bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Karakteristik Lava Bantal – Peperit – Hialoklastit Sukabumi Selatan : Wawasan Baru tentang Produk Gunungapi Bawah Laut di Selatan Pulau Jawa
Authors: Djafar Agustina , Indyo Pratomo  , Wilda Aini Nurlathifah
Published: January 2024

Di bagian selatan Pulau Jawa bagian barat dijumpai batuan gunungapi berumur Paleogen-Neogen, dengan pola sebaran relatif memanjang timur – barat. Batuan tersebut dimasukkan ke dalam kelompok batuan vulkanik dan Magmatic Arc berumur Eosen Akhir – Miosen Awal. Keberadaan batuan gunungapi tersebut merupakan fenomena menarik untuk dikaji, diantaranya kehadiran batuan gunungapi Formasi Jampang, Tuf Anggota Cikarang dan Lava Anggota Ciseureuh berumur Miosen awal di daerah Sukabumi Selatan. Makalah ini bertujuan untuk melakukan identifikasi batuan gunungapi bawah laut di daerah penelitian, berdasarkan kenampakan makroskopis, yang dihasilkan oleh interaksi antara lava-air-sedimen. Penelitian ini berbasis pada analisis data lapangan, terutama pengenalan produk batuan yang dihasilkan dari interaksi lava-air-sedimen yang ditemukan pada beberapa lokasi, serta dilakukan pengamatan petrografi pada beberapa sampel batuan untuk melihat hubungan antara skala makroskopis dan mikroskopisnya. Hasil interaksi lava dengan air-sedimen menghasilkan beberapa produk berupa lava bantal, peperit, dan hialoklastik, yang dijumpai di beberapa lokasi; seperti Sungai Cikaso - Surade, Lengkong dan Waluran – Jampang. Hasil identifikasi tersebut menunjukkan bahwa pada saat terjadi aktivitas vulkanisme, lava berinteraksi dengan air dan sedimen yang masih basah dan tidak terkonsolidasi.
Katakunci: Gunungapi bawah laut, hialoklastit, interaksi air-sedimen, lava bantal, peperit, Sukabumi selatan.
Uji Aktivitas Antibakteri Ekstra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) Terhadap Streptococcus Agalactiae
Authors: Rahmawati Wenny , Retnaningrum Dwi Norma
Published: January 2024

Streptococcus agalactiae is a pathogen known to frequently cause infections in both mothers and children. It can lead to complications such as premature birth, premature rupture of membranes, postpartum infections, pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. Current treatment for Streptococcus agalactiae often involves antibiotics, which can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Given the increasing concern about antibiotic resistance, the development of herbal antibacterials is gaining momentum, with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) being one such area of interest. EVOO contains oleuropein, flavonoids, and essential oils, all of which possess antibacterial properties. The objective of this research is to demonstrate the antibacterial activity of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The study employed a true experimental design with a post-test-only control group, using the disc diffusion method to measure bacterial inhibition zones. The results revealed the largest inhibition zone, measuring 15.9 mm, with a 3 ml dose of EVOO. The correlation test indicated a significant value of 0.000, with a coefficient of -726, suggesting that an increase in EVOO dose results in a reduction in the Streptococcus agalactiae bacterial population. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) exhibits potent antibacterial activity against Streptococcus agalactiae.
Low Intricacy‎ Multistage Algorithm for Underwater Image Enhancement
Authors: Al-Ameen Zohair , Ahmed Ahmed A.
Published: January 2024

Humanity currently lives in a technological era that witnesses rapid progress in multiple fields. Digital image processing is one of the modern technologies that has provided practical answers to many challenges including image enhancement, analysis, reconstruction, recovery, compression, processing, and understanding. One of these notable challenges relates to underwater photography. Underwater images are always exposed to less-than-ideal conditions due to environmental and physical factors. These include refraction of light in water, scattering of particles and dust in the aquatic medium, lack of illumination in deep water, and poor contrast. These challenges make it extremely difficult to analyze and extract valuable information without advanced processing.  In this study, an improved color balance-fusion algorithm is provided by improving the image visuality and modifying some equations to obtain sharper and clearer images. The proposed algorithm begins by finding the white balance of the input RGB color image, after that, it improves the intensity. Next, the edges are improved using Gamma separately. The weights are then found for each image and combined to find naive fusion. The resulting image is processed using a color retrieval algorithm to produce the final image. along with comparisons to eleven other algorithms with various processing methods. Experimental results showed that this algorithm can significantly improve underwater images, increasing image clarity and making colors clearer. The improvement rates reached 5.8389 and 2.6778 for UISM and UICM metrics, respectively.
Perancangan dan Simulasi Mesin Perontok Biji Jagung Kapasitas 400 Kg/Jam
Authors: Azzah Rosadi Nabilla , Ulhafidzah Annisa , Yuliarman Yuliarman , Menhendry Menhendry , Yetri Yuli
Published: January 2024

