bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY IN BATIK MOTIF DESIGN: A STUDY OF STUDENTS’ ART THESES
Authors: Guntur Guntur , Ponimin Ponimin , Purnomo Muhammad Arif Jati
Published: October 2023

This article discusses the process and products of innovation in batik motif design in the Fashion Design study program of the Faculty of Art and Design in Indonesian Institute of the Arts, Surakarta, Indonesia. The research population is 15 students and the report descriptions of each of their art theses. In the context of the innovation process, it was found that artefacts, ceremonies, legends, nature, and performing art phenomena all served as sources of inspiration for innovation in the design of batik motifs which were manifested in various alternative sketches, developed to become selected sketches, and perfected in the final design. In the context of the products of innovation, it was found that the innovations in batik motif design were based on single and multiple motifs that were arranged based on repetition, single, additive, and hypotactic patterns on the medium of a large piece of cloth, using techniques of drawing, dabbing, and painting, to become a piece of batik cloth or a batik painting.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON DRIVER’S MENTAL LOAD IN HAIRPIN CURVES OF MOUNTAINOUS HIGHWAY
Authors: Chen Ying , Wang Xiaohui , Zhang Xiaobo , Chen Haiyuan , Du Zhigang , Xu Jin
Published: October 2023

In order to reveal the driving psychological characteristics and influencing factors of drivers under the hairpin curve section, 11 continuous hairpin curves on mountain roads were selected for natural driving test, and the on-board instruments were used to collect the driver’s ElectroCardioGraphy (ECG) under the natural driving habits. Analyse the overall heart rate characteristics, Heart Rate Increase (HRI), Heart Rate Variability (HRV) characteristics of drivers, as well as the relationship between heart rate change and the visual performance of curve corner and slop and curve environment. And compared with the general curve. The results show that: with 180° as the limit, the curve angle of the hairpin curve was divided into 3 types: greater, less or approximate. The 3 types of curve angle have different effects on the driver’s heart rate fluctuations. The overall heart rate distribution can be divided into 2 regions, in which the average heart rate of each driver at the curve, which curve angle ≈ 180°, was higher than the other 2 types of curves. The overall fluctuation range of heart rate in the middle of the curve is at the lowest level in the 3-stage curve segment area. Through the eigenvalue analysis of HRI, it can be seen that the drivers were more susceptible to the external environment when going downhill. When going uphill, the distribution range of the heart rate abnormality value was stable, but the sudden change was obvious. However, during the downhill direction, the overall adjacent heart rate varies greatly, but the abrupt change was small. Take the change trend of the HRI in the curve segment as an indicator, heart rate types were divided into 4 categories, continuous tension, relax gradually, relaxation-tension, and tension-relaxation. The 4 modes have a significant relationship with the difference of curve entrance environment. Compared with the modes shown in general curves, they focus on the modes with greater volatility, while the general curves focus on a more single growth trend.
Spectral Retrieval with JWST Photometric data: a Case Study for HIP 65426 b
Authors: Wang 王 Ji 吉
Published: October 2023

Half of the JWST high-contrast imaging objects will only have photometric data as of Cycle 2. However, to better understand their atmospheric chemistry that informs formation origin, spectroscopic data are preferred. Using HIP 65426 b, we investigate to what extent planet properties and atmospheric chemical abundance can be retrieved with only JWST photometric data points (2.5–15.5 μm) in conjunction with ground-based archival low-resolution spectral data (1.0–2.3 μm). We find that the data is consistent with an atmosphere with solar metallicity and C/O ratios at 0.40 and 0.55. We rule out 10× solar metallicity and an atmosphere with C/O = 1.0. We also find strong evidence of silicate clouds but no sign of an enshrouding featureless dust extinction. This work offers guidance and cautionary tales on analyzing data in the absence of medium-to-high-resolution spectral data.
Joint Constraints on the Hubble Constant, Spatial Curvature, and Sound Horizon from the Late-time Universe with Cosmography
Authors: Zhang Kaituo , Zhou Tianyao , Xu Bing , Huang Qihong , Yuan Yangsheng
Published: October 2023

In this paper, using the latest Pantheon+ sample of Type Ia supernovae, baryon acoustic oscillation measurements, and observational Hubble data, we carry out a joint constraint on the Hubble constant H
0, the spatial curvature ΩK, and the sound horizon at the end of the drag epoch r
d. To be model-independent, four cosmography models—i.e., the Taylor series in terms of redshift y
1 = z/(1 + z),

y

2

=
arctan
(
z
)

