bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISA FAKTOR-FAKTOR PENYEBAB KETERLAMBATAN PEKERJAAN PENINGKATAN JALAN ASPAL RUAS WAWOBILI-WAWOLA (Studi Kasus Jalan Poros Wawobili – Wawola Kab. Konawe Kepulauan)
Authors: Darmawan Farid , Mursidi Baso , Mangiri Aloysius A.P. , Sulha Sulha
Published: June 2023

Suatu proyek cenderung akan mengalami keterlambatan apabila perencanaan Dan pengendalian tidak dilakukan dengan tepat. Ironisnya keterlambatan proyek sering berulang pada item-item pekerjaan tertentu karena pelaku proyek sering menganggap remeh keterlambatan proyek dan tidak menjadikan keterlambatan sebelumnya sebagai pelajaran. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor penyebab keterlambatan peningkatan jalan aspal ruas wawobili-wawola. Penelitian ini hanya mengarah pada analisa keterlambatan serta solusi dan pencegahan keterlambatan. Sehingga dapat menjadi pertimbangan bagi perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang konstruksi untuk dapat menghindari keterlambatan pekerjaan kedepannya. Untuk menganalisa keterlambatan tersebut dalam penelitian ini digunakan metode membandingkan realisasi pada laporan bulanan dengan rencana pada Time schedule, serta pengamatan langsung di lokasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa terjadi keterlambatan di beberapa item pekerjaan serta pekerjaan yang tidak dilaksanakan sesuai waktu rencana. Akibatnya pekerjaan peningkatan jalan aspal ruas wawobili-wawola mengalami keterlambatan dengan bobot sebesar (-9,04%).
PERHITUNGAN KEBUTUHAN ALAT BERAT DAN TENAGA KERJA DALAM PEKERJAAN PENINGKATAN KAPASITAS STRUKTUR JALAN ASPHALT HOT MIX AC-BC (STUDI KASUS RUAS JALAN PUUMBINISI-PUUMBINISI KABUPATEN KONAWE)
Authors: Alvionita Anggun Vivi , Sarita Umran , Agustan Agustan , Minmahddun Anafi
Published: June 2023

Pekerjaan peningkatan jalan pada dasarnya banyak melibatkan alat-alat berat dengan demikian memakai biaya yang cukup banyak. Dalam pelaksanaan pekerjaan jalan selain membutuhkan alat berat juga membutuhkan sumber daya manusia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui jumlah kebutuhan alat, tenaga kerja dan biaya operasional alat berat pada Peningkatan Kapasitas Struktur jalan Asphalt Hot Mix AC-BC Puumbinisi. Analisis kebutuhan alat, tenaga dan biaya yang digunakan pada pelaksanaan pekerjaan ini yaitu wheel loader, AMP, dump truck, motor grader, vibrator roller, water tanker, asphalt finisher, tandem roller dan pneumatic tyre roller. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa Jumlah pemakaian alat berat di lapangan lebih banyak dari hasil analisis dengan demikian penggunaan alat di lapangan lebih efektif dari hasil analisis. Berdasarkan hasil analisis biaya operasional alat berat maka yaitu, Wheel Loader Rp. 398.929, Dump Truck Rp. 297.475, Motor Grader 546.947, Vibrator Roller Rp.358.517, Water Tanker Rp. 268.843, AMP Rp. 1.757.500, Asphalt Finisher Rp. 148.690Tandem Roller Rp. 374.395, Pneumatic Tyre Roller Rp. 251.846.
Analisis Tingkat Kerusakan Jalan dengan Metode PCI pada Ruas Jalan Tondasi-Wamengkoli (Desa Lakanaha, Kecamatan Wadaga, Kabupaten Muna Barat)
Authors: Oga Wa Ode , Ahmad Siti Nurjanah , Nashrun Mappa , Soeparyanto Try Sugiyarto , Sulha Sulha , Minmahddun Anafi
Published: June 2023

Kerusakan jalan yang terjadi di berbagai daerah merupakan permasalahan yang sangat kompleks. Kerusakan tersebut mengakibatkan kerugian, seperti waktu tempuh semakin lama, kemacetan, kecelakaan lalu-lintas dan lain-lain. Nilai kondisi jalan ini nantinya dijadikan acuan untuk menentukan jenis program evaluasi yang harus dilakukan, apakah itu program peningkatan pemeliharaan berkala atau pemeliharaan rutin.  Tujuan dilakukannya penelitian ini adalah Untuk mengetahui kondisi dan jenis-jenis kerusakan apa saja yang terjadi pada ruas jalan Tondasi-Wamengkoli (Desa Lakanaha, Kecamatan Wadaga, Kabupaten Muna Barat),Untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor penyebab terjadinya kerusakan permukaan jalan pada ruas jalan Tondasi-Wamengkoli khususnya di desa Lakanaha Kecamatan Wadaga Kabupaten Muna Barat, Untuk mengetahui cara menanggulangi kerusakan permukaan jalan yang terjadi.  Dari data yang diperoleh melalui penelitan dilapangan dan dianalisa menggunakan metode PCI (Pavement Condition Index) sehingga diperoleh kondisi kerusakan jalan dalam kondisi baik (good) dengan nilai PCI adalah 63,6. Jenis-jenis kerusakan yang terjadi pada ruas jalan Tondasi-Wamemgkoli (Desa Lakanaha, Kecamatan Wadaga, Kabupaten Muna Barat) yaitu lubang, tambalan, retak pinggir, retak kulit buaya, pelepasan butir, benjol dan bahu turun. Pada ruas jalan Tondasi-Wamengkoli yang mendominasi jenis kerusakan terbanyak adalah jenis kerusakan lubang, dimana dari hasil penelitian terdapat sebanyak 39 kerusakan lubang.Faktor penyebab utama kerusakan jalan adalah tidak berfungsi atau tidak adanya drainase.Untuk menanggulangi kerusakan jalan dapat di lakukan dengan cara penambalan lubang (patch), melapis retakan (crack sealing), penutupan permukaan, lapisan tambahan, recycle, dan rekostruksi. Karena penyebab utama kerusakan adalah tidak adanya drainase maka perlu adanya pembangunan drainase agar mengurangi adanya kerusakan jalan.
Kajian Menejemen Lingkungan Bandar Udara Matahora, Wakatobi
Authors: Novianto Jerry , Arsyad Ld Nurrakhmad , Rachman Ranno Marlany
Published: June 2023

