bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Appendicitis Incidence in Young Adults Calls for Routine Histological Examination
Authors: Aouda Zainab Khairullah , Ahmed Ahmed Aziz , Nasar Dmoaa Majid
Published: August 2024

This study explores the histopathological changes associated with appendicitis in appendicectomy specimens from Nasiriyah General Hospital. Employing a retrospective analysis on twenty specimens, it aims to underscore the importance of routine histological examinations. Findings reveal that all specimens were afflicted with appendicitis, featuring notable occurrences of mucosal glandular hyperplasia (43%), mucosal and submucosal layer necrosis (42%), and severe inflammatory cell infiltration (71%). These results highlight the necessity of comprehensive histological assessments in appendicectomy specimens to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve patient management, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
Highlights:

All specimens confirmed appendicitis with significant alterations.
Routine histological exams critical for accurate diagnosis.
Enhanced scrutiny improves adolescent, young adult treatment.

Keywords: Appendicitis, Histopathological Changes, Appendicectomy, Histological Examination, Adolescents
Emotional Experiences Drive Customer Loyalty in Indonesia
Authors: Wicaksana Gideon Carakaardi , Ardyan Elia
Published: August 2024

General Background: Customer loyalty has evolved significantly with the rise of technology and social media, where emotional experiences now play a crucial role. Specific Background: This study focuses on Taman Dayu, a resort villa in Pasuruan, East Java, known for its natural scenery and ambience. Knowledge Gap: There is limited research on how emotional experiences and service quality influence consumer loyalty in the property sector, particularly in the context of Taman Dayu. Aims: This research aims to analyze how consumers form emotional bonds with brands and properties and examine the role of service quality in strengthening these relationships. Method: The study used a quantitative approach with a sample of 106 respondents from 250 distributed questionnaires, processed using SPSS. The research involved creating a questionnaire that adapted operational items from previous studies. Emotional experience, customer loyalty, and service quality were the key variables examined. A simple moderation regression method was employed to determine if the relationship between emotional experience and customer loyalty is moderated by service quality. Results: The findings indicate that emotional experiences significantly impact consumer loyalty. Positive emotions such as happiness and satisfaction lead to higher loyalty levels, characterized by repeat purchases and recommendations. Although service quality did not significantly moderate the relationship between emotions and loyalty, it was found to enhance positive emotional experiences, underscoring its importance in fostering consumer loyalty. Novelty: This research highlights the significant impact of emotional experiences on consumer loyalty in the property industry, a relatively underexplored area, especially for a specific location like Taman Dayu. Implications: The study suggests that property managers should focus on enhancing emotional experiences and maintaining high service quality to build and strengthen emotional bonds with consumers, ultimately increasing loyalty. Future research should consider larger, more diverse samples and explore additional variables such as pricing and secondary market dynamics to provide a more comprehensive understanding of consumer loyalty.
 
Highlight: 

Positive emotions significantly boost customer loyalty.
Service quality enhances emotions but doesn't moderate loyalty.
Future research should use diverse samples and explore pricing and promotions.

 
 
Keyword: Customer loyalty, emotional experience, service quality, Taman Dayu, quantitative research
Location and Brand Image Outshine Price in Homebuyer Decisions in Indonesia
Authors: Ramadhani Dian , Kodrat David Sukardi
Published: August 2024

General Background: The increasing population in Medan has led to a rising demand for housing, prompting competition among companies to provide secure and comfortable upper-middle-class residences. Specific Background: Citraland Helvetia serves as a case study to understand the dominant factors influencing consumer decisions in purchasing homes. This study specifically investigates whether price, location, promotion, brand image, and facilities significantly impact the purchase decisions at Citraland Helvetia. Knowledge Gap: Previous research has not conclusively identified which factors are most influential during the product launch phase for residential properties in this region. Aims: This study aims to identify the dominant factors affecting consumer purchasing decisions during the product launch of Citraland Helvetia, focusing on location, brand image, and price. Results: The study found that location and brand image are the two most influential factors in the decision-making process, while price has a significant impact but is not as dominant. Promotion and facilities also positively influence purchasing decisions. Novelty: The research provides empirical evidence highlighting the critical role of location and brand image over price during the initial launch phase, which contrasts with the common perception that price is the primary determinant. Implications: These findings suggest that developers should prioritize strategic location selection and strong brand image development to attract buyers. Enhancing these elements can lead to better consumer satisfaction and potentially higher investment returns. The study's insights can inform future urban development and marketing strategies in the housing sector, particularly in emerging urban areas like Medan.
Highlights:
 

Dominant Factors: Location and brand image drive home purchase decisions.
Price Impact: Less significant during initial product launch phase.
Strategic Focus: Prioritize location and brand image for buyer attraction.

 
Keywords: Housing demand, Medan, Consumer decision, Location, Brand image
Low Pre-Conception Health Among Iraqi College Women Linked to Age and Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Arief Nawres jameel , Naji Prof dr Arkan bahlol
Published: August 2024

This study explores pre-conception health behaviors among female college students at the University of Baghdad, highlighting a critical gap in non-Western contexts. Conducted from October 2023 to March 2024 with 144 participants, the cross-sectional study assessed pre-pregnancy health behaviors using a validated 5-point Likert scale. Results showed that 74.4% of students exhibited low pre-conception health behaviors, with significant predictors being age (p = 0.008), academic grade (p = 0.041), and socioeconomic status (p = 0.035). The average participant age was 20.63 years, with most in their first academic year and living with parents. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions and educational programs to improve pre-pregnancy health awareness and behaviors in this demographic.
Highlights:

High Prevalence: 74.4% exhibited low pre-conception health behaviors.
Influential Factors: Age, grade, and socioeconomic status significantly impacted behaviors.
Intervention Needed: Educational programs essential for improving pre-conception health awareness.

