bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pencak Silat Profil Komposisi Tubuh dan Daya Tahan Kardiorespirasi Atlet Pencak Silat Pelatda Jawa Barat
Authors: Muharamsyah Ariya , Haqiyah Aridhotul
Published: October 2024

Penelitian ini dilatar belakangi oleh belum diketahuinya profil komposisi tubuh dan daya tahan kardioresirasi atlet pencak silat pelatda Jawa Barat. Penelitian ini, penelitian deskripsi tentang tingkat kebugaran jasmani. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui profil profil komposisi tubuh dan daya tahan kardioresirasi atlet pencak silat pelatda Jawa Barat
            Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif yang bertujuan untuk mengetahui profil komposisi tubuh dan daya tahan kardioresirasi atlet pencak silat pelatda Jawa Barat. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah survei. Instrumen tes menggunakan alat timbangan BIA yang akan mengukur BMI, visceral fat, Body fat dan skeletal muskel dan tes daya tahan menggunakan instrumen tes bleep test. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah atlet pencak silat pelatda Jawa Barat dan menggunakan total sampling yaitu 9 atlet putra dan 9 atlet putri. Teknik yang dipakai dalam analisis data penelitian adalah menggunakan statistik deskriptif dengan metode analisis deskriptif analisis presentase.
            Dari hasil penelitian penulis memperoleh hasil body fat ada 17% atlet memiliki body fat tinggi dan ada 83% atlet memiliki body fat normal dengan nilai rata-rata 19,6, visceral fat 11% atlet memiliki visceral fat tinggi dan ada 89% atlet memiliki visceral fat normal dengan nilai rata-rata 5,0, BMI ada 17% atlet memiliki BMI berlebih dan ada 83% atlet memiliki BMI normal dengan nilai rata-rata BMI 22,7. Skeletal muscle ada 17% atlet memilikimemiliki skeletal muscle tinggi dan ada 83% atlet memiliki skeletal muscle normal dengan nilai rata-rata 32,2. Vo2Max ada 100% atlet memiliki Vo2Max tinggi dengan nilai rata-rata 52,4. Bisa disimpulkan bahwa komposisi tubuh dan daya tahan kardiorespirasi atlet pencak silat pelatda Jawa Barat sangat baik dan ideal penting bagi atlet dan pelatih agar menjaga kondisi fisik yang ideal agar mendapatkan hasil yang maksimal.
Traffic Congestion Detection Using YOLOv8 Algorithm With CCTV Data
Authors: Indra Bayu Pangestu  , Maimunah Maimunah , Mukhtar Hanafi
Published: October 2024

Community development and growth according to data from the Central Java Statistics Agency regarding the number of vehicles in Central Java Province in 2021 is 20 320 743. The increasing growth of society has caused vehicle density which is a serious problem in urban areas. This study developed a congestion detection system using the YOLOv8 algorithm to analyze traffic density from CCTV footage. Automated detection of traffic congestion is a critical challenge in urban transport management. YOLOv8, a fast and accurate object detection algorithm, is used to identify vehicles and count their number in various areas of the highway. This information is then processed to assess road congestion conditions, with the aim of detecting congestion. The data obtained were tested on two road scenarios and traffic conditions to evaluate the performance of the system. The results showed that the proposed system was able to detect congestion with an accuracy level of 59.2% from several experiments. The use of YOLOv8 enables real-time detection with efficient computing resources, making it a potential solution for large-scale deployment. This research shows that the incorporation of advanced object detection algorithms such as YOLOv8 with CCTV data can provide an effective solution for traffic management in large cities. This system is expected to improve response to congestion, help control traffic, and reduce the negative impact of congestion in urban areas
Designing a Service Provision Website Using the Design Thinking Method
Authors: Rasmila Rasmila , Dilla Nafasari
Published: October 2024

Berkarya Abdi Sejahtera is a company that operates in the field of Outsourcing services such as Administration, Data Input, Operator, Warehouse, Labor, Security, Office Boy/Grill, Driver, Technician, Mechanic, and others. One way to increase company development is by using the website. Websites are increasing rapidly along with the number of websites that are used as a tool to promote companies to make them better known. Based on previous research conducted regarding Thrifdoor Business Website Design Using the Design Thinking Approach Method, it states that the creation process uses the Design Thinking method. The aim of this research is to create a website design by innovating using the Design Thinking method. and it is hoped that the design of this website will make it easier for companies to introduce their company. Observation is a process of observing and then recording systematically, logically, objectively and rationally regarding various phenomena in real situations, as well as artificial situations. The author collects and reviews data obtained by direct review and monitoring. Interviews are conducted to obtain data and information in the form of questions and answers from people who are directly involved with the system that is the object of research. Interviews will be conducted with members of PT Berkarya Abdi Sejahtera at the design stage. The 5 stages of design thinking: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test.
FANATISME PADA FANDOM BOY GROUP BTS (ARMY) MELALUI MEDIA SOSIAL TWITTER
Authors: Pramintari Ratna Duhita , Muslimah Alfiana Indah , Syafriani Kartika , Shafa Kinanthi Mutiara , Permatasari Yulianti Indah
Published: October 2024

