bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asuhan Kebidanan Berkelanjutan (Continuity Of Care) Dengan Anemia Ringan Pada Ibu Hamil
Authors: Yuliani Erni , Fitriani Ardhita
Published: September 2023

Berdasarkan hasil survei di PMB Bd. Riyanti ditemukan data ibu hamil yang mengalami anemia sebanyak 30 ibu hamil. Sehingga perlu adanya pengabdian masyarakat dalam pemberian asuhan berkelanjutan mulai dari kehamilan Trimester I sampai dengan masa nifas. Metode: menggunakan studi kasus yaitu observasional deskriptif. Hasil: Selama kehamilan, Ny.L melakukan 4 kali kunjungan dan selama trimester II Ny.L mengalami anemia ringan. Oleh karena  itu penulis memberikan terapi jus buah naga, karena jus buah naga dapat  meningkatkan hemoglobin karena 100 gram buahnya mengandung 0,16 mg zat besi. Pada trimester III Ny.L mengalami nyeri punggung. Penulis kemudian memberikan terapi berupa Efflurage massage untuk memberikan rasa nyaman, relaksasi, dan merangsang produksi endorphin untuk mengurangi rasa sakit secara alami. Selain  itu asuhan bayi pasca lahir serta masa nifas semuanya dalam batas normal. Kesimpulan: Asuhan kebidanan yang diberikan secara berkelanjutan hemoglobin pada ibu hamil mengalami peningkatan dan nyeri punggung sudah teratasi.
Edukasi Implementasi Restoratif Justice sebagai Alternatif Penyelesaian Perkara Secara Non Litigasi di Desa Banjarsari Kecamatan Trucuk Bojonegoro
Authors: Mukaromah Lisa Aminatul , Anam Khurul , Ariswanto Dery , Rosidah A’immatur , Lailia Niken Nuriya Dwi , Prastiwi Eka Mei Nia , Mufidah Siti
Published: September 2023

Salah satu permasalahan mendasar dalam sistem penegakan hukum di Indonesia adalah cenderung lebih banyak menganut pola keadilan retributif, yang menyebabkan banyak terjadi benturan antara keadilan retributif dengan realitas sosial yang ada. Kesenjangan antara keadilan dan realitas sosial tersebut dapat diminimalisir dengan mengedepankan pendekatan keadilan restoratif. Pengabdian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan edukasi berupa wawasan terkait dengan penerapan konsep keadilan restoratif yang dapat dijadikan sebagai alternatif penyelesaian tindak pidana ringan di masyarakat, serta dapat memberikan kesempatan kepada masyarakat untuk belajar langsung terkait pelaksanaan restorative justice. Pengabdian kepada masyarakat dilaksanakan dengan menggunakan metode Participatory Action Research. Pengabdian ini menghasilkan peningkatkan pengetahuan masyarakat Desa Banjarsari tentang konsep dan implementasi restorative justice untuk menyelesaikan perkara pidana dengan jalan yang lebih mudah tanpa mengeluarkan banyak biaya, cepat, mengedepankan asas keharmonisan dan kekeluargaan. Pemberian edukasi ini dilakukan melalui pemaparan materi dan ulasan terkait prosedur keadilan restoratif yang telah disampaikan oleh narasumber sebagai bekal bermasyarakat untuk menyelesaikan permasalahan.
Oyster reef habitat depends on environmental conditions and management across large spatial scales
Authors: Tracy AM , Heggie K , Ritter C , Norman D , Aguilar R , Ogburn MB
Published: September 2023

Oyster reefs provide important services to ecosystems and people, with many of these benefits depending on structurally complex reef habitat. Despite the key role of oyster reef habitat, we have yet to understand natural and anthropogenic drivers of subtidal reef habitat over large spatial scales (>200 km). Chesapeake Bay (USA) offers a valuable system to explore how salinity, restoration, and harvest compare in their influence on subtidal oyster reef habitat because of its broad environmental gradient and mosaic of management types. We applied a remote rapid assessment method using underwater photographs to survey oyster reef habitat in 12 tributaries and scored images based on estimates of oyster percent cover and vertical relief. The broad spatial scale (~215 km) of the survey includes reefs that vary in management status and salinity. Bay-wide habitat scores were higher with greater estimated oyster percent cover and vertical relief on unharvested and restored reefs. Salinity also contributed to Chesapeake Bay-wide patterns, but the relationship depended on harvest status. In assessing the separate management jurisdictions, scores were higher on restored reefs in Maryland and on anthropogenic (i.e. artificially supplemented) reefs in Virginia. A time series over 4 yr in 2 Maryland tributaries showed high and persistent habitat scores in restored sanctuaries, but habitat scores increased for all reefs over time. The results highlight the combined roles of the natural environment and management decisions on oyster reef habitat. The effect of harvest and restoration on habitat underscores the importance of local management decisions in determining the future status of oyster reefs.
IRs PUBLIC DIPLOMACY STRATEGY OF INDONESIA: CASE STUDY INDOMIE GASTROIPLOMACY
Authors: Muhamad Fathun Laode
Published: September 2023

