bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term Follow-up Results after Prophylactic Antiviral Administration in Patients with Herpes Simplex Keratitis
Authors: Kwon Lee-Ha , Kim Seong-Jae
Published: January 2024

Purpose: We analyzed the effectiveness of prophylactic oral antivirals in preventing herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) and the clinical manifestations of recurrence.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 eyes of 30 patients diagnosed with HSK who received prophylactic oral antiviral agents for > 6 months. We analyzed the initial and recurrent clinical features of HSK, the recurrence rate, and the relationship between recurrence and the duration of oral antivirals.Results: The mean age of the patients was 64.5 ± 14.0 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 72.4 ± 40.3 months. Of the 30 eyes, 21 (70%) experienced HSK recurrence. The initial clinical features of recurrent cases included herpetic epithelial keratitis (14.3%), stromal keratitis (47.6%), and endotheliitis (38.1%). Notably, no significant associations were observed between the initial clinical features of HSK or the duration of oral antivirals and HSK recurrence. However, male patients exhibited a significantly higher recurrence rate. Epithelial keratitis (47.6%) was the most common HSK type observed during recurrence.Conclusions: A recurrence rate of 70% was observed in patients who received prophylactic oral antiviral treatment for > 6 months. Herpetic epithelial keratitis was the most common clinical phenotype after recurrence. Notably, long-term clinical monitoring could assist in predicting and preventing recurrence.
Effects of Carbomer Eye Gels on the Ocular Surface in Dry Eye Patients
Authors: Lee Jong Hoon , Moon Ja Young , Yoon Hyeon-Jeong , Yoon Kyung Chul
Published: January 2024

Purpose: We investigated the clinical effects of Siccafluid carbomer eye gel on the symptoms, tear film, and ocular surface in dry eye patients.Methods: Fifty-five patients with dry eye syndrome were also treated with carbomer eye gel for 6 months. The Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5), tear film breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer’s test, and ocular surface staining score were assessed during follow-up. Patients were classified into Sjögren’s syndrome and non-Sjögren’s syndrome groups and the effects of the carbomer eye drops in each group were analyzed.Results: Overall, the dry eye patients showed significant improvement in the total DEQ-5 score, frequency and intensity of dryness, and TBUT 6 months after treatment. In the non-Sjögren’s group, the total DEQ-5 score, intensity of dryness, and TBUT improved, while in the Sjögren’s group, the total DEQ-5 score, frequency and intensity of dryness, and TBUT improved. In both groups, patients with a shorter TBUT showed a significant improvement in the total DEQ-5 score.Conclusions: After 6 months of carbomer eye gel use in patients with dry eye syndrome, the symptoms of ocular dryness and tear film breakup time improved. In patients with dry eye syndrome who have a short TBUT, this can be an effective treatment for alleviating dry eye symptoms.
Research Into Correlations Between Deformations of Political Awareness and the Increase of Political Extremism Among Secondary School Students in the Košice Self-governing Region and the Prešov Self-governing Region
Authors:   Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Gbúrová Daniela , Dobiaš Daniel , Šutajová Jana , Eštok Gabriel , Ruman Ján , Dvorský Tomáš
Published: January 2024

The issue of political extremism has a relatively long research period, and it should be emphasised that, especially in the recent period, it has received increased attention in the political science community not just in Slovakia but also abroad. Given the specifics of this anti-democratic form of political discourse, which has not only explicit forms, but also highly sophisticated manifestations against democracy (extremism of the centre, or centrist extremism), it is also addressed by experts of other humanities and social disciplines: history, psychology, anthropology, sociology, etc. The common interest of this professional community is both to analyse different forms of extremist discourses and narratives, to search for national specificities of extremism that are anchored in their historical, social and cultural contexts, but at the same time to reveal transnational extremist influences within a globalizing world and to propose evidence-based strategies to counter extremist discourses. URL: https://unibook.upjs.sk/
MENGHIDUPKAN KEMBALI HAKIKAT NILAI-NILAI PANCASILA
Authors: Kuswati Yeti , Kusmayadi Dody , Hani RN Tera Triyantara
Published: January 2024

The radical paradigm that tries to change the state ideology considers Pancasila to be the basis of a state that is stupid, humble and selfish. They believe that Pancasila cannot unite a diverse, diverse, ethnic and cultural society. Pancasila, however, is the nation's greatest work. Not forced to follow the "pendulum needle" of the ideology of socialism or liberalism, a great work that has been carefully thought out. Distrust in Pancasila led to a shift in its values, partly due to the loss of legitimacy of power that no longer provided hope for justice. Democracy with a rule of law (rechstaat) is referred to as a "vacuum". A high level of public participation in general elections and their confidence in participating can enable "legitimate" positions of power—directly proportional to the government's role in providing prosperity (prosperity) to the people. Thus, participatory communication is an important tool to ensure that Pancasila values do not deviate from its ideology, which is often misinterpreted. To make people understand how important Pancasila is for actualizing its values, it is very important to increase awareness and a framework for understanding the elements of the state. In addition, looking for ways to connect the roles of the people and government officials in legal instruments and communicative democracy.
INEFEKTIVITAS PROGRAM FOOD ESTATE KABUPATEN GUNUNG MAS: SEBUAH ANALISIS DIAGRAM POHON
Authors: Surbakti Agnes Margaretha , Gebrena Muhammad Rafli , Jannah Lina Miftahul
Published: January 2024

