bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hidden Complication of Obesity and Diabetes: Is It Time to Put More Focus on Fatty Liver?
Authors: Kim James Woijoo , Sebastiani Giada
Published: November 2023

Since the release of the EMPA-REG trial in 2015, the focus in diabetes management has been shifted from a glucocentric approach to a more organ-protective approach. Much of the focus has been on cardiorenal protections, thanks to the numerous landmark trials being published in recent years. However, the significance of what seems to be an innocuous fatty deposition in the liver has received less attention than it deserves for many years, especially in people living with diabetes and obesity, but its impact on health has slowly been highlighted more in the last decade. Bodies of research are now suggesting that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation, while it carries the increased risk of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and extrahepatic cancers. Numerous organisations have begun to publish guidelines focusing on screening and treating NAFLD in recent years in an effort to combat this underappreciated, underdiagnosed, and undertreated complication of diabetes and obesity. This review paper will provide an overview of NAFLD, highlighting the argument that NAFLD is indeed an independent cardiovascular risk factor, discussing the proposed pathophysiology of NAFLD being a cardiovascular risk factor, and suggesting a highly validated hepatic fibrosis screening tool, which is a simple, easy-to-use tool to screen for hepatic fibrosis, and can be used in primary care offices.
KINERJA BADAN PENANGGULANGAN BENCANA DAERAH DALAM MITIGASI BENCANA KEBAKARAN HUTAN DI KABUPATEN TANJUNG JABUNG BARAT PROVINSI JAMBI
Authors: NOVELLA YESSY , Fiqra Muhammad
Published: November 2023

Penulis berfokus pada permasalahan dimana bencana merupakan hal yang tidak dapat diprediksi namun masih bisa dicegah dan antisipasi terutama bencana kebakaran hutan yang sudah menjadi agenda tahunan saat musim kemarau, oleh karena itu diperlukan peran pemerintah dan masyarakat. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui kinerja dan faktor-faktor penghambat kinerja BPBD serta mengetahui upaya BPBD Kabupaten Tanjung Jabung Barat dalam menangani faktor penghambat pelaksanaan mitigasi bencana kebakaran hutan di Kabupaten Tanjung Jabung Barat Provinsi Jambi. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif dengan pendekatan induktif dan analisis terhadap teori kinerja dari Agus Dwiyanto Teknik pengumpulan data dengan menggunakan wawancara mendalam (17 informan), dokumentasi dan observasi. Sarana dan prasarana yang dimiliki oleh Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah Kabupaten Tanjung Jabung Barat masih sangat kurang. Hal ini dapat dilihat dari terhambatnya BPBD dalam mengakses lokasi bencana kebakaran hutan. Selain itu sarana dan prasarana yang digunakan dalam mitigasi bencana jumlahnya masih sedikit. Bahwa kinerja BPBD Kabupaten Tanjung Jabung Barat secara garis besar sudah baik dan terus melakukan perkembangan terhadap peningkatan pelayanan kepada masyarakat. Penulis memberikan kritik dan saran untuk Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah Kabupaten Tanjung Jabung Barat agar terus berbenah kearah lebih baik lagi untuk menjawab tuntutan masyarakat.

Kata Kunci: Bencana, BPBD, Kebakaran Hutan, Kinerja
ANCAMAN CYBERCRIME DI INDONESIA: Sebuah Tinjauan Pustaka Sistematis
Authors: Hapsari Rian Dwi , Pambayun Kuncoro Galih
Published: November 2023

Abstrak

Perkembangan teknologi digital telah meningkatkan ancaman cybercrime secara signifikan, hingga berdampak terhadap pencurian identitas, kehilangan pekerjaan, dan gangguan infrastruktur kritis. Sementara itu pelaku cybercrime terus mengembangkan teknik dan strategi baru dalam melakukan tindakan kejahatan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan sejauhmana ancaman cybercrime yang terjadi di Indonesia. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kajian literatur review, dilakukan dengan cara menelaah dan menganalisis literatur berkaitan dengan cybercrime di Indonesia. Temuan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa telah terjadinya evolusi publikasi tentang cybercrime di Indonesia dari fokus awal pada pemahaman dan regulasi hingga penekanan yang lebih besar pada teknologi, ancaman terbaru, dan dampaknya terhadap berbagai aspek kehidupan dan bisnis. Serangan malware, denial of service (DoS), distributed denial of service (DDoS), dan phishing menjadi ancaman yang sering terjadi, penyebabnya yakni kurangnya kesadaran dan edukasi tentang keamanan siber serta minimnya penegakan hukum kejahatan dunia maya. Penulis menyimpulkan bahwa ancaman cybercrime di Indonesia sekarang ini tergolong serius (sangat berbahaya) karena berpotensi sangat tinggi menimbulkan permasalahan nasional. Adapun upaya yang dapat dilakukan adalah dengan memperkuat penegakan hukum terhadap cybercrime dan meningkatkan edukasi terhadap masyarakat tentang cara melindungi diri dari kejahatan dunia maya.