Sistem pengelolaan lingkungan Bandar Udara Matahora, Wakatobi masih menyebabkan dampak lingkungan seperti kebisingan dan pencemaran air. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji manajemen lingkungan Bandar Udara Matahora, Wakatobi. Jenis penelitian ini adalah adalah deskriptif eksploratif dengan analisa kualitatif. Teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan adalah Teknik Purposive Sampling, data di peroleh dengan menggunakan data Primer dan sekunder, untuk mengetahui kualitas kebisingan, getaran, kualitas udara dan kualitas air dilakukan pengukuran di laboratorium. Manajemen pengelolaan di Bandara Udara Matahora, Wakatobi masih perlu perbaikan mulai dari. Kebisingan, getaran dan pencemaran air di daerah lingkungan Bandar Udara Matahora, Wakatobi masih tinggi yaitu mencapai 58,99 dB saat Mendarat dan 75,65 dB saat Terbang. Pencemaran air terutama untuk parameter seperti BOD, COD dan Penol masih di atas baku mutu lingkungan. Perlunya menyusun manajemen lingkungan di Bandar Udara Matahora, Wakatobi yang baik sesuai dengan kebijakan lingkungan Organisasi Penerbangan Sipil.
TA'DIB EDUCATION IN CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS IN THE TIME OF COVID-19
Authors: Anifah Nurul , Salik Yunus
Published: June 2023

This study describes the concept of Ta'dib Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas in Character Development of Students. This research is a qualitative research that uses a pedagogical approach. The results show that the concept of Ta'dib according to Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas, the concept of Ta'dib emphasizes the mastery of the right knowledge in a person in order to produce stable charity and good behavior based on faith. The concept of Ta'dib, first, as a moral competence (morals) that must be possessed by educators and students, second, the formation of personality so that a person's psychological characteristics related to the tendency to relate socially with others, especially those related to; friendliness, self-control, implementation can be said to be successful because of the adab education that is applied in the lives of students, but it must also be admitted that during the epidemic of Ta'dib education there are few obstacles, such as education level, environment, culture, socio-economic level and online learning.
Visualizing landmark-based face morphing traces on digital images
Authors: Batskos Ilias , Spreeuwers Luuk , Veldhuis Raymond
Published: June 2023

This paper focuses on an identity sharing scheme known as face image morphing or simply morphing. Morphing is the process of creating a composite face image, a morph, by digitally manipulating face images of different individuals, usually two. Under certain circumstances, the composite image looks like both contributors and can be used by one of them (accomplice) to issue an ID document. The other contributor (criminal) can then use the ID document for illegal activities, which is a serious security vulnerability. So far, researchers have focused on automated morphing detection solutions. Our main contribution is the evaluation of the effectiveness and limitations of two image forensics methods in visualizing morphing related traces in digital images. Visualization of morphing traces is important as it can be used as hard evidence in forensic context (i.e., court cases) and lead to the development of morphing algorithm specific feature extraction strategies for automated detection. To evaluate the two methods, we created morphs using two state-of-the-art morphing algorithms, complying with the face image requirements of three currently existing online passport application processes. We found that complementary use of the visualization methods can reveal morphing related traces. We also show how some application process-specific requirements affect visualization results by testing three likely morphing attack scenarios with varied image processing parameters and propose application process amendments that would make forensic image analysis more reliable.
Operative experience on descending aorta with Takayasu Arteritis: a review
Authors: Fu Yining , Chen Yuexin
Published: June 2023

Patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA) and descending aorta involvement often experience insidious onset and slow progression, leading to irreversible vascular lesions despite medication therapy. Surgical management plays a crucial role in resolving hemodynamic disturbances and has shown promise in improving the outcomes of this patient population, owing to significant advancements in surgical expertise. However, studies focusing on this rare disease are lacking. This review summarizes the characteristics of patients with stenosis in descending aorta, emphasizing surgical approaches, perioperative management, and disease outcomes. The operative approach depends on lesion location and extent. Existing studies have confirmed that the choice of surgical modality significantly influences postoperative complications and long-term prognosis in patients, highlighting the effectiveness of bypass surgery as a favorable option in clinical practice with a satisfactory long-term patency rate. To mitigate postoperative complications, it is advisable to conduct regular imaging follow-ups to prevent the deterioration of the condition. Notably, the occurrence of restenosis and pseudoaneurysm formation deserves particular attention due to their impact on patient survival. The use of perioperative medication remains a topic of debate, as previous studies have presented divergent perspectives. The primary objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive perspective on surgical treatment and offer customized surgical approaches for patients in this population.
Electrocardiogram analysis in Anderson-Fabry disease: a valuable tool for progressive phenotypic expression tracking
Authors: Parisi V. , Baldassarre R. , Ferrara V. , Ditaranto R. , Barlocco F. , Lillo R. , Re F. , Marchi G. , Chiti C. , Di Nicola F. , Catalano C. , Barile L. , Schiavo M. A. , Ponziani A. , Saturi G. , Caponetti A. G. , Berardini A. , Graziosi M. , Pasquale F. , Salamon I. , Ferracin M. , Nardi E. , Capelli I. , Girelli D. , Gimeno Blanes J. R. , Biffi M. , Galiè N. , Olivotto I. , Graziani F. , Biagini E.
Published: June 2023

Background

Electrocardiogram (ECG) has proven to be useful for early detection of cardiac involvement in Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD); however, little evidence is available on the association between ECG alterations and the progression of the disease.

Aim and Methods

To perform a cross sectional comparison of ECG abnormalities throughout different left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) severity subgroups, providing ECG patterns specific of the progressive AFD stages. 189 AFD patients from a multicenter cohort underwent comprehensive ECG analysis, echocardiography, and clinical evaluation.

Results

The study cohort (39% males, median age 47 years, 68% classical AFD) was divided into 4 groups according to different degree of left ventricular (LV) thickness: group A ≤ 9 mm (n = 52, 28%); group B 10–14 mm (n = 76, 40%); group C 15–19 mm (n = 46, 24%); group D ≥ 20 mm (n = 15, 8%). The most frequent conduction delay was right bundle branch block (RBBB), incomplete in groups B and C (20%,22%) and complete RBBB in group D (54%, p < 0.001); none of the patients had left bundle branch block (LBBB). Left anterior fascicular block, LVH criteria, negative T waves, ST depression were more common in the advanced stages of the disease (p < 0.001). Summarizing our results, we suggested ECG patterns representative of the different AFD stages as assessed by the increases in LV thickness over time (Central Figure). Patients from group A showed mostly a normal ECG (77%) or minor anomalies like LVH criteria (8%) and delta wave/slurred QR onset + borderline PR (8%). Differently, patients from groups B and C exhibited more heterogeneous ECG patterns: LVH (17%; 7% respectively); LVH + LV strain (9%; 17%); incomplete RBBB + repolarization abnormalities (8%; 9%), more frequently associated with LVH criteria in group C than B (8%; 15%). Finally, patients from group D showed very peculiar ECG patterns, represented by complete RBBB + LVH and repolarization abnormalities (40%), sometimes associated with QRS fragmentation (13%).

Conclusions

ECG is a sensitive tool for early identification and long-term monitoring of cardiac involvement in patients with AFD, providing “instantaneous pictures” along the natural history of AFD. Whether ECG changes may be associated with clinical events remains to be determined.
Predictors of persistent symptoms after mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-related myocarditis (myovacc registry)
Authors: Schroth Daniel , Garg Ria , Bocova Xhoi , Hansmann Jochen , Haass Markus , Yan Andrew , Fernando Carlos , Chacko Binita , Oikonomou Anastasia , White James , Alhussein Muhammad Mustafa , Giusca Sorin , Ochs Andreas , Korosoglou Grigorios , André Florian , Friedrich Matthias G. , Ochs Marco
Published: June 2023

Aims

Epidemiological surveillance has raised safety concerns for mRNA SARS-CoV-2-vaccination-related myocarditis. We aimed to analyze epidemiological, clinical and imaging findings associated with clinical outcomes in these patients in an international multi-center registry (NCT05268458).

Methods and results

Patients with clinical and CMR diagnosis of acute myocarditis within 30 days after mRNA SARS-CoV-2—vaccination were included from five centers in Canada and Germany between 05/21 and 01/22. Clinical follow-up on persistent symptoms was collected. We enrolled 59 patients (80% males, mean age 29 years) with CMR-derived mild myocarditis (hs-Troponin-T 552 [249–1,193] ng/L, CRP 28 [13–51] mg/L; LVEF 57 ± 7%, LGE 3 [2–5] segments). Most common symptoms at baseline were chest pain (92%) and dyspnea (37%). Follow-up data from 50 patients showed overall symptomatic burden improvement. However, 12/50 patients (24%, 75% females, mean age 37 years) reported persisting symptoms (median interval 228 days) of chest pain (n = 8/12, 67%), dyspnea (n = 7/12, 58%), with increasing occurrence of fatigue (n = 5/12, 42%) and palpitations (n = 2/12, 17%). These patients had initial lower CRP, lower cardiac involvement in CMR, and fewer ECG changes. Significant predictors of persisting symptoms were female sex and dyspnea at initial presentation. Initial severity of myocarditis was not associated with persisting complaints.