The Indonesian government has made efforts to create food security to ensure that all people obtain food in the appropriate quantity and quality, such as through the Food Estate Program. One of the food estate programs is carried out in Gunung Mas Regency, Central Kalimantan. However, in practice, the food estate in Gunung Mas Regency still experiences various ineffectiveness in its implementation. Based on these problems, this article aims to analyze the implementation of the Gunung Mas Regency food estate program as an effort to realize the sustainability of food security. The article uses a qualitative descriptive analysis method. Data collection techniques were carried out with document studies in the form of secondary data derived from various sources such as online media news, electronic publication data, and other credible sources. Data analysis was carried out using the tree diagram method to identify the cause and effect of the food estate program. The results of this paper conclude that there are still several ineffectiveness problems in the food estate program in Gunung Mas Regency, such as the top-down approach in program implementation, limited agricultural supporting facilities and infrastructure, and efforts to proletarize farmers. Therefore, a collaboration-based approach is key in achieving sustainable food security.
IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS DALAM PENUNTASAN KEMISKINAN DI DESA SUNGAI KUNYIT HULU KABUPATEN MAMPAWAH
Authors: - Doef , Hardianto Willy Tri , Suprojo Agung
Published: January 2024

One of the development programs that the Government of Indonesia has taken seriously is the Sustainable Development Goals (Village SDGs). This program modifies the concept of global SDGs that was launched by the United Nations (UN) on September 25, 2015. While the global SDGs has 17 main points to create a sustainable living scheme, the main problem in Mempawah is the lack of active role of the village government apparatus in the implementation of the SDGs policy itself. The purpose of this research is to find out whether there is an effective application through policy or program. This type of research uses qualitative research. According to Bogdan and Taylor in Moleong (2014: 4) qualitative research is a research procedure that produces descriptive data in the form of written or spoken words from people and observable behavior according to them this opinion is directed at the setting and the individual holistically (whole). The results of this study are the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) policy in poverty reduction in Sungai Kunyit Hulu Village, Mempawah Regency after seeing firsthand that it is effective even though it only depends on a few personnel. So researchers must play a more active role in implementing the policy.
PERAN PEMERINTAH DESA DALAM PEMBANGUNAN INFRASTRUKTUR DI DESA MUARA BARU
Authors: Cahyani Elista Nanda , Safitri Maudy , Handayani Putri Rizki , Apridheo Paskasius
Published: January 2024

This research aims to find out the role of the village government and the participation of the Muara Baru Village community in infrastructure development. This research uses a library study type of research with data collection techniques through journals, books, and literature articles. The results of this research are that the community and village government are both less than optimal in infrastructure development, due to lack of funds and community participation in infrastructure development.
Pathophysiological Relationships of Neuroendocrine Immune Systems in Thyroid Diseases
Authors: Kanaev R. , Kudaibergenova M.
Published: January 2024

Pathophysiological relationships of neuroendocrine immune systems in diseases of the thyroid gland. Signs of damage to the nervous system occupy a prominent place in the clinical manifestations of thyroid diseases. Sometimes they come to the fore, significantly complicating the diagnosis of the disease. They especially often experience asthenic syndrome, which consists of mental and physical asthenia, autonomic disorders, and sleep disturbances. Sometimes somatovegetative disorders predominate in these patients: palpitations, heart pain, shortness of breath, sweating, chills. It is well known that depression negatively affects general and somatic status. A syndrome of secondary immunological deficiency is formed. The pathogenetic basis for the mutual conditionality of these conditions are the mechanisms of neuroendocrine-immune interaction, which form a functional system consisting of a physiological and pathological basis. Clinical signs of the disease, the content of thyroid hormones, immune status, determination of autonomic tone, autonomic reactivity and autonomic support of activity were used. 75 patients were examined, and it was found that the disturbance of the neuroendocrine immune system depended on the functional activity of the thyroid gland.
Investigation of the Impact of Work Incentives on Employee Work Quality
Authors: Satybaldyev A. , Berdibekova S. , Igamberdieva Zh.
Published: January 2024

The theme of article is dedicated to investigating the impact of work incentives on the quality of employees’ work. During the research, various methods and approaches to incentivization are analyzed, and their effectiveness in terms of improving labor productivity accuracy and work quality is assessed. Special attention is given to the comparative analysis of material and non-material forms of incentives and their influence on employee motivation and satisfaction. The article is based on a theoretical literature review on the topic and practical data analysis obtained from various organizations. The research aims to identify the most effective methods of work incentives, ways to adapt to different organizational conditions, and individual employee needs. As a result of the work, specific recommendations for personnel management practices are presented, and criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of various incentive methods are determined. These recommendations and criteria can be used by organizations to enhance the quality of employee work and ensure the company’s development.
Joint Obligations of Spouses When Courts Consider Cases on Bankruptcy of a Citizen
Authors: Ablyatipova N. , Yashina I.
Published: January 2024

