bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological Variations in the Local Populations of the Soil Collembola Proisotoma (Clavisotoma) fitchioides (Denis 1947) (Insecta) in Kerala
Authors: Prabhoo N.R.
Published: June 2024

Morphological Variations in Priostoma(Clavisolonia) filchioides collected From Soils of two neighboring localities are presented. From A obtained from one locality was well pigmented while Form B from the other locality was poorly pigmented in comparison with the former. Variations exist in the mean body length and in the mean ratios, antennal length/head diagonal, trunk/tibiotarsus III, trunk/furcula, and manubrium dens + mucro. Application of ‘t’ test showed that while the difference in the mean body length between Form A and Form B was insignificant, the difference in the mean of the ratios was highly Significant. Together with the reduction in the pigmentation of the body a tendency for the reduction in the length of the appendages in relation to the body length and a reduction in the number of a setae in the trunk segments was noted in form B. The patchy distribution of the species was thought to be responsible for maintaining the kind of variations observed in the species studied.
Audit Energi Pada Gedung Universitas Pertamina Menggunakan Metode AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process)
Authors: Nugroho Muhamad FE , Pramudito Wahyu Agung , Prayogi Soni
Published: June 2024

Efisiensi energi di sektor pendidikan sangat penting untuk mengurangi biaya operasional dan dampak lingkungan. Gedung Universitas Pertamina, sebagai konsumen energi signifikan, memerlukan audit energi untuk mengidentifikasi peluang penghematan. Metode Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) dipilih untuk menentukan prioritas tindakan efisiensi energi secara objektif dan terstruktur. Audit ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan performa energi gedung, mendukung keberlanjutan, dan mengurangi emisi gas rumah kaca, sekaligus menjadi model bagi institusi pendidikan lainnya dalam pengelolaan energi yang efektif dan berkelanjutan. Proses audit ini melibatkan identifikasi dan analisis konsumsi energi pada berbagai fasilitas gedung, serta penentuan prioritas tindakan efisiensi energi yang dapat diimplementasikan. Metode AHP digunakan untuk memfasilitasi pengambilan keputusan dengan membandingkan berbagai kriteria dan alternatif tindakan secara sistematis dan objektif. Hasil audit menunjukkan bahwa terdapat beberapa area dengan potensi penghematan energi yang signifikan, seperti sistem pencahayaan, pendingin udara, dan penggunaan peralatan listrik. Rekomendasi yang dihasilkan meliputi penerapan teknologi hemat energi, optimalisasi operasional peralatan, serta edukasi dan pelatihan bagi pengguna gedung mengenai praktik hemat energi. Implementasi hasil audit ini diharapkan dapat meningkatkan efisiensi energi di Gedung Universitas Pertamina, mengurangi biaya operasional, dan berkontribusi pada upaya pelestarian lingkungan.
ANALISIS KARAKTERISTIK FISIK BIOBRIKET DARI CAMPURAN TEMPURUNG KELAPA DAN CANGKANG PALA
Authors: Arsyad Yusrizal , Arif Nurfadhilah
Published: June 2024

Biobriket dipandang sebagai energi alternatif yang ramah lingkungan. Dengan demikian, telah banyak dikembangkan biobriket dengan berbagai komposisi. Biobriket berupa arang yang dibuat berbentuk batang dengan bahan dasar dari limbah pertanian dan/atau limbah peternakan. Pembuatan biobriket membutuhkan campuran bahan dengan biomassa. Pada penelitian ini digunakan bibriket yang terbuat dari tempurung kelapa dan cangkang pala. Adapun, tujuan penelitian ini untuk menganalisis laju pembakaran biobriket yang telah dibuat tersebut. Sifat fisik dari biobriket tempurung kelapa dan cangkang pala diukur dengan menganalisis mudah tidaknya terbakar dengan mengamati suhu dan waktu terbakarnya. Sifat fisik lainnya yaitu menentukan densitas dengan menghitung rata-rata pembagian massa dan volume biobriket. Selain itu, ditentukan pula laju perambatan api. Sifat fisik ini dianalisis untuk menentukan kualitas dari biobriket yang terbuat dari tempurung kelapa cangkang pala. Berdasarkan pada hasil analisis diperoleh bahwa biobriket campuran tersebut mudah terbakar. Biobriket campuran tersebut memiliki densitas rata-rata yaitu 0.71 gr/cm3. Adapun  rata-rata laju perambatan yaitu 0.15 cm/s dengan waktu pijar rata-rata yaitu 20.9 menit.
Identifikasi Jenis -Jenis Mangrove di Kawasan Hutan Mangrove Desa Maidi Kecamatan Oba Selatan
Authors: Husen Sriayu I. , Hikmah Nur , Nurdin Aqshan Sadikin
Published: June 2024

