bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parameter Optimasi dan Validasi Metode Ultra Fast Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Suprianto Suprianto
Published: July 2023

Sejarah Kromatografi Kromatografi pertama sekali diperkenalkan oleh Mikhail Tswett, seorang ahli botani Rusia yang mengembangkannya pada tahun 1903. Pigmen yang terdapat dalam daun dipisahkan dengan kolom gelas vertikal yang diisi serbuk kalsium karbonat. Pada waktu yang hampir bersamaan, D.T. Day juga menggunakan kromatografi untuk memisahkan fraksi-fraksi petroleum, namun Mikhail Tswett yang diakui sebagai penemu dan yang menjelaskan tentang proses kromatografi. Kromatografi Cair Kinerja Tinggi (KCKT) atau sering disebut HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) adalah sebuah instrumen yang menggunakan prinsip kromatografi dengan menggunakan fase gerak cair yang dialirkan melalui kolom yang merupakan fase diam menuju ke detektor dengan bantuan pompa. Sampel dimasukkan ke dalam aliran fase gerak dengan cara penyuntikan. HPLC adalah teknik yang digunakan untuk memisahkan berbagai konstituen senyawa. Ini adalah teknik yang paling banyak digunakan untuk mengidentifikasi, mengukur, dan memisahkan komponen campuran. Ini menggunakan tekanan tinggi untuk mendorong pelarut melalui kolom. HPLC secara luas digunakan dalam biokimia untuk analisis konstituen senyawa. Ini adalah cara ideal untuk pemisahan dan identifikasi asam amino, asam nukleat, protein, hidrokarbon, pestisida, karbohidrat, antibiotik, steroid dan zat anorganik lainnya yang tak terhitung jumlahnya. HPLC memiliki banyak kelebihan dibandingkan metode kromatografi cair yang digunakan sebelumnya.
Comparative Antibacterial Activity of ethanol Extract, Choloroform Fraction and n-Hexane fraction from Tekelan’s (Chromolaena odorata L.), Kenikir’s (Cosmos caudatus Kunth) and Kemangi’s (Ocimum bacilicum L.) Leave
Authors: Suprianto Suprianto
Published: July 2023

Objectives:Bacteria is one of the infectious causes. Antibacterial agents are the treatment for this infectious. The biggest source for antibacterial agent is plant. Some of plant that can be used for treat infectious was Tekelan (C. odorataL.), Kenikir (C. caudatus Kunth) and Kemangi (O. bacilicumL.).Tekelan, Kenikir and Kemangi are commonly consuming as vegetable in Indonesia. They also traditionally were used for treat diarrhea and wound, gastritis and appetite enhancer. Objective of this study were determined best antibacterial activity and Minimum Inhibitor Concentration (MIC) of ethanol extract, chloroform fraction and n-hexane fraction from C. odorata, C. caudatus, and O. bacilicum leaves against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Methods: Leaves of C. odorata, C. caudatusand O. bacilicum were extracted by maceration method using ethanol 96%. The ethanol extract continuously fractions by n-hexane and chloroform. The extracts and fraction were phytochemical screening and continued conducting antimicrobial test against S. aureusand E. coli, through disc diffusion method. Results: Result showed ethanol extract has better activity against S. aureus than E.coli compare than chloroform fraction and n-hexane fraction. MIC of Tekelan’s and Kenikir’s leaves against S. aureus were 12.5 mg/ml (ethanol extract), 50 mg/ml (chloroform fraction) and 300 mg/ml (n-hexane fraction). While for E.coli 25 mg/ml (ethanol extract), 100 mg/ml (chloroform fraction), 400mg/ml (n-hexane fraction). MIC of Kemangi’s leave against S. aureus and E. coli were 12.5 mg/ml (ethanol extract), 50 mg/ml (chloroform fraction) and none on nhexane fraction.Base on zone inhibition of concentration 500 mg/ml of ethanol extract, chloroform fraction, it showed Kemangileaves have better antibacterial activity compare to Tekelan and Kenikir leaves (> 20 mm). But n-hexane fraction of Tekelan and Kenikir still have anbacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. Conclusions: Ethanol extract of Tekelan’s, Kenikir and Kemangi’s leaves has greater antibacterial activity compare than chloroform and n-hexane fraction with MIC under 50 mg/ml against S. aureus and E. coli for all the plant. Kemangi’s ethanol extract and chloroform fraction were the most growth inhibitor activity among other plant. It due to the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoid, tannin and saponin compound in extracts and fraction
Simpson's Gender-Equality Paradox
Authors: Berggren Mathias , Bergh Robin
Published: July 2023

Several cross-country examinations have found larger gender differences in Western countries. More lately, countries’ gender equality has been correlated with such gender differences, and it is sometimes argued that gender equality may paradoxically cause men and women to diverge. However, this gender-equality paradox has primarily been examined with this cross-country methodology, so it possible that other cultural differences, including differences in data quality, are more directly influential. Here, we reanalyze the results from multiple studies on the gender-equality paradox with country-level data available. We find that gender differences more strongly co-vary with cultural regions and data quality, and that controlling for cultural regions consistently causes the association with gender equality to drop to non-significance. Similarly, controlling for our data quality indicators strongly attenuates the paradox. Conversely, cultural regions and data quality explains gender differences beyond gender equality. Further, when controlling for language within Protestant Western countries, which are more culturally comparable, higher gender equality was associated with smaller gender differences in personality. These results challenge the claim that gender equality causes gender differences, suggests it is rather an example of a Simpson’s paradox, and indicates that the cross-cultural association is confounded with other cultural differences, and with data quality.
I belong; hence, I engage? A cohort study of transitions between school engagement classes and academic achievement: The role of relational school climate
Authors: Katsantonis Ioannis
Published: July 2023