 

Kata kunci: Cybercrime; Ancaman Cybercrime; Literatur review

 

Abstract

The advancement of digital technology has significantly increased the threat of cybercrime, leading to issues such as identity theft, job loss, and disruptions to critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, cybercriminals continue to develop new techniques and strategies in committing their criminal acts. The purpose to describe the extent of cybercrime threats in Indonesia. This study employs a literature review method, which involves examining and analyzing literature related to cybercrime in Indonesia. The findings indicate that there has been an evolution in publications concerning cybercrime in Indonesia, shifting from an initial focus on understanding and regulations to a greater emphasis on technology, emerging threats, and their impact on various aspects of life and business. Common cyber threats in Indonesia include malware attacks, denial of service (DoS), distributed denial of service (DDoS), and phishing. These threats are often exacerbated by a lack of awareness and education about cybersecurity and limited enforcement of cybercrime laws. In conclusion, cybercrime threats in Indonesia are currently considered serious and highly dangerous due to their potential to create national issues. Efforts to address this issue should include strengthening law enforcement against cybercrime and enhancing public education on protecting oneself from online threats.

Keywords: Cybercrime; Cybercrime Threats; Literature Review
FERMENTASI BIJI BUAH NANGKA (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) MENGHASILKAN ETANOL OLEH Saccharomyces cerevisiae DENGAN ANALISA KROMATOGRAFI GAS (GC)
Authors: Fitriani Ana , Kartika Rudi , Akkas Erwin
Published: November 2023

Research of bioethanol production from jackfruit seeds through fermentation using saccharomyces cerevisiae with the addition of tofu waste as nutrition source of microorganism. the aims of this research to determine the concentration of bioethanol that has been produced with the variation of concentration of tofu waste nutrients and variation of fermentation time. the hydrolysis process through enzymatic uses alfa-amylase on liquefaction process and glucoamylase on saccharification process. the fermentation process used Saccharomyces cerevisiae and tofu waste as a source of nutrition. variation of fermentation time 6, 8 and 10 days and variation of tofu waste nutrients concentration 0,75%; 1,5% and 2,25% (w/v). Ethanol content was obtained by gas chromatography analysis, the result showed the highest concentration of bioethanol obtained at the addition of tofu waste nutrients was 1,5% (w/v) and fermentation time for 10 days with bioethanol concentration obtained at 65,72%.
UJI SIFAT FISIKOKIMIA SEDIAAN EKSTRAK DAUN ALPUKAT (Persea americana Mill.) DENGAN VARIASI KONSENTRASI ASAM STEARAT
Authors: Putri Divia Tamara , Azzahra Fara
Published: November 2023

The content of avocado leaf extract such as polyphenol, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, quercetin and flavonoids can be made anti-acne cream preparations. This study aims to determine the physicochemical properties of avocado leaf extract cream including organoleptic tests, homogeneity tests, pH tests, and spread diameter tests. The research method used is experimental research with a posttest only design methodology. Avocado leaf extract is made in cream preparations using a stearic acid base, namely with variations in concentrations of F1(10%), F2(12.5%), and F3(15%). Data analysis used the oneway ANOVA test and the LSD test to determine the difference between variations in stearic acid concentrations in avocado leaf extract cream. The results of the research on organoleptic and homogeneity tests were carried out descriptively showed that F1 was light green, had a distinctive smell of avocado leaf extract, slightly thick, F2 was green color and F3 was brownish green, both of which have a distinctive odor of avocado leaf extract and are thick. Homogeneity shows the three formulas are not homogeneous. The pH test results were F1(7.85±0.05), F2(6.97±0.03) and F3(6.79±0.02) which had significant differences. The spread diameter results are F1(5.70±0.53cm), F2(5.56±0.35cm) and F3(5.36±0.31cm) have no significant differences. Organoleptic, pH and spread diameter tests meet the requirements whereas homogeneity tests do not meet the requirements. The factor of adding avocado leaf extract to the preparation and the unstable mixing speed, because it is done manually using a mortar and stamper, affects the homogeneity of the cream produced.
UJI AKTIVITAS ANTIBAKTERI SEDIAAN SABUN CAIR MINYAK ATSIRI KULIT BUAH JERUK BALI (Citrus maxima)
Authors: Yustisi Andi Juaella , Wahyuningsih Sri , Auliah Nielma
Published: November 2023

Pomelofruit (Citrus maxima) has several chemical compounds, one of which is essential oil, 6.68g of essential oil was found in the peel of the pomelofruit (Citrus maxima) which has an active compound, namely limonene (94.96%). The essential oil provided strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus isolates. The purpose of the study was to formulate the essential oil of pomelofruit peel (Citrus maxima) into liquid soap preparations that met physical stability and to test the antibacterial activity of liquid soap preparations of pomelofruit (Citrus maxima) peel essential oil against S. aureus bacteria. The method used in testing the stability of liquid soap preparations is cycling test and in the antibacterial activity test using the Disk diffusion method. The results obtained that the essential oil of pomelofruit peel (Citrus maxima) can be formulated in the form of liquid soap because it meets the physical stability test, namely before and after the cycling test and activity tests. antibacterial against S. aureus. at 1% concentration of 18.9mm (strong), 3% of 20.4mm (very strong), and 5% of 21.1mm (very strong). Based on this, the essential oil of pomelofruit peel (Citrus maxima) can be made into liquid soap preparations that meet the physical stability test and have antibacterial activity in very strong category at a concentration of  5% in inhibiting the growth of S. aureus bacteria.
IDENTIFIKASI SENYAWA ANTIOKSIDAN DARI EKSTRAK ETANOL DAUN PANDAN WANGI (Pandanus amaryllifolius) DENGAN METODE 2,2-DIPHENYL-1-PICRYL-HYDRAZYL ( DPPH )
Authors: Hashary A Rufaidah , Damayanti Utami Putri , Rusdiaman Rusdiaman , Nurzak An Nisaa
Published: November 2023

