bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desain Majalah Sebagai Media Company Profile Pada PT Uman Surya Alam
Authors: Andriyan Wendy , Agustine Farahdina , Relawati Diah Lilis
Published: February 2022

Company Profile adalah identitas bagi perusahaan agar dapat dikenal lebih luas mengenai sejarah, tujuan dan produk yang ditawarkan. Banyaknya perusahaan saat ini, telah berlomba-lomba membuat media company profile untuk memperkenalkan identitasnya dan juga sebagai pencitraan untuk meningkatkan image perusahaan dalam memenangkan persaingan memperebutkan customer. Salah satu media company profile yang memberikan pengaruh besar bagi perusahaan adalah desain majalah, dimana di dalamnya terdapat teks, gambar dan tampilan visual yang menarik dalam mendukung penyampaian informasi secara lengkap sesuai dengan yang ingin ditampilkan pada media desain majalah. Sebagai perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang job service/repair performed, Media informasi yang ada sebelumnya dinilai kurang dalam penyampaiannya, karena disajikan dalam bentuk website yang memiliki tampilan visual kurang menarik dan kurang terstruktur dalam penataan informasinya, sehingga akan mengurangi brand image produk atau perusahaan. Maka dari itu PT Uman Surya Alam memerlukan media promosi dan informasi berupa desain majalah sebagai company profile yang dapat menyampaikan informasi secara lengkap dengan tampilan visual yang menarik, clean dan elegan. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini yaitu metode penelitian lapangan (field research) untuk mengumpulkan data dengan cara observasi, wawancara dan studi pustaka lalu menggunakan metode analisa kualitatif untuk menyederhanakan data yang sudah ada. Penelitian ini menghasilkan sebuah desain majalah company profile yang dibuat menggunakan software Adobe Illustrator CC 2015 agar lebih efektif dalam memperkenalkan brand image produk atau perusahaan dan efesien dalam menjelaskan tentang perusahaan.
Sistem Informasi Manajemen (SIM) Hafalan AlQur’an Berbasis Codeigniter Framework
Authors: Saputro Janu Ilham , Aliftiar Praditya , Daeroby Ahmad Syaefud
Published: February 2022

Dari waktu ke waktu berkembangnya teknologi terasa begitu pesatnya.Diantara banyaknya teknologi, website termasuk teknologi yang banyak digunakan karena dapat diakses dengan mudah melalui perangkat PC ataupun smartphone. Banyak tools yang dibuat untuk memudahkan web developer dalam mengembangkan website. Salah satunya adalah framework Codeigniter yang dibangun dengan bahasa PHP.Tools ini bersifat gratis dan dapat mempercepat pengembangan website.SMA Islam Allayyinahmerupakan salah satu instansi pendidikan yang terletak dikawasan kabupaten Tangerang. Pada SMA Islam Al-layyinah terdapat muatan lokal tahsin yang wajib diikuti oleh semua siswa.Tahsin mengharuskan semua siswa untuk menghafalkan ayat Al-qur’an lalu menyetorkannya kepada guru. Sistem manajemen hafalan Al-qur’an yang berjalan saat ini masih kurang optimal karena masih manual dengan cara ditulis. Berdasarkan permasalahan yang ada maka dirancang sistem manajemen hafalan Alqur’anberbasis web. Dalam pengumpulan data, digunakan dengan metode wawancara, observasi dan studi pustaka. Serta metode analisa PIECES. Pemodelan sistem dilakukan dengan metode UML dan perancangan sistem menggunakan toolsframework Codeigniter sebagai server-side dan Bootstrap sebagai client-side.
Microencapsulation of Olive Oil
Authors: Chaabane Donia , Yakdhane Asma , Vatai Gyula , Koris András , Nath Arijit
Published: February 2022

Olive oil has been received a great importance around the globe because it provides unique functional value. Olive oil prevents the risks of several chronic and acute metabolic disorders because it is enriched with monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant phenolic compounds, vitamin E and vitamin K. Unfortunately, oxidative deterioration of fatty acids in olive oil provides short shelf life and reduces biological activities. It is responsible for undesirable organoleptic properties. It may belief that one of the solutions to preserve the quality of olive oil is microencapsulation. In this review, comprehensive information about techniques to prepare olive oil microcapsule is represented. To prepare olive oil microcapsule, emulsification of olive oil with different wall materials (matrixes) has been adopted as a primary step. Subsequently, dehydration of emulsion by spray drying or freeze drying or coacervation process has been adopted to prepare olive oil microcapsule. Moreover, microcapsule of olive oil has been prepared by extrusion technology. Biopolymers, such as proteins and polysaccharides have been used as wall material for encapsulation of olive oil. As stable emulsification is one of important issue to produce microcapsule, several emulsifiers, such as lecithin, tween 20 have been used during emulsion preparation. Different characteristics of the microcapsule of olive oil are summarized because it is influenced by several factors during preparation of microcapsule. In later exercise, several applications of encapsulated olive oil in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries are represented in comprehensive way. It may expect that this review article will receive attention in industries and academic sectors.
Promoting English movie as a means of enhancing EFL learners’ cultural competence
Authors: Wardhany Dwi Suny
Published: February 2022

