bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENDETEKSIAN PLAT NOMOR KENDARAAN MENGGUNAKAN ALGORITMA YOU ONLY LOOK ONCE V3 DAN TESSERACT
Authors: Fauzan Muhamad Rizky , Wibowo Ari Purno Wahyu
Published: December 2021

Perkembangan teknologi saat ini sangat berkembang pesat. Teknologi yang saat ini sedang dilakukan pengembangan secara besar-besaran yaitu Artificial Intelligence.  Artificial Intelligence atau AI memiliki berbagai macam fungsi dan tujuan tergantung dari sistem yang akan dibuat. Salah satunya yaitu pendekteksian objek dan teks dari gambar atau video. Contoh dari pemanfaatan teknologi ini yaitu pada pendeteksian objek dan teks pada plat nomor kendaraan.  Pada penelitian ini dilakukan perancangan sistem dengan menggunakan algoritma You Only Look Once V3 sebagai algoritma pendeteksi objek dan Tesseract Optical Character Recognition sebagai pendeteksi teks dalam gambar. Perancangan ini akan dibantu dengan library OpenCV pada bahasa pemrogramanan python dan menggunakan dataset gambar yang sudah tersedia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui tingkat keakurasian algoritma You Only Look Once V3 yang dikombinasikan dengan Tesseract Optical Character Recognition.
IMPLEMENTASI VERIFIKASI TEKS MENGGUNAKAN METODE RIVEST SHAMIR ADLEMAN (RSA)
Authors: Harin Noor octafiani  , Rosita Ai
Published: December 2021

Perkembangan teknologi dan sistem jaringan saat ini mengalami peningkatan secara signifikan, terutama dalam aspek keamanan. Keamanan jaringan setidaknya memiliki dua syarat, yaitu authenticity dan nonrepudiation. Kriptografi dapat dimanfaatkan terkait dengan keamanan informasi berupa kerahasiaan, keutuhan data, nir penyangkalan, serta otentikasi. Untuk menjaga keamanan pesan berupa teks atau kata, biasanya digunakan teknik enkripsi agar kerahasiaan data tersebut terjamin. Salah satu algoritma enkripsi yang sering digunakan yaitu algoritma kriptografi Rivest Shamir Adleman (RSA). Pada penelitian ini, algoritma RSA digunakan sebagai pelindung data, dan menggunakan mekanisme berupa teks sebagai alat verifikasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuat interface pengiriman pesan terautentikasi dengan menerapkan algoritma kriptografi Rivest Shamir Adleman (RSA) pada sebuah teks. RSA merupakan algoritma asimetrik yang mempunyai dua kunci yang berbeda, yaitu kunci publik dan kunci privat. Kedua pasangan kunci (key pair) tersebut digunakan untuk proses enkripsi dan dekripsi. Tingkat keamanan algoritma RSA sangat bergantung pada ukuran kunci tersebut, karena makin kecil ukuran kunci, maka makin besar juga kemungkinan kombinasi kunci yang bisa dijebol dengan metode memeriksa kombinasi satu persatu kunci atau lebih dikenal dengan istilah Brute Force Attack. Bilangan prima yang dihasilkan dalam algoritma RSA mempengaruhi ukuran kunci sandi.
ANALISIS USER EXPERIENCE UNTUK VIRTUAL GALLERY 3D MENGGABUNGKAN PANORAMA FOTO SEBAGAI MEDIA INFORMASI CANDI HINDU BUDHA
Authors: Candra Ayung
Published: December 2021

Teknologi realitas maya dan dunia virtual menjadi salah satu perkembangan teknologi yang terus dikembangkan sebagai media untuk menyampakan informasi maupun konten dalam bentuk digital. Kebutuhan akan media yang inovatif di era revolusi Industri 4.0 menjadi keharusan dan tantangan baru terutama melihat potensi budaya dan sejarahnya yang harus tetap dilestarikan seiring dengan perkembangan zaman dan teknologi. Salah satu topik yang menjadi tantangan dalam inovasi media saat ini adalah model media informasi yang sebelumnya di desain konvensional dalam menampilkan informasi terutama bidang sejarah, baik itu keilmuan murni maupun sejarah untuk media pembelajaran. Informasi sejarah candi Hindu Budha pada dasarnya merupakan sejarah yang sangat menarik dan wajib diketahui oleh semua orang, baik bagi anak anak, remaja maupun masyarakat umum. Penelitian ini berfokus pada perancangan user experience (UX) untuk virtual galeri 3D menggabungkan panorama foto sebagai media informasi Candi Hindu budha di Jawa Barat berdasarkan pada kemudahan, efisiensi, dan kegunaan untuk pengguna. Metode dalam penelitian ini adalah Desain and Development (DnD). Penelitian dilakukan dengan menggunakan kuesioner sebagai instrumen penelitian. Kuesioner penelitian yang disebar terdiri atas 15 pertanyaan yang dikelompokkan menjadi lima variabel usability. Berdasarkan pengolahan data diperoleh hasil bahwa dari 5 variabel usability yang digunakan pada kuesioner, hanya 1 variabel yang signifikan digunakan untuk menganalisis usability aplikasi yaitu memorability. Dari 5 variabel tersebut aplikasi virtual gallery 3D memenuhi 4 variabel lainnya sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa aplikasi android belum memenuhi kriteria-kriteria Usability, Learnability 85,6 %, System Performance 76,9 %, Eficiency 79,9 %, Memorability 74,2 %, Satisfaction 85,04 %.
PENERAPAN MULTIMEDIA DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE PADA GAME EDUKASI PEMBELAJARAN LAGU NASIONAL DAN LAGU DAERAH BERBASIS ANDROID
Authors: Diany
Published: December 2021

