bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atuação da fisioterapia respiratória na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal
Authors: Medeiros Raissa Lucas de , Klem Miriana Carvalho , Orsini Marco , Pereira Thiago Klem , Armada Luciana , Moreno Adalgiza Mafra
Published: March 2023

Introdução: O recém-nascido prematuro apresenta uma imaturidade do sistema pulmonar o que o leva a uma necessidade de atenção integral e cuidados para evitar possíveis complicações, o fisioterapeuta atua junto a uma equipe multidisciplinar na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal, utilizando técnicas respiratórias com o objetivo de contribuir na recuperação e prevenção dos neonatos visando a independência e melhora da capacidade respiratória, para assim diminuir o tempo de internação e aumentar a qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Analisar com base na literatura cientifica disponível o benefício do Fisioterapeuta na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal ao utilizar as técnicas de terapia respiratória. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão de literatura do tipo integrativa com busca realizada nas seguintes bases de dados: BVS, PEDro, PubMed, Scielo no período de 2012 a 2022. Resultados: Foram capturados 6 artigos que retratam técnicas de fisioterapia respiratória para assim analisar o benefício da terapia respiratória nos neonatos. Conclusão: A partir dos resultados obtidos no presente estudo, é possível concluir que a fisioterapia respiratória pode atuar em diversos casos diferentes, com múltiplas técnicas visando melhora do desconforto respiratório e do estado hemodinâmico.
Avaliação da disfunção do sistema renal relacionado ao HIV
Authors: Rodrigues Marllan Louise Matos , Sobreira Carlos Arthur Fernandes , Otoni Clara Farias , Araripe Lygia Gomes de Alencar , Medeiros Melissa Soares
Published: March 2023

Pacientes com infecção pelo HIV podem ter diferentes causas e manifestações para doenças renais, desde proteinúria subclínica a insuficiência renal aguda. Podendo ser causado tanto pelo efeito direto do HIV nos rins como pelo efeito nefrotóxico das medicações antirretrovirais. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a disfunção renal e relacionar com a taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG) de pacientes acompanhados em ambulatório de referência para pacientes vivendo com HIV/Aids (PVHA). Este é um estudo transversal, retrospectivo, não intervencionista, realizado por meio de revisão de prontuários de pacientes atendidos no período de 2017 a 2020, no ambulatório de HIV de hospital quaternário de referência em Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. Os resultados avaliaram 77 pacientes, com faixa etária entre 32 e 77 anos, sendo 63,6% do gênero masculino e 35,1% do gênero feminino, além de 1,3% do gênero transexual (N=1). Foram analisadas 113 aferições de marcadores de função renal e correlacionadas com o cálculo de taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG) através da idade e do valor de creatinina pela equação MDRD GFR, com 32,7% (N=37) com TFG normal. O MDRD médio foi de 81,7 mL/min/1,73m2, relação proteína/creatinúria média 0,16 (N=69) e beta2microglobulina média de 2,4 ng/ml, sendo 60,5% das dosagens alteradas (>2). Comorbidades mais frequentes: Diabetes mellitus (27,3%), HAS (22%), Dislipidemia (28,6%) e doença renal 14,3%). O uso do esquema preferencial, tenofovir, lamivudina e dolutegravir era utilizado por 33% dos pacientes; 5,4% seguiam em esquema simplificado com lamivudina e dolutegravir. Carga viral detectável encontrada em 9,8% dos registros. Concluímos que pacientes há uma alta prevalência de doença renal em PVHA que se correlacionam com presença de comorbidades e alterações tubulares.
Wind driven effects on the fine-scale flight behaviour of dynamic soaring wandering albatrosses
Authors: Schoombie S , Wilson RP , Ryan PG
Published: March 2023

Wandering albatrosses Diomedea exulans are among the largest flying birds. Their energy-efficient dynamic soaring flight allows them to travel large distances by exploiting the gradient in wind strength above the sea surface. We used bio-logging devices to study the dynamic soaring flight behaviour of wandering albatrosses, deriving roll (bank) angles from video and tri-axial magnetometers, and flapping events from tri-axial accelerometers. Albatrosses mostly experienced westerly winds coming from their left during outbound flights from their colonies and from their right when returning. They compensated for differences in wind speed by varying their roll angles and predominantly turning into the wind, resulting in a net displacement that was perpendicular to the wind. Flapping flight was influenced by wind speed and direction, with birds spending more time flapping in light winds and in head winds. Flapping often occurred at the upper turn of the dynamic soaring cycle, a stage previously considered devoid of flapping. There was also evidence of sexual differences in flight behaviour, with females flapping less than males. Males almost exclusively take off into head winds, whereas females utilized cross winds as well. These results add to our knowledge of dynamic soaring and show how albatrosses react to their wind fields at a fine scale.
Predator density, not structure, influences intraspecific competition in the mud crab Dyspanopeus sayi
Authors: Kulp RE , Lowell AV , Floros NJ , Peterson BJ
Published: March 2023

