bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pendampingan Pengelolaan Arsip Dinamis Sebagai Upaya Menciptakan Daftar Arsip
Authors: Sihotang Irma Narulita , Sa'adah Nur Alvi Fadhilatus , Sari Sindi Pramada , Dina Yanuar Putri Ayu El , Nathasa Zahira , Safii Moh.
Published: June 2024

Tujuan dari dilaksanakannya pengabdian ini untuk mengelola arsip dinamis inaktif yang sebelumnya terabaikan sehingga menjadi tidak tertata. Metode yang dilakukan yakni metode partisipatif yang terdiri dari wawancara, pendampingan dan observasi. Hasil kegiatan magang ini antara lain : 1) memilah mana yang arsip dan non arsip kemudian dikelompokan berdasarkan tahunnya 2) klasifikasi/pemberkasan arsip berdasarkan jenis dokumen 3) pembuatan daftar arsip yang kemudian disinkronisasikan 4) pemberian label identitas pada setiap boks arsip. Simpulan dari pengabdian ini terciptanya tatanan arsip yang lebih baik sehingga memudahkan dalam temu kembali arsip dan terjaganya informasi yang ada dalam arsip tersebut. Hasil pengabdian menunjukkan peningkatan 50% arsip dinamis telah terkelola dengan baik sesuai standar kearsipan.
Kolaborasi Empat Bidang Ilmu Dalam Mengubah Perspektif Masyarakat Dalam Upaya Menurunkan Stunting
Authors: Nurjanah Siti , Esterilita Mari , Trustisari Hastin
Published: June 2024

Isu permasalahan stunting yang terjadi di kabupaten Lumajang memasuki prevalensi stunting sebesar 23,8% yang memasuki peringkat ke 10 di provisinsi Jawa Timur. Pedoman WHO menyatakan untuk prevalensi stunting harus kurang dari 20%. Dalam hal ini, permasalahan stunting harus tetap diberi perhatian khusus. Tujuan pada KKN Tematik ini yaitu ibu hamil serta ibu yang memiliki bayi dan balita dapat mengetahui pencegahan masalah stunting. Metode pelaksanaan kegiatan yang dilakukan melalui KKN Tematik dengan tahapan 1. Identifikasi masalah 2. Tahap persiapan 3. Tahap kegiatan 4. Evaluasi. Melalui program edukasi yang dijalankan untuk penanganan masalah stunting, yaitu: a) Edukasi Pencegahan Stunting dan gizi ibu hamil, b) Check kesehatan pada bayi dan balita, c) Edukasi dan praktek pembuatan MPASI, d) Edukasi tentang ASI Eksklusif, e) Edukasi penggunaan Keluarga Berencana (KB) bagi wanita usia subur. Pada program yang telah dijalankan dapat membuahkan hasil, yaitu: peserta menyadari makanan bergizi yang harus diberikan pada ibu dan anak serta mengetahui tanda dan gejala stunting pada anak serta adanya peningkatan pada Kartu Menuju Sehat (KMS), dan perlu adanya kelas parenting.
Pelatihan Pembuatan Media Pembelajaran dengan Platform Genially Sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Keterampilan Mengajar Guru
Authors: Rusmining Rusmining , Yuwaningsih Dian Ariesta , Cahdriyana Rima Aksen
Published: June 2024

Masalah yang dihadapi oleh mitra yaitu masih minimnya media pembelajaran yang dikembangan oleh guru. Guru belum banyak mengenal platform media pembelajaran, sehingga belum terlatih membuat media pembelajaran terutama yang berupa video pembelajaran. Guru perlu belajar membuat media pembelajaran dengan platform yang sederhana, salah satunya adalah Genially. Oleh karena itu, kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan guru dalam membuat media pembelajaran berupa video pembelajaran dengan platform Genially. Metode pengabdian yaitu dengan metode pelatihan dan pendampingan. Mitra kegiatan adalah guru Matematika SMP Muhammadiyah Pleret Bantul. Hasil dari kegiatan pengabdian ini yaitu guru mampu membuat media pembelajaran menggunakan platform Genially. Diukur dari hasi pre-test dan post-test. terjadi peningkatan pengetahuan dengan rata-rata awal 62,25 menjadi 80,75 (29,71%). Guru juga mulai terampil membuat media pembelajaran dengan platform Genially. Kesimpulan kegiatan pengabdian ini yaitu terjadi peningkatan pengetahuan sebesar 29,71% dan peningkatan keterampilan guru MIPA dalam membuat video pembelajaran.
Influencia De La Gestión Administrativa Sobre La Ejecución Presupuestal De Proyectos En Camélidos En El Instituto Nacional De Innovacion Agraria Inia Puno
Authors: Yucra Yucra Yovana Bertha , Zeballos Cabana Julio Cesar
Published: June 2024