The Korean culture that entered Indonesia brought several influences, one of which was the entry of the genre of pop music, commonly called K-pop. The number of people who are interested in this genre of music has various impacts, namely the number of people, especially teenagers, who show conformity and fanaticism. Community fanaticism is shown through several social media platforms, one of which is Twitter. The purpose of this study was to determine the behavior of fanaticism in the Fandom Army in carrying out their activities on Twitter social media. The sampling strategy used is homogeneous with a purposeful sampling technique, which is a technique where researchers choose subjects and places with the aim of studying or understanding central phenomena. The criteria used are BTS Boy Group fans who use Twitter, know the background and current information about their idols, and have a high sense of love for their idols. In research that uses this qualitative method, 2 informants are used to help provide data on the main subject. Semi-structured interview techniques were used to collect data, and thematic coding analysis was used to analyze observations. The results of this study indicate that the fanatic behavior of Army fanatics on Twitter indicates a tendency toward positive fanaticism.
Animation, Automata, Biomimesis
Authors: Obodiac Erin
Published: October 2024

The animation-effect of the movement-image constitutes not only a form of life but also a machinic analogue for Husserl's and Kant's accounts of temporality, engendering what Bernard Stiegler calls ‘a cinematography of consciousness’. If autonomous movement is the hallmark of the living being as well as the inanimate mechanism, the movement-image likewise subtends scenes of human and artificial intelligence. Pairing a cybernetic reading of Lacan's mirror stage essay with reflections on the self-recognition dance of Machina Speculatrix (an early example of a biomimetic robot), this essay considers how exosomatic feedback loops enable a kind of ipseity for machinic life as well as the human being as technical being. Despite adopting Derrida's ideas of originary prostheticity and automaticity, rendering living beings as always-already machinic life, Stiegler sets arche-cinema against arche-writing.
The Difference That Makes a Difference: Derrida, Peirce and Biosemiotics
Authors: James Ian
Published: October 2024

In Of Grammatology Derrida called upon Charles Sanders Peirce as a partial ally in his ‘deconstruction of the transcendental signifier’. Here Derridean thought and biodeconstruction are brought into a comparative relation with contemporary Peircean biosemiotic theory. The discussion examines an intertwining of philosophical currents and trajectories that run through both Peirce and the philosophical hinterland of biosemiotics. What can be seen to emerge here is an evolution or transformation from idealism (the legacies of Hegel and Kant in Peirce and biosemiotic thought, respectively) to a novel configuration of relational realism. This configuration is, in turn, thought alongside Derridean notions of différance, arche-writing and generalized textuality. A productive dialogue is opened up between biodeconstruction and biosemiotics. The latter can be shown to complement the former, offering a realist, post-metaphysical theoretical framework and methodology for biology that has the potential to inform the activity and research of working biologists.
Access to Education of Syrians under Temporary Protection in the Changing and Developing Turkish Education System: Barriers and Suggestions
Authors: Güçlüten Çağrı
Published: October 2024

The Turkish education system adopts an inclusive approach for individuals from different cultures. However, Syrian children face various barriers such as language barriers, economic difficulties, social cohesion and cultural differences. Language barriers make it difficult for Syrian children, especially those who speak Arabic, to adapt to the Turkish education system. Economic difficulties make it difficult for families to send their children to school, while cultural differences and social cohesion problems make it difficult for children to be socially accepted in schools. This article addresses the issue of access to education for Syrian children under temporary protection in Türkiye. In the article, the general development and change of the Turkish education system is explained and the difficulties faced by Syrians under temporary protection in the education process and the solutions to these difficulties are analysed. These suggestions include the development of language education programs, improvement of legal regulations and policies, reduction of education costs and awareness raising activities to increase social cohesion and cultural sensitivity. It is also emphasised that more comprehensive and sustainable policies should be implemented to support the integration of Syrian children into the Turkish education system. It is considered that the Learning and Adaptation Together Program (LEAP) proposed by us will accelerate the access of Syrians under temporary protection to education and contribute to social cohesion.
Meme Kanseri Tanısı ile Ameliyat Edilen Hastalarda Gail Risk Tahmin Modelinin Prediktif Gücünün Retrospektif Değerlendirmesi
Authors: Özdemir Muhammed , Yıldırım Emine , Pelen Zekeriya , Eryılmaz İklil , Bektaş Sibel
Published: October 2024

