bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Playing with Wonders: Objects, Role-Playing Games, and the Cultural Legacy of Bispo do Rosário for the City of Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Rezende Rian , Portinari Denise
Published: September 2023

We know that objects shape thought, as bearers of meaning and as the focal points of memory. Our question as artists and larpwrights was how those objects might affect the act of thinking itself. From this initial thought, we developed the notion of Living Objects — elements created to cause people to have strange new ideas and awaken thoughts beyond those prompted by reason alone — and sought to employ them in the micro role-playing games we presented to people in Rio de Janeiro in order to stimulate such an exploration of fantasy, desire, and daydreaming. The theoretical underpinning of our work relies upon the recovery of wonder discussed by critics like Kareem, Brain, and others. Within this endeavor, we presented Living Objects as fragments that provide a joke (witz). Witz is a concept explored by the Jena Romantic philosophers, in which poetic fragments of words influence thought or cause strangeness in normal ways of thinking, and cause derangement in the current logic. With this, they enable new creative paths for imagination.

In doing so, we drew upon the cultural heritage of the city of Rio de Janeiro, especially the art of Bispo do Rosário, who produced a number of distinctive artistic objects during the decades that he was a patient in a psychiatric hospital. And in this work, we focus especially on a piece called “The Presentation Cloak.”

These objects are central elements of micro role-playing games that we createdto encourage people to experience the stories linked to the life of Bispo do Rosário and the spaces he imagined about Rio de Janeiro. These games also inspired the participants to create stories from these objects, realizing how the influence of these elements stimulates imagination, belief in wonder, and immersion in the cultural universe created by Bispo do Rosário.
Playing With The Fictitious “I”: Early Forms of Educational Role-playing in Hungary, 1938-1978
Authors: Turi Bálint Márk , Hartyándi Mátyás
Published: September 2023

In this article we interpret Eszter Leveleki’s special vacation program at Bánk, Hungary, as an organization, and present it in terms of contingency theory. As a background, we introduce the context, strategy, and structure behind Bánk that brought remarkable behaviors to life during its existence, prevailing in politically repressive regimes for almost its entire history. The article qualitatively analyzes available sources, the recollections of those who took part in the vacation program, mainly from the ‘50s to the ‘70s, and diaries written on site in order to determine what forms of transformative play were present at Bánk that established a unique heritage of educational role-playing in Hungary. We go through all the identifying elements and themes and show how Bánk was a fertile soil for more complex forms of play to emerge. We compare our results with different definitions of role-playing and child’s play in general in order to determine to what extent the more complex forms of play at Bánk can be called larp, what key characteristics of it might differ from those of larp, and whether these differences serve a certain purpose.
Pengaruh pemberian teh hitam (camellia sinensis) terhadap gambaran histopatologi gaster tikus putih (Rattus norvegicus) jantan Sprague dawley yang diinduksi minyak jelantah
Authors: Akbar Novrian , Sari Kartika , Massardi Nikki Aldi
Published: September 2023

Latar Belakang: Minyak jelantah atau minyak goreng bekas adalah minyak yang digunakan secara berulang tanpa penambahan minyak goreng baru. Pemakaian minyak berulang kali dapat merusak struktur kimia dan menghasilkan radikal bebas. Hasil dari proses tersebut adalah senyawa toksik seperti hidroperoksida. Teh mengandung enam kelompok bioflavanoid catechins, theaflavins, the arubigins, oxyaromatic acids, flavonols, flavones, dan derivac gallic acid yang dapat menghambat radikal bebas, melindungi organ dari stress oksidatif. Teh hitam selain mengandung katekin juga mengandung theaflavin dan thearubigin sebagai hasil dari proses oksidasi enzimatik yang lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan teh hijau.
Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian eksperimental post test only control grup design dengan menggunakan 24 tikus Sprague dawley jantan dibagi dalam 6 kelompok secara acak dan diberi perlakuan selama 7  minggu. K0 (control) (diberi aquadest), K1 (diberi  minyak jelantah 12 kali penggorengan  1,5 ml/hari, 1 jam kemudian diberi aquadest), K2 (diberi infusa teh hitam dengan dosis 0,50 gr/200grBB), K3 ( diberi infusa teh hitam dengan dosis 0,75 gr/200grBB), K4(diberi minyak jelantah 12 kali penggorengan  1,5 ml 1 jam kemudian diberi infusa teh hitam dengan dosis 0,50 gr/200grBB) K5 (diberi minyak jelantah 12 kali penggorengan  1,5 ml 1 jam kemudian diberi infusa teh hitam dengan dosis 0,75 gr/200grBB), setiap hari selama 6 minggu. Pada akhir penelitian tikus dilakukan terminasi dan diambil lambungnya untuk pembuatan preparat histopatologi dengan pewarnaan Hematoksilin Eosin. Data dianalisis dengan uji Kruskal-Wallis dan uji Post Hoc Mann-Whitney.
Hasil: Hasil uji Kruskal-Wallis diperoleh nilai p=0,063, yang artinya tidak terdapat perbedaan bermakna dari skor histopatologi antar kelompok. Hasil uji Post Hoc Mann-Whitney menunjukkan tidak terdapat perbedaan bermakna K0 terhadap K1 yang berarti pemberian minyak jelantah 12 kali pemanasan tidak merusak  gambaran histopatologi lambung ditinjau secara statistik. Perbandingan antara K0 dengan K2 dan K3 tidak terdapat perbedaan bermakna yang artinya dosis yan diberikan tidak merusak gambaran histopatologi lambung. Perbandingan antara K0 dengan K4 dan K5 menunjukkan tidak terdapat perbedaan bermakna yang artinya pemberian infusa teh hitam (Camellia sinensis) dosis 0,50 gr/200 grBB dan dosis 0,75 gr/200 grBB tidak terjadi perbaikan terhadap kerusakan gaster tikus putih.
Kesimpulan: Penelitian membuktikan bahwa Induksi minyak jelantah dengan 12x pemanasan berulang tidak menyebabkan kerusakan pada gaster tikus Rattus norvegicus dan pemberian infusa teh hitam (Camellia sinensis) dosis 0,50 gr/200 grBB dan dosis 0,75 gr/200 grBB tidak terjadi perbaikan terhadap kerusakan gaster tikus putih.
HUBUNGAN DURASI PENGGUNAAN KOMPUTER DAN JARAK MATA DENGAN MONITOR KOMPUTER TERHADAP KEJADIAN COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME (CVS) PADA KARYAWAN DI LINGKUNGAN UNIVERSITAS BENGKULU TAHUN 2020
Authors: Yolanda Maria , Ali Reyno Satria , Wicaksono Swandito
Published: September 2023

