bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SISTEM INFORMASI INVENTORY BERBASIS WEB MENGGUNAKAN METODE OOAD PADA PT BGA
Authors: Deddy Deddy , Arnomo Sasa Ani
Published: May 2024

Perkembangan pesat dalam bidang komunikasi telah memicu minat masyarakat untuk beralih ke teknologi informasi dan komunikasi. Penggunaan teknologi informasi oleh perusahaan memainkan peran penting dalam mempermudah dan mempercepat pengelolaan bisnis mereka. Salah satu bagian penting dalam perusahaan adalah bagian persediaan (inventory), yang memiliki peran kunci dalam mengelola stok barang perusahaan tersebut. Sistem pengelolaan inventory sangat berdampak pada kinerja suatu perusahaan. PT Bestbuild Globalindo Aluminium merupakan salah satu perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang manufaktur pabrikasi kusen, pintu dan jendela aluminium. Seiring dengan berkembangnya perusahaan dan bertambahnya jumlah barang inventory, muncul permasalahan yang menuntut perhatian yakni kesulitan dalam memperoleh informasi yang cepat, tepat, dan akurat mengenai barang inventory yang ada. Dari permasalahan tersebut maka diperlukan perancangan dan pembangunan sistem informasi inventory barang yang lebih terstruktur dan efisien. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk merancang dan membangun sebuah sistem informasi inventory barang yang diharapkan dapat meningkatkan efisiensi pengelolaan inventory, dan menyediakan informasi yang lebih akurat dan dapat diandalkan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan oleh peneliti adalah OOAD (Object Oriented Analysis Design) dengan pemodelan menggunakan UML. Hasil penelitian yang dilakukan oleh peneliti menunjukkan bahwa sistem informasi inventory ini dirancang dan dibangun dengan menggunakan bahasa pemrograman PHP dan penyimpanan data melalui database MySQL.  Sistem informasi inventory yang dibangun dapat memberikan laporan yang terkini kepada pimpinan perusahaan mengenai barang-barang inventory di PT Bestbuild Globalindo Aluminium.
ANALISIS POTENSI PENINGKATAN PENJUALAN TOKO MITRA LAZADA AZGALERY DENGAN ALGORITMA C4.5
Authors: Fransisco Rico Fransisco , Elisa Erlin
Published: May 2024

Potensi penjualan di online marketplace semakin meningkat seiring waktu dikarenakan perkembangan dan pemerataan sinyal dan alat telekomunikasi. Peristiwa ini merupakan sebuah peluang yang sangat bisa dimanfaatkan oleh toko mitra yang berjualan di marketplace salah satunya adalah mitra Azgalery Lazada . Toko mitra ini sendiri sudah ada sejak 4 tahun lalu dengan jumlah produk hampir 700 lebih dengan kategori yang beragam mulai dari fashion wanita, fashion pria, dekorasi rumah hingga peralatan rumah tangga lainnya.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membantu toko mitra mendapatkan suatu pohon keputusan yang bisa dijadi acuan nantinya untuk keputusan krusial seperti mempersiapkan produk terbaru dan riset harga.disamping itu juga meningkatkan kualitas dari peforma toko mitra Lazada ini agar lebih dipercaya di mata pelanggan.Metode yang dipakai merupakan implementasi menggunakan Data mining khususnya klasifikasi menggunakan algoritma C4.5. Metode ini dipakai untuk menganalisa potensi penjualan dengan dengan dibantu oleh data yang ada untuk menunjang penelitian menghasilkan hasil akhir yang valid.
PERANCANGAN UI/UX APLIKASI E-LEARNING PADA MTSS IRSYADUL ATHFAL MENGGUNAKAN METODE DESIGN THINKING
Authors: Sunaryana Sunaryana , Nisa Khoirun
Published: May 2024

MTsS Irsyadul Athfal is a secondary school after graduating from elementary school, a school that applies a religious curriculum to its students. Researchers found the problem of schools that already have a website but it is not used enough to support the learning process, the website is only a promotional medium. This research aims to provide recommendations as reference material in the form of UI/UX design for E-learning applications in the form of website prototypes so that they can be developed in the future. In this research, the author uses the Design Thinking method approach to produce UI/UX designs for E-learning applications that suit user needs. There are several processes in the research method, namely empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and testing. The UI/UX design stages of E-learning applications go through several stages, namely understanding a user needs problem, needs analysis, solution analysis, making a prototype and then testing it on several users. The results of the prototype that had been designed were tested on 9 respondents using the System Usability Scale (SUS) testing method. Based on the tests that have been carried out, test results were obtained with a total SUS score value of 83.33 or (Grade Scale B).
Analisis Digital Forensik Recovery Data pada Flashdisk Menggunakan Metode National Institute Of Justice (NIJ)
Authors: Huda Syaiful , Novrianda Dasmen Rahmat , Ardiansyah Ardiansyah , Pranata Viren , Januarta Ari
Published: May 2024