El presente estudio influencia de la gestión administrativa sobre la ejecución presupuestal de proyectos en camélidos en INIA Puno, se realizó en seis proyectos de inversión pública, los objetivos fueron analizar la programación presupuestal y su incidencia en la ejecución presupuestal y determinar el nivel de eficacia de la ejecución presupuestal institucional respecto al PIM. La metodología usada fue la técnica de recolección de información (datos) directamente de los proyectos, el estudio fue descriptivo – explicativo, con diseño no experimental, para el análisis de datos se utilizó la estadística descriptiva (frecuencias y porcentajes). Los resultados obtenidos para programación e incidencia de la ejecución presupuestal fueron 75.78%, 71.05%, 87.72%, 91.43%, 83.81%, 75.59% para los PI_063, 067, 072, 074, 078 y 133 respectivamente, para nivel de eficacia de ejecución de gasto según rango de calificación del MEF fue 0.98, 0.86, 0.70 y 0.48 para los años 2016, 2017, 2018 y 2019 respectivamente. Se concluye que el nivel de eficacia para el periodo 2016 y 2017 fue muy bueno y regular respectivamente, para los periodos 2018 y 2019 fue deficiente.
Resistance to Antibiotics used in Treating Gum infections: A Cross-Sectional Study based on Gum Disease Patients in Syria in the Period of Covid 19
Authors: Hassan Deeb Hala
Published: June 2024

Since the mouth is the ideal habitat for the development of all types of organisms, the gums are likely to be exposed to many diseases caused by certain types of bacteria. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly search for suitable types of effective antibiotics that can eliminate gum infections. A paper research includes a set of questions. The paper research questionnaire was distributed to one hundred dentists with an average experience of no less than 9 years. The research form addressed eight antibiotics recommended for use in treating Gum infections. In a statistical analysis of doctors' answers about the most common antibiotics they use to treat gum infections, metronidazole ranked first, followed by amoxicillin and valdoxycycline. While clindamycin and ciprofloxacin ranked last. Doctors must currently commit not to prescribe antibiotics when there is a possibility of a patient's spontaneous recovery, for fear of incorrect use of antibiotics, which leads to an increase in the spread of bacterial resistance.
Paragoniastrea variabilis Kishi, Nomura & Fukami, sp. nov. (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Scleractinia), a new coral species previously considered as a variant of Paragoniastrea deformis, from Japan and northern Taiwan
Authors: Kishi Daigo , Nomura Keiichi , Nozawa Yoko , Arakaki Seiji , Fukami Hironobu
Published: June 2024

A new zooxanthellate scleractinian coral, Paragoniastrea variabilis Kishi, Nomura & Fukami, sp. nov. (Scleractinia, Merulinidae), is described from non-coral reef regions of Japan and northern Taiwan. This new species was previously recognized as a morphological variant of Paragoniastrea deformis (Veron, 1990) and can be morphologically distinguished from that species by lacking groove-and-tube structures on corallite wall joints, and by having larger calices, numerous septa, and up to three corallites in one valley. The new species also formed an independent clade from its congeners, P. australensis (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1857), P. deformis and P. russelli (Wells, 1954), in the molecular phylogeny based on the mitochondrial intergenic region and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers.
High vegetable consumption and regular exercise are associated with better quality of life in patients with gout
Authors: Do Hyunsue , Choi Hyo Jin , Choi Byoongyong , Son Chang-Nam , Kim Sang-Hyon , Ha You-Jung , Kim Ji Hyoun , Kim Min Jung , Shin Kichul , Kim Hyun-Ok , Song Ran , Lee Sung Won , Ahn Joong Kyong , Lee Seung-Geun , Lee Chang Hoon , Son Kyeong Min , Moon Ki Won
Published: June 2024

Background/Aims: The Gout Impact Scale (GIS), a part of the Gout Assessment Questionnaire 2.0, is used to measure gout-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Although several studies have been conducted on the factors affecting the HRQOL of patients with gout, few have focused on lifestyle factors. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between lifestyle habits and HRQOL using the GIS in patients with gout.Methods: We used data from the Urate-Lowering TheRApy in Gout (ULTRA) registry, a prospective cohort of Korean patients with gout treated at multiple centers nationwide. The patients were aged ≥18 years and met the 2015 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism gout classification criteria. They were asked to complete a GIS and questions regarding their lifestyle habits at enrollment.Results: The study included 232 patients. ‘Gout concern overall’ scores in the GIS were significantly lower in patients who exercised more frequently and consumed soft drinks and meat less, and ‘well-being during attack’ scores were significantly lower in patients who consumed vegetables and exercised more frequently. The frequency of vegetable consumption had a negative linear relationship with the ‘well-being during attack’ and ‘gout concern during attack’ scores (p = 0.01, p = 0.001, respectively). The frequency of exercise had a negative linear relationship with the ‘gout concern overall’ and ‘gout concern during attack’ scores (p = 0.04 and p = 0.002, respectively).Conclusions: Patients with gout who frequently consumed vegetables and exercised regularly experienced less impact of gout, exhibiting a better GIS that represented HRQOL.
Increasing correlation between oral and gastric microbiota during gastric carcinogenesis
Authors: You Hee Sang , Park Jae Yong , Seo Hochan , Kim Beom Jin , Kim Jae Gyu
Published: June 2024