Game edukasi dapat berperan sebagai media pembelajaran dalam meningkatkan keinginan dan motivasi untuk belajar. Lagu nasional dan lagu daerah yang ada di Indonesia sekarang ini sudah jarang didengar dan dihapal oleh generasi muda, mereka cenderung menyukai lagu-lagu pop yang tengah modren saat ini. Alat musik pianika pun sudah jarang dimainkan, hal ini dikarenakan jumlah peminat untuk bermain alat musik pianika tergolong sedikit. Meloquin merupakan aplikasi game edukasi dalam meningkatkan minat bermain alat musik pianika sekaligus meningkatkan pengetahuan dalam mengenal dan mengingat lagu kebangsaan yang ada di Indonesia. Pengembangan aplikasi game ini menerapkan metode Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC) yang terdiri dari enam tahapan. Pada aplikasi ini pengguna dapat menebak lagu dengan memainkan pianika sesuai arahan not angka lirik lagu yang telah disediakan disetiap soal. Dari hasil pengujian terhadap kelayakan penggunaan game ini dihasilkan persentase sebesar 78% masuk kedalam kategori baik.

Kata kunci : Game edukasi, Lagu Nasional, Lagu Daerah, Pianika.
PENGEMBANGAN IKM MAKANAN RINGAN OLAHAN DI KECAMATAN CIHAURBEUTI KABUPATEN CIAMIS
Authors: MAMAN MAMAN HILMAN , Hafidz Alhiyami Qushayyi
Published: December 2021

Perkembangan sektor  industri dalam pembangunan di Indonesia tidak terlepas dari peranan Industri Kecil Menengah (IKM). Kabupaten Ciamis merupakan kabupaten yang berada diujung selatan provinsi jawa barat yang juga memiliki peranan potensi IKM sebagai daya tarik peluang pengembangan yang mampu menghasilkan Industri Kecil Menengah (IKM) tersebut terdiri atas usaha kecil menengah sebanyak 91 dan 39 jenis usaha didominasi oleh yang menguasai sektor IKM dan perekonomian masyarakat dengan olahan makanan ringan khas. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk: (1) Mengidentifikasi sektor basis yang ada di Kecamatan Cihaurbeuti menggunakan metode Location Quotient (LQ). Serta  (2) Menentukan Strategi  pengembangan dari sektor prioritas IKM Makanan Ringan Olahan di Kecamatan Cihaurbeuti menggunakan metode Analitycal Hierarchy Process (AHP)

Berdasarkan hasil pada analisis Location Quotient (LQ) diperoleh hasil yakni, terdapat tiga sektor IKM yang menjadi sektor basis di Kecamatan Cihaurbeuti. Dalam perhitungan LQ ini, IKM Makanan Ringan Olahan termasuk sektor basis dengan indeks LQ  rata rata > 1yaitu 2,96. Berdasarkan hasil pada Analitical Hierarchy Process (AHP) dengan analisis menggunakan prinsip dekomposisi dan comparative judgement diperoleh strategi pengembangan IKM Makanan Ringan yaitu, pada Pertumbuhan Industri dengan tingkat kepentingan 51% dan untuk alternatif pengembangan industri yang menjadi fokus adalah Nilai Produksi dengan tingkat kepentingan 22%.
Analisis Pemborosan Menggunakan “9 Waste" Pada Proses Produksi Pt Abc
Authors: Baharudin Ikhsan , Purwanto Ahmad Jaka , Fauzi Muchamad
Published: December 2021

Sistem produksi yang efektif dan efisien akan menghasilkan produk yang berkualitas, sehingga perusahaan tidak mengalami kerugian. Kerugian yang dialami suatu perusahaan salah satunya karena permasalahan pemborosan (waste). Pada penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis waste pada produksi produk X di PT ABC menggunakan pendekatan Lean. Hasil klasifikasi menunjukkan bahwa keseluruhan aktivitas produksi dari setiap proses yang didapat adalah sebesar 22% untuk value-added activity (VA), 22% untuk non value-added activity (NVA), dan 56% untuk necessary non value-added activity (NNVA). Dari hasil klasifikasi tersebut kemudian dapat diidentifikasi dalam 9 faktor yang dapat menyebabkan waste. 9 Waste tersebut disingkat dengan E-Downtime, yang terdiri dari Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS), Defect, Over Production, Waiting, Non-Utilizing Employee, Transportation, Inventory, Motion, dan Excess Proceessing. Berdasarkan hasil identifikasi dan analisa, permasalahan waste yang terjadi adalah setiap proses operasi selesai, benda trial untuk produk X akan dilakukan pengukuran oleh tim QA, dan pengukuran tersebut dilakukan terus berulang hingga operasi terakhir. Selain itu, terdapat antrian dari tim QA sehingga menimbulkan downtime yang cukup lama, akibatnya lead time produksi akan lebih lama. Usulan perbaikan yang direkomendasikan oleh peneliti adalah supaya pengukuran benda trial oleh tim QA dilakukan secara sekaligus yaitu satu kali setelah proses produksi dari operasi pertama sampai operasi terakhir telah selesai. Hal tersebut dapat meminimalkan waktu menganggur operator produksi sehingga mampu menghilangkan waste di PT ABC.
"Micronutrient Deficiency", A public health problem
Authors: Khan M Karim
Published: December 2021