The role of the school climate in buffering disengagement remains relatively underresearched. The present study examined transitions between classes of early adolescents’ school engagement and relational school climate factors influencing classes of students’ (dis-)engagement, and how these were linked with academic achievement in mid-adolescence. A representative sample of 3,643 early adolescents (48.72% females) from the Growing Up in Australia cohort study was utilised. Latent transition analyses indicated three classes of school engagement, namely mostly disengaged, moderately engaged and highly engaged. Significant transitions were found between classes with fewer students becoming moderately engaged and mostly disengaged. Having a positive teacher–student relationship and higher feelings of school belonging predicted membership to the highly engaged classes. Highly engaged students were fewer by age 12 but had the best achievement only in numeracy, writing and spelling tests at age 14/15. The study underscores the importance of positive relational school climate for fostering school engagement and achievement.
Long-Term Memory for Faces in Dysmorphic Concern and Self-Reported Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Authors: Möllmann Anne , Peters Carolin , Heinrichs Nina , Herwig Arvid
Published: July 2023

Dysmorphic concerns are a core symptom of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a mental disorder characterized by a preoccupation with perceived appearance-related flaws. Different cognitive and perceptual biases are associated with dysmorphic concern or BDD, including object-related short-term memory deficits and superior short-term memory performance for facial features. A face-related long-term memory bias might explain the feature of perceiving flaws and why individuals with BDD experience adverse outcomes of cosmetic surgery. The present study aimed at investigating long-term memory (LTM) performance for different facial stimuli. 62 participants completed an online experiment (30 with low and 32 with high dysmorphic concern; 39 without and 23 with self-reported BDD). The experiment consisted of two consecutive old/new recognition tasks, testing memory performance of whole faces and facial features. LTM performance was higher for whole faces than for facial features across groups. Neither significant differences between the low and high dysmorphic concern groups nor an interaction of group x stimulus type were found. Post hoc exploratory analyses revealed lower memory performance in individuals with versus without self-reported BDD. The results indicate that memory performance might be only affected in BDD rather than non-clinical or non-BDD specific dysmorphic concerns.
Automotive Aluminum, Part 12: Aluminum on the Ford-F150 and Beyond
Authors: Chappuis Laurent , Sanders Robert
Published: July 2023

The conclusion of this article series reviews the lasting impact of Ford’s extensive use of aluminum on some of its most popular, high-volume vehicles. It addresses future prospects for aluminum auto body sheet (ABS) production and challenges associated with electric vehicle development.
QUALITY OF R&D INFORMATION IN THE DISCLOSURES OF PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES IN HUNGARY
Authors: Palánk Gréta , Karai Éva
Published: July 2023

The Hungarian Accounting Act and the International Financial Reporting Standards require different accounting treatments and disclosures for research and development activities. While examining ten years’ financial statements of five Hungarian pharmaceutical companies, we revealed the differences between the two accounting systems and evaluated the quality of the provided accounting information. Incorporating former researchers’ findings, the authors developed a criteria system for content analysis to examine the impact of accounting differences on the quality of accounting information. The financial statements presented on the IFRS basis provided more consistent high-quality information, while the disclosures prepared on the domestic accounting rules showed a variable picture.
LABVIEW IN THE RESEARCH OF FRACTAL PROPERTIES OF THE TOPOLOGY OF NETWORKS AND STOCHASTIC PROCESSES
Authors: N. Otkhozoria  , Z. Azmaiparashvili  , L. Petriashvili  , V. Otkhozoria  , E. Akhlouri
Published: July 2023

The advancement and utilization of computer technologies for studying and diagnosing the technical state of dynamic systems are closely linked to scientific and technological progress. Among these technologies, fractal technologies hold a prominent position [1]. Time series data, which record changes in controlled parameters over time, are commonly used for diagnosing technical objects and systems. The use of fractals will also be of interest in assessing the resonant frequency characteristics of oscillatory systems [3]. The informational characteristics of topologically distributed networks (e.g., computer, cellular) significantly depend on their geometry, node placement, and inter-node distances. The fractal dimension, a fundamental characteristic of networks, plays a crucial role in this context [2]. The research paper presents a methodology for modeling and synthesizing large networks using the node density function, which follows a power function with a fractal dimension. This characteristic aligns with Zipf's law of population distribution around urban centers. The paper also provides fractality degree indices for the network diagram. Software tools such as LabVIEW play a significant role in scientific research and experiment automation.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE BLENDED LEARNING METHOD AND USAGE YOUTUBE VIDEO MEDIA ON STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES CLASS X OF SMAN PAKUSARI IN ENGLISH LESSON
Authors: Dewi Rita Sinta
Published: July 2023

