bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisa Kompresi File Teks Menggunakan Algortima Huffman
Authors: Sodikin Luthfia , Putri Tineke Fatma , Hidayat Taufik
Published: November 2023

Era Digital saat ini memiliki dampak besar bagi kelestarian alam, selain mengurangi penggunaan kertas dengan adanya berkas berbentuk file membuat arsip yang tersimpan lebih tertata rapih dengan kurun waktu yang lama. Di masa pandemi pemanfaatan digital menjadi peran penting dalam kelangsungan kehidupan yang mengharuskan kegiatan tanpa harus kontak langsung. Dengan begitu banyak pekerjaan pekerjaan yang diselesaikan dirumah kemudian dibantu dengan Internet untuk melakukan proses kirim/terima file. File merupakan data yang sudah diolah menjadi sebuah informasi berupa teks, video, gambar, dan suara. Dalam proses pengiriman tidak jarang terjadinya kendala yakni ukuran file terlalu besar karena media penyimpanan yang digunakan hanya sedikit. Kompresi data adalah ilmu yang menampilkan informasi dalam bentuk yang pendek tujuannya untuk mengurangi jumlah bit yang digunakan untuk menyimpan atau mengirim informasi. Sedangkan Algoritma Huffman adalah teknik kompresi yang tidak mengubah informasi data dari aslinya. Prinsip kode Huffman yaitu karakter yang paling sering muncul di dalam data dikodekan dengan kode yang jumlah bitnya lebih sedikit, sedangkan karakter yang jarang muncul dikodekan dengan kode yang jumlah bitnya lebih panjang. Kompresi file dibutuhkan untuk mempercepat proses pengiriman data antar jaringan komputer. Perkembangan teknologi saat ini menyebabkan kebutuhan data serta perpindahan data dari satu perangkat ke perangkat lain meningkat. Data-data tersebut umumnya dikompresi terlebih dahulu agar proses pertukaran tidak memakan waktu yang lama. Dengan menggunakan algoritma huffman Rasio Kompresi yang dihasilkan untuk file audio dan image rasio kompresi yang dihasilkan lebih kecil sedangan untuk file teks rasio kompresi yang dihasilkan lebih besar. Tingkat keamanan data setelah dikompresi tidak berkurang atau mengalami kerusakan setelah proses kompresi data dilakukan Kecepatan proses kompresi dan dekompresi data setara dengan ukuran dan jenis file. File hasil dekompresi akan berhasil seperti file semula sebelum dikompresi, kecepatan proses kompresi dan dekompresi data setara dengan ukuran dan jenis file dan Kompresi file juga kurang berhasil jika isi file terlalu sedikit sehingga ukuran file asli bisa jadi lebih kecil dari file hasil kompresi karena file kompresi masih harus menyimpan huffman tree-nya.
Prototipe Monitoring Suhu Dan Kelembapan Secara Realtime
Authors: Abdurrohman Rosyid Mufti
Published: November 2023

Dalam artikel ini, kami mempresentasikan prototipe sistem monitoring suhu dan kelembapan secara real-time menggunakan DHT11 untuk mendapatkan data suhu dan kelembapan dari lingkungan sekitar, sementara Arduino Uno R3 berfungsi sebagai otak sistem untuk mengontrol pengambilan data dari sensor dan menampilkan hasilnya pada layar LCD 16x2. Prototipe ini memiliki potensi aplikasi yang luas, seperti pemantauan iklim dalam ruangan, penanaman tanaman, sistem kontrol lingkungan, dan monitoring ruangan server. Keandalan, keakuratan, dan keterbacaan hasil pengukuran yang dihasilkan menjadikannya alat yang efektif untuk pemantauan suhu dan kelembapan secara real-time. Pengembangan lebih lanjut juga dapat dilakukan untuk mengintegrasikan prototipe ini dengan platform IoT (Internet of Things) yang lebih luas, sehingga memungkinkan pemantauan dan pengendalian lingkungan secara terpusat dan terintegrasi.yang dirancang untuk pemantauan lingkungan yang efisien dan akurat.Kata Kunci : Prototipe,  Monitoring Suhu Dan Kelembapan, Real-Tim, DHT1, Arduino Uno R3, LCD 16x2, Pemantauan Lingkungan
Clinical Manifestations and Prognosis in Patients with Infectious Endophthalmitis after Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implant Surgery
Authors: Hong Chae Min , Kim Gyu Nam , Cho Yong Wun , Kim Seong-Jae , Chung Inyoung , Yoo Woong-Sun
Published: November 2023