Pandan wangi (Pandanus amaryllifolius) is one type of monocotyledonous in the Pandanaceae family that has leaves with a characteristic fragrant aroma. There is a chemical content in the leaves of pandan wangi (Pandanus amaryllifolius) namely alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and polyphenols that can be used as natural antioxidants. This study aims to identify the presence of antioxidant compounds in ethanol extract of pandan wangi leaves (Pandanus amaryllifolius). The research method is an experimental method. The extraction process by maceration and antioxidant testing of pandan wangi leaves (Pandanus amaryllifolius) ethanol extract used the DPPH method where Vitamin C being a positive control, and IC50 value as a parameter. The results stated that ethanol extract of Pandan wangi leaves (Pandanus amaryllifolius) has antioxidant activities that are classified as effective with an IC50 value of 27.65 ppm, while Vitamin C as positive control is classified as an effective antioxidant with an IC50 value of 2.58 ppm. Based on the results of the research that has been done, it can be concluded that the ethanol extract of Pandan Wangi leaves has a good antioxidant content in counteracting free radicals.
IDENTIFIKASI JENIS SAPONIN DAN UJI AKTIVITAS ANTIBAKTERI EKSTRAK METANOL KULIT BATANG SEKILANG (Embelia borneensis Scheff.) TERHADAP BAKTERI Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 DAN Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175
Authors: Hayon Maria F.K. , Supriningrum Risa , Fatimah Nurul
Published: November 2023

Sekilang stem bark (Embelia borneensis Scheff.) contains secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. Saponin compounds are divided into two types, namely steroids and triterpenoids which have the ability as antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic and expectorant. The purpose of this study was to determine the type of saponin and to determine the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of sekilang bark against Streptococcus mutans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. The research stages included plant determination, sample collection, simplicia making, extract preparation by maceration method using methanol, phytochemical screening, identification of saponins and antibacterial activity test of methanol extract of sekilang stem bark by disc diffusion method against Streptococcus mutans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria with a concentration of 15% , 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35%. The results showed that the methanol extract of sekilang stem bark contained triterpenoid saponins and had antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans bacteria at concentrations of 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35% with an inhibition zone formed of 7.65 mm, 7.89 mm, 7.67 mm, 7.98 mm, and 7.13 mm the criteria for antibacterial strength were categorized as moderate. The methanolic extract of the bark of sekilang did not show antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, because there was no inhibition zone formed around the paper disc. The positive control used was amoxicillin 0.1% and the negative control used 1% DMSO.
Binomial Geometric Series for Computational Application
Authors: Annamalai Chinnaraji
Published: November 2023

Computational science is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary area where science, computation, mathematics, and its collaboration use advanced computing capabilities for understanding and solving the most complex real-life problems. Also, the growing complexity of mathematical and computational modelling demands the simplicity of mathematical equations for solving today’s scientific problems and challenges. For this purpose, binomial geometric series and its theorem are introduced for mathematical and computational applications.
Novel Binomial Series without Binomial Coefficients
Authors: Annamalai Chinnaraji
Published: November 2023

Nowadays, the growing complexity of mathematical and computational modelling demands the simplicity of mathematical equations for solving today’s scientific problems and challenges. For this purpose, a novel binomial series (new binomial theorem) without the binomial coefficients is introduced for computational applications.
Transcript of Dissecting the Hirshfeld Surface
Authors: Stona de Almeida Thaicia
Published: November 2023

The Hirshfeld surface was introduced by Spackman and Byrom in 1997, based on the Hirshfeld partitioning scheme for electronic contribution in molecular crystals. The Hirshfeld surface analysis and its fingerprint have become since then popular tools for visualization of intermolecular interactions and crystal packing. In this talk, I would like to go over some aspects of the Hirshfeld surface protocol and raise some questions about the method.
Penerapan Scaffolding Sebagai Upaya Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Matematika Siswa Kelas VIII pada Materi Lingkaran
Authors: Made Harum Astarini  , Erawati Ni Ketut
Published: November 2023

