bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lesson Learn Pengelolaan Sektor Infrastruktur Perumahan di Kawasan Perbatasan Indonesia dan Malaysia
Authors: Wijaya Mendra , Wallang Muslimin , Prihatin Panca Setyo
Published: December 2023

Pemerintah memiliki tanggungjawab dalam menyediakan perumahan layak bagi warganya. Malaysia sebagai negara berkembang berperan dalam menyediakan perumahan yang layak dan terjangkau bagi masyarakat. Begitu juga Indonesia, Pemerintah berupaya maksimal dalam penyediaan perumahan bagi warga negara. Perguruan tinggi berkontribusi dalam pembangunan suatu negara. Salah satunya dalam pengelolaan kawasan perbatasan sektor infrastruktur perumahan. Metode kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat dilakukan melalui  diskusi dengan pendekatan lesson learn dari kontributor, komparasi  pengalaman perguruan tinggi yang dilibatkan pemerintah dalam pengelolaan kawasan perbatasan sektor infrastruktur perumahan. Hasil kegiatan ini  menunjukkan peran penting perguruan tinggi dalam pengelolaan wilayah perbatasan sektor infrastruktur perumahan memberikan kontribusi besar dalam perencanaan pembangunan suatu Negara. Hal tersebut dilihat dari keterlibatan perguruan tinggi di Malaysia yang tidak hanya sebagai thinktank dalam arsitektur Pembangunan, namun mencakup berbagai kajian kebijakan pembangunan. Sehingga, beberapa hal dapat diadopsi dalam keterlibatan perguruan tinggi di Indonesia khususnya di Provinsi Riau dalam perencanaan pengelolaan wilayah perbatasan di sektor infrastruktur perumahan.
Pelatihan Pembuatan Teh Hitam Kombucha (Rosa Felicia L.) Sebagai Eunoia Kesehatan dalam Menjaga Body Immunity pada Kelompok Wanita Tani Kurnia Lestari
Authors: Chandra M. Andi , Marliadi Reny , Wahyudi
Published: December 2023

Produk pertanian bernama teh sering dijadikan bahan dasar minuman yang populer di kalangan masyarakat Indonesia. Salah satu dari gaya hidup sehat yaitu dengan rutin mengkonsumsi minuman probiotik khususnya dengan produk baru yaitu teh kombucha kombinasi teh hitam mawar merah muda. Metode pelaksanaan yang digunakan yaitu survey, observasi dan pelatihan. Kegiatan ini berfokus pada (1) Sosialisasi kesehatan dan pelatihan pembuatan produk (2) Pemanfaatan tanaman (3) Menambah produk olahan dan memiliki nilai jual yang tinggi. Pentingnya menjaga pola hidup sehat dan meningkatkan produk olahan khususnya di KWT Kurnia Lestari. Hasil dan kegiatan ini adalah antusiasme masyarakat yang tinggi, sosialisasi Kesehatan dan pelatihan pembuatan teh kombucha, terlihat dari aspek peningkatan pengetahuan dan pemahaman masyarakat  meningkat sebanyak 70% dari hasil postest, metode pengabdian masyarakat ini efektif meningkatkan pengetahuan dan menghasilkan produk minuman probiotik. Kesimpulan dari kegiatan ini adalah peningkatan pengetahuan sebesar 70% dan menambah wawasan masyarakat, tindak lanjut dari kegiatan ini melanjutkan produk teh kombucha ini sebagai peluang usaha baru.
Asuhan Kebidanan Berkelanjutan (Continuity of Care) dengan Kompres Daun Kubis Pada Ibu Nifas
Authors: Pekamilla Sarah Astiani Inggrid , Fitriani Ardita Listya
Published: December 2023

Masalah menyusui yang dapat timbul pada masa pasca persalinan dini (masa nifas atau laktasi) adalah pembengkakan payudara (breast engorgement) atau disebut juga bendungan ASI. Pembengkakan payudara merupakan pembendungan air susu karena penyempitan duktus laktiferus atau kelenjar-kelenjar yang tidak dikosongkan dengan sempurna. Payudara akan terasa sakit, panas, nyeri pada perabaan, tegang, bengkak yang terjadi pada hari ketiga sampai hari keenam setelah persalinan, ketika ASI secara normal dihasilkan. Kegiatan ini menggunakan pendekatan studi kasus dengan cara observasional deskriptif. Pemberian kompres daun kubis yang diberikan secara teratur dapat dirasakan manfaatnya. Cara menggunakan daun kol untuk mengobati dan mencegah pembengkakan payudara secara sederhana yaitu dengan mendinginkan daun kol di dalam freezer selama kurang lebih 20-30 menit. Daun kol dingin diletakkan di bra selama kurang lebih 30 menit dan lakukan pengompresan dua kali sehari selama tiga hari. Hasil pada NY. Y bendungan ASI teratasi dihari ke 8. Dari asuhan kebidanan yang diberikan berupa kompres kubis mampu menangani keluhan bendungan ASI sesuai dengan Evidence Based.
Renal artery stenosis presenting as congenital nephrotic syndrome with hyponatremic hypertensive syndrome in a 2-month-old infant: a case report
Authors: Kim Dabin , Ahn Yo Han , Kang Hee Gyung , Kim Ji Hyun , Lim Seon Hee
Published: December 2023