Latar Belakang: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) didefinisikan sebagai kumpulan gejala okuler yang beragam seperti kelelahan pada mata, nyeri kepala, penglihatan kabur, mata kering serta gejala lainnya seperti nyeri pada leher dan punggung yang berhubungan dengan penggunaan komputer dalam waktu yang cukup lama. Penggunaan komputer secara terus-menerus dan jarak mata dengan monitor komputer yang tidak ideal dapat menyebabkan CVS. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan durasi penggunaan komputer dan jarak mata dengan monitor komputer terhadap kejadian CVS.

Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian observasional analitik dengan desain cross sectional. Subjek terdiri dari 69 karyawan pada delapan fakultas di Universitas Bengkulu yang diambil dengan teknik consecutive sampling. Data gejala CVS dan durasi penggunaan komputer diperoleh dari Computer Vision Questionnaire serta pengukuran jarak mata dengan monitor komputer secara langsung terhadap subjek. Selanjutnya data penelitian dianalisis menggunakan uji chi square, fisher's exact test  dan uji regresi logistik.

Hasil: Prevalensi kejadian CVS pada subjek sebanyak 49 karyawan (71%). Uji statistik antara variabel terhadap kejadian CVS didapatkan hasil, yaitu durasi penggunaan komputer > 2 jam (p=0,048; OR=3,977) dan jarak mata dengan monitor komputer  < 50 cm (p=0,013; OR=7,787)

Kesimpulan: Terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara durasi penggunaan komputer terhadap kejadian CVS dan terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara jarak mata dengan monitor komputer terhadap kejadian CVS. Dengan durasi penggunaan komputer > 2 jam berisiko 3,977 kali lipat daripada pengguna komputer ≤ 2 jam. Jarak mata dengan monitor komputer < 50 cm berisiko 7,787 daripada jarak mata dengan monitor komputer ≥ 50 cm.

Kata Kunci: CVS, durasi penggunaan komputer, jarak mata dengan monitor komputer.
PERAN TINGKAT AKTIVITAS FISIK TERHADAP INDEKS MASSA TUBUH (IMT) PADA PASIEN ANEMIA : SUATU TINJAUAN KEPUSTAKAAN SISTEMATIS
Authors: Sumuanggang Yohana , Ambarsarie Riry , Setyorini Galuh
Published: September 2023

Latar Belakang: Anemia merupakan salah satu penyakit hematologi, yang ditandai dengan penurunan jumlah sel darah merah atau penurunan konsentrasi hemoglobin yang dapat memengaruhi kemampuan darah dalam mengangkut oksigen yang diperlukan tubuh. Salah satu faktor risiko anemia adalah indeks massa tubuh (IMT) yang tidak ideal. Anemia pun berpengaruh terhadap aktivitas fisik individu. Anemia dapat menyebabkan penurunan kemampuan aktivitas fisik dan kurangnya aktivitas fisik dapat memicu peningkatan IMT pada pasien anemia. Penelitian ini berfungsi untuk mengeksplorasi peran aktivitas fisik terhadap indeks massa tubuh (IMT) pada pasien anemia.

Metode: Pencarian tinjauan bersumber pada Pubmed and Chochrane dengan kriteria dipublikasikan pada 2010-2020. Pengumpulan dan analisis data dilakukan dengan mengadopsi konsep Cook dan West. Penilaian kualitas kepustakaan dilakukan menggunakan tools The Central for Evidence-Based Medicine develops (CEBM).

Hasil: Dari total 2.431 kepustakaan yang didapatkan, terdapat delapan kepustakaan yang masuk ke dalam kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi. Terdapat enam dari delapan kepustakaan yang didapatkan menjelaskan mengenai aktivitas fisik dan tiga diantaranya menjelaskan aktivitas fisik intensitas sedang dapat berpengaruh terhadap pasien anemia. Aktivitas fisik intensitas berat dapat menurunkan hemoglobin yang memicu anemia. Selanjutnya, dua dari delapan kepustakaan membahas pengaruh aktivitas fisik terhadap indeks massa tubuh (IMT). Serta satu dari delapan kepustakaan menjelaskan hubungan anemia dan indeks massa tubuh (IMT).

Kesimpulan: Anemia dapat menurunkan kemampuan aktivitas fisik seseorang. Aktivitas fisik intensitas sedang berperan efektif dalam penurunan indeks massa tubuh (IMT) pada pasien anemia. Aktivitas fisik intensitas berat dapat menurunkan hemoglobin yang memicu anemia.