Amaç: Meme kanseri dünyada ve ülkemizde kadınlar arasında en sık görülen ve ölüme en sık neden olan kanser türüdür. Tarama programları ile erken tanının mümkün olduğu ve mortalitesinin düşürülebildiği bilinmektedir. Tarama programlarının içerisinde risk skorları önemli yer tutar, dünyada en sık kullanılan risk tahmin modelleri ise Gail risk tahmin modeli ve NSABP’dir. Çalışmamızda Gail risk tahmin modelinin meme kanseri nedeniyle ameliyat edilen hastaların ne kadarını öngörebildiği, meme kanserinin hangi subtiplerinde öngörülebilirliğin daha fazla olduğu ve bu hasta gruplarında risk tahmin modeliyle birlikte hangi ek faktörlere dikkat edilerek prognoz, sağkalım ve erken tanı oranını arttırmanın mümkün olduğunu araştırmayı amaçladık.
Materyal ve Metot: Retrospektif kohort çalışması olarak düzenlenen çalışmaya XXX Hastanesinde Ocak 2013-Ocak 2020 tarihleri arasında meme kanseri tanısı ile ameliyat edilen 191 hasta dâhil edildi. Hastaların bilgileri hastane otomasyon sistemi, Sağlık Bakanlığı veri tabanı (e-nabız) ve hastane arşivinden derlendi.
Bulgular: Çalışmaya dâhil edilen hastaların ortalama yaşı 55 (26-84) olarak bulundu. 191 hastadan 4’ü (%2.1) 35 yaş altı, 187’ü (%97.9) 35 yaş üstüydü. Gail risk tahmin modeli risk skorlarına göre baktığımızda; yaş, meme kanseri olan birinci derece akraba sayısı, daha önce meme biyopsi yaptırmak meme kanserini öngörmede anlamlı etkisi olan kriterlerdi (p0.05).
Sonuç: Meme kanserinde tarama programları içerisinde yer alan risk tahmin modelleri, hastaların risk derecelerini ortaya konulmasında ve tarama sıklığının belirlenmesinde önemli bir araçtır. Gail risk tahmin modeli sıklıkla kullanılan risk modellerindendir. Günümüzde meme kanseri taraması için fizik muayeneye ek olarak görüntüleme yöntemleri kullanılsa da hastadan alınan hikâye ile de basit çıkarımlar yapılarak riskli bireyler belirlenebilir
Alien species of nectar-bearing plants of Ukraine’s flora
Authors: Didenko V. , Kichigina O. , Postoienko D. , Kostikov I.
Published: October 2024

Alien species pose a significant threat to global biodiversity, competing with local species, gradually displacing them, and often leading to their demise. Alien plants, in particular, pose a direct threat to native plant diversity as well as the management of ecosystems, agriculture, and forestry. The main reason for the appearance of alien species in ecosystems where they are not native is human activity. Most alien plant species have become so due to introduction for cultivation purposes, thanks to their medicinal, honey-producing, and other beneficial properties for humans. Therefore, knowledge of their biology, potential for expansion, as well as possible monitoring and control methods, is extremely important. After all, obtaining the maximum benefit for meeting public needs without harming the environment is an urgent task today. Among alien species, invasive species are the most dangerous for the loss of biodiversity. However, currently in Ukraine, there are no officially approved lists of alien and invasive species, their inventory has not been conducted, monitoring and risk assessment systems are absent, and there are no adequate and coordinated measures to counteract biotic invasions. Therefore, the purpose of our work was to conduct an analysis of the flora of Ukraine, to identify alien, including invasive plants, are honey and/or pollen-producing, and compile their list. As a result of the analysis, 63 alien, including 16 invasive species of vascular plants with honey and pollenproducing properties were identified, belonging to 28 families and 56 genera. Particularly valuable invasive honey plants include: Helianthus annuus L., Robinia pseudoacacia L., Asclepias syriaca L., Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Siebold & Zucc., Solidago canadensis L., which can provide significant industrial honey production. Considering that such invasive plants (which are also honey-producing) as Cucurbita pepo L., Raphanus sativus L., Helianthus annuus L., Juglans nigra L., Prunus armeniaca L. and Vitis vinifera L. are agricultural crops, their spread is usually limited to agricultural lands. Therefore, their invasions into natural ecosystems are minimal, and the benefits are undeniable. However, when cultivating alien plants, it is always worth considering the benefit and economic gain against their real or potential threat to natural ecosystems.
Satellite monitoring of a pine forest affected by mountain pine beetle
Authors: Ilienko T. , Sherstyuk D.
Published: October 2024

The spread of bark beetles poses a significant threat to forest ecosystems, causing substantial damage to coniferous forests. The mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus spp.) is considered to be one of the most harmful bark beetles, infesting pine trees and leading to severe consequences for forest ecosystems. This article aims to detect and analyze the dynamics of mountain pine beetle infestation in a pine forest stand, determine its affected area, and evaluate the effectiveness of sanitary and restoration measures. The study utilized satellite data from the Sentinel-2 mission and employed the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI) to monitor the spread of mountain pine beetle infestation. The analysis was conducted for a pine forest stand in the Ostriv Forestry of the Vyshchedubechanske Forestry Enterprise in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of using satellite data and vegetation indices for monitoring mountain pine beetle infestation. The combined application of NDVI and NDMI enabled the detection of infested areas in the early stages by capturing changes in the spectral characteristics of tree crowns and vegetation moisture content. The satellite data analysis confirmed the complete infestation of a 0.01 km2 pine forest stand by the mountain pine beetle in 2017. A link between the activation of beetle spread and climate changes, particularly rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation, was observed, leading to the weakening of pine stands. The study revealed that in 2018, sanitary felling of the infested pine stand was carried out, as evidenced by the decrease in NDVI values. In 2019, a project to restore the forest ecosystem through the establishment of a new pine plantation was initiated. Satellite observations in April 2024 demonstrated successful growth of the young pine forest, with NDVI values indicating an increase from 0.25 in April 2020 to 0.45 in April 2024, reflecting active vegetation growth and successful ecosystem restoration. The obtained results highlight the importance of using satellite data for timely detection of pest outbreaks in forest ecosystems, determining the extent of infestation, monitoring the effectiveness of sanitary measures, and assessing the recovery of forest stands after restoration efforts. The study underscores the potential of satellite remote sensing techniques in forest ecosystem monitoring and supports decision-making processes for sustainable forest management.
Influence of «ORGANIC MAX» organic fertilizer on soil condition in Zakarpattia
Authors: Broshchak I. , Mandryko M. , Orynyk B. , Brovko O. , Huivan M.
Published: October 2024