Background/Aims: Recent research has increasingly focused on the role of the gastric microbiome in the development of gastric cancer. We aimed to investigate the changes in the microbiome during gastric carcinogenesis in structural and functional aspects, with a specific focus on the association between oral and gastric microbiomes.Methods: We collected saliva, gastric juice, and gastric tissue samples from 141 patients at different stages of gastric carcinogenesis and processed them for microbiome analysis using 16S rRNA gene profiling. The alpha and beta diversities were analyzed, and the differences in microbiome composition and function profiles were analyzed among the groups, as well as the correlation between changes in the oral and gastric microbiomes during carcinogenesis.Results: We observed significant differences in microbial diversity and composition between the disease and control groups, primarily in the gastric juice. Specific bacterial strains, including Schaalia odontolytica, Streptococcus cristatus, and Peptostreptococcus stomatis, showed a significant increase in abundance in the gastric juice in the low-grade dysplasia and gastric cancer groups. Notably, the correlation between the oral and gastric microbiota compositions, increased as the disease progressed. Predictive analysis of the metagenomic functional profiles revealed changes in functional pathways that may be associated with carcinogenesis (ABC transport and two-component systems).Conclusions: During gastric carcinogenesis, the abundance of oral commensals associated with cancer increased in the stomach. The similarity in microbial composition between the stomach and oral cavity also increased, implying a potential role of oral-gastric bacterial interactions in gastric cancer development.
Common Mental Disorders and Associated Factors During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period in Indonesia: An Analysis of Data From the 2018 Basic Health Research
Authors: Ariasih Arum , Besral  , Budiharsana Meiwita , Ronoatmodjo Sudarto
Published: June 2024

Objectives: A substantial proportion of women experience mental health challenges during pregnancy or the postpartum period. Common mental disorders (CMDs), including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, are prevalent. Identifying causes and associated risk factors is imperative for early intervention and the prevention of mental health issues.Methods: This study utilized data from the 2018 Basic Health Research, which was conducted nationwide in Indonesia, using a crosssectional approach. We focused on women aged 13-49 years who were currently or previously married, and had experienced pregnancy, including 8889 pregnant women and 77 012 women who had delivered between January 1, 2013 and August 31, 2018. The Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 was employed to assess CMDs. Multivariate logistic regression was performed.Results: The prevalence of CMDs in pregnant women was 12.6%, while postpartum mothers exhibited a prevalence of 10.1%. Poor health status displayed the strongest impact on CMDs during both pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 12.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.01 to 16.60) and the postpartum period (aOR, 16.72; 95% CI, 14.85 to 18.82). Additional significant factors for both group include young maternal age, lack of education, unemployment, history of hypertension, and smoking status. Among pregnant women, CMDs was also associated with first-trimester pregnancy, previous pregnancy complications, and small upper arm circumference. For postpartum mothers, significant factors include living in rural areas, history of abortion, unwanted pregnancy, pregnancy complications, lack of antenatal care, spontaneous delivery, postpartum complications and contraceptive use.Conclusions: CMDs can impact in pregnant and postpartum women. Early diagnosis and management must be seamlessly integrated into primary healthcare practices.
Assessment of Epidemiological Data and Surveillance in Korea Substance Use Research: Insights and Future Directions
Authors: Sung Meekang , Rees Vaughan W. , Lee Hannah , Jalali Mohammad S.
Published: June 2024

Objectives: Effective data collection and surveillance of epidemiological trends are essential in confronting the growing challenges associated with substance use (SU), especially in light of emerging trends and underreporting of cases. However, research and data are scarce regarding SU and substance use disorder (SUD) in Korea.Methods: We conducted a scoping review to identify data sources and surveillance methods used in SU research in Korea up to December 2023. This review was complemented by semi-structured consultations with experts in this area in Korea, whose feedback led to revisions of previously identified data sources and assessments.Results: Our review identified 32 publications conducting secondary analyses on existing data to examine the epidemiology of SU and SUD in Korea. Of these, 14 studies utilized clinical databases to explore the prescription patterns of addictive substances, particularly opioids. Eleven data sources showed promise for advancing SU research; however, they face substantial limitations, including a lack of available data, missing data, the absence of key variables, the exclusion of marginalized populations not captured within the clinical system, and complexities in matching individual-level data across time points and datasets.Conclusions: Current surveillance methods for SU in Korea face considerable challenges in accessibility, usability, and standardization. Moreover, existing data repositories may fail to capture information on populations not served by clinical or judicial systems. To systematically improve surveillance approaches, it is necessary to develop a robust and nationally representative survey, refine the use of existing clinical data, and ensure the availability of data on treatment facilities.
A Reproducible Manuscript Workflow With a Quarto Template
Authors: Erickson Richard A. , Archer Althea A. , Fienen Michael N.
Published: June 2024

Scientists and resource managers increasingly use Markdown-based tools to create reproducible reports and manuscripts. These workflows allow people to use standardized methods that are more reproducible, efficient, and transparent than other standard office tools. We present a Quarto template and demonstrate how this template may be used for the Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management. This template may also be readily adapted to other journals that use Microsoft Word-based workflows and for other product types such as annual reports. We also provide a high-level overview of Quarto and other Markdown-based workflows. Last, we provide examples of some features of the Quarto publishing system that may be helpful for authors when customizing Quarto templates for specific journal formatting requirements and other product types.
Das Manövrieren inmitten der zahlreichen Wendepunkte der STS
Authors: Paulos Julio , Riom Loïc
Published: June 2024