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa dengan penerapan scaffolding pada kegiatan belajar Matematika materi Lingkaran. Penelitian ini berjenis Penelitian Tindakan Kelas atau classroom action research. Subjek penelitian ini ialah 35 siswa kelas VIII B SMP Negeri 8 Denpasar yang tersusun atas 17 siswa berjenis kelamin laki-laki dan 18 siswa berjenis kelamin perempuan dengan hasil belajar sebagai objek penelitian. Penelitian ini dilakukan sebanyak dua siklus yang setiap siklus tersusun atas perencanaan pelaksanaan, observasi evaluasi serta refleksi, dengan pelaksanaan sebanyak dua kali pertemuan di setiap siklusnya. Teknik pengumpulan data mempergunakan tes hasil belajar yang kemudian dianalisis secara deskriptif kuantitatif guna mencari tahu klasifikasi hasil belajar di setiap siklusnya. Indikator keberhasilan pada penelitian ini adalah terjadi peningkatan hasil belajar siswa di setiap siklusnya yakni mencukupi KKM yakni 75 serta memenuhi ketuntasan klasikal 75%. Penelitian ini memperoleh hasil adanya kenaikan hasil belajar siswa dari yang sebelumnya di Siklus I berkategori kurang dengan nilai rerata hasil belajar siswa 70,7 serta ketuntasan klasikal 54%, saat di Siklus II menjadi berkategori Baik dengan nilai rerata 83,3 dan ketuntasan klasikal 77%. Oleh karena itu penerapan scaffolding bisa meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa sehingga hasil penelitian ini bisa dimanfaatkan selaku variasi pada kegiatan belajar Matematika.
Analisis Kemampuan Komunikasi Matematis Siswa SMP Ditinjau dari Self Efficacy pada Model Pembelajaran SQ4R dengan Project Assessment
Authors: Nahlati Nanik , Widodo Sri Adi , I Istiqomah
Published: November 2023

The purpose of conducting this research is to; 1) Describe students' mathematical communication skills in terms of self-efficacy at a high level with SQ4R learning with project assessment; 2) Describe students' mathematical communication abilities seen from self-efficacy at a moderate level with SQ4R learning with project assessment; 3) Describe students' mathematical communication abilities seen from self-efficacy at a low level with SQ4R learning with project assessment. This research is a qualitative research, and uses a qualitative descriptive method. The subjects in this study were class VIII E students of SMP Negeri 1 Banguntapan. Data collection techniques in this study used triangulation or a combination technique, namely through tests, questionnaires, and interviews. The results showed that 1) Students with a high level of self-efficacy were able to master the three indicators of mathematical communication skills, namely indicators 1, 2 and 3 on questions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; 2) students who have moderate self-efficacy are able to master two indicators of mathematical communication skills, namely indicators 1 and 3 in question numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, 3) students with low self-efficacy are able to master two indicators, namely indicators 2 and 3 in questions 4 and 5
Genetic parameters of subjective and image-based horn fly abundance phenotypes
Authors: Warner Amanda M. , Heins Bradley D. , Hinkle Nancy C. , Pringle Timothy D. , Aggrey Samuel E. , Rekaya Romdhane
Published: November 2023

The genetic basis of horn fly abundance remains largely unknown and only few heritability estimates are available based on small scale studies. In this study, one subjective and two image-based fly abundance phenotypes were analyzed. Each animal was assessed subjectively for fly abundance by at least one trained agent (SUB). Additionally, several digital images were taken and the best image for each animal was used to assess fly abundance. A box that runs roughly from the withers to the hook and from the chest floor to the fore of the udder was established and all horn flies (PA) and sampling-based estimated number of flies (PR) within the box were calculated. Horn fly counts (SUB, PA, and PR) were discretized into 4 classes based on the quartiles of their respective distributions. Heritability estimates ranged between 0.10 and 0.15 and between 0.14 and 0.16 for the continuous and discrete cases, respectively. The genetic correlation was 0.66 between PA and PR and decreased significantly between the image-based (PA and PR) and the subjective (SUB) assessments for the continuous case. For the discrete case, the genetic correlations between the three traits were very similar, indicating a high concordance between traits.
Current advances of photobiomodulation therapy in treating knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhang Yanlei , Ji Quanbo
Published: November 2023

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is manifested by low-grade joint inflammation, irreversible cartilage degeneration, subchondral bone remodeling and osteophyte formation. It is one of the most prevalent degenerative diseases in the elderly. KOA usually results in chronic joint pain, physical impairment even disability bringing a huge socioeconomic burden. Unfortunately, there is so far no effective interventions to delay the progression and development of KOA. There is a pressing need for explorations and developments of new effective interventions. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), also known as low-level light therapy (LLLT), has attracted widespread attention in treating KOA because it is drug-free, non-invasive, safe and useful with rarely reported side effects. It provides the biological stimulatory effects primarily by enhancing the activity of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase. This stimulation, in turn, fosters cell proliferation and tissue regeneration. In addition to this, the paper provides a concise overview of the light parameters and the effectiveness of PBMT when applied in the treatment of KOA patients in clinical settings. It also delves into the experimental evidence supporting the modulatory effects of PBMT and its potential underlying mechanisms in addressing synovitis, cartilage degeneration, and pain resolution.
Surface properties of 1T-TaS2 and contrasting its electron-phonon coupling with TlBiTe2 from helium atom scattering
Authors: Maier Philipp , Hourigan Noah. J. , Ruckhofer Adrian , Bremholm Martin , Tamtögl Anton
Published: November 2023