Conclusion

A relevant proportion of patients with mRNA SARS-CoV-2-vaccination-related myocarditis report persisting complaints. While young males are usually affected, patients with persisting symptoms were predominantly females and older. The severity of the initial cardiac involvement not predicting these symptoms may suggest an extracardiac origin.
Environmental reporting in the hydropower sector: analysis of EMAS registered hydropower companies in Italy
Authors: Comoglio Claudio , Castelluccio Stefano , Fiore Silvia
Published: June 2023

Hydropower (HP) is a key source of renewable energy, but also poses significant environmental challenges, including habitat fragmentation, hydropeaking and perturbations of flow and sediment regime. This study analyzed how Italian companies managing HP plants, and registered to the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) in 2022, evaluated their sustainability and publicly disclosed related data. The analysis was based on the environmental statements (ESs) of 206 hydropower plants (29% of Italian HP production in 2019). The applied methodology involved an inventory of the plants and their categorization about technical features and the reporting of technical, environmental, and social aspects. The results of the analysis revealed that the companies rarely described the environmental state of the site, even less frequently adopting quantitative indicators. “Soil contamination”, “biodiversity”, “waste production”, “risk of environmental accidents”, “water pollution and flow management”, and “noise emissions” were the aspects considered most significant. No correlation was found among the significance of an aspect, the number of indicators used to describe the associated impacts, and the number of objectives set for reducing those impacts. “Biodiversity” was mostly described through irrelevant indicators (i.e., total site area) and 76% of the allocated budget was assigned to technical aspects without a clear connection with any environmental improvement. In particular, the specific impacts on the aquatic ecosystems were scarcely reported, mitigation measures were rarely mentioned and with few details. In conclusion, the results of the study highlight the need for specific guidelines, directed to the HP sector, for effectively reporting the environmental performances and the effectiveness of the adopted Environmental Management Systems, while providing valuable information to policymakers and researchers.
The promotion of stress tolerant Symbiodiniaceae dominance in juveniles of two coral species under simulated future conditions of ocean warming and acidification
Authors: Terrell Alyx P. , Marangon Emma , Webster Nicole S. , Cooke Ira , Quigley Kate M.
Published: June 2023

The symbiotic relationship between coral and its endosymbiotic algae, Symbiodiniaceae, greatly influences the hosts’ potential to withstand environmental stress. To date, the effects of climate change on this relationship has primarily focused on adult corals. Uncovering the effects of environmental stress on the establishment and development of this symbiosis in early life stages is critical for predicting how corals may respond to climate change. To determine the impacts of future climate projections on the establishment of symbionts in juvenile corals, ITS2 amplicon sequencing of single coral juveniles was applied to Goniastrea retiformis and Acropora millepora before and after exposure to three climate conditions of varying temperature and pCO2 levels (current and RCP8.5 in 2050 and 2100). Compared to ambient conditions, juvenile corals experienced shuffling in the relative abundance of Cladocopium (C1m, decrease) to Durusdinium (D1 and D1a, increase) over time. We calculated a novel risk metric incorporating functional redundancy and likelihood of impact on host physiology to identify the loss of D1a as a “low risk” to the coral compared to the loss of “higher risk” taxa like D1 and C1m. Although the increase in stress tolerant Durusdinium under future warming was encouraging for A. millepora, by 2100, G. retiformis communities displayed signs of symbiosis de-regulation, suggesting this acclimatory mechanism may have species-specific thresholds. Whilst this study cannot specifically disentangle the individual effects of temperature and pCO2, it does provide valuable insights into the impacts of both stressors combined. These results emphasize the need for understanding of long-term effects of climate change induced stress on coral juveniles, and their potential for increased acclimation to heat tolerance through changes in symbiosis.
Association of depressive symptoms and quality of life in Pakistani youth (15–24 years) with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a web-based analytical cross-sectional study
Authors: Peerwani Ghazal , Rozi Shafquat , Lakhdir Maryam Pyar Ali , Zuberi Nadeem , Asad Nargis
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is associated with impaired quality of life (QOL) of individuals, predominantly in youth, who are most vulnerable to its impact. Psychological morbidity could be one of the factors influencing QOL. The study investigated the association between depressive symptoms and QOL in Pakistani youth (15–24 years) with PCOS and determined other factors associated with QOL.

Methods

We conducted an analytical-cross-sectional survey on 213 single Pakistani females aged 15–24 years recruited via a web-based approach. Depression and QOL were assessed through Center-of-Epidemiological-Studies-Depression tool and Polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-quality-of-life-scale. Multiple-linear-regression was used to determine factors associated with QOL, and adjusted regression-coefficients along with a 95% confidence interval were reported.

Results

The mean QOL score: 2.9 ± 1.1. The domain of obesity had the lowest mean score (2.5 ± 1.6) whereas domain of hirsutism had the highest (3.2 ± 1.9). 172/213 (80%) participants were screened positive for depressive symptoms. Participants with depressive symptoms reported reduced mean QOL scores than respondents with no such symptoms (2.8 ± 1.0 vs. 3.4 ± 1.3, p < 0.001). No differences were found in overall QOL and individual domains between participants 15–19 years (n = 36, 17%) and participants >19–24 years (n = 177, 83%) (2.9 ± 1.1 vs. 2.9 ± 1.1) (p > 0.05). We found a significant interaction between depressive symptoms and PCOS duration, indicating that the estimated mean overall QOL score decreases by 25.1 (−36.6, −13.6) for every year increase in PCOS duration among participants screened positive for depressive symptoms. Furthermore, for those respondents who had family history of PCOS and were not satisfied with their healthcare provider treating PCOS, the estimated mean QOL score was 17.47 (−26.1, −8.8) lower than participants who had no family history of PCOS and were satisfied with their healthcare provider. Other factors associated with reduced quality of life included societal pressure to improve appearance affected by PCOS, parental criticism related to PCOS, education, socioeconomic status, working status and BMI.