Purpose: We studied the clinical features and assessed the treatment outcomes of infectious endophthalmitis subsequent to Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implant surgery.Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of patients who underwent AGV implant surgery between January 1, 2010 and May 31, 2022. Clinical course, microbiological lab results, and the treatment data of patients who developed infectious endophthalmitis were analyzed.Results: Of 310 eyes that underwent AGV implant surgery, 9 (2.90%) developed endophthalmitis. The average time interval between AGV implant surgery and the diagnosis of endophthalmitis was 3.59 years. As initial treatment, all affected eyes received injections of intravitreal antibiotics, while four underwent primary pars plana vitrectomy. The implanted valve was removed in seven instances. Microorganisms were found in cultures from four cases. Two patients achieved a final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) above 20/200, while the other five had a final BCVA of hand motion or worse.Conclusions: AGV implant-related endophthalmitis is uncommon and often results in poor visual outcomes, with unpredictable onset. Consequently, it is crucial to educate patients undergoing AGV implant surgery during regular follow-ups. Immediate evaluation and treatment are necessary for patients exhibiting symptoms after surgery.
The Effect of SPOC Hybrid Model on Deep Learning Effectiveness: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Pan Bo , Latada Fatmawati Binti , Shao Yubo
Published: November 2023

The hybrid model of SPOC (Small Private Online Course) may have an impact on the effectiveness of deep learning. Nevertheless, few studies have validated the relationship between SPOC and deep learning effectiveness. This systematic review focuses on exploring the impact of the blended model of SPOC on deep learning effectiveness. The article delves into the three major SPOC categories in deep learning and the effects of deep learning in SPOC mode. In addition, the article explores various factors that influence the effectiveness of SPOC on deep learning. To accomplish this, an exhaustive review of the relevant literature was conducted to reveal potential connections and interactions between the SPOC blended model and deep learning effectiveness. This study provides educators and researchers with insights on how to more effectively combine SPOC and deep learning to optimize teaching and learning experiences.
Digital Storytelling Video Analysis for Improving Digital Material Reading Practices (NILAM): A Case Study
Authors: Jalel Junainah Abdul , Zaini Syaza Hazwani , Idris Nadzimah
Published: November 2023

One way to help students improve their digital reading skills is through a digital story video. The fact that students are starting to prefer digital reading materials is a good sign because it shows that they are keeping up with modern technology. Therefore, this study aims to analyze digital storytelling videos to improve the practice of reading digital materials (NILAM). The design of this study is qualitatively using document analysis and semi-structured interviews as a method of data collection. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three study participants to examine the Reading Incentive Planning and Activity Report and school-level NILAM data. The findings imply that digital narrative videos can enhance reading behaviors. Via reading-promoting school activities, students have also been introduced to digitalization activities. Revising the school-based reading program (NILAM), this digital storytelling film can improve the practice of reading digital content. This study is expected to further expand digital storytelling videos by diversifying digital reading materials and improving the practice of reading digital materials (NILAM).
Students With Disabilities: Skills, Strategies, and Dispositions for Success at a Community College
Authors: Flink Patrick J. , Leonard Timothy
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate experiences that students with disabilities have while attending a two-year commuter college, with a focus on understanding the skills, strategies, and dispositions that contribute to their academic success. A phenomenological research method was utilized for this study. Data collection method for this study involved using qualitative, open-ended, semi-structured interviews. The results of this study illustrate that students with disabilities at the community college level often face a variety of social, emotional, and academic challenges. The findings of this study suggest that students with disabilities on campus benefited from social support, family advocacy, and goal setting. Students with disabilities often have more challenges on campus experiences than their non-disabled peers. The findings of this research add to the limited research focusing on factors of success as it relates to students with disabilities. It is suggested that programs are designed and provided with the intention of supporting the emotional, social, and academic needs of students with disabilities on campus.
Applying Agile Business Solutions as a Graduate Capstone Project
Authors: Greenburg David , Michalaka Dimitra , Huntington Susan , Miner Tyler
Published: November 2023

A graduate course was implemented to teach the fundamentals of Agile project management as part of the MS Technical Project Management curriculum. The course was designed to provide a solid foundation in Agile methodologies for project management practice to enable graduates to execute appropriate Agile techniques to plan, and deliver quality results that frequently deliver value to customers. During the course students are introduced to Agile processes which include developing user stories and story maps, estimate and plan for sprints, track project execution and releases using burn-down charts and conduct retrospective sessions. This paper discusses how a graduate student was able to successfully apply the Agile principles and processes learned in the graduate program to an Independent Study project designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and experience gained during the curriculum to addressing and solving a real business problem. The student chose to develop and implement an Agile framework solution to a software implementation and performance problem his business organization was facing.
Cultivating the biophilic self
Authors: Kallio Johanna
Published: November 2023

This article presents ecological thinking of the Finnish educational philosopher, Urpo Harva (1910–1994). Harva's theories of adult education are strongly linked to the theory of self-cultivation developed in Finnish educational theory particularly in the early 20th century, according to which adults need to develop themselves as moral agents in their relations with others and the ecological environment to reach mature adulthood. In addition to his work as a professor, Harva was an active social debater, writing a significant number of columns and essays for Finnish magazines. The present article uses abductive content analysis on 31 of these columns and essays written between 1971 and 1994 to uncover the basics of Harva’s environmental adult education theory. The analysis showed that readers are encouraged to adopt a “biophilic” or nurturing attitude towards nature, as this will provide the necessary skills for ensuring a more sustainable future.
Pregnancy and diabetic ketoacidosis: fetal jeopardy and windows of opportunity
Authors: Coetzee Ankia , Hall David R. , Langenegger Eduard J. , van de Vyver Mari , Conradie Magda
Published: November 2023

Background

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) during pregnancy poses significant risks to both the mother and fetus, with an increased risk of fetal demise. Although more prevalent in women with Type I diabetes (T1D); those with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can also develop DKA. A lack of information about DKA during pregnancy exists worldwide, including in South Africa.