Problem-based learning models can be combined with learning media to generate new desires and interests, generate motivation and stimulate learning activities and even bring psychological influences such as blended learning methods and YouTube video media that combine or mix face-to-face learning and computer-based learning.. This experimental research used a pre-test post-test control group design. Data collection tools used pre-test and post-test methods. Instrument analysis used: normality test and homogeneity test. Hypothesis analysis using t-test. The difference is clearly visible from the experimental class and control class as stated between learning using the Blended Learning method and youtube media and without youtube media. The value of sig 2 tailed is 0.00 where the value of sig is below the value of 0.005 which means that there are differences in student learning outcomes using the blended learning method without youtube media and with youtube media.Based on the results of research on the effect of the Blended learning method using YouTube video media on student learning outcomes in English subjects. Therefore, educational institutions are expected to make policies to improve the quality of learning, especially in developing a more student-centered learning model or better known as student-centered learning
Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Kristensen Mette Lund , Winkler Ingo , Weik Elke , Mee Richard , Jebsen Simon
Published: July 2023

This Special Issue emerged as a reaction to changes in the organisation of academic work that authors variously refer to as the managerial university (e.g., Laiho et al. 2022; Lea 2011), the McUniversity (e.g., Nadolny and Ryan 2015; Parker and Jary 1995), the neoliberal university (e.g., Davies et al. 2006), the corporate university (e.g., Angus 2007) or the entrepreneurial university (e.g., Marginson and Considine 2000; Slaughter and Leslie 1997). Following the neoliberal idea of a smaller state and more market in conjunction with New Public Management ideology, universities are increasingly managed along the lines of marketisation, hierarchising, measurement, auditing and control. In that regard it is powerful external stakeholders (e.g., politicians, industry, media, general public) and internal stakeholders (e.g., management and administration) rather than academics that debate and decide the legitimacy of higher education or make various claims about the purposes and the preferred outcomes of academic work (Weik et al. 2022). At the same time, the perspective on academic work has shifted from a validation and certification by peers (Huff 2000) towards a validation focusing on the practical usability of academic knowledge production (Grey 2001; Gulati 2007; Learmonth et al. 2012).
Synthesis of Nano Crystalline Gamma Alumina from Waste Cans
Authors: Ahmedzeki Nada Sadoon , Hussein Sattar Jalil , Abdulnabi Waqar Abdulwahid
Published: July 2023

In the present study waste aluminium cans were recycled and converted to produce alumina catalyst. These cans contain more than 98% aluminum oxide in their structure and were successfully synthesized to produce nano sized gamma alumina under mild conditions. A comprehensive study was carried out in order to examine the effect of several important parameters on maximum yield of alumina that can be produced. These parameters were reactants mole ratios (1.5, 1.5, 2, 3, 4 and 5), sodium hydroxide concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 55%) and weights of aluminum cans (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 g). The compositions of alumina solution were determined by Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS); and maximum yield of alumina solution was 96.3% obtained at 2 mole ratios of reactants, 40% sodium hydroxide concentrations and 10g of aluminum cans respectively. Gamma alumina was acquired by hydrothermal treatment of alumina solution at pH 7 and calcination temperature of 550 ºC. The prepared catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption/ desorption isotherms, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Results showed good crystallinity of alumina as described by XRD patterns, with surface area of 311.149 m2/g, 0.36 cm3/g pore volume, 5.248 nm pore size and particle size of 68.56 nm respectively.
Static Model of Zubair Reservoir in Luhais Oil Field
Authors: Alher Ahmed Abdulmueen , Aljawad Mohammed Saleh , Ali Abdullah Abdulhasan
Published: July 2023

Static reservoir modeling is the interacting and analysis of the geological data to visualize the reservoir framework by three-dimensional model and distribute the static reservoir properties. The Petrel E&P software used to incorporate the data. The interpreted log data and core report used in distribution of petrophysical properties of porosity, water saturation and permeability for Zubair reservoir in Luhais oil field.

   The reservoir discretized to 274968 cells in increments of 300, 200 and 1 meter in the direction of X, Y, and Z respectively. The geostatistical approach used in the distribution of the properties of porosity and water saturation overall the reservoir units. The permeability has been calculated with classical method depending on the routine core reports data.

   The results show the main reservoir unit is 1C where its porosity and permeability are about 20% and 400md respectively. This unit underlaid by barrier unit and rounded by water. The estimated value of oil in place is about 209*106 ScM3, most of it accumulate at 1C unit and the other at the upper parts of unit 1E.
Strategi Komunikasi Pemasaran Pada Layanan Pengiriman Barang Ke Mancanegara Melalui Media Sosial
Authors: Widiyanti Wiwik
Published: July 2023