This paper aims to describe Indonesia's public diplomacy strategy through culinary. Culinary as an instrument of diplomacy. Public diplomacy is an effective instrument to become a communication and investment tool for a country. This study uses a qualitative method based on case studies. This study uses secondary data and literature review data collection techniques. The results found that Indonesia carried out gastrodiplomacy using Indomie which was produced by PT. Indofood Tbk. Gastrodiplomacy was carried out by Indonesia to Nigeria because it saw an opportunity for a financial crisis in that country. Thus, Indomie can become one of the staple foods used by Nigerian people to maintain the stability of human security in the country. And Indonesia's strategy through 3 C + I. Indonesia uses listening, and advocacy, cultural exchange methods to achieve the expected targets and marketing in Nigeria.
THE ROLE OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN REALIZING GENDER EQUALITY IN THE MIDST OF STRONG PATRIARCHAL CULTURE IN NTT AND PAPUA
Authors: Rudi Kogoya
Published: September 2023

This paper discusses the role of young people in realizing gender equality in the midst of a strong patriarchal culture in two regions of Indonesia, namely East Nusa Tenggara and Papua. The strong patriarchal culture in East Nusa Tenggara and Papua causes women to experience violence in the home to the household. From the data obtained, domestic violence (KDRT) that occurred in East Nusa Tenggara was caused by the existence of belis in NTT and the influence of dowry on Papuan women so that there was a sense of male authority over these women. The rate of violence has increased over the years and this requires a serious subscription both from the government and from the community. This paper uses qualitative methods with case studies, interviews and documentation studies through journals, books and research results. To minimize violence against women, it is necessary to have the role of young people in the family, education and society through the socialization of the importance of gender equality in the family and society.

 

Keywords: Role of Youth, Gender Equality, Patriarchal Culture, NTT, Papua
ANALISA CYCLIC VOLTAMMETRY GUNA RECOVERY TEMBAGA PADA LIMBAH ELEKTRONIK PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS (PCB) MENGGUNAKAN RELINE
Authors: Sugondo Ebeng , Wijaya Andy , Proklamanto Aan Subekti , Reziana Fedika Gita , Etnanta Fatiha Nur
Published: September 2023

Cyclic voltammetry analysis for copper recovery on printed circuit boards (PCB) electronic waste using Reline (ChCl: Thiourea) has been successfully carried out. The use of Reline solution (ChCl: Thiourea) is included in the deep eutectic solvent (DES) as an alternative for the use of solvents that are cheap, efficient, and safe for the environment. The solvent is formed from a donor (HBD) and acceptor (HBA) bonds with a ratio of 1 mol: 2 mol to water which will produce a eutectic mixture. The results of XRF (X-ray fluorescence spectrometry) on the printed circuit board (PCB) after comminution obtained the highest element, namely copper at 17.91%, and became the object of research observation. All experiments on the cyclic voltammetry test produced irreversible type voltammograms. The addition of more than 50% water in the deep eutectic solvent (DES) affects the peaks of oxidation and reduction, and in theory, the current efficiency is 99.83% and the optimum test results occur at a temperature of 60 oC for testing the Reline type deep eutectic solvent (DES) solution (ChCl: Thiourea) with a potential of Ep = 4.2975 volts and Ep/2 = 4.2971 volts. SEM-EDX analysis results on a platinum plate (Pt) from deep eutectic solvent (DES) ChCl: Thiourea (Reline) capable of spontaneously depositing copper minerals onto the surface of the platinum plate (Pt).

Keywords: Reline, Cyclic Voltammetry, Solvent
KOLEK AS A TRADITIONAL BOAT OF NATUNA PEOPLE
Authors: Destriyadi Destriyadi
Published: September 2023

Natuna society in the maritime region has a close relationship with traditional technology in the form of kolek boats. As a material object, kolek is considered an important part of fishing activities since ancient times. The description of kolek is currently still lacking and even very minimally known. This article aims to describe kolek as a traditional technology of Natuna society. Likewise, some traditional boats in Natuna. The formal object of this research is cultural anthropology, while the material object is kolek boats. This descriptive qualitative research uses data collection techniques of observation, direct interview, and literature study. There are three stages of data analysis, namely data collection, data interpretation, and data inference. The traditional technology of kolek boats is not only a means of fishing at sea, but many cultural values. Kolek also holds traditional knowledge that must be preserved.
UNLOCKING THE POWER OF TOPHONETICS: INDONESIAN EFL LEARNERS' PERCEPTIONS ON PRONUNCIATION ENHANCEMENT THROUGH A PHENOMENOLOGICAL LENS
Authors: Mustika Yulieta Aura , Hamidiyah Aisyah , Utomo Dhafid Wahyu
Published: September 2023

The aim of this research conducted at one of the public universities in Banten was to investigate the perception of second-semester students in the English Department regarding the features of the Tophonetics application in improving their pronunciation of fricatives. Employing a phenomenological qualitative research design, the researchers selected five participants through purposive sampling, focusing on students who had experience using Tophonetics and were willing to participate. Data was collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted via online Zoom meetings, utilizing three main open-ended questions to delve deeper into participants' experiences. The obtained data was analyzed using the Stevick-Colaizzi-Kenn technique, as described by Moustakas (1994). The analysis revealed four themes, including positive perception, negative perception, the features of Tophonetics, and the obstacles of using Tophonetics. The findings suggest that students in the English Department perceive Tophonetics positively in terms of improving their pronunciation of fricative sounds, highlighting the potential benefits of integrating this application into language teaching and learning practices.
Yolk-shell structured magnetic mesoporous organosilica supported ionic liquid/Cu complex: an efficient nanocatalyst for the green synthesis of pyranopyrazoles
Authors: Neysi Maryam , Elhamifar Dawood
Published: September 2023