Investigasi penerapan teknik komputer forensik dalam proses pengembalian data dengan memanfaatkan salah satu alat yaitu disk test Dalam konteks ini, fokus diberikan pada analisis kinerja dan efektivitas alat forensik yang digunakan untuk mengembalikan data dari media penyimpanan digital, terutama pada tahap disk test l. Dalam forensik IT dapat ditemukan bukti-bukti seperti dokumen, informasi keuangan, e-mail, log, video, transkripsi pesan suara dan lain-lain seperti Terutama pada dokumen atau data yang sengaja diambil atau dihapus datanya dari perangkat USB dan harus dipulihkan data yang telah hilang Pada tahap awal penelitian penulis akan mengumpulkan data tentang alat yang digunakan dan oleh karena itu,   Penulis menganggap bahwa diperlukan tools yang dapat menganalisis tools mana yang lebih baik dan efisien dalam menangani salah satu permasalahan tersebut. Tools yang akan digunakan adalah Teskdisk. Hasil penelitian ini memberikan wawasan mendalam tentang efektivitas alat disk tesk dalam konteks pemulihan data melalui pendekatan forensik komputer. Implikasi dari temuan penelitian ini dapat mendukung pengembangan praktik terbaik dalam menghadapi tantangan dan kompleksitas pengembalian data di dunia digital yang berkembang.
Late-stage diversification of bacterial natural products through biocatalysis
Authors: Lazic Jelena , Filipovic Vuk , Pantelic Lena , Milovanovic Jelena , Vojnovic Sandra , Nikodinovic-Runic Jasmina
Published: May 2024

Bacterial natural products (BNPs) are very important sources of leads for drug development and chemical novelty. The possibility to perform late-stage diversification of BNPs using biocatalysis is an attractive alternative route other than total chemical synthesis or metal complexation reactions. Although biocatalysis is gaining popularity as a green chemistry methodology, a vast majority of orphan sequenced genomic data related to metabolic pathways for BNP biosynthesis and its tailoring enzymes are underexplored. In this review, we report a systematic overview of biotransformations of 21 molecules, which include derivatization by halogenation, esterification, reduction, oxidation, alkylation and nitration reactions, as well as degradation products as their sub-derivatives. These BNPs were grouped based on their biological activities into antibacterial (5), antifungal (5), anticancer (5), immunosuppressive (2) and quorum sensing modulating (4) compounds. This study summarized 73 derivatives and 16 degradation sub-derivatives originating from 12 BNPs. The highest number of biocatalytic reactions was observed for drugs that are already in clinical use: 28 reactions for the antibacterial drug vancomycin, followed by 18 reactions reported for the immunosuppressive drug rapamycin. The most common biocatalysts include oxidoreductases, transferases, lipases, isomerases and haloperoxidases. This review highlights biocatalytic routes for the late-stage diversification reactions of BNPs, which potentially help to recognize the structural optimizations of bioactive scaffolds for the generation of new biomolecules, eventually leading to drug development.
Using host-mimicking conditions and a murine cutaneous abscess model to identify synergistic antibiotic combinations effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Lyons Nikita , Wu Weihui , Jin Yongxin , Lamont Iain L. , Pletzer Daniel
Published: May 2024

Antibiotic drug combination therapy is critical for the successful treatment of infections caused by multidrug resistant pathogens. We investigated the efficacy of β-lactam and β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations with other antibiotics, against the hypervirulent, ceftazidime/avibactam resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Liverpool epidemic strain (LES) B58. Although minimum inhibitory concentrations in vitro differed by up to eighty-fold between standard and host-mimicking media, combinatorial effects only marginally changed between conditions for some combinations. Effective combinations in vitro were further tested in a chronic, high-density murine infection model. Colistin and azithromycin demonstrated combinatorial effects with ceftazidime and ceftazidime/avibactam both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, while tobramycin and tigecycline exhibited strong synergy in vitro, this effect was not observed in vivo. Our approach of using host-mimicking conditions and a sophisticated animal model to evaluate drug synergy against bacterial pathogens represents a promising approach. This methodology may offer insights into the prediction of combination therapy outcomes and the identification of potential treatment failures.
Post-truth conspiracism and the pseudo-public sphere
Authors: de Zeeuw Daniël
Published: May 2024

Rather than seeking to recuperate the ideal of a digital public sphere or lament its demise with the rise of social media platforms, in this paper I seek to identify the dangers of precisely this insistence to imagine the Internet as a public sphere. It is this curious insistence and persistence that, I claim, may feed into precisely those post-truth media dynamics such critical accounts worry about and rally against. The success of viral conspiracy narratives like Pizzagate and QAnon, as well as other forms of mis- and disinformation, hinges not (only) on the absence or distortion of a healthy democratic public sphere, as is typically assumed, but (also) on its persistence as an imaginary in an environment that obeys an altogether different set of logics, namely that of ‘communicative capitalism’ and ‘information warfare.’ Whereas the former has drawn most critical attention in connection to current post-truth dynamics (e.g., the effects of targeted advertising and the role of algorithms in creating polarizing echo chambers and filter bubbles), I will instead focus on the latter. The unique problem and ‘cunning’ of what I refer to as ‘post-truth conspiracism’ is that it draws on idea(l)s of digital publicness to establish its own epistemic legitimacy, as well as derive its unique powers of persuasion, while also mobilizing the full tactical arsenal of information warfare in a global attention economy. The resulting weaponization of digital public sphere imaginaries complicates attempts to recuperate the idea(l) of a digital public sphere as a solution to a ‘polluted’ information environment.
The management of heart failure in Sweden—the physician’s perspective: a survey
Authors: Ferrannini Giulia , Biber Mattia Emanuele , Abdi Sam , Ståhlberg Marcus , Lund Lars H. , Savarese Gianluigi
Published: May 2024