Here, we present the case of a 2-month-old male infant with hyponatremic hypertensive syndrome resulting from stenosis of the right proximal and mid-renal arteries. The patient exhibited nephrotic-range proteinuria, low serum albumin, increased serum creatinine, and elevated renin and aldosterone levels. Doppler ultrasonography and computed tomography angiography revealed decreased vascular flow in the small right renal artery. Following a successful percutaneous balloon angioplasty, the patient experienced a decrease in blood pressure and normalization of serum electrolyte levels within a few days. However, it took 3 months for the proteinuria to resolve completely. This case is significant as it represents the first reported instance of a neonate presenting with clinical features resembling congenital nephrotic syndrome caused by renal artery stenosis that was successfully treated with percutaneous renal angioplasty.
Mesenchymal Hamartoma of the Liver Associated with Discontinuity of the Vena Cava
Authors: Abdelhak LAMARA , Mohamed BOUKHANE , Mounir GADDA , Rayad BELKADI , Sid Ahmed MEDJAHDI , Nessrine HAMHOUM , Samira BLEL , Dahmane MADOUI , Khaled SELMANI
Published: December 2023

Primary liver tumors in children are infrequent, accounting for 0.5-2 % of all pediatric neoplasms. About two-thirds are malignant. The most common pediatric malignant liver tumours are, in order of frequency, hepatoblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and embryonic sarcoma of the liver. Among benign tumors, the most frequent are hemangioendothelioma and mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver, and more rarely focal nodular hyperplasia and hepatocellular adenoma [1,2]. We report the case of an infant who was entrusted to us for the management of a large liver tumor. Radiology (CT scan and MRI), in addition to the elements in favor of a mesenchymal hamartoma of the right liver revealed a congenital anomaly associated, in this case, with the absence of the inferior vena cava in its intraabdominal portion. A right hepatectomy enlarged to segment IV was performed. The right renal vein drained into the right suprahepatic vein was preserved. Note that this tumor represents 50% of the total weight of the patient, which explains the difficulties and constraints that hindered the development and quality of life of the young patient.
Bıçakçızâde İsmail Hakkı ve Manzum Esmâ-i Hüsnâ Şerhi
Authors: YILMAZ Kübra
Published: December 2023

Dinî literatüre göre Allah’ın isimleri ve sıfatları yaratıcı ile kulun münasebetinin ilk basamağı kabul edilebilir. Bu münasebeti anlayabilmek, Allah’ı tanıyıp bilmek, ona yaklaşmak ve ondan istimdat için esmâ-i hüsnâ vasıta kılınabilir. Sırf bu yönüyle bile esmâ-i hüsnânın ele alınması, insanın hakikat arayışına ve kâinatla yaratıcısı arasındaki bağı anlamasına katkı sağlamak adına mühimdir. Öteden beri esmâ-i hüsnânın okunması ve ezberlenmesinin fazilet ve teberrüküne işaret edildiği gibi, anlamlarıyla birlikte öğrenilmesi ve kavranmasına da önem gösterilmiştir. Nitekim her bir isim sahip olduğu hassaya göre kâinatta ve insanda çeşitli tecellilerin zuhuruna sebebiyet vermiştir/vermektedir. Dolayısıyla her dönemde müminler esmâ-i hüsnâ ile sadece ibadet etmemiş, varlıklarını ve yaratılış gayelerini anlamlandırmaya yönelik sorulara uygun cevapları da bu isimlerin mana âleminde bulmuşlardır. Türk edebiyatında zaman içerisinde zengin bir literatüre dönüşen esmâ-i hüsnâ şerhleri, tevhîd ve münâcâtlardan sonra, doğrudan Allah’a dair edebî türlerin üçüncüsü olarak yerini almıştır. İnanan insanın teveccühü ve ihtiyaçları çerçevesinde, Allah’ın isim ve sıfatlarına dayanarak telif edilen türlerden “esmâ-i hüsnâ şerhleri” edebiyatımızda hemen her dönem rağbet görmüştür. Bu bağ-lamda çalışmamız Osmanlı Devleti’nin son devrini ve Cumhuriyet’in ilk yıllarını görmüş, hem devlet hizmetlerinde hem de matbuat âleminde çeşitli faaliyetlerde bulunmuş olan İzmirli Bıçakçızâde İsmail Hakkı Bey’i (1862-1950) ve onun 1936’da kaleme aldığı Esmâü’l-Hüsnâ’nın Nazmen Tefsîri adlı manzum esmâ-i hüsnâ şerhini konu edinmektedir. Aynı zamanda şair olan İsmail Hakkı Bey çok yönlü ve velut kimliğine rağmen, tanınmışlığı mahdut kalmış bir isimdir. Mezkûr eseri ise harf inkılabından sonra Arap alfabesiyle yazıldığı bilinen ve üzerinde herhangi bir çalışma yapılmamış ilk Türkçe manzum esmâ-i hüsnâ şerhidir. Bu çalışmamızda öncelikle İsmail Hakkı Bey’in hayatı ve eserleri hak-kında bilgi verilmiş, akabinde esmâ-i hüsnâ şerhinin müellif nüshasına dayalı tahlili yapılarak metni neşredilmiştir.
ADOBE AFTER EFFECTS SOFTWARE VIDEO EDITING DAN MOTION GRAPHICS YANG POPULER
Authors: Pamuji Sieska Asri
Published: December 2023