Kata Kunci: Aktivitas fisik, Anemia, Indeks Massa Tubuh (IMT)
Ahlâk Eğitiminde Kullanılan “Hülâsa-i Mekârim-i Ahlâk” taki Soru Cevap Tekniğinin Analizi
Authors: ÇELİKTAŞ Hasan Sabri
Published: September 2023

Günümüzde olduğu gibi geçmişte de eğitim öğretim sürecinin hemen her aşamasında kullanılan soru cevap tekniğinin önemi yadsınamaz bir gerçektir. Osmanlı mektep sisteminde kullanılan ders kitaplarından iyi bir şekilde faydalanmak için çoğu ders kitabı soru cevap şeklinde yazılmıştır. Bu tür kitaplar aynı zamanda bir ders materyali olarak da kullanılmıştır. Bunlardan bir tanesi de bu çalışmanın konusunu oluşturan Hülâsa-i Mekârim-i Ahlâk isimli kitaptır. Eseri önemli kılan husus, soru cevap tekniğini kullanarak yazılmasının yanında nazarî ahlâkı merkeze almasıdır. Zira mektep sisteminin müfredatındaki ahlâk dersine ait diğer kitaplar ağırlıklı olarak vazife anlayışını merkeze alan bir yaklaşımla yazılmıştır. Çalışmamızın amacı; ahlâk eğitiminde kullanılan Hülâsa-i Mekârim-i Ahlâk isimli eserdeki soru cevap tekniğinin analizini yapmaktır. Çalışmada cevabını aradığımız husus eserde kullanılan soru cevap tekniğinde nasıl bir yolun izlendiğini ve soruların niteliğinin ne olduğunu tespit etmektir. Bu bağlamda ortaya konulan problemin çözümünde nitel araştırma desenine uygun bir şekilde nitel veri toplama yöntemlerinden doküman incelemesine, verilerin çözümlenmesinde içerik analizine başvurulmuştur. Bu kapsamda öncelikle çalışmanın konusunu oluşturan eserdeki sorular sınıflandırılmıştır. Daha sonra eserde kullanılan soru cevap tekniğinin öğretim yöntem ve teknikleri ile mantık ilmi açısından analizi yapılmıştır. Sonuçta, kitaptaki soruların bilişsel ve duyuşsal alana hitap ettiği görülmüştür. Mantık ilminde varlığın anlaşılmasına ilişkin yöneltilen temel sorulardan en çok “nedir?” soru edatının kullanıldığı tespit edilmiştir.
Integrating Your New Faculty to Reinforce a Liberal Education
Authors: Crew Abigail Ruby , Regjo Kathryn , Hardesty Karla , Schell Beez
Published: September 2023

Recognizing a need to pivot new faculty onboarding from a two-day “information download” to a more meaningful and pedagogically sound delivery of information, the provost invited the Academic Support Division to reimagine new faculty orientation for 2022. Through collaboration, an asynchronous Learning Management System course shell was quickly created to “flip the classroom” to deliver best-practice content to new faculty in a space where they were able to interact with their LMS teaching technology (Canvas) as a student and establish relationships with their new faculty cohort while discussing teaching philosophies, DEI pedagogical practices, and authentic assessment. This prioritized faculty connection and a sense of belonging for the in-person orientation and ensured the notion of liberal education was woven into all our various programs as a dual mission, Hispanic Serving Institution. This new structure afforded new faculty across all disciplines and modalities to receive consistent onboarding to foster student success.
Desain dan Fabrikasi Mesin Pengupas Kelapa Sistem Pengupas Bergigi
Authors: Fitri Arriyani Yang , Masdani Masdani , Setiawan Sastra , Fernando Ego , Azizi Costacurta Khodad
Published: September 2023

Salah satu bagian buah kelapa yang dapat dimanfaatkan dan memiliki nilai ekonomis adalah bagian sabut kelapa. Proses pengupasan sabut kelapa harus dilakukan oleh seseorang yang memiliki keterampilan tertentu dan proses ini memiliki resiko kecelakaan kerja yang cukup tinggi. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk merancang bangun mesin pengupas sabut kelapa agar dapat mempermudah pekerja dalam pengupasan serta menganalisis biaya-biaya yang diperlukan untuk pengoperasian mesin. Mesin ini dapat membantu proses pengupasan sabut kelapa sehingga sabut dapat terlepas dari bagian tempurung buah kelapa, dapat mempercepat waktu pengupasan, dan meringankan pekerjaan pengupas sabut kelapa. Pembuatan desain mesin diawali dengan membuat konsep alternatif untuk sistem pengupasan, pemilihan konsep alternatif, membuat desain lengkap, dan proses pembuatan mesin. Pemilihan konsep alternatif desain dinilai dari aspek ekonomis dan jumlah komponen. Bagian sistem pengupasan didesain bergigi dengan tujuan agar sabut dapat terjepit pada poros bergigi dan tidak mengalami slip sehingga dapat mempercepat proses pengupasan. Mesin pengupas sabut kelapa terdiri dari 47 komponen bagian dengan dimensi mesin p x l x t:  960 mm x 400 mm x 1136 mm dan menggunakan motor penggerak 6,5 HP dengan bahan bakar bensin. Kapasitas rata-rata mesin pengupas sabut adalah 216 buah/jam. Perkiraan biaya tetap penggunaan mesin adalah Rp 2.449.440/tahun, biaya tidak tetap Rp 20.855/jam, biaya pokok Rp 101,31/buah, dan break even point sebanyak 6.071,25 buah/tahun.
Key issues in assessing threats to sea turtles: knowledge gaps and future directions
Authors: Fuentes MMPB , McMichael E , Kot CY , Silver-Gorges I , Wallace BP , Godley BJ , Brooks AML , Ceriani SA , Cortés-Gómez AA , Dawson TM , Dodge KL , Flint M , Jensen MP , Komoroske LM , Kophamel S , Lettrich MD , Long CA , Nelms SE , Patrício AR , Robinson NJ , Seminoff JA , Ware M , Whitman ER , Chevallier D , Clyde-Brockway CE , Korgaonkar SA , Mancini A , Mello-Fonseca J , Monsinjon JR , Neves-Ferreira I , Ortega AA , Patel SH , Pfaller JB , Ramirez MD , Raposo C , Smith CE , Abreu-Grobois FA , Hays GC
Published: September 2023