Keywords: pre-conception health, female college students, predictive factors, socioeconomic status, health behaviors
Exposing Milk Adulteration in Iraq Markets
Authors: Jebur Azhar Lateef , Abed Karar Saleh , Muhammad Amir Hilal , Hussein Hussein Neama , Fatlawi Sura mohammed
Published: August 2024

This study evaluated eighteen unflavored milk samples from local markets in Karbala, Diyala, Basra, Kirkuk, Wasit, and Babil, Iraq, to detect adulteration. Using total solids measurements, refractive index tests, and iodine starch tests, we aimed to assess milk quality. Except for sample No. 6, all samples tested negative for starch, indicating minimal thickening agent adulteration. However, samples 4, 5, 11, and 13 failed the refractive index test, suggesting water adulteration. These findings highlight the need for better monitoring and regulation to ensure milk purity and protect public health across different Iraqi regions.
Highlights:
 

Identified milk adulteration in six Iraqi governorates.
Sample 6 tested positive for starch adulteration.
Samples 4, 5, 11, 13 failed refractive index test.

 
Keywords: milk adulteration, Iraqi markets, quality control, refractive index, starch test
HR Re-engineering Elevates Banking Performance in Commercial Banks
Authors: Saddam Dr. Ali Kadhim , Ali Mr. Oday Hussein , Alsaedi Mr.Rafid Khudhur Radhi
Published: August 2024

General Background: Re-engineering human resources (HR) is a critical method for enhancing organizational efficiency and performance, especially in sectors like banking where customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, profit growth, and diversity of services are pivotal. Specific Background: This research investigates the impact of HR re-engineering on banking performance, focusing on organizational, human, and technological dimensions. Knowledge Gap: Despite extensive studies on HR re-engineering, its direct correlation with banking performance, particularly in commercial banks, remains underexplored. Aims: The study aims to clarify and apply HR re-engineering methods to improve banking performance, using a questionnaire, personal interviews, and field observations on a random sample of 200 respondents, analyzed via SMART PLS software. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between HR re-engineering and improved bank performance. Key findings indicate that HR re-engineering enhances employee morale and organizational efficiency, ultimately boosting customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, profit growth, and service diversity. Novelty: This study uniquely combines multiple data collection methods and advanced statistical analysis to provide robust evidence of the positive impact of HR re-engineering on banking performance. Implications: The findings suggest that banks should invest in HR re-engineering programs, focusing on training, skill development, and technological integration to improve performance. These programs should be supported by adequate material and financial resources to ensure their success, thereby enhancing the competitive edge of banks in a dynamic environment.
Highlights:
 

Correlation and Impact: HR re-engineering boosts banking performance significantly.
Methodology: Used questionnaires and SMART PLS for robust analysis.
Implementation: Invest in HR training and technology for enhanced competitiveness.

 
Keywords: HR re-engineering, banking performance, customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, SMART PLS
Pengaruh Media Sosial Terhadap Minat Beli Konsumen SNB Coffee Lamongan
Authors: Dhaniswara Rangga Arya , Kurriwati Nirma
Published: August 2024

This study wants to find out how much influence social media has on consumer buying interest at SNB Coffee Lamongan. Using samples obtained from questionnaires to 50 respondents. The data is processed using quantitative methods with tests, namely T test, validity test, reliability test, and normality test, which will be analyzed using simple regression, with the help of SPSS software.The results obtained in this study are that social media (X) has a positive and significant effect on Consumer Buying Interest (Y) at SNB Coffee Lamongan
Pengaruh Promosi Media Sosial dan E-Wom terhadap Keputusan Berkunjung Wisatawan di Dermaga Rindu Kabupaten Bangkalan
Authors: Oktaviani Aulia , Winata A. Yahya Surya
Published: August 2024

This study aims to determine the effect of social media promotions and eWOM (electronic worth of mouth) on tourists' visiting decisions at Dermana Rindu, Bangkalan Regency. This research was conducted using quantitative methods, using descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. The population in this study were all tourists who had visited the Rindu Jetty tour in Bangkalan Regency. The sampling technique in this study used probability sampling, and analysis using SPSS IBM 26 software. Based on the results of the descriptive analysis, it shows that the decision to visit is in the high category, so promotion through social media is in the high category as well as e-wom is in the good category. Based on the results of multiple linear regression analysis that promotion through social media and electronic word of mouth partially has a positive effect on the decision to visit the Pier Rindu tour, Bangkalan Regency. Furthermore, promotions through social media and electronic word of mouth simultaneously have a positive effect on the decision to visit the Rindu Pier tour, Bangkalan Regency.
Bauran Pemasaran Jasa Dan Minat Berkunjung Kembali (Studi Pada Kedai Kopi "Cerita Kopi Xotus" Telang Bangkalan)
Authors: Ulwiyah Ulwiyah , Syarif Muhammad
Published: August 2024