Semakin maraknya persaingan yang ketat pada jasa layanan pengiriman barang ke mancanegara maka Master Bagasi berusaha untuk  menjadi pemenangnya. Oleh karena itu penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggali strategi komunikasi pemasaran yang digunakan Master Bagasi dalam menarik pelanggan baru dan mempertahankan loyalitas pelanggan. Penelitian ini menggunakan teknik analisis data kualitatif dengan menggunakan teknik wawancara pada empat  narasumber, observasi dan dokumentasi sebagai metode pengumpulan datanya. Hasil penelitian ini menyatakan bahwa strategi komunikasi pemasaran Master Bagasi menggunakan advertising dengan menggunakan iklan berbayar di Facebook, dan iklan tidak berbayar berupa postingan konten menarik di Instagram, Facebook dan Tiktok; sales promotion berupa pemberian free charge pada jasa titip beli, charge, dan pick up; personal selling berupa komunikasi yang aktif, sopan dan amanah sehingga terjalin kedekatan emosional yang menimbukan rasa nyaman dan tidak segan dalam bertransaksi; word of mouth merupakan komunikasi pemasaran yang ampuh dimana pelanggan memberikan informasi kepada rekan dan kerabatnya atas pelayanan Master Bagasi.The more intense the competition in the service of shipping goods to foreign countries, the more the Master Bagasi tries to be the winner. As a result, the purpose of this research is to delve into Master Bagasi’s marketing communication strategies for attracting new customers and increasing customer loyalty. As data collection methods, the study employs qualitative data analysis techniques on four sources, as well as observation and documentation.The results of this research stated that the marketing communication strategy used by Master Bagasi uses advertising using paid advertising on Facebook and non-paid advertising in the form of interesting content posting on Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok; sales promotion in the way of giving free charges on the purchase, charge, and pick-up of services; personal selling as active, polite, and confident communication so that the emotional closeness boosts the feeling of comfort and not hesitating in transactions; and word of mouth is a powerful marketing communication in which customers provide information to colleagues and relatives on the services of Master Bagasi.
PERSEPSI PENGGUNA APLIKASI AKUNTANSI MYOB, ZAHIR ACCOUNTING DAN JURNAL DALAM MENYUSUN LAPORAN KEUANGAN
Authors: Hermawan Aditya , Ningsih Wiwik Fitria
Published: July 2023

This research provides a deep understanding of the experience and preferences of users of accounting applications such as MYOB, Zahir, and Jurnal. In this study, a class action method was used that involved respondents in dealing with examples of cases of preparing financial statements. For this purpose, respondents will use the accounting computer application Zahir Accounting Enterprise Version 6.0, MYOB version 18, and also access the journal through www.jurnal.id. This research involved 79 MSME actors operating in Malang City, East Java Province, and they were divided into three classes. The implementation of Class Actions takes place over a two-month period, starting from April to May 2023. In data analysis, a descriptive statistical analysis method is used that involves manual calculation of the score of each answer given by respondents. It is concluded that each accounting computer application has advantages and disadvantages in certain aspects. Zahir tends to score well in the categories of "Easy to operate on various devices" and "Additional Presentation of Supporting Information that is easy to understand," indicating ease of use across devices and good presentation of information.
Microbial invasions and inoculants: a call to action
Authors: Ladau Joshua , Fahimipour Ashkaan , Newcomer Michelle , Brown James , Vora Gary , Melby Melissa , Maresca Julia
Published: July 2023

The use of non-genetically modified microbial inoculants for beneficial purposes in agriculture, bioremediation, medicine, and infrastructure is increasing. The intentional introduction of plants and animals for similar purposes has a long history, but despite successes, has resulted in thousands of plant and animal species becoming invasive, with catastrophic consequences for the environment, public health, and society. Hundreds of microbial invasions are known, and although microbial inoculants can provide benefits, they have similar potential to negatively impact ecosystems. Little action has been taken to guard against the threat of microbial invasions from non-genetically modified microbial inoculants. Now is the time to develop an effective research and management infrastructure for these microbial inoculants to avoid catastrophic outcomes similar to those caused by intentionally-introduced plants and animals. Here, we propose a unified research and management approach to spur action by regulators and practitioners. Three aims need to be addressed: developing (1) a coherent mechanistic understanding of how microbial inoculants effect invasions, (2) predictive models forecasting which microbes pose risks of invasion, and (3) effective management strategies. To guide mechanistic understanding, we develop seventeen key hypotheses. For predictive modeling, quantitative trait analysis and risk maps will be critical. Management strategies will depend on both understanding and predictions, but prevention rather than eradication or control of invasive microbes is likely to be most effective, and a precautionary regulatory approach should immediately be applied to inoculants. Multiple data types will be instrumental for understanding and predicting which microbial inoculants have invasive potential: experimental data from microcosm and mesocosm experiments, and large-scale observational data from microbial surveillance. Both phenomenological and mechanistic modeling approaches will be key in achieving these fundamental and applied research aims. Moreover, each stage of the invasion process --- transport, establishment, spread, and impacts --- often need to be investigated separately. The unified approach developed here provides a roadmap for developing a research and management infrastructure to guard against the threat of microbial invasions from non-genetically modified microbial inoculants.
Association between Leukocyte Telomere Length and Atrial Fibrillation: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Liu Jingmeng , Chen Jun
Published: July 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide. The prevalence of AF increases significantly associated with increasing age, ranging from less than 0.5% of the population younger than 40 to 5% of those aged 65 and older and more than 10% of those surviving to the eighth decade of life. Therefore, AF is thought to be closely related to biological ageing. Telomeres (TL), repetitive DNA elements located at the ends of chromosomes, have been implicated as potential mediators of biological aging. TL is generally measured in leucocytes due to the easy accessibility of these cells in peripheral blood. Whether a causal effect of leucocytes TL (LTL) on AF is not clear. We used two-sample MR analysis model to evaluate the causal effect of LTL on AF. The summary statistics data for AF and LTL were derived from the recently published largest GWAS. Twenty SNPs at 17 genomic loci were discovered as genetic instruments for LTL. The MR analysis in the fixed-effect inverse-variance weighted models and MR Egger (bootstrap) method showed that LTL was associated with an increased risk of AF (odds ratio [OR], 1.145; 95% CI, 1.065-1.230, P<0.001; OR, 1.158; 95% CI, 1.007-1.331, P=0.021) based on 20 SNPs as the instrument variables. However, the opposite results were observed in other MR methods, which revealed LTL has no strong causal effect on AF at current evidence.
EL TURISMO RURAL EN LA POLÍTICA NACIONAL DE ARGENTINA
Authors: Walter Pablo Alberto , Gallo Graciela , Cacace Silvana
Published: July 2023