Objective

This study examined the characteristics and outcomes associated with DKA during pregnancy.

Methods

The study took place between 1 April 2020 and 1 October 2022. Pregnant women with DKA, admitted to Tygerberg Hospital’s Obstetric Critical Care Unit (OCCU) were included. Maternal characteristics, precipitants of DKA, adverse events during treatment, and maternal-fetal outcomes were examined.

Results

There were 54 episodes of DKA among 47 women. Most DKA’s were mild and occurred in the third trimester. Pregestational diabetes dominated (31/47; 60%), with 47% having T1D and 94% requiring insulin. Seven women (7/47, 15%; T2D:6, T1D:1) had two episodes of DKA during the same pregnancy. Most women (32/47; 68%) were either overweight or obese. Yet, despite the T2D phenotype, biomarkers indicated that auto-immune diabetes was prevalent among women without any prior history of T1D (6/21; 29%). Twelve women (26%) developed gestational hypertension during pregnancy, and 17 (36%) pre-eclampsia. Precipitating causes of DKA included infection (14/54; 26%), insulin disruption (14/54; 26%) and betamethasone administration (10/54; 19%). More than half of the episodes of DKA involved hypokalemia (35/54, 65%) that was associated with fetal death (P=0.042) and hypoglycemia (28/54, 52%). Preterm birth (<37 weeks’ gestation) occurred in 85% of women. No maternal deaths were recorded. A high fetal mortality rate (13/47; 28%) that included 11 spontaneous intrauterine deaths and two medical terminations, was observed.

Conclusion

Women with DKA have a high risk of fetal mortality as well as undiagnosed auto-immune diabetes. There is a strong link between maternal hypokalemia and fetal loss, suggesting an opportunity to address management gaps in pregnant women with DKA.
The role of hypoxia and radiation in developing a CTCs-like phenotype in murine osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Quartieri Martina , Puspitasari Anggraeini , Vitacchio Tamara , Durante Marco , Tinganelli Walter
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Cancer treatment has evolved significantly, yet concerns about tumor recurrence and metastasis persist. Within the dynamic tumor microenvironment, a subpopulation of mesenchymal tumor cells, known as Circulating Cancer Stem Cells (CCSCs), express markers like CD133, TrkB, and CD47, making them radioresistant and pivotal to metastasis. Hypoxia intensifies their stemness, complicating their identification in the bloodstream. This study investigates the interplay of acute and chronic hypoxia and radiation exposure in selecting and characterizing cells with a CCSC-like phenotype.

Methods: LM8 murine osteosarcoma cells were cultured and subjected to normoxic (21% O2) and hypoxic (1% O2) conditions. We employed Sphere Formation and Migration Assays, Western Blot analysis, CD133 Cell Sorting, and CD133+ Fluorescent Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) analysis with a focus on TrkB antibody to assess the effects of acute and chronic hypoxia, along with radiation exposure.

Results: Our findings demonstrate that the combination of radiation and acute hypoxia enhances stemness, while chronic hypoxia imparts a cancer stem-like phenotype in murine osteosarcoma cells, marked by increased migration and upregulation of CCSC markers, particularly TrkB and CD47. These insights offer a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between radiation, hypoxia, and cellular responses in the context of cancer treatment.

Discussion: This study elucidates the complex interplay among radiation, hypoxia, and cellular responses, offering valuable insights into the intricacies and potential advancements in cancer treatment.
Function and regulation of ubiquitin-like SUMO system in heart
Authors: Wang Ying , Liu Zhihao , Bian Xiyun , Zhao Chenxu , Zhang Xin , Liu Xiaozhi , Wang Nan
Published: November 2023

The small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMOylation) system is a conserved, reversible, post-translational protein modification pathway covalently attached to the lysine residues of proteins in eukaryotic cells, and SUMOylation is catalyzed by SUMO-specific activating enzyme (E1), binding enzyme (E2) and ligase (E3). Sentrin-specific proteases (SENPs) can cleave the isopeptide bond of a SUMO conjugate and catalyze the deSUMOylation reaction. SUMOylation can regulate the activity of proteins in many important cellular processes, including transcriptional regulation, cell cycle progression, signal transduction, DNA damage repair and protein stability. Biological experiments in vivo and in vitro have confirmed the key role of the SUMO conjugation/deconjugation system in energy metabolism, Ca2+ cycle homeostasis and protein quality control in cardiomyocytes. In this review, we summarized the research progress of the SUMO conjugation/deconjugation system and SUMOylation-mediated cardiac actions based on related studies published in recent years, and highlighted the further research areas to clarify the role of the SUMO system in the heart by using emerging technologies.
The critical role of interleukin-6 in protection against neurotropic flavivirus infection
Authors: Auroni Tabassum T. , Arora Komal , Natekar Janhavi P. , Pathak Heather , Elsharkawy Amany , Kumar Mukesh
Published: November 2023