Very few studies discussing the use of English movies for the enhancement of EFL learners’ cultural competence in Indonesia. This study aims to describe the results of analyzing relevant research articles regarding the use of English movie/film for enhancing the cultural competence of EFL learners. This study was descriptive-qualitative. The data were taken from 7 (seven) research articles related to the study objective. In collecting the data (the research articles), the researcher conducted literature research or library research. It was carried out by searching, identifying, and selecting the research articles related to the study objective from electronic databases. Then, the data were analyzed by using qualitative data analysis which consists of data reduction, data display, and drawing the conclusion. The results showed that the seven research articles reported the enhancement of EFL learners’ cultural competence in terms of students’ attitude, knowledge, skills and cultural awareness. In addition, 3 research articles reported the enhancement of students’ language skills i.e., speaking, vocabulary, reading, and listening through learning activities done during and after watching and analyzing English movies. Therefore, it is suggested that English teachers pay attention to the culture teaching in ELT. English teachers can select appropriate English movie/film in the classroom as a means to enhance students’ cultural competence and to enhance students’ language skills.
obtención de la prueba con torturas, a través de la policía judicial, en el proceso penal
Authors: Rivera-Enríquez Carlos
Published: February 2022

El presente trabajo de investigación se enmarca dentro del campo  jurídico penal, en el cual se describe a la tortura como medio para obtener la prueba a través de la policía judicial; esta prueba adquirida contraviene disposiciones legales establecidas en la Constitución de la República, leyes penales y tratados internacionales que describen a la tortura como un trato inhumano, cruel o degradante y que al realizarse se dispondrá la libertad inmediata de la víctima, su atención integral y especializada; en los casos descritos se observa la aplicación de la tortura para adquirir indicios de responsabilidad del agresor y aplicar una sanción respectiva, pero, desgraciadamente la policía hace uso de estas acciones que violan los derechos humanos de las personas y son declarados culpables por el trato inhumano dado a los agresores y son encarcelados y recobrando la libertad los agresores que luego siguen delinquiendo volviéndose un peligro para sociedad. En países como Estados Unidos, México y otros del continente europeo han visto la necesidad de aplicar la tortura para adquirir información de las acciones a realizarse por grupo subversivos, de narcotráfico y terrorismo, de esta manera evitan grandes masacres de los pueblos donde están incrustados estos grupos que vienen amenazando a personas, familiares, aplican la violencia física, el secuestro y por ende aplican la tortura en sus víctimas. Por tanto se hace necesario implementar legislación adecuada,  reglamentos y capacitaciones a personal especializado a nivel nacional e internacional para que, en casos de crímenes y desaparición de víctimas, secuestros se aplique la tortura para adquirir información y salvar vidas.
impacto de las penas desproporcionadas en la función resocializadora de la sanción penal.
Authors: Valarezo-Silva Marina
Published: February 2022

El presente artículo se ha desarrollado con el objetivo de analizar el impacto que tienen las penas desproporcionadas así como su respectiva acumulación sobre la función resocializadora de la sanción penal. Para esto se empleó un tipo de investigación descriptivo, con la finalidad de ilustrar las características, naturaleza y realidad sobre las penas desproporcionadas y su acumulación de acuerdo con el ordenamiento jurídico ecuatoriano. Con lo que se obtuvo como resultado que, si bien el cometimiento de un delito es meritorio de una pena, esta debe ser impuesta atendiendo el principio de proporcionalidad y racionalidad, así también su posible acumulación en el caso de varios delitos independientes, toda vez que la función resocializadora de la sanción penal consiste en que la persona sentenciada pueda desarrollar sus capacidades para el ejercicio de sus derechos y cumplir con sus responsabilidades al recuperar su libertad y de esta manera reinsertarse como ente productivo de la sociedad.
Clinical Treatment Efficacy Using One-snip Punctoplasty and Irrigation Technique in Primary Canaliculitis Patients
Authors: Park Ui Seo , Yang Jae Wook , Kim Young Jin
Published: February 2022

