bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROBLEMATIKA PENASIHAT HUKUM BELUM BERSTATUS ADVOKAT KETIKA MENERIMA SURAT KUASA KHUSUS UNTUK BERACARA DI PENGADILAN (STUDI KASUS PUTUSAN NOMOR 412/PDT.G/2019/PN MDN DI PENGADILAN NEGERI MEDAN)
Authors: Imantoro Bayu
Published: January 2024

In representing the parties for proceedings in court or other institutions outside the court, advocates must show the legitimacy of their profession as an advocate. The validity is proven by the existence of a power of attorney from one plaintiff or defendant to an advocate with the designation of an extraordinary power of attorney. Following Article 1795 of the Civil Code: The granting of power of attorney can be carried out precisely, namely only regarding a particular interest or more, or in general, covering all the interests of the person giving the power of attorney. The unique power of attorney is the basis for granting power of attorney to the advocate to take any action that the recipient of the power of attorney may take to represent the interests of the power of attorney as the principal party. The following legal basis, in Article 4 paragraph (1) of Law no. 18 of 2003 concerning Advocates, before carrying out their profession, Advocates must swear an oath according to their religion or make a solemn promise in an open session of the High Court in their legal domicile. When filing a lawsuit, each extraordinary power of attorney is registered at the clerk's office at the judiciary, where it will be listed for data collection and supervision of the attorney. The research aims to analyze the application of Article 4 paragraph (1) concerning advocates who have not yet received an oath when they receive an extraordinary power of attorney from the plaintiff, then register civil cases at the clerk's office and continue to represent the plaintiff, follow the trial process until the judge makes a final decision. The research method used is a normative juridical approach.
Analysis of The Influence of Tiktok's Social Media Marketing on Brand Equity, Brand Loyalty and Brand Experience on Halal Skincare Products
Authors: Rahmadini Inas Suroya , Rizqina Mardhotillah Rachma
Published: January 2024

This is because it relates to the suitability of the target market that has been made. The large number of different brand choices on the market encourages Wardah to be superior in competition, namely through good brand equity in order to seize market share and gain profits, because good brand equity will create added value for consumers to make repeated product purchases in the future. come. Given the very high competition, encouraging the cosmetic industry to carry out various strategies to win the competition. Wardah carries out various strategies to attract customers to make purchases, one of which is a strategy based on emotional motives, namely by reviewing the experience that users get from the product. This study aims to analyze the effect of social media marketing on brand equity, brand loyalty and brand experience. The research method uses quantitative methods with purposive sampling technique. The distribution of the questionnaire was made online via the Google form which was distributed to 240 respondents within one week. Analysis can in this study use Partial Least Square (PLS). The results of this study are that there is a significant influence between social media marketing on brand equity, brand loyalty and brand experience. Brand experience has an influence on brand loyalty and brand equity.
Influence of Brand Ambassador, Brand Awareness, and Price on Brand Image and Purchasing Decision in Halal Skincare Product (Study on MS Glow Skincare Products in Surabaya)
Authors: Ardian Indina Ni’ma Sam , Rizqina Mardhotillah Rachma
Published: January 2024

The influence of technology in everyday life can influence a person's buying decision. Companies must be up to date in seeing existing developments and changes. This study aims to determine whether there is an influence of Brand ambassador, Brand awareness and Price on Brand image and Purchasing decision. The population in this study is consumers who have purchased Ms.glow products domiciled in Surabaya. The sample of the study was 227 respondents obtained in the purposive sampling research method. The data analysis method in this study uses path analysis with smartPLS software. The results of the study showed a significant influence between Brand ambassadors on Brand image and not significant on Purchase decisions. There is a significant influence between Brand awareness and Price on Brand Image and Purchasing decisions. And there is a significant influence of Brand image on Purchasing decisions.
Ineficacia del tipo penal de la violencia psicológica en la ciudad de Cuenca, provincia del Azuay, en el primer trimestre del 2021
Authors: Avilés Tenorio Ana María , Eduardo Rafecas Daniel
Published: January 2024

La prevalencia de la violencia contra las mujeres a lo largo de los años ha estimulado el establecimiento de programas destinados a lograr la no violencia contra las mujeres, principalmente a nivel internacional, así como numerosas reformas normativas nacionales e internacionales diseñadas para proteger a las mujeres de la violencia que sufren. Objetivos: El objetivo pretende demostrar si esta tipificación penal, puede ser considerar como una respuesta suficiente para prevenir todo tipo de violencia, e incluso llegar a erradicarla, convirtiéndose en una verdadera solución a la sociedad, al abordar no sólo una serie de políticas preventivas, sino también, de atención, protección y reparación de la víctima femenina. Metodología: se realizó un análisis cuantitativo de los casos tramitados por las Unidades Especializadas en Violencia de Género de la Fiscalía Provincial del Azuay. Resultados: se logró definir que el delito tipificado en el Código Orgánico Integral Penal de Violencia Psicológica contra las Mujeres y los Miembros del Núcleo Familiar, en su artículo 157 reformado, no es una solución legal que pueda demostrar su eficacia. Conclusiones: alentar a las víctimas de la violencia psicológica a denunciar o buscar justicia, se deben implementar medidas alternativas que promuevan la reparación psicológica integral a través de políticas públicas.
Growth inhibition of Salmonella by Leuconostoc species isolated from buffalo milk curd
Authors: Habiba MU , Ahmed S , Ahmed A , Rahman MM
Published: January 2024