West Nile virus (WNV) and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) are emerging mosquito-borne flaviviruses causing encephalitis globally. No specific drug or therapy exists to treat flavivirus-induced neurological diseases. The lack of specific therapeutics underscores an urgent need to determine the function of important host factors involved in flavivirus replication and disease progression. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) upregulation has been observed during viral infections in both mice and humans, implying that it may influence the disease outcome significantly. Herein, we investigated the function of IL-6 in the pathogenesis of neurotropic flavivirus infections. First, we examined the role of IL-6 in flavivirus-infected human neuroblastoma cells, SK-N-SH, and found that IL-6 neutralization increased the WNV or JEV replication and inhibited the expression of key cytokines. We further evaluated the role of IL-6 by infecting primary mouse cells derived from IL-6 knockout (IL-6−/−) mice and wild-type (WT) mice with WNV or JEV. The results exhibited increased virus yields in the cells lacking the IL-6 gene. Next, our in vivo approach revealed that IL-6−/− mice had significantly higher morbidity and mortality after subcutaneous infection with the pathogenic WNV NY99 or JEV Nakayama strain compared to WT mice. The non-pathogenic WNV Eg101 strain did not cause mortality in WT mice but resulted in 60% mortality in IL-6−/− mice, indicating that IL-6 is required for the survival of mice after the peripheral inoculation of WNV or JEV. We also observed significantly higher viremia and brain viral load in IL-6−/− mice than in WT mice. Subsequently, we explored innate immune responses in WT and IL-6−/− mice after WNV NY99 infection. Our data demonstrated that the IL-6−/− mice had reduced levels of key cytokines in the serum during early infection but elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the brain later, along with suppressed anti-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, mRNA expression of IFN-α and IFN-β was significantly lower in the infected IL-6−/− mice. In conclusion, these data suggest that the lack of IL-6 exacerbates WNV or JEV infection in vitro and in vivo by causing an increase in virus replication and dysregulating host immune response.
Full genome characterization and evolutionary analysis of Banna virus isolated from Culicoides, mosquitoes and ticks in Yunnan, China
Authors: Yang Zhenxing , He Yuwen , Chen Yiju , Meng Jinxin , Li Nan , Li Susheng , Wang Jinglin
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Banna virus (BAV), a potential pathogen that may cause human encephalitis, is the prototype species of genus Seadornaviru within the family Reoviridae, and has been isolated from a variety of blood-sucking insects and mammals in Asia.

Methods

Culicoides, Mosquitoes, and Ticks were collected overnight in Yunnan, China, during 2016-2023 using light traps. Virus was isolated from these collected blood-sucking insects and grown using Aedes albopictus (C6/36) cells. Preliminary identification of the virus was performed by agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE). The full genome sequences of the BAVs were determined by full-length amplification of cDNAs (FLAC) and sequenced using next-generation sequencing.

Results

In this study, 13 strains BAV were isolated from Culicoides, Mosquitoes and Ticks. Their viral genome consisted of 12 segments of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), and with three distinct distribution patterns. Sequence analysis showed that Seg-5 of four strains (SJ_M46, SJ_M49, JC_M19-13 and JC_C24-13) has 435 bases nucleotide sequence insertions in their ORF compared to other BAVs, resulting in the length of Seg-5 up to 2128 nt. There are 34 bases sequence deletion in Seg-9 of 3 strains (WS_T06, MS_M166 and MS_M140). Comparison of the coding sequences of VP1, VP2, VP5, VP9 and VP12 of the 13 BAV strains, the results show that VP1, VP2 and VP12 are characterised by high levels of sequence conservation, while VP9 is highly variable, under great pressure to adapt and may be correlated with serotype. While also variable, VP5 appears to be under less adaptive pressure than VP9. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis indicates that the 13 BAV strains locate in the same evolutionary cluster as BAVs isolated from various blood-sucking insects, and are clustered according to geographical distribution.

Conclusion

The data obtained herein would be beneficial for the surveillance of evolutionary characteristics of BAV in China and neighboring countries as well as extend the knowledge about its genomic diversity and geographic distribution.
Category bias in similarity ratings: the influence of perceptual and strategic biases in similarity judgments of faces
Authors: Ashby Stefania R. , Chaloupka Benjamin , Zeithamova Dagmar
Published: November 2023

Introduction

After category learning, same-category items tend to be rated as more similar than items from different categories. Whether this category bias in similarity ratings reflects true changes in perception or a strategic judgment bias to rate same-category items more similarly has been debated. The current study investigated the influence of perceptual and strategic judgment biases on perceived similarity ratings of face stimuli.

Method

To explore the influence of perceptual and strategic biases, post-learning category bias was measured after learning one of two category structures. In a similarity-consistent structure, faces within a category shared physical features and category bias could reflect a combination of strategic bias and true perceptual changes. In a similarity-inconsistent structure, category membership was orthogonal to physical features and category bias could only be driven by strategic bias to rate same-label faces as more similar.

Results

We found a strong category bias after learning, but only when category labels could be aligned to the similarity structure. When category label conflicted with similarity structure, the mere presence of a shared label did not create a bias.