,

y

3

=
ln
(
1
+
z
)

, and the Padé approximants—are used without the assumption of a flat Universe. The results show that H
0 is anticorrelated with ΩK and r
d, indicating that smaller ΩK or r
d would be helpful in alleviating the Hubble tension. The values of H
0 and r
d are consistent with the estimate derived from the Planck cosmic microwave background data based on the flat ΛCDM model, but H
0 is in 2.3 ∼ 3.0σ tension with that obtained by Riess et al. in all these cosmographic approaches. Meanwhile, a flat Universe is preferred by the present observations under all approximations except the third order of y
1 and y
2 of the Taylor series. Furthermore, according to the values of the Bayesian evidence, we found that the flat ΛCDM remains to be the most favored model by the joint data sets, and the Padé approximant of order (2,2), the third order of y
3 and y
1 are the top three cosmographic expansions that fit the data sets best, while the Taylor series in terms of y
2 are essentially ruled out.
Using cGANs for Anomaly Detection: Identifying Astronomical Anomalies in JWST Imaging
Authors: Pearce-Casey Ruby , Dickinson Hugh , Serjeant Stephen , Bromley Jane
Published: October 2023

We present a proof of concept for mining JWST imaging data for anomalous galaxy populations using a conditional Generative Adversarial Network (cGAN). We train our model to predict long wavelength NIRcam fluxes (LW: F277W, F356W, F444W between 2.4 and 5.0 μm) from short wavelength fluxes (SW: F115W, F150W, F200W between 0.6 and 2.3 μm) in ∼2000 galaxies. We test the cGAN on a population of 37 Extremely Red Objects (EROs) discovered by the CEERS JWST Team. Despite their red long wavelength colors, the EROs have blue short wavelength colors (F150W − F200W ∼ 0 mag) indicative of bimodal SEDs. Surprisingly, given their unusual SEDs, we find that the cGAN accurately predicts the LW NIRcam fluxes of the EROs. However, it fails to predict LW fluxes for other rare astronomical objects, such as a merger between two galaxies, suggesting that the cGAN can be used to detect some anomalies. (The source code and trained model (Pearce-Casey 2023) are available at https://github.com/RubyPC/Anomaly_Detection_with_cGANs.)
Results of Polarimetric Observations of Near-Earth Asteroid 433 Eros
Authors: Petrov Dmitry , Zhuzhulina Elena
Published: October 2023

Near-Earth asteroids are of great importance for science. We present the results of polarimetric observations of near-Earth asteroid 433 Eros. Previous polarimetric observations of this asteroid did not cover a range of phase angles less than 9°. We were able to measure the degree of linear polarization of asteroid 433 Eros at a phase angle ≈4.°8. The data obtained made it possible to determine the parameters of the negative branch of the degree of linear polarization of this asteroid, such as the magnitude and position of the polarization minimum in four spectral ranges.
Mammalian type material from Cameroon in the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin
Authors: Bisong Paul Taku , Dunlop Jason , Madruga Catarina
Published: October 2023

Historical data, combined with current data on species distribution, are a valuable resource for tracking changes in biodiversity and can potentially be applied to developing models in conservation biology and designing and assessing conservation strategies. Historical data supporting current knowledge on the natural history of the African continent are primarily held in Western museums. The Zoologisches Museum Berlin (ZMB), which is today part of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (MfN), is the primary source of reference for zoological collections from former German colonial territories including Cameroon. Here, we document for the first time a catalogue of the type material in the mammal collection of the MfN from the point of view of a geographical region. The type collection includes 91 type specimens identified in the catalogues as originating from German ‘Kamerun’ and which correspond to 31 described species, of which 12 are currently accepted (valid) species names. Of the 31 described species, 21 are represented by holotypes, three para-holotype series, one para-lectotype series and six syntype series. We hope that this first analysis of zoological objects, based on geographical location, will lead to similar research on other geographical locations of collection. This could provide more information on the provenance of collections and on colonial collecting practices, as well as contribute to the accessibility of collections in Western museums.
Aujourd’hui, le Rhin n’est plus une frontière
Authors: Chevalier Josiane
Published: October 2023