Aims

To assess the barriers to guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) use in heart failure (HF), diagnostic workup and general knowledge about HF among physicians in Sweden.

Methods

A survey about the management of HF was sent to 828 Swedish physicians including general practitioners (GPs) and specialists during 2021–2022. Answers were reported as percentages and comparisons were made by specialty (GPs vs. specialists).

Results

One hundred sixty-eight physicians participated in the survey (40% females, median age 43 years; 41% GPs and 59% specialists). Electrocardiography and New York Heart Association class evaluations are mostly performed once a year by GPs (46%) and at every outpatient visit by specialists (40%). Echocardiography is mostly requested if there is clinical deterioration (60%). One-third of participants screen for iron deficiency only if there is anemia. Major obstacles to implementation of different drug classes in HF with reduced ejection fraction are related to side effects, with no significant differences between specialties. Device implantation is deemed appropriate regardless of aetiology (69%) and patient age (86%). Specialists answered correctly to knowledge questions more often than GPs. Eighty-six percent of participants think that GDMT should be implemented as much as possible. Most participants (57%) believe that regular patient assessment in nurse-led HF clinics improve adherence to GDMT.

Conclusion

Obstacles to GDMT implementation according to physicians in Sweden mainly relate to potential side effects, lack of specialist knowledge and organizational aspects. Further efforts should be placed in educational activities and structuring of nurse-led clinics.
Exploring the intricate relationship between miRNA dysregulation and breast cancer development: insights into the impact of environmental chemicals
Authors: Abolhasanzadeh Narges , Sarabandi Sajed , Dehghan Bahar , Karamad Vahidreza , Avci Cigir Biray , Shademan Behrouz , Nourazarian Alireza
Published: May 2024

Breast cancer stands as the most prevalent form of cancer among women globally, influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies have investigated changes in microRNAs (miRNAs) during breast cancer progression and the potential impact of environmental chemicals on miRNA expression. This review aims to provide an updated overview of miRNA alterations in breast cancer and to explore their potential association with environmental chemicals. We will discuss the current knowledge on dysregulated miRNAs in breast cancer, including both upregulated and downregulated miRNAs. Additionally, we will review the influence of environmental chemicals, such as endocrine-disrupting compounds, heavy metals, and air pollutants, on miRNA expression and their potential contribution to breast cancer development. This review aims to advance our understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms underlying miRNA dysregulation in breast cancer by comprehensively examining miRNA alterations and their association with environmental chemicals. This knowledge is crucial for the development of targeted therapies and preventive measures. Furthermore, identifying specific miRNAs affected by environmental chemicals may allow the prediction of individual susceptibility to breast cancer and the design of personalized intervention strategies.
RNA m5C methylation: a potential modulator of innate immune pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Meng Sun , Jiangtao Bai , Haisong Wang , Mei Li , Long Zhou , Shanfeng Li
Published: May 2024