Traditional fermented products are considered to be a niche for microbial diversity. Probiotics offer a unique approach for addressing the threat of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to isolate Leuconostoc spp. from Buffalo milk curd, an artisanal fermented dairy product in Bangladesh and assess their growth inhibition competence against Salmonella sp. A total of 50 isolates were isolated and purified from five freshly prepared buffalo milk curd samples using two different media, with glucose or sucrose as the carbon source. Among these pure isolates, 37 were identified as presumptive Leuconostoc spp. The biochemical identification using the VITEK 2 system confirmed that 59.5% of the isolates were Leuconostoc mesenteroides ssp. cremoris, while 40.5% were Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides. Out of the identified isolates, twelve had a similarity of over 97%, and twenty-five had a similarity of less than 96%. Consequently, these twelve isolates were tested for their antimicrobial activity against Salmonella sp. using two in vitro methods, agar well diffusion and microbroth. The isolate M1L1 exhibited the highest inhibitory zone (15 mm) and showed 55.6% growth inhibition by the agar well diffusion and microbroth assay, respectively, suggesting a similar efficacy between the two methods. Notably, five other isolates also displayed inhibitory zones ranging from 13 to 15 mm and growth inhibition percentages of 37 to 52%. Overall, the isolated Leuconostoc spp. could be utilized as probiotics to combat pathogenic microorganisms.
Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2023) 27 (1): 93-104
Seroprevalence and molecular detection of infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) in commercial chicken in Gazipur district of Bangladesh
Authors: Saurov MSJ , Asaduzzaman M , Sadi RS , Harun AB , Yasmin A , Rahman MM , Das ZC , Haider MG , Islam MT
Published: January 2024

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is one of the major diseases of chickens that cause great economic losses in commercial chicken farms. It is caused by the infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV). This research work was designed to investigate the seroprevalence of ILTV in commercial chicken farms in Gazipur district. A total of 590 blood sera were collected randomly from commercial chicken farms from different locations in Gazipur district. An antigen-coated indirect ELISA was performed to determine the antibody titer against ILTV in these sera. Moreover, gross and histopathological changes in different organs were investigated. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a molecular detection method, was performed to detect the fragment of the glycoprotein ‘C’ (gC) gene of ILTV in the infected chicken. Overall, 195 out of 590 serum samples were positive for anti-ILTV IgG, representing 33.05% of positive cases. The highest mean titer of ILTV antibody was found in anti-ILTV-vaccinated layer chickens with a mean titer of 3554. In seasonal variation, the highest prevalence of ILTV was recorded during the winter, followed by the rainy and summer seasons. The prevalence of ILTV was the highest at the age of 10-30 weeks in layer chickens. Necropsy findings of dead chickens showed severe congestion and fibrosis in the lungs and trachea, with occlusion of the tracheal lumen by mucus, caseous exudates and blood. Microscopically, hemorrhage and huge infiltrations of inflammatory cells were found in trachea and lungs. Moreover, the nucleotide sequence of ‘gC’ gene of ILTV was amplified successfully and yielded 1.26 kbp amplicons. This study suggested that ILTV was endemic in Gazipur district and the PCR technique is a useful molecular tool for diagnosis of ILTV in the commercial chicken industry.
Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2023) 27 (1): 121-135
Prevalence of diseases and its associated risk factors in crossbred Friesian calves
Authors: MS Hossain , MR Islam , MS Rahman , FY Bari , MMU Bhuiyan
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of diseases and its associated risk factors in crossbred Friesian calves in a dairy farm in Bangladesh. Date of birth, birth weight, age and sex of 194 calves up to three months old, season of disease occurrence, date of illness and the percentage of IgG in colostrum were recorded. The prevalence of calf diseases was 33.5%, of which 30.1% were suffering from medical conditions, 19.6% having enteritis: only 5% had surgical disorders. Calves up to 21 days old had significantly higher disease prevalence (22.2%) than calves aged 22-90 days (11.3%). The prevalence of diseases was significantly higher (43.1%) in calves with birth weight up to 29 kg than calves with birth weight 30 kg or more (28.7%). The prevalence of diseases was higher in male calves (38.0%) than female (28.7%). The prevalence of diseases was significantly higher (72.4%) in calves consumed colostrum containing 22-24% IgG compared to calves given colostrum containing 28-30% IgG. The prevalence of diseases was significantly higher in rainy season (64.2%) than in summer (29.5%) and in winter (6.1%).