With a shortage of traditional organic fertilizers and a constant increase in the cost of mineral fertilizers, it is important to find alternative environmentally friendly sources of nutrients. The effectiveness of the new organic fertilizer «Organic MAX», made on the basis of lignite (brown coal) and chicken droppings in the conditions of Zakarpattia region, which provides positive changes in the agrochemical criteria of the soil, has been proposed and studied. Under the influence of bird droppings, the humic substances of lignite go into a physiologically active state and effectively act as plant growth stimulants and sources of nutrients. According to the results of field studies, there is an increase in the effectiveness of this fertilizer with an increase in the content of animal waste: «Organic MAX–20» (lignite + 20% chicken droppings) and «Organic MAX–30» (lignite + 30% chicken droppings). It was found that the application of this fertilizer at a rate of 1 t/ha provided an increase in the content of organic soil matter (humus) by 0.05% for pure lignite, by 0.19% for Organic MAX–20 and by 0.66% for Organic MAX–30. There was also an increase in the content of nutrients: easily hydrolyzed nitrogen by 14.1–55.9 mg/kg; mobile phosphorus compounds at 64.5–109.3 mg/kg; mobile potassium compounds at 64.9–125.5 mg/kg. The effective effect of the fertilizers applied for the next year was revealed despite the high level of nutrient removal by a crop such as corn. The humic component is a nutrient medium for soil bacteria. The active work of microorganisms is the main link in the process of humus formation. After fertilization, there is an improvement in the water-physical properties of the soil, an increase in microbiological activity, as well as a decrease in the negative impact of adverse factors on the development of plants. On acidic soils, first of all, liming must be carried out before fertilizing. The type of this fertilizer is chosen for a specific crop after conducting agrochemical analyzes of the soil. The most effective application of these fertilizers on low-humus low-fertile soils, as well as non-structural ones, since they contribute to the optimization of soil properties. Its use is economically and environmentally feasible. It is possible to recommend environmentally friendly organic fertilizer «Organic MAX» for use in organic farming, the popularity of which in Ukraine is growing every year, to resume soil fertility.
Fore­casting profitability levels for different soybean (Glycine max L.) cultivation technology options
Authors: Buslayeva N. , Golodna A. , Hrytsiuk Ya.
Published: October 2024

Objective of the research is to develop adequate models for forecasting the profitability of soybean seed cultivation under various technology options; to identify significant factors affecting financial performance to support effective management decisions. Methods. The use of regression analysis tools enabled the construction of stepwise models of profitability dependence on economic indicators with high coefficients of determination. Results. The dependence of economic efficiency indicators on soybean seed yield under various cultivation technology options has been determined. The research results indicate that the most effective cultivation technology was the one that combined the use of fertilizers at a dose of N15P45K60+N30 kg/ha of active ingredient, presowing seed treatment (mycorrhizal inoculant + fungicide), and foliar feeding with organo-mineral fertilizer during the budding phase, which led to the highest seed yield in the experiment, at 3.74 t/ha. Based on the conducted correlation-regression analysis and the developed mathematical models, the connection between profitability levels and the total cost of the harvest and the cost of soybean seeds was proven, both for seed treatment alone and for seed treatment combined with foliar feeding during the critical growth phases. Conclusions. The correlationregression analysis results showed that the total cost of the harvest and the cost of soybean seeds have the most significant impact on profitability. This is confirmed by the coefficients of determination, indicating that 98.2–99.8% of the total variability in profitability is due to the combined effect of the studied variables. Based on this, models were developed to describe the dependence of profitability levels on the total cost of the harvest and the cost of soybean seeds, both for seed treatment alone (mycorrhizal inoculant + fungicide) and with additional foliar feeding during critical growth and development phases.
Fructose metabolism is unregulated in cancers and placentae
Authors: Bazer Fuller W. , Wu Guoyao , Johnson Gregory A.
Published: October 2024