Jagung merupakah Salah satu sumber utama karbohidrat di Indonesia. Pertumbuhan jagung telah menjangkau seluruh wilayah Nusantara. Sebagai sumber karbohidrat selain padi, jagung bisa juga diolah menjadi produk industri makanan yang variatif seperti makanan kecil. Selain itu jagung juga bisa dimanfaatkan sebagai pakan ternak sehingga kebutuhan jagung pipilan sangat tinggi di Indonesia. Oleh sebab itu dibutuhkan sebuah teknologi tepat guna yang berfungsi untuk memudahkan pekerjaan manusia menghasilkan jagung pipilan dalam waktu yang singkat serta hasil produksi yang tinggi. Makadirancanglah Mesin Perontok Biji Jagung Kapasitas 400 Kg/Jam. Mesin ini terdiri dari komponen utama seperti silinder pemipil, corong, pengarah serta penampung. Mesin ini menggunakan motor listrik 1,5 hp dengan putaran 1400 rpm dan menggunakan sistem transmisi sabuk dan puli. Poros pemipil ditambahkan gigi pemipil yang berbentuk spiral.
Optimasi Kecepatan Potong Dan Kedalaman Pemakanan Terhadap Kekasaran Permukaan Baja St 40 Pada Proses Bubut CNC Menggunakan Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Afriadi Muhammad , Subhan Muhamad , Ary Wahyudie Ilham , Yuliyanto Yuliyanto
Published: January 2024

Kekasaran permukaan yang optimal adalah tujuan yang diinginkan pada proses pembubutan di mesin CNC, harus dilakukan pengaturan variabel proses pembubutan yang tepat agar diperoleh respon kekasaran permukaan benda kerja yang optimal. Penelitian yang telah dilakukan bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh variabeln pengaturan setting yang optimal pada variabel proses pemesinan CNC terhadap nilai respon kekasaran permukaan baja St 40. Variabel proses permesinan yang divariasikan adalah kecepatan potong dan kedalaman pemakanan. Metode optimasi yang digunakan adalah Metode Permukaan Respon. Desain eksperimen ditetapkan berdasarkan CCD 2 faktor. Percobaan dilakukan sesuai desain eksperimen variabel kecepatan potong dengan level 200 m/menit, 230 m/menit, dan 260 m/menit dan variabel kedalaman pemakanan dengan level 0,6 mm, 0,8 mm, dan 1 mm untuk menentukan level variabel yang optimal terhadap kekasaran permukaan baja St 40. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengaruh dari variabel kecepatan potong dan kedalaman pemakanan tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kekasaran permukaan baja st 40 dan pada pengaturan optimasi level variabel didapatkan nilai optimal minimum yaitu pada kecepatan potong sebesar 19,92 m/menit dan kedalaman pemakanan sebesar 5,58 mm dan dihasilkan nilai kekasaran permukaan lebih kecil dari 1,00 µm.
Pengaruh Panjang Serat dan Fraksi Volume Komposit Lidah Mertua Terhadap Pengujian Tarik
Authors: Husman Husman , Armin Andre Hasnuryadi , Yuliyanto Yuliyanto
Published: January 2024

Teknologi saat ini mengalami perkembangan yang pesat, terutama di bidang material teknik industri. Salah satu kemajuan di material teknik industri adalah pemanfaatan tanaman hias sebagai bahan pembuatan komposit. Komposit berpenguat serat alam merupakan pilihan yang tepat untuk dijadikan bahan komposit. Tujuan penelitian untuk mendapatan nilai pengujian tarik tertinggi pada panjang serat 60 mm, 80mm, 100 mm dan fraksi volume serat 10%, 20%, 30 % dengan perlakuan alkali NaOH 6% selama 1 jam dan pemanasan pada suhu 80 selama 2 jam. Metode yang digunakan full faktorial. Pembuatan sampel menggunakkan metode hand lay-up. Pengaruh panjang serat dan fraksi volume serat terhadap pengujian tarik sangat besar sekali. Semakin Panjang serat yang digunakan, maka kekuatan tariknya semakin besar. Begitu juga dengan persentase serat, semakin banyak semakin kuat. kekuatan tarik tertinggi sebesar 39,03 Mpa pada panjang serat 100 mm dan fraksi volume 30%. Sedangkan hasil kekuatan tarik terendah sebesar 15,07 Mpa pada panjang serat 60 mm dan fraksi volume serat 10%. Dari hasil pengujian komposit lidah mertua  bisa digunakan untuk pembuatan helm, karena nilai kekuatan tariknya lebih tinggi dibandingkan kekuatan tarik bahan helm SNI yang hanya sebesar 33,93 MPa.
Manufaktur Dan Pemasangan Komponen Avionik Pada UAV Skywalker 1900 Dengan Material Komposit Berpenguat Fiber Carbon
Authors: Setiawan Ferry , Febriyanto Chandra , Wira Samudra Elang , Wichaksono Dhimas , Zulfikar Ramdhan Muhammad , Satria Maulana Dede
Published: January 2024

This research is a collaboration between STTKD Yogyakata and Frogs Indonesia, a startup that manufactures flying vehicles, with the aim of making the UAV Skywalker 1900 flying vehicle with Carbon Fiber reinforced composite materials to produce a structure that is stronger than the material commonly used, namely Styrofoam. The initial stage of making the UAV was to work on the Skywalker 1900 UAV design drawings and printed them with 3D printing using PLA Filament, the 3D printing results were then molded using Epoxy resin. From the resulting molding, the structure of the aircraft parts will be made with fiber glass reinforced composite materials using the Vacuum Bagging method. After the structure of the aircraft parts is completed, the electrical and avionic components are installed. The flight test results of the Skywalker 1900 UAV aircraft have a speed of around 15 m/s to 20 m/s, the weakness of this aircraft design is that it is still difficult to control, from the existing analysis this is caused by the aerofoil on the horizontal stabilizer causing lift in the tail of the aircraft of 1 newtons.
Modulation of Melatonin Receptors Regulates Reproductive Physiology: The Impact of Agomelatine on the Estrus Cycle, Gestation, Offspring, and Uterine Contractions in Rats
Authors: Kacar E , Tan F , Sahinturk S , Zorlu G , Serhatlioglu I , Bulmus O , Ercan Z , Kelestimur H
Published: January 2024