We present a detailed helium atom scattering study of the charge-density wave (CDW) system and transition metal dichalcogenide 1T-TaS2. In terms of energy dissipation, we determine the electron-phonon (e-ph) coupling, a quantity that is at the heart of conventional superconductivity and may even “drive” phase transitions such as CDWs. The e-ph coupling of TaS2 in the commensurate CDW phase (λ = 0.59 ± 0.12) is compared with measurements of the topo-logical insulator TlBiTe2 (λ = 0.09 ± 0.01). Furthermore, by means of elastic He diffraction and resonance/interference effects in He scattering, the thermal expansion of the surface lattice, the surface step height, and the three-dimensional atom-surface interaction potential are determined including the electronic corrugation of 1T-TaS2. The linear thermal expansion coefficient is similar to that of other transition-metal dichalcogenides. The He−TaS2 interaction is best described by a corrugated Morse potential with a relatively large well depth and supports a large number of bound states, comparable to the surface of Bi2Se3, and the surface electronic corrugation of 1T-TaS2 is similar to the ones found for semimetal surfaces.
Agrowaste-generated biochar for the sustainable remediation of refractory pollutants
Authors: Ghosh Sougata , Nandasana Maitri , Webster Thomas J. , Thongmee Sirikanjana
Published: November 2023

The rapid growth of various industries has led to a significant, alarming increase in recalcitrant pollutants in the environment. Hazardous dyes, heavy metals, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and other associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (such as acenaphthene, fluorene, fluoranthene, phenanthrene, and pyrene) have posed a significant threat to the surroundings due to their refractory nature. Although activated carbon has been reported to be an adsorbent for removing contaminants from wastewater, it has its limitations. Hence, this review provides an elaborate account of converting agricultural waste into biochar with nanotextured surfaces that can serve as low-cost adsorbents with promising pollutant-removing properties. A detailed mechanism rationalized that this strategy involves the conversion of agrowaste to promising adsorbents that can be reduced, reused, and recycled. The potential of biowaste-derived biochar can be exploited for developing biofuel for renewable energy and also for improving soil fertility. This strategy can provide a solution to control greenhouse gas emissions by preventing the open burning of agricultural residues in fields. Furthermore, this serves a dual purpose for environmental remediation as well as effective management of agricultural waste rich in both organic and inorganic components that are generated during various agricultural operations. In this manner, this review provides recent advances in the use of agrowaste-generated biochar for cleaning the environment.
What kind of history teaching may promote intercultural competence in culturally-diverse societies? Teachers’ reflections from a case of conflict
Authors: Hajisoteriou Christina , Solomou Emilios A. , Antoniou Mary
Published: November 2023

Introduction

In our globalised world, the goal of cultivating a rigid national identity through school history should be replaced by the goals of developing global citizenship and safeguarding democracy. School history should thus balance the feeling of belonging to the state with the feeling of being a global citizen by building students’ intercultural competence through historical thought, conscience, and empathy. To this end, the main purpose of this research is to examine teachers’ perceptions of the best teaching strategies and practices to cultivate students’ intercultural competence through history education.

Methods

The study is implemented in Cyprus, as it provides for a context of conflict, in which history education is called to play a catalytic role in building reconciliation. Interviews were carried out with 18 high-school history teachers.

Results

Based on teachers’ perspectives, three thematic categories emerged from the data analysis; namely: (a) history teaching through an interdisciplinary approach, (b) history teaching through historical sources, and (c) history teaching through collaborative learning.

Discussion

The study bears wider implications for history curricula, teaching methodologies, and teachers’ training.
Natural history and comorbidities of generalised and partial lipodystrophy syndromes in Spain
Authors: Fernández-Pombo Antía , Sánchez-Iglesias Sofía , Castro-Pais Ana I. , Ginzo-Villamayor Maria José , Cobelo-Gómez Silvia , Prado-Moraña Teresa , Díaz-López Everardo Josué , Casanueva Felipe F. , Loidi Lourdes , Araújo-Vilar David
Published: November 2023

The rarity of lipodystrophies implies that they are not well-known, leading to delays in diagnosis/misdiagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess the natural course and comorbidities of generalised and partial lipodystrophy in Spain to contribute to their understanding. Thus, a total of 140 patients were evaluated (77.1% with partial lipodystrophy and 22.9% with generalised lipodystrophy). Clinical data were collected in a longitudinal setting with a median follow-up of 4.7 (0.5-17.6) years. Anthropometry and body composition studies were carried out and analytical parameters were also recorded. The estimated prevalence of all lipodystrophies in Spain, excluding Köbberling syndrome, was 2.78 cases/million. The onset of phenotype occurred during childhood in generalised lipodystrophy and during adolescence-adulthood in partial lipodystrophy, with the delay in diagnosis being considerable for both cohorts. There are specific clinical findings that should be highlighted as useful features to take into account when making the differential diagnosis of these disorders. Patients with generalised lipodystrophy were found to develop their first metabolic abnormalities sooner and a different lipid profile has also been observed. Mean time to death was 83.8 ± 2.5 years, being shorter among patients with generalised lipodystrophy. These results provide an initial point of comparison for ongoing prospective studies such as the ECLip Registry study.
Sex modifies the predictive value of computed tomography combined with serum potassium for primary aldosteronism subtype diagnosis
Authors: Wu Yingxing , Wu Zuxiang , Rao Jingan , Hu Huan , Chen Zhiqiang , Hu Chenkai , Peng Qiang , Li Ping
Published: November 2023

Objective

We aimed to investigate the predictive value of the CT findings combined with serum potassium levels for primary aldosteronism (PA) subtype diagnosis, with a particular interest in sex differences.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we eventually included 482 PA patients who underwent successful adrenal venous sampling (AVS) and had available data. We diagnosed the subjects as having either unilateral (n = 289) or bilateral PA (n = 193) based on AVS. We analyzed the concordance rate between AVS and adrenal CT combined with serum potassium and performed a logistic regression analysis to assess the prevalence of unilateral PA on AVS.