Structured habitats can offer prey refuge by reducing the encounter rates between predators and prey. However, structured habitats can also reduce predator-predator encounters, thereby dampening intraspecific interactions and increasing overall prey consumption. In this study, we tested whether intraspecific competition among Sayi mud crabs Dyspanopeus sayi foraging on mussel Mytilus edulis prey was modified by the density of mimicked eelgrass Zostera marina shoots. Predation was measured in 3 predator densities (1, 3, or 6 predators) and 1 of 5 levels of shoot density. We found no impact of Z. marina on intraspecific competition, regardless of predator density. Intraspecific competition was weak; per capita crab consumption decreased as predator density increased and became significantly reduced when predator density increased from 1 to 6. However, there was no evidence of non-additive predator density effects when predator abundance doubled from 3 to 6 predators. Our results also indicate that eelgrass structure may not offer the sessile prey M. edulis refuge when one or more D. sayi predators are present. Further exploration is needed to understand whether the lack of a structure effect is due to our use of sessile rather than mobile prey as used in other studies. Predator density and not structural density influenced intraspecific competition among D. sayi predators when they were foraging for M. edulis in mimicked Z. marina shoots.
Bronchial Allergen Challenges in Asthma Research
Authors: Schulze Johannes
Published: March 2023

In the development of new antiallergic or antiasthmatic therapies, mouse models have helped to identify novel therapeutic agents. Before a medication is evaluated for potency in phase II and phase III studies in humans, different bronchial challenge models are used to test the efficacy and mode of action in small sample sizes. Most published trials follow a classical approach in which allergic subjects are challenged with the same amount of allergen before and after treatment with a specific agent. Repeated challenge models are designed either to imitate natural allergen exposure or to induce significant asthma symptoms and airway inflammation. Although the available literature is less abundant, repeated models promise insights into the action of agents and the mechanisms of airway inflammation.
Recombinant Allergens in Diagnosis and Therapy of Allergic Diseases
Authors: Scaparrotta Alessandra , Cingolani Anna , Attanasi Marina , Cerasa Marzia , Nigro Rita , Di Pillo Sabrina , Chiarelli Francesco
Published: March 2023

The component-resolved diagnosis use in routine clinical and laboratory practice has increased in recent years. Recombinant allergens can be produced with high purity by using controlled procedures, obtaining molecules with known molecular, immunologic, and biological characteristics; they can help clinicians to treat patients with multiple pollen sensitisations. Recombinant allergens are useful in respiratory allergies such as: grass pollen, birch pollen, parietaria pollen, olive pollen, and dermatophagoides in food allergies, especially milk, eggs and peanuts. Recombinant allergens constitute an important tool in diagnosis and therapy of allergic diseases, which allows a better characterisation of the allergic patient.
Pharmacological Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis – An Update
Authors: Spagnolo Paolo , Nunes Hilario , Wuyts Wim A.
Published: March 2023

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common and most lethal fibrosing interstitial pneumonia, with a mortality rate that exceeds that of many cancers. Currently, there is no standard treatment recommended by the guidelines. A number of high-quality clinical trials evaluating novel potential therapies have recently been concluded. While the results have mostly been disappointing, some compounds appear promising in reducing disease progression. In this regard, pirfenidone is the most advanced molecule for IPF treatment, having been approved in Europe, Japan, India, and Canada. However, due to the complexity and uncertainties intrinsic to IPF, it is essential that each therapeutic strategy be tailored to the individual patient, after evaluation of potential benefits and pitfalls. Randomised controlled trials represent a valid choice for IPF patients. Many agents with high potential are being tested and many more are ready to be tested in clinical trials. Their completion is critically important to achieve the ultimate goal of curing IPF.
KINERJA APARATUR KECAMATAN TIKALA DALAM MEWUJUDKAN MANADO KOTA YANG BERSIH DI KECAMATAN TIKALA KOTA MANADO PROVINSI SULAWESI UTARA
Authors: Madjid Udaya , Pratama Abdulrokhman
Published: March 2023

Creating a "clean" Manado through improving the performance of waste management services from the Manado city environmental department has been decentralized to every district in its working area. The performance of the sub-district apparatus needs to be optimized in realizing the goals of the Manado City government. The obstacles to realizing Manado City that are clean are found in the recall of the performance of the sub-district apparatuses, the enforcement of regional regulations and the guidance of the government to the community in order to live cleanly. Therefore, the researcher is interested in measuring the performance of the Tikala District apparatus in realizing Manado a clean city. In solving problems researchers use the theory of performance according to Agus Dwiyanto with descriptive qualitative research designs through an inductive approach. The techniques used in data collection are interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis techniques include data reduction, data display, and conclusions or verification. The results of the research conducted by researchers showed the ineffectiveness of the performance of the sub-district apparatus, because they did not meet several indicators, namely in terms of achieving the target, there were still many numbers of janitors not proportional to the area of the sub-district, which caused sub-optimal performance of employees in carrying out a job. Dissemination of local regulations is still lacking so that the community is still difficult to regulate in independent waste management. The amount of waste that is always increasing every month requires effective handling by the government and cleaning infrastructure that requires a large amount of money and time that is not small in its procurement. The researcher concludes that the performance of the subdistrict apparatus has not been able to achieve what is the goal of the Tikala District in realizing a clean subdistrict area. Researchers suggest that Tikala sub-district is to improve the quality of work of both subdistrict employees and casual daily laborers. Improving waste management infrastructure and the need for close supervision of waste laws. The awareness of Tikala Subdistrict community must also be increased by providing counseling about waste. There should be cooperation between the community and the government in handling the waste problem.