Sea turtles are an iconic group of marine megafauna that have been exposed to multiple anthropogenic threats across their different life stages, especially in the past decades. This has resulted in population declines, and consequently many sea turtle populations are now classified as threatened or endangered globally. Although some populations of sea turtles worldwide are showing early signs of recovery, many still face fundamental threats. This is problematic since sea turtles have important ecological roles. To encourage informed conservation planning and direct future research, we surveyed experts to identify the key contemporary threats (climate change, direct take, fisheries, pollution, disease, predation, and coastal and marine development) faced by sea turtles. Using the survey results and current literature, we also outline knowledge gaps in our understanding of the impact of these threats and how targeted future research, often involving emerging technologies, could close those gaps.
PENANGGULANGAN TINDAK PIDANA TERORISME ANTARA INDONESIA DENGAN IRAK
Authors: Wiranata Kusuma Abdillah Adi , Pangestu Ilham Aji , Fadhlillah Muhammad Rizqi , Yulviani Dian
Published: September 2023

This research aims to analyze the comparison of counter-terrorism policies between Indonesia and Iraq. This research is a descriptive normative legal research. Legal materials consist of primary and secondary legal materials obtained through literature study. The approaches used include legislative approach, conceptual approach and case approach. Based on the results of the research, it is known that the differences in counterterrorism between Indonesia and Iraq lie in the security context, regulations and institutions that handle acts of terrorism. The similarities include using intelligence approach, prioritizing national security, and the existence of counterterrorism agency. As for the researcher's suggestions, first, strengthen the authority of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT). Second, revise the rules related to the State Institutions that handle Terrorism, and strengthen efforts in preventing terrorism in the wider community, regarding radicalism, extremism, which threatens the stability of the State.Keywords: terrorism, crime, countermeasures.

Keywords: terrorism; crime; countermeasures;
Pengembangan modul dengan setting model treffinger dalam pembelajaran matematika kelas IX
Authors: Azahar Alfanisa , Yulia Yulia , Mardika Fitria
Published: September 2023

Keterbatasan bahan ajar dalam pembelajaran matematika adalah suatu tantangan dalam bidang pendidikan yang menghambat siswa dalam menemukan konsep. Sekolah hanya mengandalkan buku cetak dan buku LKS sebagai sumber belajar, tanpa adanya bahan ajar yang menarik dan efektif dalam membantu siswa memahami dan menikmati pelajaran matematika. Penelitian ini dilakukan sebagai respons terhadap permasalahan yang ada, yaitu kurangnya sumber belajar yang menarik dan efektif dalam mengajarkan materi transformasi kepada siswa kelas IX di MTsN 5 Kota Padang. Penelitian bertujuan untuk menghasilkan modul pembelajaran yang memanfaatkan model Treffinger dan memenuhi standar validitas dan praktikalitas. Metode pengembangan yang digunakan adalah model ADDIE yang melibatkan analisis, desain, pengembangan, implementasi, dan evaluasi. Instrumen penelitian mencakup lembar validasi dan angket praktikalitas, serta pedoman wawancara. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa modul yang dikembangkan memiliki tingkat validitas rata-rata sebesar 92,36% dan tingkat praktikalitas rata-rata sebesar 91,33%, yang menunjukkan bahwa modul ini sesuai dengan standar validitas dan praktikalitas yang dibutuhkan dalam  konteks pembelajaran.
Making Connections in a Changing World: A European Language Education and Assessment Perspective
Authors: Oscarson Mats
Published: September 2023

The need for improved conditions for learning and better intercultural communication is recognised worldwide. A noteworthy example of responses to the need is the Council of Europe’s longstanding work undertaken in order to promote linguistic diversity and language learning in member states (Council of Europe, 2007). Extensive development work has been conducted in pursuit of this. Examples are the formulation of principles for the description of goals for language learning (van Ek and Trim, 1991), the elaboration of a comprehensive Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR (Council of Europe, 2011a), and the production of a model for a European Language Portfolio (Council of Europe, 2011b). This paper illustrates some of the work done and relate it to the general theme of the Conference “Power to Connect in a Changing World” (University of Jordan, 2014). It concludes by making the point that language study is an endeavour that leads to enhanced learner empowerment and improved intercultural..
Disciplinary and Gender Interactions: Corpus Analysis of Stance and Engagement in L2 Research Articles
Authors: Youssef Amany
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the use of certain features of authorial stance and engagement in 40 recently published research articles in the disciplines of linguistics and literature written in English by male and female native speakers of Egyptian Arabic. The study adopts Hyland’s (2005b) Model of Interaction, complements it with his (1998b) Model of Scientific Hedging, and proposes an extension of the latter model to boosting devices. The freeware corpus analytic toolkit AntConc is used for concordancing and text analysis. The results revealed clear cross-disciplinary effects but only limited gender effects with regard to the type and frequency of the metadiscursive features under study. Furthermore, certain metadiscursive choices by writers in linguistics and literature were observed to be consistent with the discourse of empirical and non-empirical sciences, respectively..
Foreign cultural policy in processes of transformation: perceptions of German-Tunisian cultural exchange
Authors: Lettau Meike , Knoblich Caroline
Published: September 2023