Bang. vet. 2023. Vol. 40, No. 1 – 2, 37 – 45
Social Awareness and Use of Face Masks among Medical Students in Association with the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Islam Md Serajul , Islam Mir Moyeedul , Nazneen Nazia , Zaman Tamrin
Published: January 2024

A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted to assess the level of social awareness and use of face mask in association with the COVID-19 pandemic among the medical students of Ad-din Sakina Women’s Medical College, Jashore, Bangladesh, between January and February of 2022. The study was carried out in the Department of Community Medicine. A total of 354 students of the same medical college participated in the survey. Data was collected by structured questionnaire and data processing and statistical analysis were done by using SPSS version 25.0. The age of the respondents was between 18 and 26 years. The mean age was 21.73 years. 82.8% of respondents were Muslims and 15.3% were Hindu. The average monthly family income of respondents was about 53,000 BDT. 83% of the respondents used face masks for the protection against COVID-19. 70.3% of the respondents relied more on the surgical type of mask. According to the survey the main mode of transmission of virus was found to be through respiratory droplets by 87.3% of the respondents. However, 13% failed to recognize droplet inhalation as a source of transmission. 92.1% of the respondents believed that the route of transmission includes eyes, nose, and mouth. Among the respondents 96% sanitize hand and face properly and 87.3% maintain social distance. It was found out that 7.1 percent of the respondents were affected by COVID-19 and 100% respondents were vaccinated against COVID-19. These findings clearly showed a satisfactory level of awareness and attitudes among the medical students towards COVID-19. Promoting the use of facemasks and educating the public about mask-wearing as an effective tool in disease prevention may also help to increase the public’s perceived benefits, which may then also contribute to increasing mask-wearing compliance. Facemasks play a pivotal role in the prevention and control of infectious respiratory disease transmission.
CBMJ 2024 January: vol. 13 no. 01 P: 71-76
Bacterial Isolates from Diabetic Foot Ulcer with Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern
Authors: Biswas Suttam Kumar , Roy Shilpi Rani , Paul Arup Roton
Published: January 2024

A cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out in the Department of Surgery, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, between October 2014 and September 2015, to determine the microbiological profile and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of organisms isolated from diabetic foot ulcer. A total of 130 patients of diabetic foot ulcer were included in the study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Samples of pus were collected from those patients and sent for culture and sensitivity tests. Out of 130 cases, the highest number of patients 55(42.4%) were in 50-59 years age group. The mean age was 60.1±9.8 years. Most of the patients (70%) were male. 90(69.2%) samples yielded growth, while 40(30.8%) did not show any bacterial growth. Out of those 90 samples with growths, 112 bacteria were isolated. Of them, 59(52.7%) organisms were gram-positive, while 28(25%) were gram-negative and 25(22.3%) organisms were both gram-positive and gram-negative. Out of 59 gram-positive isolates, 35(59.3%) were S. aureus, 18(30.5%) were Enterococci, and 6(10.2%) were Streptococci. In 28 gram-negative isolates, 15(53.7%) were E. coli, 6(21.4%) were Pseudomonas, 4(14.2%) were klebsiella, and 3(10.7%) were proteus. Regarding antibiotic sensitivity, all gram-positive bacteria (100%) were sensitive to vancomycin. S. aureus was 80% sensitive to ceftriaxone, 71.4% to flucloxacillin, 65.7% to clavulanic acid, 54.2% to ampicillin, 48.5% to amoxicillin, and 28.5% to cotrimoxazole. Enterococci spp. was 61.1% sensitive to ceftriaxone, 33.3% to clavulanic acid, (27.7%) to ampicillin, and 16.6% to both amoxicillin and cotrimoxazole. Streptococcus spp. showed 83.3% sensitivity to ceftriaxone, 66.6% to flucloxacillin, 33.3% to clavulanic acid, and 16.6% to cotrimoxazole. Among gram-negative bacteria, E. coli was found to be sensitive to imipenem (100%), ceftriaxone (86%), amikacin (100%), cefuroxime (73.3%), ampicillin (33.3%), ciprofloxacin (60%), and gentamycin (60%). Pseudomonas was found to be sensitive to imipenem (50%), ceftriaxone (66.6%), amikacin (83.3%), and cefuroxime (66.6%). Klebsiella was found to be sensitive to imipenem (100%), ceftriaxone (75%), amikacin (75%), cefuroxime (50%), and ciprofloxacin (25%). Proteus was found to be sensitive to imipenem (100%), ceftriaxone (66.6%), amikacin (66.6%), cefuroxime (33.3%), ciprofloxacin (66.6%), and gentamycin (66.6%).  
CBMJ 2024 January: vol. 13 no. 01 P: 89-94
Berührungen zwischen den westfinnischen und slavischen Sprachen. I. Slavische Lehnwörter in den west-finnischen Sprachen
Authors: Mikkola Joos. J.
Published: January 2024

Suomalais-Ugrilaisen Seuran Toimituksia VIII
Venäjänlapin konsonanttien astevaihtelu Koltan, Kildinin ja Turjan murteiden mukaan
Authors: Itkonen Toivo
Published: January 2024

Suomalais-Ugrilaisen Seuran Toimituksia XXXIX
Ethics as a minor form of politics and theory in activist research
Authors: Reinertsen Anne Beate , Ryen Anne
Published: January 2024