Mangrove yang berada di Desa Maidi Kecamatan Oba Selatan memiliki berbagai macam ekosistem yang menyebabkan keragaman jenis tumbuhan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui jenis mangrove apa saja yang terdapat di kawasan hutan mangrove Desa Maidi Kecamatan Oba Selatan dan bagaimana keanekaragaman jenis mangrove di kawasan hutan mangrove Desa Maidi Kecamatan Oba Selatan. Metode yang digunakan yaitu metode kualitatif yang bertujuan untuk menjelaskan suatu fenomena mendalam dan dilakukan dengan pengumpulan data sedalam-dalamnya. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian identifikasi jenis mangrove di kawasan hutan mangrove Desa Maidi Kecamatan Oba Selatan, terdapat 3 jenis mangrove yang ditemukan dan memiliki tingkat keragaman lebih sedikit atau rendah. Jenis-jenis Mangrove yang berada di lokasi penelitian yaitu: Avicennia Alba, Rhizophora Apiculata, dan Avecennia Lanata. Keanekagaman jenis (H’) mangrove di kawasan hutan mangrove Desa Maidi Kecamatan Oba Selatan sebesar 0,58591 yang menunjukan tingkat keanakaragaman yang sedikit atau rendah.
Kata kunci:  Desa Maidi, Keanekaragaman jenis, Mangrove.
A CASE OF SIGMOID VOLVULUS ASSOCIATED WITH CONSTIPATION
Authors: Oktay Mehmet Ali , Akyüz Oktay Selin , Çelenk Merve , Küçük Demet
Published: June 2024

Sigmoid volvulus (SV) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in adolescents. Delay in diagnosis may lead to complications such as necrosis and perforation of the volvulated colon. Clinical presentations are non-specific and the diagnosis is based on high clinical suspicion. We report a 14-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and no stool output. It was learned that the patient had these complaints for the last four years and had been receiving constipation treatment. In the standing abdominal X ray, the classic coffee bean finding seen in the sigmoid volvulus was found. A diagnostic laparotomy was performed, which revealed a 180-degree rotation of the mesentery and a significant diameter difference in the colon due to significant dilatation proximal to the volvulus. This case with SV without complications reminds us that SV should be considered as a differential in patients presenting with acute or recurrent abdominal pain and intestinal obstruction.
A case of Perforated Retroperitoneal Appendicitis Mimicking Pyelonephritis
Authors: Cankorkmaz Levent , Şalk İsmail , Atalar Mehmet , Köylüoğlu Gökhan
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Appendicitis is one of the most commonly diagnosed surgical diseases in childhood with emergency abdominal pain. Retrocecal retroperitoneal appendicitis is uncommon and potentially difficult to diagnose. This condition might present with atypical clinical, and radiological signs. Here, we present a patient with perforated retrocecal appendicitis in whom the clinical findings mimicked acute pyelonephritis.
Case Report: A 3-year-old boy presented with right flank pain, fever, and vomiting since a two days. The abdomen was soft but right costovertebral angle tenderness positive. There was pyuria. The clinical impression was pyelonephritis. Ultrasonography showed perirenal fluid collection but did not show any collections pericecal area. In the Multi-detector CT (MDCT) MDCT a long inflamed retrocecal retroperitoneal appendix was seen with surrounding inflammation that extended to anterior pararenal space, and retroperitoneal air. At surgery, there was retrocecal retroperitoneal appendicitis with perforation and retroperitoneal collection. Appendectomy and drainage were performed.
Conclusions: Patients with retroperitoneal appendicitis is that these patients often present with atypical and less severe abdominal complaints. In this situation, MDCT could be a rapid and efficient tool for localizing the appendix and for the differential diagnosis.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in puerperal women
Authors: Muniandy Sadesvaran , Khalid Asmalia , Hamzah Mohd Lotfi , Hamad@ahmad Hafidahwati
Published: June 2024

Introduction
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is an rare event, even more so among patient from puerperal period. The incidence risk is of 0.11%. It is often occurs when a patient is prescribed on antipsychotic for long duration of time.

Case Report
We report a case of a female patient, two weeks in post natal period presented with altered behaviour at home. She has prior admission being treated for post partum psychosis with anti psychotic. However antipschotic was withheld as she developed extrapyramidal symptoms while in ward. At home, she developed fever, altered sensorium and fitting-like-episode. On arrival patient was unresponsive and with features of impaired airway patency. Her had unstable vital sign with elevated blood pressure, heart rate and temperature. Brain imagine came back normal, excluding brain pathology. She was diagnosed as neuroleptic malignant syndrome as fulfilled features of elevated creatine kinase. She was treated symptomatic by providing first aid to reduce temperature and started on benzodiazepines. She was subsequently admitted to intensive ward and responded well to treatment

Conclusion
Physician must be familiar and have high index of suspicious to identify and treat neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Without prompt treatment, it is highly fatal.
A Misleading Case: Lichtenberg Figures Caused by Illegal Use of Electricity from High-Voltage Transformer
Authors: Arslan Bahadır
Published: June 2024