Purpose: This study aims to report the efficacy and safety of one-snip punctoplasty and 18-gauge irrigation technique in patients with primary canaliculitis.Methods: All patients diagnosed with primary canaliculitis between January 2020 and August 2021 at Inje University Busan Paik Hospital are included. All patients underwent one-snip punctoplasty and 18-gauge irrigation technique. After the procedure, patients had topical antibiotics. The resolution of symptoms and inflammatory signs and complications were evaluated 3 weeks after the procedure.Results: A total of 11 patients (eight female patients and three male patients, 14 canaliculi) aged 34 to 82 years with a mean age of 63.8 ± 15.7 years were participated. Common symptoms were epiphora, mucopurulent discharge, and injection, and common signs were discharge from punctum, pouting punctum, punctal erythema, and swellling. Among 14 canaliculi, 12 (85.7%) had complete resolution and two underwent second treatment which showed completed resolution after the treatment.Conclusions: One-snip punctoplasty and 18-gauge irrigation technique are minimally invasive to punctum and canaliculi and are a highly effective surgical procedure for patients with primary canaliculitis.
Profile Overactive Bladder in Community Health Service
Authors: Daryanto Besut , Seputra Kurnia Penta , Satyagraha Paksi , Andi S I G Lanang , Naim Hamdan Yuwafi
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Overactive bladder (OAB) can be defined as urgency with or without urge incontinence, generally accompanied by frequency and nocturia. Urgency, which is usually the main presenting symptom, is defined as a sudden, compelling desire to pass urine, which is difficult to defer. Frequency is generally defined as more than eight micturition’s in a 24 hour period, and nocturia is generally defined as more than one micturition per night. OAB may be classified as “wet” (if it occurs with urge incontinence) or “dry” (without urge incontinence). The incidence of OAB in Europe and America were similar that almost 17% of general population had OAB. There are no data about profile OAB prevalence, especially age and gender to the possibility of overactive bladder incidence in Indonesia, especially in Malang. Method: This was observational study. There are two kind of questioners that will be filled by the audiences, OABSS (Overactive Bladder Symptoms Score) dan Overactive Bladder Validated 8 Question Screener. The result of the screening will be noted and processed to find the profile of overactive bladder. The research was held in Community Health Service. Result: There were total 83 people that underwent OAB screening in Dewi Shinta Elderly health care service, that most of them were female 71 (86%) and only 12 male (14%). The average age was 59.8 years old, the oldest was 86 years old and the youngest was 53 years old. Range of 51-69 years old was the most common number (70/84%) and followed by >70 years old (13/16%). In OABSS, there are total 75 people (90%) with mild OAB and 8 people (10%) with moderate OAB and there was no severe OAB. In Overactive Bladder Validated 8 Question Screener, there are 21 people (25.3%) that was OAB suspicious. There was no association of age and gender to the result of both scoring system, OABSS (Overactive Bladder Symptoms Score) dan Overactive Bladder Validated 8 Question Screener. Conclusion: Most of patients were female with moderate OAB score. There was no association of age and gender to the possibility of overactive bladder incidence in Bunulrejo Sub-District.
Molecular basis of the effect of atorvastatin pretreatment on stem cell therapy in chronic ischemic diseases – critical limb ischemia
Authors: Adamičková A , Gažová A , Adamička M , Chomaničová N , Valašková S , Červenák Z , Šalingová B , Kyselovič J
Published: February 2022

Autologous stem cell therapy is the most promising alternative treatment in patients with chronic ischemic diseases, including ischemic heart disease and critical limb ischemia, which are characterized by poor prognosis related to serious impair of quality of life, high risk of cardiovascular events and mortality rates. However, one of the most serious shortcomings of stem cell transplantation are low survival after transplantation to the site of injury, as large number of stem cells are lost within 24 hours after delivery. Multiple studies suggest that combination of lipid-lowering drugs, statins, and stem cell transplantation might improve therapeutic efficacy in regenerative medicine. Statins are inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase and belong to recommended therapy in all patients suffering from critical limb ischemia. Statins possess non-lipid effects which involve improvement of endothelial function, decrease of vascular inflammation and oxidative stress, anti-cancer and stem cell modulation capacities. These non-lipid effects are explained by inhibition of mevalonate synthesis via blocking isoprenoid intermediates synthesis, such as farnesylpyrophospate and geranylgeranylpyrophospate and result in modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Moreover, statin-mediated microRNA regulation may contribute to the pleiotropic functions. MicroRNA interplay in gene regulatory network of IGF/Akt pathway may be of special significance for the treatment of critical limb ischemia. We assume further studies are needed for detailed analysis of statin interactions with microRNA at the molecular level and their link to PI3K/Akt and IGF/Akt pathway in stem cells, which are currently the most promising treatment strategy used in chronic ischemic diseases.
Aspiration syndromes and associated lung injury: incidence, pathophysiology and management
Authors: Kosutova P , Mikolka P
Published: February 2022

Aspiration is a common condition affecting healthy or sick patients which could create an acute or chronic inflammatory reaction in the lungs. Aspiration syndromes could be categorized according to a content entering the respiratory system into bacterial aspiration pneumonia with the gastric or oropharyngeal bacteria entering, aspiration chemical pneumonitis with bacteria-freegastric acid aspiration, or aspiration of a foreign body which causes an acute pulmonary emergency. There are differences in the clinical presentation of volume-dependent aspirations (microaspiration and macroaspiration): the higher is the volume of aspiration, the greater is the injury to the patient and more serious are the health consequences (with 70 % mortality rate for hospitalized patients). Aspiration syndromes can affect both the airways and pulmonary parenchyma, leading to acute lung injury, increased hospitalization rate and worse outcomes in critically ill patients. Impaired alveolar-capillary permeability, oedema formation, neutrophilic inflammatory response and pulmonary surfactant inactivation lead to reduced lung compliance and loss of aerated lung tissue and give rise to hypoxemia and respiratory failure. This review discusses the effect of aspiration events on the pulmonary tissue. The main focus is to distinguish the differences between bacterial and chemical pneumonia, their clinical presentation and symptoms, risk factors of developing the changes, possibilities of diagnostics and management as well as prevention of aspirations. Because of a risk of serious lung damage after the aspiration, pathophysiology and processes leading to lung tissue injury are discussed in detail. Data sources represent a systematic literature search using relevant medical subject headings.
Steroids, steroid associated substances and gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hill M , Pařízek A , Šimják P , Koucký M , Anderlová K , Krejčí H , Vejražková D , Ondřejíková L , Černý A , Kancheva R
Published: February 2022

As gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is both a frequent and serious complication, steroid levels in pregnancy are extremely elevated and their role in pregnancy is crucial, this review focuses on the role of steroids and related substances in the GDM pathophysiology. Low SHBG levels are associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, while also predicting a predisposition to GDM. Other relevant agents are placental hormones such as kisspeptin and CRH, playing also an important role beyond pregnancy, but which are synthesized here in smaller amounts in the hypothalamus. These hormones affect both the course of pregnancy as well as the synthesis of pregnancy steroids and may also be involved in the GDM pathophysiology. Steroids, whose biosynthesis is mainly provided by the fetal adrenal glands, placenta, maternal adrenal glands, and both maternal and fetal livers, are also synthesized in limited amounts directly in the pancreas and may influence the development of GDM. These substances involve the sulfated Δ5 steroids primarily acting via modulating different ion channels and influencing the development of GDM in different directions, mostly diabetogenic progesterone and predominantly anti-diabetic estradiol acting both in genomic and non-genomic way, androgens associated with IR and hyperinsulinemia, neuroactive steroids affecting the pituitary functioning, and cortisol whose production is stimulated by CRH but which suppresses its pro-inflammatory effects. Due to the complex actions of steroids, studies assessing their predominant effect and studies assessing their predictive values for estimating predisposition to GDM are needed.
Parental overnutrition by carbohydrates in developmental origins of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Šeda O
Published: February 2022

Metabolic syndrome is a prevalent disease resulting from an interplay of genomic component and the exposome. Parental diet has been shown to affect offspring metabolic health via multiple epigenetic mechanisms. Excess carbohydrate intake is one of the driving forces of the obesity and metabolic syndrome pandemics. This review summarizes the evidence for the effects of maternal carbohydrate (fructose, sucrose, glucose) overnutrition on the modulation of metabolic syndrome components in the offspring. Despite substantial discrepancies in experimental design, common effects of maternal carbohydrate overnutrition include increased body weight and hepatic lipid content of the "programmed" offspring. However, the administration of sucrose to several rat models leads to apparently favorable metabolic outcomes. Moreover, there is evidence for the role of genomic background in modulating the metabolic programming effect in the form of nutri-epigenomic interaction. Comprehensive, robust studies are needed to resolve the temporal, sex-specific, genetic, epigenetic and nutritional aspects of parental overnutrition in the intergenerational and transgenerational pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome.
Cottonseed Yield and its Quality as Affected by Mineral Nutrients and Plant Growth Retardants
Authors: M Sawan Zakaria
Published: February 2022

Stand establishment of cotton seedlings is one of the most critical stages in cotton production. Cotton-seed quality is affected, to a large extent, by the indeterminate growth habit of the cotton plant, which allows seed to set and develop across an extended period of time. Seed vigor and viability are important components influencing seedling establishment, crop growth, and productivity. Any factor that negatively affects seed vigor and viability during seed development will have adverse consequences on crop production. Plant nutrition using a balanced fertilization programmer with both macro- and micro-nutrients has become very important in the production of high-quality seed. Plant growth retardants (PGR,s) represent diverse chemistries and mode of action, and provide numerous possibilities for altering crop growth and development, provide farmers with a new management tool for controlling undesirable vegetative growth, and to balance vegetative and reproductive growth as well as to improve yield and its quality [1]. Seed quality is one of the most important factors for stand establishment in cotton (Gossypium Sp.), and the use of good quality seeds is therefore essential to obtain an optimum plant population. Conditions prevailing during seed formation can affect the quality of seed produced, and hence crop establishment in the next growing season. These conditions can affect the germination of the seeds and the ability of the seedlings to emerge from soil, these being the most critical stages during the life cycle of cotton plant. Field experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), foliar application of zinc (Zn) and calcium (Ca), the use of plant growth retardants (PGR’s) [e.g., 1, 1-dimethyl piperidinium chloride (MC); 2-chloroethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CC); or succinic acid 2, 2-dimethyl hydrazide (SADH)], during square initiation and boll setting stage, on growth, seed yield, seed viability, and seedling vigor of cotton [1].
Extramammary Paget Disease of Peristomal Skin Secondary to Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Dukharan Victoria , Della Porta Adriana L , Gregory Scott , Erdag Gulsun
Published: February 2022

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a rare, cutaneous condition, which can present secondary to underlying carcinoma as an eczematoid rash that often mimics other conditions. Secondary EMPD should, therefore, be considered in the differential diagnosis where there is potential for malignant extension, particularly in post-operative tissue. This report describes a case of secondary EMPD of the peristomal skin in a patient with a distant history of cystectomy with ileal conduit for urothelial carcinoma, who developed an extensive eczematoid rash over 5 years after attempting several ineffective treatments. Early dermatologic referral for persistent inflammatory cutaneous disorders and appropriate histopathologic testing may reduce delays in the diagnosis of EMPD.
The Concept and Use of Aisatsu
Authors: Saifudin Akhmad
Published: February 2022