RNA 5-methylcytosine (m5C) methylation plays a crucial role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As reported, aberrant m5C methylation is closely associated with the progression, therapeutic efficacy, and prognosis of HCC. The innate immune system functions as the primary defense mechanism in the body against pathogenic infections and tumors since it can activate innate immune pathways through pattern recognition receptors to exert anti-infection and anti-tumor effects. Recently, m5C methylation has been demonstrated to affect the activation of innate immune pathways including TLR, cGAS-STING, and RIG-I pathways by modulating RNA function, unveiling new mechanisms underlying the regulation of innate immune responses by tumor cells. However, research on m5C methylation and its interplay with innate immune pathways is still in its infancy. Therefore, this review details the biological significance of RNA m5C methylation in HCC and discusses its potential regulatory relationship with TLR, cGAS-STING, and RIG-I pathways, thereby providing fresh insights into the role of RNA methylation in the innate immune mechanisms and treatment of HCC.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy associated with IgA nephropathy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Chabannes Melchior , Lisri Ziriab , Lang Stéphane , Seibel Jean , Eberst Guillaume , Ducloux Didier , Pursun Céline , Durey Marie Agnes Dragon , Alyanakia Marie-Alexandra , Felix Sophie , Crepin Thomas
Published: May 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) dramatically improve the prognosis of many malignancies but at the cost of numerous side effects, which may limit their benefits. Acute kidney injury associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors most frequently are acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN), but various cases of glomerulonephritis have also been reported. Herein, we report a case of severe IgA nephropathy (IgAN) associated with ICIs and carry out a literature review. IgAN was diagnosed in a median time of 5 months (range 1–12 months) after the initiation of ICIs, with heterogeneous severity, and usually treated by corticosteroid and discontinuation of ICIs. In contrast to our case, renal outcomes in literature were often favorable, with recovery of renal function and a reduction in proteinuria on treatment. Although IgAN related to ICIs is a much rarer complication than ATIN, it may still be underdiagnosed. Careful questioning and screening for asymptomatic hematuria should be performed before using ICIs.
Ex vivo expansion in a clinical grade medium, containing growth factors from human platelets, enhances migration capacity of adipose stem cells
Authors: Agostini Francesco , Vicinanza Carla , Lombardi Elisabetta , Da Ros Francesco , Marangon Miriam , Massarut Samuele , Mazzucato Mario , Durante Cristina
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Adipose tissue mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (ASC) can be used as advanced therapy medicinal product in regenerative and cancer medicine. We previously demonstrated Supernatant Rich in Growth Factors (SRGF) can replace fetal bovine serum (FBS) to expand ASC by a clinical grade compliant protocol. The therapeutic potential of ASC is based also on their homing capacity toward inflammatory/cancer sites: oriented cell migration is a fundamental process in this scenario. We investigated the impact of SRGF on ASC migration properties.

Methods

The motility/migration potential of ASC expanded in 5% SRGF was analyzed, in comparison to 10% FBS, by standard wound healing, bidimensional chemotaxis and transwell assays, and by millifluidic transwell tests. Mechanisms involved in the migration process were investigated by transient protein overexpression.

Results

In comparison to standard 10% FBS, supplementation of the cell culture medium with 5% SRGF, strongly increased migration properties of ASC along the chemotactic gradient and toward cancer cell derived soluble factors, both in static and millifluidic conditions. We showed that, independently from applied migratory stimulus, SRGF expanded ASC were characterized by far lower expression of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), a protein involved in the cell migration machinery. Overexpression of αSMA induced a significant and marked decrease in migration capacity of SRGF expanded ASC.

Discussion

In conclusion, 5% SRGF addition in the cell culture medium increases the migration potential of ASC, reasonably through appropriate downregulation of αSMA. Thus, SRGF could potentially improve the therapeutic impact of ASC, both as modulators of the immune microenviroment or as targeted drug delivery vehicles in oncology.
Acropora tenuis energy acquisition along a natural turbidity gradient
Authors: Zweifler Adi , Browne Nicola K. , Levy Oren , Hovey Renae , O’Leary Mick
Published: May 2024

Predicted future increases in both local and global stressors are expected to lead to elevated turbidity levels and an expansion of the geographical range of turbid coral reefs. Corals typically respond to elevated turbidity by increasing their rates of heterotrophy as means of compensating for low energy levels from reduced light and photosynthesis. We analysed Acropora tenuis energy acquisition along a natural turbidity gradient over two time points in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia, using in-situ environmental data with coral physiology attributes and stable isotopes to assess trophic strategy. Our hypothesis was that as turbidity levels increased, so too would heterotrophy rates. Both δ13C and δ15N values decreased from the clear-water to the turbid sites, which along with Bayesian analysis revealed that all A. tenuis communities along the turbidity gradient are on a mixotrophic-heterotrophic feeding strategy scale. We propose that the low δ15N levels at the most turbid site may result from a combination of Acropora physiological limitations (e.g., reduced feeding capacity) and highly variable turbidity levels. In contrast, the higher δ15N at the clear-water site likely results from increased nutrient availability from additional sources such as upwelling. Our findings suggest that increased heterotrophy by coral hosts in turbid coral reef areas is not a universal pattern. Importantly, the loss of carbon in the turbid sites is not supplemented by nitrogen intake, which might suggest that Exmouth Gulfs Acropora communities are more vulnerable to future climate stressors and bleaching.
Seawater intrusion effects on nitrogen cycling in the regulated Nakdong River Estuary, South Korea
Authors: Huang Yan , Song Bongkeun , Zhang Qinglong , Park Yunjung , Wilson Stephanie J. , Tobias Craig R. , An Soonmo
Published: May 2024