Adobe After Effects is a popular software for video editing and motion graphics that was developed by Adobe Inc and was first released in 1993 by CoSA. After Adobe Systems acquired CoSA in 1994, Adobe After Effects became a multi-platform software and has continued to evolve over the years with more advanced features. This software is widely used in Hollywood films and by many companies in the production of promotional videos, advertisements, and other videos. Adobe After Effects is used to create special effects in videos such as animation, compositing, and color grading. It offers up to 50 different standard effects to modify and animate objects, and can even use Expressions to produce more dynamic movement. The software has several functions in the field of multimedia, including creating animations and motion graphics, adding special effects, compositing, color grading, and integration with other software. The main purpose of Adobe After Effects is to help users create high-quality videos with complex and detailed special effects. It allows users to explore their creativity by using various tools and features available in the software. Adobe After Effects is very important in video production because it can produce very complex and detailed visual effects such as explosion effects, fire effects, and special effects in Hollywood films.
The Effects of Different Types of Diets on Steroid Hormone Concentrations
Authors: Dušková M
Published: December 2023

The great popularity of various diets in recent years has led us to reflect on their suitability for our health. The aim of this communication is to review current knowledge on the influence of the most well-known diets on the concentrations of the main steroids and to consider possible mechanisms. The influence of diet on hormone concentrations is expected, but the literature data on this topic are inconsistent and yield conflicting results. The main problem in evaluating these influences is the change in weight that a change in diet induces. This effect needs to be filtered out in order to discover interesting associations between diet and steroid hormones. This is illustrated by the example of the effects of ketogenic diets on testosterone levels in men, where the direct effect of the diet is to reduce testosterone levels, but a number of papers have described increases that are due to diet-related weight loss and the modification of obesity-induced changes. A second major driver is the change in circadian rhythm, and it is necessary to assess hormonal changes induced by changing the time of day of the diet. Such shifts within the circadian rhythm rather than due to a particular type of diet itself are documented by changes in the circadian rhythm of cortisol.
The Endocannabinoid System - The Prediction of Spontaneous Preterm Birth in High-Risk Women: Protocol of a Study
Authors: Pařízek A , Hill M , Dušková M , Kolátorová L , Suchopár J , Šimják P , Anderlová K , Kudová E , Rogalewicz V , Vacek J , Koudelková M , Chloupková R , Alblová M , Pařízková P , Laštůvka Z , Barták M
Published: December 2023

Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, even in developed countries. Prediction of sPTB is therefore a valuable tool to reduce the associated risks. The current standard for the prediction of sPTB consists, in addition to anamnestic data, of previous sPTB and previous second trimester miscarriage, measurement of cervical length by transvaginal ultrasound (TVU CL) together with assessment of fetal fibronectin levels in cervicovaginal fluid. Other evaluation parameters, such as the level of endocannabinoids in the pregnant woman's blood, could increase the sensitivity of this management. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are a part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS); out of them anandamide (arachidonoyl-ethanolamide, AEA), in particular, plays an important role in the regulation of pregnancy and childbirth. We present the protocol for an open, non-randomized study to evaluate concentrations of AEA and other endocannabinoids: 2 linoleoylglycerol (2-AG), 2 linoleoylglycerol (2-LG), 2 oleoylglycerol (2-OG), and 2 arachidonoyldopamine (2-ADOPA or also NADA) in the blood of pregnant women as potential predictors of sPTB. In a total of 230 women with a history of sPTB or miscarriage, eCBs levels between 22 and 28 weeks of gestation will be assessed from maternal blood, in addition to the standard procedure. The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between blood concentrations of the endocannabinoids tested and the risk of sPTB. The results of this study will describe the prognostic significance of maternal blood eCBs levels for sPTB, and could subsequently enable improved screening programs for early identification of sPTB.
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS PROFILE OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN HUMAN RESPIRATION SYSTEM MATERIALS
Authors: Nuriyah Tutut Sinta , Hayati Nur
Published: December 2023

Critical thinking skills were indispensable in the 21st Century in activities to solved problems to finded solutions. The aims of this study was to determined the profile of critical thinking skills of students of SMP X Jombang in the subject of the human respiratory system. This type of research used descriptive qualitative. The subjects of this research were students of SMP X Jombang with a total of 20 students. The research instrument used critical thinking questions that had been validated by the validator. The critical thinking measurement rubric uses a range of indicators 0-5. Data on critical thinking tested results were analyzed using a descriptive method that described students' critical thinking abilities. The results of this research indicated that the level of critical thinking skills of students of SMP X Jombang was in the range of indicator 3 with well developed criteria. The percentage obtained is 60% with well-developed criteria, 40% with underdeveloped criteria.
Pathogenesis of progressive myopia (literature review)
Authors: Myagkov A. V. , Zenkova E. S.
Published: December 2023

Background. The increasing prevalence of progressive myopia and its complications necessitates the identifi cation of reliable diagnostic markers and new rational therapeutic tactics based on the results of studying the mechanisms of myopia development. Purpose: to assess the current understanding of the pathogenesis of progressive myopia in the light of the development of new effective methods of its control and treatment. Materials and methods. A bibliographic study of scientifi c publications of scientifi c information databases: Pubmed, eLibrary, Cyberleninka for the last 10 years was carried out. More than 100 sources were analyzed. The work included a review of 60 works. Results. This review considers both well-known and lesser-known theories that explain the causes and mechanisms of myopia progression. The publications demonstrate the importance of the problem of myopia development and allow us to signifi cantly expand the understanding of the mechanisms of development of this disease. The analysis of literature sources allowed us to provide important evidence of the role of heredity, s clera morphology, peripheral defocus and other factors in the development of progressive myopia, as well as the results of experimental studies on the key mechanisms of its development. However, the pathogenesis of progressive myopia is currently not fully understood. Moreover, each of the theories explaining the development of myopia has been repeatedly confi rmed in the results of other studies. This not only strengthens their evidence base, but also reveals common points where theories overlap, which gradually leads to the formation of a common consensus on the etiopathogenesis of this disease. Conclusions. Increased knowledge of the processes leading to the progression of myopia opens new opportunities for the development of effective methods that will ensure its control and stabilization, taking into account its pathogenesis.
Modern methods of diagnosis and monitoring of keratoconus
Authors: Averich V. V.
Published: December 2023