This paper discusses the use of aisatsu to understand the concept of aisatsu for Japanese people and how Japanese people use aisatsu. The research was conducted using qualitative methods with data sources in recordings and notes from observations and interviews with research subjects. These namely two Japanese students were taking part in summer course activities in Semarang for three days. The approach used in this research is linguistic anthropology with Hymes' ethnographic theory of communication. From the results of data analysis, it was found that aisatsu is used as a greeting, request for permission, an expression of the speaker's feelings, both expressions of apology, gratitude, and feelings of empathy for the speech partner. It was also concluded that the concept of aisatsu is a ritual related to the ethics of politeness and as a sign that represents that the speaker is ready and hopes that his interlocutor is also ready to be involved in the interaction.Tulisan ini mambahas penggunaan aisatsu dalam rangka memahami konsep aisatsu bagi orang Jepang serta bagaimana orang Jepang menggunakan aisatsu. Penelitian dilakukan dengan metode kualitatif dengan sumber data berupa rekaman dan catatan hasil observasi dan wawancara terhadap subjek penelitian, yaitu dua orang mahasiswa Jepang yang sedang mengikuti kegiatan summer course di Semarang selama tiga hari. Ancangan yang digunakan dalam penelitian adalah linguistik antropologi dengan teori etnografi komunikasi Hymes. Dari hasl analisis data ditemukan bahwa aisatsu digunakan sebagai salam, permohonan izin, ungkapan perasaan penutur, baik ungkapan maaf, terima kasih, maupun perasaan empati kepada mitra tutur. Disimpulkan juga bahwa konsep aisatsu merupakan ritual yang berkaitan dengan etika kesopanan dan sebagai tanda yang merepresentasikan bahwa penutur telah siap serta berharap mitra tuturnya juga siap untuk terlibat dalam interaksi.
Division by zero
Authors: Shavanov Egor
Published: February 2022

It's possible to divide by zero. It's just that people thought they couldn't because they misunderstood and misperformed the "division" operation itself.
An In Vitro Microfluidic Alveolus Model to Study Lung Biomechanics
Authors: Kumar Vardhman , Madhurakkat Perikamana Sajeesh Kumar , Tata Aleksandra , Hoque Jiaul , Gilpin Anna , Tata Purushothama Rao , Varghese Shyni
Published: February 2022

The gas exchange units of the lung, the alveoli, are mechanically active and undergo cyclic deformation during breathing. The epithelial cells that line the alveoli contribute to lung function by reducing surface tension via surfactant secretion, which is highly influenced by the breathing-associated mechanical cues. These spatially heterogeneous mechanical cues have been linked to several physiological and pathophysiological states. Here, we describe the development of a microfluidically assisted lung cell culture model that incorporates heterogeneous cyclic stretching to mimic alveolar respiratory motions. Employing this device, we have examined the effects of respiratory biomechanics (associated with breathing-like movements) and strain heterogeneity on alveolar epithelial cell functions. Furthermore, we have assessed the potential application of this platform to model altered matrix compliance associated with lung pathogenesis and ventilator-induced lung injury. Lung microphysiological platforms incorporating human cells and dynamic biomechanics could serve as an important tool to delineate the role of alveolar micromechanics in physiological and pathological outcomes in the lung.
Diagnostic Performance of Seven Commercial COVID-19 Serology Tests Available in South America
Authors: Rivera-Olivero Ismar A. , Henríquez-Trujillo Aquiles R. , Kyriakidis Nikolaos C. , Ortiz-Prado Esteban , Laglaguano Juan Carlos , Vallejo-Janeta Alexander Paolo , Lozada Tannya , Garcia-Bereguiain Miguel Angel ,   UDLA COVID-19 team
Published: February 2022

Background

Although RT-qPCR remains the gold-standard for COVID-19 diagnosis, anti-SARS-CoV-2 serology-based assays have been widely used during 2020 as an alternative for individual and mass testing, and are currently used for seroprevalence studies.

Objective

To study the clinical performance of seven commercial serological tests for COVID-19 diagnosis available in South America.

Methods

We conducted a blind evaluation of five lateral-flow immunoassays (LFIA) and two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

Results

We found no statistically significant differences among ELISA kits and LFIAs for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG sensitivity (values ranging from 76.4% to 83.5%) and specificity (100% for the seven serological assays). For anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM, the five LFIAs have a significantly higher sensitivity for samples collected 15 days after the first time RT-qPCR positive test, with values ranging from 47.1% to 88.2%; moreover, the specificity varied from 85% to 100%, but the only LFIA brand with a 100% specificity had the lowest sensitivity.

Conclusion

The diagnostic performance of the seven serological tests was acceptable for the seven brands tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG detection for seroprevalence screening purposes. On the other hand, our results show the lack of accuracy of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM detection in LFIAs as a tool for SARS-CoV-2 acute-phase infection diagnosis.
Presence of Cytomegalovirus Infection Is Associated With an Unfavorable Outcome in Immunocompetent Infants With Pertussis
Authors: Jiang Wujun , Chen Sainan , Xu Lina , Xu Xueyun , Huang Li , Wang Yuqing , Hao Chuangli
Published: February 2022

Background

We aimed to examine cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in immunocompetent infants with pertussis, based on polymerase chain reaction in plasma and broncho alveolar lavage (BAL), and to assess the clinical characteristics and outcomes for these patients.