Dieser Text ist eine spekulative Reflexion über die Abfassung eines internationalen Konferenzaufrufs – Call for Papers. Er spiegelt diese einzigartige Übung wider, sich zu einem bestimmten Thema an eine Gemeinschaft von Fachleuten zu wenden. Die Frage der materiellen Fragilität, der sich dieser Call for Papers widmet, wird in diesem Sinne nicht konzeptionell oder methodologisch, sondern aus einer forschungspraktischen Perspektive behandelt. In Form eines Briefwechsels wird berichtet, wie ein „Wendepunkt“ oder ein disziplinärer Moment die Art und Weise, wie Forschung betrieben und gedacht wird, initiiert, beeinflusst und lenkt.
Drones in E-Commerce
Authors: Sollapur Shrishail Basaprabhu , Savanur Nishanth A , Sharma Prathap M , Guruprasad M Tejasvi , Giri Saikrishna
Published: June 2024

The rapid advancement of technology is altering e-commerce with the incorporation of drones. This study digs into the complex influence of drones on logistical efficiency and user experience, addressing last-mile delivery issues. Drones improve supply chain sustainability by reducing delivery times and costs. They also improve the client experience by providing real-time order tracking and personalised delivery choices. Ongoing research looks on synergies with AR/VR to provide immersive retail experiences. Despite the promise, obstacles like law and privacy issues abound. The study's goal is to provide insights regarding drone integration in e-commerce, focusing on transformative prospects and difficulties, and anticipating a paradigm change in delivery techniques and heightened customer expectations.
Disaster Management and Humanitarian Aid
Authors: Naik Goutami Madev , Kumari Rachana , Thejaswini E. , Lokesh Anu , Badiger Manjunatha , Kripa T.
Published: June 2024

Disaster management and humanitarian aid are crucial for community safety during crises, from natural disasters to industrial accidents. This chapter reviews disaster management's fundamental elements, focusing on IoT's rapid proliferation. IoT applications enhance preparedness, response, and recovery, notably in early warning systems for fires, gas leaks, and earthquakes. The review explores IoT's profound impact on contemporary disaster management, reshaping methodologies for community safeguarding. It delves into diverse disaster types, emphasizing IoT architecture. The chapter discusses IoT's role in proactive response and mitigation, influencing decision-making, resource allocation, and communication. Collaboration among experts, responders, and policymakers is crucial for a multidisciplinary approach. The review anticipates ongoing IoT developments in disaster management, emphasizing adaptive strategies to harness IoT's potential. In conclusion, it provides insights into IoT's transformative role, offering a forward-looking perspective on disaster management's evolving landscape.
Unleashing Drones for Medical Advancements
Authors: Barua Ranjit
Published: June 2024

The use of drones emerges as a promising technological avenue for improving patient survival, outcomes, and overall quality of life, particularly in areas that are remote or face financial and infrastructural challenges. Their cost-effectiveness, swiftness, and expediency, especially when contrasted with ground transportation, make them extremely pertinent in the field of emergency medicine. Ongoing research underscores the practicality of incorporating drones into emergency medical situations, underscoring public approval, cost-effectiveness, and a multitude of potential applications.
Exploring Social-Robot Collaboration in the Tourism Sector and Implications on Human Resource Management
Authors: Singh Manvinder , Arora Nilesh
Published: June 2024

The travel sector is one of the fastest growing sectors today, and this research study aims at analyzing the complexity of social-robot collaboration (SRC) in the dynamic arena of the corporate world. By analyzing the symbiotic relationship between individuals and societal robots, the study analyzes the impacts of HRM practices focused on the tourism corporate environment. The methodology comprises a multifaceted approach addressing literature reviews and empirical analyses. Through the viewpoints derived from robotics, human-computer interaction, and HRM, the work aims to furnish a full-spectrum picture of the way that the relationship of social robots affects different dimensions of the workplace. Central topics that are to be investigated include employee engagement, organizational culture, talent development, and the workforce dynamics at large. The investigation intends to reveal the obstacles as well as opportunities that are emerging from SRC to reveal how these interactions affect tourism organizations' HRM practices.
The Relationship Between Internal Communication and Employee Satisfaction
Authors: Reis Felipa L. D. R. , Figueiredo Carolina L. D. R. , Razaque Adila A. R.
Published: June 2024

The main objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between internal communication and employee satisfaction at the Fenicius Charme Hotel, located in Lisbon. This study arose from the need to understand internal communication and check whether it is really correlated with the level of employee satisfaction within the organization. In this study, the methodology adopted was a quantitative approach. The data was collected through questionnaires using mean scale analysis, analysis of significant differences in subgroups of the sample, applied to the employees of the Fenicius Charme Hotel. Following the case study, the authors found that the hotel's internal communication is positively correlated with employee satisfaction but does not directly influence employee engagement. Throughout the research and literature review on the subject in question, it became clear that to this day, internal communication is seen as an important factor in the success of any organization.
Security System for Smart Homes to Prevent Theft
Authors: Mary Anitha , Stanley P. Kingston , Brindha V. Evelyn , Joseph J. Jency
Published: June 2024