Keywords: Performance, Apparatus
KINERJA WILAYATUL HISBAH DALAM PELAKSANAAN SYARIAT ISLAM DI KOTA BANDA ACEH PROVINSI ACEH
Authors: Winowoda Oklin Riinan , Quddus Akmal
Published: March 2023

Aceh Province carries out special autonomy, in the context of implementing Islamic law, it is stated in the form of the Special Region of Aceh Law called Qanun. The kaffah application of Islamic law means that the local government will enforce the laws correctly and firmly against all Acehnese who violate Islamic law. The institution established to enforce Islamic law in Aceh is the Wilayatul Hisbah (Sharia Police) which has great responsibility in implementing Islamic law. Considering that the implementation of Islamic law in Banda Aceh City has not been optimal, the performance of Wilayatul Hisbah must be extra to improve the implementation of Islamic law in Banda Aceh City. For this reason, the purpose of this study is to find out how the performance of Wilayatul Hisbah in the Implementation of Islamic Law in Banda Aceh City Aceh Province . The research uses descriptive qualitative methods with an inductive approach. Data collection techniques using observation, documentation, interviews. Data analysis techniques using data reduction, data display/data presentation, conclusion drawing/verification. The results of this study are the performance of Wilayatul Hisbah in the implementation of Islamic law has been going well but there are several inhibiting and supporting factors in its implementation, including the lack of public understanding about existing laws or regulations, lack of personnel/human resources, the existence of a Qanun that is not yet clear in providing legal action/sanctions to violators of the Qanun, facilities and infrastructure as well as the Civil Service Police Unit Office and Wilayatul Hisbah City of Banda Aceh are inadequate, while the factors The supporters are the socialization, the sanctions given to violators who are firm in accordance with the Qanun, the support provided by the community, the ulama, traditional leaders, local governments, stakeholders, council members, officials and related institutions who care about the implementation of Islamic law in Banda City. Aceh.

Keywords: Performance, Wilayatul Hisbah, Implementation
Efektivitas Pelayanan Publik Melalui Sistem Pengelolaan Pengaduan Aplikasi SP4N-LAPOR
Authors: Yahya Afif Syarifudin , Setiyono Setiyono
Published: March 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis efektivitas pelayanan publik melalui sistem pengelolaan pengaduan aplikasi SP4N-LAPOR dengan menggunakan teori efektivitas menurut (Martini, 1987) yang diukur melalui tiga pendekatan yaitu: pendekatan sumber, pendekatan proses, pendekatan sasaran. Desain penelitian menggunakan desain kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui studi dokumentasi, observasi, dan wawancara. Penentuan informan dilakukan melalui teknik purposive sampling kepada 11 orang, meliputi: Kepala Dinas, Kepala Bidang Layanan Informasi, Kepala Bidang Komunikasi Publik, Kepala Subbagian Perencanaan dan Evaluasi, Kepala Seksi Layanan Informasi Publik, Dinas yang terintegrasi dengan Aplikasi SP4N-LAPOR, 2 orang Staf Layanan Informasi Publik, dan 3 orang Pengguna Aplikasi. Teknik penentuan validitas keabsahan data dilaksanakan melalui strategi triangulasi sumber sedangkan Teknik analisis data dilakukan melalui reduksi, penyajian, dan verifikasi penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sistem pengelolaan pengaduan pelayanan publik melalui Aplikasi SP4N-LAPOR belum berjalan secara efektif. Hal ini terlihat dari masih dibutuhkannya adaptasi untuk meningkatkan jumlah input ke dalam aplikasi, belum ada kejelasan standar kategorisasi laporan, dan perlunya penambahan waktu sosialisasi kepada masyarakat.

Kata Kunci: Aplikasi SP4N-LAPOR; Efektivitas; Pelayanan Publik; Pengaduan Masyarakat
Container Port Employees’ Organizational Culture Perception, Job Satisfaction & Intention to Stay at Work
Authors: SENBURSA Nihan
Published: March 2023

Employees’ importance has recently started to be discussed by maritime organizations with the emergence of employee-oriented management strategies. While organizations are competing in today’s wild market environment, the success of companies depends on keeping employees happy. Besides job satisfaction of the employees trigger their performance especially in the maritime sector. This study aims to reveal the relationship among organizational culture, job satisfaction and intention to stay at work in a container port management organization. Data obtained through an online Likert-scale questionnaire of organizational culture perception, job satisfaction and intention to stay at work from 302 land-based employees of a Turkish port operator organization were tested with the Structural Equation Model. The uncertainty avoidance, masculinity, time-oriented, power distance, individuality dimensions of organizational culture have been tested. Results showed that the time-orientation dimension of organizational culture is effective on job satisfaction and job satisfaction has a positive effect on the intention to stay at work.
Performance Testing Sistem Ujian Online Menggunakan Jmeter Pada Lingkungan Virtual
Authors: Ade Ismail  , Ahmadi Yuli Ananta  , Sofyan Noor Arief  , Elok Nur Hamdana
Published: March 2023