Discussion

These findings indicate that category bias in this paradigm is largely driven by a perceptual bias, consistent with proposals that category learning can stretch or shrink perceptual space by biasing attention toward category-relevant and away from category-irrelevant features. More broadly, these findings contribute to our understanding of category-driven biases and may inform bias research in other domains such as social stereotypes.
Real-time heart rate variability according to ambulatory glucose profile in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Im Sung Il , Kim Soo Jin , Bae Su Hyun , Kim Bong Joon , Heo Jung Ho , Kwon Su kyoung , Cho Sung Pil , Shim Hun , Park Jung Hwan , Kim Hyun Su , Oak Chul Ho
Published: November 2023

Background

Autonomic neuropathy commonly occurs as a long-term complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and can be diagnosed based on heart rate variability (HRV), calculated from electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings. There are limited data on HRV using real-time ECG and ambulatory glucose monitoring in patients with DM. The aim of this study was to investigate real-time HRV according to ambulatory glucose levels in patients with DM.

Methods

A total of 43 patients (66.3 ± 7.5 years) with DM underwent continuous real-time ECG monitoring (225.7 ± 107.3 h) for HRV and ambulatory glucose monitoring using a remote monitoring system. We compared the HRV according to the ambulatory glucose profile. Data were analyzed according to the target in glucose range (TIR).

Results

There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of the patients according to the TIR. During monitoring, we checked ECG and ambulatory glucose levels (a total of 15,090 times) simultaneously for all patients. Both time- and frequency-domain HRVs were lower when the patients had poorly controlled glucose levels (TIR < 70%) compared with well controlled glucose levels (TIR > 70%). In addition, heart and respiratory rates increased with real-time glucose levels (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Poorly controlled glucose levels were independently associated with lower HRV in patients with DM. This was further substantiated by the independent continuous association between real-time measurements of hyperglycemia and lower HRV. These data strongly suggest that cardiac autonomic dysfunction is caused by elevated blood sugar levels.
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) S1176 phosphorylation status governs atherosclerotic lesion formation
Authors: Nguyen Tung D. , Rahman Nur-Taz , Sessa William C. , Lee Monica Y.
Published: November 2023

Objective

We have previously demonstrated the in vivo importance of the Akt-eNOS substrate-kinase relationship, as defective postnatal angiogenesis characteristic of global Akt1-null mice is rescued when bred to ‘gain-of-function’ eNOS S1176D mutant mice. While multiple studies support the vascular protective role of endothelial NO generation, the causal role of Akt1-dependent eNOS S1176 phosphorylation during atherosclerotic plaque formation is not yet clear.

Approach and results

We herein bred congenic ‘loss-of-function’ eNOS S1176A and ‘gain-of-function’ eNOS S1176D mutant mice to the exacerbated atherogenic Akt1−/−; ApoE−/− double knockout mice to definitively test the importance of Akt-mediated eNOS S1176 phosphorylation during atherogenesis. We find that a single amino acid substitution at the eNOS S1176 phosphorylation site yields divergent effects on atherosclerotic plaque formation, as an eNOS phospho-mimic aspartate (D) substitution at S1176 leads to favorable lipid profiles and decreased indices of atherosclerosis, even when on a proatherogenic Akt1 global deletion background. Conversely, mice harboring an unphosphorylatable mutation to alanine (S1176A) result in increased plasma lipids, increased lesion formation and cellular apoptosis, phenocopying the physiological consequence of eNOS deletion and/or impaired enzyme function. Furthermore, gene expression analyses of whole aortas indicate a combinatorial detriment from NO deficiency and Western Diet challenge, as ‘loss-of-function’ eNOS S1176A mice on a Western Diet present a unique expression pattern indicative of augmented T-cell activity when compared to eNOS S1176D mice.