To do minor activist research is to create and make use of critical neologistic vocabularies hopefully balancing the ascetic impoverishment of direction and syntax in majority vocabularies when conceptualized as universals. To do minor activist research is therefore to unsettle received discourses, narratives, and material social practices of power to develop means of resistance in new and different registers. To do minor activist research is to train the imagination for a collaboratively accomplished re/presentation of data through creating points of encounters, thus engendering an affirmative perspectivist’s ethos. Re/presenting data as a space in which one’s own thinking is challenged, hence providing a perspective of the storying practices across participants and across different disciplinary, ideological, or personal boundaries within the researcher’s and the researched specific positioning. This requires getting everyone to participate in the “analysis” of data, and then getting everyone “inside” the text: situating data-inquiries in immanence. It therefore demands a liberation from old scripts, and challenges how everyone is transformed into text, with perspectivism being simultaneously means and objective for avoiding the reproduction of both old scripts and ethics. Our goal is to enhance (self)reflexivity regarding knowledge production and research methodologies, to influence actual research practices through fostering a more inclusive, open, and collaborative approach to research that transcends traditional boundaries and embraces the fluid and hybrid nature of knowledge production. Ultimately, turning the concept of ethics through minoring into a thinking hub and pedagogy for change.
The first and theoretical section is on how to ethically represent data in a new-empiricist and post qualitative environment. We call it data-philosophy. Our ontological approach brings its own concepts, which reflect the perspectives from which we argue. In the three next sections, we follow up by looking more closely into these ideas in re/presenting empirical qualitative research to invite hybrid and fluid configurations. Here, activist research refers to bringing actors into our thinking about the data, to accentuate the collaborative, open to thinking differently through staying close to the data. We then bring it all together in a section on the rebirth of language, to open for what we refer to as a storying personifying, thereby storying data together as a process of becoming, of mutuality and affect as a source of agency. We argue that this creates a theory of science and ethics in data analysis, and in re/presenting data, which are closely entangled.
ANALISIS BIBLIOMETRIK PENELITIAN TENTANG COVID-19 DI INDONESIA
Authors: Latiar Hadira , Arifin M. Fadli , Dul Hakim Triono
Published: January 2024

This research focuses on scientific articles that discuss Covid-19. This research aims to find out and analyze the Co-occurance and Co-authorship mapping of the distribution of scientific publications that discuss Covid-19 in Indonesia. This research method is a descriptive research in the form of bibliometric analysis with a quantitative approach to Co-occurrence and Co-authorship. First, co-occurrence is carried out to see trends in research topics by grouping keywords. Second, Co-authorship is an analytical method used to determine the level of collaboration of scientific article authors in conducting scientific research. The results of the study show that scientific journal articles with the keyword Covid-19 in this research study have a strong association with several other keywords in the same field. Judging from the frequency of occurrence of keywords, namely Covid-19 Pandemic, Indonesia, Coronavirus, Sars-cov-2, Public health, Social Media, Pandemic, E-learning, Corona, Distance learning, and others. Meanwhile, keywords that have a low occurrence rate are Consumers, Emotional Intelligence, Force Majure, Inflation, New Normal, Corona, Lockdown. Meanwhile, "Geno, Rachmad Ardiansyah Pua", "Herwanto, Yeni Tri", "Ibad, Mursyidul", "Laksono, Agung Dwi", "Megatsari, Hario", "Nugraheni, Estiningtyas", "Sarweni, Kinanty Putri", “Vinet, Luc”, and “Zhedanov, Alexei” are the most prolific writers. The level of collaboration of scientific article writers with keywords written collaboratively is as much greater than individually or individually.
Numerical Optimization on Aircraft Wake Vortex Decay Enhancement
Authors: Xu Ziming , Li Dong
Published: January 2024

Blowing air at the end of the airport runway can accelerate the decay of the near-ground aircraft wake vortex, thereby reducing the negative impact of the vortex on the following aircraft. However, the benefits of accelerating wake dissipation vary for different blowing parameters, so it is necessary to set appropriate parameters in order to obtain better acceleration results. Because of the high cost of traditional optimization methods, this research uses a Kriging surrogate model to optimize the blowing parameters. The results show that the current optimization algorithm can deal with the global optimization problem well. After obtaining 205 sample points, the response surface model of the blowing parameters and blowing yield was accurately established. A relatively optimal parameter setting range was given, and numerical simulation shows that the current parameter setting can obtain improved benefits from accelerated vortex dissipation. In addition, since the optimization process is partially dimensionless, the above optimization results can be used to achieve multi-objective design, that is, the same set of blowing devices can efficiently accelerate the dissipative process of the tail vortices of different aircraft types, thus improving the engineering feasibility of the current blowing method.
S-propargyl-cysteine promotes the stability of atherosclerotic plaque via maintaining vascular muscle contractile phenotype
Authors: Ping Li , Zhi-Ming Li , Bi-Shan Zhang , Lei Zhu , Bo Yu , Yi-Chun Zhu , Ming-Jie Wang
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Plaque rupture in atherosclerosis contributes to various acute cardiovascular events. As a new sulfide-containing donor, S-propargyl-cysteine (SPRC) has been reported to play a beneficial role in cardioprotection, potentially through its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-atherogenic activities. Our previous study observed an increase in eNOS phosphorylation in endothelial cells. However, it remains unclear whether SPRC influences vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) within the plaque and if this effect contributes to plaque stabilization.