Performance testing adalah proses pengujian perangkat lunak yang digunakan untuk menguji kecepatan, waktu respons, stabilitas, keandalan, skalabilitas, dan penggunaan resource perangkat lunak dibawah beban kerja tertentu. Penelitian ini membantu menentukan bagaimana respons perangkat lunak ketika beberapa user mengakses sistem secara bersamaan. Pengujian menggunakan load testing yang mensimulasikan beban pengguna yang sebenarnya pada perangkat lunak. Pengujian bertujuan mencari tau berapa banyak user yang dapat ditangani oleh sistem dalam konfigurasi tertentu. Perangkat lunak ujian online yang digunakan  adalah TCExam yang merupakan sistem ujian online berbasis komputer yang banyak digunakan oleh institusi pendidikan. Dalam pengujian ini target user yang harus bisa ditangani oleh perangkat lunak sebanyak 1000 user dan dilakukan pembatasan spesifikasi server. Virtualisasi memudahkan dalam melakukan pengaturan spesifikasi server berdasarkan kebutuhan pengujian. Hasil pengujian performance testing menggunakan Apache Jmeter menunjukan bahwa dengan spesifikasi paling tinggi saja masih terdapat error dalam load testing sehingga target 1000 user belum dapat terpenuhi.
Utilization of Internet of Things for Automatic Plant Watering System Using Soil Moisture Sensor
Authors: Iqlima Zahari  , Bonifacius Vicky  , Wildan Mahmud  , Ichwan Setiarso  , Ivan Putra Gemilang
Published: March 2023

The rapid development of technology has resulted in an increasing need for the benefits of technology in all aspects of human life. Technology is felt to be very helpful for humans in carrying out a series of daily activities, including the activities of farmers and chili plant business owners. Watering the plants every day makes the plants grow lush and healthy. However, sometimes these activities are neglected due to time constraints or other activities. To overcome this, it is necessary to build a system that can be used to assist automatic watering activities. This research discusses the use of Internet of Things technology to make automatic plant watering control devices using Android and Arduino UNO. The way this tool works is based on the soil moisture value and the testing temperature. The water pump will function when the soil moisture value is on a value scale of 75% with a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius and a water content >= 300 RH. By using soil moisture and temperature detection sensors, this tool will send a command signal to Arduino so that the relay driver is turned on so that the pump can distribute water as needed. From the tests carried out, it can be concluded that the tool made is able to carry out the function of watering plants automatically as expected. The water pump will automatically turn on if the temperature and soil moisture values match the settings in the system.
Implementasi Topik Pembelajaran Basic Data Storage pada Android Programming Learning Assistance System
Authors: Yan Watequlis Syaifudin  , Devany Christabella Wijaya  , Rudy Ariyanto  , Nabilah Argyanti Ardyningrum
Published: March 2023

Saat ini, ponsel pintar berbasis Android telah menjadi pemimpin pasar untuk perangkat seluler. Mengetahui fakta tersebut, kebutuhan akan pengembang aplikasi Android telah meningkat secara signifikan. Banyak sekolah dan perguruan tinggi yang menawarkan pemrograman aplikasi Android menjadi salah satu topik pembelajaran yang wajib diikuti, terutama jurusan Teknologi Informasi. Dalam pengembangan aplikasi Android, pemanfaatan data diperlukan untuk membuat aplikasi yang dinamis dan interaktif. Berdasarkan studi sebelumnya, Android Programming Learning Assistance System (APLAS) telah diterapkan sebagai platform belajar mandiri untuk belajar pemrograman Android secara mandiri. Dalam artikel ini, kami mengimplementasikan topik pembelajaran Basic Data Storage di APLAS sebagai topik pertama di Content Provider (tahap kedua). Topik ini berisi materi pembelajaran arsitektur Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) dengan Data Binding, pemanfaatan Shared Preferences, dan Internal Storage. Mahasiswa diharuskan mempelajari materi Basic Data Storage yang tersedia pada web APLAS, kemudian mengerjakan penugasan yang tersedia pada materi, yaitu mengembangkan aplikasi MyLibrary. Jawaban berbentuk source code dari mahasiswa kemudian divalidasi lewat web APLAS dan diserahkan kepada guru untuk laporan. Hasil pengujian dan evaluasi melalui 50 mahasiswa dari jurusan Teknologi Informasi dari seluruh Indonesia menunjukkan bahwa semua mahasiswa telah menyelesaikan semua tugas dengan sukses. Melalui komentar positif yang disampaikan oleh mahasiswa, topik ini terbukti efektif untuk mendukung pembelajaran pemrograman Android, terutama dalam topik Basic Data Storage.
Comparison of spasmolytic regimen for prevention of radial artery spasm during the distal radial approach: A single-center, randomized study
Authors: Lee Oh-Hyun , Roh Ji Woong , Kim Yongcheol , Son Nak-Hoon , Cho Jay Yi , Jang Daesek , Im Eui , Cho Deok-Kyu , Choi Donghoon
Published: March 2023

Background

The distal radial approach (DRA) for coronary catheterization is increasingly being used worldwide yet the optimal medication regimen to prevent radial artery spasm (RAS), an important factor for the success of the procedure, remains unclear. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of medication for preventing RAS via the DRA.