The article presents data on modern methods of diagnosis and monitoring of keratoconus. The main pathognomonic signs are described according to routine research methods: biomicroscopy, viso-, autoref- and keratometry, as well as special research methods such as keratotopography, keratotomography, optical coherence tomography, aberrometry, confocal microscopy and the study of biomechanical properties of the cornea. The “gold standard” in the diagnosis of subclinical keratoconus, today, is scanning keratotomography on a Scheimpfl ug camera with the Belin-Ambrósio enhanced ectasia protocol embedded in the device
EFFECT OF BIOETHANOL MIXTURE AND THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF THE ELECTRODE OF THE SPARK PLUG ON 110 cm3 MOTOR EXHAUST GAS EMISSIONS
Authors: Yuda Galang Manggala Yuda
Published: December 2023

Bioetanol adalah bahan bakar alternatif pengganti minyak fosil. Bioetanol memiliki beberapa keuntungan dalam penggunaannya sebagai bahan bakar selain karena sifatnya yang terbarukan, bioetanol juga dipercaya dapat menurunkan beberapa emisi kendaraan bermotor. Bioetanol memeiliki kelebihan dibandingkan bensin yaitu bilangan oktan yang tinggi. Akan tetapi Bioetanol juga memiliki kelemahan yaitu memiliki nilai kalor yang rendah dibandingkan bahan bakar fosil. Maksud dan tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh penggunaan campuran bioetanol dan bahan bakar RON 92 terhadap emisi gas buang pada sepeda motor matic injeksi dengan parameter pengukuran CO, HC, CO2, dan O2 . Pengujian terhadap kendaraan motor dilakukan dengan variasi campuran (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%) dengan variasi busi standar dan busi iridium dan pengujian dilakukan pada putaran 2000-6000 rpm dengan kelipatan 1000 rpm. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kuantitaif yaitu data yang didapat berupa angka – angka. Data yang didapat tersebut nantinya akan diolah dan di rata – rata untuk mendapatkan kesimpulan. Pada analisis data ini peneliti menggunakan Anova two – way. Dari pengujian didapatkan hasil HC tertinggi pada campuran 20% yaitu 113,33 ppm pada 2000 rpm dan diperoleh hasil terendah mencapai 35 ppm pada 6000 rpm dengan konduktivitas termal busi 147W/mK di campuran 5%. Hasil CO tertinggi pada campuran 20% pada 2000 rpm dengan konduktivitas termal elektroda busi 90,7W/mK yang mencapai 0,76% dan diperoleh hasil terendah mencapai 0,02% pada 6000 rpm campuran 0% dengan konduktivitas termal elektroda busi 147W/mK. Hasil CO2 tertinggi pada campuran 15% pada 6000 rpm dengan konduktivitas termal busi 90,7W/mK yang mencapai 10,73 % dan diperoleh hasil terendah mencapai 0,13% pada campuran 20% di 2000 rpm. Hasil O2 tertinggi pada campuran 15% dengan konduktivitas termal busi 90,7W/mK mencapai 0,28% pada 6000 rpm dan diperoleh hasil terendah pada campuran 0% pada 2000 rpm.
DESIGN OF VACUUM MACHINE FOR SEPARATING METAL SCRAP WASTE WITH OIL CUTTING USING AUTODESK INVENTOR
Authors: Susanto Riswan Eko Wahyu Susanto , Yulia Puspa Dewi  , Setiawan Deny , Cahyono Hiding , Mutiara Bahtiar Ahmad Dony
Published: December 2023

Metal scrap waste mixed with oil cutting can reduce the quality of the oil cutting itself, so it cannot be used directly. Meanwhile, the waste that is mixed with oil cannot be processed directly such as recycling / remelting. Cutting oil as a cooling material for the cutting process, so from here the recycle of cutting oil is needed, so a tool/machine is needed to separate the waste from the oil cutting.

The research method used is design research which consists of planning machine elements and making machine designs. In the planning of machine elements, more emphasis is placed on the impler blade of the vacuum separator while the drawing uses Autodesk Inventor.

From the results of the design and design of the "vacuum separator" it is obtained that; the dimensions of the impeller are 20 mm in diameter, the impeller neck is 28 mm in diameter, the impeller eye and the inlet side are the same diameter 92 mm, the inlet side of the impeller has an angle of 16 °, the width of the bow is 18.85 mm, while the distance between the blades (𝑡1) is 48.17 mm, the diameter of the outgoing side of the results of the calculation is 230 mm, the angle of the outgoing side of the impeller is 25 ° and the wide side of the impeller is 7.5 mm, at the distance between the blades of the incoming side (𝑡2) 120.42 mm. So that from the design of the machine element, the number of impellers is obtained 6 blades, with the results analyzed with a safety factor of 15 Ul.
State-Space Approaches to Complex Structures in Aerospace
Authors: Zhao Zinan , Shen Xudong , Su Yipin , Chen Weiqiu
Published: December 2023