Methods: An atherosclerotic unstable plaque mouse model was established by subjecting ApoE−/− mice to tandem stenosis of the right carotid artery along with a Western diet. Daily SPRC administration was conducted for 13 weeks. Plaque morphology and stability were assessed using MRI scanning and histopathological staining. In our in vitro studies, we stimulated human artery vascular smooth muscle cells (HAVSMCs) with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), both with and without 100 μM SPRC treatment. Cell phenotype was assessed using both Western blot and Real-time PCR. Cell proliferation was assessed using the BrdU cell proliferation kit and immunofluorescence of Ki-67, while cell migration was measured using scratch wound healing and transwell assay. MiR-143-3p overexpression and knockdown experiments were used to investigate whether it mediates the effect of SPRC on VSMC phenotype.

Results and Discussion: SPRC treatment reduced plasma lipid levels, increased collagen content and decreased cell apoptosis in atherosclerotic plaques, indicating improved plaque stability. Both in vivo and in vitro studies elucidated the role of SPRC in preserving the contractile phenotype of VSMCs through up-regulation of miR-143-3p expression. Furthermore, SPRC suppressed the pro-proliferation and pro-migration effects of PDGF-BB on HAVSMCs. Overall, these findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of SPRC on phenotype switch from contractile to synthetic VSMCs may contribute to its beneficial role in enhancing plaque stability.
Taking risks by flying paper airplanes
Authors: Alfonso Antonio
Published: January 2024

We propose an outdoor activity for game theory courses in which students are invited to fly self-made paper airplanes to earn points in three tests. The main goal of this outdoor classroom experiment is to help students learn by experiencing concepts of uncertainty in the domain of profit, specifically risk aversion. After the experiment, students are encouraged to reflect on decision making under uncertainty. We present a theoretical model to explain the decisions made by the participants, their optimal behavior and any deviations from it. Our activity aims to introduce the study of decision making under uncertainty through an experience.
Associations of personal care products use with reproductive outcomes of IVF/ICSI treatment
Authors: Guo Qing-Chun , Yao Wen , Liu Chong , Deng Tao-Ran , Li Juan , Liao Hong-Mei , Tian Wen-Qu , Wang Yi , Du Yao-Yao , Li Yu-Feng
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Personal care products (PCPs) contain a number of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that could potentially affect the reproductive function in women of childbearing age. However, studies focused on the effects of PCPs use on reproductive outcomes are very limited. The current study aimed to explore the relationships between PCPs use patterns and reproductive outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatment.

Methods

A total of 1500 women from the Tongji Reproductive and Environmental (TREE) study between December 2018 and January 2020 were included in this study. Participants provided characteristics of PCPs use within the previous three months. Retrieved oocyte number, mature oocyte number, two distinct pronuclei (2PN) zygote number, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, blastocyst formation rate, implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth were followed up as reproductive endpoints. Generalized linear regression model was utilized to assess the associations between various categories of PCPs use and reproductive endpoints of IVF/ICSI.

Results

After adjusting for relevant covariates, women who used skin care products ≥14 times per week had a reduction of 22.4% in the maturation rate (95% CI: -39.2%, -1.6%) compared to participants who did not use skin care products. After transferring fresh embryos, women who used cosmetics 1–2 times per week (adjusted OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.0, 4.8) or 3–7 times per week (adjusted OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2, 5.2) had a higher possibility of miscarriage than those who did not use cosmetics. There was negative association between the use of gel or soap and the cleavage rate among women aged < 30 years old (P for interaction = 0.01). Among women with BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2, the use of gel or soap was negatively associated with the blastocyst formation rate (P for interaction = 0.04), while cosmetics use was negatively associated with the maturation rate (P for interaction = 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the use of PCPs in women of reproductive age have a potential adverse impact on IVF/ICSI outcomes, particularly skin care and cosmetic products.
Immune-endocrine network in diabetes-tuberculosis nexus: does latent tuberculosis infection confer protection against meta-inflammation and insulin resistance?
Authors: Aravindhan Vivekanandhan , Yuvaraj Srinivasan
Published: January 2024

Tuberculosis patients with diabetes, have higher sputum bacillary load, delayed sputum conversion, higher rates of drug resistance, higher lung cavitary involvement and extra-pulmonary TB infection, which is called as “Diabetes-Tuberculosis Nexus”. However, recently we have shown a reciprocal relationship between latent tuberculosis infection and insulin resistance, which has not been reported before. In this review, we would first discuss about the immune-endocrine network, which operates during pre-diabetes and incipient diabetes and how it confers protection against LTBI. The ability of IR to augment anti-TB immunity and the immunomodulatory effect of LTBI to quench IR were discussed, under IR-LTB antagonism. The ability of diabetes to impair anti-TB immunity and ability of active TB to worsen glycemic control, were discussed under “Diabetes-Tuberculosis Synergy”. The concept of “Fighter Genes” and how they confer protection against TB but susceptibility to IR was elaborated. Finally, we conclude with an evolutionary perspective about how IR and LTBI co-evolved in endemic zones, and have explained the molecular basis of “IR-LTB” Antagonism” and “DM-TB Synergy”, from an evolutionary perspective.
The effect of gonadoliberin analog treatment in precocious puberty on polycystic ovarian syndrome prevalence in adulthood
Authors: Orszulak Dominika , Niziński Kacper , Bil Adriana , Gawlik Aneta , Ziora Katarzyna , Drosdzol-Cop Agnieszka
Published: January 2024

Precocious puberty is diagnosed when pubertal characteristics appear before the age of 8 years in females. The most common form is gonadotropin-dependent, called axial. The primary method of treatment is administration of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa). The aim of the study was to verify hypothesis that GnRHa therapy in the childhood may be of additive risk factor for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adulthood.