The article is devoted to the study of the issue of recognition of obligations as general in bankruptcy cases. The study analyzed the general provisions of the legislation on joint obligations of spouses in a bankruptcy case and examined individual problems that arise when courts consider creditors’ requests to recognize the debt as common. As a result of the study, the author concluded that at present the issue of recognizing obligations as general in bankruptcy cases is solely at the discretion of the judge and there are no clear criteria for considering the issue of recognizing a debt as general. Based on the results of the work, the authors developed his own approach to improving legislation, which is expressed in the need to amend the legislation on consumer lending.
When are Junctures Critical? The Legacies and Non-Legacies of Interruptions in Local Self-Government
Authors: Gingerich Daniel W. , Vogler Jan
Published: January 2024

Interruptions in local self-government are a common feature of imperial rule and centralized authoritarianism. Extant scholarship considers interruptions in both contexts as potentially legacy-producing. But under which circumstances do these denials of political autonomy lead to sustained changes in political behavior? We develop a novel framework that elucidates when interruptions in local self-rule will or will not produce political legacies. Two factors are crucial: the duration of an interruption and the scope of repression. Enduring interruptions characterized by encompassing repression are the most likely to generate persistent changes. Contrariwise, transient interruptions characterized by limited repressiveness are unlikely to produce legacies. Given our theory's broad character, we conduct empirical analyses in two markedly different settings: Poland, which was split between three major empires, and Brazil, where a military regime installed appointed mayors in certain cities. Our results demonstrate that interruptions in local self-government have varying potential to create legacies.
Voter ID Laws Impact Turnout Through Registration
Authors: Braun Noah
Published: January 2024

The proliferation of voter ID laws across the US has had an ambiguous impact on turnout rates among registered voters, despite fear from civil-rights advocates that these laws would suppress turnout. I advance the literature on voter ID laws by studying how Virginia’s 2014 law impacted both turnout and registration rates, finding significant and durable declines in both measures. I gather data on registered voters who lack DMV records and track changes in voting precincts over time to identify areas of the state where more people are likely to be impacted by the voter ID law. My findings suggest that the decline in overall turnout rates in voting precincts with higher shares of voters likely to lack valid ID is driven almost entirely by declines in registration rates. Identifying this suggests that voter ID laws have an important deterrent effect that prevents new voters from participating in the electoral process.
Necessity and Opportunity Entrepreneurship: The Mediating Effect of Culture
Authors: Liñán Francisco , Fernández-Serrano José , Romero Isidoro
Published: January 2024

This paper studies the mediating role of cultural values in explaining the total entrepreneurial activity (TEA) and the entrepreneurs’ motivation -differen-tiating opportunity versus necessity motives- in countries with different levels of development. Data for 56 countries coming from the Global Entrepreneur-ship Monitor (GEM) and the Schwartz Value Survey (Schwartz, 1994, 2006b) are analysed using structural equations modelling. The results show that only in higher income countries do Autonomy values boost entrepreneurial activ-ity. Additionally, higher entrepreneurship is found in countries where Egalitari-anism predominates, and the effect becomes stronger as income level rises. Furthermore, the Egalitarianism-Hierarchy dimension is also very relevant in explaining the opportunity/necessity ratio.
Islandia: regulación financiera y abaratamiento de la deuda pública tras el colapso bancario de 2008
Authors: Aguirre Pablo , Alonso Nuria
Published: January 2024

Islandia sufrió la quiebra casi total de su sistema bancario en 2008, desatándose como consecuencia de ello una crisis económica de gran magnitud. El rescate parcial de los bancos y los importantes déficit públicos en los años siguientes al colapso han supuesto un enorme incremento de la deuda pública. Sin embargo, el coste de la misma para el Gobierno ha sido cada vez menor. Este trabajo sostiene que el factor más determinante para explicar este fenómeno es la intervención del Gobierno en el mercado financiero, a través del establecimiento de una intensa regulación de la salida de capitales así como la nacionalización parcial del sector bancario.
Empresas sociales y economía social: perímetro y propuestas metodológicas para la medición de su impacto socioeconómico en la U.E.
Authors: Monzón Campos José Luis
Published: January 2024

La Economía social y los agentes que la integran, sobre todo las empresas sociales, están siendo objeto de creciente atención por parte de los poderes públicos en su dimensión nacional y europea. En este artículo se analizan las características identitarias de la economía social y de las empresas sociales y se formulan propuestas metodológicas para la medición de su impacto socio-económico.
Four Educational Principles to Rethink Ethically Entrepreneurship Education
Authors: Fayolle Alain , Toutain Olivier
Published: January 2024