Although injuries with high voltage are relatively rare in emergency services, their morbidity and mortality are high. Findings in the body after the event can guide the diagnosis and treatment. A 21-year-old female patient was brought by her relatives with the complaint of electric shock. Lichtenberg figures, which are known to occur because of high voltage, were observed in the body examination of the patient, who stated that the incident occurred after contact with an open cable at home. When the anamnesis was detailed again, it was learned that she entered the transformer for illegal use. Voltage information is key in electrical injury management. With criminal concerns, patients may describe events differently. The clues in the examination, like Lichtenberg figures, can change the management of the patient.
A Prodigious Diagnosis of Acute Epiploic Appendagitis: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Gür Ali
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Appendices Epiploicae, also referred as Epiploic appendages, are 50-100 fat filled finger like projection from the serosal surface of large intestine. Epiploic Appendagitis is a self-limiting, benign disease process which results from the inflammation of these Appendices Epiplocae or thrombosis of the draining vein of Appendices Epiplocae.
Case Report: We report a case of 49 year old female, generally well, presented to the Emergency Department with complaints of a painful lump in her left iliac fossa growing in size for last four weeks. She presented to us because of acute increase in size and pain, resulting in significant discomfort. Owing to her history of cervical intra epithelial neoplasia we arranged a CT abdomen and pelvis with contrast fearing some sinister underlying ongoing pathology causing her symptoms. But to our surprise CT reported a underrated cause of her abdominal pain, Epiploic Appendagitis (EA). We were surprised of her presentation as a hard abdominal lump which was quite unusual for EA to present as. We assume it was secondary to an extensive underlying local inflammatory reaction. Patient was reassured and treated with NSAID, antibiotics and follow up with surgery ambulatory care.
Conclusion: We authors are reporting this case of primary epiploic appendagitis because we think every emergency and primary care physicians should be aware of this very rare condition which might present to emergency as an acute abdominal presentation mimicking other common presentations like acute diverticulitis and acute appendicitis. Being aware of this condition is utmost important to diagnose it early and avoid more invasive surgical managements and unnecessary antibiotic usage.
Stress – deformation relations of Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood under different conditions
Authors: Şendağ Akın , As Nusret
Published: June 2024

Aim of this study is to determine the effect of moisture content on the stress and deformation values of scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood on bending strength, modulus of elasticity in bending and compression strength parallel to the fibers values. These were tested using TS ISO standards under air dry, over fiber saturation point (FSP) moisture content, steamed over FSP and cooled conditions and stress – deformation values were obtained. In addition, the stress and deformation values at the elastic limit and the deformation values of the material after the elastic limit were examined. As a result, it was determined that moisture content and steaming treatment caused a decrease in all resistance types but increased the amount of deformation. While the averages of the over FSP and steamed samples were different in bending resistance and modulus of elasticity in bending, it was determined that there was no difference between the pretreatment groups in compression strength. It can be said that the strength and deformation values of the materials to be used especially in high moisture content areas should be selected in accordance with the place of use according to the results of the study.
REPLEACEMENT MESIN FRAIS WMD-25VL PENGGERAK KONVENSIONAL MENJADI PENGGERAK OTOMATIS MENGGUNAKAN MOTOR STEPPER NEMA 23 3A DAN LIMIT SWITCH ME-8108
Authors: AHFANDI ACHMAD , Basuki  , Fajar Satriya Hadi  , Mochamad Arif Irfa’i
Published: June 2024

Dudukan motor stepper memiliki 3 axis yaitu axis X, axis Y dan axis Z. Desain yang digunakan untuk membuat dudukan menggunakan Autodesk Inventor 2017. Setiap dudukan memilki ukuran yang berbeda. Axis X panjang 179mm, lebar 77,5mm dan tebal 10mm. Axis Y panjang 118mm, lebar 58 mm dan tebal 10mm. Axis Z panjang 150mm, lebar 100mm dan tebal 10mm. Kinerja limit switch ME-8108 sama seperti pada saklar lampu ON/OFF yaitu hanya akan terhubung pada saat katupnya ditekan dan akan terputus saat katup tidak ditekan. Pada saat axis bergerak dan saat sumbu axis melewati garis yang ditentukan, maka saklar akan menekan dan axis akan otomatis berhenti. Pengembangan mesin ini menggunakan R&D (research and development). Mencari sumber dari studi literatur, membuat desain mesin frais CNC WMD-25VL,desain  dudukan motor stepper, merakit motor stepper yang dihubungkan pada axis dan merakit limit switch yang dihubungkan pada axis. Hasil pengembangan mesin frais WMD-25VL  ini telah bekerja dengan baik sesuai dengan fungsinya. Untuk uji fungsional hasil validasi telah di uji oleh tim validator mendapatkan 95%. Uji kelayakan hasil validasi telah di uji oleh tim validator mendapatkan 95%. Hasil rubrik alat kendali pengembangan alat  mesin frais CNC WMD-25VL bahwa mesin ini dikategorikan sangat baik.
ANALISIS PENGARUH VARIASI UKURAN SPROCKET TERHADAP DAYA DAN TORSI MESIN SEPEDA MOTOR HONDA SUPRA X 125 TAHUN 2008
Authors: Mochamad Sulis Tio Raharjo  , Mochamad Arif Irfa’i  , Mohammad Munib Rosadi
Published: June 2024

Hasil penelitian ini menujukkan bahwa hasil pengujian dyno test, dengan ukuran sprocket standart mendapatkan hasil torsi tertinggi pada Rpm 5400 dengan nilai rata-rata 7.55 Nm, sedangkan untuk sprocket ukuran 37 mendapatkan hasil torsi tertinggi Rpm 5400 dengan nilai rata-rata 7.915 Nm, dan untuk ukuran sprocket 38 mendapatkan hasil torsi tertinggi pada Rpm 5400 dengan nilai rata-rata 7.695 Nm. Kesimpulannya torsi tertinggirata-rata 7.915Hp di Rpm 5400. Dan untuk daya mendapatkan hasil pengujian dyno test, dengan ukuran sprocket standart mendapatkan hasil daya tertinggi pada Rpm 6800dengannilai rata-rata 8.725 Hp, sedangkan untuk ukuransprocket37 mendapat hasil daya tertinggi pada Rpm 6400dengan nilai rata-rata 9.21 Hp, dan untuk ukuran sprocket 38 mendapatkan hasil daya tertinggi pada Rpm 7000dengan nilai rata-rata 9.065 Hp. Kesimpulannya daya tertinggirata-rata 9.21 Hp di Rpm 6400.
PENGARUH SPINDLE SPEED DAN FEED RATE TERHADAP KEKASARAN PERMUKAAN AL 6061
Authors: Ahmad Chandra Aditiya  , Mochamad Arif Irfa’I  , Fajar Satriya Hadi  , Basuki
Published: June 2024