Material and Methods

The study group consists of 24 women (median age 22 88 years, median BMI 23.5) treated with GnRHa for central precocious puberty in childhood. The control group includes 40 women (median age 23 years, median BMI 25.6) diagnosed with isolated premature thelarche and not using GnRHa in the childhood. Anthropometric measurements, ultrasound examination of minor pelvis and hormonal profile were performed. PCOS diagnosis was based on Rotterdam criteria.

Results

The study confirmed a higher prevalence of PCOS in the study group (50%) than in the control group (10%); p=0.0006. Significant, linear correlation between free testosterone levels and ovarian size was found in the study group (R=0.45 p= 0.03).

Conclusions

GnRHa therapy during childhood may have a potential influence on incidence of PCOS in the adulthood. Therefore, in this group of patients long-term follow-up focused on screening for PCOS would seem beneficial.
Optimal scheduling of the CSP–PV–wind hybrid power generation system considering demand response
Authors: Zhao Qingsong , Yang Beijia , Ma Hui , Liu Gang , Xu Jianyuan
Published: January 2024

In order to solve the problem of there being a high proportion of wind and photovoltaic (PV) abandonment in the new energy system, an optimal dispatching method of concentrated solar power (CSP)–PV–wind hybrid power generation considering demand response is proposed. First, on the basis of the combination of wind and PV power stations and CSP stations, electric heating (EH) devices are used to convert unconsumed wind and PV power into thermal energy stored in the thermal storage system of the CSP station. Second, based on the difference in response time and response volume of customers, a stepped incentive-based demand response (IBDR) approach is introduced. Thus, a CSP–PV–wind power optimal dispatch model taking into account IBDR is established to achieve coordinated source-load dispatch. Finally, the CPLEX solver is invoked to optimize day-ahead scheduling with the goal of the lowest system comprehensive cost. Example analysis is used to confirm the proposed method’s usefulness in enhancing the system’s wind and PV power consumption capacity and reducing the system’s comprehensive cost.
Effect of steam reinjection mass flow rate on the SOFC–GT system with steam reinjection
Authors: Zhao Hang , Zheng Puyan , Zhu Qunzhi , Zhang Xiangpeng , Lan Zehua , Fu Zaiguo , Luo Tian , Shen Renhu , Cheng Jiahao
Published: January 2024

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is regarded as the first choice of high-efficiency and clean power generation technology in the 21st century due to its characteristics of high power generation efficiency and low pollutant emission. In this paper, hydrogen is used as a fuel for SOFCs using the EBSILON platform. A sensitivity analysis of the solid oxide fuel cell–gas turbine (SOFC–GT) system with steam reinjection is carried out to investigate the effect of the steam reinjection mass flow rate on the improvement of the electrical efficiency of the system and on the values of the other parameters. The results show that the variation in the steam reinjection mass flow rate has an effect on other parameters. Changes in several parameters affect the electrical efficiency of the system, which reaches 74.11% at a pressure ratio of 10, SOFC inlet temperature of 783.15 K, turbine back pressure of 70 kPa, and steam reinjection mass flow rate of 6.16 kg/s. Future research can optimize the overall parameter selection of the system in terms of economy and other aspects.
The first embryo, the origin of cancer and animal phylogeny. IV. The neoplastic basis for the formation of the innate immune system
Authors: Cofre Jaime
Published: January 2024

The formation of the innate immune system of animals can only be envisioned after the development of the first metazoan embryo. The decisive role of Embryology in understanding the evolution of the immune system has been inexplicably disregarded in the history of science. Some characteristics of our holozoan ancestors, including macrophage-like movement and enteric phagocytosis, were suppressed by the formation of chains of physically attached cells in the context of embryo multicellularity. The formation of the archenteron during morphogenesis of the first embryo resulted in a meta-organism whose survival was dependent on the ability to perform enteric phagocytosis (nutrition on bacteria). By recognizing the neoplastic basis of embryo formation, it is possible to venture a glimpse at its other face, a process that becomes evident when the extracellular matrix and cadherin junctions are destroyed. What ensues is metastasis (in the case of cancer) or an alternative version controlled by cell differentiation (during embryogenesis). In the context of innate immunity, the development of mesogleal cells by epithelial–mesenchymal transition and differentiation into cells specialized in bacterial recognition allowed the newly formed animal to preserve homeostasis, an innovation that has been maintained throughout evolution. In this article, I will share my first reflections on the embryonic origin of innate immunity and its close relationship with cancer. Innate immunity arises naturally during embryogenesis, which explains why the immune system typically does not react against cancer cells. In its essence, the immune system was created from them. Here, I argue that the first embryo can be understood as a benign tumor nourished and protected by the innate immune system.
The co-existence of NAFLD and CHB is associated with suboptimal viral and biochemical response to CHB antiviral therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Georgia , Holmes Benjamin R. , Alqahtani Saleh A. , Gill Upkar S. , Kennedy Patrick T. F.
Published: January 2024

Background and aims

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are leading causes of liver-related morbidity and mortality. The interaction between these two disease processes is poorly defined and the impact of NAFLD on HBV-related cirrhosis and HCC remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of NAFLD on response to antiviral CHB therapy to inform the debate on changing CHB treatment thresholds for these comorbid patients.