Research on the impact of seawater intrusion on nitrogen (N) cycling in coastal estuarine ecosystems is crucial; however, there is still a lack of relevant research conducted under in-situ field conditions. The effects of elevated salinity on N cycling processes and microbiomes were examined in situ seawater intrusion experiments conducted from 2019 to 2021 in the Nakdong River Estuary (South Korea), where an estuarine dam regulates tidal hydrodynamics. After the opening of the Nakdong Estuary Dam (seawater intrusion event), the density difference between seawater and freshwater resulted in varying degrees of seawater trapping at topographically deep stations. Bottom-water oxygen conditions had been altered in normoxia, hypoxia, and weak hypoxia due to the different degrees of seawater trapping in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. Denitrification mostly dominated the nitrate (NO3-) reduction process, except in 2020 after seawater intrusion. However, denitrification rates decreased because of reduced coupled nitrification after seawater intrusion due to the dissolved oxygen limitation in 2020. Dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) rates immediately increased after seawater intrusion in 2020, replacing denitrification as the dominant pathway in the NO3- reduction process. The enhanced DNRA rate was mainly due to the abundant organic matter associated with seawater invasion and more reducing environment (maybe sulfide enhancement effects) under high seawater-trapping conditions. Denitrification increased in 2021 after seawater intrusion during weak hypoxia; however, DNRA did not change. Small seawater intrusion in 2019 caused no seawater trapping and overall normoxic condition, though a slight shift from denitrification to DNRA was observed. Metagenomic analysis revealed a decrease in overall denitrification-associated genes in response to seawater intrusion in 2019 and 2020, while DNRA-associated gene abundance increased. In 2021 after seawater intrusion, microbial gene abundance associated with denitrification increased, while that of DNRA did not change significantly. These changes in gene abundance align mostly with alterations in nitrogen transformation rates. In summary, ecological change effects in N cycling after the dam opening (N retention or release, that is, eutrophication deterioration or mitigation) depend on the degree of seawater intrusion and the underlying freshwater conditions, which constitute the extent of seawater-trapping.
Multiple treatment interruptions and protecting HIV-specific CD4 T cells enable durable CD8 T cell response and viral control
Authors: Jain Anshika , Canepa Gaspar E. , Liou Mei-Ling , Fledderman Emily L. , Chapoval Andrei I. , Xiao Lingzhi , Mukherjee Ipsita , Balogun Bushirat M. , Huaman-Vergara Hellen , Galvin Jeffrey A. , Kumar Princy N. , Bordon José , Conant Marcus A. , Boyle Jefferey S.
Published: May 2024

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a global health challenge, and novel approaches to improve HIV control are significantly important. The cell and gene therapy product AGT103-T was previously evaluated (NCT04561258) for safety, immunogenicity, and persistence in seven patients for up to 180 days post infusion. In this study, we sought to investigate the impact of AGT103-T treatment upon analytical treatment interruptions (ATIs). Six patients previously infused with AGT103-T were enrolled into an ATI study (NCT05540964), wherein they suspended their antiretroviral therapy (ART) until their viral load reached 100,000 copies/mL in two successive visits, or their CD4 count was reduced to below 300 cells/μL. During the ATI, all patients experienced viral rebound followed by a notable expansion in HIV specific immune responses. The participants demonstrated up to a five-fold increase in total CD8 counts over baseline approximately 1–2 weeks followed by the peak viremia. This coincided with a rise in HIV-specific CD8 T cells, which was attributed to the increase in antigen availability and memory recall. Thus, the protocol was amended to include a second ATI with the first ATI serving as an “auto-vaccination.” Four patients participated in a second ATI. During the second ATI, the Gag-specific CD8 T cells were either maintained or rose in response to viral rebound and the peak viremia was substantially decreased. The patients reached a viral set point ranging from 7,000 copies/mL to 25,000 copies/mL. Upon resuming ART, all participants achieved viral control more rapidly than during the first ATI, with CD4 counts remaining within 10% of baseline measurements and without any serious adverse events or evidence of drug resistance. In summary, the rise in CD8 counts and the viral suppression observed in 100% of the study participants are novel observations demonstrating that AGT103-T gene therapy when combined with multiple ATIs, is a safe and effective approach for achieving viral control, with viral setpoints consistently below 25,000 copies/mL and relatively stable CD4 T cell counts. We conclude that HIV cure-oriented cell and gene therapy trials should include ATI and may benefit from designs that include multiple ATIs when induction of CD8 T cells is required to establish viral control.
Case report: A patient with HHV-6 and HHV-7 combined with Whipple’s trophoblast infection and streptococcal pneumonia
Authors: Chen Heng , Zhao Bo , Yang Jing , Li Pi-bao
Published: May 2024

Adult respiratory distress syndrome due to viral pneumonia occurs predominantly in immunodeficient populations; adult respiratory distress syndrome secondary to human herpesvirus HHV-6 and HHV-7 pneumonia is extremely rare. Whipple’s disease, caused by Tropheryma whipplei, a Gram-positive bacillus and obligate intracellular pathogen, is clinically challenging to diagnose. Whipple’s disease is a chronic multisystem infectious disease caused by T. whipplei, most often affecting the gastrointestinal tract and joints, seldom the lungs. Both pathogens are opportunistic. We report a case of mixed infectious pneumonia in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The patient presented with dyspnea and intermittent fever. Imaging revealed multiple large patchy consolidations in the left lung. Routine anti-infective therapy was ineffective. Metagenomic next generation sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid indicated HHV-6 and HHV-7 pneumonia concurrent with T. whipplei and Streptococcus co-infections. Meropenem was administered to improve treatment. This case represents a rare mixed lung infection by multiple uncommon pathogens, and is of particular clinical significance.
Cross-modality transfer learning with knowledge infusion for diabetic retinopathy grading
Authors: Chen Tao , Bai Yanmiao , Mao Haiting , Liu Shouyue , Xu Keyi , Xiong Zhouwei , Ma Shaodong , Yang Fang , Zhao Yitian
Published: May 2024