Kemajuan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi terjadi dengan sangat cepat, sehingga menjadi lebih kontemporer dan kompleks. Akhirnya, kita membutuhkan mesin yang mampu memproduksi barang dengan kualitas setinggi mungkin. Salah satu solusi dari permasalahan tersebut adalah pemanfaatan mesin CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled).Mesin yang dikontrol secara numerik komputer ini memiliki tingkat ketelitian dan ketelitian dimensi yang tinggi, serta waktu produksi yang lebih cepat, lebih efisien, dan tingkat produktivitas keseluruhan yang tinggi. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada benda kerja jenis Alumunium 6061 dan variasi spindle dan feeding yang dilakukan di Mesin Milling Richon Tipe XK-7132A untuk mengetahui hasil kekasaran permukaan yang dihasilkan. Spindle speed yang diberikan dengan variasi 3500 Rpm; 4000 Rpm; dan 4500 Rpm dan feed rate yang digunakan ialah dengan variasi kecepatan 200 mm/min dan 300 mm/min serta. Pengujian pada setiap specimen menggunakan alat Surface roughness Tester dan dilakukan pada seluruh specimen, penelitian ini menggunakan proses eksperimen dengan pemaparan hasil penelitian menggunakan metode deskriptif kuantitatif. Hasil dari penelitian ini yaitu tingkat kekasaran permukaan tertinggi ter pada variasi spindle speed 3500 Rpm menggunakan feed rate 300 mm/min yang menghasilkan Ra sebesar 0,86 µm. Sedangkan hasil kekasaran terendah didapat pada variasi spindle speed 4500 Rpm  dan feed rate 300 mm/min  dengan nilai kekasaran yang dihasilkan 0,37 µm. Diketahui bahwa pada spindle speed 4500 Rpm akan menghasilkan kekasaran terendah pada feed rate 200 mm/min . Namun pada penggunaan spindle speed  4500 Rpm akan didapat kekasaran terbaik pada feed rate terbesar yaitu 300 mm/min. Sehingga disimpulkan bahwa terjadi pengaruh pada setiap penggunaan variasi spindle speed dan feed rate terhadap hasil kekasaran permukaan.
Analisis Pengaruh Variasi Media Pendingin Dan Kuat Arus Terhadap Kekuatan Tarik Baja ST-37 Menggunakan Pengelasan SMAW
Authors: Rachman Ali  , Mohammad Munib Rosadi  , Basuki  , Fajar Satriya Hadi
Published: June 2024

Las SMAW merupakan suatu proses penyambungan logam dengan menggunakan tenaga listrik sebagai sumber panas dan menggunakan elektroda sebagai bahan tambahnya. Pendingin merupakan suatu substansi yang berfungsi dalam menentukan kecepatan pendinginan yang dilakukan terhadap material yang telah diuji dalam perlakuan panas yakni pada proses pengelasan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh variasi arus las dan media pendingin pada proses pengelasan SMAW terhadap kekuatan tarik yang dihasilkan. Hasil dari penelitian ini yaitu nilai kekuatan tarik pada penggunaan arus 125 A lebih besar dibandingkan dengan arus 90 A meskipun dengan penggunaan media pendingin yang berbeda.Sedangkan untuk media pendingin air menghasilkan nilai yang lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan pendingin oli.Sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa terjadi pengaruh antara penggunaan arus yang digunakan yang mana semakin tingi arus yang digunakan maka semakin besar pula nilai kekuatan tarik yang dihasilkan.
Evaluation of source–sink manipulation through defoliation treatments in promising bread wheat lines under optimal irrigation and rainfed conditions
Authors: Ershadimanesh Khosro , Siosemardeh Adel , Hoseeinpanahi Farzad
Published: June 2024

The source–sink (S-S) ratio during the grain-filling period is crucial for wheat crop yield. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative sensitivity of grain yield in response to treatments of S-S ratio changes to determine the extent of S-S limitation during grain filling in modern wheat genotypes. The S-S manipulation treatments included four levels: check (CH), removal of flag leaf (RFL), removal of all leaves (RAL), and removal of the upper half of the spikes (RHS). The results showed significant differences between genotypes (pb< 0.001%) in all traits. Drought stress decreased grain weight per spike (GWS) (g) and grain yield (GY) (kg/ha) by 18% and 25%, respectively. The average reduction in GWS under irrigation and rainfed conditions was 8.25% and 6.71% for RFL and 12.25% and 11.15% for RAL, respectively. By RFL and RAL, increasing the remobilization from the stem and spike straw helped to reduce the effects of source limitation. Also, by RHS, the reduction in photosynthetic materials production in both conditions was only equivalent to 38% and 29% of the expected values, respectively, which shows the presence of strong sinks in vegetative organs (stem and spike) compared to grains. Vegetative organs seem to have a larger sink for the uptake of photosynthetic materials than grains when the source–sink ratio increases. However, high-yield genotypes showed more severe source limitation, while low-yield genotypes showed more relative sink limitation. Overall, to increase the yield potential in high-yielding genotypes, photosynthetic sources and sinks in low-yielding genotypes should be improved.
Postprandial glycemic response to a high-protein diabetes-specific nutritional shake compared to isocaloric instant oatmeal in people with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, controlled, crossover trial
Authors: Thomas Sara , Besecker Beth , Choe Yong , Christofides Elena
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Minimizing postprandial glucose response is an important goal for overall diabetes management. Diabetes-specific nutritional shakes (DSNS) have been clinically shown to minimize postprandial glucose response in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) compared to high-glycemic foods. However, it is unknown how a high-protein, low-fat DSNS impacts the GLP-1 response.