Within the concept of German foreign cultural policy, this article investigates the engagement of the Goethe-Institut in transitional Tunisia through the eyes of cultural activists on the ground. Since the Arab uprisings, the new policy framework of the German-Tunisian “Transformation Partnership” has been established, and extended approaches of the Goethe-Institut have been defined. The starting point of this article is to analyze how local cultural activists on the ground perceive the Goethe-Institut, and whether the engagement of the Goethe-Institut responds to the identified local needs. By taking the theoretical concepts of public diplomacy and soft power, the study examines policy and practice of the Goethe-Institut in times of the Tunisian transition, its role as well as its partnership approach and engagement in the fields of qualification, participation and networking. The main findings are that the Goethe-Institut contributes to the development of the cultural scene in Tunisia mainly through supporting cooperation-based projects, qualification and cultural management training as well as supporting international exchange.
Anthrax revisited: how assessing the unpredictable can improve biosecurity
Authors: Sabra Dunja Manal , Krin Anna , Romeral Ana Belén , Frieß Johannes Ludwig , Jeremias Gunnar
Published: September 2023

B. anthracis is one of the most often weaponized pathogens. States had it in their bioweapons programs and criminals and terrorists have used or attempted to use it. This study is motivated by the narrative that emerging and developing technologies today contribute to the amplification of danger through greater easiness, accessibility and affordability of steps in the making of an anthrax weapon. As states would have way better preconditions if they would decide for an offensive bioweapons program, we focus on bioterrorism. This paper analyzes and assesses the possible bioterrorism threat arising from advances in synthetic biology, genome editing, information availability, and other emerging, and converging sciences and enabling technologies. Methodologically we apply foresight methods to encourage the analysis of contemporary technological advances. We have developed a conceptual six-step foresight science framework approach. It represents a synthesis of various foresight methodologies including literature review, elements of horizon scanning, trend impact analysis, red team exercise, and free flow open-ended discussions. Our results show a significant shift in the threat landscape. Increasing affordability, widespread distribution, efficiency, as well as ease of use of DNA synthesis, and rapid advances in genome-editing and synthetic genomic technologies lead to an ever-growing number and types of actors who could potentially weaponize B. anthracis. Understanding the current and future capabilities of these technologies and their potential for misuse critically shapes the current and future threat landscape and underlines the necessary adaptation of biosecurity measures in the spheres of multi-level political decision making and in the science community.
The contribution of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors to the development, progression, and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Atkinson Georgia , Bianco Rosaria , Di Gregoli Karina , Johnson Jason L.
Published: September 2023

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) account for up to 8% of deaths in men aged 65 years and over and 2.2% of women. Patients with AAAs often have atherosclerosis, and intimal atherosclerosis is generally present in AAAs. Accordingly, AAAs are considered a form of atherosclerosis and are frequently referred to as atherosclerotic aneurysms. Pathological observations advocate inflammatory cell infiltration alongside adverse extracellular matrix degradation as key contributing factors to the formation of human atherosclerotic AAAs. Therefore, macrophage production of proteolytic enzymes is deemed responsible for the damaging loss of ECM proteins, especially elastin and fibrillar collagens, which characterise AAA progression and rupture. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their regulation by tissue inhibitors metalloproteinases (TIMPs) can orchestrate not only ECM remodelling, but also moderate the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of resident aortic cells, alongside the recruitment and subsequent behaviour of inflammatory cells. Accordingly, MMPs are thought to play a central regulatory role in the development, progression, and eventual rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Together, clinical and animal studies have shed light on the complex and often diverse effects MMPs and TIMPs impart during the development of AAAs. This dichotomy is underlined from evidence utilising broad-spectrum MMP inhibition in animal models and clinical trials which have failed to provide consistent protection from AAA progression, although more encouraging results have been observed through deployment of selective inhibitors. This review provides a summary of the supporting evidence connecting the contribution of individual MMPs to AAA development, progression, and eventual rupture. Topics discussed include structural, functional, and cell-specific diversity of MMP members; evidence from animal models of AAA and comparisons with findings in humans; the dual role of MMPs and the requirement to selectively target individual MMPs; and the advances in identifying aberrant MMP activity. As evidenced, our developing understanding of the multifaceted roles individual MMPs perform during the progression and rupture of AAAs, should motivate clinical trials assessing the therapeutic potential of selective MMP inhibitors, which could restrict AAA-related morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Focal and diffuse myocardial fibrosis both contribute to regional hypoperfusion assessed by post-processing quantitative-perfusion MRI techniques
Authors: Weiner Jeremy , Heinisch Corinna , Oeri Salome , Kujawski Tomasz , Szucs-Farkas Zsolt , Zbinden Rainer , Guensch Dominik P. , Fischer Kady
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Indications for stress-cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) to assess myocardial ischemia and viability are growing. First pass perfusion and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) have limited value in balanced ischemia and diffuse fibrosis. Quantitative perfusion (QP) to assess absolute pixelwise myocardial blood flow (MBF) and extracellular volume (ECV) as a measure of diffuse fibrosis can overcome these limitations. We investigated the use of post-processing techniques for quantifying both pixelwise MBF and diffuse fibrosis in patients with clinically indicated CMR stress exams. We then assessed if focal and diffuse myocardial fibrosis and other features quantified during the CMR exam explain individual MBF findings.