La réalité transfrontalière constitue un facteur déterminant de la région Grand Est, avec 760 km de frontières bordant cinq pays, dont 200 km tracés par le Rhin, axe de transport structurant et peu émissif en CO2. L’échange et le commerce sont au cœur des relations entre ces pays, avec 44 % des frontaliers de la France métropolitaine. Le Traité d’Aix-la-Chapelle de 2019 a donné un nouvel élan à une coopération franco-allemande déjà riche, créant le Comité de coopération transfrontalière (CCT) qui met en œuvre les priorités (transition énergétique, environnement, gestion de l’eau et entraide lors de crises). Le Traité ouvre aussi l’opportunité d’une différenciation entre les règles de droit applicables aux territoires frontaliers et celles en vigueur dans le reste du pays. La crise sanitaire a montré que cette coopération transfrontalière a su être résiliente, notamment grâce à des réunions hebdomadaires initiées par la préfète du Grand Est, mais elle doit être confortée et institutionnalisée.
La guerre en Ukraine, les frontières en Europe
Authors: Cazanave Gilles , Korb Robert
Published: October 2023

L’article ne constitue pas à proprement parler une chronologie des événements politiques, une cartographie des espaces et des frontières ni une mise en scène des opérations militaires. Il met en perspectives géopolitiques les deux termes du titre que sont l’Ukraine et l’Europe, pour le passé et le futur. Le schéma actuel du conflit en Ukraine s’inscrit dans un contexte historique au long cours et sa résultante entraînera une carte des frontières des institutions européennes nécessairement redessinée.
Abornement des frontières françaises
Authors: Roche Pascal
Published: October 2023

Les États délimitent leurs territoires par un abornement physique avec des bornes frontières majoritairement en pierre, qu’il faut entretenir régulièrement lorsqu’il n’y a pas de frontière naturelle (fleuve ou montagne), et d’un abornement numérique que l’on retrouve sur le site du géoportail de l’IGN.
La cybercriminalité, criminalité sans frontière
Authors: Watin-Augouard Marc
Published: October 2023

La cybercriminalité connaît une croissance inquiétante en raison du comportement des prédateurs qui bénéficient d’un rapport gain/risque pénal nettement plus favorable que celui qui s’attache à la criminalité classique. En outre, les délinquants profitent de l’effet de frontière qui est un obstacle pour les Etats en raison de la limitation territoriale de leur souveraineté et donc de leur capacité à agir contre des auteurs agissant depuis l’étranger. La coopération internationale se développe par le biais notamment de la Convention de Budapest, mais se heurte au fait que les États « cybervoyous » sont précisément ceux qui ne l’ont pas ratifiée. De son côté, l’Union européenne a pour ambition de hisser le niveau de cybersécurité des États membres. Le dernier règlement e-Evidence facilite un accès rapide aux preuves numériques qui conditionne le succès des enquêtes.
La coopération transfrontalière : un enjeu d’importance croissante
Authors: Mac Kain Frédéric
Published: October 2023

La coopération transfrontalière devient un volet essentiel de l’action de l’État dans les secteurs concernés, d’abord parce que le nombre de Français travaillant au-delà de nos frontières est en croissance forte et ininterrompue, ensuite parce que beaucoup de résidents des zones frontalières ( français ou originaires des pays voisins) utilisent régulièrement, et de plus en plus, les services publics de l’autre pays, enfin parce que l’interpénétration des activités en zone frontalière, et surtout là où elles sont le plus intégrées (franco-genevois, Luxembourg, Monaco) oblige à une concertation constante et intense avec le pays voisin. Cette concertation est parfois ancienne. L’évolution de ces dernières années vient la renforcer par l’entrée en application de nouveaux textes, issus d’abord de l’application de la convention de Schengen, puis, plus récemment, des traités bilatéraux généralistes conclus avec l’Allemagne (traité d’Aix la Chapelle en 2018), avec l’Italie (traité du Quirinal en 2021) et avec l’Espagne (traité de Barcelone de janvier 2023), qui comportent tous une importante dimension de coopération transfrontalière, en se dotant d’outils adéquats pour en développer les fonctionnalités et l’efficacité. L’évolution du droit européen renforce cette tendance et favorise l’intégration croissante des agglomérations et bassins de vie frontaliers.
Filling the Gaps: Evaluation of an Online Continuing Professional Development Program for Australian Registered Nurses to Build Capacity to Care for People With Developmental Disability
Authors: Cashin Andrew , Pracilio Amy , Buckley Thomas , Trollor Julian N. , Wilson Nathan J.
Published: October 2023

Background:

People with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disability have some of the worst health outcomes of any population group. Internationally, it has been identified that RNs are not adequately prepared to provide care to these groups through mainstream health care services.