This research is entitled "Marketing Mix of Services and Revisit Intention (Study of the Coffee Shop"Cerita Kopi Xotus"Telang Bangkalan)". place, promotion, process, physical evidence and people so that they can attract customers to be revisiting intention the Xotus Telang coffee shop, Bangkalan. This research was conducted descriptively quantitatively using purposive sampling method, namely the technique of determining the sample by considering certain criteria with a total sample of 97 respondents. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression analysis.Based on the results of the analysis, it shows that the customer's interest in returning to the Xotus Telang Bangkalan coffee shop is in the good category. And the marketing mix is also in a good category. so that it can trigger an revisit intention customers. And the results of the espionage of several service marketing mix variables show that the product has a significant effect on the revisit intention to the Xotus Telang Bangkalan coffee shop. Price has no significant effect on revisit intention to the Xotus Telang coffee shop Bangkalan. Promotion has a significant effect on the revisit intention to the Xotus Telang Bangkalan coffee shop. Place has a significant effect on revisit intention to Xotus Telang Bangkalan coffee shop. People have no significant effect on the revisit intention to the Xotus Telang Bangkalan coffee shop. Physical evidence has no significant effect on the revisit intention to the Xotus Telang Bangkalan coffee shop. The process has no significant effect on the revisit intention to the Xotus Telang coffee shop Bangkalan. Product, Price, Promotion, Place, People, Physical Evidence, Process together have a significant effect on revisit intention to Xotus Telang Bangkalan coffee shop. Keyword : Marketing Mix, Revisit Intention, Coffe shop Xotus Telang Bangkalan
Keputusan Pembelian Smartphone Oppo Berdasarkan Kualitas Produk, Inovasi Produk dan Citra merek (Studi Pada Mahasiswa Universitas Trunojoyo Madura)
Authors: Adriansyah Agung , Andriani Nurita
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of product quality, product innovation, and brand image on product purchasing decisions smartphone OPPO on Trunojoyo Madura University students. This research is a quantitative research with a survey method through a questionnaire. The population in this study were students at Trunojoyo Madura University who had purchased the productsmartphone OPPO. The sample used in the study was 100 respondents using techniquespurposive sampling. The data analysis technique used to prove the hypothesis was compiled using multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the study show that product quality influences purchasing decisions. Product innovation has no effect on purchasing decisions. Brand image influences purchasing decisions.
Pengaruh Price Discount, Bonus Pack, Instore Display, Brand Image Dan Keragaman Produk Batikterhadap Impluse Buying Pada Konsumen Batik UD. Al-Barokah Sumenep
Authors: Alqindi Achmad Hanif , Kurriwati Nirma
Published: August 2024

UD. AL- Barokah Sumenep. As shopping center of batik at regency Sumenep that straightforward show batik product result it to consumer. Shopping cester batiks that standing early year 2015 advance expenditure startup concepts local society consumers, by treats various design and heterogeneous pattern beginning of traditional design (Madura), Msdura’s conjugate and java and modern batik.  To the effect research aims 1) to Menganalisis is influence price discount to impluse buying   on consumer batiks UD. Al Barokah Sumenep.  2. Menganalisis is influence pack's bonus to impluse buying   on consumer batiks UD. Al Barokah Sumenep.  3.             Menganalisis is influence instore is display   to impluse buying   on consumer batiks UD. Al Barokah Sumenep. 4. Menganalisis is influence brand is image  to impluse buying   on consumer batiks UD. Al Barokah Sumenep. 5 Menganalisis is product diversity influence to impluse buying   on consumer batiks UD. Al Barokah Sumenep.Approachings observational method quantitative, with SPSS For’s application purpose windows 25 population and sample as much 60 respondents with tech analisis bifilar linear regression data.  Result observationaling to point out that Price   discount, pack's bonus, instore is display, brand is image  and product diversity have influence that signifikan to impulse buying , on UD. Al Barokah Sumenep has to increase signifikan's influence
Pengaruh Citra Merek dan Kepercayaan Merek Terhadap Loyalitas Merek Telkomsel (Studi Pada Mahasiswa Manajemen Universitas Trunojoyo Madura)
Authors: Dwi Munisa Miftakhul Salsabilla , Setiyarini Triana
Published: August 2024

This study aims to determine the effect of brand image and brand trust on brand loyalty. The independent variables in this study are brand image and brand trust. While the dependent variable in this study is brand loyalty. This research uses quantitative methods. The sampling technique in this study used non-probability sampling techniques with purposive sampling method with a total of 100 respondents from management students of Trunojoyo University Madura who used Telkomsel data packages. The data analysis method uses multiple linear regression analysis which is processed using SPSS version 29.The results of this study indicate that: 1) Brand image variables partially affect Telkomsel brand loyalty. 2) Brand trust variables partially affect Telkomsel brand loyalty. 3) Brand image variables and brand trust simultaneously affect Telkomsel brand loyalty.
Pengaruh promosi online dan persepsi harga terhadap keputusan pembelian pada Thrift Galery Kemuning di Bangkalan
Authors: Solehartatik Novia , Mada Yudhi Prasetya
Published: August 2024