Abstract not available
CBMJ 2020 July: Vol. 09 No. 02 P: 01-02
Exhibiting Residual Subretinal Fluid after High Myopic Macular Hole Retinal Detachment Surgery
Authors: Kim Sung Joon , Lee Jae Jung , Byon Ik Soo , Lee Ji Eun , Park Sung Who
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To report a case of poor visual prognosis complicated by residual subretinal fluid after use of the internal limiting membrane flap technique to treat macular hole retinal detachment in a patient with high myopia.Case summary: A 55-year-old male stated that he had experienced a transparent circle in the central visual field of the right eye for 1 month. His best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.32 and the axial length of the right eye was 32.57 mm. Fundus examination revealed a macular hole with retinal detachment localized to the posterior pole. We performed vitrectomy, membrane peeling, internal limiting membrane peeling with inverted internal limiting membrane flap, and silicone oil injection. On day 1 after surgery, the macular hole was closed, but subretinal fluid was noticed in the macula. At 3 months after surgery, the BCVA was 0.16 and the silicone oil was removed. At 14 months after the first surgery, the subretinal fluid was completely absorbed, but leopard-pattern pigment degeneration became prominent and the macula exhibited ellipsoid zone disruption. The BCVA decreased to 0.1.Conclusions: In patients exhibiting macular hole retinal detachment in the context of high myopia, an inverted internal limiting membrane flap may increase the macular hole closure rate but disturb subretinal fluid drainage. As persistent subretinal fluid may cause permanent retinal damage with a poor visual prognosis, the surgical method must be carefully chosen.
İDARE HUKUKUNDA CUMHURBAŞKANI YARDIMCILIĞI MODELİ VE BU MODELİN KÖKENLERİ BAĞLAMINDA SADRAZAMLIK ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: ÇIRAKOĞLU Melikşah
Published: December 2021

Cumhurbaşkanı yardımcılığı, 2017 yılı Anayasa değişiklikleri çerçevesinde; ülkemizde gerçekleştirilen hükümet sistemi reformunun bir sonucu olarak ihdas edilmiştir. Bu makam, idari teşkilatın en üst hiyerarşik amirine yardımcı olarak öngörüldüğünden; idare hukukunun konusunu oluşturmaktadır.Başkanlık sisteminin bir benzeri olan Cumhurbaşkanlığı hükümet modelinde, Cumhurbaşkanı’ndan sonra ikinci en önemli makamı temsil eden Cumhurbaşkanı yardımcılığı, Başkanlık sisteminin geçerli olduğu ülke örnekleriyle karşılaştırılmakta ve çeşitli açılardan eleştirilmektedir. Söz konusu eleştiriler incelendiğinde ise, bu eleştirilerin temelinde yatan farklılıkların Cumhurbaşkanı yardımcılığı ile Osmanlı Devletindeki Sadrazamlığı benzer hale getirdiği görülmektedir. Bu çalışma, Cumhurbaşkanı yardımcılığını idare hukuku bakımından incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Bu kapsamda Cumhurbaşkanı yardımcısının göreve gelişi ve görevden ayrılışı, yetki ve görevleri, konumu ve denetimi konularında çeşitli değerlendirmelerde bulunulacak ve ilgili eleştirilere yer verilecektir. Ayrıca Cumhurbaşkanı yardımcılığının tarihimizdeki kökenleri bağlamında, Osmanlı Devletindeki Sadrazamlık örneği incelenecek ve iki müessesenin benzer ya da farklı yönleri tespit edilecektir.
Plague
Authors: Hrynkevych Khrystyna , Schmitt Heinz-Josef
Published: December 2021

Plague is a zoonosis caused by the Gram-negative bacillus, Yersinia pestis, a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family.

Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Peru are still considered highly endemic for plague; however, the bacterium also exists in some regions in Asia and the USA.

First symptoms occur 1 to 7 days after exposure. There are three clinical forms of plague: bubonic, pneumonic, and septicemic plague.

Transmitted as an aerosol, Y. pestis has been developed as a biological weapon.

There are adjuvanted whole-cell vaccines which need repeated dosing, and which are highly reactogenic; subunit vaccines are in development.
LITERATURA DE AUTORIA FEMININA ASPECTOS DE UMA LITERATURA MARGINAL
Authors: FERREIRA GONÇALVES MARIA MARIANA , De Araujo Iara Maria
Published: December 2021

A mulher, teve sua voz e participação erradicadas do universo literário por questões que transcendem o âmbito linguístico. O objetivo deste trabalho é refletir sobre as questões que transformaram à literatura de autoria feminina em uma literatura marginal, bem como mostrar que, apesar de silenciada, ela é de suma importância para a literatura brasileira, considerando que coloca em cena as resistências das mulheres em  relação ao silêncio a que foram submetidas e a violência simbólica sofrida por meio de representações construídas em torno das narrativas da história da literatura. Torna-se relevante, então, revisitar o conceito/contexto da literatura marginal, a formação do cânone da literatura brasileira e destacar algumas autoras que foram esquecidas ao longo da história.(resistência)
Unraveling the Complexity to Observe Associations Between Welfare Indicators and Hair Cortisol Concentration in Dairy Calves
Authors: Tamminen Lena-Mari , Keeling Linda J. , Svensson Anna , Briot Laurie , Emanuelson Ulf
Published: December 2021