En los últimos 20 años, en la Argentina, hubo una inestable institucionalización del Turismo en la política nacional. Se ha desarrollado acciones desordenadas, poco continuadas y además con planificaciones de poca ejecutabilidad a la necesidad territorial surgida a lo largo de ese tiempo. Este trabajo intenta indagar en las distintas estrategias institucionales de Argentina, enmarcadas en políticas públicas en relación con la institucionalización y el desarrollo del Turismo Rural (TR). Se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva de información secundaria basada en publicaciones de libros, revistas y artículos que detallan el estado del arte, tanto en forma impresa como digital. Se ha encontrado una política discontinua en el establecimiento del Turismo como sector económico estratégico en la Argentina; sin una especificidad por actividad. En el Turismo Rural resultó una falta de establecimiento e institucionalización central en los entes gubernamentales nacionales. Si, existieron un número de estrategias planificadas institucionalmente por estamentos gubernamentales que, sumado al esfuerzo y la visión de organizaciones territoriales municipales y comunales, contribuyeron a responder a la demanda en el desarrollo e instalación del Turismo Rural en Argentina. No se incluyen en esta etapa del estudio los aportes de los actores de sociedad civil que contribuyen al desarrollo de la actividad en distintas regiones.
Language and culture in health communication in an emergency context: do health practitioners and patients talk differently about uncertainty and risk?
Authors: Nissen Vanda , Meuter Renata F. I.
Published: July 2023

Objective

To explore how expressions of uncertainty are used and understood by patients and their health practitioners (HPs) in language-concordant vs. language-discordant consultations and to invoke CAT to identify the use of communication strategies, with a focus on HPs.

Methods

This qualitative study encompassed 15 transcribed video and audio recordings of medical consultations between monolingual and bilingual patients and HPs captured in an Australian Emergency Department (ED). HPs and patients also completed a Language Background Questionnaire (LBQ). The main outcome measures included the number and type of expressions of risk and uncertainty used by patients and HPs and the strategies used by HPs to accommodate their patients' conversational needs.

Results

A total of 15 representative conversations were analyzed, involving two bilingual and two monolingual HPs and 14 patients (of whom five were bilingual). All conversations contained epistemic expressions (e.g., probably), which were used more frequently by patients and more often by bilingual patients. HPs accommodated the patients effectively overall, but some bilingual patients showed difficulties in their understanding.

Conclusion

All interlocutors expressed uncertainty to varying degrees. The greater use of uncertainty expressions by (bilingual) patients suggests that HPs could increase their communicative effectiveness by attending specifically to their patients' uncertainty talk. Such talk may reflect a need for reassurance. For culturally and linguistically diverse patients, it may reflect issues with comprehension.
Chronic vagus nerve stimulation in patients with heart failure: challenge or failed translation?
Authors: Wu Zhihong , Liao Jiaying , Liu Qiming , Zhou Shenghua , Chen Mingxian
Published: July 2023

Autonomic imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems contributes to the progression of chronic heart failure (HF). Preclinical studies have demonstrated that various neuromodulation strategies may exert beneficial cardioprotective effects in preclinical models of HF. Based on these encouraging experimental data, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been assessed in patients with HF with a reduced ejection fraction. Nevertheless, the main trials conducted thus far have yielded conflicting findings, questioning the clinical efficacy of VNS in this context. This review will therefore focus on the role of the autonomic nervous system in HF pathophysiology and VNS therapy, highlighting the potential reasons behind the discrepancy between preclinical and clinical studies.
The effect of non-optimal lipids on the progression of coronary artery calcification in statin-naïve young adults: results from KOICA registry
Authors: Lee Heesun , Ahn Hyo-Jeong , Park Hyo Eun , Han Donghee , Chang Hyuk-Jae , Chun Eun Ju , Han Hae-Won , Sung Jidong , Jung Hae Ok , Choi Su-Yeon
Published: July 2023

Background

Despite the importance of attaining optimal lipid levels from a young age to secure long-term cardiovascular health, the detailed impact of non-optimal lipid levels in young adults on coronary artery calcification (CAC) is not fully explored. We sought to investigate the risk of CAC progression as per lipid profiles and to demonstrate lipid optimality in young adults.