Based on existing phenomena and problems, this study aims to determine the effect of online promotions and price perceptions on purchasing decisions at Thrift Gallery Kemuning Bangkalan. The method used in this research is quantitative. The subjects in this study were consumers of Thrift Galery Kemuning Bangkalan with a sample of 97 respondents, then the data collection tool in this study was a questionnaire. The results of this study indicate that there is an influence between online promotions and price perceptions on purchasing decisions at Thrift Gallery Kemuning Bangkalan, either partially or simultaneously. The result of the coefficient of determination is 0.958, which means that 95.8% of the Buying Decisions are influenced by Online Promotion (X1) and Price Evaluation (X2). While the remaining 4.2% is the influence of other variables outside the variables studied in this research.
Financial Distress Analysis using Altman Z-Score and Zmijewski Methods in Oil and gas sector listed on the IDX in the 2018-2021 period
Authors: Putra Risdi Aulia , Purnamawati Purnamawati
Published: August 2024

Based on the research results obtained that in the Altman Z-Score method in 2018 (APEX), (ARTI), (ENRG), (ESSA), (MTFN), and (SURE), (WOWS), experienced financial distress, while according to Zmijewski the company was non distressed. In the Altman Z-Score method in 2019 the company (APEX), (ARTI), (ELSA), (ENRG), (ESSA), (MEDC), (MITI), (PKPK), (RUIS) and (SURE) are experiencing financial distress, while according to Zmijewski the company is non distressed. In the Altman Z-Score method in 2020 the companies (ARTI), (ESSA), (MEDC), and (MITI) experienced financial distress, while according to Zmijewski the company was non-distress. In the Altman Z-Score method in 2021 the companies (ARTI), (ESSA), (MEDC), and (MTFN) experienced financial distress, while according to Zmijewski the companies were non-distressed. so that based on the results of testing and discussion in this study, the advice given is for companies that are bankrupt, management companies must find the best way to improve business performance as soon as possible, and advice that can be given to investors, namely investors must be more selective in choosing companies to invest in, especially those with good financial performance. So that investors can invest their funds properly.
Pengaruh Likuiditas, Profitabilitas, dan Leverage Terhadap Pertumbuhan Laba Dengan Ukuran Perusahaan Sebagai Variabel Moderating Pada Perusahaan SubSektor Kontruksi dan Bangunan Yang Terdaftar Di Bursa Efek Indonesia Periode 2018-2022
Authors: Kusumawati Qomaria Ayu , Pranjoto R Gatot Heru
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Liquidity, Profitability, and Leverage on Profit Growth with Company Size as a Moderatating variable. The type of research used is a type of quantitative research using secondary data with data sources derived from financial reports. The sample in this study was obtained by purposive sampling method with a total sample of 14 companies from 18 companies. The data analysis technique used is the classical assumption test, moderating regression analysis and hypothesis testing using SPSS Version 26. Based on the results of this study indicate that (1) Current Ratio has a negative and in significant effect on Profit Growth. (2) Net Profit Margin has a negative and insignificant effect on Profit Growth. (3) Debt to Equity Ratio has a positive and insignificant effect on Profit Growth. (4) Company Size cannot moderate the Current Ratio, Net Profit Margin, and Debt to Equity Ratio
Pengaruh Kualitas Pelayanan Dan Harga Terhadap Kepuasan Pelanggan di Yanitra Futsal Center, Sidoarjo
Authors: Darmawan Muhammad Agil , Syarif Muh
Published: August 2024

Futsal is an indoor football sport with high technical competence, this has an impact on the number of futsal field rental services. Business people must be required to be oriented to consumer satisfaction as the main goal, one of which is the Yanitra Futsal Center. Based on this, an analysis is needed on the effect of service quality and price of Yanitra Futsal Center futsal field rental services themselves on customer satisfaction from users of this service. This study aims to determine the effect of service quality and price on Yanitra Futsal Center customer satisfaction to users of rental services partially or simultaneously. With a Quantitative research method using a questionnaire on Yanitra Futsal Center visitors with independent variables, namely service quality and price, while the dependent variable is Customer Satisfaction. The results of the study are known that visitors to Yanitra Futsal Center there are one hundred people who use Rental Services with an average answer of "Disagree", but the results of SPSS show that simultaneous and partial service quality and price affect customer satisfaction.
Kinerja Karyawan melalui Loyalitas, Komunikasi, Dan Kompensasi Kerja pada CV. Batik Sumber Arafat Tanjung Bumi, Bangkalan
Authors: Mun'im Abd. , Kuswinarno Mudji
Published: August 2024

CV. Batik Sumber Arafat Tanjung Bumi, Bangkalan is one of the batik business places in Tanjung Bumi District, Bangkalan that is the largest batik area in Bangkalan. This business has been since 2004 and provides all types of Madurese batik such as gentongan (*Madurese), writing cotton, silk, stamping and printing. As the one of the batik businesses in Tanjung Bumi, CV. Batik Sumber Arafat must have good employees performance, starting from employees work loyalty, communication, and compensation. The aims of this study are to determine and analyze the effect of loyalty, communication and compensation on employees performance, partially and simultaneously. It uses the quantitative methods with surveys the employees as much as 43 respondents. Using the multiple regression analysis, the results showed that (1) loyalty has a positive and significant effect on employees performance as 0.346; (2) communication has no effect on employees performance as 0.025; (3) compensation has a positive and significant effect on employees performance as 0.353; (4) loyalty, communication and compensation effect on employees performance simultaneously as 54%.
Kepastian Hukum pada Dispensasi Kawin Janda/Duda dibawah Umur (Analisis Pandangan KUA dan Pengadilan Agama di Kota Yogyakarta)
Authors: Ali Zezen Zainul , Puspita Mega , Zainab Zainab
Published: August 2024