Using levels of the stress hormone cortisol as an indicator for welfare is a common, but debated practice. In this observational study, hair cortisol concentration (HCC) of samples from 196 dairy calves from 7 to 302 days of age collected from 12 Swedish farms was determined using a commercially available ELISA. An assessment of animal welfare, assessed using animal-based indicators, was performed on the day of sampling. First, methodological factors with the potential to impact HCC and the effect of age were analyzed using generalized additive models. This revealed a significant peak in hair cortisol in young calves (around 50 days of age) and an association between fecal contamination of hair samples and the level of cortisol extracted. Second, associations between welfare indicators and HCC were explored using cluster analysis and regularized regression. The results show a complex pattern, possibly related to different coping styles of the calves, and indicators of poor welfare were associated with both increased and decreased hair cortisol levels. High cortisol levels were associated with potential indicators of competition, while low cortisol levels were associated with the signs of poor health or a poor environment. When running the regularized regression analysis without the contaminated hair samples and with the contaminated samples (including a contamination score), the results did not change, indicating that it may be possible to use a contamination score to correct for contamination.
Construction of an IS-Free Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13 032 Chassis Strain and Random Mutagenesis Using the Endogenous ISCg1 Transposase
Authors: Linder Marten , Haak Markus , Botes Angela , Kalinowski Jörn , Rückert Christian
Published: December 2021

Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) contribute to instability of the host genome and plasmids. Previously, removal of the prophages in the industrial amino acid producer Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13 032 resulted in strain MB001 which showed better survival under stress conditions and increased transformability. Still, eight families of Insertion Sequence (IS) elements with 27 potentially active members remain in MB001, two of which were demonstrated to be detrimental in biotechnological processes. In this study, systematical deletion of all complete IS elements in MB001 resulted in the MGE-free strain CR101. CR101 shows growth characteristics identical to the wildtype and the increased transformability of MB001. Due to its improved genome stability, we consider this strain to be an optimal host for basic research and biotechnology. As a “zero-background” host, it is also an ideal basis to study C. glutamicum IS elements. Re-sequencing of CR101 revealed that only five spontaneous point mutations had occurred during the construction process, highlighting the low mutation rate of C. glutamicum on the nucleotide level. In a second step, we developed an easily applicable ISCg1-based transposon mutagenesis system to randomly transpose a selectable marker. For optimal plasmid stability during cloning in Escherichia coli, the system utilizes a genetic switch based on the phage integrase Bxb1. Use of this integrase revealed the presence of a functional attB site in the C. glutamicum genome. To avoid cross-talk with our system and increase ease-of-use, we removed the attB site and also inserted the Bxb1 encoding gene into the chromosome of CR101. Successful insertion of single markers was verified by sequencing randomly selected mutants. Sequencing pooled mutant libraries revealed only a weak target site specificity, seemingly random distribution of insertion sites and no general strand bias. The resulting strain, ML103, together with plasmid pML10 provides a easily customizable system for random mutagenesis in an otherwise genomically stable C. glutamicum. Taken together, the MGE-free C. glutamicum strain CR101, the derivative ML103, and the plasmid pML10 provide a useful set of tools to study C. glutamicum in the future.
Anticolonization of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae by Lactobacillus plantarum LP1812 Through Accumulated Acetic Acid in Mice Intestinal
Authors: Yan Rushuang , Lu Ye , Wu Xiaoqing , Yu Peihao , Lan Peng , Wu Xueqing , Jiang Yan , Li Qi , Pi Xionge , Liu Wei , Zhou Jiancang , Yu Yunsong
Published: December 2021

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is highly prevalent and poses a significant threat to public health. In critically ill patients, gut colonization is considered to be the reservoir of recurrent CRKP infection. Therefore, eliminating CRKP carriage in the intestine is critical for preventing subsequent CRKP infection. In the present study, Lactobacillus plantarum LP1812, a probiotic that can inhibit CRKP in vitro, was used as a candidate probiotic to investigate its efficacy for CRKP anticolonization. Compared with the control, mice fed with 1×10 8 CFU L. plantarum LP1812 exhibited significant CRKP clearance from 1×10 4 CFU/mg to less than 10 CFU/mg in mice feces. Furthermore, 16S RNA gene sequencing revealed that L. plantarum LP1812 modulated mice microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of the genus Halomanas, Blautia, and Holdemania. Further KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that fatty acid-utilizing bacteria, such as acetate-producing Bacteroidetes and Blautia flourished in mice fed with L. plantarum LP1812. Moreover, we found that the concentration of acetic acid was higher in L. plantarum LP1812, which inhibited the growth of K. pneumoniae strains in vitro. Meanwhile, mice intragastrically administered with acetic acid exhibited significantly increased CRKP elimination in vivo. In conclusion, L. plantarum LP1812 is a potential candidate for intestinal CRKP anticolonization by regulating the intestinal microbiota and inhibiting CRKP via increased acetic acid in the intestinal lumen.
Examining Optimism, Psychosocial Risks, and Cardiovascular Health Using Life's Simple 7 Metrics in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and the Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Park Jee Won , Dulin Akilah J. , Needham Belinda L. , Sims Mario , Loucks Eric B. , Fava Joseph L. , Dionne Laura A. , Scarpaci Matthew M. , Eaton Charles B. , Howe Chanelle J.
Published: December 2021

Background: Optimism has been shown to be positively associated with better cardiovascular health (CVH). However, there is a dearth of prospective studies showing the benefits of optimism on CVH, especially in the presence of adversities, i.e., psychosocial risks. This study examines the prospective relationship between optimism and CVH outcomes based on the Life's Simple 7 (LS7) metrics and whether multilevel psychosocial risks modify the aforementioned relationship.

Methods: We examined self-reported optimism and CVH using harmonized data from two U.S. cohorts: Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) and Jackson Heart Study (JHS). Modified Poisson regression models were used to estimate the relationship between optimism and CVH using LS7 among MESA participants (N = 3,520) and to examine the relationship of interest based on four biological LS7 metrics (body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose) among JHS and MESA participants (N = 5,541). For all CVH outcomes, we assessed for effect measure modification by psychosocial risk.