Methods

We tested the postprandial glucose, insulin, and GLP-1 response to a high-protein, low-fat diabetes-specific nutritional shake (DSNS-HP) compared to isocaloric instant oatmeal (IOM) in a randomized, controlled, crossover study in adults with T2DM (n = 24). Participants were randomly selected to receive IOM or DSNS-HP on two test days. Glucose, insulin, and total GLP-1 concentration were measured at baseline and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 min postprandially.

Results

Compared to IOM, the glucose-positive area under the curve (pAUC) was significantly lower (P = .021). DSNS-HP significantly increased GLP-1 pAUC response by 213% (P <.001) with a corresponding increase in insulin pAUC (P = .033) compared to IOM.

Discussion

A high-protein, low-fat DSNS leads to favorable changes in GLP-1 response and is a suitable option to minimize blood glucose response in people with type 2 diabetes.
Ceftazidime/avibactam resistance is associated with PER-3-producing ST309 lineage in Chilean clinical isolates of non-carbapenemase producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Soto Katherine D. , Alcalde-Rico Manuel , Ugalde Juan A. , Olivares-Pacheco Jorge , Quiroz Valeria , Brito Bárbara , Rivas Lina M. , Munita José M. , García Patricia C. , Wozniak Aniela
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Ceftazidime/avibactam (CZA) is indicated against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, particularly those that are carbapenem resistant. CZA resistance in P. aeruginosa producing PER, a class A extended-spectrum β-lactamase, has been well documented in vitro. However, data regarding clinical isolates are scarce. Our aim was to analyze the contribution of PER to CZA resistance in non-carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa clinical isolates that were ceftazidime and/or carbapenem non-susceptible.

Methods

Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined through agar dilution and broth microdilution, while blaPER gene was screened through PCR. All PER-positive isolates and five PER-negative isolates were analyzed through Whole Genome Sequencing. The mutational resistome associated to CZA resistance was determined through sequence analysis of genes coding for PBPs 1b, 3 and 4, MexAB-OprM regulators MexZ, MexR, NalC and NalD, AmpC regulators AmpD and AmpR, and OprD porin. Loss of blaPER-3 gene was induced in a PER-positive isolate by successive passages at 43°C without antibiotics.

Results

Twenty-six of 287 isolates studied (9.1%) were CZA-resistant. Thirteen of 26 CZA-resistant isolates (50%) carried blaPER. One isolate carried blaPER but was CZA-susceptible. PER-producing isolates had significantly higher MICs for CZA, amikacin, gentamicin, ceftazidime, meropenem and ciprofloxacin than non-PER-producing isolates. All PER-producing isolates were ST309 and their blaPER-3 gene was associated to ISCR1, an insertion sequence known to mobilize adjacent DNA. PER-negative isolates were classified as ST41, ST235 (two isolates), ST395 and ST253. PER-negative isolates carried genes for narrow-spectrum β-lactamases and the mutational resistome showed that all isolates had one major alteration in at least one of the genes analyzed. Loss of blaPER-3 gene restored susceptibility to CZA, ceftolozane/tazobactam and other β-lactamsin the in vitro evolved isolate.

Discussion

PER-3-producing ST309 P. aeruginosa is a successful multidrug-resistant clone with blaPER-3 gene implicated in resistance to CZA and other β-lactams.
Improving masked communication: the case for transparent masks
Authors: McCrackin Sarah D. , Ristic Jelena
Published: June 2024

Clear and compassionate communication is tantamount to quality of care and patient wellbeing. Yet, much of communication in healthcare occurs with lower faces visually hidden behind opaque face masks. Visual occlusion of the face by masks impairs both verbal and nonverbal communication, including recognition of basic emotions, perceptions of trustworthiness, emotional understanding, and empathic responding. This piece presents a brief overview of the new COVID-19 inspired literature which shows that visual face occlusion creates significant communication barriers which can be reduced by wearing transparent instead of opaque masks.
Remote sensing and machine learning to improve aerial wildlife population surveys
Authors: Converse Rowan L. , Lippitt Christopher D. , Koneff Mark D. , White Timothy P. , Weinstein Benjamin G. , Gibbons Richard , Stewart David R. , Fleishman Abram B. , Butler Matthew J. , Sesnie Steven E. , Harris Grant M.
Published: June 2024

Technological and methodological advances in remote sensing and machine learning have created new opportunities for advancing wildlife surveys. We assembled a Community of Practice (CoP) to capitalize on these developments to explore improvements to the efficiency and effectiveness of aerial wildlife monitoring from a management perspective. The core objective of the CoP is to organize the development and testing of remote sensing and machine learning methods to improve aerial wildlife population surveys that support management decisions. Beginning in 2020, the CoP collaboratively identified the natural resource management decisions that are informed by wildlife survey data with a focus on waterbirds and marine wildlife. We surveyed our membership to establish 1) what management decisions they were using wildlife count data to inform; 2) how these count data were collected prior to the advent of remote sensing/machine learning methods; 3) the impetus for transitioning to a remote sensing/machine learning methodological framework; and 4) the challenges practitioners face in transitioning to this framework. This paper documents these findings and identifies research priorities for moving toward operational remote sensing-based wildlife surveys in service of wildlife management.
Comparison of “Huaxi-1” or “histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate” cardioplegia in an animal model
Authors: Yu Xiang , Xiong Wen , Zhang Jie , Lin Jing , Wang Bo , Huang Hong , Du Lei , Xiong Jiyue
Published: June 2024