Fructose and lactate are present in high concentrations in uterine luminal fluid, fetal fluids and fetal blood of ungulates and cetaceans, but their roles have been ignored and they have been considered waste products of pregnancy. This review provides evidence for key roles of both fructose and lactate in support of key metabolic pathways required for growth and development of fetal-placental tissues, implantation and placentation. The uterus and placenta of ungulates convert glucose to fructose via the polyol pathway. Fructose is sequestered within the uterus and cannot be transported back into the maternal circulation. Fructose is phosphorylated by ketohexokinase to fructose-1-PO4 (F1P) by that is metabolized via the fructolysis pathway to yield dihydoxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehyde-3-PO4 that are downstream of phosphofructokinase. Thus, there is no inhibition of the fructolysis pathway by low pH, citrate or ATP which allows F1P to continuously generate substrates for the pentose cycle, hexosamine biosynthesis pathway, one-carbon metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle, as well as lactate. Lactate sustains the activity of hypoxia-inducible factor alpha and its downstream targets such as vascular endothelial growth factor to increase utero-placental blood flow critical to growth and development of the fetal-placental tissues and a successful outcome of pregnancy. Pregnancy has been referred to as a controlled cancer and this review addresses similarities regarding metabolic aspects of tumors and the placenta.
Electrospun fibers of zein and pea protein to create high-quality fibrous structures in meat analogs
Authors: da Trindade Letícia G. , Zanchet Letícia , Bonsanto Fabiana Perrechil , Braga Anna Rafaela Cavalcante
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The importance of developing plant-based meat similar to animal meat lies in the fact that sensory similarity is a crucial factor in encouraging consumers to adopt this alternative.

Methodology

The present study reports the morphology, hydrophilicity, and thermal analysis of different fibers obtained by the electrospinning method. In the first step of this work, zein and zein/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in 80% aqueous ethanol solution with varying concentrations of these polymers were investigated.

Results and Discussion

It was observed that the diameters of the electrospun fibers are related to the concentration and viscosity of the solutions. Moreover, the addition of small percentages of PEO makes the fibers more hydrophilic and leads to an increase in the polymeric solution viscosity. Because of its low toxicity, PEO is used in various edible products. In the second step of this work, an ideal zein/PEO combination was found to allow the pea protein (PP) to be electrospun. Adding PP to the zein/PEO blend (20:1) leads to a more hydrophilic fiber and improves thermal stability. The results suggest that the zein/PEO and zein/PEO/PP blends can offer an innovative solution to enhance the texture and appearance of plant-based meats. These simulated electrospun fibers can mimic the fibers in animal meat and are a potential alternative to provide a sensory experience as close to animal meat as possible.
The role of public school principals and teachers in developing the social responsibility of students with learning disabilities: a joint perspective
Authors: Alsarayreh Khaled Shaker Turki , Alramamneh Abdellatif Khalaf , Al-Sabayleh Obaid Abdelkarim , Al Remawi Sameer Abdel Kareem Ahmad
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Public school principals and teachers are crucial in shaping students with learning disabilities to become socially responsible individuals. Beyond academics, educators use adaptive teaching and leadership to instill values of empathy, cooperation, and civic duty in these students, ensuring they can contribute positively to their communities.

Aim

The present study aimed to identify the role of government school principals and teachers in developing the social responsibility of students with learning disabilities in the Kasbah of Salt from their viewpoint.

Method

A descriptive analytical approach was used, where a random sample was taken from the principals and teachers of some of the Kasbah Al-Salt schools for the primary stage, and thus the sampling unit consisted of (106) principals and teachers, and the scale was sed, and it includes (27) items distributed on three dimensions of social responsibility (education, preservation Environment, community service).

Results

According to the findings of the study, the degree of social responsibility among students who have learning difficulties is comparable to the average level. However, the study also discovered that there are disparities in the level of social responsibility due to the gender variable, and these differences are in favor of males. In addition, there were no differences that could be considered statistically significant between the levels of social responsibility and the educational level variable.

Scientific novelty

The study’s novelty lies in its exploration of educators’ views on fostering social responsibility in students with learning disabilities in the specific context of the Kasbah of Salt. The research uses a descriptive analytical method, focuses on primary schools in Kasbah Al-Salt, employs the structured Melhem (2018) scale for evaluation, and reveals gender as a significant factor in social responsibility, while educational level is not.
Prehospital point of care ultrasound in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services: a 5-year experience study in Belgium
Authors: Betz Romain , Gilbert Allison , Moens Didier , Marissiaux Laurent , Paquay Meryl , Lopez Iglesias Raphaëlle , Pirotte Olivier , Ghuysen Alexandre , Stipulante Samuel
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The utilization of Clinical Ultrasound (CUS) in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) has become increasingly prevalent, reflecting its significant role in emergency care.

Methods

This descriptive, monocentric study, conducted at the Helicopter Medical Center (CMH) of Bra-sur-Lienne, Belgium, aimed to describe the use of CUS within HEMS and evaluate its potential impact on diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic interventions, and hospital destination decisions.

Results

Over a 5-year period, from January 2018 to December 2022, our retrospective analysis included 6,126 HEMS interventions, with CUS performed in 29.55% of cases. The study demonstrated that CUS led to therapeutic changes in 30.88% of instances and affected the hospital destination in 9% of cases, despite a potential bias toward directing patients to the University Hospital Center of Liège (CHU of Liège) due to operational constraints. The agreement between prehospital CUS findings and hospital imaging was substantial, with an 80.39% concordance rate, underscoring CUS's utility in enhancing prehospital diagnostic accuracy. We found no significant increase in on-scene time due to CUS usage, with most exams completed in <5 min.