Results

The total diagnostic concordance rate between CT findings and AVS was 51.5% (248/482). The prevalence of hypokalemia in men and women was 47.96% (129/269) and 40.85% (87/213), respectively. The occurrence of unilateral lesions on CT and hypokalemia was significantly associated with an increased prevalence of unilateral PA [odds ratio (OR) 1.537; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.364–1.731; p < 0.001]. In male participants, G2 (bilateral lesion on CT and normokalemia), G3 (unilateral lesion on CT and normokalemia), G4 (bilateral normal on CT and hypokalemia), G5 (bilateral lesion on CT and hypokalemia), and G6 (unilateral lesion on CT and hypokalemia) were significantly increased for the prevalence of unilateral PA on AVS (G2: OR 4.620, 95% CI 1.408–15.153; G3: OR 6.275, 95% CI 2.490–15.814; G4: OR 3.793, 95% CI 1.191–12.082; G5: OR 16.476, 95% CI 4.531–59.905; G6: OR 20.101, 95% CI 7.481–54.009; all p < 0.05), compared with G1 (patients with bilateral normal on CT and normokalemia). However, among female participants, we found an increased likelihood for unilateral PA in patients with unilateral lesions on CT and hypokalemia alone (OR 10.266, 95% CI 3.602–29.259, p < 0.001), while no associations were found in other groups (all p > 0.05). Sex had a significant effect on modifying the relationship between unilateral PA and the combination of CT findings and serum potassium (p for interaction <0.001).

Conclusion

In conclusion, our results indicated that CT findings combined with serum potassium levels have a great value for predicting the subtype of PA and are stronger in men.
Increased brain iron in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy: a whole-brain analysis
Authors: Hu Hao , Zhou Jiang , Fang Wei , Chen Huan-Huan , Jiang Wen-Hao , Pu Xiong-Ying , Xu Xiao-Quan , Gu Wen-Hao , Wu Fei-Yun
Published: November 2023

Background

To investigate the whole-brain iron deposition alternations in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM).

Methods

Forty-eight patients with TAO and 33 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. All participants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging scans and clinical scale assessments. QSM values were calculated and compared between TAO and HCs groups using a voxel-based analysis. A support vector machine (SVM) analysis was performed to evaluate the performance of QSM values in differentiating patients with TAO from HCs.

Results

Compared with HCs, patients with TAO showed significantly increased QSM values in the bilateral caudate nucleus (CN), left thalamus (TH), left cuneus, left precuneus, right insula and right middle frontal gyrus. In TAO group, QSM values in left TH were positively correlated with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) scores (r = 0.414, p = 0.005). The QSM values in right CN were negatively correlated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores (r = -0.342, p = 0.021). Besides that, a nearly negative correlation was found between QSM values in left CN and MoCA scores (r = -0.286, p = 0.057). The SVM model showed a good performance in distinguishing patients with TAO from the HCs (area under the curve, 0.958; average accuracy, 90.1%).

Conclusion

Patients with TAO had significantly increased iron deposition in brain regions corresponding to known visual, emotional and cognitive deficits. QSM values could serve as potential neuroimaging markers of TAO.
Robust finite-time integral terminal sliding mode control design for maximum power extraction of PMSG-based standalone wind energy system
Authors: Hua Lyu-Guang , Ali Ammar , Ullah Safeer , Hafeez Ghulam , Zaidi Monji Mohamed , Jun Liu Jun
Published: November 2023

This paper introduces a novel control strategy called Finite-time Integral Terminal Sliding Mode Control (FITSMC), explicitly designed for a permanent-magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)-based standalone Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS). The primary objective of the FITSMC strategy is to regulate the operation of the wind turbine efficiently and maximize power extraction from the WECS. To achieve this, the system is driven onto a sliding surface within a predefined terminal time, ensuring rapid convergence and overall stability. An important advantage of the FITSMC strategy is its ability to maintain a standalone wind power system close to the maximum power point, even under varying wind conditions and load changes. In addition, the controller demonstrates robustness against uncertainties and disturbances, making it highly suitable for real-world applications. Extensive simulations and analyses have been conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed FITSMC. The results show a superior control performance compared to traditional methods. Consequently, the FITSMC strategy represents a promising advancement in control techniques for standalone wind power systems, providing an efficient and reliable approach for harnessing power from wind energy.
Impact of land use changes on the land surface thermal environment in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, China
Authors: Zhang Yujia , Cai Haisheng , Zhu Taifeng , Guo Xigen , Zeng Jiaxi , Huang Liang
Published: November 2023