Background

Using a pig model of cardiopulmonary bypass, we compared outcomes after cardioplegia either with our in-house “Huaxi-1” solution containing natural blood and crystalloid or with the entirely crystalloid, commercially available “histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate” solution.

Methods

Cardiopulmonary bypass was established in 13 healthy male pigs. Twelve of those animals were randomized to receive a single dose of either Huaxi-1 or entirely crystalloid cardioplegia, while the remaining animal was assigned to receive Huaxi-1 without randomization. All animals were then subjected to whole-heart ischemia for 90 min, followed by 2 h of reperfusion, after which myocardial injury was assessed in terms of cardiac function, myocardial pathology and levels of biomarkers in plasma, while levels of high-energy phosphate in myocardium were assayed using liquid chromatography.

Results

Animals given Huaxi-1 cardioplegia required significantly less time to be weaned off bypass, they received significantly lower doses of norepinephrine, and they showed significantly higher levels (mean ± SD) of adenosine triphosphate (14 ± 4 vs. 8 ± 2 µg/mg, P = 0.005), adenosine diphosphate (16 ± 2 vs. 13 ± 2 µg/mg, P = 0.046), and total adenine nucleotide (37 ± 4 vs. 30 ± 3 µg/mg, P = 0.006) in myocardium after 2 h of reperfusion. They also showed less severe bleeding, edema and injury to mitochondria and myofibers in myocardium. The two groups did not differ significantly in doses of inotropic drugs received, cardiac output or levels of biomarkers in plasma.

Conclusions

In this animal model of healthy hearts subjected to 90 min of ischemia, Huaxi-1 cardioplegia may be superior to entirely crystalloid cardioplegia for promoting energy generation and attenuating ischemia/reperfusion injury in myocardium.
SpheroMold: modernizing the hanging drop method for spheroid culture
Authors: Guimaraes Ana Paula Pereira , Calori Italo Rodrigo , Bi Hong , Tedesco Antonio Claudio
Published: June 2024

The hanging drop method is a cost-effective approach for 3D spheroid culture. However, obtaining numerous spheroids in a limited area becomes challenging due to the risk of droplet coalescence, primarly during Petri dish handling. In this study, we describe a general method to fabricate a 3D printing-based support called SpheroMold that facilitates Petri dish handling and enhances spheroid production per unit area. As a proof-of-concept, we designed a digital negative mold which comprised 37 pegs within a 13.52 cm2 area, and then printed it using stereolithography; the density of pegs can be adjusted according to user requirements. The SpheroMold was created by pouring the base and curing agent (10:1) (Sylgard® 184 silicone) into the mold, curing it at 80°C, and then attaching it to the lid of a Petri dish. Our SpheroMold effectively prevented droplet coalescence during Petri dish inversion, enabling the production of numerous 3D spheroids while simplifying manipulation. Unlike conventional techniques, our design also facilitated a larger volume of culture medium per drop compared to a standard Petri dish, potentially decreasing the necessity for frequent medium exchange to sustain cellular health and reducing labor intensity.
Measuring the effective implementation of the GEQIP reform at school level in Ethiopia
Authors: Eryilmaz Nurullah
Published: June 2024

This study examines the substantive impact of educational reforms on school and classroom organization worldwide, noting that many reforms have been more rhetorical than practical in enhancing educational quality. It highlights the crucial role of school principals in driving changes to improve student learning, despite the challenges of implementing reforms that have historically not led to significant increases in student achievement. Focusing on the General Education Quality Improvement Programme (GEQIP) in Ethiopia as a case study, this research aims to assess the extent of reform implementation across schools by identifying variations in the level of implementation. Through a quantitative approach using school principal surveys, the study employs a range of methodological strategies—including principal component analysis (PCA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), hierarchical cluster analysis, and K-means cluster analysis—to develop scales and indicators that classify schools into high or low categories of policy implementation. The findings reveal a partial and uneven implementation of GEQIP across Ethiopian schools, with notable disparities in reform adoption levels. This paper concludes by discussing the effectiveness of the methodologies used to categorize schools based on reform implementation and the implications of these findings for the successful execution of educational reforms in Ethiopia and similarly situated contexts. The study underscores the necessity of devising targeted strategies to assist principals and schools in fully achieving the goals of educational reforms.
Assessing the causal association of pregnancy complications with diabetes and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Xie Yuan , Zhang Jie , Ni Shuang , Li Ji
Published: June 2024

Background

To the best of our knowledge, numerous observational studies have linked pregnancy complications to increased risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD), causal evidence remains lacking. Our aim was to estimate the association of adverse pregnancy outcomes with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Methods

A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was employed, which is not subject to potential reverse causality. Data for pregnancy complications were obtained from the FinnGen consortium. For primary analysis, outcome data on diabetes, related traits, stroke, and coronary heart disease (CHD) were extracted from the GWAS Catalog, MAGIC, MEGASTROKE, and CARDIoGRAMplusC4D consortium. The MAGIC and UKB consortium datasets were used for replication and meta-analysis. Causal effects were appraised using inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median (WM), and MR-Egger. Sensitivity analyses were implemented with Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO, leave-one-out (LOO) analysis and the funnel plot.