Background

Ultra-wide-field (UWF) fundus photography represents an emerging retinal imaging technique offering a broader field of view, thus enhancing its utility in screening and diagnosing various eye diseases, notably diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, the application of computer-aided diagnosis for DR using UWF images confronts two major challenges. The first challenge arises from the limited availability of labeled UWF data, making it daunting to train diagnostic models due to the high cost associated with manual annotation of medical images. Secondly, existing models' performance requires enhancement due to the absence of prior knowledge to guide the learning process.

Purpose

By leveraging extensively annotated datasets within the field, which encompass large-scale, high-quality color fundus image datasets annotated at either image-level or pixel-level, our objective is to transfer knowledge from these datasets to our target domain through unsupervised domain adaptation.

Methods

Our approach presents a robust model for assessing the severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) by leveraging unsupervised lesion-aware domain adaptation in ultra-wide-field (UWF) images. Furthermore, to harness the wealth of detailed annotations in publicly available color fundus image datasets, we integrate an adversarial lesion map generator. This generator supplements the grading model by incorporating auxiliary lesion information, drawing inspiration from the clinical methodology of evaluating DR severity by identifying and quantifying associated lesions.

Results

We conducted both quantitative and qualitative evaluations of our proposed method. In particular, among the six representative DR grading methods, our approach achieved an accuracy (ACC) of 68.18% and a precision (pre) of 67.43%. Additionally, we conducted extensive experiments in ablation studies to validate the effectiveness of each component of our proposed method.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our method not only improves the accuracy of DR grading, but also enhances the interpretability of the results, providing clinicians with a reliable DR grading scheme.
The potential protective role of Parkinson’s disease against hypothyroidism: co-localisation and bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Lei Jiang , He Wenxuan , Liu Yao , Zhang Qinxin , Liu Yingyao , Ou Qican , Wu Xianli , Li Fenglin , Liao Jiajia , Xiao Yousheng
Published: May 2024

Background

The association between hypothyroidism and Parkinson’s disease (PD) has sparked intense debate in the medical community due to conflicting study results. A better understanding of this association is crucial because of its potential implications for both pathogenesis and treatment strategies.

Methods

To elucidate this complex relationship, we used Bayesian co-localisation (COLOC) and bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. COLOC was first used to determine whether hypothyroidism and PD share a common genetic basis. Subsequently, genetic variants served as instrumental variables in a bidirectional MR to explore causal interactions between these conditions.

Results

COLOC analysis revealed no shared genetic variants between hypothyroidism and PD, with a posteriori probability of hypothesis 4 (PPH4) = 0.025. Furthermore, MR analysis indicated that hypothyroidism does not have a substantial causal effect on PD (OR = 0.990, 95% CI = 0.925, 1.060, p = 0.774). Conversely, PD appears to have a negative causal effect on hypothyroidism (OR = 0.776, 95% CI = 0.649, 0.928, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest the absence of shared genetic variants between hypothyroidism and PD. Interestingly, PD may inversely influence the risk of developing hypothyroidism, a finding that may inform future research and clinical approaches.
The effect of multimorbidity patterns on physical and cognitive function in diabetes patients: a longitudinal cohort of middle-aged and older adults in China
Authors: Zhou Xieting , Qin Juan-Juan , Li Hang , Chen Jiyu , Zhang Qing , Ye Xujun
Published: May 2024

Background

The prevalence of diabetes has increased rapidly, and comorbid chronic conditions are common among diabetes patients. However, little is known about the pattern of multimorbidity in diabetes patients and the effect on physical and cognitive function. This study aimed to assess the disease clusters and patterns of multimorbidity in diabetes patients using a novel latent class analysis (LCA) approach in middle-aged and older adults and explore the association between different clusters of multimorbidity in diabetes and the effect on physical and cognitive function.

Methods

This national observational study included 1,985 diabetes patients from the four waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2011 to 2018. Thirteen chronic diseases were used in latent class analysis to identify the patterns of multimorbidity in diabetes, which span the cardiovascular, physical, psychological, and metabolic systems. Cognitive function is assessed via a structured questionnaire in three domains: memory, executive function, and orientation. We combined activities of daily living (ADL) with instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) to measure physical function. Linear mixed models and negative binomial regression models were used to analyze the association between patterns of multimorbidity in diabetes and the effect on cognitive function and disability, respectively.