Methods

This was a prospective, comparative randomized study including 400 patients who underwent coronary catheterization via DRA in single center by three experienced DRA operators. Patients were randomized to either nitroglycerin (NTG) injection (N = 200) or NTG plus verapamil (N = 200) to compare the effectiveness and safety of these regimens.

Results

There were no differences between the groups in the changes in radial artery diameter at most spastic area (0.34 ± 0.20 in the NTG group, 0.35 ± 0.20 in the NTG plus verapamil group; P = 0.73). There was no difference between the groups in the ratio of patients without arm pain during the procedure (95.0% in the NTG group, 93.5% in the NTG plus verapamil group; P = 0.67). However, there was a greater reduction in diastolic blood pressure in the NTG plus verapamil group (–8.3 ± 7.9 mmHg) than in the NTG group (–6.6 ± 7.6 mmHg) (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Intra-arterial injection of NTG as a single agent is effective and safe in the prevention of RAS during coronary catheterization via the DRA compared with a cocktail regimen of NTG plus verapamil.

Clinical trial registration

https://cris.nih.go.kr, identifier KCT0005177.
Modeling of two-phase flow of high temperature geothermal production wells in the Yangbajing geothermal field, Tibet
Authors: Lei Hongwu , Xie Yingchun , Li Jin , Hou Xuewen
Published: March 2023

Two-phase flow (flow of water in both liquid and gas phase, containing a non-condensable gas such as CO2) in the wellbore is one of the most important processes in the production performance and wellbore scaling evaluations of high temperature geothermal wells. This paper first describes the discharge tests in the Yangbajing geothermal field, Tibet. Next, a simple model for governing the two-phase flow in the presence of CO2 in the wellbore is constructed and a robust calculation method is presented. The model is applied to three production wells in the Yangbajing geothermal field. The results show that the velocity difference between the gas and liquid phase should be included in the model. Ignoring this difference (i.e., homogeneous model) would result in a significant deviation between measurements and calculations. A drift flux model (DFM) describes the velocity difference, where the specifics of the particular model can have significant effects on the results for the pressure and temperature profiles in the wellbore. Three commonly used DFMs are compared to estimate their performance. The calculated wellhead pressure and temperature are in the range of 2,3 bar and 125°C–135°C for all three wells at a production rate of about 20 kg/s. The estimated wellhead gas mass fraction is between 3% and 8%. Considering CO2 content, three different scenarios were evaluated, although the effect on the pressure and temperature profiles were limited. However, CO2 content has a much more significant effect on the flash depth, which is an important parameter for the estimation of calcite scaling.
Hormone replacement therapy alone or in combination with tamoxifen in women with thin endometrium undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer: A retrospective study
Authors: Shi Qingqing , Huang Chenyang , Liu Jingyu , Li Yifan , Kong Na , Mei Jie , Shen Xiaoyue , Sun Yanxin , Lu Feifei , Sun Haixiang , Yan Guijun
Published: March 2023

Research question

To investigate the effects of two protocols (hormone replacement therapy (HRT) alone or in combination with tamoxifen) on the endometrium and pregnancy outcome of patients with thin endometrium in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles.

Design

A total of 465 infertile patients with thin endometrium who underwent FET between January 2020 to June 2021 at the Drum Tower Hospital affiliated with Nanjing University Medical School were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 187 patients were given tamoxifen in addition to HRT (TMXF-HRT group), whereas 278 patients were given only HRT (HRT group). Clinical data were compared between the two groups, including general characteristics, endometrial thickness, and clinical pregnancy outcomes.

Results

There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics of all enrolled patients between two groups. Serum progesterone (P) was higher in HRT group than in the TMXF-HRT group (0.28 ± 0.53 ng/mL vs. 0.15 ± 0.25 ng/mL, P = 0.002). There was a significant increase in endometrial thickness in the TMXF-HRT group compared with the HRT group (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.32-1.75, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the clinical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate, early miscarriage rate, or live birth rate between these two groups.

Conclusion

Although tamoxifen when used in combination with hormone replacement therapy can significantly increase endometrial thickness, it may not have a role in improving the pregnancy outcomes of patients with thin endometrium undergoing FET cycles.
Assessments of surface water quality through the use of multivariate statistical techniques: A case study for the watershed of the Yuqiao Reservoir, China
Authors: Wang Ziming , Jia Dai , Song Shuai , Sun Jun
Published: March 2023