Artikel ini akan membahas tentang dispensasi kawin janda/duda dibawah umur. Dispensasi kawin merupakan pemberian izin menikah oleh Pengadilan kepada pasangan yang masih belum berusia 19 tahun melalui pengajuan dispensasi kawin ke Pengadilan. Dalam praktiknya terdapat beberapa kasus dispensasi kawin yang diajukan oleh janda/duda ke Pengadilan dikarenakan adanya penolakan permohonan menikah oleh KUA karena dianggap calon pengantin masih dibawah umur sebagaimana dalam UU Nomor 16/2019. Faktanya di beberapa Pengadilan Agama juga terdapat penolakan terhadap permohonan dispensasi kawin oleh janda/duda dengan alasan ketika seseorang telah menikah telah dianggap dewasa. Sehingga menimbulkan tidak adanya kepastian hukum bagi janda/duda dibawah umur yang menikah meskipun telah mengajukan dispensasi kawin pada pernikahan sebelumnya. Lalu bagaimana pandangan KUA dan Pengadilan Agama dalam kasus ini? artikel ini akan mengkaji pandangan KUA dan Hakim Pengadilan Agama di Kota Yogyakarta terkait dispensasi kawin bagi janda/duda dibawah umur. Jenis penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan metode yuridis-normatif dengan pendekatan statute approach dan case approach. Temuannya; pihak KUA dalam menolak permohonan menikah janda/duda dibawah umur terkesan tekstualis terhadap Pasal 7 UU 16/2019 dan mengabaikan peraturan perundang-undangan lainnya dikarenakan tunduk terhadap instansi kementerian Agama, sementara pihak Pengadilan Agama tetap beranggapan bahwa janda/duda dibawah umur yang hendak menikah tidak perlu mengajukan dispensasi kawin karena telah dianggap dewasa sebagaimana KUHPerdata dan Peraturan Mahkamah Agung nomor 5 tahun 2019.
Guarantee’s Right In Marriage By Perspective Of Women’s Study: A Gender Perspective
Authors: Abdilah Nadhruna'im , Yuni Kusnul Ciptanila
Published: August 2024

Departing from the shift in the meaning of ijbar which is identified with ikrah by most Indonesian people, especially in the gender perspective, the center for women's studies UIN Sunan Kalijaga, encourages researchers to conduct a study on the development of the implementation of ijbar rights in Indonesia today as well as legal regulations regarding the implementation of ijbar rights in marriage which are still a tradition in Indonesia and legal protection for women's human rights that have been degraded as a result of forced marriage as a consequence of the application of ijbar in a marriage. The type of research used is field research with a legal-formal approach. The results showed that the absolute right of ijbar thereafter should no longer be exercised in Indonesia after the birth of the Marriage Law and the Compilation of Islamic Law. From a number of chapters it is clear that the permission of the bride and groom, or prospective husband and wife, is an important component of the marriage itself. The concept of ijbar has a legal basis in fiqh, fiqh experts have different opinions about forced marriage (ijbar). Center for Women's Studies UIN Sunan Kalijaga provides two types of legal protection for women whose human rights are violated because of marriage with ijbar rights from the point of view of Islamic law. First, every woman has the same right to choose her partner. Second, a woman may ask her guardian's permission to marry her without his knowledge or consent.
Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) of non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) for singleton and twin pregnancies in the first trimester
Authors: Li Huanyun , Li Shaojun , Zhao Zhenhua , Kong Lingrong , Fu Xinyu , Zhu Jingqi , Feng Jun , Tang Weiqin , Wu Di , Kong Xiangdong
Published: August 2024

Background
Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) has been proven available for non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) in singleton pregnancies. However, previous research is limited to the second trimester and the application in twin pregnancies is blank. Here we provide a novel algorithmic approach to assess singleton and twin pregnancies in the first trimester.
Results
All of the recruited participants, comprising sixteen women with singleton pregnancies and one woman with a twin pregnancy, had a proband with NSHL caused by GJB2 gene or SLC26A4 gene mutations. The twin pregnancy was a dichorionic diamniotic twin (DCDA). NIPD confirmed one fetus is affected, and another is a carrier with c.299_300delAT of GJB2 gene. Among the 16 singleton pregnancies, NIPD was successfully applied in 15 families and the coincidence rate with invasive prenatal diagnosis was 100% (15/15). Only one family NIPD result is no call because the imbalance distribution of SNP sites makes it difficult to estimate recombination events. Most (13/15) of pregnant women were in the first trimester and the earliest gestation week was the 7th week.
Conclusion
This study represents the pioneering evidence in the field, demonstrating the feasibility of NIPD for NSHL in twin pregnancies. Moreover, it provides a novel and advanced diagnostic approach for families at high risk of NSHL during pregnancy, offering earlier detection, enhanced safety, and improved accuracy. These findings significantly contribute to the scientific understanding and clinical management of hearing loss in multiple pregnancies.
Dorsoradial ligament reconstruction versus imbrication for restoring trapeziometacarpal joint stability: A comparative biomechanical study
Authors: Kim Sang-Hee , Kim Hyun-Kyo , Kim Do-Hyun , Cho Jae-Yong , Oh Won-Taek , Koh Il-Hyun , Choi Yun-Rak
Published: August 2024