Conclusion

Depressive symptoms with increasing duration of PCOS were significantly associated with reduced QOL. Therefore, to improve the overall QOL of PCOS youth, screening and timely addressing of psychological morbidities should be considered.
Correlations between the alpha-Gal antigen, antibody response and calcification of cardiac valve bioprostheses: experimental evidence obtained using an alpha-Gal knockout mouse animal model
Authors: Naso Filippo , Colli Andrea , Zilla Peter , Calafiore Antonio Maria , Lotan Chaim , Padalino Massimo A. , Sturaro Giulio , Gandaglia Alessandro , Spina Michele
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Preformed antibodies against αGal in the human and the presence of αGal antigens on the tissue constituting the commercial bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs, mainly bovine or porcine pericardium), lead to opsonization of the implanted BHV, leading to deterioration and calcification. Murine subcutaneous implantation of BHVs leaflets has been widely used for testing the efficacy of anti-calcification treatments. Unfortunately, commercial BHVs leaflets implanted into a murine model will not be able to elicit an αGal immune response because such antigen is expressed in the recipient and therefore immunologically tolerated.

Methods

This study evaluates the calcium deposition on commercial BHV using a new humanized murine αGal knockout (KO) animal model. Furtherly, the anti-calcification efficacy of a polyphenol-based treatment was deeply investigated. By using CRISPR/Cas9 approach an αGal KO mouse was created and adopted for the evaluation of the calcific propensity of original and polyphenols treated BHV by subcutaneous implantation. The calcium quantification was carried out by plasma analysis; the immune response evaluation was performed by histology and immunological assays. Anti-αGal antibodies level in KO mice increases at least double after 2 months of implantation of original commercial BHV compared to WT mice, conversely, the polyphenols-based treatment seems to effectively mask the antigen to the KO mice’s immune system.

Results

Commercial leaflets explanted after 1 month from KO mice showed a four-time increased calcium deposition than what was observed on that explanted from WT. Polyphenol treatment prevents calcium deposition by over 99% in both KO and WT animals. The implantation of commercial BHV leaflets significantly stimulates the KO mouse immune system resulting in massive production of anti-Gal antibodies and the exacerbation of the αGal-related calcific effect if compared with the WT mouse.

Discussion

The polyphenol-based treatment applied in this investigation showed an unexpected ability to inhibit the recognition of BHV xenoantigens by circulating antibodies almost completely preventing calcific depositions compared to the untreated counterpart.
Systemic inflammation index, disease severity, and mortality in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mangoni Arduino A. , Zinellu Angelo
Published: June 2023

Introduction

An excessive systemic pro-inflammatory state increases the risk of severe disease and mortality in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there is uncertainty regarding whether specific biomarkers of inflammation can enhance risk stratification in this group. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate an emerging biomarker of systemic inflammation derived from routine hematological parameters, the systemic inflammation index (SII), in COVID-19 patients with different disease severity and survival status.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, between the 1st of December 2019 and the 15th of March 2023. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation, respectively (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023420517).

Results

In 39 studies, patients with a severe disease or non-survivor status had significantly higher SII values on admission compared to patients with a non-severe disease or survivor status (standard mean difference (SMD)=0.91, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.06, p<0.001; moderate certainty of evidence). The SII was also significantly associated with the risk of severe disease or death in 10 studies reporting odds ratios (1.007, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.014, p=0.032; very low certainty of evidence) and in six studies reporting hazard ratios (1.99, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.92, p=0.047; very low certainty of evidence). Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve for severe disease or mortality were 0.71 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.75), 0.71 (95% CI 0.64 to 0.77), and 0.77 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.80), respectively. In meta-regression, significant correlations were observed between the SMD and albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, and D-dimer.

Discussion

Our systematic review and meta-analysis has shown that the SII on admission is significantly associated with severe disease and mortality in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, this inflammatory biomarker derived from routine haematological parameters can be helpful for early risk stratification in this group.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023420517.
Associations of self-reported skin symptoms with age, sex, and living with a partner: Findings from a representative survey in view of the biomedical and the biopsychosocial model
Authors: Reich Hanna , Gieler Uwe , Braehler Elmar , Kupfer Joerg
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Social and demographic characteristics are crucial determinants of health. The objective of this contribution is to study the associations of skin symptoms and sociodemographic variables in the general population, and to discuss these findings in view of the biomedical and the biopsychosocial models of skin diseases.

Methods

A national face-to-face household survey with a representative sample of the German general population assessed 19 self-reported skin symptoms (N = 2,487). Associations with age, sex, and living situation (alone vs. with partner) were analyzed using logistic regression analyses

Results

The frequencies of pimples and biting of the nails decreased by approximately 30% per age decade, and oily skin, the feeling of disfigurement, excoriations, and sun damages decreased by 8%–15% per age decade. Dryness of the skin increased by 7% per decade. Sensitive skin and dryness were approx. twice as likely in females as in males. Dryness of the skin, itch, and excoriations were 23%–32% more frequent in participants living without a partner.