Agomelatine is a pharmaceutical compound that functions as an agonist for melatonin receptors, with a particular affinity for the MT1 and MT2 receptor subtypes. Its mode of action is integral to the regulation of diverse physiological processes, encompassing the orchestration of circadian rhythms, sleep-wake cycles, and mood modulation. In the present study, we delve into the intricate interplay between agomelatine and the modulation of estrus cycles, gestation periods, offspring numbers, and uterine contractions, shedding light on their collective impact on reproductive physiology. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments were performed. Wistar Albino rats, divided into four groups: two non-pregnant groups (D1 and D2) and two pregnant groups (G1 and G2). The D1 and G1 groups served as control groups, while the D2 and G2 groups received chronic agomelatine administration (10 mg/kg). Uterine contractions were assessed in vitro using myometrial strips. Luzindole, a melatonin receptor antagonist, was employed to investigate the pathway mediating agomelatine's effects on uterine contractions. In in vivo studies, chronic agomelatine administration extended the diestrus phase (p<0.05) in non-pregnant rats, prolonged the gestational period (p<0.01), and increased the fetal count (p<0.01) in pregnant rats. Additionally, agomelatine reduced plasma oxytocin and prostoglandin-E levels (p<0.01) during pregnancy. In vitro experiments showed that agomelatine dose-dependently inhibited spontaneous and oxytocin-induced myometrial contractions. Luzindole (2 µM) reverse the agomelatine-induced inhibition of myometrial contractions. These findings suggest that agomelatine holds the potential to modulate diverse reproductive parameters during the gestational period, influencing estrus cycling, gestational progression, offspring development, and the orchestration of uterine contractions.
Results of flow cytometric detection of γδT cells in peripheral blood of patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a pilot study
Authors: Man S-L , Dong P , Liu W , Li H-C , Zhang L , Ji X-J , Hu L-D , Song H
Published: January 2024

Previous studies have suggested that γδT cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). In this pilot study, the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and healthy volunteers were stained and analyzed by flow cytometry to distinguish γδ T cells and its subtypes, and then to report the distribution of γδ T cells and iyts subtypes and their correlation with ankylosing spondylitis. A total of 17 patients with active AS and 10 age- and gender- matched healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study, and their peripheral blood were drawn to collect mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Flow cytometry was used to analyze γδ T cell subpopulations by measuring the surface and intracellular expressions of phenotypic markers. Serum levels of inflammatory and bone turnover markers were measured, and their correlations with subpopulations of γδ T cells were evaluated. In patients with AS, the Vδ2 fractions within γδ T cells and CD3+ T cells decreased significantly, in particular, the proportions of CD27+ Vδ2 T cells, CD86+CD80+ Vδ1 T cells, and IL17A-secreting and TNFα-secreting Vδ1 T cells within the parental cells decreased significantly. γδ T cells/PBMCs, Vδ2 cells/γδ T cells, and Vδ2 cells/CD3+ T cells were negatively correlated with CRP, whereas Vδ1 cells/CD3+ T cells were negatively correlated with ESR. Vδ1 cells/γδ T cells were positively correlated with CRP, γδ T cells/PBMCs were positively correlated with β-CTx, CD69+CD25+ and IL-17A-secreting Vδ1 cells were positively correlated with TP1NP, and CD69+CD25+ Vδ1 and Vδ2 cells were positively correlated with osteocalcin. Decreases in peripheral Vδ2, CD27+ Vδ2, CD86+CD80+ Vδ1, and IL17A or TNFα-secreting Vδ1 T cells are associated with AS. The correlations between γδ T cell subpopulations and CRP and the CD69+CD25+ subpopulation with TP1NP or osteocalcin suggest that an imbalance in peripheral γδ T cell subpopulations contributes to the pathogenesis of AS.
The Challenges of Digital Economy Taxation in the EU Public Administration
Authors: Phoomsavarth Mittarvanh
Published: January 2024

Currently, the world, as well as the European Union, has been challenged by digital transformation. In the present time, digitalization has become the defining characteristic of modern society, slightly influencing several aspects of society, specifically by developing new economic platforms and transforming in trade patterns. The European Green Deal and Digital Transformation strategy represents the critical feature in shaping our modern world by integrating digital technologies and employing their potential, the European Union public administration faces the challenges of effectively implementing digital economy taxation instruments that enhance economic growth and sustainable development. To address the challenges, the European Union adopted a new strategy to ensure transparent and fair taxation. On March 21, 2018, the European Commission proposed new rules to ensure digital activities are taxed in a fair and growth-friendly in the European Union. The study aims to review the new European Union regulations related to digital activities and consolidate academic evidence regarding tax challenges initiated by digitalization. The study's determination to present a new perspective on these issues is intended to address the challenges of new tax policy and how the European Union will achieve green and digital transformation goals by encouraging a transition to fair and greener industries, as the digital economy has brought many new opportunities and benefits to citizens and companies. However, public service still questions adapting and certifying fair competition in this century. The European Union is playing an important role in this ongoing process and policy implementation. To promote good tax governance and cooperation within the European Union and globally. It will be beneficial to the European Union to contribute to economic development in the new digital era, together with ensuring fair competition and new cooperation.
Helymarketing, és hatásai, mint kutatási téma – Szisztematikus irodalomfeldolgozás
Authors: Reicher Regina , Pecze Krisztina , Kádár Beáta
Published: January 2024