Results: Among MESA participants, the adjusted risk ratio (aRR) for ideal or intermediate CVH using LS7 comparing participants who reported high or medium optimism to those with the lowest level of optimism was 1.10 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.04–1.16] and 1.05 (95% CI: 0.99–1.11), respectively. Among MESA and JHS participants, the corresponding aRRs for having all ideal or intermediate (vs. no poor) metrics based on the four biological LS7 metrics were 1.05 (0.98–1.12) and 1.04 (0.97–1.11), respectively. The corresponding aRRs for having lower cardiovascular risk (0–1 poor metrics) based on the four biological LS7 metrics were 1.01 (0.98–1.03) and 1.01 (0.98–1.03), respectively. There was some evidence of effect modification by neighborhood deprivation for the LS7 outcome and by chronic stress for the ideal or intermediate (no poor) metrics outcome based on the four biological LS7 metrics.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that greater optimism is positively associated with better CVH based on certain LS7 outcomes among a racially/ethnically diverse study population. This relationship may be effect measure modified by specific psychosocial risks. Optimism shows further promise as a potential area for intervention on CVH. However, additional prospective and intervention studies are needed.
Waist-To-Hip Ratio Predicts Abnormal Overnight Oximetry in Men Independent of Body Mass Index
Authors: Bock Joshua M. , Rodysill Kirk J. , Calvin Andrew D. , Vungarala Soumya , Sahakyan Karine R. , Cha Stephen S. , Svatikova Anna , Lopez-Jimenez Francisco , Somers Virend K.
Published: December 2021

Background: Ambulatory overnight oximetry (OXI) has emerged as a cost-effective initial test for sleep disordered breathing. Obesity is closely associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); however, whether body mass index (BMI) or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) predicts abnormal overnight OXI remains unknown.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of 393 men seen in the Executive Health Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota who underwent ambulatory overnight OXI ordered by preventive medicine physicians between January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2010. We compared participant/spouse-reported symptoms (sleepiness, snoring), physician indications for OXI (obesity, fatigue), Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores, anthropomorphic measurements (WHR, BMI), and comorbid medical conditions (hypertension, diabetes) with OXI results.

Results: 295 of the 393 men who completed OXI had abnormal results. During multivariate analysis, the strongest independent predictor of abnormal OXI for men was WHR (≥1.0, OR = 5.59) followed by BMI (≥30.0 kg/m2, OR = 2.75), age (≥55 yrs, OR = 2.06), and the presence of snoring (OR = 1.91, P < 0.05 for all). A strong association was observed between WHR and abnormal OXI in obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2, OR = 6.28) and non-obese (BMI < 29.9 kg/m2, OR = 6.42, P < 0.01 for both) men. Furthermore, 88 men with abnormal OXI underwent polysomnography with 91% being subsequently diagnosed with OSA.

Conclusions: In ambulatory, predominantly middle-aged men undergoing preventive services evaluation many physician indications for OXI were not predictors of abnormal results; however, WHR strongly predicted abnormal OXI in obese and non-obese men. As such, we suggest middle-aged men who snore and have a WHR ≥1.0 should be directly referred to a sleep clinic for polysomnography.
Antithyroglobulin Antibody Variation During Follow-Up Has a Good Prognostic Value for Preoperative Antithyroglobulin Antibody-Positive Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Study in Southwest China
Authors: Liu Qianhui , Yin Mengting , Li Guixing
Published: December 2021

Objective

Antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) is a potential tumour marker for detecting differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) recurrence, but insufficient data have supported its clinical applications. Our study aimed to describe the changing trend of TgAb after surgery and identify the relationship between this trend and clinical outcomes.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed the electronic records of 1,686 DTC patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy (TT) and radioactive iodine (131I) therapy at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2015 to December 2017. Finally, 289 preoperative TgAb-positive DTC patients were included and divided into four subgroups depending on the clinical outcome: Group A (tumour free), Group B (uncertain), Group C (incomplete biochemical response), and Group D (structural disease). The patient demographics, tumour characteristics, operations, pathology reports, and all serological biomarkers were reviewed and compared, and the prognostic efficacy of TgAb was evaluated.

Results

Among all 1,686 patients, 393 (23.65%) were TgAb positive (>40 IU/ml) preoperatively. The TgAb level in Group A decreased significantly after surgery and 131I therapy and stabilised at a low level after 1–2 years of 131I therapy. However, in the other three groups, the decrease in TgAb was not significant after treatment. Conversely, TgAb declined slowly and remained stable or increased. The variations in TgAb relative to the preoperative level of Group A were significantly larger than those of Groups B, C, and D at most time points of follow-up (p < 0.001). By receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, the variations of TgAb > −77.9% at 6 months after 131I therapy (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.862; p < 0.001) and TgAb > −88.6% at 2 years after 131I therapy (AUC = 0.901; p < 0.001) had good prognostic efficacy in tumour-free survival. When the variation in TgAb > −88.6% at 2 years after 131I therapy was incorporated as a variable in the American Thyroid Association (ATA) categories, both intermediate- and high-risk patients also had a significantly increased chance of being tumour free (from 75.68% to 93.88% and 42.0% to 82.61%, respectively).

