian Mixture Model (MGMM) is introduced to consider the interdependencies among various indicators. Additionally, a Multi-strategy Genetic Algorithm (MGA) is employed to adjust the complexity of the MGMM, allowing it to accurately learn the actual distribution of TLE data. Initially, the proposed method applies probabilistic fits to the predicted error rate changes for both the TLE semi-major axis and the orbital inclination. Chaos initialization, a posterior probability penalty, and local optimization iterations are subsequently integrated into the genetic algorithm. These enhancements aim to estimate the MGMM parameters, addressing issues related to poor robustness and the susceptibility of the MGMM to converge to local optima. The algorithm’s effectiveness is validated using TLE data from typical space targets. The results demonstrate that the optimized algorithm can efficiently detect outliers and maneuver events within complex TLE data. Notably, the comprehensive detection performance index, measured, using the F1 score, improved by 15.9% compared to the Gaussian mixture model. This significant improvement underscores the importance of the proposed method in bolstering the security of complex space environments.
Research on the Improvement of Granite Residual Soil Caused by Fly Ash and Its Slope Stability under Rainfall Conditions
Authors: Hu Bowen , Hu Qizhi , Liu Yiming , Tao Gaoliang
Published: April 2024

Granite residual soil has distinctive engineering characteristics due to its unique properties, and the resulting slopes are less stable and less resistant to rain erosion. The granite residual soil was improved by the addition of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% fly ash, and the effects of fly ash on the intensity index and penetration of granite residual soil were investigated by triaxial strength tests and permeability tests. In combination with scanning electron microscopy measurements, a study of the stability of fly ash-modified granite residual soil slopes by modeling rainfall using the finite element software ABAQUS revealed the following: (1) the permeability coefficients of the residual granitic soils decreased by one order of magnitude when fly ash was added; (2) the improvement in the triaxial strength index of the improved soil was most pronounced when the dosage of fly ash was 15%, so that a dosage of 15% was considered optimal; and (3) numerical simulations concluded that the stability of the slope formed by 15% fly ash-improved soil fill improved significantly relative to the original slope, with the coefficient of safety increasing from 1.06 to 1.42, and the resistance to water seepage also significantly improved.
Analyzing Delay and CO Emissions: A Simulation Study of the Median U-Turn Method at Intersections
Authors: Zhao Ziyan , Tian Caixia , Guo Baohua , Zhu Chengming , Guo Qingwen
Published: April 2024

To improve traffic efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions at urban road intersections, VISSIM software was used to simulate traffic states to compare the median U-turn method with the direct left-turn method under various traffic volumes and left-turn ratios. Based on the average delay and CO emissions, suitable conditions were identified for using the median U-turn method at intersections. The results show that there are three critical left-turn ratio boundary curves named Rdcri(1), Rdcri(2), and Rdcri(3) based on the relatively smaller average delay and there is a critical left-turn ratio boundary curve RCOcri based on the lower average CO emissions at the intersection when the through traffic volume is in the range of 0–3000 veh/h and the left-turn ratio is in the range of 0–4. The median U-turn method is considered applicable at the intersection when the through traffic volumes are in the range of 0–87 veh/h, 87–400 veh/h, 400–416 veh/h, 416–934 veh/h, and 934–3000 veh/h, respectively, and, accordingly, the left-turn ratios are in the range of 0–Rdcri(2), 0–Rdcri(2) or Rdcri(1)–4, 0–4, 0–Rdcri(3), and RCOcri–Rdcri(3). These findings can provide a reference for traffic managers to organize the left-turn traffic at an intersection reasonably.