The state-space approach (SSA), traditionally utilized in modern control theory, has been successfully adopted over the last three decades to investigate the mechanical behaviors of complex structures composed of composite or smart materials. This is largely due to their increasing application across various fields, including aerospace, civil and marine engineering, and transportation vehicles. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the establishment of state-space formulations for structures of typical configurations, such as beams, plates, shells, and trusses, with a particular focus on their applications in the mechanical analyses of various complex aerospace or smart structures using the transfer matrix method. The paper first summarizes the three-dimensional SSAs applied to laminated structures without any assumptions on physical fields. By employing structural theories such as various beam, plate, and shell theories, simplified one-dimensional and two-dimensional SSAs for laminated structures are developed. The paper then outlines the advances in generating analytical solutions for the mechanical behaviors of laminated structures. For the sake of completeness, the paper also provides an account of SSAs applied to complex periodic structures, particularly in beam and truss forms. To overcome the limitations of conventional SSAs related to structures with specialized geometric configuration or under arbitrary boundary conditions, state-space based numerical methods have been proposed, for example, the state-space based differential quadrature method and state-space based finite-element method. The applications of these methods in the analyses of static and dynamic responses of complex structures are extensively reviewed. It is observed that there are still intriguing and potential research topics for the development of advanced SSAs with enhanced versatility and the studies on practical complex structures used in modern engineering, particularly in aerospace industry. Therefore, this review is expected to be beneficial for researchers in the fields of analytical and numerical methods, composite structures, aerospace, structural engineering, and more.
Consensus document on palliative care in cardiorenal patients
Authors: Bonanad Clara , Buades Juan M. , Leiva Juan Pablo , De la Espriella Rafael , Marcos Marta Cobo , Núñez Julio , García-Llana Helena , Facila Lorenzo , Sánchez Rosa , Rodríguez-Osorio Laura , Alonso-Babarro Alberto , Quiroga Borja , Bompart Berroteran Daznia , Rodríguez Carmen , Maidana Daniela , Díez Javier
Published: December 2023

There is an unmet need to create consensus documents on the management of cardiorenal patients since, due to the aging of the population and the rise of both pathologies, these patients are becoming more prevalent in daily clinical practice. Chronic kidney disease coexists in up to 40%–50% of patients with chronic heart failure cases. There have yet to be consensus documents on how to approach palliative care in cardiorenal patients. There are guidelines for patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease separately, but they do not specifically address patients with concomitant heart failure and kidney disease. For this reason, our document includes experts from different specialties, who will not only address the justification of palliative care in cardiorenal patients but also how to identify this patient profile, the shared planning of their care, as well as knowledge of their trajectory and the palliative patient management both in the drugs that will help us control symptoms and in advanced measures. Dialysis and its different types will also be addressed, as palliative measures and when the decision to continue or not perform them could be considered. Finally, the psychosocial approach and adapted pharmacotherapy will be discussed.
Application of binasal speculum in endoscopic endonasal surgery for lesions in sellar region
Authors: Liu Xi , Zhang Fan , Yin Yibo , Qiu Yankai , Lv Xing , Li Junchao , Gao Mengyu , Shen Hong , Liu Li
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study aims to access the efficacy of the binasal speculum in endoscopic endonasal surgery by evaluating clinical outcomes and examining its utility through process-based performance measures in both surgeons and assistants.

Methods

A total of 59 patients with lesions in sellar region who underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery with the binasal speculum between September 2020 and March 2023 were included in this study. We assessed the extent of resection and documented postoperative nasal condition. Both surgeons and assistants completed post-use surveys to exam the utility of the binasal speculum and provide an overall grading.

Results

Gross total resection (GTR) was successfully achieved in 94.9% (56/59) of patients, with subtotal resection (STR) observed in 5.1% (4/59) of patients. Intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage occurred in 23.7% (14/59) of cases, and nasoseptal flap (NSF) reconstruction was required in 55.9% (33/59) of cases. The nasal airway patency rapidly recovered within 14 days in a significant majority of patients (94.9%, 56/59). Moreover, olfactory function was regained within three months postoperatively by 91.5% (54/59) of patients. The overall post-use survey mean score was 26.4. Specifically, surgeons had a mean score of 26.5, while assistants had a slightly lower mean score of 26.2. The mean overall grading for the binasal speculum was 3. Both surgeons and assistants provided a mean overall grading of 3.

Conclusion

The binasal speculum provides nasal mucosa protection and reduces the risk of an endoscopic lens clouded by mucosa or blood. It plays a crucial role in accurate guidance and facilitates the swift delivery of surgical instruments, particularly in left-blinded nasal cavities. The binasal speculum reduces the learning curve, especially for endoscopic surgeons with limited experience, while enhancing collaboration and coordination between surgeons and assistants during surgery. Both surgeons and assistants rated the overall utility of the binasal speculum as “excellent.”
Engineering three-dimensional bone macro-tissues by guided fusion of cell spheroids
Authors: Prabhakaran Vinothini , Melchels Ferry P.W. , Murray Lyndsay M. , Paxton Jennifer Z.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Bioassembly techniques for the application of scaffold-free tissue engineering approaches have evolved in recent years toward producing larger tissue equivalents that structurally and functionally mimic native tissues. This study aims to upscale a 3-dimensional bone in-vitro model through bioassembly of differentiated rat osteoblast (dROb) spheroids with the potential to develop and mature into a bone macrotissue.