The preparation of yolk-shell structured magnetic mesoporous composites is a significant subject between researchers. Especially, modification of theses composites with ionic liquid/metal complex is very important for catalytic processes. In the present study, a novel magnetic methylene-based periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO)-supported ionic liquid/Cu complex with yolk-shell structure (YS-Fe3O4@PMO/IL-Cu) was prepared via the soft template-assisted method. The TGA, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, XRD, VSM, nitrogen-sorption, and ICP techniques were employed to identify YS-Fe3O4@PMO/IL-Cu. The YS-Fe3O4@PMO/IL-Cu material was applied as a powerful nanocatalyst for the synthesis of pyranopyrazoles under ultrasonic media. The study demonstrated that the YS-Fe3O4@PMO/IL-Cu nanocatalyst is highly recyclable, selective, and effective. The leaching test was performed to investigate the nature of the designed catalyst under the applied conditions.
Procedural outcome & risk prediction in young patients undergoing transvenous lead extraction—a GALLERY subgroup analysis
Authors: Rexha Enida , Chung Da-Un , Burger Heiko , Ghaffari Naser , Madej Tomas , Ziaukas Virgilijus , Hassan Kambiz , Reichenspurner Hermann , Gessler Nele , Willems Stephan , Butter Christian , Pecha Simon , Hakmi Samer
Published: September 2023

Background

The prevalence of young patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) is steadily increasing, accompanied by a rise in the occurrence of complications related to CIEDs. Consequently, transvenous lead extraction (TLE) has become a crucial treatment approach for such individuals.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics and procedural outcomes of young patients who undergo TLE, with a specific focus on identifying independent risk factors associated with adverse events.

Methods

All patients in the GALLERY (GermAn Laser Lead Extraction RegistrY) were categorized into two groups based on their age at the time of enrollment: 45 years or younger, and over 45 years. A subgroup analysis was conducted specifically for the younger population. In this analysis, predictor variables for all-cause mortality, procedural complications, and procedural failure were evaluated using multivariable analyses.

Results

We identified 160 patients aged 45 years or younger with a mean age of 35.3 ± 7.6 years and 42.5% (n = 68) female patients. Leading extraction indication was lead dysfunction in 51.3% of cases, followed by local infections in 20.6% and systemic infections in 16.9%. The most common device to be extracted were implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) with 52.5%. Mean number of leads per patient was 2.2 ± 1.0. Median age of the oldest indwelling lead was 91.5 [54.75–137.5] months. Overall complication rate was 3.8% with 1.9% minor and 1.9% major complications. Complete procedural success was achieved in 90.6% of cases. Clinical procedural success rate was 98.1%. Procedure-related mortality was 0.0%. The all-cause in-hospital mortality rate was 2.5%, with septic shock identified as the primary cause of mortality. Multivariable analysis revealed CKD (OR: 19.0; 95% CI: 1.84–194.9; p = 0.018) and systemic infection (OR: 12.7; 95% CI: 1.14–142.8; p = 0.039) as independent predictor for all-cause mortality. Lead age ≥ 10 years (OR: 14.58, 95% CI: 1.36–156.2; p = 0.027) was identified as sole independent risk factor for procedural complication.

Conclusion

TLE in young patients is safe and effective with a procedure-related mortality rate of 0.0%. CKD and systemic infection are predictors for all-cause mortality, whereas lead age ≥ 10 years was identified as independent risk factor for procedural complications in young patients undergoing TLE.
Measuring intra-individual physical activity variability using consumer-grade activity devices
Authors: Lev Vered , Oppezzo Marily A.
Published: September 2023

Many existing sedentary behavior and physical activity studies focus on primary outcomes that assess change by comparing participants' activity from baseline to post-intervention. With the widespread availability of consumer-grade devices that track activity daily, researchers do not need to rely on those endpoint measurements alone. Using activity trackers, researchers can collect remote data about the process of behavior change and future maintenance of the change by measuring participants’ intra-individual physical activity variability. Measuring intra-individual physical activity variability can enable researchers to create tailored and dynamic interventions that account for different physical activity behavior change trajectories, and by that, improve participants' program adherence, enhance intervention design and management, and advance interventions measurements' reliability. We propose an application of intra-individual physical activity variability as a measurement and provide three use cases within interventions. Intra-individual physical activity variability can be used: prior to the intervention period, where relationships between participants' intra-individual physical activity variability and individual characteristics can be used to predict adherence and subsequently tailor interventions; during the intervention period, to assess progress and subsequently boost interventions; and after the intervention, to obtain a reliable representation of the change in primary outcome.
Subsequent tropical cyclogenesis in the South China Sea induced by the pre-existing tropical cyclone over the western North Pacific: a case study
Authors: Wu Yue , Chan Kelvin T. F.
Published: September 2023