In light of the fact that water quality has been threatened by human activities, apportionments of potential pollution sources are essential for water pollution control. Multivariate methods were used to assess the water quality in the Yuqiao Reservoir and its surrounding rivers in northern China to identify potential pollution sources and quantify their apportionment. Fifteen variables at 10 sites were surveyed monthly in 2015–2016. The quality at this location was acceptable according to the water quality index (WQI), except for special parameters including chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and chlorophyll (chlα). Cluster analysis (CA) grouped these datasets into three seasonal groups, July–September, December–March, and the remaining months. Principal component analysis/factor analysis (PCA/FA) identified seven factors that accounted for 79.7%–86.4% of the total variance, and the main sources included cities, rural districts, industries, weather, fertilizers, upstream areas, and vehicles. Absolute principal component scores and multiple linear regression (APCS–MLR) modeling results show that the hierarchical contribution of main pollution sources was ranked in the following order: upstream (26.6%) > urban district pollution source (21.5%) > vehicle emission pollution source (10.9%) in the flood season, upstream (22.3%) > rural district pollution (19.8%) > fertilizer erosion (15.8%) in the normal season, and upstream (26.4%) > urban district pollution (19.0%) > fertilizer erosion (18.8%) in the dry season. Sources from upstream and urban districts explained the most proportion. The matrix was also subjected to positive matrix factorization (PMF). A comparison of PMF and APCS–MLR results showed significant differences in the contribution of potential pollution sources. The APCS–MLR model performed better, as evidenced by a more robust R2 test. Measures should be discussed and implemented in managing upstream areas, sewage treatment facilities, and fertilizer and industrial application.
Toward a standardized methodology for sampling dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) in the Neotropics: A critical review
Authors: Mora-Aguilar Eder F. , Arriaga-Jiménez Alfonsina , Correa César M. A. , da Silva Pedro Giovâni , Korasaki Vanesca , López-Bedoya Pablo A. , Hernández Malva Isabel Medina , Pablo-Cea José D. , Salomão Renato Portela , Valencia Gorky , Vulinec Kevina , Edwards Felicity A. , Edwards David P. , Halffter Gonzalo , Noriega Jorge Ari
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The standardization of sampling protocols is imperative for robustly studying any taxonomic group. Replicable methods allow the comparison of data between different spatial and temporal studies. In the case of dung beetles, one of the best-studied indicator groups in analyses of environmental disturbance, a wide range of collection methodologies are used, from basic pitfall traps to more complex or complementary methods such as mini-Winkler extractor. Also, different types of attractive baits, sampling effort, durations, and designs are used in dung beetle studies. Variations in methodological approaches are particularly noted in the Neotropics, which may be related to the vast number of biological strategies and behavior of dung beetles that inhabit this region. A lack of methodological unification for the Neotropical region makes a cross-sectional analysis of the information impossible.

Methods

We performed a compilation and analytical review of the existing literature for dung beetle sampling in the Neotropics, discussing the most used methodologies, their advantages and disadvantages, and specific cases in which particular models are more efficient.

Results

Pitfall traps baited with human excrement are the most common sampling method, but there is a wide range of models and variations in the structure of this trap. The complementary effect generated by flight interception traps, light traps, and direct collections, particularly within microhabitats, is exciting for the potential of finding new species. Some methodologies, such as mini-Winkler extractor, fogging, or very specific baits, are infrequently used.

Discussion

There was a lack of inclusion of spatial and temporal variation among studies. Therefore, it is necessary to consider broader sampling windows, which include different spatial scales, seasons, and years. Finally, we propose a standard protocol for sampling dung beetles in the Neotropics, depending on each objective, and including a basic methodology for obtaining complete local inventories.
Immune complex-induced haptokinesis in human non-classical monocytes
Authors: Preuß Sophie L. , Oehrl Stephanie , Zhang Hao , Döbel Thomas , Engel Ulrike , Young Jennifer L. , Spatz Joachim P. , Schäkel Knut
Published: March 2023

Formation and deposition of immune complexes (ICs) are hallmarks of various autoimmune diseases. Detection of ICs by IC receptors on leukocytes induces downstream signaling and shapes the local immune response. In many cases the pathological relevance of ICs is not well understood. We here show that ICs induce a distinct migratory response, i.e. haptokinesis in 6-sulfo LacNAc+ monocytes (slanMo) and in non-classical monocytes (ncMo) but not in intermediate (imMo) and classical monocytes (cMo). Using live imaging combined with automated cell tracking, we show that the main features of IC-dependent haptokinesis are elongation of the cell body, actin polarization at the leading edge, and highly directional migration. We find that CD16-dependent signaling mediates haptokinesis as blocking of CD16 or blocking SYK-signaling inhibited the migratory response. The activity of the metalloproteinase ADAM17 also modifies IC-dependent haptokinesis, likely at least partially via cleavage of CD16. Furthermore, using matrices with defined ligand spacing, we show that ligand density impacts the magnitude of the migratory response. Taken together, we have demonstrated that ICs induce a specific migratory response in ncMo but not in other monocyte subsets. Therefore, our work lays the groundwork for the investigation of IC-dependent haptokinesis in ncMo as a potential pathomechanism in IC-mediated autoimmune diseases.
SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID19 vaccination across eight immune-mediated inflammatory disorders: A prospective, real-life Belgian cohort study – the BELCOMID study
Authors: Geldof Jeroen , Truyens Marie , Sabino João , Ferrante Marc , Lambert Jo , Lapeere Hilde , Hillary Tom , Van Laethem An , de Vlam Kurt , Verschueren Patrick , Padalko Elizaveta , Lobaton Triana , Vermeire Séverine
Published: March 2023

Background

The risks and impact of COVID19 disease and vaccination in patients with Immune Mediated Inflammatory Diseases (IMID) remain incompletely understood. IMID patients and particularly patients receiving immunosuppressive treatment were excluded from the original, registrational phase-3 COVID19 vaccination efficacy and safety trials. Real-world observational data can help to fill this gap in knowledge. The BELCOMID study aims to explore the interaction between IMIDs, immune-modulating treatment modalities and SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination in a real-life patient cohort.