Methods

From the KOrea Initiative on Coronary Artery calcification (KOICA) registry that was established in six large volume healthcare centers in Korea, 2,940 statin-naïve participants aged 20–45 years who underwent serial coronary calcium scans for routine health check-ups between 2002 and 2017 were included. The study outcome was CAC progression, which was assessed by the square root method. The risk of CAC progression was analyzed according to the lipid optimality and each lipid parameter.

Results

In this retrospective cohort (mean age, 41.3 years; men 82.4%), 477 participants (16.2%) had an optimal lipid profile, defined as triglycerides <150 mg/dl, LDL cholesterol <100 mg/dl, and HDL cholesterol >60 mg/dl. During follow-up (median, 39.7 months), CAC progression was observed in 434 participants (14.8%), and more frequent in the non-optimal lipid group (16.5% vs. 5.7%; p < 0.001). Non-optimal lipids independently increased the risk of CAC progression [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 1.97; p = 0.025], in a dose-dependent manner. Even in relatively low-risk participants with an initial calcium score of zero (aHR, 2.13; p = 0.014), in their 20 s or 30 s (aHR 2.15; p = 0.041), and without other risk factors (aHR 1.45; p = 0.038), similar results were demonstrable. High triglycerides had the greatest impact on CAC progression in this young adult population.

Conclusion

Non-optimal lipid levels were significantly associated with the risk of CAC progression in young adults, even at low-risk. Screening and intervention for non-optimal lipid levels, particularly triglycerides, from an early age might be of clinical value.
Targeting calcium regulators as therapy for heart failure: focus on the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase pump
Authors: Kho Changwon
Published: July 2023

Impaired myocardial Ca2+ cycling is a critical contributor to the development of heart failure (HF), causing changes in the contractile function and structure remodeling of the heart. Within cardiomyocytes, the regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ storage and release is largely dependent on Ca2+ handling proteins, such as the SR Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2a) pump. During the relaxation phase of the cardiac cycle (diastole), SERCA2a plays a critical role in transporting cytosolic Ca2+ back to the SR, which helps to restore both cytosolic Ca2+ levels to their resting state and SR Ca2+ content for the next contraction. However, decreased SERCA2a expression and/or pump activity are key features in HF. As a result, there is a growing interest in developing therapeutic approaches to target SERCA2a. This review provides an overview of the regulatory mechanisms of the SERCA2a pump and explores potential strategies for SERCA2a-targeted therapy, which are being investigated in both preclinical and clinical studies.
Case report: Open-heart removal for a cement embolism formed 10 years ago in the right ventricle and pulmonary artery
Authors: Liu XinPei , Chu PeiShan , Miao Qi
Published: July 2023

Bone cement embolism is a known complication after a kyphoplasty operation. Cement embolisms without immediate fatal complication such as cardiac perforation or hypoxemia were often stable during observation. We report a case of a large volume bone cement embolism involving the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery system. The patient developed mild exertional shortness of breath and chest pain after a percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) operation 10 years ago. However, her mild symptoms were attributed to multiple myeloma, and no chest imaging was taken until the symptoms exacerbated after a COVID-19 infection 6 months ago. A large, tree-branch-shaped embolus was found, causing severe obstruction of the ascending and middle-lobe branch of the right pulmonary artery. The pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy demonstrated an impaired perfusion of the right upper and middle lobe. An open-heart removal was performed, and the symptoms were relieved afterward. We report this case to highlight the importance of routine chest imaging after a PKP operation and to claim that open-heart removal for chronic cement pulmonary embolism is technically feasible and safe.
Association of hair glucocorticoid levels with sleep quality indicators: a pilot study in apparently healthy perimenopausal and menopausal women
Authors: Mazgelytė Eglė , Valatkevičiūtė Agnė , Songailienė Jurgita , Utkus Algirdas , Burokienė Neringa , Karčiauskaitė Dovilė
Published: July 2023

Background

Poor sleep quality is associated with different physical and mental health diseases. It is proposed that increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity is a potential contributor affecting sleep pattern and quality. We aimed to analyze the relationship between subjective sleep quality indicators and hair glucocorticoid levels among relatively healthy perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Methods

A total of 145 women aged 50–64 y.o. were enrolled in the cross-sectional pilot study. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, while stress level was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale. Hair cortisol and cortisone levels were determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Statistically significant positive relationship was found between hair cortisol concentration and Pittsburgh sleep quality index score. Similarly, statistically significant positive associations were observed between hair total glucocorticoid level and Pittsburgh sleep quality index, sleep disturbance, and Perceived Stress Scale scores. Subjects with prolonged sleep latency had significantly higher hair cortisol and total hair glucocorticoid concentrations compared with individuals whose sleep latency is not disturbed. Additionally, Chi-squared test indicated that lower hair cortisol concentration was significantly related to better sleep efficiency.