Conclusions

By using genetic epistasis approaches, we conclusively demonstrate that Akt-mediated eNOS S1176 phosphorylation and subsequent eNOS activation remains to be the most physiologically relevant method of NO production to promote athero-protective effects.
FcγRIIa - dependent platelet activation identified in COVID-19 vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia-, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, streptokinase- and anisoylated plasminogen-streptokinase activator complex-induced platelet activation
Authors: Abdelouahed Mustapha , Yateem Dana , Fredericks Salim
Published: November 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was caused by the coronavirus - severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was globally responsible for remarkable morbidity and mortality. Several highly effective vaccines for COVID-19 were developed and disseminated worldwide within an unprecedented timescale. Rare but dangerous clotting and thrombocytopenia events, and subsequent coagulation abnormalities, have been reported after massive vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Soon after their global rollout, reports of a morbid clinical syndrome following vaccination with adenovirus-DNA-based vaccines appeared. In the spring of 2021, reports of a novel, rare and morbid clinical syndrome, with clinically devastating and fatal complication after vaccination with adenovirus-based coronavirus vaccines (Janssen/Johnson & Johnson and Astra-Zeneca vaccines) led to a brief suspension of their use by several countries. Those complications were associated with unusual cerebral and splanchnic venous thrombosis, and circulating autoantibodies directed against anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4), a protein secreted from platelets, leading to the designation: Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT). The reported VITT incidence remains very low and does not affect the overall benefit of immunization, however, if left untreated, VITT can be debilitating or even fatal. VITT resembled specific adverse drugs' reactions that also involved the production of autoantibodies and subsequent abnormal platelet activation through platelet FcγRIIa. These unusual but well-documented drug reactions were heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), streptokinase- (SK), and anisoylated plasminogen-streptokinase activator complex- (APSAC) associated with platelet-activating antibodies. There was considerable overlapping of clinical features between VITT, COVID-19 and these adverse drugs' reactions. We review the phenomenon of VITT against the backdrop of shared and common mechanisms that underlie HIT-, SK-, and APSAC-platelet FcγRIIa-dependent platelet activation. An understanding of VITT's pathogenesis may be achieved by comparing and contrasting VITT-, HIT-, SK- and APSAC-induced platelet activation mechanisms, their respective physiopathology and similarities. Discussing these conditions in parallel provides insight into complex immunological disorders and diseases associated with abnormal hemostasis and thrombosis in particular.
Red-green-bleached redox interfaces in the proximal Permian Cutler red beds: implications for regional fluid alteration
Authors: Hullaster Desiree P. , Soreghan Gerilyn S. , Kukkadapu Ravi K. , Dumont Brock S. , Dee Kato T. , Elwood Madden Andrew S.
Published: November 2023

Siliciclastic strata of the Colorado Plateau attract attention for their striking red, green, bleached, and variegated colors that potentially record both early depositional and later diagenetic events. We investigated the proximal-most strata of the Paradox Basin, from their onlap contact with the Precambrian basement of the Uncompahgre Plateau to the younger Cutler strata exposed within 10 km of the Uncompahgre Plateau to attempt to understand the significance of the striking colors that occur here. These strata preserve a complex geology associated with buried paleorelief and sediment-related permeability variations at a major basin-uplift interface. Strata exposed within ∼1.5 km of the onlap contact exhibit a pervasive drab color in contrast to the generally red colors that predominate farther from this front. In-between, strata commonly host variegated red/green/bleached intercalations. Thin-section petrography, SEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and whole-rock geochemistry of samples representing different color variations from demonstrate that water–rock interactions charged the rocks with Fe(II) that persists primarily in the phyllosilicate fraction. Color variations reflect grain-size differences that allowed the reduction of fluids from regional fault and basement/fill contacts to permeate coarser-grained Cutler sediments. Hematite and chlorite occur in both red and green sediments but are absent in the bleached sediments. Pervasive hematite in both red and green layers suggests that sediments were hematite-rich before later alteration. Chlorite and smectite are elevated in green samples and inversely correlated with biotite content. Green coloration is generally associated with 1) coarser grain sizes, 2) spatial association with basement contacts, 3) elevated smectite and/or chlorite, 4) less total Fe but greater Fe(II)/Fe(III) primarily in the phyllosilicate fraction, and 5) uranium enrichment. The bleached coloration reflects the removal of pigmentary Fe(III) oxide, while the green coloration is due to the removal of pigmentary hematite and the abundance of Fe(II)-bearing phyllosilicates. Abundant mixed-layer and swelling clays such as smectite, illite/smectite, and chlorite/smectite (including tosudite) dominate the mineralogy of the clay fraction. These results are consistent with other studies demonstrating fault-associated fluid alteration in the Paradox Basin region. However, the pervasive greening was not observed in many of these studies and appears to reflect the unique aspects of the paleovalley system and the importance of biotite alteration to Fe(II)-bearing phyllosilicates.
Ten-year evaluation of an immersive global health medical school course using a four-principle equity framework
Authors: Martin Marie H. , Rose Elizabeth S. , Jahangir Eiman , Heimburger Douglas C.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Responding to a growing need for health care professionals equipped with global expertise in local and international settings, an innovative global health medical school course was developed that combines rigorous didactics, mentorship, cross-cultural training, and international experiences to build students’ cultural humility and clinical skills.

Methods

Recognizing that global health service trips and courses can unintentionally exacerbate inequities and power imbalances, this course was evaluated using the four principles of Melby et al.’s Guidelines for Implementing Short-term Experiences in Global Health. These principles include skill building in cross-cultural effectiveness and cultural humility, bidirectional participatory relationships, local capacity building, and long-term sustainability.

Results

The course was developed with long-standing global partners and includes a capstone project that is intended to strengthen local capacity with benefits to the site and student. Student course evaluations, supervisors’ observations of students, and supervisor feedback forms indicate that this course achieves these principles. Furthermore, there is evidence that students developed cultural humility, acquired foundational science knowledge and relevant skills, and changed their medical practice.

Discussion

This approach could serve as a model for institutions seeking to enhance training in global health for medical students.
A molecular signature for the G6PC3/SLC37A2/SLC37A4 interactors in glioblastoma disease progression and in the acquisition of a brain cancer stem cell phenotype
Authors: Torabidastgerdooei Sima , Roy Marie-Eve , Annabi Borhane
Published: November 2023

Background

Glycogen plays an important role in glucose homeostasis and contributes to key functions related to brain cancer cell survival in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) disease progression. Such adaptive molecular mechanism is dependent on the glycogenolytic pathway and intracellular glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) sensing by brain cancer cells residing within those highly hypoxic tumors. The involvement of components of the glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) system remains however elusive.