Results

A sample of 1,985 diabetic patients was identified, of which 1,889 (95.2%) had multimorbidity; their average age was 60.6 years (standard deviation (SD) = 9.5), and 53.1% were women. Three clusters were identified: “cardio-metabolic” (n = 972, 51.5%), “mental-dyslipidemia-arthritis” (n = 584, 30.9%), and “multisystem morbidity” (n = 333, 17.6%). Compared with diabetes alone, the “multisystem morbidity” class had an increased association with global cognitive decline. All patterns of multimorbidity were associated with an increased risk of memory decline and disability; however, the “multisystem morbidity” group also had the strongest association and presented a higher ADL-IADL disability (ratio = 4.22, 95% CI = 2.52, 7.08) and decline in memory Z scores (β = −0.322, 95% CI = −0.550, −0.095, p = 0.0058).

Conclusion

Significant longitudinal associations between different patterns of multimorbidity in diabetes patients and memory decline and disability were observed in this study. Future studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and common risk factors for multimorbidity in diabetes patients and to propose treatments that are more effective.
Changes in the dopaminergic circuitry and adult neurogenesis linked to reinforcement learning in corvids
Authors: Parishar Pooja , Rajagopalan Madhumita , Iyengar Soumya
Published: May 2024

The caudolateral nidopallium (NCL, an analog of the prefrontal cortex) is known to be involved in learning, memory, and discrimination in corvids (a songbird), whereas the involvement of other brain regions in these phenomena is not well explored. We used house crows (Corvus splendens) to explore the neural correlates of learning and decision-making by initially training them on a shape discrimination task followed by immunohistochemistry to study the immediate early gene expression (Arc), a dopaminoceptive neuronal marker (DARPP-32, Dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein, Mr 32 kDa) to understand the involvement of the reward pathway and an immature neuronal marker (DCX, doublecortin) to detect learning-induced changes in adult neurogenesis. We performed neuronal counts and neuronal tracing, followed by morphometric analyses. Our present results have demonstrated that besides NCL, other parts of the caudal nidopallium (NC), avian basal ganglia, and intriguingly, vocal control regions in house crows are involved in visual discrimination. We have also found that training on the visual discrimination task can be correlated with neurite pruning in mature dopaminoceptive neurons and immature DCX-positive neurons in the NC of house crows. Furthermore, there is an increase in the incorporation of new neurons throughout NC and the medial striatum which can also be linked to learning. For the first time, our results demonstrate that a combination of structural changes in mature and immature neurons and adult neurogenesis are linked to learning in corvids.
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a tumor modulator: mechanisms to therapy
Authors: Chaudhry Kanita A. , Bianchi-Smiraglia Anna
Published: May 2024

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is widely recognized to play important, but complex, modulatory roles in a variety of tumor types. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the increasingly controversial role of AhR as a tumor regulator and the mechanisms by which it alters tumor progression based on the cancer cell type. Finally, we discuss new and emerging strategies to therapeutically modulate AhR, focusing on novel agents that hold promise in current human clinical trials as well as existing FDA-approved drugs that could potentially be repurposed for cancer therapy.
Tackling unbalanced datasets for yellow and brown rust detection in wheat
Authors: Cuenca-Romero Carmen , Apolo-Apolo Orly Enrique , Rodríguez Vázquez Jaime Nolasco , Egea Gregorio , Pérez-Ruiz Manuel
Published: May 2024

This study evaluates the efficacy of hyperspectral data for detecting yellow and brown rust in wheat, employing machine learning models and the SMOTE (Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique) augmentation technique to tackle unbalanced datasets. Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Gaussian Naïve Bayes (GNB) models were assessed. Overall, SVM and RF models showed higher accuracies, particularly when utilizing SMOTE-enhanced datasets. The RF model achieved 70% accuracy in detecting yellow rust without data alteration. Conversely, for brown rust, the SVM model outperformed others, reaching 63% accuracy with SMOTE applied to the training set. This study highlights the potential of spectral data and machine learning (ML) techniques in plant disease detection. It emphasizes the need for further research in data processing methodologies, particularly in exploring the impact of techniques like SMOTE on model performance.
Theory to practice: a success in breeding sugarcane variety YZ08–1609 known as the King of Sugar
Authors: Wu Qibin , Li Aomei , Zhao Peifang , Xia Hongming , Zhang Yuebin , Que Youxiong
Published: May 2024

Sugarcane, a significant cash crop in tropical and subtropical regions, contributes to 80% of sugar production and 40% of bioethanol production in the world. It is a key sugar crop, accounting for 85% of sugar production in China. Developing new varieties with high yield, high sugar, and better stress resistance is crucial for the sustainable growth of sugar industry. Hybrid breeding is the most widely used and effective method, with over 98% of Chinese sugarcane varieties resulting from this approach. Over the past two decades, Chinese breeders have developed the theory of high-heterogeneous composite high-sugar breeding, leading to the successful breeding of the fifth-generation sugarcane varieties. Among them, YZ08–1609, a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp., was developed by Sugarcane Research Institute (YSRI) of Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences. The average cane yield of YZ08–1609 was 14.4% higher than ROC22. It is highly resistant to mosaic disease, and highly tolerant to drought stress, but moderately susceptible to smut disease. Notably, YZ08–1609 stands out with a sucrose content of 20.3%, setting an international record, earning the reputation as “King of Sugar”. To summarize experience and inspire breeding, we provided here the detailed insights into the selection of parents, breeding process, and characteristics of YZ08–1609. Besides, the biological mechanisms underlying its high yield and high sugar was excavated at both transcriptional and metabolic levels. The challenges and prospects in breeding sugarcane varieties especially with high sugar were also discussed, offering a foundation for the future development of high-sugar varieties.
The mediating role of self-control on the relations between adverse childhood experiences and substance use among adolescents in Uganda
Authors: Namusoke Jane , Amone-P’Olak Kennedy , Nakanwagi Carol Chosen , Kibedi Henry , Mayengo Nathaniel , Ssenyonga Joseph , Omech Bernard
Published: May 2024