Method:

A cross-sectional online evaluation survey of participants who completed learning to build the capacity of RNs to care for people with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disability was conducted.

Results:

The learning site was found to be easily accessible and engaging, and it facilitated knowledge construction. A statistically significant increase in self-reported comfort, confidence, and preparedness compared with the sample of RNs in a national survey conducted before the site launch was identified.

Conclusion:

This online continuing professional development program facilitated RNs' perceived comfort, confidence, and preparedness to care for people with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disability. Findings suggest the merit of high-quality online continuing professional development programs to fill this educational gap.

[
J Contin Educ Nurs.
2023;54(12):554–560.]
La narration est-elle un genre de l’activité verbale au travail ?
Authors: Boutet Josiane
Published: October 2023

Dans cet article je m’interroge sur la présence du genre de la narration dans la vie verbale au travail. Le couplage entre l’activité de travail et l’activité de langage s’inscrit dans une histoire longue : j’évoquerai les décennies de l’industrialisation (xixe siècle – milieu du xxe siècle) qui se sont caractérisées par l’interdiction de toute activité verbale durant l’activité de travail ; a fortiori par l’éviction de la narration. Depuis le premier choc pétrolier de 1973 et la disparition progressive du modèle taylorien, d’autres modes d’organisation du travail se sont mis en place qui ont reconnu et valorisé la part langagière du travail : mais qu’en est-il du récit ? En analysant différentes situations de travail, je montrerai comment un ensemble de déterminants organisationnels, sociaux ou écologiques viennent empêcher ou contraindre le développement d’une activité narrative. Lorsqu’on observe une activité narrative orale, elle peut avoir comme énonciateurs des salariés comme des clients ou demandeurs. Il en va de même des narrations écrites qui possèdent souvent une fonction de contrôle de l’activité des salariés.
The economics of frugal innovation: An integrative literature review
Authors: Le Bas Christian , Czyżewska-Misztal Dorota
Published: October 2023

The aim of this article is to describe the economic implications of frugal innovations using an integrative literature review. This article discusses the definition of frugal innovations from a historical perspective, depicting them as innovations of transformative change and analyzing frugal innovations in terms of the social and environmental context. It identifies implications for Global North countries wishing to market new frugal products. The authors suggest analyzing technological frugality as a new technological paradigm, with implications for the environment and sustainability. Frugal innovations are also analyzed in the context of “resource poverty.” This article concludes with a discussion of certain implications for public policy.JEL classification: O010, O14, O32, O33.
Time dilation and the equivalence of inertial frames
Authors: Iyer Chandru , Prabhu G. M.
Published: October 2023

It is well known that simultaneity within an inertial frame is defined in relativity theory by a convention or definition. This definition leads to different simultaneities across inertial frames and the well-known principle of relativity of simultaneity. The lack of a universal present
implies the existence of past, present, and future as a collection of events on a four-dimensional manifold or continuum wherein three dimensions are space like and one dimension is time like. However, such a continuum precludes the possibility of evolution of future from the present as all
events exist “forever” so to speak on the continuum with the tenses past, present, and future merely being perceptions of different inertial frames. Such a far-reaching ontological concept, created by a mere convention, is yet to gain full acceptance. In this paper, we present
arguments in favor of an absolute present, which means simultaneous events are simultaneous in all inertial frames, and subscribe to evolution of future from the present.
Role of Pineapple Leaf Microfiber (PALMF) in PALMF-Filled Polyurethane Composites for Sustainability
Authors: Chuayprakong Sunanta , Amornsakchai Taweechai
Published: October 2023

Polyurethane (PU) composites reinforced by pineapple leaf microfiber (PALMF) for performance and sustainability are introduced, prepared and comprehended in the study. For PU composites, PALMF quantity is varied at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 5, 10 and 15 weight%. Role of the PALMF content in PU composite properties is elucidated. Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) technique is used to probe local hydrogen-bonding arrangement between polymer chains. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is utilized for investigating thermal properties of these prepared PU composites. Dynamic mechanical property of each sample is also measured by using dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA).
Morphology, Thermal and Mechanical Property of Thermoplastic Starch Biocomposite
Authors: Ouajai Sirisart , Supingkalad Preedawadee , Teropass Thanyarat
Published: October 2023