Objective

We questioned the gene expression levels of components of the G6Pase system in GBM tissues and their functional impact in the control of the invasive and brain cancer stem cells (CSC) phenotypes.

Methods

In silico analysis of transcript levels in GBM tumor tissues was done by GEPIA. Total RNA was extracted and gene expression of G6PC1-3 as well as of SLC37A1-4 members analyzed by qPCR in four human brain cancer cell lines and from clinically annotated brain tumor cDNA arrays. Transient siRNA-mediated gene silencing was used to assess the impact of TGF-β-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell chemotaxis. Three-dimensional (3D) neurosphere cultures were generated to recapitulate the brain CSC phenotype.

Results

Higher expression in G6PC3, SLC37A2, and SLC37A4 was found in GBM tumor tissues in comparison to low-grade glioma and healthy tissue. The expression of these genes was also found elevated in established human U87, U251, U118, and U138 GBM cell models compared to human HepG2 hepatoma cells. SLC37A4/G6PC3, but not SLC37A2, levels were induced in 3D CD133/SOX2-positive U87 neurospheres when compared to 2D monolayers. Silencing of SLC37A4/G6PC3 altered TGF-β-induced EMT biomarker SNAIL and cell chemotaxis.

Conclusion

Two members of the G6Pase system, G6PC3 and SLC37A4, associate with GBM disease progression and regulate the metabolic reprogramming of an invasive and CSC phenotype. Such molecular signature may support their role in cancer cell survival and chemoresistance and become future therapeutic targets.
Development and validation of machine-learning models for the difficulty of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy based on radiomics
Authors: Sun Shiwei , Yao Wei , Wang Yue , Yue Peng , Guo Fuyu , Deng Xiaoqian , Zhang Yangang
Published: November 2023

Objective

The aim is to construct machine learning (ML) prediction models for the difficulty of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RPLA) based on clinical and radiomic characteristics and to validate the models.

Methods

Patients who had undergone RPLA at Shanxi Bethune Hospital between August 2014 and December 2020 were retrospectively gathered. They were then randomly split into a training set and a validation set, maintaining a ratio of 7:3. The model was constructed using the training set and validated using the validation set. Furthermore, a total of 117 patients were gathered between January and December 2021 to form a prospective set for validation. Radiomic features were extracted by drawing the region of interest using the 3D slicer image computing platform and Python. Key features were selected through LASSO, and the radiomics score (Rad-score) was calculated. Various ML models were constructed by combining Rad-score with clinical characteristics. The optimal models were selected based on precision, recall, the area under the curve, F1 score, calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic curve, and decision curve analysis in the training, validation, and prospective sets. Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was used to demonstrate the impact of each variable in the respective models.

Results

After comparing the performance of 7 ML models in the training, validation, and prospective sets, it was found that the RF model had a more stable predictive performance, while xGBoost can significantly benefit patients. According to SHAP, the variable importance of the two models is similar, and both can reflect that the Rad-score has the most significant impact. At the same time, clinical characteristics such as hemoglobin, age, body mass index, gender, and diabetes mellitus also influenced the difficulty.

Conclusion

This study constructed ML models for predicting the difficulty of RPLA by combining clinical and radiomic characteristics. The models can help surgeons evaluate surgical difficulty, reduce risks, and improve patient benefits.
Treatment of delayed union of the forearm with extracorporeal shockwave therapy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Ryskalin Larisa , Fulceri Federica , Morucci Gabriele , Dell’Agli Stefania , Soldani Paola , Gesi Marco
Published: November 2023

Compared to other long bones, forearm fractures are particularly challenging due to the high rate of complications. These include malunion, delayed/nonunion, wrist and elbow movement reduction, and pain. Surgical procedure is considered the gold standard for managing delayed union and nonunion of the long bones. However, in the last decades, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has emerged as an effective and less invasive approach to enhance bone regeneration and fracture healing, avoiding major complications of surgical procedures. In contrast to the broad literature reporting good clinical results of ESWT in the treatment of nonunions, there is currently limited evidence regarding the clinical application of shock waves on long bone delayed fractures, particularly those of the forearm. In the present paper, we report a case of delayed bone healing of the diaphyseal region of the ulna treated with focused ESWT. The successful case experienced bone healing at the fracture site in less than 3 months after initial ESWT treatment. Acknowledging the limitation of reporting a case report, however, the remarkable clinical results and the absence of side effects contribute valuable information in support of the use of ESWT as an effective alternative to standard surgery for forearm fractures.
Research on new energy vehicle charging prediction based on Monte Carlo algorithm and its impact on distribution network
Authors: Li Zheng , Li Chuan , Zhang Baoqiang , Duan Qing , Liu Lu , Zu Guoqiang , Li Qian
Published: November 2023