Discussion

Our findings highlight the interesting role of CUS in HEMS, facilitating more informed and confident medical decision-making in prehospital emergency care. However, variability in CUS application emphasize the need for standardized guidelines to optimize its use. The study's limitations include its retrospective, monocentric design and the focus on on-scene ultrasound evaluations. Future research should aim at a more extensive, prospective analysis to further validate the benefits of CUS in emergency medical services.
Self-puberty staging in endocrine encounters during the COVID pandemic
Authors: Ebo Chineze , McCray Jordyn , Bowers Katherine , Rose Susan R. , Jones Nana-Hawa Yayah
Published: October 2024

Background

Evaluation of pubertal development is crucial in Endocrinology. The rise in telemedicine during COVID-19 has made conduct of physical examinations more challenging, especially for pubertal assessment. Previous studies on validity of pubertal self-staging versus clinical examination have yielded mixed results. This study aimed to determine validity and reliability of self-staging of puberty, with potential application during telemedicine visits. The present study is the first to assess pediatric self-rated pubertal staging during the pandemic.

Methods

The study included patients aged 7-22 years referred to Pediatric Endocrinology for specialty care, including pubertal staging. At clinic check-in, patients received a packet with study description, an option to “opt in” or “opt out”, sex-specific self-staging instructions, and Tanner (T) stage illustrations. Males received materials for pubic hair (PH) stages T1-T5; females received materials for PH and breast (BR) stages T1-T5. Patients who opted in had 10 minutes to select the image(s) that best matched their bodies, which they sealed in an envelope. This was followed by a clinic visit, where a board-certified pediatric endocrinologist conducted a physical examination, including breast staging (females), testicular size measurement (males), and pubic hair staging (both sexes). Pubertal stage Kappa statistics with 95% CI were calculated for each body part by sex, with Kappa ≥ 0.60 indicating significant agreement between self-assessment and physician assessment (0.40-0.60 moderate; 0.20-0.40 fair).

Results

Of 516 distributed packets, 243 self-assessments (125 females) were returned, with 81% (94 females/102 males) being complete (including pediatric endocrinologist staging). Mean age of participants was 12.8 years. Mean BMI was 22.2 kg/m² (males) and 23.7 kg/m² (females). Hypothyroidism was the most common endocrine diagnosis. For females, kappa was highest for BR and PH in T1 (BR 0.65, PH 0.57) and T5 (BR 0.57, PH 0.65). For males, kappa was highest in T1 (0.73) and T2 (0.58). Grouping Tanner stages into prepuberty (T1), early to mid-puberty (T2-T3), and late puberty (T4-T5) showed greater agreement.

Conclusion

Patients can reliably distinguish between “puberty” and “no puberty” using self-staging, though differentiating between later pubertal stages is more challenging. These findings help define the utility and limitations of self-staging during telemedicine visits.
An operational risk assessment method for petrochemical plants based on deep learning
Authors: Liu Zhipeng
Published: October 2024

The petrochemical industry is an important guarantee for the development of people’s lives, and the operational risk assessment method of personnel in the operation of petrochemical enterprises is the most important. Based on a deep learning algorithm, a new method based on the micro-Doppler effect and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process is proposed to evaluate the operational risk of personnel in petrochemical enterprises. The original monitoring image of petrochemical equipment is invoked, and micro-Doppler analysis is performed based on the original image to identify the activity target of the personnel on the job site and generate the activity map of the petrochemical plant operators. Based on the analysis data of the micro-Doppler effect, the fuzzy function and hierarchical analysis method are combined. The fuzzy theory is introduced into the analytic hierarchy process, and the inherent expert evaluation scores are transformed into fuzzy numbers. It makes the expert evaluation of petrochemical plants more accurate in the subsequent coupling and improves the objectivity of the traditional analytic hierarchy process. The scheme proposed in this paper can monitor real-time operation safety and provide a guarantee for the personal safety of field operators. This method plays an important role in improving the safety of petrochemical plants.
Immunomodulatory effects of cysteamine and its potential use as a host-directed therapy for tuberculosis
Authors: Najafi-Fard Saeid , Farroni Chiara , Petrone Linda , Altera Anna Maria Gerarda , Salmi Andrea , Vanini Valentina , Cuzzi Gilda , Alonzi Tonino , Nicastri Emanuele , Gualano Gina , Palmieri Fabrizio , Piacentini Mauro , Goletti Delia
Published: October 2024

Objective

Cysteamine, a drug approved to treat cystinosis, has been proposed as a host-directed therapy for M. tuberculosis (Mtb) and SARS-CoV-2. The impact of cysteamine on the immune responses has not been fully investigated. We aimed to in vitro evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of cysteamine on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using the purified protein derivative (PPD) as a recall antigen, and an unspecific stimulus as staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB).

Methods

PBMCs isolated from subjects with tuberculosis infection (TBI), those with tuberculosis disease (TB), and healthy controls (HC) were in vitro stimulated with PPD or SEB and treated or not with cysteamine at different concentrations (50 µM–400 µM) for 6 hours (h) and 24 h. We evaluated the T helper1 (Th1) and T cytotoxic1 (Tc1) cell cytokine production by flow cytometry and immune-enzymatic assays. In HC, we also evaluated apoptosis and/or necrosis by flow cytometry.