Methods

This prospective observational study enrolled 125 patients undergoing a clinically indicated stress-CMR scan. In addition to the clinical report, MBF during regadenoson-stress was quantified using a post-processing QP method and T1 maps were used to calculate ECV. Factors that were associated with poor MBF were investigated.

Results

Of the 109 patients included (66 ± 11 years, 32% female), global and regional perfusion was quantified by QP analysis in both the presence and absence of visual first pass perfusion deficits. Similarly, ECV analysis identified diffuse fibrosis in myocardium beyond segments with LGE. Multivariable analysis showed both LGE (β = −0.191, p = 0.001) and ECV (β = −0.011, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of reduced MBF. In patients without clinically defined first pass perfusion deficits, the microvascular risk-factors of age and wall thickness further contributed to poor MBF (p < 0.001).

Discussion

Quantitative analysis of MBF and diffuse fibrosis detected regional tissue abnormalities not identified by traditional visual assessment. Multi-parametric quantitative analysis may refine the work-up of the etiology of myocardial ischemia in patients referred for clinical CMR stress testing in the future and provide a deeper insight into ischemic heart disease.
Associations of lipid accumulation product, visceral adiposity index, and triglyceride-glucose index with subclinical organ damage in healthy Chinese adults
Authors: Du Ming-Fei , Zhang Xi , Hu Gui-Lin , Mu Jian-Jun , Chu Chao , Liao Yue-Yuan , Chen Chen , Wang Dan , Ma Qiong , Yan Yu , Jia Hao , Wang Ke-Ke , Sun Yue , Niu Ze-Jiaxin , Man Zi-Yue , Wang Lan , Zhang Xiao-Yu , Luo Wen-Jing , Gao Wei-Hua , Li Hao , Wu Guan-Ji , Gao Ke , Zhang Jie , Wang Yang
Published: September 2023

Background and aims

Obesity is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease development. Here, we aimed to examine and compare the predictive values of three novel obesity indices, lipid accumulation product (LAP), visceral adiposity index (VAI), and triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, for cardiovascular subclinical organ damage.

Methods

A total of 1,773 healthy individuals from the Hanzhong Adolescent Hypertension Study cohort were enrolled. Anthropometric, biochemical, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and Cornell voltage-duration product data were collected. Furthermore, the potential risk factors for subclinical organ damage were investigated, with particular emphasis on examining the predictive value of the LAP, VAI, and TyG index for detecting subclinical organ damage.

Results

LAP, VAI, and TyG index exhibited a significant positive association with baPWV and uACR. However, only LAP and VAI were found to have a positive correlation with Cornell product. While the three indices did not show an association with electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy, higher values of LAP and TyG index were significantly associated with an increased risk of arterial stiffness and albuminuria. Furthermore, after dividing the population into quartiles, the fourth quartiles of LAP and TyG index showed a significant association with arterial stiffness and albuminuria when compared with the first quartiles, in both unadjusted and fully adjusted models. Additionally, the concordance index (C-index) values for LAP, VAI, and TyG index were reasonably high for arterial stiffness (0.856, 0.856, and 0.857, respectively) and albuminuria (0.739, 0.737, and 0.746, respectively). Lastly, the analyses of continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) demonstrated that the TyG index exhibited significantly higher predictive values for arterial stiffness and albuminuria compared with LAP and VAI.

Conclusion

LAP, VAI, and, especially, TyG index demonstrated utility in screening cardiovascular subclinical organ damage among Chinese adults in this community-based sample. These indices have the potential to function as markers for early detection of cardiovascular disease in otherwise healthy individuals.
The Role of XBP1 in bone metabolism
Authors: Lv Wenhao , Zheng Youli , Jiao Junjun , Fu Yu , Xu Tingrui , Zhang Li , Zhang Zheng , Ma Ning
Published: September 2023

Bone is a dynamic organ that, once formed, undergoes a constant remodeling process that includes bone resorption and synthesis. Osteoclasts and osteoblasts are primarily responsible for controlling this process. X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), a transcription factor, affects the metabolism of bones in various ways. In recent years, numerous studies have revealed that XBP1 plays a vital role in bone metabolism, including osteoclast and osteoblast development, as well as in regulating immune cell differentiation that affects the immune microenvironment of bone remodeling. In this review, we highlight the regulatory mechanisms of XBP1 on osteoclasts and osteoblasts, how XBP1 affects the immune microenvironment of bone remodeling by influencing the differentiation of immune cells, and predict the possible future research directions of XBP1 to provide new insights for the treatment of bone-related metabolic diseases.
LH level on the antagonist administration day as a predictor of the reproductive outcomes in women with normal ovarian function
Authors: Pang Conghui , Wang Kehua , Wang Ruihan , Guo Danyang , Wen Zixi
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The addition of antagonists is mainly based on estrogen level and follicle size, while LH level has not received sufficient attention.In this study, LH Level on the antagonist administration day was used as the main research objective to explore its relationship with laboratory indicators and pregnancy outcomes.