Objective

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are established risk factors for undesirable consequences in adolescence and early adulthood, including substance use and a lack of self-control. Based on the Social Bonds Theory (SBT), this study aims to expand our knowledge of the pathways from ACEs and self-control to substance use in adolescence and early adulthood.

Methods

The extent to which self-control mediates the association between ACEs and substance use was examined in a cross-sectional survey of 358 adolescents and young adults (N = 234, 65.5% girls, mean age 17.7, SD 0.58, range 15–18). Data were gathered using the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE-10) questionnaire, the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10), and the 10-item self-control scale to assess childhood adversity, substance use, and self-control, respectively.

Results

ACEs were widely reported and significantly associated with substance use and a lack of self-control. Self-control strongly predicted substance use, independent of ACEs. Among those reporting no ACEs, one to two, three to four, and five or more, there were significant variations in the respondents’ substance use (F(3, 400) = 12.69, p = 0.001). Self-control explained 51.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 41, 61%) of the associations between ACEs and substance use as assessed by linear regression.

Conclusion

Self-control is key to understanding why adolescents and young adults with a history of childhood adversity indulge in substance use. Therefore, there is a need to advocate for psychological interventions such as cognitive and behavioural therapy that have demonstrated efficacy in promoting self-control in adolescents and young adults.
Algorithms for predicting COVID outcome using ready-to-use laboratorial and clinical data
Authors: Lourenço Alice Aparecida , Amaral Paulo Henrique Ribeiro , Paim Adriana Alves Oliveira , Marques-Ferreira Geovane , Gomes-de-Pontes Leticia , da Mata Camila Pacheco Silveira Martins , da Fonseca Flávio Guimarães , Pérez Juan Carlos González , Coelho-dos-Reis Jordana Grazziela Alves
Published: May 2024

The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging crisis affecting the public health system. The clinical features of COVID-19 can range from an asymptomatic state to acute respiratory syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction. Although some hematological and biochemical parameters are altered during moderate and severe COVID-19, there is still a lack of tools to combine these parameters to predict the clinical outcome of a patient with COVID-19. Thus, this study aimed at employing hematological and biochemical parameters of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in order to build machine learning algorithms for predicting COVID mortality or survival. Patients included in the study had a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by RT-PCR and biochemical and hematological measurements were performed in three different time points upon hospital admission. Among the parameters evaluated, the ones that stand out the most are the important features of the T1 time point (urea, lymphocytes, glucose, basophils and age), which could be possible biomarkers for the severity of COVID-19 patients. This study shows that urea is the parameter that best classifies patient severity and rises over time, making it a crucial analyte to be used in machine learning algorithms to predict patient outcome. In this study optimal and medically interpretable machine learning algorithms for outcome prediction are presented for each time point. It was found that urea is the most paramount variable for outcome prediction over all three time points. However, the order of importance of other variables changes for each time point, demonstrating the importance of a dynamic approach for an effective patient’s outcome prediction. All in all, the use of machine learning algorithms can be a defining tool for laboratory monitoring and clinical outcome prediction, which may bring benefits to public health in future pandemics with newly emerging and reemerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
Streptococcus suis meningitis in China: a case report
Authors: Liu Tiantian , Liu Hengfang , Jia Yanjie
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Streptococcus suis is one of the porcine pathogens that have recently emerged as a pathogen capable of causing zoonoses in some humans. Patients infected with S. suis can present with sepsis, meningitis, or arthritis. Compared to common pathogens, such as Meningococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae, S. suis infections in humans have been reported only rarely.

Methods

This case report described a 57-year-old man who presented with impaired consciousness and fever following several days of backache. He was a butcher who worked in an abattoir and had wounded his hands 2 weeks prior. The patient was dependent on alcohol for almost 40 years. S. suis was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid by metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Although he received adequate meropenem and low-dose steroid therapy, the patient suffered from bilateral sudden deafness after 5 days of the infection. The final diagnosis was S. suis meningitis and sepsis.

Results

The patient survived with hearing loss in both ears and dizziness at the 60-day follow-up.

Discussion

We reported a case of S. suis infection manifested as purulent meningitis and sepsis. Based on literature published worldwide, human S. suis meningitis shows an acute onset and rapid progression in the nervous system. Similar to bacterial meningitis, effective antibiotics, and low-dose steroids play important roles in the treatment of human S. suis meningitis.