The unique saddle articulation of the trapeziometacarpal joint allows for a wide range of motion necessary for routine function of the thumb. Inherently unstable characteristics of the joint can lead painful instability. In this study, we modified a surgical dorsal ligament reconstruction technique for restoring trapeziometacarpal joint stability. We evaluated and compared the biomechanical efficacy of our reconstruction technique with that of dorsoradial capsulodesis by creating a cadaveric model of rotational instability. Twenty-four specimens were subjected to dorsoradial capsulodesis (n = 12) or dorsoradial ligament reconstruction using the abductor pollicis longus (APL) (n = 12). The modified dorsoradial ligament reconstruction entailed detaching one distally based slip of the APL. The harvested tendon’s proximal end was passed through a bone tunnel created at the dorsoradial ridge of the trapezium. A suture anchor was inserted at the dorsal base of the metacarpal bone. The tendon stump was sutured to the metacarpal bone using fiber wire in figure-of-eight configuration. The load to failure of the trapeziometacarpal joint under compression was higher in the reconstruction group (p = 0.003). The improvement in the rotational arc (observed in all specimens) was significantly greater in the reconstruction group than the capsulodesis group (p = 0.003). Our technique reconstructs only the necessary ligament, requires a smaller incision and relatively simpler surgical procedure, and enables precise determination of the insertion and exit sites of the tendon, making it a promising treatment for trapeziometacarpal joint instability.
A biological rhythm in the hypothalamic system links sleep-wake cycles with feeding-fasting cycles
Authors: Molina Yordi Tamayo , Giraldo Marco , Machado Gloria , Rodriguez Boris
Published: August 2024

The hypothalamus senses the appetite-regulating hormones and also coordinates the metabolic function in alignment with the circadian rhythm. This alignment is essential to maintain the physiological conditions that prevent clinically important comorbidities, such as obesity or type-2 diabetes. However, a complete model of the hypothalamus that relates food intake with circadian rhythms and appetite hormones has not yet been developed. In this work, we present a computational model that accurately allows interpreting neural activity in terms of hormone regulation and sleep-wake cycles. We used a simplified Hodgkin-Huxley conductance-based model, which consists of a system of four differential equations that takes the ionotropic and metabotropic receptors and the input currents from homeostatic hormones into account. We proposed a logistical function that fits available experimental data of insulin hormone concentration and added it into a short-term ghrelin model that served as an input to our dynamical system. Our results show a double oscillatory system, one synchronized by light-regulated sleep-wake cycles and the other by food-regulated feeding-fasting cycles. We have also found that meal timing frequency is highly relevant for the regulation of the hypothalamus neurons. We therefore present a solid mathematical model to explore the plausible link between the circadian rhythm and the endogenous food clock.
The Effectiveness of TRIS and Ammonium buffers in Glass Dissolution Studies: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Thorpe Clare , Ravikumar Ramya , Corkhill Claire , Walling Samual , Neeway James , Pearce Carolyn , Kruger Albert , Kosson David , Marcial José , Hand Russell
Published: August 2024

Selecting appropriate buffers is crucial for evaluating the chemical durability of glass under controlled conditions such as in the EPA 1313 test designed to measure elemental release as a function of pH. This study investigates the efficacy of two alkali-metal free buffers, TRIS (NH2C(CH2OH)3) and ammonium chloride - ammonia (NH3/NH4Cl), during EPA 1313 testing of a simulated Hanford low-activity waste borosilicate glass in the alkaline regime (pH 8.5 – 10.5) at varying temperatures (RT, 40 °C, and 60 °C). The study found that while both buffers maintained the desired pH at room temperature, and up to 40 oC, the effectiveness of TRIS decreased at elevated temperatures, particularly at pH 10.5. Although 11B NMR showed evidence of TRIS-B complexation, its effect on the rate of elemental release was found to be negligible under the test conditions. In the case of the ammonium buffer, release of alkali cations was slightly elevated when compared to the same conditions with TRIS and indicated that NH4+ may participate in ion exchange. For the EPA 1313 test, conducted with both buffer systems over 1-8 days, low calculated activation energies, incongruent dissolution and elevated sodium release rates indicate ion exchange as the dominant alteration mechanism over these short timescales.
Corosolic acid inhibits the invasion and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating the m6A level of Snail mRNA
Authors: Kuang Junjie , Zhong Guofang , Huang Weizhen , Yuan Xia , Li Jun
Published: August 2024