The chapter intends to create a system that alerts the victim of theft in real time. The current system does not distinguish between people and objects; instead, it uses a methodology to identify the burglar after the theft has taken place. The internet of things and advancements in wireless sensor networks make it possible to create a smart, safe home that can detect burglars in real time and notify the homeowner while the theft is occurring. The suggested approach is better than the current ones that use CCTV cameras for surveillance.
Neutrophil Heterogeneity Is Modified during Acute Lung Inflammation in Apoa1−/− Mice
Authors: Yao Xianglan , Redekar Neelam R , Keeran Karen J , Qu Xuan , Jeffries Kenneth R , Soria-Florido M T , Saxena Ankit , Dagur Pradeep K , Lin Wan-Chi , McCoy J Philip , Levine Stewart J
Published: June 2024

Neutrophils play important roles in inflammatory airway diseases. In this study, we assessed whether apolipoprotein A-I modifies neutrophil heterogeneity as part of the mechanism by which it attenuates acute airway inflammation. Neutrophilic airway inflammation was induced by daily intranasal administration of LPS plus house dust mite (LPS+HDM) to Apoa1−/− and Apoa1+/+ mice for 3 d. Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on cells recovered from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid on day 4. Unsupervised profiling identified 10 clusters of neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from Apoa1−/− and Apoa1+/+ mice. LPS+HDM-challenged Apoa1−/− mice had an increased proportion of the Neu4 neutrophil cluster that expressed S100a8, S100a9, and Mmp8 and had high maturation, aggregation, and TLR4 binding scores. There was also an increase in the Neu6 cluster of immature neutrophils, whereas neutrophil clusters expressing IFN-stimulated genes were decreased. An unsupervised trajectory analysis showed that Neu4 represented a distinct lineage in Apoa1−/− mice. LPS+HDM-challenged Apoa1−/− mice also had an increased proportion of recruited airspace macrophages, which was associated with a reciprocal reduction in resident airspace macrophages. Increased expression of a common set of proinflammatory genes, S100a8, S100a9, and Lcn2, was present in all neutrophils and airspace macrophages from LPS+HDM-challenged Apoa1−/− mice. These findings show that Apoa1−/− mice have increases in specific neutrophil and macrophage clusters in the lung during acute inflammation mediated by LPS+HDM, as well as enhanced expression of a common set of proinflammatory genes. This suggests that modifications in neutrophil and macrophage heterogeneity contribute to the mechanism by which apolipoprotein A-I attenuates acute airway inflammation.
Identification of Regulatory RNA-Binding Proteins Associated with Immune Infiltration in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Xin , Yang Xi , Tang Jv , Wu Xiaoguang , He Xiaoguang
Published: June 2024

We analyzed bulk RNA sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data to identify alternative splicing (AS) events and regulatory RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) associated with immune infiltration in human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Whole-transcriptome sequencing data of 20 human laryngeal cancer and paracancerous tissues were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus public database, using newly published splicing-site usage variation analysis software to obtain highly conserved regulated AS (RAS) events, and scientific reverse convolution algorithm analysis was used to identify significantly different immune cells and perform a correlation analysis between the two. The software package edgeR was used to identify differentially expressed RBPs and the immune infiltration-related LSCC-RAS they may regulate. Finally, we present the expression profiles and survival curves of 117 human laryngeal cancer samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset for the identified RBPs and LSCC-RAS. We also downloaded the gene set enrichment 150321 scRNA-seq data for two human LSCC tissue samples. The RBP expression pattern and the expression of prophase RBP genes were analyzed in different LSCC cell populations. RNA-binding motif protein 47 (RBM47) and filamin A, as well as the RBP-RAS events that were screened in both the fibulin 2 and fibronectin 1 genes, were all significantly associated with the prognosis, and the RBM47 gene was upregulated in myeloid cells. Because the prognosis was significantly associated with two RBP regulators and two LSCC-RAS events, they may be critical regulators of immune cell survival during laryngeal cancer progression, and RBM47 may regulate macrophage-associated AS and affect immunity.
Reappraising the Role of T Cell–Derived IFN-γ in Restriction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the Murine Lung
Authors: Maciag Karolina , Plumlee Courtney R , Cohen Sara B , Gern Benjamin H , Urdahl Kevin B
Published: June 2024

T cells producing IFN-γ have long been considered a stalwart for immune protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), but their relative importance to pulmonary immunity has been challenged by murine studies that achieved protection by adoptively transferred Mtb-specific IFN-γ−/− T cells. Using IFN-γ−/− T cell chimeric mice and adoptive transfer of IFN-γ−/− T cells into TCRβ−/−δ−/− mice, we demonstrate that control of lung Mtb burden is in fact dependent on T cell–derived IFN-γ, and, furthermore, mice selectively deficient in T cell–derived IFN-γ develop exacerbated disease compared with T cell–deficient control animals, despite equivalent lung bacterial burdens. Deficiency in T cell–derived IFN-γ skews infected and bystander monocyte-derived macrophages to an alternative M2 phenotype and promotes neutrophil and eosinophil influx. Our studies support an important role for T cell–derived IFN-γ in pulmonary immunity against tuberculosis.
The impact of nicotine smoking on spondyloarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: El Hasbani G. , E Nassar J. , Elsayed Ali A.M. , Uthman I. , Jawad A.
Published: June 2024