Methods

dROb spheroids in control and mineralization media at different seeding densities (1 × 104, 5 × 104, and 1 × 105 cells) were assessed for cell proliferation and viability by trypan blue staining, for necrotic core by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and for extracellular calcium by Alizarin red and Von Kossa staining. Then, a novel approach was developed to bioassemble dROb spheroids in pillar array supports using a customized bioassembly system. Pillar array supports were custom-designed and printed using Formlabs Clear Resin® by Formlabs Form2 printer. These supports were used as temporary frameworks for spheroid bioassembly until fusion occurred. Supports were then removed to allow scaffold-free growth and maturation of fused spheroids. Morphological and molecular analyses were performed to understand their structural and functional aspects.

Results

Spheroids of all seeding densities proliferated till day 14, and mineralization began with the cessation of proliferation. Necrotic core size increased over time with increased spheroid size. After the bioassembly of spheroids, the morphological assessment revealed the fusion of spheroids over time into a single macrotissue of more than 2.5 mm in size with mineral formation. Molecular assessment at different time points revealed osteogenic maturation based on the presence of osteocalcin, downregulation of Runx2 (p < 0.001), and upregulated alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.01).

Discussion

With the novel bioassembly approach used here, 3D bone macrotissues were successfully fabricated which mimicked physiological osteogenesis both morphologically and molecularly. This biofabrication approach has potential applications in bone tissue engineering, contributing to research related to osteoporosis and other recurrent bone ailments.
Short-term influences of flow alteration on microbial community structure and putative metabolic functions in gravel bar hyporheic zones
Authors: Doloiras-Laraño Arnelyn D. , Serrana Joeselle M. , Takahashi Shinji , Takemon Yasuhiro , Watanabe Kozo
Published: December 2023

Microbial communities in the hyporheic zone are important for self-purification as the riverbed is metabolically active and responsible for the retention, storage, and mineralisation of organic matter transported in the surface water. Studies exploring the response of the hyporheic microbial community to flow regime alterations remain scarce. Here, we characterised the microbial community structure over downwelling, upwelling and intermediate hyporheic zone areas within and among gravel bars at high and low discharge levels to determine flow-induced changes in a dam-regulated river using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. At low discharge, microbial composition varied across the different areas of gravel bars, reflecting heterogeneity in local abiotic conditions. However, high discharge lead to microbial community homogenisation across the three areas of the gravel bars. Microbial communities across adjacent gravel bars remained dissimilar regardless of discharge levels, likely reflecting differences in bar morphology. Our results can help better understand how anthropogenic changes in hydrologic conditions can affect microbial diversity and function in the hyporheic zone. This knowledge will help us to understand better how changes in hydrological conditions affect ecosystem functions and services in rivers affected by human impacts.
Wild ungulates and shrub control interact to restore herbaceous vegetation in shrub-encroached mesic grassland of South Africa
Authors: Mndela Mthunzi , Barrett Alan S. , Brown Leslie R.
Published: December 2023

Shrub encroachment threatens grassland ecosystem services including herbaceous plant diversity, productivity, and overall grazing capacity. Hence, various shrub control methods including mechanical removal and herbicides are applied to restore herbaceous vegetation. However, the knowledge regarding the outcomes of integrated shrub management on herbaceous vegetation is limited. We investigated herbaceous vegetation responses after 7 years following the integration of shrub control and herbivory at Telperion Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. In a split-plot experiment using four enclosures and non-enclosures as main plots, we randomly assigned each of the following treatments in four 4 × 4-m subplots in each main plot: 1) foliar metsulfuron-methyl herbicide, 2) 50% mechanical shrub removal, 3) 100% removal, and 4) no removal (untreated controls). A one-off Seriphium plumosum removal and the application of species-specific herbicide were conducted in 2015. Shrub control by herbivory interaction was significant (p < 0.05) for herbaceous canopy cover, basal cover, density, and species richness. The effects of herbivory were significant (p < 0.05) in the 50% removal treatment, increasing herbaceous plant diversity, density, and richness to the same level as 100% removal and herbicide treatments. In enclosures, however, the 50% shrub removal treatment attained relatively low herbaceous plant cover, density, species diversity, and richness compared to the herbicide treatment. Overall, this study revealed that herbivory and shrub control interact to facilitate herbaceous vegetation restoration, with 50% shrub removal by herbivory combination showing potential for management of S. plumosum-encroached grasslands.
Path-dependent selection—a bridge between natural selection and neutral selection
Authors: Wang Rui-Wu , Yu Yun-Yun , Shi An-Na , Zhu Qi-Kai , Li Minlan , Wang Chao , Tao Yi , Han Jia-Xu
Published: December 2023

Path-dependent selection follows the premise of complete symmetry in the neutral theory of selection; mutations in the natural world are entirely based on statistical randomness, lack directionality, and thus do not exhibit differences in fitness. Under specific spatiotemporal conditions, however, evolutionary positive feedback effects resulting from the specific environment will result in the breakdown of symmetry pre-assumed in neutral selection. This evolutionary positive feedback, a recursive effect, is of Lamarckian active selection or inheritance of acquired characteristics. The mutual antagonistic interactions between the positive selection of recursive effect and the passive selection under natural selection pressure of the environment in multidimensional conditions will result in evolutionary paths. Path-dependent selection proposes that the evolutionary process of organisms is a selection process based on path frequencies rather than an increase in fitness, with a strong reliance on the paths that it has taken in the past. Because of the existence of transition probabilities between different paths or within the same path (such as plasmid transfer, transposons, and function transfer in ecological interactions), path formation will exhibit acceleration or deceleration effects, explaining Gould’s principles such as punctuated equilibrium. When environmental selection pressure is weak or zero, most or all paths (like neutral selection outcomes) may be possible. The frequencies of different paths will differentiate as environmental selection increases, and the paths with higher frequencies will be more easily selected. When the evolutionary process or history has no impact on the evolution of the paths themselves (a static, equilibrium state), the path with the highest frequency is the shortest or optimal path used by evolution—a result consistent with Darwin’s theory of natural selection. Path-dependent selection, which draws inspiration from modern physics, particularly path integral methods in quantum mechanics, may provide us with a new perspective and approach to explaining the evolution of life.
Diversity of transgene integration and gene-editing events in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) transgenic plants generated using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation
Authors: Lopos Louie Cris , Bykova Natalia V. , Robinson Janeen , Brown Susan , Ward Kerry , Bilichak Andriy
Published: December 2023