Methods

Studies with a minimum of 50 adult CHB patients on nucleoside analogue therapy with or without concurrent NAFLD were identified from PubMed/Medline and EMBASE to February 21, 2023. Data extraction from each study included HBeAg and treatment status, diagnostic method of NAFLD, frequency of monitoring intervals, patient age, gender, grade of hepatic steatosis, BMI and metabolic comorbidities. The outcomes of interest, complete virological response (CVR), biochemical response (BR) and HBeAg loss/seroconversion, were recorded at each available monitoring interval. Comparing CHB-NAFLD and CHB-only groups, pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random- or fixed-effects models depending on heterogeneity.

Results

From a search of 470 citations, we identified 32 potentially relevant papers. Overall, 11 studies, comprising 2580 unique patients, met the inclusion criteria of the meta-analysis. CHB-NAFLD patients exhibited significantly lower rates of CVR compared to CHB-only patients. This was demonstrated by an OR of 0.59 (0.38-0.93, p=0.001, I2 = 72%) at 12 months, which tapered off to an OR of 0.67 (0.48-0.95, p=0.02) at 60 months. CHB-NAFLD patients also exhibited significantly lower rates of BR compared to CHB-only patients, as demonstrated by ORs of 0.39 (0.24-0.62, p<0.0001, I2 = 53%) at 12 months and 0.33 (0.17-0.63, p=0.0008) at 24 months.

Conclusion

Patients with concurrent CHB and NAFLD experience delayed CVR to antiviral therapy and more persistent biochemical abnormalities in comparison to patients with CHB only. This supports the argument for earlier antiviral therapy in order to avert CHB complications in these multi-morbid patients, as the global disease burden of NAFLD continues to increase.
How to translate genetic findings into clinical applications in spondyloarthritis?
Authors: Frison Eva , Breban Maxime , Costantino Félicie
Published: January 2024

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is characterized by a strong genetic predisposition evidenced by the identification of up to 50 susceptibility loci, in addition to HLA-B27, the major genetic factor associated with the disease. These loci have not only deepened our understanding of disease pathogenesis but also offer the potential to improve disease management. Diagnostic delay is a major issue in SpA. HLA-B27 testing is widely used as diagnostic biomarker in SpA but its predictive value is limited. Several attempts have been made to develop more sophisticated polygenic risk score (PRS). However, these scores currently offer very little improvement as compared to HLA-B27 and are still difficult to implement in clinical routine. Genetics might also help to predict disease outcome including treatment response. Several genetic variants have been reported to be associated with radiographic damage or with poor response to TNF blockers, unfortunately with lack of coherence across studies. Large-scale studies should be conducted to obtain more robust findings. Genetic and genomic evidence in complex diseases can be further used to support the identification of new drug targets and to repurpose existing drugs. Although not fully driven by genetics, development of IL-17 blockers has been facilitated by the discovery of the association between IL23R variants and SpA. Development of recent approaches combining GWAS findings with functional genomics will help to prioritize new drug targets in the future. Although very promising, translational genetics in SpA remains challenging and will require a multidisciplinary approach that integrates genetics, genomics, immunology, and clinical research.
Retrograde intrarenal surgery with intelligent control of renal pelvic pressure for staghorn calculi: a case report
Authors: He Xiaolong , Huang Xin , Zhai Qiliang , Song Leming , Deng Xiaolin
Published: January 2024

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the gold standard treatment for staghorn calculi. However, this study reviews a case of an almost complete removal of staghorn calculi following one session of retrograde intrarenal surgery with intelligent control of renal pelvic pressure (RIRS-ICP). A 45 years-old female patient with an 8.3 × 4.5 cm complete staghorn stone was infected with Proteus mirabilis. Two sensitive antibiotics, piperacillin tazobactam and etimicin, were administered for 3 days. Semirigid 7/8.4 Fr ureteroscope was used to treat the renal pelvis and upper calyceal calculi for 57 min. A 550 μm holmium laser fiber with 2.0 J × 30 Hz was set. Next, a disposable flexible ureteroscope of 8.4 Fr was used to address residual middle and lower calyx stones for 94 min. A 200 μm holmium laser fiber with 1.0 J × 30 Hz was set. The renal pelvis pressure was controlled within 15 mmHg. A 2 mm CT scan on the first postoperative day showed inferior caliceal residue of approximately 1.0 × 0.6 cm. No complications occurred. This suggests that RIRS-ICP is a safe and effective treatment for staghorn calculi.
Molecular characterization of carbapenem-resistance in Gram-negative isolates obtained from clinical samples at Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia
Authors: Gashaw Mulatu , Gudina Esayas Kebede , Ali Solomon , Gabriele Liegl , Seeholzer Thomas , Alemu Bikila , Froeschl Guenter , Kroidl Arne , Wieser Andreas
Published: January 2024

Background

In resource-constrained settings, limited antibiotic options make treating carbapenem-resistant bacterial infections difficult for healthcare providers. This study aimed to assess carbapenemase expression in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from clinical samples in Jimma, Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess carbapenemase expression in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from patients attending Jimma Medical Center. Totally, 846 Gram-negative bacteria were isolated and identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Phenotypic antibiotic resistance patterns were determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and Etest strips. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase phenotype was determined using MAST disks, and carbapenemases were characterized using multiplex polymerase chain reactions (PCR).