Mechanisms of tropical cyclogenesis have been studied for decades. A new one in the South China Sea, namely, PTC-STC is proposed. A subsequent tropical cyclone (STC) in the South China Sea can be induced by a pre-existing tropical cyclone (PTC) over the western North Pacific. The observations, reanalysis, and numerical sensitivity experiments suggest that the terrain of the Philippines (especially Luzon) is geographically essential to the tropical cyclogenesis and development of STC, whereas the intensity and track of PTC are conditionally decisive. If the terrain of the Philippines is replaced by sea, no STC forms. The steep mountain range of Luzon provides static blocking effect that can 1) enhance the upward motion; 2) accumulate warm moist air mass from the westerly and PTC; and 3) constrain the advection of vorticity from the PTC. Meanwhile, the northeasterly from the PTC climbs over the terrains, increases the adiabatic heating, and warms the proximity in the leeside of the mountains. These processes show that the interactions between the PTC and the terrain of the Philippines could provide favorable dynamic and thermodynamic conditions for the tropical cyclogenesis of STC in the low-to-mid troposphere of the South China Sea. Whereas, if the PTC is too strong, it could move into the South China Sea, suppressing the standalone favorable conditions for the tropical cyclogenesis of STC in the South China Sea.
Complement factor D regulates collagen type I expression and fibroblast migration to enhance human tendon repair and healing outcomes
Authors: Chen Junyu , Wang Jin , Hart David A. , Zhou Zongke , Ackermann Paul W. , Ahmed Aisha S.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Dense connective tissues (DCTs) such as tendon, ligament, and cartilage are important stabilizers and force transmitters in the musculoskeletal system. The healing processes after DCT injuries are highly variable, often leading to degenerative changes and poor clinical outcome. Biomarkers in relation to repair quality for human DCTs, especially tendon are lacking. This study expands our previous findings and aimed to characterize the mechanisms by which a potential biomarker of good outcomes, complement factor D (CFD), regulates tendon healing.

Methods

Quantitative mass spectrometry (QMS) profiling of tissue biopsies from the inflammatory phase of healing (n = 40 patients) and microdialysates from the proliferative phase of healing (n = 28 patients) were used to identify specific biomarkers for tendon healing. Further bioinformatic and experimental investigations based on primary fibroblasts and fibroblast cell line were used to confirm the identified biomarkers.

Results

The QMS profiling of tissue biopsies from the inflammatory phase of healing identified 769 unique proteins, and microdialysates from the proliferative phase of healing identified 1423 unique proteins in Achilles tendon rupture patients. QMS-profiling showed that CFD expression was higher during the inflammatory- and lower during the proliferative healing phase in the good outcome patients. Further bioinformatic and experimental explorations based on both inflammatory and proliferative fibroblast models demonstrated that CFD potentially improved repair by regulating cell migration and modulating collagen type I (Col1a1) expression. Moreover, it was shown that the enhanced Col1a1 expression, through increased fibroblast migration, was correlated with the validated clinical outcome.

Discussion

The results of the current studies characterized underlying inflammatory- and proliferative healing mechanisms by which CFD potentially improved tendon repair. These findings may lead to improved individualized treatment options, as well the development of effective therapies to promote good long-term clinical outcomes after tendon and other DCT injuries.

Trial registration

http://clinicaltrials.gov, identifiers NCT02318472, NCT01317160.
CircUBXN7 promotes macrophage infiltration and renal fibrosis associated with the IGF2BP2-dependent SP1 mRNA stability in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Lin Ziyue , Lv Dan , Liao Xiaohui , Peng Rui , Liu Handeng , Wu Tianhui , Wu Keqian , Sun Yan , Zhang Zheng
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Inflammatory cell infiltration is a novel hallmark of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), in part, by activated macrophages. Macrophage-to-tubular epithelial cell communication may play an important role in renal fibrosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported in the pathogenesis of various human diseases involving macrophages activation, including DKD. However, the exact mechanism of circRNAs in macrophage infiltration and renal fibrosis of DKD remains obscure.

Methods

In our study, a novel circRNA circUBXN7 was identified in DKD patients using microarray. The function of circUBXN7 in vitro and in vivo was investigated by qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence. Finally, a dual-luciferase reporter assay, ChIP, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation and rescue experiments were performed to investigate the mechanism of circUBXN7.

Results

We demonstrated that the expression of circUBXN7 was significantly upregulated in the plasma of DKD patients and correlated with renal function, which might serve as an independent biomarker for DKD patients. According to investigations, ectopic expression of circUBXN7 promoted macrophage activation, EMT and fibrosis in vitro, and increased macrophage infiltration, EMT, fibrosis and proteinuria in vivo. Mechanistically, circUBXN7 was transcriptionally upregulated by transcription factor SP1 and could reciprocally promote SP1 mRNA stability and activation via directly binding to the m6A-reader IGF2BP2 in DKD.