Discussion

The biomedical model explains some of the findings well (e.g., reduction of pimples with age). The interpretation of other results is facilitated by the biopsychosocial model (e.g., association of living without a partner and itch). This suggests a stronger integration of psychological and social factors into the understanding and treatment of symptoms of the skin.
Diet-derived circulating antioxidants and risk of knee osteoarthritis, hip osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huang Li , Xie Yanqing , Jin Ting , Wang Mengqiao , Zeng Zhen , Zhang Lina , He Wenming , Mai Yifeng , Lu Jianmeng , Cen Han
Published: June 2023

Objective

To examine the causal associations of diet-derived circulating antioxidants with knee osteoarthritis (OA), hip OA, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) within the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) framework.

Method

Independent single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with circulating levels of diet-derived antioxidants (retinol, β-carotene, lycopene, vitamin C and vitamin E) were extracted as genetic instruments. Summary statistics of genetic instruments associated with knee OA, hip OA, and RA were obtained from corresponding genome-wide association studies (GWASs). The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) was applied as the primary analysis method, with four sensitivity analysis approaches employed to evaluate the robustness of the primary results.

Results

Genetically determined per unit increment of absolute circulating levels of retinol was significantly associated with a reduced risk of hip OA [odds ratio (OR) = 0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.26–0.78, p = 4.43 × 10−3], while genetically determined per unit increase in absolute circulating levels of β-carotene was suggestively associated with increased risk of RA (OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.07–1.62, p = 9.10 × 10−3). No other causal association was found. Significant evidence for heterogeneity and pleiotropic outlier was only identified when absolute circulating vitamin C was evaluated as the exposure, whereas all sensitive analysis provided consistently non-significant results.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that genetically determined lifelong higher exposure to absolute circulating levels of retinol is associated with a decreased risk of hip OA. Further MR study with more genetic instruments for absolute circulating levels of antioxidants are needed to confirm our results.
Effects of dosing non-toxigenic Clostridia on the bacterial populations and immunological responses in the intestinal tract of lactating dairy cows
Authors: Kim Hye Won , Kim Na Kyung , Thompson Jesse , de Jesus Mackenzie , Rehberger Josh , Rehberger Thomas , Smith Alexandra Helena , Mackie Roderick Ian
Published: June 2023

Understanding the effects of dosing non-toxigenic Clostridia to cows is rare and has received little attention so far. In the present study, a total of eight lactating dairy cows were divided in two groups: control (n = 4) or Clostridia challenged (oral supplementation of five diverse strains of Paraclostridium bifermentans, n = 4). Bacterial communities were analyzed by qPCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS) in the buccal mucosa as well as digesta and mucosal samples of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from rumen to rectum (10 compartments), as well as fecal samples. Transcriptomic analysis of barrier and immune-related gene expression was performed on rumen, jejunum, and liver samples. We observed increased microbial populations with the Clostridial challenge in the buccal tissues and the proximal GI tract (forestomach), correlating with Clostridial loads in the feed. Otherwise, there were no significant differences in microbial populations (p > 0.05) throughout the distal part of the GI tract. The NGS approach, however, revealed that the Clostridial challenge changed the relative abundance of gut and fecal microbiota. In particular, in the challenge group, no Bifidobacterium was observed in the mucosa-associated microbiota and abundance of Pseudomonadota increased in the feces. These results indicated potential adverse effects of Clostridia to cow health. In general, immune responses to the Clostridial challenge were weak. However, transcriptional analysis revealed the down-regulation of junction adhesion molecule encoding gene (−1.44 of log2 fold-change), which might impact intestinal permeability.
The RSV F p27 peptide: current knowledge, important questions
Authors: Rezende Wanderson , Neal Hadley E. , Dutch Rebecca E. , Piedra Pedro A.
Published: June 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains a leading cause of hospitalizations and death for young children and adults over 65. The worldwide impact of RSV has prioritized the search for an RSV vaccine, with most targeting the critical fusion (F) protein. However, questions remain about the mechanism of RSV entry and RSV F triggering and fusion promotion. This review highlights these questions, specifically those surrounding a cleaved 27 amino acids long peptide within F, p27.
The effect of physical activity on white matter integrity in aging and prodromal to mild Alzheimer’s disease with vascular comorbidity
Authors: Konwar Srijan , Manca Riccardo , De Marco Matteo , Soininen Hilkka , Venneri Annalena
Published: June 2023

Background

Physical activity is a modifiable lifestyle factor that has been previously associated with reduced vascular burden and reduced risk of dementia.

Objectives

This study tested whether physical activity (i.e., being inactive vs. active) contributed to preservation of white matter microstructure in healthy aging controls and patients in prodromal to mild Alzheimer’s disease with low/high vascular burden.

Materials

A total of 213 participants were recruited from memory clinics. They were classified as being either physically active (n = 113) or inactive (n = 100) based on the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia (CAIDE) questionnaire. Diffusion-weighted images were acquired for all participants and pre-processed based on a standard protocol.

Methods

A factorial design using voxel-wise tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was adopted, with 5,000 permutations and threshold-free cluster enhancement (TFCE), to identify significant clusters for fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AxD), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD).

Results

Clusters of higher FA and lower AxD, MD, and RD values were found for physically active compared with inactive participants that were widespread covering mainly association and projection tracts but also some commissural tracts. A three-way Group × Physical Activity × Vascular Burden interaction effect was found for FA mostly in a variety of projection tracts with a right predominance, and some commissural and association tracts. Post hoc analyses revealed higher FA in patients with high vascular burden who were physically active compared with those patients with high vascular burden who were inactive mainly in projection and association/limbic tracts with a right predominance. Additionally, higher FA was observed in physically active patients with high vascular burden as compared with physically inactive controls with high vascular burden, mainly in bilateral projection fibers and cerebellar regions.