While most entrepreneurship education stakeholders still assume the position that the main aim of entrepreneurship courses at the university and business schools levels would be to produce entrepreneurs, we advocate in this article that entrepreneurship education is much more. Entrepreneurship education can be seen as a powerful lever to help students in learning how to create new economic and social wealth in a complex and dynamic world, how to think and act entrepreneurially in a range of situations and contexts, how to see entrepreneurship mainly as a method and not as a end by itself. In order to better address these issues, we argue that entrepreneurship education should be conceptualized and designed based on four educational principles: learning to understand the interplay of multiple social interactions, learning to navigate in a complex and dynamic environment, learning how to build and permanently revise knowledge and strategies and learning how to turn ideas into action.
Turismo, sostenibilidad y cambio climático. Propuesta de un marco estratégico de acción
Authors: Pulido-Fernández Juan Ignacio , López Sánchez Yaiza
Published: January 2024

El turismo genera el 5% de las emisiones globales de gases de efecto invernadero. Las previsiones de crecimiento mundial de esta actividad económica hasta 2030 son asombrosas, lo que justifica la creciente preocupación por la relación entre turismo y cambio climático, así como por el establecimiento de un conjunto de estrategias que contribuyan a la mitigación de los efectos del turismo sobre el cambio climático y a la adaptación de la actividad turística ante las repercusiones que pueda generar este fenómeno. Informes recientes de organismos internacionales muestran que inversiones reducidas (de tan solo el 0,2% del PIB mundial al año hasta 2050) en acciones e iniciativas de reducción del impacto ambiental del turismo permitirían un crecimiento constante de la actividad turística en las próximas décadas, incluso beneficiando significativamente al medio ambiente. En este artículo se identifican las actuaciones que deberían integrar un marco estratégico de acción para afrontar las relaciones entre turismo y cambio climático, tras un documentado análisis del estado de la cuestión.
Physical Property Variation of Ferrite Nanoparticles under Heavy Ion Irradiation
Authors: Dhyani Reena , Joshi Amit , Sahoo Vimal Narayan , Singh Jitendra Pal
Published: January 2024

The size-dependent behavior of nanostructured ferrite is well established. Various physical properties such as magnetic, optical and electrical exhibit strong size dependence. Thus, any treatment which causes a change in size is able to modify the characteristics of ferrites. The result of this effect can be seen when these ferrites are subjected to an intense heavy ion beam which modifies the physical properties of ferrites. This modification is related to cation redistribution owing to size change in most of the cases under heavy ion irradiation. However, few recent studies show that cation redistribution may occur under ion irradiation even though no size change is observed. The objective of this review is to highlight this effect in ferrite systems which ultimately may provide ample opportunity for its potential applications.
Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes as a promising cell-free therapy for knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Luo Danni , Zhu Hao , Li Song , Wang Zhenggang , Xiao Jun
Published: January 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA), as a degenerative disease, leads to high socioeconomic burdens and disability rates. The knee joint is typically the most affected and is characterized by progressive destruction of articular cartilage, subchondral bone remodeling, osteophyte formation and synovial inflammation. The current management of OA mainly focuses on symptomatic relief and does not help to slow down the advancement of disease. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their exosomes have garnered significant attention in regenerative therapy and tissue engineering areas. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos), as bioactive factor carriers, have promising results in cell-free therapy of OA. This study reviewed the application of various MSC-Exos for the OA treatment, along with exploring the potential underlying mechanisms. Moreover, current strategies and future perspectives for the utilization of engineered MSC-Exos, alongside their associated challenges, were also discussed.
Facing diseases caused by trypanosomatid parasites: rational design of multifunctional oxidovanadium(IV) complexes with bioactive ligands
Authors: Scalese Gonzalo , Machado Ignacio , Salazar Fabiana , Coitiño E. Laura , Correia Isabel , Pessoa João Costa , Pérez-Díaz Leticia , Gambino Dinorah
Published: January 2024

Searching for new prospective drugs against Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) and Leishmaniasis, a series of five heteroleptic vanadium compounds, [VIVO(L-H)(mpo)], where L are 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives and mpo is 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide, are synthesized and characterized. Comprehensive characterizations are conducted in solid state and in solution. The compounds are evaluated on epimastigotes and trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi and in promastigotes of Leishmania infantum, alongside on VERO cells, as a mammalian cell model. The compounds exhibit activity against both forms of T. cruzi and promastigotes of L. infantum, with the trypomastigote infective stage of T. cruzi displaying the highest sensitivity. The most selective vanadium compound [VIVO(L2-H)(mpo)], with L2 = 5-chloro-7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline, globally shows adequate selectivity towards the parasite and was selected to carry out further in-depth biological studies. [VIVO(L2-H)(mpo)] significantly impacted the infection potential of cell-derived trypomastigotes and hindered the replication of the T. cruzi amastigote form. Low total vanadium uptake by T. cruzi parasites and preferential accumulation in the soluble proteins fraction, with negligible localization in the DNA fraction, are determined. A trypanocide effect is observed across various concentrations of the compound. The generation of oxidative stress and the induction of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis are proposed as the main mechanisms of the parasite’s death by the VIVO compounds. Both theoretical predictions and experimental data support the hypothesis that inhibiting the parasite-specific enzyme NADH-fumarate reductase activity plays a crucial role in the trypanocidal action of these complexes. Globally, [VIVO(L-H)(mpo)] complexes could be considered interesting anti-T. cruzi agents that deserve further research.
Quantitative proteomics and applications in covalent ligand discovery
Authors: Basu Ananya A. , Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: January 2024