Results

Genetically predicted gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was causally associated with an increased diabetes risk (OR=1.01, 95% CI=1–1.01, P<0.0001), yet correlated with lower 2-hour post-challenge glucose levels (OR=0.89, 95% CI=0.82–0.97, P=0.006). Genetic liability for pregnancy with abortive outcomes indicated decreased fasting insulin levels (OR=0.97, 95% CI=0.95–0.99, P=0.02), but potentially elevated glycated hemoglobin levels (OR=1.02, 95% CI=1.01–1.04, P=0.01). Additionally, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy was tentatively linked to increased risks of stroke (OR=1.11, 95% CI=1.04–1.18, P=0.002) and CHD (OR=1.3, 95% CI=1.2–1.4, P=3.11E-11). Gestational hypertension might have a potential causal association with CHD (OR=1.11, 95% CI=1.01–1.22, P=0.04). No causal associations were observed between preterm birth and diabetes, stroke, or CHD.

Conclusion

The findings of this study provide genetic evidence that gestational diabetes, pregnancy with abortive outcomes, and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy may serve as early indicators for metabolic and cardiovascular risks. These insights are pivotal for the development of targeted screening and preventive strategies.
Association between cathepsins and benign prostate diseases: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Cao Hongliang , Liu Bin , Gong Kejian , Wu Hao , Wang Yishu , Zhang Haiyang , Shi Chengdong , Wang Pengyu , Du Hao , Zhou Honglan , Wang Song
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The relationship between cathepsins and prostate cancer (PCa) has been reported. However, there is a lack of research on cathepsins and benign prostate diseases (BPDs). This study investigated the potential genetic link between cathepsins and BPDs through the utilization of Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to determine if a causal relationship exists.

Methods

Publicly accessible summary statistics on BPDs were obtained from FinnGen Biobank. The data comprised 149,363 individuals, with 30,066 cases and 119,297 controls for BPH, and 123,057 individuals, with 3,760 cases and 119,297 controls for prostatitis. The IEU OpenGWAS provided the Genome-wide association data on ten cathepsins. To evaluate the causal relationship between BPDs and cathepsins, five distinct MR analyses were employed, with the primary method being the inverse variance weighted (IVW) approach. Additionally, sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity of the findings.

Results

The examination of IVW MR findings showed that cathepsin O had a beneficial effect on BPH (IVW OR=0.94, 95% CI 0.89–0.98, P=0.0055), while cathepsin X posed a threat to prostatitis (IVW OR=1.08, 95% CI 1.00–1.16, P=0.047). Through reverse MR analysis, it was revealed that prostatitis had an adverse impact on cathepsin V (IVW OR=0.89, 95% CI 0.80–0.99, P=0.035), while no favorable association was observed between BPH and cathepsins. The results obtained from MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode methods were consistent with the findings of the IVW approach. Based on sensitivity analyses, heterogeneity, and horizontal pleiotropy are unlikely to distort the results.

Conclusion

This study offers the initial evidence of a genetic causal link between cathepsins and BPDs. Our findings revealed that cathepsin O was beneficial in preventing BPH, whereas cathepsin X posed a potential threat to prostatitis. Additionally, prostatitis negatively affected cathepsin V level. These three cathepsins could be targets of diagnosis and treatment for BPDs, which need further research.
Exploring early DNA methylation alterations in type 1 diabetes: implications of glycemic control
Authors: Čugalj Kern Barbara , Kovač Jernej , Šket Robert , Tesovnik Tine , Jenko Bizjan Barbara , Galhardo Julia , Battelino Tadej , Bratina Nataša , Dovč Klemen
Published: June 2024

Background

Prolonged hyperglycemia causes diabetes-related micro- and macrovascular complications, which combined represent a significant burden for individuals living with diabetes. The growing scope of evidence indicates that hyperglycemia affects the development of vascular complications through DNA methylation.

Methods

A genome-wide differential DNA methylation analysis was performed on pooled peripheral blood DNA samples from individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with direct DNA sequencing. Strict selection criteria were used to ensure two age- and sex-matched groups with no clinical signs of chronic complications according to persistent mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values over 5 years: HbA1c<7% (N=10) and HbA1c>8% (N=10).

Results

Between the two groups, 8385 differentially methylated CpG sites, annotated to 1802 genes, were identified. Genes annotated to hypomethylated CpG sites were enriched in 48 signaling pathways. Further analysis of key CpG sites revealed four specific regions, two of which were hypermethylated and two hypomethylated, associated with long non-coding RNA and processed pseudogenes.