Methods

A multidisciplinary, prospective, observational cohort study was set up. Consecutive patients with IMIDs of the gut, joints and skin followed at two high-volume referral centers were invited. Both patients under conventional treatment or targeted immune modulating therapies were included. Patient data and serological samples were collected at 3 predefined periods (before COVID19 vaccination, before booster vaccination, after booster vaccination). Primary endpoints were positive PCR-test and SARS-CoV-2 serology reflecting previous SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. Associations with IMID treatment modality and IMID disease activity were assessed. Results of the first two inclusion periods (before booster vaccination) are reported.

Results

At the first inclusion period data was assessed of 2165 IMID-patients before COVID19 vaccination. At the second inclusion period, data of 2065 patients was collected of whom 1547 had received complete baseline COVID19 vaccination and 222 were partially vaccinated. SARS-CoV-2 infection rate remained low in both groups. No significant increase in IMID flare-up rate was noted in patients with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Multiple logistic regression analyses did not show a significant influence of IMID-treatment modality or IMID activity on SARS-CoV-2 infection risk (based on PCR positivity or N-serology). Patients treated with conventional immunomodulators, systemic steroids, and patients on advanced therapies such as biologics or small molecules, had reduced S-antibody seroconversion. S-antibody response was also lower in patients without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and in active smokers. A subset of patients (4.1%) had no S- nor N-antibody seroconversion following complete baseline vaccination.

Conclusion

The BELCOMID study results confirm the benign course of COVID19 infection and vaccination in a large real-life IMID-population. However, our results underscore the need for repeated vaccination and smoking cessation in patients with IMIDs treated with immune-modulating therapies or systemic steroids during the pandemic.
Relationship between gut microbiota and rheumatoid arthritis: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Dong Ying , Yao Jianling , Deng Qingyue , Li Xianxian , He Yingyu , Ren Xueyang , Zheng Yuan , Song Ruolan , Zhong Xiangjian , Ma Jiamu , Shan Dongjie , Lv Fang , Wang Xiuhuan , Yuan Ruijuan , She Gaimei
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease. Recently, growing evidence demonstrates that gut microbiota (GM) plays an important role in RA. But so far, no bibliometric studies pertaining to GM in RA have ever been published. This study attempts to depict the knowledge framework in this field from a holistic and systematic perspective based on the bibliometric analysis.

Methods

Literature related to the involvement of GM in RA was searched and picked from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database. The annual output, cooperation, hotspots, research status and development trend of this field were analyzed by bibliometric software (VOSviewer and Bibliometricx).

Results

255 original research articles and 204 reviews were included in the analysis. The articles in this field that can be retrieved in WOSCC were first published in 2004 and increased year by year since then. 2013 is a growth explosion point. China and the United States are the countries with the most contributions, and Harvard University is the affiliation with the most output. Frontiers in Immunology (total citations = 603) is the journal with the most publications and the fastest growth rate. eLife is the journal with the most citations (total citations = 1248). Scher, Jose U. and Taneja, Veena are the most productive and cited authors. The research in this field is mainly distributed in the evidence, mechanism and practical application of GM participating in RA through the analysis of keywords and documents. There is sufficient evidence to prove the close relationship between GM and RA, which lays the foundation for this field. This extended two colorful and tender branches of mechanism research and application exploration, which have made some achievements but still have broad exploration space. Recently, the keywords ”metabolites“, ”metabolomics“, ”acid“, ”b cells“, ”balance“, ”treg cells“, ”probiotic supplementation“ appeared most frequently, which tells us that research on the mechanism of GM participating in RA and exploration of its application are the hotspots in recent years.

Discussion

Taken together, these results provide a data-based and objective introduction to the GM participating in RA, giving readers a valuable reference to help guide future research.
Exploring the use of Transition Path Theory in building an oil spill prediction scheme
Authors: Olascoaga M. J. , Beron-Vera F. J.
Published: March 2023

The Transition Path Theory (TPT) of complex systems has proven to be a robust means to statistically characterize the ensemble of trajectories that connect any two preset flow regions, say 𝒜 and ℬ, directly. More specifically, transition paths are such that they start in 𝒜 and then go to ℬ without detouring back to 𝒜 or ℬ. This way, they make an effective contribution to the transport from 𝒜 to ℬ. Here, we explore its use for building a scheme that enables predicting the evolution of an oil spill in the ocean. This involves appropriately adapting TPT such that it includes a reservoir that pumps oil into a typically open domain. Additionally, we lift up the restriction of the oil not to return to the spill site en route to a region that is targeted to be protected. TPT is applied on oil trajectories available up to the present, e.g., as integrated using velocities produced by a data assimilative system or as inferred from high-frequency radars, to make a prediction of transition oil paths beyond, without relying on forecasted oil trajectories. As a proof of concept, we consider a hypothetical oil spill in the Trion oil field, under development within the Perdido Foldbelt in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This is done using trajectories integrated from climatological and hindcast surface velocity and winds as well as produced by satellite-tracked surface drifting buoys, in each case discretized into a Markov chain that provides a framework for the TPT-based prediction.
High performance surface plasmon resonance based sensor using black phosphorus and magnesium oxide adhesion layer
Authors: Kumar Shatrughna , Yadav Archana , Malomed Boris A.
Published: March 2023