Conclusion

CircUBXN7 is highly expressed in DKD patients may provide the potential biomarker and therapeutic target for DKD.
Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy and non-coding RNA
Authors: Yang Yang , GuangXuan Hu , GenMeng Wan , MengHuan Li , Bo Chang , XueJie Yi
Published: September 2023

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are common autoimmune diseases that affect skeletal muscle quality and function. The lack of an early diagnosis and treatment can lead to irreversible muscle damage. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play an important role in inflammatory transfer, muscle regeneration, differentiation, and regulation of specific antibody levels and pain in IIMs. ncRNAs can be detected in blood and hair; therefore, ncRNAs detection has great potential for diagnosing, preventing, and treating IIMs in conjunction with other methods. However, the specific roles and mechanisms underlying the regulation of IIMs and their subtypes remain unclear. Here, we review the mechanisms by which micro RNAs and long non-coding RNA-messenger RNA networks regulate IIMs to provide a basis for ncRNAs use as diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets for IIMs.
The multifaceted role of macrophages during acute liver injury
Authors: Hassan Ghada S. , Flores Molina Manuel , Shoukry Naglaa H.
Published: September 2023

The liver is situated at the interface of the gut and circulation where it acts as a filter for blood-borne and gut-derived microbes and biological molecules, promoting tolerance of non-invasive antigens while driving immune responses against pathogenic ones. Liver resident immune cells such as Kupffer cells (KCs), a subset of macrophages, maintain homeostasis under physiological conditions. However, upon liver injury, these cells and others recruited from circulation participate in the response to injury and the repair of tissue damage. Such response is thus spatially and temporally regulated and implicates interconnected cells of immune and non-immune nature. This review will describe the hepatic immune environment during acute liver injury and the subsequent wound healing process. In its early stages, the wound healing immune response involves a necroinflammatory process characterized by partial depletion of resident KCs and lymphocytes and a significant infiltration of myeloid cells including monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMFs) complemented by a wave of pro-inflammatory mediators. The subsequent repair stage includes restoring KCs, initiating angiogenesis, renewing extracellular matrix and enhancing proliferation/activation of resident parenchymal and mesenchymal cells. This review will focus on the multifaceted role of hepatic macrophages, including KCs and MoMFs, and their spatial distribution and roles during acute liver injury.
The future of affordable cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Schaft Niels , Dörrie Jan , Schuler Gerold , Schuler-Thurner Beatrice , Sallam Husam , Klein Shiri , Eisenberg Galit , Frankenburg Shoshana , Lotem Michal , Khatib Areej
Published: September 2023

The treatment of cancer was revolutionized within the last two decades by utilizing the mechanism of the immune system against malignant tissue in so-called cancer immunotherapy. Two main developments boosted cancer immunotherapy: 1) the use of checkpoint inhibitors, which are characterized by a relatively high response rate mainly in solid tumors; however, at the cost of serious side effects, and 2) the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, which were shown to be very efficient in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, but failed to show high clinical effectiveness in solid tumors until now. In addition, active immunization against individual tumors is emerging, and the first products have reached clinical approval. These new treatment options are very cost-intensive and are not financially compensated by health insurance in many countries. Hence, strategies must be developed to make cancer immunotherapy affordable and to improve the cost-benefit ratio. In this review, we discuss the following strategies: 1) to leverage the antigenicity of “cold tumors” with affordable reagents, 2) to use microbiome-based products as markers or therapeutics, 3) to apply measures that make adoptive cell therapy (ACT) cheaper, e.g., the use of off-the-shelf products, 4) to use immunotherapies that offer cheaper platforms, such as RNA- or peptide-based vaccines and vaccines that use shared or common antigens instead of highly personal antigens, 5) to use a small set of predictive biomarkers instead of the “sequence everything” approach, and 6) to explore affordable immunohistochemistry markers that may direct individual therapies.
Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization procedure treated with prednisone
Authors: Piekarska Karolina , Dratwa Marta , Radwan Paweł , Radwan Michał , Bogunia-Kubik Katarzyna , Nowak Izabela
Published: September 2023

Embryo implantation is a key moment in pregnancy. Abnormal production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, their receptors and other immune factors may result in embryo implantation failure and pregnancy loss. The aim of this study was to determine the profile of selected pro- and anti-inflammatory factors in the blood plasma of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and control women who achieved pregnancy after natural conception. The examined patients were administered steroid prednisone. We present results concern the plasma levels of IFN-ɣ, BDNF, LIF, VEGF-A, sTNFR1 and IL-10. We found that IVF patients receiving steroids differed significantly from patients who were not administered such treatment in terms of IFN-γ and IL-10 levels. Moreover, IVF patients differed in secretion of all tested factors with the fertile controls. Our results indicated that women who secrete at least 1409 pg/ml of sTNFR1 have a chance to become pregnant naturally and give birth to a child, while patients after IVF must achieve a concentration of 962.3 pg/ml sTNFR1 in blood plasma for successful pregnancy. In addition, IVF patients secreting VEGF-A above 43.28 pg/ml have a greater risk of miscarriage or a failed transfer in comparison to women secreting below this value. In conclusion, fertile women present a different profile of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors compared to patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF).
Baricitinib with cyclosporine eliminates acute graft rejection in fully mismatched skin and heart transplant models
Authors: Abboud Ramzi , Kim Sena , Staser Karl , Jayasinghe Reyka G. , Lim Sora , Amatya Parmeshwar , Frye C. Corbin , Kopecky Benjamin , Ritchey Julie , Gao Feng , Lavine Kory , Kreisel Daniel , DiPersio John F. , Choi Jaebok
Published: September 2023