Az elmúlt évek gazdasági változásai és a világjárvány komoly nehézségeket okozott minden település életében, függetlenül azok méretétől. Azok a kisvárosok és falvak azonban, amelyek elsődleges bevételi forrása a turizmuson alapul, még súlyosabb problémákkal küzdenek. Minden település vezetése újragondolta marketingstratégiáját, hogy választ adhasson az új kihívásokra. A marketingstratégiák gyakran ösztönzik a túlfogyasztást, így egy rosszul átgondolt marketingkampány végzetes lehet egy település számára. Tanulmányunk célja, hogy bemutassa kutatócsoportunk kezdeti kutatásait és munkánk első eredményeit. Szisztematikus szakirodalmi vizsgálat során, adatbáziskutatással célunk a marketing, azon belül is a településmarketing témakörében megjelent szakirodalmak azonosítása, lehetséges klasztereinek kialakítása volt. Cikkünkben bemutatjuk a marketinggel kapcsolatos tanulmányok helyét, szerepét és eredményeit elemző szakirodalom szisztematikus áttekintését, beleértve az önkormányzatok és a helymarketing területét és helyzetét, három jól ismert publikációs adatbázisban, a Clarivate Web of Science-ben, az Elsevier Scopusban valamint a SAGE gondozásában megjelenő folyóiratok körében, mint elsődleges forrásban. Ennek érdekében 2000-2022 között szisztematikus adatbázis-elemzést végeztünk, amelynek eredményeként kulcsszó-alapú osztályozást hajtottunk végre a megjelent kutatások, témák és módszerek tekintetében. Ezzel a kutatással fő célunk volt egy olyan fogalmi térkép elkészítése, amely segített összegyűjteni és hálózatba rendezni a helymarketing témakörét alkotó fogalmakat. Továbbá tisztázta a helymarketing ágazatait és a területek tanulmányozásának lehetőségeit. Eredményeink azt mutatják, hogy a gazdasági és társadalmi fenntarthatósághoz kapcsolódó helymarketing tendenciái is egyre inkább előtérbe kerülnek. Egyértelműen azonosítható volt a környezetvédelemmel, környezettudatossággal és a turizmus hatásaival, foglalkozó irodalom halmaza. Kutatásunk folytatásában ezen irodalmak tartalmi elemzése következik, mely segíthet abban, hogy gyakorlatban hasznosítható ajánlásokat fogalmazzunk meg a települések marketingstartégiájának kialakításához.
Analysis of Residential Property Market Value Using Market and Cost Approach
Authors: Jannah Binti Miftakhul , Afandi Aang , Zandra Rosy Aprieza Puspita
Published: January 2024

Banks require guarantees as a benchmark for lending and alternative payments when there is a bottleneck in credit payments. This research aims to determine the market value of residential property in the form of a house which is used as a basis for guaranteeing debt in the Malang City area. The market value is obtained with a market approach using a market data comparison method and a cost approach with a market data comparison method to find land market values ​​and the depreciated replacement cost method to find building market values. This type of research is descriptive quantitative. The data used was a medium-sized residential house as the object of valuation and three comparative data in the form of residential houses that have the same characteristics to find the market value of residential houses using the market approach. While in the cost approach, three comparative data of vacant land were used to find the land market value. This valuation resulted in a market value of IDR 3,009,000,000 which was obtained from the reconciliation of market values ​​in the market approach of IDR 3,175,529,000 and the cost approach of IDR 2,758,384,000. The liquidation value is set at 70% of the market value, which is IDR 2,106,000,000.
Research on adaptive impedance control technology of upper limb rehabilitation robot based on impedance parameter prediction
Authors: Zhang Yuling , Li Tong , Tao Haoran , Liu Fengchen , Hu Bingshan , Wu Minghui , Yu Hongliu
Published: January 2024

Introduction: With the aggravation of aging and the growing number of stroke patients suffering from hemiplegia in China, rehabilitation robots have become an integral part of rehabilitation training. However, traditional rehabilitation robots cannot modify the training parameters adaptively to match the upper limbs’ rehabilitation status automatically and apply them in rehabilitation training effectively, which will improve the efficacy of rehabilitation training.

Methods: In this study, a two-degree-of-freedom flexible drive joint rehabilitation robot platform was built. The forgetting factor recursive least squares method (FFRLS) was utilized to estimate the impedance parameters of human upper limb end. A reward function was established to select the optimal stiffness parameters of the rehabilitation robot.

Results: The results confirmed the effectiveness of the adaptive impedance control strategy. The findings of the adaptive impedance control studies showed that the adaptive impedance control had a significantly greater reward than the constant impedance control, which was in line with the simulation results of the variable impedance control. Moreover, it was observed that the levels of robot assistance could be suitably modified based on the subject’s different participation.