Methods

We performed a prospective observational cohort study of consecutive infants with pertussis in Children’s Hospital of Soochow University between Jan 2017 and Jan 2020. We report the burden of CMV PCR in plasma and BAL within this patient group, and evaluate associations between CMV infection and pertussis in these hospitalized infants.

Results

During the study period, 1,867 infants <1 years were evaluated for pertussis, 190 infants were diagnosed as pertussis. For the 190 pertussis patients, 38 (20.0%) patients had positive CMV PCR in plasma. CMV PCR in plasma had high sensitivity and specificity for CMV PCR in BAL (81.3% and 94.4%, respectively). Children with positive CMV PCR in plasma were 3.67 times more likely to present with severe disease (OR 3.67; CI 1.61-8.36). Comparisons of duration of hospital stay curves using the log-rank test statistic demonstrated that the relative risk of longer hospital stay of positive CMV PCR relative to negative CMV was 1.51 (95% CI: 1.05 to 2.14, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Our study reported a high prevalence of CMV reactivation in immunocompetent infants with lower respiratory tract infection. The presence of CMV in plasma may be associated with an unfavorable outcome in infants with pertussis.
Comparative Whole-Genome Analysis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates Revealed Changes in the Gonococcal Genetic Island and Specific Genes as a Link to Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Shaskolskiy Boris , Kravtsov Dmitry , Kandinov Ilya , Gorshkova Sofya , Kubanov Alexey , Solomka Victoria , Deryabin Dmitry , Dementieva Ekaterina , Gryadunov Dmitry
Published: February 2022

Comparative whole-genome analysis was performed for Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates belonging to the Neisseria gonorrhoeae multiantigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) types predominant worldwide — 225, 1407, 2400, 2992, and 4186 — and to genogroup 807, the most common genogroup in the Russian Federation. Here, for the first time, the complete genomes of 25 N. gonorrhoeae isolates from genogroup 807 were obtained. For NG-MAST types 225, 1407, 2400, 2992, and 4186, genomes from the Pathogenwatch database were used. The phylogenetic network constructed for 150 genomes showed that the clustering according to NG-MAST type corresponded to the clustering according to genome. Comparisons of genomes of the six sequence types revealed 8-20 genes specific to each sequence type, including the loci for phase variations and genetic components of the gonococcal genetic island (GGI). NG-MAST type 2992 and 4186 isolates either lacked the GGI or carried critical mutations in genes essential for DNA secretion. In all analyzed genogroup 807 isolates, substitution of the essential atlA gene with the eppA gene was found, accompanied by a change in the traG allele, replacement of the ych gene with ych1, and the absence of the exp1 gene, which is likely to result in loss of GGI functionality. For the NG-MAST type 225, 1407 and 2400 isolates, no premature stop codons or reading frameshifts were found in the genes essential for GGI function. A relationship between isolate susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, penicillin, tetracycline and the presence of lesions in GGI genes necessary for DNA secretion was established. The N. gonorrhoeae evolutionary pathways, which allow a particular sequence type to maintain long-term predominance in the population, may include changes in genes responsible for adhesion and virulence, changes in the GGI structure, preservation of genes carrying drug resistance determinants, and changes in genes associated with host adaptation or encoding enzymes of biochemical pathways.
Heart-Rate Recovery at 1 Min After Exercise Predicts Response to Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty in Patients With Inoperable Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Zhang Yi , Li Xin , Luo Qin , Zhao Qing , Zeng Qixian , Yang Tao , Jin Qi , Yan Lu , Duan Anqi , Ma Xiuping , An Chenhong , Xiong Changming , Zhao Zhihui , Liu Zhihong
Published: February 2022

Background

Dysfunction of autonomic nervous system plays an important role in the development of pulmonary hypertension. The present study aimed to investigate the interaction between balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) and cardiac autonomic function by using heart-rate recovery at 1 min (HRR1) after exercise as a surrogate marker.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively enrolled 89 consecutive patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension who underwent BPA from May, 2018 to Jan, 2021. According to hemodynamics at follow-up, patients were categorized as BPA responders if they met one or both of the following criteria: (1) mean pulmonary arterial pressure ≤ 30 mmHg and (2) a reduction of pulmonary vascular resistance ≥ 30%. Compared with baseline, HRR1 tended to increase within 7 days after the first BPA session, and this improvement persisted at follow-up. HRR1 at baseline and at follow-up were associated with well-validated markers of CTEPH severity, including N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, mean pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. Furthermore, the change of HRR1 from baseline to follow-up was also associated with the change of those variables. After adjustment for confounders, baseline HRR1 was still a strong independent predictor of BPA outcome. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis showed that the cutoff value for HRR1 in predicting BPA outcome was 19 beats.