Solid organ transplant represents a potentially lifesaving procedure for patients suffering from end-stage heart, lung, liver, and kidney failure. However, rejection remains a significant source of morbidity and immunosuppressive medications have significant toxicities. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are effective immunosuppressants in autoimmune diseases and graft versus host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Here we examine the role of JAK inhibition in preclinical fully major histocompatibility mismatched skin and heart allograft models. Baricitinib combined with cyclosporine A (CsA) preserved fully major histocompatibility mismatched skin grafts for the entirety of a 111-day experimental period. In baricitinib plus CsA treated mice, circulating CD4+T-bet+ T cells, CD8+T-bet+ T cells, and CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells were reduced. Single cell RNA sequencing revealed a unique expression profile in immune cells in the skin of baricitinib plus CsA treated mice, including decreased inflammatory neutrophils and increased CCR2- macrophages. In a fully major histocompatibility mismatched mismatched heart allograft model, baricitinib plus CsA prevented graft rejection for the entire 28-day treatment period compared with 9 days in controls. Our findings establish that the combination of baricitinib and CsA prevents rejection in allogeneic skin and heart graft models and supports the study of JAK inhibitors in human solid organ transplantation.
Tracking semantic relatedness: numeral classifiers guide gaze to visual world objects
Authors: Lobben Marit , Bochynska Agata , Eifring Halvor , Laeng Bruno
Published: September 2023

Directing visual attention toward items mentioned within utterances can optimize understanding the unfolding spoken language and preparing appropriate behaviors. In several languages,numeral classifiersspecify semantic classes of nouns but can also function as reference trackers. Whereas all classifier types function to single out objects for reference in the real world and may assist attentional guidance, we propose that onlysortalclassifiers efficiently guide visual attention by being inherently attached to the nouns' semantics, since container classifiers are pragmatically attached to the nouns they classify, and the default classifiers index a noun without specifying the semantics. By contrast,containerclassifiers are pragmatically attached, anddefaultclassifiers index a noun without specifying the semantics. Using eye tracking and the “visual world paradigm”, we had Chinese speakers (N= 20) listen to sentences and we observed that they looked spontaneously within 150 ms after offset of the Sortal classifier. After about 200 ms the same occurred for the container classifiers, but with the default classifier only after about 700 ms. This looking pattern was absent in a control group of non-Chinese speakers and the Chinese speakers' gaze behavior can therefore only be ascribed to classifier semantics and not to artifacts of the visual objects. Thus, we found that classifier types affect the rapidity of spontaneously looking at the target objects on a screen. These significantly different latencies indicate that the stronger the semantic relatedness between a classifier and its noun, the more efficient the deployment of overt attention.
Vertical distributions of organic matter components in sea ice near Cambridge Bay, Dease Strait, Canadian Archipelago
Authors: Kim Kwanwoo , Ha Sun-Yong , Shin Kyung-Hoon , Kim Jee-Hoon , Mundy C. J. , Dalman Laura A. , Kim Bo Kyung , Lee Dabin , Jang Hyo Keun , Kim Yejin , Park Sanghoon , Lee Sang Heon
Published: September 2023

Ice algae thriving within sea ice play a crucial role in transferring energy to higher trophic levels and influencing biogeochemical processes in polar oceans; however, the distribution of organic matter within the ice interior is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the vertical distribution of organic matter, including chlorophyll a (Chl-a), particulate organic carbon and nitrogen (POC and PON), carbohydrates (CHO), proteins (PRT), lipids (LIP), and food material (FM), within the sea ice. Samples were collected from the bottom, middle, and top sections of the sea ice column near Cambridge Bay during the spring of 2018. Based on the δ13C signature, biochemical composition, and POC contribution of biopolymeric carbon (BPC), the organic substances within the sea ice were predominantly attributed to marine autotrophs. While the highest concentrations of each parameter were observed at the sea ice bottom, notable concentrations were also found in the upper sections. The average sea ice column-integrated Chl-a concentration was 5.05 ± 2.26 mg m−2, with the bottom ice section contributing 59% (S.D. = ± 10%) to the total integration. The column-integrated concentrations of FM, BPC, POC, and PON were 2.05 ± 0.39, 1.10 ± 0.20, 1.47 ± 0.25, and 0.09 ± 0.03 g m−2, respectively. Contributions of the bottom ice section to these column-integrated concentrations varied for each parameter, with values of 20 ± 6, 21 ± 7, 19 ± 5, and 28 ± 7%, respectively. While the bottom ice section exhibited a substantial Chl-a contribution in line with previous studies, significantly higher contributions of the other parameters were observed in the upper sea ice sections. This suggests that the particulate matter within the interior of the sea ice could potentially serve as an additional food source for higher trophic grazers or act as a seeding material for a phytoplankton bloom during the ice melting season. Our findings highlight the importance of comprehensive field measurements encompassing the entire sea ice section to better understand the distribution of organic carbon pools within the sea ice in the Arctic Ocean.
Use of historical isoscapes to develop an estuarine nutrient baseline
Authors: Champlin Lena K. , Woolfolk Andrea , Oczkowski Autumn J. , Rittenhouse Audrey , Gray Andrew B. , Wasson Kerstin , Rahman Farzana I. , Zelanko Paula , Quintana Krupinski Nadine B. , Jeppesen Rikke , Haskins John , Watson Elizabeth B.
Published: September 2023