Conclusions

For preoperative TgAb-positive DTC patients, variations in TgAb > −77.9% at 6 months after 131I therapy and TgAb > −88.6% at 2 years after 131I therapy had good prognostic efficacy. Their incorporation as variables in the ATA risk stratification system could more accurately predict disease-free survival.
Case Report and Systematic Review: Sarcomatoid Parathyroid Carcinoma—A Rare, Highly Malignant Subtype
Authors: Yu Yongchao , Wang Yue , Wu Qingcheng , Zhao Xuzi , Liu Deshun , Zhao Yongfu , Li Yuguo , Wang Guangzhi , Xu Jingchao , Chen Junzhu , Zhang Ning , Tian Xiaofeng
Published: December 2021

Background

Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is a rare malignancy, the incidence of which is less than 1/1 million per year. Sarcomatoid parathyroid carcinoma (SaPC) is an extremely peculiar subtype; only three cases have been reported internationally. It consists of both malignant epithelial components and sarcomatoid components (mesenchymal origin) simultaneously. This “confusing” cancer exhibits higher invasiveness, and traditional surgery does not appear to achieve the expectation, which differs significantly from that of general PC.

Objective

To characterize the clinicopathologic features of SaPC and explore similarities and differences between SaPC and general PC.

Materials and Methods

We collected clinical data of SaPC cases from our center and literature. The SaPC case in our center was presented. To better understand the characteristics of SaPC, we also reviewed clinical information in general PC cases from our center and literature within the last 5 years, and a systematic review was performed for further comparison.

Results

A 60-year-old woman was admitted for a neck mass and hoarseness. After the surgery, she was confirmed as SaPC and ultimately developed local recurrence at 3 months. Together with the reported cases from literature, four cases of SaPC (three cases from literature) and 203 cases of general PC (200 cases from literature) were reviewed. Both tumors showed obvious abnormalities in parathormone (PTH) level and gland size. Compared to general PC, SaPC has a later age of onset (60.50 ± 7.42 vs. 51.50 ± 8.29), relatively low levels of PTH (110.28 ± 59.32 vs. 1,156.07 ± 858.18), and a larger tumor size (6.00 ± 1.63 vs. 3.14 ± 0.70). For SaPC, all four cases were initially misdiagnosed as thyroid tumors (4/4). Spindle cell areas or transitional zones were common pathological features in SaPC cases (3/4).

Conclusion

SaPC is a very rare pathologic subtype of PC and appears to be much more easily misdiagnosed as a thyroid tumor. Spindle cell areas or transitional zones are highly possible to be pathological features in its sarcomatoid components. Despite many similarities, there are some differences between SaPC and general PC—SaPC does not show the obvious endocrine feature but stronger aggressiveness. Surgical treatment of SaPC does relieve life-threatening symptoms and improve quality of life even with recurrence in the short term.
TAS2R16 Activation Suppresses LPS-Induced Cytokine Expression in Human Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Zhou Zhiyan , Xi Ranhui , Liu Jiaxin , Peng Xian , Zhao Lei , Zhou Xuedong , Li Jiyao , Zheng Xin , Xu Xin
Published: December 2021

Sustained and non-resolved inflammation is a characteristic of periodontitis. Upon acute inflammation, gingival fibroblasts release cytokines to recruit immune cells to counter environmental stimuli. The intricate regulation of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, is necessary to maintain periodontal homeostasis. Nonetheless, how inflammation is resolved has not yet been elucidated. In this study, 22 subtypes of taste receptor family 2 (TAS2Rs), as well as the downstream machineries of Gα-gustducin and phospholipase C-β2 (PLCβ2), were identified in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Various bitter agonists could induce an intensive cytosolic Ca2+ response in HGFs. More importantly, TAS2R16 was expressed at a relatively high level, and its agonist, salicin, showed robust Ca2+ evocative effects in HGFs. Activation of TAS2R16 signaling by salicin inhibited the release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines, at least in part, by repressing LPS-induced intracellular cAMP elevation and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation in HGFs. These findings indicate that TAS2Rs activation in HGFs may mediate endogenous pro-inflammation resolution by antagonizing NF-κB signaling, providing a novel paradigm and treatment target for the better management of periodontitis.
Clinical and Radiological Characteristics of Children and Adults With First-Attack Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disease and Analysis of Risk Factors for Predicting the Severity at Disease Onset in Central China
Authors: Li Yanfei , Xie Haojie , Zhang Jinwei , Zhou Yongyan , Jing Lijun , Yao Yaobing , Duan Ranran , Jia Yanjie
Published: December 2021

Objective

To analyze and compare different clinical, laboratory, and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics between pediatric and adult patients with first-attack myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD) and to explore predictive factors for severity at disease onset.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with MOGAD at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2013 to August 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Age at disease onset, sex, comorbidities, laboratory tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were collected and analyzed. The association between risk factors and initial EDSS scores at disease onset was analyzed using logistic regression models and Spearman correlation analyses. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive ability of the uric acid and homocysteine (Hcy) levels for the severity of neurological dysfunction at the onset of MOGAD.

Results

Sixty-seven patients (female, n=34; male, n=33) with first-attack MOGAD were included in this study. The mean age at onset was 26.43 ± 18.22 years (range: 3–79 years). Among patients <18 years of age, the most common presenting symptoms were loss of vision (36.0%), and nausea and vomiting (24.0%), and the most common disease spectrum was acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) (40.0%). Among patients aged ≥18 years, the most common presenting symptoms were loss of vision (35.7%), paresthesia (33.3%), and paralysis (26.2%), and the most common disease spectrum was optic neuritis (35.7%). The most common lesions were cortical gray matter/paracortical white matter lesions in both pediatric and adult patients. Uric acid [odds ratio (OR)=1.014; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.006–1.022; P=0.000] and serum Hcy (OR=1.125; 95% CI=1.017–1.246; P=0.023) levels were significantly associated with the severity of neurological dysfunction at disease onset. Uric acid levels (r=0.2583; P=0.035) and Hcy levels (r=0.3971; P=0.0009) were positively correlated with initial EDSS scores. The areas under the ROC curve were 0.7775 (95% CI= 0.6617‒0.8933; P<0.001) and 0.6767 (95% CI=0.5433‒0.8102, P=0.014) for uric acid and Hcy levels, respectively.