Thermoplastic starch bio-composite compound of cross-linked cassava starch has been produced by a twin screw extruder. Rice husk powder, bacterial cellulose fiber and glycerol were incorporated into the starch at various compositions. Bio-composite compounds were thermally compressed into a mechanical test specimen. Influences of reinforcing materials and plasticizer contents were investigated. An extrusion (160°C) and compression (200°C) at higher temperature produced a greater structural deformation of the cross-linked starch than a processing at lower temperature. Morphology of the bio-composite showed a homogeneous distribution of reinforcement in the matrix at high temperature processing and showed good adhesion between rice husk particle, bacterial cellulose fiber and starch matrix. Flexural and tensile mechanical properties of the bio-composite significantly improve with only 0.71%wt bacterial cellulose incorporation.
Controlled Release of Mahaad Extract Using Span 80 Co-Loaded on a Dendritic Fibrous Silica
Authors: Thepwatee Sukanya , Pramongkit Jiradchaya , Kimjui Pawanrat
Published: October 2023

Mahaad (Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb.) is a plant variety that can be found in Southern and Eastern Asia. Its extract contains a major component, oxyresveratrol (ORES), and a minority component, resveratrol (RES), both of which are important cosmetic compounds with antioxidant and skin-brightening properties. However, both ORES and RES are easily degraded by light, heat, and oxygen, making proper storage necessary for effective use in cosmetics. In this study, dendritic fibrous silica was selected as the carrier to protect the active compounds due to its high porosity and surface area with a unique open pore structure, as well as its low toxicity. The synthesized silica was characterized using various techniques, including SEM, FE-SEM, XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, and FTIR. The synthesized silica had a particle size, specific surface area, pore size, and pore volume of 500-600 nm, 703 m2/g, 6.21 nm, and 1.09 cm3/g, respectively. The Mahaad extract was co-loaded with Span 80, a non-ionic surfactant widely used in cosmetics in different ratios on KCC-1. The FTIR results confirmed successful loading of Mahaad and surfactant onto the KCC-1 carrier, and we observed that the release rate of Mahaad decreased with an increase in the Span 80-to-drug ratio. These findings suggest that co-loading Span 80 with the drug on a silica surface can provide a controlled and tunable drug release rate that is desirable for cosmetic applications.
Barium Aluminates and the Study of their Basic Thermodynamic Data
Authors: Shabanova Galina , Myrgorod Oksana , Pirohov Oleksandr , Tomenko Marina
Published: October 2023

The article presents the results of studies of thermodynamically stable barium aluminates. A database of thermodynamic data has been created: enthalpies, entropies and coefficients of the heat capacity equation, necessary for the study of multicomponent systems, including barium aluminates. Since the basis of modern materials science is multicomponent systems, on their basis it is possible to create various combinations of phases in structural materials with a set of specified properties. Thus, modern thermodynamics is not a frozen science. It is known that the objects of research are expanding, where thermodynamic methods can be applied to study the area of high and low temperatures, the area of very low and high pressures. And new discoveries give birth to new areas of application of thermodynamics: thermodynamics of thermonuclear reactions, plasma thermodynamics, relativistic thermodynamics, thermodynamics of negative absolute temperatures, etc. And, finally, the methods of thermodynamic research themselves do not remain unchanged: the exergy method, the methods of thermodynamics of irreversible processes, etc. At present, the thermodynamic method of research is widely used in various fields of physics, chemistry, biology, and many other sciences and branches of technology. Being one of the most extensive areas of modern natural science, thermodynamics plays an important role in the system of knowledge necessary for an engineer of any specialty in his practical activities. Chemical thermodynamics, on the other hand, paid the greatest attention to the study of phase transitions and the properties of solutions, and in relation to chemical reactions it was limited mainly to determining their thermal effects. To some extent, this is due to the fact that it was these areas of chemical thermodynamics that were the first to satisfy the needs of production. The practical use of known methods of thermodynamics of chemical reactions for solving major industrial problems for a long time lagged behind its capabilities.
Development of Silver Nanoparticles-Loaded Chitosan/PVA Gel
Authors: Puangjumpa Jiranan , Jupear Supawadee , Kreua-Ongarjnukool Narumol , Supaphol Pitt , Niyomthai Saowapa Thumsing
Published: October 2023