Coastal eutrophication is a prevalent threat to the healthy functioning of ecosystems globally. While degraded water quality can be detected by monitoring oxygen, nutrient concentrations, and algal abundance, establishing regulatory guidelines is complicated by a lack of baseline data (e.g., pre-Anthropocene). We use historical carbon and nitrogen isoscapes over ~300 years from sediment cores to reconstruct spatial and temporal changes in nutrient dynamics for a central California estuary, Elkhorn Slough, where development and agriculture dramatically enhanced nutrient inputs over the past century. We found strong contrasts between current sediment stable isotopes and those from the recent past, demonstrating shifts exceeding those in previously studied eutrophic estuaries and substantial increases in nutrient inputs. Comparisons of contemporary with historical isoscapes also revealed that nitrogen sources shifted from a historical marine-terrestrial gradient with higher δ15N near the inlet to amplified denitrification at the head and mouth of the modern estuary driven by increased N inputs. Geospatial analysis of historical data suggests that an increase in fertilizer application – rather than population growth or increases in the extent of cultivated land – is chiefly responsible for increasing nutrient loads during the 20th century. This study demonstrates the ability of isotopic and stoichiometric maps to provide important perspectives on long-term shifts and spatial patterns of nutrients that can be used to improve management of nutrient pollution.
Prognostic value of diabetes and metformin use in a real-life population of head and neck cancer patients
Authors: De Falco Vincenzo , Vitale Pasquale , Brancati Christian , Cicero Giuseppe , Auriemma Annunziata , Addeo Raffaele
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Head and neck carcinoma (HNC) is a disease with a poor prognosis despite currently available treatments. The management of patients with this tumor is often complicated by several comorbidities. Among these, diabetes is the second most frequent and its influence on the prognosis is not known.

Methods

In this work, we collected data on progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of one hundred twenty-three patients with HNC who received biweekly cetuximab maintenance treatment after first-line chemotherapy. We then compared the survival of nondiabetic patients versus diabetics’ one.

Results

Surprisingly, both PFS (4 vs. 5 months, HR 2.297, p < 0.0001) and OS (7 vs. 10 months, HR 3.138, p < 0.0001) were in favor of diabetic patients, even after excluding other clinical confounding factors. In addition, we also studied survivals in patients taking metformin, a widely used oral antidiabetic drug that has demonstrated antitumor efficacy in some cancers. Indeed, diabetic patients taking metformin had better PFS and OS than those not taking it, 7 vs. 5 months (HR 0.56, p = 0.0187) and 11 vs. 8.5 months (HR 0.53, p = 0.017), respectively.

Discussion

In conclusion, real-world outcomes of biweekly cetuximab maintenance remain comparable to clinical trials. The prognostic role of diabetes and metformin was confirmed to be significant in our series, but further prospective studies are needed for a definitive evaluation.
Symbiotic diazotrophs in response to yak grazing and Tibetan sheep grazing in Qinghai-Tibetan plateau grassland soils
Authors: Sun Shengnan , Zhao Yi , Dong Quanmin , Yang Xiaoxia , Liu Yuzhen , Liu Wentao , Shi Guang , Liu Wenting , Zhang Chunping , Yu Yang
Published: September 2023

Grazing by local livestock is the traditional human practice in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau grassland, and moderate intensity grazing can maintain high productivity and diversity of alpine grassland. Grazing ecosystems are often nitrogen-limited, but N2-fixing communities in response to yak grazing and Tibetan sheep grazing in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau grassland have remained underexplored. In this study, we applied quantitative PCR quantitation and MiSeq sequencing of nifH under yak grazing and Tibetan grazing through a manipulated grazing experiment on an alpine grassland. The results showed that the grazing treatments significantly increased the soil ammonium nitrogen (AN) and total phosphorus (TP), but reduced the diazotrophs abundance. Compared with no grazing treatment, the composition of diazotrophs could be maximally maintained when the ratio of yak and Tibetan sheep were 1:2. The foraging strategies of grazing livestock reduced the legumes biomass, and thus reduced the diazotrophs abundance. Data analysis suggested that the direct key factors in regulating diazotrophs are AN and TP, and the changes of these two soil chemical properties were affected by the dung and urine of herbivore assemblages. Overall, these results indicated that the mixed grazing with a ratio of yak to Tibetan sheep as 1:2 can stabilize the soil diazotrophsic community, suggesting that MG12 are more reasonable grazing regimes in this region.
Gut microbiome association with brain imaging markers, APOE genotype, calcium and vegetable intakes, and obesity in healthy aging adults
Authors: Hammond Tyler C. , Green Stefan J. , Jacobs Yael , Chlipala George E. , Xing Xin , Heil Sally , Chen Anna , Aware Chetan , Flemister Abeoseh , Stromberg Arnold , Balchandani Priti , Lin Ai-Ling
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Advanced age is a significant factor in changes to brain physiology and cognitive functions. Recent research has highlighted the critical role of the gut microbiome in modulating brain functions during aging, which can be influenced by various factors such as apolipoprotein E (APOE) genetic variance, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, and dietary intake. However, the associations between the gut microbiome and these factors, as well as brain structural, vascular, and metabolic imaging markers, have not been well explored.

Methods

We recruited 30 community dwelling older adults between age 55-85 in Kentucky. We collected the medical history from the electronic health record as well as the Dietary Screener Questionnaire. We performed APOE genotyping with an oral swab, gut microbiome analysis using metagenomics sequencing, and brain structural, vascular, and metabolic imaging using MRI.