Conclusion

The clinical phenotype of MOGAD varies in patients of different ages. The most common disease spectrum was ADEM in patients aged<18 years, while optic neuritis was commonly found in patients aged ≥18 years. The uric acid and Hcy levels are risk factors for the severity of neurological dysfunction at disease onset in patients with first-attack MOGAD.
Medawar’s PostEra: Galectins Emerged as Key Players During Fetal-Maternal Glycoimmune Adaptation
Authors: Menkhorst Ellen , Than Nandor Gabor , Jeschke Udo , Barrientos Gabriela , Szereday Laszlo , Dveksler Gabriela , Blois Sandra M.
Published: December 2021

Lectin-glycan interactions, in particular those mediated by the galectin family, regulate many processes required for a successful pregnancy. Over the past decades, increasing evidence gathered fromin vitroandin vivoexperiments indicate that members of the galectin family specifically bind to both intracellular and membrane bound carbohydrate ligands regulating angiogenesis, immune-cell adaptations required to tolerate the fetal semi-allograft and mammalian embryogenesis. Therefore, galectins play important roles in fetal development and placentation contributing to maternal and fetal health. This review discusses the expression and role of galectins during the course of pregnancy, with an emphasis on maternal immune adaptions and galectin-glycan interactions uncovered in the recent years. In addition, we summarize the galectin fingerprints associated with pathological gestation with particular focus on preeclampsia.
Antcin K Inhibits TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-8 Expression in Synovial Fibroblasts and Ameliorates Cartilage Degradation: Implications for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Achudhan David , Liu Shan-Chi , Lin Yen-You , Huang Chien-Chung , Tsai Chun-Hao , Ko Chih-Yuan , Chiang I-Ping , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Tang Chih-Hsin
Published: December 2021

Extracts from Taiwan’s traditional medicinal mushroom, Antrodia cinnamomea, exhibit anti-inflammatory activities in cellular and preclinical studies. However, this paper is the first to report that Antcin K, a triterpenoid isolated from A. cinnamomea, inhibits proinflammatory cytokine production in human rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts (RASFs), which are major players in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease. In our analysis of the mechanism of action, Antcin K inhibited the expression of three cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], interleukin 1 beta [IL-1β] and IL-8) in human RASFs; cytokines that are crucial to RA synovial inflammation. Notably, incubation of RASFs with Antcin K reduced the phosphorylation of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling cascades, all of which promote cytokine production in RA. Intraperitoneal injections of Antcin K (10 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg) attenuated paw swelling, cartilage degradation and bone erosion, and decreased serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8 in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice; in further experiments, IL-6 levels were similarly reduced. The inhibitory effects of Antcin K upon TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-8 expression in human RASFs was achieved through the downregulation of the FAK, PI3K, AKT and NF-κB signaling cascades. Our data support clinical investigations using Antcin K in RA disease.
Hindcasting Ecosystem Functioning Change in an Anthropogenized Estuary: Implications for an Era of Global Change
Authors: Fang Xiaoyu , Cozzoli Francesco , Smolders Sven , Knights Antony , Moens Tom , Soetaert Karline , Van Colen Carl
Published: December 2021

Understanding how altered hydrodynamics related to climate change and anthropogenic modifications affect ecosystem integrity of shallow coastal soft-sediment environments requires a sound integration of how species populations influence ecosystem functioning across heterogeneous spatial scales. Here, we hindcasted how intertidal habitat loss and altered hydrodynamic regimes between 1955 and 2010 associated with geomorphological change to accommodate expansion in anthropogenic activities in the Western Scheldt altered spatial patterns and basin-wide estimates of ecosystem functioning. To this end we combined an empirically derived metabolic model for the effect of the common ragworm Hediste diversicolor on sediment biogeochemistry (measured as sediment oxygen uptake) with a hydrodynamic and population biomass distribution model. Our integrative modeling approach predicted an overall decrease by 304 tons in ragworm biomass between 1955 and 2010, accounting for a reduction by 28% in stimulated sediment oxygen uptake at the landscape scale. Local gains or losses in habitat suitability and ecosystem functioning were primarily driven by changes in maximal current velocities and inundation regimes resulting from deepening, dredging and disposal practices. By looking into the past, we have demonstrated how hydro- and morphodynamic changes affect soft-sediment ecology and highlight the applicability of the integrative framework to upscale anticipated population effects on ecosystem functioning.
Tracheal Tube-Mounted Camera Assisted Intubation vs. Videolaryngoscopy in Expected Difficult Airway: A Prospective, Randomized Trial (VivaOP Trial)
Authors: Grensemann Jörn , Möhlenkamp Emma , Breitfeld Philipp , Tariparast Pischtaz A. , Peters Tanja , Punke Mark A. , Kluge Stefan , Petzoldt Martin
Published: December 2021

Background: Tracheal intubation in patients with an expected difficult airway may be facilitated by videolaryngoscopy (VL). The VL viewing axis angle is specified by the blade shape and visualization of the larynx may fail if the angle does not meet anatomy of the patient. A tube with an integrated camera at its tip (VST, VivaSight-SL) may be advantageous due to its adjustable viewing axis by means of angulating an included stylet.