Results

We observed an immunomodulatory effect of cysteamine at 400 µM in PBMCs from TB and TBI subjects. It significantly reduced PPD-specific Th1 responses at 24 h and at 6 h (p=0.0004 and p=0.0009, respectively), and a similar non-significant trend was observed with cysteamine at 200 µM (p=0.06 at 24 h and p=0.14 at 6 h). Moreover, cysteamine at both 400 µM (p<0.0001 and p=0.0187 at 24 h, respectively, and p<0.0001 at 6 h for both) and 200 µM (p=0.0119 and p=0.0028 at 24 h and p=0.0028 and p=0.0003 at 6 h, respectively) significantly reduced SEB-induced Th1 and Tc1 responses. Furthermore, we found that cysteamine induced morphological lymphocyte changes and significantly reduced the lymphocyte percentage in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cysteamine at 400 µM induced 8% late apoptosis and 1.6% necrosis (p<0.05) at 24 h. In contrast, despite significant differences from untreated conditions (p<0.05), cysteamine at 400 µM for 6 h induced approximately 1% late apoptosis and 0.1% necrosis in the cells.

Conclusions

High doses of cysteamine in vitro reduce the percentages of PPD- and SEB-induced Th1 and Tc1 cells and induce late apoptosis and necrosis. Differently, cysteamine at lower doses retains the immunomodulatory effect without affecting cell viability. These findings suggest cysteamine as a potential adjunct to antimicrobial regimens as in the TB or COVID-19 field, for its ability to reduce the inflammatory status.
Single-cell and bulk transcriptomic datasets enable the development of prognostic models based on dynamic changes in the tumor immune microenvironment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and portal vein tumor thrombus
Authors: Tong Wangxia , Zhong Jieyue , Yang Qiuyan , Lin Han , Chen Bolun , Lu Tao , Chen Jibing , Luo Ning
Published: October 2024

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients exhibiting portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) face a high risk of rapid malignant progression and poor outcomes, with this issue being compounded by a lack of effective treatment options. The integration of bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) datasets focused on samples from HCC patients with PVTT has the potential to yield unprecedented insight into the dynamic changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and associated immunological characteristics in these patients, providing an invaluable tool for the reliable prediction of disease progression and treatment responses.

Methods

scRNA-seq data from both primary tumor (PT) and PVTT cells were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, while the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases were used to access bulk RNA-seq datasets. scRNA-seq, clustering, GSVA enrichment, mutational profiling, and predictive immunotherapeutic treatment analyses were conducted using these data with the goal of systematically assessing the heterogeneity of PT and PVTT cells and establishing a model capable of predicting immunotherapeutic and prognostic outcomes in patients with HCC.

Results

These analyses revealed that PVTT cells exhibited patterns of tumor proliferation, stromal activation, and low levels of immune cell infiltration, presenting with immune desert and immune rejection-like phenotypes. PT cells, in contrast, were found to exhibit a pattern of immunoinflammatory activity. Core PVTT-associated genes were clustered into three patterns consistent with the tumor immune rejection and immune desert phenotypes. An established clustering model was capable of predicting tumor inflammatory stage, subtype, TME stromal activity, and patient outcomes. PVTT signature genes were further used to establish a risk model, with the risk scores derived from this model providing a tool to evaluate patient clinicopathological features including clinical stage, tumor differentiation, histological subtype, microsatellite instability status, and tumor mutational burden. These risk scores were also able to serve as an independent predictor of patient survival outcomes, responses to adjuvant chemotherapy, and responses to immunotherapy. In vitro experiments were used to partially validate the biological prediction results.

Conclusion

These results offer new insight into the biological and immunological landscape of PVTT in HCC patients, By utilizing individual patient risk scores, providing an opportunity to guide more effective immunotherapeutic interventional efforts.
Case report: Significant response of alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer from combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy
Authors: Da Xue , Juan Zhang , Zhijun Hu , Zhongchuan Lyu
Published: October 2024

Background

Alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer (AFPGC) represents a particularly aggressive subtype of gastric carcinoma characterized by elevated rates of vascular invasion, lymphatic dissemination, hepatic metastasis, and an unfavorable clinical outcome. Treatment strategies for AFPGC have historically lacked specificity. Herein, a case is presented involving AFPGC in which the patient exhibited a notable response to combined anti-PD-1 antibody immunotherapy and SOX chemotherapy, potentially achieving a cure. This report marks the first application of this regimen in neoadjuvant therapy for AFP gastric cancer, followed by radical resection and postoperative adjuvant therapy.

Case summary

A 62-year-old male patient presented with persistent upper abdominal distension and discomfort lasting over 2 months. Initial investigations revealed markedly elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, and subsequent pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of AFPGC via gastroscopy. Due to the patient’s condition, surgical resection was initially deemed unfeasible. Therefore, a chemo-immunotherapy regimen consisting of SOX chemotherapy and the PD-1 inhibitor tislelizumab was administered for 3 cycles. Following this, successful laparoscopic radical gastrectomy was performed. The treatment protocol was continued with an additional 3 cycles postoperatively. At the time of this case report, the patient maintained a good quality of life with no evidence of disease recurrence or adverse events.