Conclusion

Increased hair glucocorticoid (cortisol, cortisone) levels were found to be related with worse sleep quality measured by Pittsburgh sleep quality index score.
Has high-tech cluster improved regional innovation capacity? evidence from Wuhan metropolitan area in China
Authors: Bao Jinhong , Li Yin
Published: July 2023

As the core of “Rise of Central China” strategy, the regional innovation capacity of the Wuhan Metropolitan Area is the key to enhance the innovation ability of central China and even China. High-tech industries are the key driving force to improving regional innovation. Studying the relationship between high-tech clusters and regional innovation capacity helps optimize the spatial layout of regional high-tech industries, upgrade the industrial structure and enhance regional innovation capacity. Based on the panel data of nine cities in the Wuhan Metropolitan Area from 2010–2019, we measure the regional innovation capacity and the degree of high-tech cluster using the super-SBM and locational quotient. Furthermore, we explore the high-tech cluster’s influence on regional innovation capacity by constructing a non-linear panel threshold model and a spatial econometric model. The results showed: 1) The innovation capability of the Wuhan Metropolitan Area shows a “W” type fluctuation upward trend, and the degree of the high-tech cluster is below the quotient level of 1, showing a continuous “M” type trend; 2) There is a non-linear double-threshold effect between high-tech cluster and innovation capacity, and the overall effect of promotion, but there is a marginal decreasing, probably because of the crowding effect or over-competition of the high-tech cluster in some regions; 3) After considering the spatial effect, the impact of the high-tech cluster on the innovation capacity of both local and neighboring regions shows a “U” curve, but the spillover to the neighboring areas is relatively limited. Therefore, to give full play to the advantages of the high-tech cluster, it is necessary to take a long-term view when formulating relevant industrial policies while considering the differences in regional economic development levels and spatial spillover effects.
Genetic association of hypertension and several other metabolic disorders with Bell’s palsy
Authors: Liu Huawei , Sun Qingyan , Bi Wenting , Mu Xiaodan , Li Yongfeng , Hu Min
Published: July 2023

Background: Effects of hypertension, type 2 diabetes and obesity on Bell’s palsy risk remains unclear. The aim of the study was to explore whether hypertension and these metabolic disorders promoted Bell’s palsy at the genetic level.

Methods: Genetic variants from genome-wide association studies for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, body mass index and several lipid metabolites were adopted as instrumental variables. Two-sample Mendelian randomization including IVW and MR-Egger was used to measure the genetic relationship between the exposures and Bell’s palsy. Sensitivity analyses (i.e., Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, “leave-one-SNP-out” analysis and funnel plot) were carried out to assess heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. All statistical analyses were performed using R software.

Results: Hypertension was significantly associated with the increased risk of Bell’s palsy (IVW: OR = 2.291, 95%CI = 1.025–5.122, p = 0.043; MR-Egger: OR = 16.445, 95%CI = 1.377–196.414, p = 0.029). Increased level of LDL cholesterol might upexpectedly decrease the risk of the disease (IVW: OR = 0.805, 95%CI = 0.649–0.998, p = 0.048; MR-Egger: OR = 0.784, 95%CI = 0.573–1.074, p = 0.132). In addition, type 2 diabetes, body mass index and other lipid metabolites were not related to the risk of Bell’s palsy. No heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy had been found.

Conclusion: Hypertension might be a risk factor for Bell’s palsy at the genetic level, and LDL cholesterol might reduce the risk of the disease. These findings (especially for LDL cholesterol) need to be validated by further studies.
Pattern of choroidal thickness in early-onset high myopia
Authors: Jiang Zhaoxin , Hou Aohan , Zhang Ting , Lai Yanting , Huang Li , Ding Xiaoyan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To explore the etiology and choroidal thickness (ChT) pattern in children with early-onset high myopia (eoHM).

Methods

Sixty children with eoHM and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in this study between January 2019 and December 2021. All children underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations including swept-source optical coherence tomography. ChT was measured in the subfoveal region and at 1000 μm and 2,500 μm nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior to the fovea.

Results

Overall, 120 eyes of 60 children with eoHM were examined (mean spherical equivalent, −8.88 ± 3.05 D; mean axial length, 26.07 ± 1.59 mm). Simple high myopia (SHM), familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), and Stickler syndrome (STL) were the most frequent etiologies of eoHM and were included in further ChT analysis. Adjusted the effect of SE, multivariate regression analysis showed that children with SHM had thinnest ChT at N2500 and I2500 among the subgroups (p = 0.039, p = 0.013). FEVR group showed thinner ChT at T2500 (p = 0.023), while STL patients exhibited thin ChT at all locations.