The development of multiplexing technologies for proteomics has enabled the quantification of proteins on a global scale across samples with high confidence. In the covalent ligand discovery pipeline, quantitative proteomics can be used to establish selectivity profiles and provide critical mechanistic insight into the action of lead compounds. Current multiplexing systems allow for the analysis of up to eighteen samples in a single run, allowing proteomic analyses to match the pace of high-throughput covalent ligand discovery workflows. This review discusses several quantitative proteomic techniques and their applications in the field of covalent ligand discovery.
Nanoemulsion and nanoencapsulation of a hydroethanolic extract of Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): comparison of antibacterial and anticancer activity
Authors: Rahmani Zeinab , Karimi Merat , Saffari Iman , Mirzaei Hamed , Nejati Majid , Sharafati Chaleshtori Reza
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Nanoemulsion and nanoencapsulation are attractive novel methods that can be used for incorporating active plant extracts in food preparations and pharmaceutical formulations. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the anticancer and antibacterial effects of hydroethanolic extracts of Nettle (NE), Wormwood (WE), and the combination of the two plants (CNWE), as well as their nanoemulsion forms (NN, NW, CNNW) and nanoencapsulation forms (CN, CW, and CCNW).

Methods: The morphology and structure of the nanoemulsion and nanoencapsulation preparations were assessed utilizing dynamic light scattering (DLS) along with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antibacterial activity of the prepared formulations were assessed by determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), zone of inhibition diameter, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), along with biofilm growth inhibition against Salmonaella typhimurium and Klebsiella. pneumoniae. The anticancer activity was evaluated via a MTT assay in the colon cancer cell line (HCT116).

Results: The nanoemulsion and nanoencapsulation particle size varied between 10 and 50 nm and 60 and 110 nm, respectively. The MIC values were between 11.25 and 95 µg/mL along with MBC values between 11.25 and 190 µg/mL. The highest inhibition of biofilm formation was observed with CCNW against K. pneumoniae (∼78.5%) and S. typhimurium (∼73%). In descending order, the inhibition of biofilm formation was CCNW > CW > CN > CNNW > NN > NW > CNWE > NE > WE against the tested bacteria. The IC50 values for NE, WE, CNWE, NN, NW, CNNW, CN, CW, and CCNW were determined as 250, 170, 560, 380, 312, 370, 250, 420, and 700 µg/mL, respectively. Exposure to a high concentration of NW resulted in a significantly lower HCT116 viability compared to other groups. Taken together, CNNW, and CCNW showed the highest antibacterial and anticancer activitiy.

Discussion: Nanoemulsion and nanoencapsulation were effective ways to increase the antibacterial and anticancer activity of the extracts and could be used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Clinical predictors of left ventricular thrombus after myocardial infarction as detected by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Fardman Alexander , Massalha Eias , Natanzon Sharon Shalom , Brodov Yafim , Goitein Orly , Chernomordik Fernando , Herscovici Romana , Grupper Avishay , Kuperstein Rafael , Mazin Israel , Matetzky Shlomi , Beigel Roy
Published: January 2024

Background

The diagnosis of a left ventricular (LV) thrombus in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains challenging. The aim of the current study is to characterize clinical predictors for LV thrombus formation, as detected by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 337 consecutive STEMI patients. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and CMRI during their index hospitalization. We developed a novel risk stratification model (ThrombScore) to identify patients at risk of developing an LV thrombus.

Results

CMRI revealed the presence of LV thrombus in 34 patients (10%), of whom 33 (97%) had experienced an anterior wall myocardial infarction (MI), and the majority (77%) had at least mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF < 45%). The sensitivity for thrombus formation of the first and second TTE was 5.9% and 59%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression model revealed that elevated C-reactive protein levels, lack of ST-segment elevation (STe) resolution, elevated creatine phosphokinase levels, and STe in anterior ECG leads are robust independent predictors for developing an LV thrombus. These variables were incorporated to construct the ThrombScore: a simple six-point risk model. The odds ratio for developing thrombus per one-point increase in the score was 3.2 (95% CI 2.1–5.01; p < 0.001). The discrimination analysis of the model revealed a c-statistic of 0.86 for thrombus development. The model identified three distinct categories (I, II, and III) with corresponding thrombus incidences of 0%, 1.6%, and 27.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

ThrombScore is a simple and practical clinical model for risk stratification of thrombus formation in patients with STEMI.
Results of the inoperable and operable with aortic valve endocarditis
Authors: Huang Jing-bin , Lu Chang-chao , Du Zhen-zong , Yang Jian-rong , Li Jun-jun
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the results of the inoperable and operable with aortic valve endocarditis, focus on risk factors, significance, and management of destruction of the aortic annulus in aortic valve endocarditis.