Methods and Analysis

We enrolled 854 patients with normal ovarian function undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) between May 2021 to May 2022 at the Reproductive Center of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.We used the quartile method to group LH levels on the antagonist administration day. There were four groups: Q1 (0.53IU/L≤LH ≤ 1.89IU/L); Q2 (1.89IU/L<LH ≤ 3.01IU/L); Q3 (3.01IU/L<LH≤ 5.29 IU/L); Q4 (5.29IU/L<LH ≤ 8.72IU/L). A total of 452 fresh embryo transplantation cycles and 1726 Frozen embryo transplantation cycles were carried out.

Result

There were significant differences among the four groups in terms of total Gn dosage, E2, P and LH on trigger day, number of retrieved oocytes, number of 2PN embryos, number of blastocysts, Number of ET and fresh ETR.There is a significant correlation between LH on antagonist administration day and Basal LH Level,LH on trigger day,number of oocytes retrieved,number of 2PN embryos,number of blastocysts, number of ET.Using Fresh ETR,Fresh CPR,OHSS and Cumulative CPR as the criterion respectively, the optimal cut-off value for evaluating LH on antagonist administration day was 4.18IU/L,3.99IU/L,4.63IU/L,4.66IU/L.

Conclusion

There was a significant positive correlation between LH on the antagonist administration day and number of oocytes retrieved,number of 2PN embryos,number of blastocysts.LH on the antagonist administration day could predict Fresh CPR,OHSS and Cumulative CPR to some extent.
Risk of cardiac rupture among elderly patients with diabetes presenting with first acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Zu Xiaolin , Jin Yanyan , Zeng Yaping , Li Peng , Gao Hai
Published: September 2023

Objective

We aimed to analyze the risk of cardiac rupture (CR) in aged diabetic patients with acute ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) who were followed up for one month, and analyze its independent risk factors.

Methods

A total of 3063 aged patients with first onset STEMI admitted to Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2001 to December 2020 were retrospectively included. There were 2020 patients without diabetes mellitus (DM) and 1043 patients with DM. We used propensity scores matching (PSM) method to balance baseline exposure factors between patients with or without DM, and all were divided the DM group (1043 cases) and the non-DM group (1043 cases) after the PSM. The primary outcome was CR (the composite rate of papillary muscle rupture, ventricular septum perforation, free wall rupture), which was diagnosed based on clinical manifestations and/or echocardiographic findings. Kaplan-meier survival analyses and log-rank test was used to evaluate the risk of CR between the two groups, and Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent risk factors for CR.

Results

After PSM, the baseline clinical data were similar between the DM and non-DM group (all P>0.05). However, level of glycated hemoglobin was significantly higher in the DM group (P<0.05). During 1 month of follow-up, there were 55 (2.64%) cases of CR, most occurred within 48h after admission (40 cases). Among the 55 cases, 11(0.53%) had papillary muscle rupture, 18(0.86%) had ventricular septum perforation, and 26(1.25%) had free wall rupture. Kaplan-meier survival analyses detected that the DM group was associated with significantly increased risk of CR (3.36% vs. 1.92%, HR=1.532, 95% CI: 1.054-2.346, P=0.030), ventricular septum perforation (1.05% vs. 0.67%, HR=1.464, 95% CI: 1.021-2.099, P=0.038) and free wall rupture (1.63% vs. 0.86%, HR=1.861, 95% CI: 1.074-3.225, P=0.027) than those in the non-DM group. Among the 2031 aged STEMI patients without CR, 144 cases (6.90%, 144/2086) died; and among the 55 patients with CR, 37 cases (1.77%, 37/2086) died due to CR. Therefore, twenty percent (20.44%, 37/181) of death was due to CR. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that DM (HR=1.532, 95%CI: 1.054-2.346), age (HR=1.390, 95%CI: 1.079-1.791), female (HR=1.183, 95%CI: 1.049-1.334), troponin I (HR=1.364, 95%CI: 1.108-1.679), brain natriuretic peptide (HR=1.512, 95%CI: 1.069-2.139), revascularization (HR=0.827, 95%CI: 0.731-0.936) and β-receptor blocker (HR=0.849, 95%CI: 0.760-0.948) were independent risk factors of CR (all P<0.05).

Conclusion

DM as well as a few other factors, are independent determinants of CR. CR is not a rare event among the aged STEMI patients and twenty percent of deaths are due to CR. However, large sample-sized studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Co-exposure to multiple vitamins and the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes
Authors: Zhou Lin , Zhang Jianing , Zhang Dan , Yu Ye , Jiang Mengqi , Liu Huiying , Li Jiatong , Li Minghui , Zhang Zhuo , Guo Lianying
Published: September 2023

Objective

Although the effect of vitamins on the risk of mortality in diabetic patients has been reported, most studies focus on individual vitamins. However, humans are often exposed to multiple vitamins simultaneously in daily life. Therefore, it is worth exploring the effects of co-exposure to multiple vitamins on the risk of mortality in diabetic patients.

Methods

This study included diabetic patients aged ≥20WD years who participated in NHANES from 2003 to 2006. An unsupervised K-means clustering method was used to cluster eight vitamins in serum into several patterns of co-exposure to multiple vitamins, and the Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the impact of different patterns of co-exposure to multiple vitamins on the risk of all-cause mortality in diabetic patients.