Conclusions

BPA could significantly improve HRR1, suggesting the alleviation of sympathovagal imbalance. Easily available and non-invasive HRR1 seems to be a useful tool in predicting outcome of BPA and dynamically monitoring the efficacy of BPA.
Distribution and Dynamics of Radiatively Active Gas (RAG) Emissions From Major Estuaries of the Sundarbans Mangrove, India
Authors: Acharya Avanti , Sanyal Prasun , Paul Madhusudan , Gupta Vandana Kumari , Bakshi Sneha , Mukhopadhyay Sandip Kumar
Published: February 2022

The world’s largest mangroves ecosystem, the Sundarbans, being highly productive and a place for extensive organic matter cycling, is considered to be the hotspot for biogeochemical studies in the tropical estuarine environment. Hence, the spatial and temporal dynamics of the biogenic gases (CO2, CH4, and N2O), also known as radiatively active gases, were measured in mangrove-dominated estuaries of the system. In addition to spatial and seasonal observation, three full tidal cycles were observed at one site. Results showed that the air/water gas saturations were widely distributed and highly variable along the stretch. The gas saturations showed varying responses to salinity and tidal fluctuations. This indicated that localized biogeochemical processes may be more influential than simple mixing and dilution processes in controlling the variability of these gases. The surface waters were always supersaturated with CH4 (Up to 13,133%) relative to the atmosphere. However, N2O ranged from 8 to 1,286% and CO2 from 30 to 2075%. N2O fluxes were ∼4.8 times higher in the pre-monsoon than the post-monsoon. CH4 fluxes were ∼3.6 times higher in the pre-monsoon than both the monsoon and the post-monsoon. CO2 fluxes were ∼10 times higher in the monsoon than both the pre-monsoon and the post-monsoon. The seasonality in the gas saturation could be linked more to the availability of substrates than physicochemical parameters. Overall, air/water CH4 fluxes varied maximally (0.4–18.4 μmol m−2 d−1), followed by CO2 fluxes (−0.6–10.9 mmol m−2 d−1), and N2O fluxes varied the least of all (−0.6–5.4 μmol m−2 d−1). Interestingly, CH4 and N2O fluxes were positively correlated to each other (p < 0.05), suggesting organic matter decomposition as the key factor in the production of these two gases. Finally, these water–air CO2, CH4, and N2O flux estimates show that the estuaries are a modest source of CH4 but fluctuate between sources and sinks for CO2 and N2O gases.
Performance Comparison of H2O and CO2 as the Working Fluid in Coupled Wellbore/Reservoir Systems for Geothermal Heat Extraction
Authors: Lei Hongwu
Published: February 2022

CO2 is considered as a novel heat-transmission fluid for extracting geothermal energy from enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), attributed to its high compressibility, expansivity and low viscosity in comparison to water. In order to compare the performance of CO2 and H2O as the working fluid in EGS, a classical five-spot model based on the geologic and geothermal conditions at the Songliao Basin, China, was constructed. Results obtained from the coupled wellbore/reservoir model revealed that the net heat extraction and flow rate are greater for CO2 than for H2O at a fixed operation pressure difference between the injection and production wellheads. However, the wellhead temperature is far lower for CO2 than for H2O due to the strong Joule–Thomson effect of CO2 in the wellbore. Moreover, a stronger pressure change in the wellbore is observed by using CO2, attributed to the gravity and high flow velocity of CO2; this pressure change induces a drop in the frictional pressure. For CO2, the enthalpy change in the wellbore is mainly contributed by the gravitational potential, while for H2O, it is contributed by the gravitational potential and lateral heat exchange. The heat extraction performance depends on the operation pressure difference and injection temperature for H2O-based EGS, while it depends on the wellhead pressures of both the injection and production wells as well as the injection temperature for CO2-based EGS. A high operation pressure is favorable for improving the heat extraction performance (especially the production temperature) for CO2. With the temperature drop limitation at the downhole of the production well, the heat extraction performance is better by using H2O than that by using CO2 as the working fluid. However, the low-power consumption for maintaining fluid circulation demonstrates the application potential of CO2-based EGS.
Endoscopic-Assisted Transoral Thyroglossal Cyst Resection
Authors: Chen Shanwen , Wang Dong , Qiu Jianxin , Liu Yehai , Zhao Yi
Published: February 2022

Sistrunk procedure is the standard method for thyroglossal duct cyst resection. While this procedure is successful and safe, it results in postoperative scars on the front of neck. We propose a total transoral technique without external incision that starts with careful separation of the floor of the mouth and genioglossus muscle followed by the exact localization of the cyst using methylene blue. Simultaneously, the hyoid bone connected to the cyst and tract was removed. Finally, routine hemostasis is conducted, and the operative cavity is closed. All patients who received this operation in our department recovered successfully without experiencing severe intraoperative or postoperative complications.
Trophectoderm Biopsy Differentially Influences the Level of Serum β-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin With Different Embryonic Trophectoderm Scores in Early Pregnancy From 7847 Single-Blastocyst Transfer Cycles
Authors: Li Yuan , Wen Quan , Liao Jingnan , Ma Shujuan , Zhang Shuoping , Gu Yifan , Tang Yi , Luo Keli , Yang Xiaoyi , Lu Guang-Xiu , Lin Ge , Gong Fei
Published: February 2022

Objective

To evaluate whether trophectoderm (TE) biopsy differentially influence the level of serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) with different TE-scored blastocysts transferred in early pregnancy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study contained 7847 single-blastocyst transfer cycles executed between January 2019 and June 2020, including 2657 preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) cycles and 5190 in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. All cycles were classified into biopsy and control groups, and further stratified based on the TE morphological scores into three subgroups: grades A, B, and C for TE scores, respectively. Intra-group and inter-group analyses were performed on serum β-hCG levels on the 12th day after blastocyst transfer (HCG12), and obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