Objective. Nicotine has major side effects on human health through numerous mechanisms, one of which is the alteration of the immune system and its genetic components. Such alteration can be a predisposing factor for autoimmune diseases such as spondyloarthritis (SpA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This review aims to shed light on the effects of nicotine smoking on the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of SpA and RA.
Methods. This review looked into the studies, excluding case reports and series, which were cited by PubMed/MEDLINE.
Results. Patients with established autoimmune conditions may have a different underlying pathophysiology and disease course when exposed to nicotine through cigarette smoking. Through the involvement of several cytokines, endothelial dysfunction, and epigenetic mechanisms, the severity of SpA is more prominent in smokers. The global health status, pain, and fatigue are worse in SpA patients. The evidence on the effect of nicotine smoking on the treatment of SpA is still limited. Nicotine can contribute to RA via the disruption of cellular regulatory activity, inflammatory responses, morphological, physiological, biochemical, and enzymatic responses. As such, smokers with RA have higher disease activity and are more likely to be seropositive through the citrullination of peptides. In addition, these patients are at risk of achieving a suboptimal response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors.
Conclusions. Cigarette smoking can substantially affect the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of patients with SpA and RA. The impact of nicotine on the management of these diseases still needs to be further studied.
A rare case of symptomatic creatine kinase elevation in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis treated with baricitinib
Authors: Mariani F.M. , Alunno A. , Carubbi F. , Ferri C.
Published: June 2024

The safety profile of baricitinib (BARI), a Janus kinase inhibitor broadly used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), includes asymptomatic laboratory abnormalities, such as an increase in creatine kinase (CK). Data from randomized controlled trials suggest that concomitant myalgia is rare in RA and does not lead to drug discontinuation. We describe the case of a 68-year-old Caucasian female with longstanding, multi-failure RA who started BARI and achieved disease remission. However, she developed a symptomatic CK increase, as well as a parallel increase in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides. Dechallenge-rechallenge demonstrated a plausible relationship between the clinical/laboratory abnormalities and BARI. In fact, when the drug was withdrawn, CK returned to normal and myalgia disappeared, whereas symptoms returned and CK levels increased when BARI was restarted. BARI may be rarely associated with symptomatic CK elevation, and this may pose clinical challenges, particularly for patients with multi-failure RA who achieved good disease control with BARI but required drug discontinuation due to intolerance.
Assessment of factors affecting quality of life in patients with chronic pain due to knee osteoarthritis and spondylosis: spine versus knee?
Authors: Sahbaz T. , Cigdem-Karacay B.
Published: June 2024

Objective. There is no study comparing knee and spine osteoarthritis. The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of pain and disability on quality of life (QoL) and the factors affecting QoL in patients with knee osteoarthritis and spondylosis.
Methods. This cross-sectional study included 114 patients with spondylosis and 126 patients with knee osteoarthritis. Demographic data were recorded. The visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Roland Morris Questionnaire (RMQ), and the Short Form Health Questionnaire (SF-36) were filled out.
Results. Statistically, patients with spondylosis and knee osteoarthritis did not differ significantly in terms of gender, age, body mass index, number of concomitant conditions, marital status, years of schooling, pain scores, or SF-36 characteristics. SF-36 physical function, vitality, and mental health assessments were lower in women than men, while VAS scores were higher. There was no correlation between marital status, educational level, and QoL subscales. WOMAC and RMQ scores were negatively correlated with the SF-36 subscales. RMS scores were not related to mental health.
Conclusions. Spondylosis and knee osteoarthritis affect all subscales of QoL in the same way. The management of patients with spondylosis and knee osteoarthritis should focus on pain and functionality to improve QoL.
Expert opinion on the management of patients with osteoporosis with anabolic drugs in Italy
Authors: Rossini M. , Cantatore F.P. , Del Puente A. , Frediani B. , Gatti D. , Giannini S. , Varenna M. , Viapiana O. , Sebastiani G.D.
Published: June 2024

Objective. Fragility fractures (FF) resulting from osteoporosis pose a significant public health challenge in Italy, with considerable socio-health and economic implications. Despite the availability of safe and effective drugs, osteoporosis remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, leaving over 2 million high-risk Italian women without treatment. This paper aims to identify and propose key improvements in the management of osteoporosis, focusing particularly on the critical issues related to the use of anabolic drugs in secondary prevention, according to the current Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) Note 79.
Methods. The Expert Panel, composed of nine recognized Italian experts in rheumatology, analyzed current practices, prescribing criteria, and the most recent literature. Three main reasons for revising the indications on pharmacological treatment of osteoporosis were identified: inadequate treatment of osteoporosis, new evidence regarding frontline placement of anabolics in high-risk conditions, and emerging sequential or combined strategies.
Results. The proposed improvements include the adoption of the Derived Fracture Risk Assessment algorithm for accurate fracture risk assessment, revision of AIFA Note 79 to reflect current evidence, improved prescribing appropriateness, broader access to anabolic agents, and the provision of sequential therapies with antiresorptives for teriparatide. These changes aim to enhance patient outcomes, streamline healthcare processes, and address the high percentage of undertreated individuals.
Conclusions. This expert opinion emphasizes the importance of the appropriate use of anabolic drugs to reduce FF and associated costs while ensuring the sustainability of the National Health Service. The proposed recommendations are in line with the latest scientific evidence, providing a comprehensive strategy to optimize the management of osteoporosis in Italy.
 