Methods: With ethics approval, we studied the VST vs. VL in a prospective non-inferiority trial using end-tidal oxygen fractions (etO2) after intubation, first-attempt success rates (FAS), visualization assessed by the percentage of glottis opening (POGO) scale, and time to intubation (TTI) as outcome parameters.

Results: In this study, 48 patients with a predicted difficult airway were randomized 1:1 to intubation with VST or VL. Concerning oxygenation, the VST was non-inferior to VL with etO2 of 0.79 ± 0.08 (95% CIs: 0.75–0.82) vs. 0.81 ± 0.06 (0.79–0.84) for the VL group, mean difference 0.02 (−0.07 to 0.02), p = 0.234. FAS was 79% for VST and 88% for VL (p = 0.449). POGO was 89 ± 21% in the VST-group and 60 ± 36% in the VL group, p = 0.002. TTI was 100 ± 57 s in the VST group and 68 ± 65 s in the VL group (p = 0.079). TTI with one attempt was 84 ± 31 s vs. 49 ± 14 s, p < 0.001.

Conclusion: In patients with difficult airways, tracheal intubation with the VST is feasible without negative impact on oxygenation, improves visualization but prolongs intubation. The VST deserves further study to identify patients that might benefit from intubation with VST.
Environmental Impacts of Microplastics and Nanoplastics: A Current Overview
Authors: Amobonye Ayodeji , Bhagwat Prashant , Raveendran Sindhu , Singh Suren , Pillai Santhosh
Published: December 2021

The increasing distribution of miniaturized plastic particles, viz. microplastics (100 nm–5 mm) and nanoplastics (less than 100 nm), across the various ecosystems is currently a subject of major environmental concern. Exacerbating these concerns is the fact that microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) display different properties from their corresponding bulk materials; thus, not much is understood about their full biological and ecological implications. Currently, there is evidence to prove that these miniaturized plastic particles release toxic plastic additives and can adsorb various chemicals, thereby serving as sinks for various poisonous compounds, enhancing their bioavailability, toxicity, and transportation. Furthermore, there is a potential danger for the trophic transfer of MNPs to humans and other higher animals, after being ingested by lower organisms. Thus, this paper critically analyzes our current knowledge with regard to the environmental impacts of MNPs. In this regard, the properties, sources, and damaging effects of MNPs on different habitats, particularly on the biotic components, were elucidated. Similarly, the consequent detrimental effects of these particles on humans as well as the current and future efforts at mitigating these detrimental effects were discussed. Finally, the self-cleaning efforts of the planet via a range of saprophytic organisms on these synthetic particles were also highlighted.
Genetic Vaccination as a Flexible Tool to Overcome the Immunological Complexity of Invasive Fungal Infections
Authors: Luberto Laura , Neroni Bruna , Gandini Orietta , Fiscarelli Ersilia Vita , Salvatori Giovanni , Roscilli Giuseppe , Marra Emanuele
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted genetic vaccination as a powerful and cost-effective tool to counteract infectious diseases. Invasive fungal infections (IFI) remain a major challenge among immune compromised patients, particularly those undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic bone marrow transplantation (HSCT) or solid organ transplant (SOT) both presenting high morbidity and mortality rates. Candidiasis and Aspergillosis are the major fungal infections among these patients and the failure of current antifungal therapies call for new therapeutic aids. Vaccination represents a valid alternative, and proof of concept of the efficacy of this approach has been provided at clinical level. This review will analyze current understanding of antifungal immunology, with a particular focus on genetic vaccination as a suitable strategy to counteract these diseases.
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Evades Antiviral Innate Immunity via MicroRNAs Regulation
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Feng Wen-Hai
Published: December 2021

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is one of the most important diseases in pigs, leading to significant economic losses in the swine industry worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single-stranded non-coding RNAs involved in regulating gene expressions at the post-transcriptional levels. A variety of host miRNAs are dysregulated and exploited by PRRSV to escape host antiviral surveillance and help virus infection. In addition, PRRSV might encode miRNAs. In this review, we will summarize current progress on how PRRSV utilizes miRNAs for immune evasions. Increasing knowledge of the role of miRNAs in immune evasion will improve our understanding of PRRSV pathogenesis and help us develop new treatments for PRRSV-associated diseases.
Low Expression of YTH Domain-Containing 1 Promotes Microglial M1 Polarization by Reducing the Stability of Sirtuin 1 mRNA
Authors: Zhou Hongxiu , Xu Zongren , Liao Xingyun , Tang Shiyun , Li Na , Hou Shengping
Published: December 2021

The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most abundant posttranscriptional mRNA modification in mammalian cells and is dynamically modulated by a series of “writers,” “erasers,” and “readers.” Studies have shown that m6A affects RNA metabolism in terms of RNA processing, nuclear export, translation, and decay. However, the role of the m6A modification in retinal microglial activation remains unclear. Here, we analyzed the single-cell RNA sequencing data of retinal cells from mice with uveitis and found that the m6A-binding protein YTH domain-containing 1 (YTHDC1) was significantly downregulated in retinal microglia in the context of uveitis. Further studies showed that YTHDC1 deficiency resulted in M1 microglial polarization, an increased inflammatory response and the promotion of microglial migration. Mechanistically, YTHDC1 maintained sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) mRNA stability, which reduced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation, thus inhibiting microglial M1 polarization. Collectively, our data show that YTHDC1 is critical for microglial inflammatory response regulation and can serve as a target for the development of therapeutics for autogenic immune diseases.