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most common mRNA modification, and it is involved in mRNA stability and translation regulation. However, the roles of m6A modification in the migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are yet to be fully elucidated. Hence, this study aimed to uncover the role of m6A modification in HCC-cell invasion and migration and the therapeutic potential of corosolic acid in HCC treatment. In this study, we found methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) to play an oncogenic role in HCC. METTL3 expression and global m6A levels were increased in HCC cell lines and tumour tissues. Importantly, high METTL3-expression levels were associated with poor HCC prognosis. METTL3 overexpression promoted HCC-cell invasion and migration, whereas METTL3 inhibition suppressed it. Mechanistically, METTL3 increased the m6A levels of Snail mRNA, thereby upregulating the mRNA and protein levels of Snail and promoting HCC-cell invasion and migration. Moreover, we found the traditional Chinese medicine corosolic acid (CA) to inhibit HCC-cell migration and invasion by decreasing METTL3 and Snail expression. METTL3 overexpression attenuated the CA-induced inhibition of HCC-cell invasion and migration. Collectively, these findings indicate that CA suppressed METTL3 expression, which inhibited Snail mRNA m6A modification and decreased Snail expression, thus inhibiting the migration and invasion of HCC cells. Therefore, METTL3 is an important therapeutic target in HCC treatment, and CA is a potential therapeutic option for HCC treatment.
South Asian Summer Monsoon under Stratospheric Aerosol Intervention
Authors: Tilmes Simone , Acharya Asutosh , Bednarz Ewa , Fadnavis Suvarna
Published: August 2024

The South Asian summer monsoon (SAM) bears significant importance for agriculture, water resources, economy, and environmental aspects of the region for more than 1.5 billion people. To minimize the adverse impacts of global warming, Stratospheric Aerosol Intervention (SAI) has been proposed to lower surface temperatures by reflecting a portion of solar radiation back into space. However, the effects of SAI on SAM are still very uncertain and demand more research. We investigate this using the Stratospheric Aerosol Geoengineering Large Ensemble datasets. Our study reveals a reduction in the mean and extreme summer monsoon precipitation under SAI in this scenario, driven by a combination of the SAI-induced lower stratospheric warming and the associated weakening of the northern hemispheric subtropical jet, changes in the upper-tropospheric wave activities, geopotential height anomalies, and the strength of the Asian Summer Monsoon Anticyclone. Local dust changes that can otherwise be important for SAM rainfall variability under climate change also contribute to changes under SAI. As the interest in SAI research grows, our results demonstrate the urgent need to understand SAM variability under different SAI scenarios, which is essential for sustainable development and disaster preparedness in South Asia.
Salivary oxytocin concentrations in children and adolescents with and without OCD
Authors: Mora-Jensen Anna-Rosa Cecilie , Clemmensen Line Katrine Harder , Grønberg Manja Gersholm , Lebowitz Eli R. , Quintana Daniel S. , Jørgensen Niklas Rye , Larsen Charlotte Sewerin , Bak Lasse Kristoffer , Christensen Gitte Lund , Pretzmann Linea , Uhre Valdemar , Christensen Sofie Heidenheim , Uhre Camilla , Korsbjerg Nicoline Løcke Jepsen , Thoustrup Christine Lykke , Hagstrøm Julie , Ritter Melanie , Plessen Kerstin Jessica , Pagsberg Anne Katrine , Lønfeldt Nicole Nadine
Published: August 2024

Introduction:
Oxytocin has been implicated as a biological mechanism within obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Few studies only involving adults have investigated this hypothesis and found inconsistent results. We investigated whether salivary oxytocin concentrations differed between children and adolescents with and without OCD and qualified our comparative analysis by investigating the possible covariates age, pubertal stage, and sex.
Methods
Participants included 113 children and adolescents (8–17 years) with OCD and 88 children and adolescents without any previous or current psychiatric disorder and their parents (254 parents included). Salivary oxytocin concentrations were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analyses were performed using frequentist and Bayesian approaches.
Results
We found no evidence of a difference in mean salivary oxytocin concentrations between children and adolescents with and without OCD. Bayesian analyses indicated anecdotal to moderate support for the null hypothesis. We found an association between oxytocin and age and pubertal stage, which by visual inspection of plots and post-hoc tests indicated a nonlinear relationship. We found no association between oxytocin and sex.
Conclusion
Our findings do not suggest elevated oxytocin concentrations in pediatric OCD. Nonlinear changes in oxytocin across development show the importance of accounting for hormonal and behavioral changes during puberty.
Dose and local efficacy analysis of iodine-125 seed implantation therapy for lung tumors
Authors: Cao Guohui , Chang Xiaojing , Wang Zeyang , Liu Xiaoli , Xu Ke , Wang Juan , Zhang Hongtao
Published: August 2024

Objective
To explore the dose and local efficacy of iodine-125 seed implantation therapy for lung tumors.
Methods
The clinical data of 85 patients with lung tumors who underwent iodine-125 seed implantation therapy were retrospectively analyzed. The impact of prescription dose D90 (minimum peripheral dose received by the 90% target volume) on the local treatment effect six months after seed implantation was analyzed, and the critical value for predicting efficacy was determined. Factors affecting the local complete response (CR) rate six months after surgery were also analyzed.
Results
The local control rate six months after treatment was 89.41% (76/85), and the overall response rate (CR + PR) was 70.59% (60/85), with a CR rate of 31.76% (27/85). Patients with a postoperative D90 > 140 Gy had a significantly greater local CR rate. Multivariate analysis revealed that postoperative D90 and tumor size were independent prognostic factors for achieving CR six months after lung tumor seed implantation.
Conclusion
Iodine-125 seed implantation therapy is effective for lung tumors. Tumor size (P = 0.0003) and postoperative D90 (P = 0.0005) were found to be independent prognostic factors for achieving postoperative CR after lung tumor seed implantation.
Epidemiological characteristics of invasive Aspergillus isolates: morphology, drug susceptibility, and mutations in azole drug targets
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Hongxia , Zhan Minghua , Jing Ran , Wang Xinsheng , Zhang Zhihua
Published: August 2024