Conclusion

Voxel-wise TBSS analysis revealed better preservation of white matter microstructure that was prominent in the high-risk group such as the patients with high vascular burden, specifically those who were physically active. The beneficial effects of physical activity on white matter microstructure were not observed in the controls.
Investigation and optimization of PET-guided SPECT reconstructions for improved radionuclide therapy dosimetry estimates
Authors: Marquis Harry , Willowson Kathy P. , Schmidtlein C. Ross , Bailey Dale L.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

To investigate and optimize the SPECTRE (Single Photon Emission Computed Theranostic REconstruction) reconstruction approach, using the hybrid kernelised expectation maximization (HKEM) algorithm implemented in the software for tomographic image reconstruction (STIR) software library, and to demonstrate the feasibility of performing algorithm exploration and optimization in 2D. Optimal SPECTRE parameters were investigated for the purpose of improving SPECT-based radionuclide therapy (RNT) dosimetry estimates.

Materials and Methods

Using the NEMA IEC body phantom as the test object, SPECT data were simulated to model an early and late imaging time point following a typical therapeutic dose of 8 GBq of 177Lu. A theranostic 68Ga PET-prior was simulated for the SPECTRE reconstructions. The HKEM algorithm parameter space was investigated for SPECT-unique and PET-SPECT mutual features to characterize optimal SPECTRE parameters for the simulated data. Mean and maximum bias, coefficient of variation (COV %), recovery, SNR and root-mean-square error (RMSE) were used to facilitate comparisons between SPECTRE reconstructions and OSEM reconstructions with resolution modelling (OSEM_RM). 2D reconstructions were compared to those performed in 3D in order to evaluate the utility of accelerated algorithm optimization in 2D. Segmentation accuracy was evaluated using a 42% fixed threshold (FT) on the 3D reconstructed data.

Results

SPECTRE parameters that demonstrated improved image quality and quantitative accuracy were determined through investigation of the HKEM algorithm parameter space. OSEM_RM and SPECTRE reconstructions performed in 2D and 3D were qualitatively and quantitatively similar, with SPECTRE showing an average reduction in background COV % by a factor of 2.7 and 3.3 for the 2D case and 3D case respectively. The 42% FT analysis produced an average % volume difference from ground truth of 158% and 26%, for the OSEM_RM and SPECTRE reconstructions, respectively.

Conclusions

The SPECTRE reconstruction approach demonstrates significant potential for improved SPECT image quality, leading to more accurate RNT dosimetry estimates when conventional segmentation methods are used. Exploration and optimization of SPECTRE benefited from both fast reconstruction times afforded by first considering the 2D case. This is the first in-depth exploration of the SPECTRE reconstruction approach, and as such, it reveals several insights for reconstructing SPECT data using PET side information.
Considerations on surgery invasiveness and response and toxicity patterns in classic palliative radiotherapy for acrometastases of the hand: a hint for a potential role of stereotactic body radiation therapy? A case report and literature review
Authors: Ferini Gianluca , Zagardo Valentina , Viola Anna , Aiello Marco Maria , Harikar Mandara Muralidhar , Venkataram Tejas , Palmisciano Paolo , Illari Salvatore Ivan , Valenti Vito , Umana Giuseppe Emmanuele
Published: June 2023

Background

The rarity of hand acrometastases hampers the consensus-building for their optimal management among the involved oncology professionals. In the current literature, demolitive surgery overcomes the use of palliative radiotherapy, which proved to be ineffective in more than 30% of cases treated with classic palliative dose schemes, carrying also a not negligible radiation-related adverse event rate. Against this background, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) could emerge as a well-balanced therapeutic option.

Case summary

Here we describe the methods and outcomes of a SBRT treatment of a painful and function-limiting hand acrometastasis in a patient with a history of stage IIIB lung adenocarcinoma. We delivered a total dose of 30 Gy in five daily fractions to a soft-tissue metastasis abutting the fifth metacarpal bone through the SBRT protocol generally used for intracranial treatments. A few weeks later, the patient reported a clinical complete response with acrometastasis and pain disappearance, function recovery, and no significant toxicity. The acrometastasis was the first sign of an atypical cancer progression.

Conclusions

SBRT for hand acrometastases is feasible and might have the best therapeutic profile among the currently available treatment options for this rare clinical scenario. Larger investigations are needed to confirm the present single-case experience.
Identifying childhood leukemia with an excess of hematological malignancies in first-degree relatives in Brazil
Authors: Mendes-de-Almeida Daniela P. , Andrade Francianne G. , Sampaio Carvalho Maria do Perpétuo Socorro , Córdoba José Carlos , Souza Marcelo dos Santos , Neto Paulo Chagas , Spector Logan G. , Pombo-de-Oliveira Maria S.
Published: June 2023

Background

Familial aggregation in childhood leukemia is associated with epidemiological and genomic factors. Albeit epidemiological studies on the familial history of hematological malignancies (FHHMs) are scarce, genome-wide studies have identified inherited gene variants associated with leukemia risk. We revisited a dataset of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients to explore the familial aggregation of malignancies among their relatives.