Methods

The retrospective study was completed to investigate patients with aortic valve endocarditis undergoing cardiac surgery between January 2006 and November 2022 at our hospital.

Results

512 patients were divided into group with destruction of the aortic annulus (n = 80) and without destruction of the aortic annulus (n = 432). There were 32 operative deaths (6.3%, 32/512). By univariate and multivariate analysis, destruction of the aortic annulus is found to be statistically significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (P < 0.001), prolonged mechanical ventilation time (mechanical ventilation time > 96 h, P = 0.018), early aortic paravalvular leak (P < 0.001), and 1-year mortality following cardiac surgery (P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

In our study, destruction of the aortic annulus increases mortality and health care costs. Optimization of pre-, peri-, and postoperative factors can reduce mortality and morbidity in aortic valve endocarditis. Aortic root replacement could be recommended as the best practice choice for aortic valve endocarditis with periannular abscess and destruction of the aortic annulus.
Experimental study on the effect of foam in preventing gas channeling in shale reservoir
Authors: Xiaofei Xiong , Haibo Wang , Fengxia Li , Tong Zhou
Published: January 2024

Shale oil resources have enormous potential and broad development prospects in China. Especially with the rapid development of horizontal well volume fracturing technology, the production of shale oil has been greatly increased, and it has become an important position to increase oil and gas storage and production. However, due to the existence of artificial and natural fractures produced by fracturing, gas channeling will occur in the process of huff-n-puff gas injection, which will affect the production and lead to poor development effect. In this paper, foam is used as an anti-channeling agent in the process of huff-n-puff gas injection. The results of microfluidic experiments show that the production mode of foam in porous media is liquid membrane hysteresis and liquid membrane separation. In porous media, foam first blocks large channels such as fractures, and then enters the matrix. The oil recovery mechanism of foam assisted gas injection in porous media is to improve the sweep efficiency and oil displacement efficiency of gas. Compared with N2 huff-n-puff, the oil recovery of the first cycle of foam assisted N2 huff-n-puff increased by 4.50%, and the third cycle increased by 9.58%. It is proved that foam has good anti channeling effect in gas huff-n-puff injection process. The research results provide an effective method for efficient gas injection development of shale oil.
Spatiotemporal drought characteristics during growing seasons of the winter wheat and summer maize in the North China Plain
Authors: Li Qing , Liu Yun , Luo Lanyang , Wang Yu , Wang Qian , Ma Meihong
Published: January 2024

The North China plain (NCP) is an important production base for winter wheat and summer maize in China. Severe droughts seriously restrict agricultural production in this region, threatening food security. Based on the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), this study explored the spatial and temporal drought characteristics during the winter wheat and summer maize growing seasons in the region. The study found that: 1) From 1980 to 2013, the drought trend of the winter wheat growing season in the NCP has intensified, with Huang-Huai Plain agricultural area (HH_P) showing the most significant drought trend. However, the summer maize growing season has become wetter, with the Shandong hilly agricultural and forestry area (SD_Q) showing the most significant wetting trend. 2) After the year 2003, the results from Mann-Kendall trend analysis revealed that the drought trend of HH_P during the winter wheat growing season became particularly pronounced, but the wetting trend of SD_Q and HH_P during the summer maize growing season became more evident. 3) The dominant spatial patterns observed in the NCP during the growing seasons of winter wheat and summer maize were marked by a consistent distribution of drought and wetness conditions. For winter wheat, the southern regions of the foothill plain area of Yanshan and Taihang Mountains (YT_P) and the low-lying plain area of Hebei, Shandong, and Henan (JLY_P) were more sensitive to the changes of drought and wet conditions. For summer maize, SD_Q was more sensitive to the changes of the drought and wet conditions. The results of this study could provide references for the formulation of drought relief strategies of winter wheat and summer maize in the NCP.
Experimental study of the influence of saturation on the resistivity response of sandstone
Authors: He Xiaolang , Zheng Xinchao , Pu Zhiguo , Qin Wei , Duan Dongwei , Xie Peng , Zhang Qi
Published: January 2024