Conclusion

The present report highlights a case of AFPGC where significant therapeutic success was achieved through a combined regimen of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, both before and after surgery. The use of anti-PD-1 antibody (tislelizumab) in combination with SOX regimen (S-1 and oxaliplatin) demonstrated effective treatment of AFPGC, potentially offering a curative approach. This approach represents a promising targeted therapy option for patients with AFPGC.
Case report: MSI-H, EGFR mutation, and ground-glass nodules as diffuse pulmonary hematogenous metastases
Authors: He Liuer , Li Lin
Published: October 2024

Ground-glass nodules (GGNs) are generally considered an early stage of lung cancer. The imaging characteristics and curative efficacy of multiple GGNs as metastases remain unclear. Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) is a biomarker for immunotherapy. The therapeutic effect and prognosis for patients with MSI-H and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-sensitive mutation stays uncertain. Here, we report a case of a lung adenocarcinoma patient presenting with ground-glass metastases, MSI-H, and EGFR-sensitive mutation and provide clinical data on the efficacy and prognosis. We describe the predictive significance of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for disease progression when there is inconsistency between treatment effectiveness and CEA changes.
Noncoding RNAs in rheumatoid arthritis: modulators of the NF-κB signaling pathway and therapeutic implications
Authors: Seyedi Dina , Espandar Najmadin , Hojatizadeh Maryam , Mohammadi Yaser , Sadri Farzad , Rezaei Zohreh
Published: October 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation and gradual tissue destruction. New research has shown how important noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are for changing immune and inflammatory pathways, such as the WNT signaling pathway, which is important for activating synovial fibroblasts and osteoblasts to work. This article examines the current understanding of several ncRNAs, such as miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, that influence NF-κB signaling in the pathogenesis of RA. We investigate how these ncRNAs impact NF-κB signaling components, altering cell proliferation, differentiation, and death in joint tissues. The paper also looks at how ncRNAs can be used as potential early detection markers and therapeutic targets in RA because they can change important pathogenic pathways. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting ncRNAs in RA therapy techniques, with the goal of reducing inflammation and stopping disease progression. This thorough analysis opens up new possibilities for understanding the molecular foundations of RA and designing novel ncRNA-based treatments.
Evaluating zooplankton species diversity using environmental DNA and bulk-DNA metabarcoding in the Ulleung Basin of the Southeastern Korean Peninsula in the summer
Authors: Choi Jae Ho , Kim Sung , Kim Choong-gon
Published: October 2024

Accurately investigating the composition of zooplankton species is crucial for monitoring changes in marine ecosystems and assessing biodiversity. In this study, we utilized bulk DNA and environmental DNA metabarcoding in the Ulleung Basin, known for its high zooplankton species diversity among the seas surrounding the Korean Peninsula. Genomic DNA extracted from samples collected during three summer seasons in the survey area was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing of the cytochrome c oxidase I barcode region. We identified 350 species, which were three to six times more than those identified by traditional morphological methods. Furthermore, we observed significant differences in species composition and diversity between bulk DNA and eDNA samples. Notably, eDNA metabarcoding effectively detected species with high swimming ability and those that were difficult to capture using traditional sampling methods. This study underscores the significant impact of sampling methods on research outcomes in zooplankton species diversity studies and highlights the importance of integrating different sampling techniques. Specifically, it suggests the need for the active adoption of non-invasive methods, such as eDNA metabarcoding, for the comprehensive monitoring of diverse biological groups in marine ecosystems.
The improvement of judicial protection of marine environment in China: based on the analysis of 2,443 judicial cases
Authors: Liu Xi , Liu Sijie , Wang Yuting
Published: October 2024

With the proliferation of human activities, a series of marine ecological and environmental problems have arisen. Judicial application is important to test legislative achievements, explore judicial difficulties, and examine the compliance with the law. There is no case law in China and the impact of judicial decisions on the protection of marine environment is therefore indirect. Judicial decisions can reflect the implementation of the Marine Environmental Protection Law and play a crucial role in improving the marine environmental protection. An analysis of 2,443 cases related to marine environmental protection heard by courts at all levels across China from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023 has been conducted. The findings indicate an overall downward trend in cases related to marine environmental protection, suggesting positive governance outcomes to some extent. However, certain problems remain in the judicial protection of marine environment. Therefore, legislative efficiency should be properly increased and an independent crime for marine environmental pollution should be introduced to further clarify the legal bases for marine environmental protection. The intelligent trial assistance technology should also be applied to shorten trial time, improve trial efficiency, and unify judicial rules. The People’s Courts should play an active role in the provision of evidence and specific evidentiary burden provisions for different types of marine environmental pollutions should be proposed. The data sharing channels between various systems should be facilitated and the functionality for case referral should be developed for the coordination of administrative enforcement and criminal justice within a unified administrative enforcement platform.