Throughout human history, human activities have resulted in land use and land cover changes (LUCC) and can have a direct impact on the land surface thermal environment (LSTE). In the existing studies, the holistic nature of changes in land use and land cover (LULC) has been neglected in favor of focusing on the interactions between different LULC types and the land surface thermal environment. This study used ArcGIS Pro 3.0, ENVI 5.3, and SPSS software to construct a contribution index model and stepwise regression equation to investigate the relationship between LULC type, structure, and pattern changes and LSTE changes in Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China, from 1990 to 2020. The findings revealed that 1) rapid urbanization has led to a surge in the area of built-up land and a decrease in the area of arable land in Nanchang; between 1990 and 2020, the area of built-up land in Nanchang increased by 433.29 km2, while the area of arable land decreased by 291.99 km2; 2) The land surface temperature (LST) was divided into five classes according to the equal spacing method, and the areas with the highest and lowest temperature classes were the high temperature zone and the low temperature zone, respectively. Over the past 30 years, the LSTE in Nanchang has gradually deteriorated, with the area of the low temperature zone shrinking by 554.2 km2 and the area of other classes appearing to increase significantly; 3) the contribution index and stepwise regression equation demonstrate that the primary reasons for the worsening of the LSTE are an increase in the scale of cultivated land and construction land. It was found that rationalization of urban LULC type, structure, and pattern can effectively reduce land surface temperature.
Cytotoxic effects of heavy metals on functional attributes of boar sperm: an in vitro study
Authors: Kadirvel Govindasamy , Diengdoh Jasmine , Deori Sourabh , Dewry Raju Kumar , Abedin Sayed Nabil , Moirangthem Prabha
Published: November 2023

Objective: Reproductive toxicology is a field that deals with the effects of heavy metals on various aspects of reproduction, including sperm count, motility, viability, spermatogenesis, follicular atresia, hormonal imbalance, and oocyte maturation, among others. The present study was carried out to examine the effects of heavy metals, viz., arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and fluoride (F), on boar sperm quality parameters in vitro.

Materials and Methods: Forty (40) ejaculates from six (6) boars, averaging eight ejaculates per boar, were collected with the gloved hand technique using a dummy sow. Six (6) different concentrations were selected for the in vitro study: 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µM for As and Pb, and 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mM for F. The ejaculates were co-incubated with heavy metals at these different concentrations and assessed after different incubation periods (0, 0.5, and 1 h) for sperm functional attributes, viz., sperm progressive motility, viability and membrane integrity, and sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The combined effects of heavy metals on sperm functional attributes were also evaluated at different doses (5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μM/μM for As–Pb; 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μM/mM for As–F; and 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μM/mM for Pb–F).

Results: The present study revealed a highly significant (p <0.001) decrease in sperm progressive motility, viable sperm, membrane integrity, and sperm MMP in samples treated with heavy metals under different incubation periods; furthermore, the longer the incubation time, the greater the toxicity. There was also a significant (p <0.05) decrease in sperm motility, membrane integrity, and MMP in the samples treated with combined heavy metals (As–Pb, As–F, and Pb–F), as compared to the control, after different incubation periods. A significant (p <0.05) reduction in sperm quality attributes was recorded even at the lowest concentrations in the case of heavy metal combinations.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that As, Pb, and F are toxic to boar spermatozoa in vitro, causing reductions in sperm functional attributes in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
Leaf-cutter ants – mycorrhizal fungi: observations and research questions from an unexpected mutualism
Authors: Allen Michael F. , Shulman Hannah , Rundel Philip W. , Harmon Thomas C. , Aronson Emma L.
Published: November 2023

Leaf-cutter ants (LCAs) are widely distributed and alter the physical and biotic architecture above and below ground. In neotropical rainforests, they create aboveground and belowground disturbance gaps that facilitate oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. Within the hyperdiverse neotropical rainforests, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi occupy nearly all of the forest floor. Nearly every cubic centimeter of soil contains a network of hyphae of Glomeromycotina, fungi that form arbuscular mycorrhizae. Our broad question is as follows: how can alternative mycorrhizae, which are—especially ectomycorrhizae—essential for the survival of some plant species, become established? Specifically, is there an ant–mycorrhizal fungus interaction that facilitates their establishment in these hyperdiverse ecosystems? In one lowland Costa Rican rainforest, nests of the LCA Atta cephalotes cover approximately 1.2% of the land surface that is broadly scattered throughout the forest. On sequencing the DNA from soil organisms, we found the inocula of many AM fungi in their nests, but the nests also contained the inocula of ectomycorrhizal, orchid mycorrhizal, and ericoid mycorrhizal fungi, including Scleroderma sinnamariense, a fungus critical to Gnetum leyboldii, an obligate ectomycorrhizal plant. When the nests were abandoned, new root growth into the nest offered opportunities for new mycorrhizal associations to develop. Thus, the patches created by LCAs appear to be crucial sites for the establishment and survival of shifting mycorrhizal plant–fungal associations, in turn facilitating the high diversity of these communities. A better understanding of the interactions of organisms, including cross-kingdom and ant–mycorrhizal fungal interactions, would improve our understanding of how these ecosystems might tolerate environmental change.
Whole-genome microRNA sequencing analysis in patients with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Chen Shi , Zhong Jinnan , Hu Bingzhu , Shao Nan , Deng Chaosheng
Published: November 2023