Results

For cycles with a live birth, in grade A TE score subgroups, the HCG12 level did not exhibit statistical significance between the control and biopsy groups after adjustment (769 mIU/mL vs. 753 mIU/mL, P=0.631). In contrast, in grade B and C TE score subgroups, the control group showed a significantly higher level of HCG12 relative to the biopsy group (690 mIU/mL vs. 649 mIU/mL, P=0.001; 586 mIU/mL vs. 509 mIU/mL, P<0.001, respectively). We observed no statistically significant differences in obvious adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes between the same TE-score subgroups of the biopsy group and control group.

Conclusions

While blastocysts with higher TE grades produced higher serum β-hCG levels in early pregnancy, TE biopsy might exert a negative impact on serum β-hCG levels by blastocysts with a grade-B TE score and below. TE biopsy did not increase the risk for adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes.
Diagnosis of GH Deficiency Without GH Stimulation Tests
Authors: Ibba Anastasia , Loche Sandro
Published: February 2022

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is the most commonly affected pituitary hormone in childhood with a prevalence of 1 in 4000–10000 live births. GH stimulation testing (GHST) is commonly used in the diagnostic workup of GHD. However, GHD can be diagnosed in some clinical conditions without the need of GHST. The diagnosis of GHD in newborns does not require stimulation testing. Likewise infants/children with delayed growth and/or short stature associated with neuroradiological abnormalities and one or more additional pituitary hormone deficiencies may not need GHST. This review summarizes the current evidence on the diagnosis of GHD without stimulation tests.
Techno-Economic Evaluation of Novel Hybrid Biomass and Electricity-Based Ethanol Fuel Production
Authors: Melin Kristian , Nieminen Harri , Klüh Daniel , Laari Arto , Koiranen Tuomas , Gaderer Matthias
Published: February 2022

In order to limit climate change, fast greenhouse gas reductions are required already before 2030. Ethanol commonly produced by fermentation of sugars derived either from starch-based raw material such as corn, or lignocellulosic biomass is an established fuel decarbonizing the transport sector. We present a novel selective and flexible process concept for the production of ethanol with electricity and lignocellulosic biomass as main inputs. The process consists of several consecutive steps. First synthesis gas from gasification of biomass is purified by filtration and reforming and fed to methanol synthesis. The produced methanol is fed to acetic acid synthesis, together with a carbon monoxide-rich stream separated from the synthesis gas by membranes. Finally, acetic acid is hydrogenated to yield ethanol. With the exception of acetic acid hydrogenation, the overall process consists of technically mature subprocesses. Each process step was modelled in Aspen Plus to generate the mass and energy balances for the overall process. Additionally, the CO2emissions and economic feasibility were assessed. Three separate cases were investigated. In the first two cases, the syngas carbon (CO and CO2) was split between methanol and acetic acid synthesis. The cases included either allothermal (case A) or electrically heated reforming (case B). In case C, maximum amount of CO was sent to acetic acid synthesis to maximize the acetic acid output, requiring a small additional carbon dioxide input to methanol synthesis. In all cases, additional hydrogen to methanol synthesis was provided by water electrolysis. Each case was designed at biomass input of 27.9 MW and the electrolyzer electricity requirement between 36 and 43.5 MW, depending on the case. The overall energy efficiency was calculated at 53–57%, and carbon efficiencies were above 90%. The lowest levelized cost of ethanol was 0.65 €/l, at biomass cost of 20 €/MWh and electricity cost of 45 €/MWh and production scale of approximately 42 kt ethanol per year. The levelized cost is competitive with the current biological route for lignocellulosic ethanol production. The ethanol price is very sensitive to the electricity cost, varying from 0.56 to 0.74 €/l at ±30% variation in electricity cost.
Microwave-Assisted Camellia oleifera Abel Shell Biochar Catalyzed Fast Pyrolysis of Waste Vegetable Oil to Produce Aromatic-Rich Bio-Oil
Authors: Xia Meiling , Wang Yunpu , Wu Qiuhao , Zeng Yuan , Zhang Shumei , Dai Leilei , Zou Rongge , Liu Yuhuan , Ruan Roger
Published: February 2022

In this work, Camellia oleifera Abel shell was used as a feedstock to prepare biochar by HNO3 impregnation and pyrolysis. The biochar was used for the catalytic pyrolysis of waste vegetable oil to prepare bio-oil. Experimental results showed that HNO3 solution treatment had an important effect on the groups and structure of the biochar catalyst. When the solid/liquid ratio of pretreatment was 1:3, the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area of the 1:3–600°C biochar is 392.65 m2/g, which is approximately 677 times higher than that of untreated biochar. Moreover, the biochar catalyst had a remarkable catalytic performance. The selectivity of the monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in the bio-oil was up to 78.82%, and the oxy-compound could be completely removed at the catalytic temperature of 600°C. However, the increase of the catalyst-to-waste vegetable oil ratio and catalytic temperature decreased the bio-oil yield.