Background
The global epidemiology of aspergillosis varies and is influenced by various factors. To elucidate the disease burden and identify effective control strategies, the epidemiological characteristics of Aspergillus infections have to be investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiological characteristics of various Aspergillus species, including their morphological features, species identification, and in vitro susceptibility to nine antifungal agents in a large tertiary hospital in northern China.
Methods
Ninety-five clinical isolates of Aspergillus were collected from patients. Aspergillus species identification was performed using conventional morphological methods, MALDI-TOF MS, and gene sequencing. In vitro susceptibility to nine antifungal agents was evaluated using the Sensititre YeastOne system. Target genes (cyp51A and cyp51b) of A. tubinazole were sequenced using the Sanger method.
Results
Aspergillus fumigatus, A. niger, A. flavus, A. tubingensis, and A. terreus were the most common isolated species. Rare species included A. tamarii, A. usamil, A. versicolor, A. udagawae, A. lentulus, A. sydowii, and A. quadrilineatus. Pulmonary infections accounted for 86.3% (82/95) of collected cases, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 22.1%. The median minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of amphotericin B was 1.5–4 mg/L. The MIC range of triazoles against Aspergillus species, excluding A. udagawae and A. lentulus, was 0.12–0.5 mg/L. The median minimum effective concentration range of echinocandins was < 0.008–0.03 mg/L. Non-wild-type resistance to amphotericin B was observed in 29.6% (16/54) of A. fumigatus isolates, and non-wild-type resistance to voriconazole was observed in 11.1% (1/9) of A. tubingensis isolates. Moreover, cyp51A and cyp51b of A. tabinensis had 2–29 and 10–13 nucleotide mutations, respectively.
Conclusion
Patients with non-A. fumigatus infection accounted for 43.2%. The T256A amino acid substitution in cyp51A of A. tabinensis did not lead to increased azole drug MICs.
Assessment of Temporal Aggregation of Sentinel-2 Images on Seasonal Land Cover Mapping and Its Impact on Landscape Metrics
Authors: Nolasco Miguel Martín , Balzarini Mónica Graciela
Published: August 2024

Landscape metrics (LM) play a crucial role in fields such as urban planning, ecology, and environmental research, providing insights into the ecological and functional dynamics of ecosystems. However, in dynamic systems, generating thematic maps for LM analysis poses challenges due to the substantial data volume required and issues such as cloud cover interruptions. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of land cover maps produced by three temporal aggregation methods: median reflectance, maximum normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and a two-date image stack using Sentinel-2 (S2), and then to analyse their implications for LM calculation. The Google Earth Engine platform facilitated data filtering, image selection, and aggregation while mitigating cloud cover effects. A random forest algorithm was employed to classify five land cover classes across ten sites, with classification accuracy assessed using global measurements and Kappa index. LM were then quantified. The analysis revealed that S2 data provided a high-quality, cloud-free dataset suitable for analysis, ensuring a minimum of 25 cloud-free pixels over the study period. The two-date and median methods exhibited superior land cover classification accuracy compared to the max NDVI method. In particular, the two-date method resulted in lower fragmentation-heterogeneity and complexity metrics in resulting maps compared to the median and max NDVI methods. Nevertheless, median method holds promise for integration into operational land cover mapping programs, particularly for larger study areas exceeding the width of S2 swath coverage. These results highlight the importance of appropriate temporal aggregation techniques when using satellite data for landscape analysis and monitoring.
Elucidating the relationship between coffee consumption and obsessive-compulsive disorder: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Feng Minyan , Li Zhiguo , Li Weifan
Published: August 2024

Background
The relationship between coffee consumption and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is inconsistent in previous clinical studies and is still in dispute. This study employs a Mendelian randomization approach to examine the causal relationship between coffee consumption and the prevention of OCD in a European population.
Methods
The summary statistics of coffee consumption (coffee intake, instant coffee intake, and filtered coffee intake) were obtained from the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit consortium, UK Biobank (UKB) data and OCD information was obtained from the FinnGen Consortium (1059 patients and 198110 controls). Sensitivity analysis under various model assumptions was carried out using multiple MR approaches to assess the impact of pleiotropy effects and outliers.
Results
Genetically predicted coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of OCD in the main analysis (OR 0.332, 95% CI 0.117,0.943, P = 0.038), especially with instant coffee intake (OR = 0.014, 95%CI: 0,0.426, P = 0.014), but not with filter coffee (OR = 1.037, 95%CI: 0.772,1.392, P = 0.810). There was no significant heterogeneity and pleiotropy between the cohorts. The findings were strong and convincing as the results aligned with the previous study.
Conclusions
Our MR results based on genetic data revealed the potential protective effect of coffee intake and instant coffee intake on OCD, except for filtered coffee intake. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of coffee consumption habits in the diet in preventing OCD. Additional research with OCD sufferers and more reliable SNPs is required. It is also advised that our findings be verified.