Discussion: The results facilitated stroke patients’ upper limb rehabilitation by enabling the rehabilitation robot to adaptively change the impedance parameters according to the functional status of the affected limb. In clinic therapy, the proposed control strategy may help to adjust the reward function for different patients to improve the rehabilitation efficacy eventually.
Urinary microbiota signatures associated with different types of urinary diversion: a comparative study
Authors: Liu Yuchao , Zhang Jingcheng , Chen Haotian , Zhang Wentao , Ainiwaer Ailiyaer , Mao Shiyu , Yao Xudong , Xu Tianyuan , Yan Yang
Published: January 2024

Background

Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion (UD) are gold standards for non-metastatic muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Orthotopic neobladder (or Studer), ileal conduit (or Bricker) and cutaneous ureterostomy (CU) are mainstream UD types. Little is known about urinary microbiological changes after UD.

Methods

In this study, urine samples were collected from healthy volunteers and patients with bladder cancer who had received aforementioned UD procedures. Microbiomes of samples were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, and microbial diversities, distributions and functions were investigated and compared across groups.

Results

Highest urine microbial richness and diversity were observed in healthy controls, followed by Studer patients, especially those without hydronephrosis or residual urine, α-diversity indices of whom were remarkably higher than those of Bricker and CU groups. Studer UD type was the only independent factor favoring urine microbial diversity. The urine microflora structure of the Studer group was most similar to that of the healthy individuals while that of the CU group was least similar. Studer patients and healthy volunteers shared many similar urine microbial functions, while Bricker and CU groups exhibited opposite characteristics.

Conclusion

Our study first presented urinary microbial landscapes of UD patients and demonstrated the microbiological advantage of orthotopic neobladder. Microbiota might be a potential tool for optimization of UD management.
Impact of chest pain center quality control indicators on mortality risk in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients: a study based on Killip classification
Authors: Zhang Lingling , Zeng Jianping , Huang Haobo , Zhu Yunlong , Peng Ke , Liu Cai , Luo Fei , Yang Wenbin , Wu Mingxin
Published: January 2024

Background

Despite the crucial role of Chest pain centers (CPCs) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) management, China's mortality rate for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has remained stagnant. This study evaluates the influence of CPC quality control indicators on mortality risk in STEMI patients receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A cohort of 664 consecutive STEMI patients undergoing PPCI from 2020 to 2022 was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression models. The cohort was stratified by Killip classification at admission (Class 1: n = 402, Class ≥2: n = 262).

Results

At a median follow-up of 17 months, 35 deaths were recorded. In Class ≥2, longer door-to-balloon (D-to-B) time, PCI informed consent time, catheterization laboratory activation time, and diagnosis-to-loading dose dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) time were associated with increased mortality risk. In Class 1, consultation time (notice to arrival) under 10 min reduced death risk. In Class ≥2, PCI informed consent time under 20 min decreased mortality risk.

Conclusion

CPC quality control metrics affect STEMI mortality based on Killip class. Key factors include time indicators and standardization of CPC management. The study provides guidance for quality care during COVID-19.
Bicuspid aortic valve repair—current techniques, outcomes, challenges, and future perspectives
Authors: Zhang Haiyu
Published: January 2024

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common congenital heart condition that can lead to some valve-related complications, such as aortic stenosis and/or regurgitation, and is often associated with aortic root dilation. With the development and refinement of BAV repair techniques over the past three decades, surgical repair of BAV has emerged as an effective treatment option, offering symptomatic relief and improved outcomes. This review aims to summarize the current techniques, outcomes, and challenges of BAV repair, and to provide potential future perspectives in the field.
Impact of lockdown on the growth of children in China aged 3-6 years during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cai Peiling , Liu Yuxuan , Yang Zhen , Luo Yueyao , Zhang Yanqiong , Ye Peng , Yin Xiaoling , Xiao Nanying , Chen Xinwei , Wang Mengping , Xiao Beili , Zhao Hongying
Published: January 2024

Background

Lockdowns in COVID-19 pandemic led to less physical activity and more intake of unhealthy food in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the negative impact of major lockdowns on the growth of children aged 3-6 years during COVID-19 pandemic period.

Methods

Physical examination results in 2019 to 2022 from 5834 eligible children (2972 males and 2862 females) from Southwestern China who were 3 years old in 2019 were retrospectively collected. Height and weight data points were extracted from the results, and percentiles of height (height%), weight (weight%), and BMI (BMI%), and rates of overweight and obesity were calculated and compared between different years during the pandemic.

Results

After analyzing the 15404 growth data points from 5834 children, a slowly increasing trend of height% from 2019 to 2022 was observed. Weight%, BMI%, overweight rate, obesity rate, and combined overweight and obesity rate had two peaks in 2020 and 2022 when major lockdowns were adopted and a drop in between (year 2021), except for obesity rate which did not drop in 2021. Similar results were shown after stratification by gender.

Conclusion

The lockdowns in COVID-19 pandemic promoted obesity of kindergarten children, but did not show any negative impact on their height growth possibly due to over-nutrition of children during lockdowns. More efforts need to be made to limit the increase of obesity rate in kindergarten children during possible future lockdowns.
The fate of germ cells in cryptorchid testis
Authors: Thorup Jorgen , Hildorf Simone , Hildorf Andrea E. , Baastrup Jonas M. , Mamsen Linn Salto , Andersen Claus Yding , Olsen Tina E. , Cortes Dina
Published: January 2024