Conclusion

This study revealed that SHM, STL and FEVR was the most frequent etiology, and showed a distinctive pattern of ChT. Asymmetric nasal ChT thinning is a distinctive biomarker for SHM, asymmetric temporal ChT thinning might serve as a biomarker for FEVR, and symmetric diffuse thinning is more common in STL. These ChT patterns may provide a convenient, fast, and noninvasive strategy to differentiate the potential etiology of eoHM.
The emerging role of extracellular vesicles in fungi: a double-edged sword
Authors: Lai Yi , Jiang Bowei , Hou Fangpeng , Huang Xinhong , Ling Baodian , Lu Hongfei , Zhong Tianyu , Huang Junyun
Published: July 2023

Fungi are eukaryotic microorganisms found in nature, which can invade the human body and cause tissue damage, inflammatory reactions, organ dysfunctions, and diseases. These diseases can severely damage the patient’s body systems and functions, leading to a range of clinical symptoms that can be life-threatening. As the incidence of invasive fungal infections has progressively increased in the recent years, a wealth of evidence has confirmed the “double-edged sword” role of fungal extracellular vesicles (EVs) in intercellular communication and pathogen-host interactions. Fungal EVs act as mediators of cellular communication, affecting fungal-host cell interactions, delivering virulence factors, and promoting infection. Fungal EVs can also have an induced protective effect, affecting fungal growth and stimulating adaptive immune responses. By integrating recent studies, we discuss the role of EVs in fungi, providing strong theoretical support for the early prevention and treatment of invasive fungal infections. Finally, we highlight the feasibility of using fungal EVs as drug carriers and in vaccine development.
Impairments and comorbidities in adults with cerebral palsy and spina bifida: a meta-analysis
Authors: Sattoe Jane N. T. , Hilberink Sander R.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Aging with a childhood-onset disability, such as cerebral palsy (CP), spina bifida (SB), and muscular diseases (MD), comes along with significant impairments and comorbidities. Despite the increasing evidence an overall picture is lacking. This study aimed to review the literature about adults with CP/SB/MD and impairments and comorbidities to perform a meta-analysis.

Materials and methods

Embase, PubMed, Cinahl, and Google Scholar were searched (2000–2020). Search terms included adults with one of the aforementioned disabilities combined with impairments and comorbidities. If specific impairments or comorbidities were reported by at least four studies, these were included in the study. Pooled prevalence (95% Confidence Interval) of impairments/comorbidities were calculated.

Results

The search yielded 7,054 studies of which 95 were included in the meta-analysis (64 CP, 31 SB, 0 MD). In total estimates were calculated for 26 (CP) and 11 (SB) outcomes. In adults with CP, pain [56.4% (95%CI 48.8–63.8)], deformities [44.2% (95%CI 12.9–78.4)], intellectual disability [37.2% (95%CI 26.7–48.3)], and fatigue [36.9% (95%CI 24.6–50.1)] were most prevalent; renal disease [3.0% (95%CI 2.1–4.2)] and stroke/rheumatic diseases {4.8% (95%CI 3.4–6.5; 4.8% (95%CI 1.5–9.9)] respectively} were least prevalent. For adults with SB, bladder incontinence [60.0% (95%CI 50.5–69.2)], bowel incontinence [49.2% (95%CI 34.5–64.0)], pain [44.1% (95%CI 27.4–61.5)], and sleeping problems [30.3% (95%CI 4.7–65.8)] were most prevalent; diabetes [4.8% (95%CI 2.8–7.3)] and renal disease [8.7% (95%CI 2.0–19.9)] were least prevalent. The included studies showed large heterogeneity.

Conclusions

More research is needed to study health issues in adults with MD. Adults with CP or SB deal with a variety of health issues. More attention for the mental health of these adults is needed. There also is a need for accessible and adequate screening, preventive measures and clinical follow-up.
Association between baseline pulse pressure and hospital mortality in non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Jiuling , Wang Shu , Ji Lin , Wang Xiaoqing , Zhao Hang
Published: July 2023

Background and purpose

Previous studies have described an association between pulse pressure (PP) level and mortality in stroke patients. Evidence of associations between PP level and the risk of mortality remains unknown in non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. We aimed to explore the relationship between the baseline PP level and hospital mortality.

Methods

This cohort study of 693 non-traumatic SAH adults used Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) data from 2008–2019 admissions to Intensive Care Unit (ICU). PP level was calculated as the first value after admission to the ICU. The endpoint of the study was in-hospital mortality. Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to analyze the association between baseline PP level and hospital mortality. Restricted Cubic Splines (RCS) analysis was utilized to determine the relationship curve between hospital mortality and PP level and examine the threshold saturation effect. We further applied Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis to examine the consistency of these correlations. The interaction test was used to identify subgroups with differences.

Results

The mean age of the study population was 58.8 ± 14.6 years, and 304 (43.9%) of participants were female. When baseline PP level was assessed in quartiles, compared to the reference group (Q1 ≤ 56 mmHg), the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) in Q2 (57–68 mmHg), Q3(69–82 mmHg), Q4 (≥83 mmHg) were 0.55 (95% CI: 0.33–0.93, p = 0.026), 0.99 (95% CI, 0.62–1.59, p = 0.966), and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.62–1.59, p = 0.954), respectively. In the threshold analysis, for every 5 mmHg increase in PP level, there was an 18.2% decrease in hospital mortality (adjusted HR, 0.818; 95% CI, 0.738–0.907; p = 0.0001) in those with PP level less than 60 mmHg, and a 7.7% increase in hospital mortality (adjusted HR, 1.077; 95% CI, 1.018–1.139; p = 0.0096) in those with PP level was 60 mmHg or higher.

Conclusion

For patients with non-traumatic SAH, the association between baseline PP and risk of hospital mortality was non-linear, with an inflection point at 60 mmHg and a minimal risk at 57 to 68 mmHg (Q2) of baseline PP level.