Polymer-based hydrogels are suitable for development as wound dressings because the hydrogel can regulate the amount of fluid and moisture in the wound area, exhibit a network structure, and be compatible with the human body. Therefore, this work focused on the preparation of 2% w/v (Chitosan:CS)/2%,4%,6% w/v (Poly(vinyl alcohol):PVA) gel containing silver nanoparticles for antibacterial use, synthesized by the chemical crosslinking method with glutaraldehyde. Silver nanoparticles were prepared at a concentration of 1 mmol with black lemon extract as a reducing agent and a stabilizer packaged in the gel. From the study of absorbance, particle size, and morphology, it was found that silver nanoparticles were 10.60± 2.20 nm, with good dispersion and spherical shape. The swelling behavior of 2% w/v CS/2% w/v PVA gel showed the highest swelling at 95.74±21.29%. In addition, 2% w/v CS/2% w/v PVA gel containing silver nanoparticles could inhibit the growth of gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial microorganisms. Thus 2% w/v CS/2% w/v PVA gel containing silver nanoparticles is suitable for medical applications.
A First Principles Investigation of the Bulk and Electronic Properties of Doped Armchair Graphene Nanoribbon for Sensing Dimethyl Disulphide
Authors: Phull Jaskaran Singh , Kaur Harmandar , Singh Manjit , Singh Butta , Sarangal Himali
Published: October 2023

Studies have revealed that sulphur compounds from dimethyl disulphide, an essential semiochemical, support a number of crucial plant growth processes, including protein synthesis, nitrogen metabolism, and enzyme activity. Dimethyl disulphide is a crucial fertiliser that aids in the growth and promotion of diverse plant species, according to numerous research. Sensing the presence or level of sulphur can fundamentally help in managing the inputs that are delivered in the field, leading to the success of environmentally friendly agricultural practises. The availability of this crucial voc affects the vigour and longevity of plant species. In this article, we use the density functional theory approach to analyse the adsorption behaviour of a dimethyl disulphide molecule on a graphene nanoribbon doped with boron. The analysis of the nanoribbon's bulk, electrical, and transport properties demonstrates its potential for the detection of this crucial volatile organic molecule.
Preparation and Characterization of Easy Wrap Film Prepared from Domestically Polymeric Materials
Authors: Chuayprakong Sunanta , Yeetsorn Rungsima
Published: October 2023

Easy wrap film has been widely used a single use film for dust free storage and COVID 19 prevention during the global pandemic. In the study, natural rubber (NR) latex was chosen as the domestic raw material for a coating application. Sulfur pre-vulcanized NR (PVNR) latex was prepared and purposely planned to be mixed with PVAc-co-PVA (Polyvinyl acetate-co-polyvinyl alcohol) or copolymer as the coating product for the proposed easy wrap film. Role of ratio between polymeric materials in physical, mechanical, thermal and weather resistant properties of the prepared films was elucidated. Ability of spark resistance of the easy wrap film prepared from the polymer mixtures prepared was tested.
Mouse Memory CD8 T Cell Subsets Defined by Tissue-Resident Memory Integrin Expression Exhibit Distinct Metabolic Profiles
Authors: Sportiello Mike , Poindexter Alexis , Reilly Emma C , Geber Adam , Lambert Emo Kris , Jones Taylor N , Topham David J
Published: October 2023

Tissue-resident memory CD8 T cells (TRM) principally reside in peripheral nonlymphoid tissues, such as lung and skin, and confer protection against a variety of illnesses ranging from infections to cancers. The functions of different memory CD8 T cell subsets have been linked with distinct metabolic pathways and differ from other CD8 T cell subsets. For example, skin-derived memory T cells undergo fatty acid oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation to a greater degree than circulating memory and naive cells. Lung TRMs defined by the cell-surface expression of integrins exist as distinct subsets that differ in gene expression and function. We hypothesize that TRM subsets with different integrin profiles will use unique metabolic programs. To test this, differential expression and pathway analysis were conducted on RNA sequencing datasets from mouse lung TRMs yielding significant differences related to metabolism. Next, metabolic models were constructed, and the predictions were interrogated using functional metabolite uptake assays. The levels of oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial mass, and neutral lipids were measured. Furthermore, to investigate the potential relationships to TRM development, T cell differentiation studies were conducted in vitro with varying concentrations of metabolites. These demonstrated that lipid conditions impact T cell survival, and that glucose concentration impacts the expression of canonical TRM marker CD49a, with no effect on central memory-like T cell marker CCR7. In summary, it is demonstrated that mouse resident memory T cell subsets defined by integrin expression in the lung have unique metabolic profiles, and that nutrient abundance can alter differentiation.
Factors Affecting Adherence to Phosphate-binding Medications among Patients with End-stage Kidney Disease in Makkah City
Authors: Alzahrani Ali Mohammed A. , Al-Khattabi Ghanim H.
Published: October 2023