Methods

A series of 5,878 childhood leukemia (≤21 years of age) from the EMiLI study (2000–2019) were assessed. Lack of well-documented familial history of cancer (FHC) and 670 cases associated with genetic phenotypic syndromes were excluded. Leukemia subtypes were established according to World Health Organization recommendations. Logistic regression-derived odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed and adjusted by age as a continuous variable, where ALL was the reference group for AML and conversely. The pedigree of 18 families with excess hematological malignancy was constructed.

Results

FHC was identified in 472 of 3,618 eligible cases (13%). Ninety-six of the 472 patients (20.3%) had an occurrence of FHHMs among relatives. Overall, FHC was significantly associated with AML (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.01–1.82; p = 0.040). Regarding the first-degree relatives, the OR, 2.92 95% CI,1.57-5.42 and the adjOR, 1.16 (1.03-1.30; p0.001) were found for FHC and FHHM, respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings confirmed that AML subtypes presented a significant association with hematological malignancies in first-degree relatives. Genomic studies are needed to identify germline mutations that significantly increase the risk of developing myeloid malignancies in Brazil.
Research advances in drug therapy of endometriosis
Authors: Shi Jianyou , Tan Xin , Feng Guimei , Zhuo Yuan , Jiang Zhongliang , Banda Srikanth , Wang Lin , Zheng Wei , Chen Lu , Yu Dongke , Guo Chun
Published: June 2023

Endometriosis is one of the most common benign gynecological disorders in reproductive-aged women. The major symptoms are chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Despite its profound impact on women’s health and quality of life, its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated, it cannot be cured and the long-term use of drugs yields severe side effects and hinders fertility. This review aims to present the advances in pathogenesis and the newly reported lead compounds and drugs managing endometriosis. This paper investigated Genetic changes, estrogen-dependent inflammation induction, progesterone resistance, imbalance in proliferation and apoptosis, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and neurogenesis, and tissue remodeling in its pathogenesis; and explored the pharmacological mechanisms, constitutive relationships, and application prospects of each compound in the text. To date, Resveratrol, Bay1316957, and bardoxifene were effective against lesions and pain in controlled animal studies. In clinical trials, Quinagolide showed no statistical difference with the placebo group; the results of phase II clinical trial of the IL-33 antibody have not been announced yet; clinical trial stage III of vilaprisan was suspended due to drug toxicity. Elagolix was approved for the treatment of endometriosis-related pain, but clinical studies of Elagolix for the pretreatment of patients with endometriosis to before In vitro fertilization treatment have not been fulfilled. The results of a clinical study of Linzagolix in patients with moderate to severe endometriosis-related pain have not been disclosed yet. Letrozole improved the fertility of patients with mild endometriosis. For endometriosis patients with infertility, oral GnRH antagonists and aromatase inhibitors are promising drugs, especially Elagolix and Letrozole.
In vitro antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory effects and molecular docking studies of natural compounds isolated from Sarcocephalus pobeguinii (Hua ex Pobég)
Authors: Mfotie Njoya Emmanuel , Ndemangou Brigitte , Akinyelu Jude , Munvera Aristide M. , Chukwuma Chika. I. , Mkounga Pierre , Mashele Samson S. , Makhafola Tshepiso J. , McGaw Lyndy J.
Published: June 2023

Background:Sarcocephalus pobeguinii (Hua ex Pobég) is used in folk medicine to treat oxidative-stress related diseases, thereby warranting the investigation of its anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. In our previous study, the leaf extract of S. pobeguinii induced significant cytotoxic effect against several cancerous cells with high selectivity indexes towards non-cancerous cells.

Aim: The current study aims to isolate natural compounds from S. pobeguinii, and to evaluate their cytotoxicity, selectivity and anti-inflammatory effects as well as searching for potential target proteins of bioactive compounds.

Methods: Natural compounds were isolated from leaf, fruit and bark extracts of S. pobeguinii and their chemical structures were elucidated using appropriate spectroscopic methods. The antiproliferative effect of isolated compounds was determined on four human cancerous cells (MCF-7, HepG2, Caco-2 and A549 cells) and non-cancerous Vero cells. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds was determined by evaluating the nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory potential and the 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) inhibitory activity. Furthermore, molecular docking studies were carried out on six putative target proteins found in common signaling pathways of inflammation and cancer.

Results: Hederagenin (2), quinovic acid 3-O-[α-D-quinovopyranoside] (6) and quinovic acid 3-O-[β-D-quinovopyranoside] (9) exhibited significant cytotoxic effect against all cancerous cells, and they induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells by increasing caspase-3/-7 activity. (6) showed the highest efficacy against all cancerous cells with poor selectivity (except for A549 cells) towards non-cancerous Vero cells; while (2) showed the highest selectivity warranting its potential safety as a chemotherapeutic agent. Moreover, (6) and (9) significantly inhibited NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells which could mainly be attributed to their high cytotoxic effect. Besides, the mixture nauclealatifoline G and naucleofficine D (1), hederagenin (2) and chletric acid (3) were active against 15-LOX as compared to quercetin. Docking results showed that JAK2 and COX-2, with the highest binding scores, are the potential molecular targets involved in the antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of bioactive compounds.

Conclusion: Overall, hederagenin (2), which selectively killed cancer cells with additional anti-inflammatory effect, is the most prominent lead compound which may be further investigated as a drug candidate to tackle cancer progression.