Studying the changes in electrical resistivity of sandstones under various frequencies and saturation levels is important for addressing many geological problems through electrical prospecting. In this study, we investigated the effect of different frequencies (500 Hz–200 kHz) and saturation levels (0%–100%) on the resistivity of sandstone in the Ordos region. Our research indicates that when the saturation level is low (<40%), the resistivity of the sandstone decreases rapidly. With the increase of saturation level, pore water gradually becomes another major factor affecting resistivity in addition to induced polarization effect. When the saturation level is high (>80%), the resistivity tends to stabilize. Additionally, the resistivity of sandstone decreases with the increase of saturation. Furthermore, with an increase in frequency, the rate of reduction in resistivity gradually slows down, and the resistivity of sandstone decreases under the influence of saturation. This study provides a valuable reference for the practical application of sandstone resistivity in geological prospecting.
Hexokinase-linked glycolytic overload and unscheduled glycolysis in hyperglycemia-induced pathogenesis of insulin resistance, beta-cell glucotoxicity, and diabetic vascular complications
Authors: Rabbani Naila , Thornalley Paul J.
Published: January 2024

Hyperglycemia is a risk factor for the development of insulin resistance, beta-cell glucotoxicity, and vascular complications of diabetes. We propose the hypothesis, hexokinase-linked glycolytic overload and unscheduled glycolysis, in explanation. Hexokinases (HKs) catalyze the first step of glucose metabolism. Increased flux of glucose metabolism through glycolysis gated by HKs, when occurring without concomitant increased activity of glycolytic enzymes—unscheduled glycolysis—produces increased levels of glycolytic intermediates with overspill into effector pathways of cell dysfunction and pathogenesis. HK1 is saturated with glucose in euglycemia and, where it is the major HK, provides for basal glycolytic flux without glycolytic overload. HK2 has similar saturation characteristics, except that, in persistent hyperglycemia, it is stabilized to proteolysis by high intracellular glucose concentration, increasing HK activity and initiating glycolytic overload and unscheduled glycolysis. This drives the development of vascular complications of diabetes. Similar HK2-linked unscheduled glycolysis in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in impaired fasting glucose drives the development of peripheral insulin resistance. Glucokinase (GCK or HK4)-linked glycolytic overload and unscheduled glycolysis occurs in persistent hyperglycemia in hepatocytes and beta-cells, contributing to hepatic insulin resistance and beta-cell glucotoxicity, leading to the development of type 2 diabetes. Downstream effector pathways of HK-linked unscheduled glycolysis are mitochondrial dysfunction and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation; activation of hexosamine, protein kinase c, and dicarbonyl stress pathways; and increased Mlx/Mondo A signaling. Mitochondrial dysfunction and increased ROS was proposed as the initiator of metabolic dysfunction in hyperglycemia, but it is rather one of the multiple downstream effector pathways. Correction of HK2 dysregulation is proposed as a novel therapeutic target. Pharmacotherapy addressing it corrected insulin resistance in overweight and obese subjects in clinical trial. Overall, the damaging effects of hyperglycemia are a consequence of HK-gated increased flux of glucose metabolism without increased glycolytic enzyme activities to accommodate it.
Decision-making for solar panel selection using Sugeno-Weber triangular norm-based on q-rung orthopair fuzzy information
Authors: Wang Yibo , Hussain Abrar , Yin Shi , Ullah Kifayat , Božanić Darko
Published: January 2024

Solar power is an alternative energy derived from the sun. Solar power is more environmentally friendly and sustainable than burning fossil fuels which releases harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate a reliable solar panel based on certain characteristics by incorporating the theory of the decision-making process. To serve this goal, this study discusses a well-known aggregation model of the q-rung orthopair fuzzy set, which is a broader and flexible environment of fuzzy sets and intuitionistic fuzzy sets used to handle unpredictable information of human opinions. The key components of this article are to demonstrate some realistic operations of Sugeno–Weber triangular norms considering q-rung orthopair fuzzy information. These operations provide authentic estimated information during the decision-making process. We developed a class of new aggregation operators using the q-rung orthopair fuzzy information system, including q-rung orthopair fuzzy Sugeno–Weber power weighted average and q-rung orthopair fuzzy Sugeno–Weber power weighted geometric operators. Some realistic characteristics and special cases are also demonstrated to show the compatibility of the proposed methodologies. An innovative approach to the multi-attribute decision-making problem is utilized to resolve different real-life applications considering various criteria or attributes. To show the intensity and applicability of the proposed approaches, we explored a numerical example for efficient solar panel selection based on the proposed methodologies. Furthermore, we presented a comprehensive comparison technique to compare the findings of the existing methods with the proposed aggregation approaches. Finally, the proposed research work is summarized, and the future prospects are discussed.
Adrenal crisis mainly manifested as recurrent syncope secondary to tislelizumab: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wei Haishan , Zuo Anju , Chen Jiying , Zheng Chunyan , Li Tingting , Yu Haiyan , Guo Yuan
Published: January 2024

As an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), tislelizumab is an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) drug. With the extensive application of ICIs, there is an ever-increasing proportion of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in clinical settings, some of which may even be life-threatening. Herein, we present a patient with tislelizumab-induced adrenal crisis. The main clinical manifestation was recurrent syncope accompanied by high-grade fever. Timely identification and hormone replacement therapy helped the patient overcome the crisis well. Finally, the patient discontinued tislelizumab and switched to antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) therapy. We report this case to improve our understanding of this situation, identify this kind of disease, and prevent adrenal crisis in time. Eventually, limiting toxicities reduces the interruption of immunotherapy. Since irAEs are multisystem damage with more non-specific symptoms, except for oncologists, general practitioners who endorse the need for taking a holistic approach to the patient should play a vital role in the management of cancer treatment.
High-dimensional comparison of monocytes and T cells in post-COVID and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Bingham Grace C. , Muehling Lyndsey M. , Li Chaofan , Huang Yong , Ma Shwu-Fan , Abebayehu Daniel , Noth Imre , Sun Jie , Woodfolk Judith A. , Barker Thomas H. , Bonham Catherine A.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Up to 30% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients experience persistent sequelae, including pulmonary fibrosis (PF).