Improvement in agronomic traits in crops through gene editing (GE) relies on efficient transformation protocols for delivering the CRISPR/Cas9-coded transgenes. Recently, a few embryogenesis-related genes have been described, the co-delivery of which significantly increases the transformation efficiency with reduced genotype-dependency. Here, we characterized the transgenic and GE events in wheat (cv. Fielder) when transformed with GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR 4 (GRF4) and its cofactor GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR 1 (GIF1) chimeric gene. Transformation efficiency in our experiments ranged from 22% to 68%, and the editing events were faithfully propagated into the following generation. Both low- and high-copy-number integration events were recovered in the T0 population with various levels of integrity of the left and right T-DNA borders. We also generated a population of wheat plants with 10 different gRNAs targeting 30 loci in the genome. A comparison of the epigenetic profiles at the target sites and editing efficiency revealed a significant positive correlation between chromatin accessibility and mutagenesis rate. Overall, the preliminary screening of transgene quality and GE events in the T0 population of plants regenerated through the co-delivery of GRF–GIF can allow for the propagation of the best candidates for further phenotypic analysis.
What do people think about genetic engineering? A systematic review of questionnaire surveys before and after the introduction of CRISPR
Authors: Ramos Pedro Dias , Almeida Maria Strecht , Olsson Ingrid Anna Sofia
Published: December 2023

The advent of CRISPR-Cas9 in 2012 started revolutionizing the field of genetics by broadening the access to a method for precise modification of the human genome. It also brought renewed attention to the ethical issues of genetic modification and the societal acceptance of technology for this purpose. So far, many surveys assessing public attitudes toward genetic modification have been conducted worldwide. Here, we present the results of a systematic review of primary publications of surveys addressing public attitudes toward genetic modification as well as the awareness and knowledge about the technology required for genetic modification. A total of 53 primary publications (1987–2020) focusing on applications in humans and non-human animals were identified, covering countries in four continents. Of the 53 studies, 30 studies from until and including 2012 (pre-CRISPR) address gene therapy in humans and genetic modification of animals for food production and biomedical research. The remaining 23 studies from after 2013 (CRISPR) address gene editing in humans and animals. Across countries, respondents see gene therapy for disease treatment or prevention in humans as desirable and highly acceptable, whereas enhancement is generally met with opposition. When the study distinguishes between somatic and germline applications, somatic gene editing is generally accepted, whereas germline applications are met with ambivalence. The purpose of the application is also important for assessing attitudes toward genetically modified animals: modification in food production is much less accepted than for biomedical application in pre-CRISPR studies. A relationship between knowledge/awareness and attitude toward genetic modification is often present. A critical appraisal of methodology quality in the primary publications with regards to sampling and questionnaire design, development, and administration shows that there is considerable scope for improvement in the reporting of methodological detail. Lack of information is more common in earlier studies, which probably reflects the changing practice in the field.
Seventy-five years of service: an overview of the College of American Pathologists’ proficiency testing program in histocompatibility and identity testing
Authors: Sullivan H. Cliff , Gandhi Manish J. , Gaitonde Sujata , Narasimhan Ramya , Gendzekhadze Ketevan , Pandey Soumya , Roby Rhonda K. , Maha George C. , Kaur Harmeet , Schiller Jennifer J. , McDowell Julie , Smith Maria , Liu Chang , Morris Gerald P.
Published: December 2023

The Histocompatibility and Identity Testing Committee offers an overview of the College of American Pathologists’ (CAP) Proficiency Testing (PT) program, commemorating its significant 75th anniversary in 2024. The CAP PT program has undergone significant growth and evolution over the years, ultimately achieving Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approval. In 1979, CAP’s partnership with the American Association for Clinical Histocompatibility Testing marked a pivotal moment, leading to the creation of the first proficiency testing survey in 1980. This laid the foundation for various PT programs managed by the CAP Histocompatibility and Identity Testing Committee, including HLA antibody testing, HLA molecular typing, engraftment monitoring, parentage/relationship testing, HLA disease associations and drug risk, and HLA-B27 typing. Each program’s distinctive considerations, grading methodologies, and future prospects are detailed here, highlighting the continual evolution of histocompatibility and identity testing PT to support emerging technologies and evolving laboratory practices in the field.
Microbial metabolites are involved in tumorigenesis and development by regulating immune responses
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Tian Ruxian , Sun Caiyu , Guo Ying , Dong Lei , Li Yumei , Song Xicheng
Published: December 2023