On behalf of the Study Group on Osteoporosis and Skeletal Metabolic Diseases of the Italian Society of Rheumatology.
Antioxidative effects of α-tocopherol on stored human red blood cell units
Authors: Hajizamani Saeideh , Atarodi Kamran , Deyhim Mohammad Reza , Kermani Fahimeh Ranjbar , Hosseini Kamran Mousavi
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

Red blood cell (RBC) units undergo metabolic, structural, and biochemical changes known as “storage lesions” that can reduce the survival and quality of RBCs. The use of antioxidants such as α-tocopherol may help to improve the quality of RBC units by reducing oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant effect of α-tocopherol in RBC units containing citrate-phosphate-dextrose solution with adenine (CPDA1) stored at 1°C–6°C for 35 days.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Four RBC units containing CPDA1 were divided into four equal satellite bags. Three bags were supplemented with 0.125, 0.625, and 3.125 mM concentrations of α-tocopherol as test groups. One bag was supplemented with ethanol (0.5%) as a control group. They were stored at 1°C–6°C for 35 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and hemolysis index (HI) were measured on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35.

RESULTS:

In all groups, MDA concentration and HI increased and TAC decreased (P < 0.05). MDA concentration and HI in the 3.125 mM of the α-tocopherol group had a lower increase compared to the other test and control groups. Supplementation of RBC units with α-tocopherol resulted in a significant increase of TAC in all three groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05) and had a lower reduction during storage.

CONCLUSION:

Supplementation of RBC units with α-tocopherol improves the quality of RBC units by decreasing lipid peroxidation and hemolysis and by increasing TAC. Among the mentioned concentrations, 3.125 mM of α-tocopherol had a significantly more antioxidant effect.
Rh and Kell phenotyping in voluntary blood donors: A study from a tertiary care blood center of western India
Authors: Shah Sangita D. , Bhatnagar Nidhi M. , Shah Mamta C. , Thakkar Garima H. , Ahuja Ujjwal , Patel Anu , Gajera Drashti , Kalavadiya Priya G.
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION:

In human beings, there are 45 blood group systems and 360 antigens currently recognized by ISBT (July 2023). The Rh blood group system has 56 antigens, out of them 5 antigens D, C, c, E, and e are clinically significant antigens. The Kell blood group system has 25 highly immunogenic antigens. Cases have been reported where IgG-type of antibodies against Rh and Kell antigens are found which are responsible for transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of newborn.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

To study the prevalence of Rh-Kell phenotype in voluntary blood donors, To provide Rh and Kell antigen-matched blood products to patients to prevent alloimmunization, To make a donor directory of Rh and Kell phenotyped donors for further use.

MATEIALS AND METHODS:

The antigen typing for Rh antigens (D, C, c, E, and e) and Kell (K) was performed on the collected ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid samples from 1014 voluntary donors. The test was performed by Erythrocyte Magnetic Technique using a microplate (DuoLys) in a fully automated immunohematology system (Diagast Qwalys Evo 3 instrument).

RESULTS:

From 1014 phenotyped donors, the most common antigen frequency was of “e” (98.6%) followed by “D”(96.2%),“C”(89.4%), “c”(54.8%), and “E”(18.6%). The frequency of the “K” antigen was (1.38%). The most common Rh phenotype from the study population was R1R1(CDe/CDe) (45%) and the rarest was r’r’ (Ce/Ce) (0.1%).

CONCLUSION:

Knowledge of the phenotype frequency in the local population is helpful in making a donor directory, In situations where clinically significant alloantibodies are found in patient’s serum, antigen-negative blood unit can be arranged using a donor directory.
Seroprevalence of COVID-19 among voluntary blood donors
Authors: Pothipillai Arumugam , Hamsavardhini Swathandran , Duraisamy Deepa , Thiyagarajan Lincy , Kaliyaperumal Chandrasekaran , Rao Jyotsnaa Grace Velure Mohan
Published: June 2024

CONTEXT:

COVID-19 usually presents with mild symptoms. No cases of transfusion – transmission of COVID-19 had been reported. Assessing the prevalence of viral infections among blood donors is essential to frame blood safety strategies.

AIM:

The main aim of this study is to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthy and asymptomatic voluntary blood donors by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

SETTING AND DESIGN:

This cross-sectional study was conducted among voluntary blood donors using a consecutive sampling technique in the Department of Transfusion Medicine, the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Guindy, Chennai, for 18 months.

METHODS:

Adhering to COVID-19 pandemic guidelines and donor eligibility criteria, blood samples collected from 500 asymptomatic unvaccinated voluntary blood donors were tested for SARS-CoV-2 (IgG + IgM + IgA and IgG) antibodies by ELISA. Adding IgA to a conventional IgM and IgG serological test improves sensitivity.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:

The collected donor data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics software. Pearson’s Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used. P = 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS:

IgG seropositivity among the donors was 58.8%, and IgM + IgA seropositivity was 29.6%. There was no statistically significant difference in the COVID-19 IgG/IgM + IgA seropositivity status with age, gender, blood group, occupation, or socioeconomic status. The IgG and IgM/IgA/IgG ELISA kits showed a difference of 13 cases which could be attributed to the higher sensitivity of IgG alone ELISA kit. This increased the seroprevalence by 3%.