Cryptorchidism in males constitutes a notable risk factor for both infertility and testicular cancer. Infertility in adulthood is closely linked to the germ cell status in childhood. Furthermore, the significance of germ cell status is important as more than 95% of all reported testicular malignancies are germ cell tumors. The review aims to elucidate the pathogenesis of germ cells in cryptorchid testes concerning their association with infertility and testicular malignancies. Impaired germ cell numbers are evident in cryptorchid testes even during antenatal and neonatal stages. In cryptorchidism there is a rapid decline in germ cell number within the first year of life, partially attributed to physiologic gonocyte apoptosis. Additionally, germ cells fail to differentiate normally during mini-puberty leading to reduced germ cell proliferation and delayed clearance of gonocytes from the seminiferous epithelium. Absence of germ cells in testicular biopsies occurs already 10 months of age and germ cell deterioration progressively worsens with approximately 50% of persisting cryptorchid testes lacking germ cells during puberty. The deficient germ cell maturation and proliferation leads to later infertility. Elevated temperature in the cryptorchid testes and also hormonal deficiency contribute to this phenomenon. Germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) originating during fetal development may manifest in rare cases associated with disorders of sexual development, chromosomal abnormalities in boys, specific syndromes, and teratomas that include cryptorchidism. In adults, the presence of GCNIS predominantly represents a new histology pattern before invasive germ cell cancer is demonstrated and is neither congenital nor related to abnormal gonocyte transformation.
Optimized operational approach for multi-type reactive power compensation to enhance the grid integration strength of new energy clusters
Authors: Li Li , Qin Jianru , Hu Heng , Zhang Qinglei , Luo Lei
Published: January 2024

The insufficient system strength in the high-proportion new energy access area has gradually emerged as a crucial factor contributing to the transient overvoltage issue. Therefore, it is imperative to propose a reactive power optimization operation mode that takes into consideration both the power grid strength and system operating voltage of the new energy cluster system. Firstly, the relationship between the evaluation index of power grid strength and the performance of system voltage response is elucidated, while analyzing the influence mechanism of various reactive power compensation devices on the power grid strength of new energy cluster systems. Then, a reactive power operation optimization model is proposed to maximize the strength of the system grid and minimize the voltage deviation. To solve this problem, a hybrid approach combining genetic algorithm and CPLEX solver is employed. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through a typical simulation example.
Post-fire soil carbon emission rates along boreal forest fire chronosequences in northwest Canada show significantly higher emission potentials from permafrost soils compared to non-permafrost soils
Authors: Köster Kajar , Aaltonen Heidi , Köster Egle , Berninger Frank , Pumpanen Jukka
Published: January 2024

Boreal forests are one of the most important biomes storing carbon (C). Wildfires burn yearly on average more than 1% of the boreal forest, and it is expected that the fire return intervals will shorten due to climate change. Fire is one of the most influential factors affecting soil organic matter quantity and quality, soil C pools, and presumably also the time C resides in the soil (soil C turnover time in years). We compared the potential effects of forest fire through post-fire succession on soil carbon dioxide (CO2) emission rates and soil C turnover time in two fire chronosequences, one with underlying permafrost soil and the other without permafrost. We found that fire had a significant effect on potential soil C turnover times, but surprisingly there was no significant difference in soil C turnover times between the permafrost and non-permafrost areas, although the soil CO2 emissions rates in permafrost areas are approximately three times higher compared to non-permafrost areas. In recently burned areas the potential soil C turnover times were two times longer compared to control areas located in forests burned more than 100 years ago. The longest potential soil C turnover times were recorded in mineral soil layers (30 cm) of permafrost soils, and the shortest potential soil C turnover times were recorded in humus layers of non-permafrost areas.
Thirty years of HIV pregnancies in French Guiana: prevention successes and remaining obstetrical challenges
Authors: Nacher Mathieu , Blanc Julie , Rabier Sebastien , Lucarelli Aude , Adenis Antoine , Basurko Celia , Louis Alphonse , Dotou Dominique , Leneuve Malika , Osei Lindsay , Elenga Narcisse , Hcini Najeh
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In a context of high HIV prevalence, poor pregnancy follow-up, frequent poverty, preeclampsia, and preterm delivery, we aimed to describe the characteristics and outcomes of pregnancies among women living with HIV in French Guiana.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on HIV-infected pregnancies enrolled between January 1st 1992 to 31st July 2022. Overall, there were 1,774 pregnancies in 881 women living with HIV.

Results

For 75.1% of pregnancies, the HIV diagnosis was already known before pregnancy and in 67.6% of women, HIV follow-up predated pregnancy. Nearly half of women, 49.6%, only had one pregnancy since having been diagnosed with HIV. Although most women received antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy, for those with the available information we found only 48.5% had an undetectable viral load at delivery. Overall, 15.3% of pregnancies ended with an abortion. There were a total of 110 newborns infected with HIV representing an overall transmission rate of 6.2% (110/1,771). Between 1993 and 2002, the transmission rate was 34%, between 2003 and 2012 it was 1.3%, and between 2013 and 2022 it was 0.7%. Overall, in Cayenne, since 2008, 106 of 581 HIV–infected pregnancies (18.2%) with available information were premature before 37 weeks of pregnancy; of these, 33 (5.7%) were very preterm deliveries and 73 (13.3%) were late preterm deliveries. Over time, in Cayenne, preterm delivery declined significantly.