Results

Among the isolates, 19% (157/846) showed phenotypic resistance to carbapenem antibiotics. PCR analysis revealed that at least one carbapenemase gene was detected in 69% (107/155) of these strains. The most frequently detected acquired genes were blaNDM in 35% (37/107), blaVIM in 24% (26/107), and blaKPC42 in 13% (14/107) of the isolates. Coexistence of two or more acquired genes was observed in 31% (33/107) of the isolates. The most common coexisting acquired genes were blaNDM + blaOXA-23, detected in 24% (8/33) of these isolates. No carbapenemase-encoding genes could be detected in 31% (48/155) of carbapenem-resistant isolates, with P. aeruginosa accounting for 85% (41/48) thereof.

Conclusion

This study revealed high and incremental rates of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in clinical samples with various carbapenemase-encoding genes. This imposes a severe challenge to effective patient care in the context of already limited treatment options against Gram-negative bacterial infections in resource-constrained settings.
Effects of Flammulina velutipes mushroom residues on growth performance, apparent digestibility, serum biochemical indicators, rumen fermentation and microbial of Guizhou black goat
Authors: Long Yong , Xiao Wen , Zhao Yanpin , Yuan Chao , Wang Defeng , Yang Yang , Su Chaozhi , Paengkoum Pramote , Han Yong
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The primary objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of Flammulina velutipes mushroom residue (FVMR) in a fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) diet on the fattening effect and rumen microorganisms in Guizhou black male goats.

Methods

A total of 22 Guizhou black male goats were allocated into two groups using the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) experimental design. The average initial weight was 22.41 ± 0.90 kg and with 11 goats in each group. The control group (group I) was fed the traditional fermentation total mixed ration (FTMR) diet without FVMR. Group II was fed the 30% FVMR in the FTMR diet.

Results

The results showed that compared with group I, the addition of FVMR in the goat diet could reduce the feed cost and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of group II (p < 0.01). Notably, the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and dry matter (DM) were higher in group II (p < 0.01). The levels of growth hormone (GH), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in group II were higher than that of group I (p < 0.01), which the level of glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (ALT) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was noticeably lower than that of group I (p < 0.01). 30% FVMR in FTMR diets had no effect on rumen fermentation parameters and microbial composition at the phylum level of Guizhou black male goats (p > 0.05). However, at the genus level, the relative abundance of bacteroidal_bs11_gut_group, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and Desulfovibrio in group II was lower than in group I (p < 0.05), and the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_ND3007_group was higher than in group I (p < 0.01).

Discussion

In conclusion, the results of the current study indicated that 30% FVMR in the FTMR diet improves rumen fermentation and rumen microbial composition in Guizhou black male goats, which improves growth performance, apparent digestibility, and immunity.
Musical experience influences socio-emotional functioning in behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia
Authors: van’t Hooft Jochum J. , Benhamou Elia , Albero Herreros Claudia , Jiang Jessica , Levett Benjamin , Core Lucy B. , Requena-Komuro Mai-Carmen , Hardy Chris J. D. , Tijms Betty M. , Pijnenburg Yolande A. L. , Warren Jason D.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

On phenotypic and neuroanatomical grounds, music exposure might potentially affect the clinical expression of behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). However, this has not been clarified.

Methods

14 consecutive patients with bvFTD fulfilling consensus diagnostic criteria were recruited via a specialist cognitive clinic. Earlier life musical experience, current musical listening habits and general socio-emotional behaviours were scored using a bespoke semi-quantitative musical survey and standardised functional scales, completed with the assistance of patients’ primary caregivers. Associations of musical scores with behavioural scales were assessed using a linear regression model adjusted for age, sex, educational attainment and level of executive and general cognitive impairment.

Results

Greater earlier life musical experience was associated with significantly lower Cambridge Behavioural Inventory (Revised) scores (β ± SE = −17.2 ± 5.2; p = 0.01) and higher Modified Interpersonal Reactivity Index (MIRI) perspective-taking scores (β ± SE = 2.8 ± 1.1; p = 0.03), after adjusting for general cognitive ability. Number of hours each week currently spent listening to music was associated with higher MIRI empathic concern (β ± SE = 0.7 ± 0.21; p = 0.015) and MIRI total scores (β ± SE = 1.1 ± 0.34; p = 0.014).

Discussion

Musical experience in earlier life and potentially ongoing regular music listening may ameliorate socio-emotional functioning in bvFTD. Future work in larger cohorts is required to substantiate the robustness of this association, establish its mechanism and evaluate its clinical potential.