CONCLUSION:

The majority of donors were either IgG or IgM and IgA positive, despite remaining asymptomatic. The seropositivity rate coincided with the COVID-19 surge among population.
Early Tangential Excision and Split-Thickness Skin Graft Reduced Hospitalized Length Stays for Burn Injuries
Authors: Kusuma Angga Putra , Saputro Iswinarno Doso , Handriani Ira , Aung Zin Mar , Swaminathan Vijayendran
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Burns pose a physical, psychological, health system, and long-term length of stay problem. Surgical treatment of burns is an important intervention in their management. The optimal timing of early tangential excision and split-thickness skin graft varies. Early excision of burned tissue to remove dead tissue and inhibit the inflammatory process decreases the risk of infection. Early excision and grafting of burns is the standard of practice for most major burns.

Methods:

The research was a cross-sectional study with a descriptive design of secondary data. Burn patients were treated at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital Surabaya, Indonesia, from 2018 to 2022. Inclusion criteria in this study were all patients who underwent early tangential excision and split-thickness skin graft. Achieving statistical analysis and data analysis using SPSS 25 on Windows.

Results:

A greater amount of time on total body surface area (TBSA) is linked to early tangential excision and split-thickness skin grafts. There are statistically significant variations in the burn area (TBSA 20.5%–30%, P = 0.036 (P = 0.05), TBSA 30.5%–40%, P < 0.001, and burn area (TBSA 40.5%–50%, P = 0.003). The current findings demonstrated that split-thickness skin grafts and early tangential excisions done on burns with TBSA 20% at partial thickness–full thickness depth had statistically significant outcomes, shortening the length of stay for burn patients.

Conclusions:

An analysis of the current data, burn patients’ duration of stay was reduced when burns with TBSA >20% with partial thickness–full thickness depth underwent early tangential excision and split–thickness skin transplant had statistically positive results.
Protective Effect of Curcumin on the Tight Junction Integrity and Cellular Senescence in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium of Early Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Cheng Yu-Wen , Huang Ya-Chih , Chang Kai-Fu , Huang Xiao-Fan , Sheu Gwo-Tarng , Tsai Nu-Man
Published: June 2024

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a secondary complication of diabetes that can lead to visual impairment and blindness. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a monolayer of pigment cells that forms the blood–retinal barrier (BRB) via tight junction (TJ) proteins and plays a crucial role in the physiological function of the retina. Hyperglycemia induces RPE death and BRB breakdown, which accelerates the process of DR. Curcumin, an active extract of Curcuma longa, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and neuroprotective properties. However, the effect of Curcumin on the BRB under high glucose conditions remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Curcumin on RPE physiology in vitro and in vivo. Curcumin significantly alleviated cell viability inhibition under high glucose conditions. Moreover, high glucose reduced extracellular signal-regulated kinase and Akt pathways activation to diminish RPE cell growth but reversed by Curcumin treatment. Curcumin protected not only TJ integrity but also retinoid regeneration through TJ proteins and isomerase modulation in diabetic retina. Furthermore, Curcumin decreased the expression of angiogenic factor to inhibit retinal neovascularization. Finally, Curcumin treatment markedly reduced apoptosis during hyperglycemia. In conclusion, Curcumin can alleviate the progression of DR by promoting RPE survival, TJ integrity, retinoid isomerase activity, RPE senescence inhibition, and neovascularization. Therefore, Curcumin exhibits high potential for use as a therapeutic agent for early DR.
Normal Weight Obesity Associated with Enhanced Echo Intensity, Insulin Resistance, and Decreased Muscle Strength in Young Adults
Authors: Aruna R , Sivarajan Armel Arputha , Revathy Gunaseelan , Vasanth CJ
Published: June 2024

Context:

Obesity refers to the accumulation of excess body fat. Even individuals with a normal body mass index (BMI) of <23 Kg/m2 but a high percentage of body fat have an increased risk for noncommunicable disease. This condition is referred to as normal weight obesity (NWO).

Aim:

To assess the association between muscle strength, ultrasound-derived muscle thickness, insulin resistance, and echo intensity in NWO and normal weight nonobese (NWNO) young adults.

Methods and Material:

Eighty young adults of a normal BMI of 18.5 to 22.9 Kg/m2 were recruited in this current study. Forty subjects with cutoff points of body fat percentage ≥ 20.6% for men and ≥ 33.4% for women were taken as NWO group and 40 were NWNO. Fasting glucose and insulin were used for calculating insulin resistance, sensitivity, and beta cell function. Ultrasonography (USG) was done to measure forearm radial and ulna muscle thickness. The echo intensity was measured from an ultrasound image as a mean pixel value using Adobe Photoshop. Subjects were tested for handgrip strength using hand dynamometry.

Results:

Hand grip strength was higher in NWNO group, and subcutaneous fat thickness and echo intensity were higher in the NWO group. Glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance were significantly higher in the NWO group. Linear regression showed a significant correlation between ulna muscle thickness, forearm circumference, echo intensity, and insulin resistance with handgrip strength (r = 0.835 P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

NWO adults have higher insulin resistance and echo intensity, indicating decreased muscle quality compared to NWNO individuals.