The human microbiota is symbiotic with the host and can create a variety of metabolites. Under normal conditions, microbial metabolites can regulate host immune function and eliminate abnormal cells in a timely manner. However, when metabolite production is abnormal, the host immune system might be unable to identify and get rid of tumor cells at the early stage of carcinogenesis, which results in tumor development. The mechanisms by which intestinal microbial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), microbial tryptophan catabolites (MTCs), polyamines (PAs), hydrogen sulfide, and secondary bile acids, are involved in tumorigenesis and development by regulating immune responses are summarized in this review. SCFAs and MTCs can prevent cancer by altering the expression of enzymes and epigenetic modifications in both immune cells and intestinal epithelial cells. MTCs can also stimulate immune cell receptors to inhibit the growth and metastasis of the host cancer. SCFAs, MTCs, bacterial hydrogen sulfide and secondary bile acids can control mucosal immunity to influence the occurrence and growth of tumors. Additionally, SCFAs, MTCs, PAs and bacterial hydrogen sulfide can also affect the anti-tumor immune response in tumor therapy by regulating the function of immune cells. Microbial metabolites have a good application prospect in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of tumors, and our review provides a good basis for related research.
Exploring the genetic diversity of Edwardsiella ictaluri in Vietnamese striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) farms over a 20-year period
Authors: Payne Christopher J. , Grace Kathryn , Phuong Vo Hong , Phuoc Nguyen Ngoc , Dung Tu Thanh , Phuoc Le Hong , Crumlish Margaret
Published: December 2023

Since first being identified in 1999, disease outbreaks from Edwardsiella ictaluri remain a significant health challenge for the farmed catfish sector in Vietnam. To better understand the population structure of E. ictaluri circulating in Vietnamese striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) farms, this study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of 83 E. ictaluri isolates recovered from natural disease outbreaks occurring in the Mekong Delta region between 2001 and 2021. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis resolved isolates into 15 pulsotypes following restriction digest with speI, with a Simpson’s diversity index of 0.8548. The genetic fingerprints of isolates recovered from recent outbreaks across different provinces were highly shared (100% similarity), suggesting clonal expansion within the production systems situated in the Mekong Delta region. Findings from this study also showed that E. ictaluri populations circulating this region have changed over time, as isolates recovered between 2001 and 2011 were genetically distinct from those recovered after 2017. Furthermore, isolates recovered after 2004 and 2010 lacked the virulence gene traD and a 5.8 Kb plasmid DNA fragment, respectively. Findings from this study illustrate the need for continued epidemiological monitoring of E. ictaluri to ensure prevention and treatment strategies in the Vietnamese striped catfish sector remain robust and effective.
Hydrodynamics drives shifts in phytoplankton community composition and carbon-to-chlorophyll a ratio in the northern South China Sea
Authors: Chen Dawei , Shi Zhen , Li Ruihuan , Li Xiangfu , Cheng Yuanyue , Xu Jie
Published: December 2023

Phytoplankton play significant roles in the carbon cycle in oceans. Phytoplankton biomass and community composition are often mediated by ocean hydrodynamics. It is vital to quantify the phytoplankton carbon content and carbon:Chlorophyll a (C:Chl a) ratio and to better understand the link between hydrodynamics and phytoplankton communities in marine environments, which are important parameters in marine biogeochemical models. Environmental variables, phytoplankton community composition, abundance, particulate organic carbon, and Chl a were determined in summer in the northern South China Sea (SCS), which was influenced by the Pearl River discharge, upwelling, and anticyclonic eddy, to examine the links between hydrodynamics, phytoplankton community, and C:Chl a ratio. Our results showed that the spatial variabilities in phytoplankton community composition, and carbon content, and C:Chl a ratio were driven by hydrodynamics. Nutrient enrichment favored the growth of diatoms, especially small chain-forming diatoms at the Pearl River Estuary stations. From inshore to offshore, the dominant phytoplankton shifted from small-chain diatoms to large diatoms and dinoflagellates, increasing phytoplankton biodiversity from inshore to offshore. Weak upwelling caused an increase in Synechococcus abundance, while an anticyclonic eddy resulted in a high abundance of Prochlorococcus and Trichodesmium spp. in the present study. We found that the relationship between phytoplankton carbon content and the logarithm of Chl a concentration fit an exponential curve. The C:Chl a ratio increased from 72.7 g g−1 at Pearl River Estuary stations, to 101 g g−1 at Pearl River discharge dilution stations and to 131 g g−1 at SCS surface stations due to shifts in phytoplankton community composition. The low C:Chl a ratio was attributed to the high abundance of diatoms in the Pearl River plume-impacted area, whereas a high C:Chl a ratio was related to the dominance of cyanobacteria at SCS surface stations. Our findings provide insights into quantifying phytoplankton carbon content and understanding the links between hydrodynamics, phytoplankton community composition, carbon content, and C:Chl a ratio in oceans.
Novel IKBKG gene mutations in incontinentia pigmenti: report of two cases
Authors: Chen Huaqing , Ji Xiaojuan , Lai Yun , Xie Ling , Wan Chunlei , Li Longnian
Published: December 2023

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP), an X-chromosome dominant genodermatosis caused by mutations in the IKBKG/NEMO gene, is a rare disease affecting the skin, teeth, eyes, and central nervous system. Here, we report two pedigrees of IP and detection of two novel mutations in the IKBKG gene associated with IP via genetic analysis. In addition, different gene mutation types can present with different clinical phenotypes, and the same gene mutation type can show different clinical phenotypes. This study provides clinical cases for further study of the genotype and phenotype of IP and enriches the mutation spectrum of IKBKG gene, which provides a basis for genetic counseling and genetic diagnosis of IP in the future.