Conclusions

The present study emphasizes that, despite spectacular progress in reducing mother to child transmission, pregnancy outcomes among women living with HIV are still preoccupying with high incidence of preterm delivery and low birth weight. Teasing out what fraction is linked to HIV and what fraction is linked to social precariousness and poor follow-up was not possible in this study. Despite the high incidence of very preterm delivery recent progress suggests that coordination efforts to improve follow-up may also have improved obstetrical outcomes.
Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy achieved a pathologic complete response in stage IIIA lung adenocarcinoma harboring RET fusion: a case report
Authors: Dai Minqian , Wang Na , Xia Qin , Liao Yongde , Cao Wei , Fan Jun , Zhou Diwei , Wang Sihua , Nie Xiu
Published: January 2024

Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy has demonstrated significant benefit for resectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) excluding known EGFR/ALK genetic alterations. Recent evidence has shown that neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy could be clinically valuable in resectable localized driver gene-mutant NSCLC, though the data still lack robust support, especially for rare oncogenic mutations. Here, we report a patient with stage IIIA lung adenocarcinoma with a RET fusion gene and high expression of PD-L1 who underwent neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy and successfully attained a pathologic complete response. The patient has survived for 12 months with no recurrence or metastases after surgery. Our case suggests that this treatment strategy may be an alternative therapeutic option for resectable RET fusion-positive NSCLC patients.
Dual soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor – farnesoid X receptor agonist interventional treatment attenuates renal inflammation and fibrosis
Authors: Khan Md. Abdul Hye , Nolan Benjamin , Stavniichuk Anna , Merk Daniel , Imig John D.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Renal fibrosis associated with inflammation is a critical pathophysiological event in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We have developed DM509 which acts concurrently as a farnesoid X receptor agonist and a soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor and investigated DM509 efficacy as an interventional treatment using the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model.

Methods

Male mice went through either UUO or sham surgery. Interventional DM509 treatment (10mg/kg/d) was started three days after UUO induction and continued for 7 days. Plasma and kidney tissue were collected at the end of the experimental protocol.

Results

UUO mice demonstrated marked renal fibrosis with higher kidney hydroxyproline content and collagen positive area. Interventional DM509 treatment reduced hydroxyproline content by 41% and collagen positive area by 65%. Renal inflammation was evident in UUO mice with elevated MCP-1, CD45-positive immune cell positive infiltration, and profibrotic inflammatory gene expression. DM509 treatment reduced renal inflammation in UUO mice. Renal fibrosis in UUO was associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and DM509 treatment reduced EMT. UUO mice also had tubular epithelial barrier injury with increased renal KIM-1, NGAL expression. DM509 reduced tubular injury markers by 25-50% and maintained tubular epithelial integrity in UUO mice. Vascular inflammation was evident in UUO mice with 9 to 20-fold higher ICAM and VCAM gene expression which was reduced by 40-50% with DM509 treatment. Peritubular vascular density was reduced by 35% in UUO mice and DM509 prevented vascular loss.

Discussion

Interventional treatment with DM509 reduced renal fibrosis and inflammation in UUO mice demonstrating that DM509 is a promising drug that combats renal epithelial and vascular pathological events associated with progression of CKD.
Noval advance of histone modification in inflammatory skin diseases and related treatment methods
Authors: Zhang Lichen , Chai Rongrong , Tai Zongguang , Miao Fengze , Shi Xinwei , Chen Zhongjian , Zhu Quangang
Published: January 2024

Inflammatory skin diseases are a group of diseases caused by the disruption of skin tissue due to immune system disorders. Histone modification plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and treatment of chronic inflammatory skin diseases, encompassing a wide range of conditions, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, lupus, systemic sclerosis, contact dermatitis, lichen planus, and alopecia areata. Analyzing histone modification as a significant epigenetic regulatory approach holds great promise for advancing our understanding and managing these complex disorders. Additionally, therapeutic interventions targeting histone modifications have emerged as promising strategies for effectively managing inflammatory skin disorders. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the diverse types of histone modification. We discuss the intricate association between histone modification and prevalent chronic inflammatory skin diseases. We also review current and potential therapeutic approaches that revolve around modulating histone modifications. Finally, we investigated the prospects of research on histone modifications in the context of chronic inflammatory skin diseases, paving the way for innovative therapeutic interventions and improved patient outcomes.
TRIB3, as a robust prognostic biomarker for HNSC, is associated with poor immune infiltration and cancer cell immune evasion
Authors: Wu Huadong , Fu Zhenzhen , Li Hong , Fang Feifei , He Bin , Ye Yujie , Wu Heyong , Xu Dong , Zheng Haoran , Zhang Qiang
Published: January 2024

Objective

As a pseudokinase, Tribbles Pseudokinase 3 (TRIB3) is implicated in a wide array of biological processes, including cell signal transduction, metabolic regulation, stress responses, and immune regulation. While its significant role in the immune regulation of certain cancers is well-established, the specific functions and impact of TRIB3 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) remain unclear.

Methods

The data of RNA-sequence was acquired from the TCGA database to analyze the expression patterns of TRIB3 and elucidate its prognostic value in HNSC patients. Furthermore, the correlation between TRIB3 and tumor mutation burden, clinical data, immune checkpoint genes, and immune cell infiltration was explored. Moreover, the TRIB3 location in tumor tissues and subcellular structures was identified via Tisch in the HPA database, and the potential protein interaction molecules for TRIB3 were elucidated in the STRING database. The potential TRIB3 gene function was assessed using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), whereas the TRIB3 expression levels in clinical HNSC samples were verified by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. the role of TRIB3 in enhancing the malignant behavior of HNSC cells was validated in vitro through a series of methods including RT-qPCR, CCK8 assay, wound healing assay, and transwell assay.