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a pathological disorder with multiple clinical manifestations that lead to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in most patients. Recent studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles as upstream signaling molecules in several diseases, including PH. However, miRNAs that can be used as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for PH have not been identified. Thus, in this study, peripheral blood samples obtained from patients with PH and healthy individuals were subjected to genome-wide miRNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis. We screened 136 differentially expressed miRNAs in patients with PH and verified that four differentially expressed miRNAs, namely, hsa-miR-1304-3p, hsa-miR-490-3p, hsa-miR-11400, and hsa-miR-31-5p, could be used as clinical diagnostic biomarkers for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Our findings provide a basis for further in-depth investigations of the specific mechanisms of miRNAs in PH.
Optimal combination of MYCN differential gene and cellular senescence gene predicts adverse outcomes in patients with neuroblastoma
Authors: Tan Jiaxiong , Wang Chaoyu , Jin Yan , Xia Yuren , Gong Baocheng , Zhao Qiang
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a common extracranial tumor in children and is highly heterogeneous. The factors influencing the prognosis of NB are not simple.

Methods

To investigate the effect of cell senescence on the prognosis of NB and tumor immune microenvironment, 498 samples of NB patients and 307 cellular senescence-related genes were used to construct a prediction signature.

Results

A signature based on six optimal candidate genes (TP53, IL-7, PDGFRA, S100B, DLL3, and TP63) was successfully constructed and proved to have good prognostic ability. Through verification, the signature had more advantages than the gene expression level alone in evaluating prognosis was found. Further T cell phenotype analysis displayed that exhausted phenotype PD-1 and senescence-related phenotype CD244 were highly expressed in CD8+ T cell in MYCN-amplified group with higher risk-score.

Conclusion

A signature constructed the six MYCN-amplified differential genes and aging-related genes can be used to predict the prognosis of NB better than using each high-risk gene individually and to evaluate immunosuppressed and aging tumor microenvironment.
DNA barcoding of marine fish species in the waters surrounding Hainan Island, northern South China Sea
Authors: Zhang Jinxia , Xu Lei , Du Feiyan , Tang Quehui , Wang Lianggen , Ning Jiajia , Huang Delian , Li Yafang , Liu Shuangshuang , Wang Xuehui
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Hainan Island is encompassed within the shallow waters of the tropical continental shelf in China, which is recognized as a significant hotspot for fish biodiversity. Despite extensive research conducted on marine fish taxonomy surrounding Hainan Island, there remains a substantial gap between our current understanding and the actual fish diversity within this oceanic area.

Methods

In this study, we employed DNA barcoding and molecular identification approaches to explore the species diversity and distribution pattern of marine fish in both the northern and southern sea areas of Hainan Island in the northern South China Sea.

Results

A total of 186 sequences were obtained from the collected marine fish samples in the two sea areas surrounding Hainan Island. Through DNA identification, it was confirmed that all 186 sequences corresponded to typical fish species found in the northern South China Sea, all sequences represented a total of 56 species, 47 genera, 34 families, and 17 orders. The average Kimura 2-parameter (K2P) distances within species, genus, family, order and class were 0.15%, 6.53%, 13.17%, 16.95% and 24.81%, respectively.

Discussion

Our investigation in the northern sea areas of Hainan Islands identified a total of 33 distinct species, while the southern sea areas exhibited 29 distinct species, with only 5 species found to be shared between both regions. These findings clearly indicate a significant disparity in the species composition of fish communities between the northern and southern sea regions.
18 months follow-up of deep molecular response 4.5 (MR4.5) with nilotinib in patients with newly diagnosed chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia: a prospective, multi-center study in China
Authors: Wen Bingbing , Zhang Yuming , Lin Haiqing , Lou Jin , Tu Chuangqing , Jiang Yirong , Liu Xiaolian , Chen Yan , He Huiqing , Liu Zelin , Xie Xiaoling , Huang Wangxiang , Pang Liping , Du Xin
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Early stable deep molecular response (DMR) to nilotinib is associated with goal of treatment-free remission (TFR) in patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-CP). It is important to early distinguish between patients who can achieve a DMR and those who are fit for TFR.

Methods

We performed a multicenter study to explore the early cumulative MR4.5 rate at 18 months with nilotinib in patients with newly diagnosed CML-CP (ND-CML-CP) in China. Of the 29 institutes, 106 patients with ND-CML-CP received nilotinib (300 mg BID).

Results and discussion

The cumulative MR4.5 rate of nilotinib treatment at 18 months was 69.8% (74/106). The cumulative MMR and MR4.0 rates for nilotinib at 18 months were 94.3% (100/106) and 84.9% (90/106), respectively. Patients with an ultra-early molecular response (u-EMR) at 6 weeks were not significantly different in obtaining DMR or MMR by 24 months compared with those without u-EMR (p = 0.7584 and p = 0.9543, respectively). Our study demonstrated that nilotinib treatment in patients with ND-CML-CP contributed to obtain high early MR4.5.