With the vigorous promotion of new energy policies, the large-scale charging of new energy vehicles has put forward higher requirements for the safety and stability of the distribution network. Based on the daily driving habits and charging patterns of new energy vehicles, a Monte Carlo sampling algorithm was used to establish a charging load model for new energy vehicles. The model analyzed the driving range, charging load, and time related parameters of new energy vehicles. By analyzing the law of daily charging power of new energy vehicles, the overall trend of charging load of new energy vehicles is obtained. Combined with the daily electricity consumption law of the distribution network, the total load of the distribution network is obtained, and the degree of impact on the distribution network is analyzed. This provides direction for the scheduling of future electric vehicle charging behavior and the construction of related supporting facilities, and provides strong guidance for the optimization and upgrading of the distribution network.
Review of the phenotypes and genotypes of Bardet-Biedl syndrome from China
Authors: Xin-Yi Zou , Yang-Li Dai , Ling-Hui Zeng
Published: November 2023

Objective: To analyze the phenotypes, genotypes, and the relationship of phenotypes and genotypes for Chinese patients with Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS).

Methods: The Chinese Wanfang and Weipu data, and PubMed were searched up to December 2022. Patients with detailed clinical feature data were involved in the analysis.

Results: A total of 153 Chinese patients, including 87 males, 53 females, and 12 unknown, were enrolled. Their ages ranged from 1.2 to 44 years old with a mean of 16.70 ± 9.90 years old. Among these patients, 80 (52.29%) were reported by ophthalmologists, and only 24 (15.68%) reported by pediatricians. Most patients (132/137, 96.35%) had visual problems; 131/153 (85.62%) had polydactyly; 124/132 (93.93%) were overweight or obese; 63/114 (55.26%) had renal abnormalities; kidney dysfunction was found in 33 (21.57%); 83/104 (79.81%) had hypogonadism and/or genital hypoplasia; and 111/136 (81.62%) had mental retardation. In this series, genetic analysis was performed in 90 (58.82%) patients, including 22 BBS7 (24.71%), 20 BBS2 (22.73%), and 10 BBS10 (11.24%) patients. Moreover, 11 fetuses were diagnosed prenatally in the last 4 years except for one patient in 2004 year. It was noted that BBS7 had higher penetrance. BBS2 had higher hearing impairment and lower renal abnormality penetrance. BBS10 also had lower renal abnormality penetrance as well.

Conclusion: Misdiagnosis or miss diagnosis of BBS may be common in China. In patients with polydactyly, visual impairment, obesity, renal abnormalities, hypogonadism, and mental retardation, or in fetuses with polydactyly and/or renal abnormalities, BBS should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Other deformities should be evaluated carefully and genetic analysis should be performed as early as possible.
Lipid-lowering drugs affect lung cancer risk via sphingolipid metabolism: a drug-target Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Honglin , Zhang Lei , Yang Feiran , Feng Xiaoteng , Fu Rong , Zhao Ruohan , Li Xiurong , Li Huijie
Published: November 2023

Background: The causal relationship between lipid-lowering drug (LLD) use and lung cancer risk is controversial, and the role of sphingolipid metabolism in this effect remains unclear.

Methods: Genome-wide association study data on low-density lipoprotein (LDL), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and triglycerides (TG) were used to develop genetic instrumental variables (IVs) for LLDs. Two-step Mendelian randomization analyses were performed to examine the causal relationship between LLDs and lung cancer risk. The effects of ceramide, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and ceramidases on lung cancer risk were explored, and the proportions of the effects of LLDs on lung cancer risk mediated by sphingolipid metabolism were calculated.

Results:APOB inhibition decreased the lung cancer risk in ever-smokers via ApoB (odds ratio [OR] 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70–0.92, p = 0.010), LDL (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71–0.96, p = 0.040), and TG (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.46–0.83, p = 0.015) reduction by 1 standard deviation (SD), decreased small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) risk via LDL reduction by 1 SD (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56–0.90, p = 0.016), and decreased the plasma ceramide level and increased the neutral ceramidase level. APOC3 inhibition decreased the lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) risk (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.43–0.84, p = 0.039) but increased SCLC risk (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.17–4.09, p = 0.029) via ApoB reduction by 1 SD. HMGCR inhibition increased SCLC risk via ApoB reduction by 1 SD (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.38–6.70, p = 0.014). The LPL agonist decreased SCLC risk via ApoB (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.07–0.58, p = 0.012) and TG reduction (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.43–0.77, p = 0.003) while increased the plasma S1P level. PCSK9 inhibition decreased the ceramide level. Neutral ceramidase mediated 8.1% and 9.5% of the reduced lung cancer risk in ever-smokers via ApoB and TG reduction by APOB inhibition, respectively, and mediated 8.7% of the reduced LUAD risk via ApoB reduction by APOC3 inhibition.

Conclusion: We elucidated the intricate interplay between LLDs, sphingolipid metabolites, and lung cancer risk. Associations of APOB, APOC3, and HMGCR inhibition and LPL agonist with distinct lung cancer risks underscore the multifaceted nature of these relationships. The observed mediation effects highlight the considerable influence of neutral ceramidase on the lung cancer risk reduction achieved by APOB and APOC3 inhibition.