Results

Three patterns of co-exposure to multiple vitamins were generated based on K-means clustering, namely, low-level, moderate-level, and high-level. Among the 484 diabetic patients, with a median follow-up of 13.7 years, a total of 211 deaths occurred. After adjusting for covariates, the individual vitamins had varying effects on the risk of all-cause mortality in diabetic patients. Compared to the low-level group of co-exposure to multiple vitamins, the high-level group significantly reduced the risk of all-cause mortality in diabetic patients, with a HR of 0.42 (95% CI: 0.20, 0.87). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that high levels of co-exposure to multiple vitamins significantly reduced the risk of all-cause mortality in males, individuals aged ≥ 60 years, and non-Hispanic White people with diabetes compared to the low-level group, with HR of 0.42 (95% CI: 0.18, 0.98), 0.53 (95% CI: 0.26, 0.98), and 0.26 (95% CI: 0.12, 0.58) respectively.

Conclusion

While individual vitamins had different effects on the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes, high-level co-exposure to multiple vitamins significantly reduced the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes, with differences observed among genders, ages, and race. This suggests that when developing vitamin intervention strategies for patients with diabetes, consideration should be given not only to the dosage of individual vitamins but also to the variations between different population groups.
Hybrid renewable energy systems: the value of storage as a function of PV-wind variability
Authors: Schleifer Anna H. , Harrison-Atlas Dylan , Cole Wesley J. , Murphy Caitlin A.
Published: September 2023

As shares of variable renewable energy (VRE) on the electric grid increase, sources of grid flexibility will become increasingly important for maintaining the reliability and affordability of electricity supply. Lithium-ion battery energy storage has been identified as an important and cost-effective source of flexibility, both by itself and when coupled with VRE technologies like solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind. In this study, we explored the current and future value of utility-scale hybrid energy systems comprising PV, wind, and lithium-ion battery technologies (PV-wind-battery systems). Using a price-taker model with simulated hourly energy and capacity prices, we simulated the revenue-maximizing dispatch of a range of PV-wind-battery configurations across Texas, from the present through 2050. Holding PV capacity and point-of-interconnection capacity constant, we modeled configurations with varying wind-to-PV capacity ratios and battery-to-PV capacity ratios. We found that coupling PV, wind, and battery technologies allows for more effective utilization of interconnection capacity by increasing capacity factors to 60%–80%+ and capacity credits to close to 100%, depending on battery capacity. We also compared the energy and capacity values of PV-wind and PV-wind-battery systems to the corresponding stability coefficient metric, which describes the location-and configuration-specific complementarity of PV and wind resources. Our results show that the stability coefficient effectively predicts the configuration-location combinations in which a smaller battery component can provide comparable economic performance in a PV-wind-battery system (compared to a PV-battery system). These PV-wind-battery hybrids can help integrate more VRE by providing smoother, more predictable generation and greater flexibility.
Source-load cooperative multi-modal peak regulation and cost compensation mechanism in China’s ancillary service electricity market
Authors: Hou Tingting , Fang Rengcun , Wang Zhixun , Huang Bibin , Hou Hui
Published: September 2023

To enhance the market participation initiatives from the power source and load sides, we propose a novel power system optimal scheduling and cost compensation mechanism for China’s peak regulation ancillary service market. Owing to China’s energy structure, thermal power accounts for nearly half of the country’s installed power generation capacity. Although the willingness of thermal power units to participate in peak regulation auxiliary services is low, we propose a peak regulation cost compensation and capacity-proportional allocation mechanism. This mechanism comprehensively considers the source-load initiative. From the source side, it encourages entities to participate in peak regulation, and the restriction of the peak regulation initiative is set to ensure that each entity benefits from the peak regulation transaction. From the load side, it takes the shiftable and sheddable load as the hybrid demand response and uses the price information to influence the power consumption behavior of the user side. Subsequently, a peak regulation scheduling model was constructed with the multi-objective minimum thermal power output fluctuation of the lowest system operating cost and minimum renewable energy abandonment. This was solved using a mixed-integer linear programming model and CPLEX. Finally, a power system consisting of wind-solar-hydro-thermal-storage and hybrid demand response with a modified IEEE 30-bus system was tested to verify the effectiveness. It was proven that the proposed method improves the utilization rate of renewable energy and optimizes the scheduling of the economic benefit system of each power generation entity.
Genome-wide CRISPR screens and their applications in infectious disease
Authors: Srivastava Kaveri , Pandit Bhaswati
Published: September 2023

Inactivation or targeted disruption of a gene provides clues to assess the function of the gene in many cellular processes. Knockdown or knocking out a gene has been widely used for this purpose. However, recently CRISPR mediated genome editing has taken over the knockout/knockdown system with more precision. CRISPR technique has enabled us to perform targeted mutagenesis or genome editing to address questions in fundamental biology to biomedical research. Its application is wide in understanding the role of genes in the disease process, and response to therapy in cancer, metabolic disorders, or infectious disease. In this article, we have focused on infectious disease and how genome-wide CRISPR screens have enabled us to identify host factors involved in the process of infection. Understanding the biology of the host-pathogen interaction is of immense importance in planning host-directed therapy to improve better management of the disease. Genome-wide CRISPR screens provide strong mechanistic ways to identify the host dependency factors involved in various infections. We presented insights into genome-wide CRISPR screens conducted in the context of infectious diseases both viral and bacterial that led to better understanding of host-pathogen interactions and immune networks. We have discussed the advancement of knowledge pertaining to influenza virus, different hepatitis viruses, HIV, most recent SARS CoV2 and few more. Among bacterial diseases, we have focused on infection with life threatening Mycobacteria, Salmonella, S. aureus, etc. It appears that the CRISPR technique can be applied universally to multiple infectious disease models to unravel the role of known or novel host factors.