Methods

We examined COVID-19 survivors with impaired lung function and imaging worrisome for developing PF and found within six months, symptoms, restriction and PF improved in some (Early-Resolving COVID-PF), but persisted in others (Late-Resolving COVID-PF). To evaluate immune mechanisms associated with recovery versus persistent PF, we performed single-cell RNA-sequencing and multiplex immunostaining on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with Early- and Late-Resolving COVID-PF and compared them to age-matched controls without respiratory disease.

Results and discussion

Our analysis showed circulating monocytes were significantly reduced in Late-Resolving COVID-PF patients compared to Early-Resolving COVID-PF and non-diseased controls. Monocyte abundance correlated with pulmonary function forced vital capacity and diffusion capacity. Differential expression analysis revealed MHC-II class molecules were upregulated on the CD8 T cells of Late-Resolving COVID-PF patients but downregulated in monocytes. To determine whether these immune signatures resembled other interstitial lung diseases, we analyzed samples from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) patients. IPF patients had a similar marked decrease in monocyte HLA-DR protein expression compared to Late-Resolving COVID-PF patients. Our findings indicate decreased circulating monocytes are associated with decreased lung function and uniquely distinguish Late-Resolving COVID-PF from Early-Resolving COVID-PF, IPF, and non-diseased controls.
Assessment of ocean color atmospheric correction methods and development of a regional ocean color operational dataset for the Baltic Sea based on Sentinel-3 OLCI
Authors: González Vilas Luis , Brando Vittorio Ernesto , Di Cicco Annalisa , Colella Simone , D’Alimonte Davide , Kajiyama Tamito , Attila Jenni , Schroeder Thomas
Published: January 2024

The Baltic Sea is characterized by large gradients in salinity, high concentrations of colored dissolved organic matter, and a phytoplankton phenology with two seasonal blooms. Satellite retrievals of chlorophyll-aconcentration (chl-a) are hindered by the optical complexity of this basin and the reduced performance of the atmospheric correction in its highly absorbing waters. Within the development of a regional ocean color operational processing chain for the Baltic Sea based on Sentinel-3 Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) full-resolution data, the performance of four atmospheric correction processors for the retrieval of remote-sensing reflectance (Rrs) was analyzed. Assessments based on three Aerosol Robotic Network-Ocean Color (AERONET-OC) sites and shipborne hyperspectral radiometers show that POLYMER was the best-performing processor in the visible spectral range, also providing a better spatial coverage compared with the other processors. Hence, OLCIRrsspectra retrieved with POLYMER were chosen as input for a bio-optical ensemble scheme that computes chl-aas a weighted sum of different regional multilayer perceptron neural nets. This study also evaluated the operationalRrsand chl-adatasets for the Baltic Sea based on OC-CCI v.6. The chl-aretrievals based on OC-CCI v.6 and OLCIRrs, assessed againstin-situchl-ameasurements, yielded similar results (OC-CCI v.6:R2 =0.11, bias = −0.22; OLCI:R2 =0.16, bias = −0.03) using a common set of match-ups for the same period. Finally, an overall good agreement was found between chl-aretrievals from OLCI and OC-CCI v.6 although differences betweenRrswere amplified in terms of chl-aestimates.
An observational and warning system for the aquaculture sector
Authors: Pereiro Diego , Belyaev Oleg , Dunbar Martha B. , Conway Andrew , Dabrowski Tomasz , Graves Inger , Navarro Gabriel , Nolan Glenn , Pearlman Jay , Simpson Pauline , Cusack Caroline
Published: January 2024

This work presents the steps followed in the design and implementation of a marine observatory that provides the current state and forecast of oceanic conditions relevant to the aquaculture sector. Examples of successful implementation of these guidelines are presented in the framework of the EuroSea project (H2020 grant agreement No. 862626) for two aquaculture sites: Deenish Island in Ireland and El Campello in Spain.In-situessential ocean measurements, remote-sensing observations and modelled forecasts are jointly provided to the aquaculture end users. The process begins with stakeholder interaction to understand their main needs and concerns, followed by software architecture design and development to facilitate data acquisition, post-processing and visualization on an open-access web platform. User input regarding the development of the observatory and web platform content and frequent feedback are of paramount importance during the whole process to ensure that the services offered match the needs of the aquaculture sector.