Results

Individuals with APOE e2 and APOE e4 genotypes had distinct microbiota composition, and higher level of pro-inflammatory microbiota were associated higher BMI and diabetes. In contrast, calcium- and vegetable-rich diets were associated with microbiota that produced short chain fatty acids leading to an anti-inflammatory state. We also found that important gut microbial butyrate producers were correlated with the volume of the thalamus and corpus callosum, which are regions of the brain responsible for relaying and processing information. Additionally, putative proinflammatory species were negatively correlated with GABA production, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Furthermore, we observed that the relative abundance of bacteria from the family Eggerthellaceae, equol producers, was correlated with white matter integrity in tracts connecting the brain regions related to language, memory, and learning.

Discussion

These findings highlight the importance of gut microbiome association with brain health in aging population and could have important implications aimed at optimizing healthy brain aging through precision prebiotic, probiotic or dietary interventions.
Altered auditory processes pattern predicts cognitive decline in older adults: different modalities with aging
Authors: Yang Junjie , Tang Xiaochen , Lin Shaohui , Jiang Lijuan , Wei Kai , Cao Xinyi , Wan Lingshan , Wang Jijun , Ding Hansheng , Li Chunbo
Published: September 2023

Background

Cohort studies have shown that older adults with hearing impairment as assessed by self-report or behavioral measures are at higher risk of developing dementia many years later. A fine-grained examination of auditory processing holds promise for more effective screening of older adults at risk of cognitive decline. The auditory mismatch negativity (MMN) measure enables one to gain insights into the neurobiological substrate of central auditory processing. We hypothesized that older adults showing compromised indexes of MMN at baseline would exhibit cognitive decline at the one-year follow-up.

Methods

We performed cognitive evaluations with the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS; Form A and Form B) in 108 community-dwelling older adults and acquired EEG via the classic passive auditory oddball paradigm at baseline and 12-month follow-up.

Results

The results showed that young-old adults with future cognitive decline showed a decrease in MMN peak amplitude, accompanied by a forward-shifting latency, whereas in older adults it showed a delay in MMN latency, and unchanged MMN peak amplitude at midline electrodes (Fz, FCz and Cz). Furthermore, the peak amplitude of the MMN decreases with age in older adults aged 70–80 years rather than 60–70 years or > 80 years.

Conclusion

The altered MMN model exists in different aging stages and it’s a promising electrophysiological predictor of cognitive decline in older adults. In addition, further research is needed to determine the neural mechanisms and potential implications of the accelerated decline in MMN in older adults.
Interactive effects of locus coeruleus structure and catecholamine synthesis capacity on cognitive function
Authors: Chen Hsiang-Yu , Parent Jourdan H. , Ciampa Claire J. , Dahl Martin J. , Hämmerer Dorothea , Maass Anne , Winer Joseph R. , Yakupov Renat , Inglis Ben , Betts Matthew J. , Berry Anne S.
Published: September 2023

Background

The locus coeruleus (LC) produces catecholamines (norepinephrine and dopamine) and is implicated in a broad range of cognitive functions including attention and executive function. Recent advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approaches allow for the visualization and quantification of LC structure. Human research focused on the LC has since exploded given the LC’s role in cognition and relevance to current models of psychopathology and neurodegenerative disease. However, it is unclear to what extent LC structure reflects underlying catecholamine function, and how LC structure and neurochemical function are collectively associated with cognitive performance.

Methods

A partial least squares correlation (PLSC) analysis was applied to 19 participants’ LC structural MRI measures and catecholamine synthesis capacity measures assessed using [18F]Fluoro-m-tyrosine ([18F]FMT) positron emission tomography (PET).

Results

We found no direct association between LC-MRI and LC-[18F]FMT measures for rostral, middle, or caudal portions of the LC. We found significant associations between LC neuroimaging measures and neuropsychological performance that were driven by rostral and middle portions of the LC, which is in line with LC cortical projection patterns. Specifically, associations with executive function and processing speed arose from contributions of both LC structure and interactions between LC structure and catecholamine synthesis capacity.

Conclusion

These findings leave open the possibility that LC MRI and PET measures contribute unique information and suggest that their conjoint use may increase sensitivity to brain-behavior associations in small samples.
Structure and function of neocortical layer 6b
Authors: Feldmeyer Dirk
Published: September 2023

Cortical layer 6b is considered by many to be a remnant of the subplate that forms during early stages of neocortical development, but its role in the adult is not well understood. Its neuronal complement has only recently become the subject of systematic studies, and its axonal projections and synaptic input structures have remained largely unexplored despite decades of research into neocortical function. In recent years, however, layer 6b (L6b) has attracted increasing attention and its functional role is beginning to be elucidated. In this review, I will attempt to provide an overview of what is currently known about the excitatory and inhibitory neurons in this layer, their pre- and postsynaptic connectivity, and their functional implications. Similarities and differences between different cortical areas will be highlighted. Finally, layer 6b neurons are highly responsive to several neuropeptides such as orexin/hypocretin, neurotensin and cholecystokinin, in some cases exclusively. They are also strongly controlled by neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and norepinephrine. The interaction of these neuromodulators with L6b microcircuitry and its functional consequences will also be discussed.