Conclusions

Prolonged hyperglycemia in individuals with T1D, who have no clinical manifestation of diabetes-related complications, is associated with multiple differentially methylated CpG sites in crucial genes and pathways known to be linked to chronic complications in T1D.
Review about evaluation methods of recoverable reserves of deep water drive gas reservoirs in China
Authors: Sun Qiufen , Dai Chuanrui , Wang Xia , Feng Qiao , Zhao Qiyang , Yan Chun , Xu Liang , Yuan Maohan
Published: June 2024

It has been widely accepted that China is one of the biggest natural gas consumers. Related to the imports of LNG, China stands in a very uncomfortable situation. Most domestic gas reservoirs fall within deep water drive gas reservoirs inordinately, which has entered the production depletion stage. Accurate estimation of SEC recoverable reserves of deep water drive gas reservoirs is of great significance for gas consumption planning and peak shaving. The existing calculation methods of recoverable reserves mainly consist of static methods and dynamic methods. In the early stage of exploration and development, the volumetric method has often been utilized to calculate the recoverable reserves. With the continuous development of gas reservoirs, the main methods for evaluation are dynamic methods, including the successive subtraction of production method, water drive curve method, prediction model method, attenuation curve method, improved virtual curve method, and material balance method for deep gas reservoirs.
Does state capital equity affect ESG performance of private firms?—based on the perspective of sustainable development of Chinese enterprises
Authors: Li Wentao , Wang Yujie
Published: June 2024

Along with the intensification of global ecological problems, corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues have attracted extensive attention from the investment community, and solving these issues is crucial for sustainable development. However, little is known about the research on equity structure reform on corporate ESG performance, especially state-owned capital on private firms' ESG performance. To this end, we utilize the panel data of 1,589 privately listed firms in China from 2013 to 2021 to explore the impact of state-owned capital on the ESG performance of private firms. The findings suggest that state-owned capital significantly improves the ESG performance of private firms. In addition, the results of mechanism analysis indicate that state-owned capital stimulates ESG performance through the dual path of improving the mitigation of external financial constraint problems and internal control environment problems. We also find that firms' external environmental shocks enhance the extent to which state capital injection into private firms enhances ESG performance, and these external environmental shocks include the strength of environmental regulation in the region, whether the firms' attribute is that of heavily polluting industries, and the strength of external media attention. In summary, our findings support the conjecture that state capital injection into private firms will be followed by enhanced ESG performance, and the external environment is a factor that influences this process. Our study may provide lessons for the sustainable development of private firms and dig deeper into the internal root causes and external shock factors.
Rare exonic CELSR3 variants identified in Bladder Exstrophy Epispadias Complex
Authors: Jelin Angie C. , Sopko Nikolai , Sobreira Nara , Boyadjiev Simeon A. , Wohler Elizabeth , Morrill Christian , Witmer P. Dane , Michaud Jason , Valle David , Gearhart John , Dicarlo Heather
Published: June 2024

Introduction/background

Bladder exstrophy epispadias complex (BEEC) is a rare congenital anomaly of unknown etiology, although, genetic and environmental factors have been associated with its development. Variants in several genes expressed in the urogenital pathway have been reported as causative for bladder exstrophy in human and murine models. The expansion of next-generation sequencing and molecular genomics has improved our ability to identify the underlying genetic causes of similarly complex diseases and could thus assist with the investigation of the molecular basis of BEEC.

Objective

The objective was to identify the presence of rare heterozygous variants in genes previously implicated in bladder exstrophy and correlate them with the presence or absence of bladder regeneration in our study population.

Patients and Methods

We present a case series of 12 patients with BEEC who had bladder biopsies performed by pediatric urology during bladder neck reconstruction or bladder augmentation. Cases were classified as “sufficient” or “insufficient” (n = 5 and 7, respectively) based on a bladder volume of greater than or less than 40% of expected bladder size. Control bladder tissue specimens were obtained from patients (n = 6) undergoing biopsies for conditions other than bladder exstrophy. Whole exome sequencing was performed on DNA isolated from the bladder specimens. Based on the hypothesis of de novo mutations, as well as the potential implications of autosomal dominant conditions with incomplete penetrance, each case was evaluated for autosomal dominant variants in a set of genes previously implicated in BEEC.

Results

Our review of the literature identified 44 genes that have been implicated in human models of bladder exstrophy. Our whole exome sequencing data analysis identified rare variants in two of these genes among the cases classified as sufficient, and seven variants in five of these genes among the cases classified as insufficient.

Conclusion

We identified rare variants in seven previously implicated genes in our BEEC specimens. Additional research is needed to further understand the cellular signaling underlying this potentially genetically heterogeneous embryological condition.
Evaluation of normalization methods for predicting quantitative phenotypes in metagenomic data analysis
Authors: Wang Beibei , Luan Yihui
Published: June 2024

Genotype-to-phenotype mapping is an essential problem in the current genomic era. While qualitative case-control predictions have received significant attention, less emphasis has been placed on predicting quantitative phenotypes. This emerging field holds great promise in revealing intricate connections between microbial communities and host health. However, the presence of heterogeneity in microbiome datasets poses a substantial challenge to the accuracy of predictions and undermines the reproducibility of models. To tackle this challenge, we investigated 22 normalization methods that aimed at removing heterogeneity across multiple datasets, conducted a comprehensive review of them, and evaluated their effectiveness in predicting quantitative phenotypes in three simulation scenarios and 31 real datasets. The results indicate that none of these methods demonstrate significant superiority in predicting quantitative phenotypes or attain a noteworthy reduction in Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of the predictions. Given the frequent occurrence of batch effects and the satisfactory performance of batch correction methods in predicting datasets affected by these effects, we strongly recommend utilizing batch correction methods as the initial step in predicting quantitative phenotypes. In summary, the performance of normalization methods in predicting metagenomic data remains a dynamic and ongoing research area. Our study contributes to this field by undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of diverse methods and offering valuable insights into their effectiveness in predicting quantitative phenotypes.