Results

It was revealed that TRIB3 was significantly overexpressed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of HNSC. Furthermore, this overexpression markedly enhanced the migration ability of tumor cells. As an independent prognostic factor, TRIB3 was associated with advanced tumor T stage and was significantly involved with tumor mutation burden and immune cell infiltration in HNSC. Moreover, it was observed that TRIB3 was not a predicted factor for PD1/PDL1 and ATL4 inhibitor treatment; however, it was substantially correlated with various immune evasion-related genes in HNSC.

Conclusion

TRIB3 could serve as a potential prognostic marker for HNSC and might be a key gene mediating HNSC immune evasion.
Circulating immunophenotypes are potentially prognostic in follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer
Authors: Kotwal Anupam , Gustafson Michael P. , Bornschlegl Svetlana , Dietz Allan B. , Delivanis Danae , Ryder Mabel
Published: January 2024

Background

Exploring the immune interface of follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer has prognostic and therapeutic potential. The available literature is lacking for comprehensive immunophenotyping in relation to clinical outcomes. In this study, we identify circulating immunophenotypes associated with thyroid cancer prognosis.

Methods

We conducted a pilot observational study of adults with follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer who underwent surgery at our tertiary care referral center and had consented for flow cytometry on peripheral blood collected at the time of thyroidectomy.

Results

Of the 32 included subjects, 20 (62%) had well differentiated, 5 (16%) had poorly differentiated, and 7 (22%) had anaplastic thyroid cancer. The most frequent AJCC stage was 4 (59%) and the ATA risk of recurrence category was high (56%). Patients with AJCC stage 3/4 demonstrated fewer circulating mononuclear cells (CD45+), more monocytes (CD14+), fewer total lymphocytes (CD14-), fewer T cells (CD3+), fewer CD4+ T cells, fewer gamma-delta T cells, fewer natural killer (NK) T-like cells, more myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs; Lin-CD33+HLADR-), and more effector memory T cells but similar CD8+ T cells compared to stage1/2. Immunophenotype comparisons by ATA risk stratification and course of thyroid cancer were comparable to those observed for stage, except for significant differences in memory T cell subtypes. The median follow-up was 58 months.

Conclusions

Aggressive follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer either at presentation or during follow-up is associated with down-regulation of the T cell populations specifically CD4+ T cells, gamma-delta T cells, and NK T-like cells but up-regulation of MDSCs and altered memory T cells. These immunophenotypes are potential prognostic biomarkers supporting future investigation for developing targeted immunotherapies against advanced thyroid cancer.
Early inflammatory markers as prognostic indicators following allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Verma Kriti , Croft Wayne , Greenwood David , Stephens Christine , Malladi Ram , Nunnick Jane , Zuo Jianmin , Kinsella Francesca A. M. , Moss Paul
Published: January 2024

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is used widely in the treatment of hematopoietic malignancy although graft versus host disease and relapse remain major complications. We measured the serum protein expression of 92 inflammation-related markers from 49 patients at Day 0 (D0) and 154 patients at Day 14 (D14) following transplantation and related values to subsequent clinical outcomes. Low levels of 7 proteins at D0 were linked to GvHD whilst high levels of 7 proteins were associated with relapse. The concentration of 38 proteins increased over 14 days and higher inflammatory response at D14 was strongly correlated with patient age. A marked increment in protein concentration during this period associated with GvHD but reduced risk of disease relapse, indicating a link with alloreactive immunity. In contrast, patients who demonstrated low dynamic elevation of inflammatory markers during the first 14 days were at increased risk of subsequent disease relapse. Multivariate time-to-event analysis revealed that high CCL23 at D14 was associative of AGvHD, CXCL10 with reduced rate of relapse, and high PD-L1 with reduced overall survival. This work identifies a dynamic pattern of inflammatory biomarkers in the very early post-transplantation period and reveals early protein markers that may help to guide patient management.
T4 apoptosis in the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection predicts long COVID
Authors: Cezar Renaud , Kundura Lucy , André Sonia , Lozano Claire , Vincent Thierry , Muller Laurent , Lefrant Jean-Yves , Roger Claire , Claret Pierre-Géraud , Duvnjak Sandra , Loubet Paul , Sotto Albert , Tran Tu-Ahn , Estaquier Jérôme , Corbeau Pierre
Published: January 2024

Background

As about 10% of patients with COVID-19 present sequelae, it is important to better understand the physiopathology of so-called long COVID.

Method

To this aim, we recruited 29 patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection and, by Luminex®, quantified 19 soluble factors in their plasma and in the supernatant of their peripheral blood mononuclear cells, including inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines, and endothelium activation markers. We also measured their T4, T8 and NK differentiation, activation, exhaustion and senescence, T cell apoptosis, and monocyte subpopulations by flow cytometry. We compared these markers between participants who developed long COVID or not one year later.

Results

None of these markers was predictive for sequelae, except programmed T4 cell death. T4 lymphocytes from participants who later presented long COVID were more apoptotic in culture than those of sequelae-free participants at Month 12 (36.9 ± 14.7 vs. 24.2 ± 9.0%, p = 0.016).

Conclusions

Our observation raises the hypothesis that T4 cell death during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection might pave the way for long COVID. Mechanistically, T4 lymphopenia might favor phenomena that could cause sequelae, including SARS-CoV-2 persistence, reactivation of other viruses, autoimmunity and immune dysregulation. In this scenario, inhibiting T cell apoptosis, for instance, by caspase inhibitors, could prevent long COVID.