A five-layered Kretschmann configuration-based novel structure is designed for a highly sensitive surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor. An adhesion layer of magnesium oxide (MgO) is employed on the BK7 prism to avoid the adverse effects of metallic layers, which cause SPR broadening and a decrease in the resonance magnitude. A few layers of black phosphorus (BP) on top of the silver (Ag) metal layer are added to complete the structure, which becomes the BK7/MgO/Ag/BP configuration. The investigation is carried out using attenuated total reflection (ATR), while the widely used transfer matrix method (TMM) is applied to evaluate the performance of the SPR sensor. A separate analysis is performed using three thicknesses, 5 nm, 10 nm, and 15 nm of MgO, an optimized thickness of 40 nm of Ag, and eight layers of BP. The results revealed that the configuration BK7/MgO (10 nm)/Ag (40 nm)/BP (8 layers) delivers a maximum sensitivity (S) of 234°RIU−1. Moreover, the configuration BK7/MgO (5 nm)/Ag (40 nm)/BP (8 layers) delivers a maximum figure of merit (FOM) of 38.18°RIU−1. With these kinds of extraordinary features, it is expected that the proposed SPR sensor can be applied in different fields of biosensing.
Inflammasome activation and formation of ASC specks in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Wittmann Nico , Mishra Neha , Gramenz Jana , Kuthning Daniela , Behrendt Ann-Kathrin , Bossaller Lukas , Meyer-Bahlburg Almut
Published: March 2023

Objective

The formation of large intracellular protein aggregates of the inflammasome adaptor ASC is a hallmark of inflammasome activation and characteristic of autoinflammation. Inflammasome activated cells release the highly proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β in addition to ASC specks into the extracellular space. Autoinflammatory activity has been demonstrated in systemic JIA, however minimal data exist on the role of inflammasomes in other JIA subtypes. We therefore investigated, if pyroptotic cells are present in the circulation of oligo- and poly-articular JIA.

Methods

Peripheral blood of JIA patients (n = 46) was investigated for ASC speck formation, a key step in inflammasome activation, by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Free ASC and proinflammatory cytokine levels were determined by ELISA and multiplex assay.

Results

Oligo-articular JIA patients showed a significantly increased proportion of ASC speck+ monocytes compared to poly-articular JIA patients. In serum free ASC alone is not sufficient to assess inflammasome activity and does not correlate with ASC speck+ monocytes. Compared to control several cytokines were significantly elevated in samples of JIA patients. JIA serum containing antinuclear antibodies, incubated with ASC specks boosts a secondary inflammation by IL-1β production in macrophages.

Conclusion

For the first time, we detect ex vivo inflammasome activation by ASC speck formation in oligo- and poly-articular JIA patients. Most notably, inflammasome activation was significantly higher in oligo- compared to poly-articular JIA patients. This data suggests that inflammasome derived autoinflammation may have a greater influence in the previously thought autoimmune oligo-articular JIA patients.
Incidence of serious infections in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis receiving immunosuppressive therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vassilopoulos Athanasios , Vassilopoulos Stephanos , Kalligeros Markos , Shehadeh Fadi , Mylonakis Eleftherios
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Rituximab and azathioprine are used to induce or maintain remission in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). We evaluated the incidence of serious infections and infection-related deaths in patients with AAV treated with rituximab and azathioprine, during the maintenance of remission period.

Methods

We searched PubMed and EMBASE for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies evaluating immunosuppressive agents in patients with AAV. We defined serious or severe infections according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. The study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022366269).

Results

From 1,265 abstracts, we identified 21 studies (7 RCTs and 14 observational), with relevant data. We included data from 1,284 and 2,938 individuals for assessment in our primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. The overall cumulative incidence of serious infections was 15.99% (CI 95%: 6.95–27.53%) during the total follow-up period (induction and maintenance) and 7.62% (CI 95%: 4.43–11.43%) during the maintenance period. Additionally, we found a 0.49% overall case fatality rate (CI 95%: 0.02–1.37%) and a 0.09% infection-related mortality rate (CI 95%: 0.00–0.51%) during maintenance treatment. Notably, we found a 14.61% (CI 95%: 10.19–19.61%) cumulative incidence of serious infections among patients who received rituximab and a 5.93% (CI 95%: 1.19–13.26%) cumulative incidence of serious infections among patients who received azathioprine during maintenance. Moreover, the cumulative incidence of serious infections during the total follow-up period (induction and maintenance) was 20.81% (CI 95%:4.56–43.70%) for the combination of cyclophosphamide and azathioprine and 14.12% (CI 95%: 5.20–26.00%) for rituximab.

Discussion

The cumulative incidence of serious infections during total follow-up and maintenance was within expected limits, while fatal infections during maintenance treatment were uncommon. Additionally, treatment with rituximab for both induction and maintenance did not exceed the anticipated by previous studies incidence of serious infections. Clinical practice and long-term follow up data are needed to corroborate these findings.

Systematic review registration

Identifier: PROSPERO (CRD42022366269).