Despite the evidence that the management of hyperphosphatemia depends heavily on adherence to phosphate-binding (PB) medications, many dialysis patients are non-adherent. Therefore, factors associated with non-adherence to PB medications should be identified and eliminated. This study aimed to identify and highlight factors influencing adherence to PB medications among patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the hemodialysis centers of three major governmental hospitals in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. The World Health Organization's five dimensions of adherence to medication (patient, socioeconomic, condition, therapy, and health system) were used to guide the analysis. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors influencing adherence to PB medications among patients with ESKD. Three hundred and fifty-eight patients submitted completed questionnaires and were included in this study; of them, 87.99% were adherent to PB medications. The factors sex, adherence to dietary restrictions, and duration on dialysis were found to be significantly and positively associated with adherence to PB medications, whereas the factors difficulty to take medications and difficulty to adhere to a large number of tablets had significant and negative associations with adherence to PB medications. Hyperphosphatemia is a cause for concern as it leads to several life-threatening complications. The results of the present study encourage to recruit representative samples and consider more factors, such as patients’ attitudes toward medications and provider-level factors, to inform policy and/or programmatic interventions that increase adherence to PB medications among patients with ESKD.
A Cross-sectional Study of Depression among Non-dialysis Stage 3–5 Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Almutary Hayfa
Published: October 2023

Depression is common among patients undergoing dialysis. However, there is a dearth of data on depression and its predictors among patients at different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study assessed the prevalence of depression and the relationships between depression and sociodemographic and clinical factors among non-dialysis CKD patients. A convenience sample of 88 CKD patients was recruited using a cross-sectional study design. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) was used to assess the levels of depression among CKD patients, with a cutoff score of ≥11. Data on the sociodemographic factors and clinical factors were also collected. Inferential statistics were used to determine the characteristics of the sample and assess the prevalence and severity of depression. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the associations between the characteristics of the sample and depression. The overall mean BDI-II score was 6.23 ± 6.13. With a cutoff score of ≥11, patients with major depressive episodes constituted 18.2% of the sample. Stages of the disease, comorbidities, and sex were independently associated with a high depression score. The model explained 39% of the variation in the depression score. Depression is common among non-dialysis CKD patients. Screening for depression with brief validated tools should be integrated into routine clinical practice at renal clinics because patients in the advanced stages of CKD and those with multiple comorbidities require close attention. Furthermore, large studies assessing the prevalence and predictors of depression among different stages of CKD are required.
Mean Platelet Volume Significantly Decreases in the Remission Period of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients with Renal Involvement
Authors: Çankaya Erdem , Bilen Nurhan , Bilen Yusuf , Uyanik Abdullah
Published: October 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease of the immune system with an unknown etiology. It is a unique disease that has a wide range of clinical and laboratory findings according to the organ or system involved and the activity of the disease. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a simple parameter of the blood and is widely and easily available. It has been evaluated as a sign of inflammation in many kinds of diseases recently. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the laboratory parameters and clinical features of 36 SLE patients with renal involvement and nephrotic-range proteinuria in the active and remission periods of the disease between 2005 and 2013. We found that the mean MPV in the active disease of the period was statistically significantly higher than in the remission period (8.30 ± 1.09 and 7.88 ± 0.7, respectively, P = 0.007).
Anxiety and Depression Disorders in Adults on Chronic Hemodialysis
Authors: Aatif Taoufiq , Achour Ichraq , Arache Wafaa , Zajjari Yassir , Montasser Dina , Mehssani Jamal , El Kabbaj Driss
Published: October 2023

Mood disorders are common in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and may increase morbidity and mortality in adults on chronic hemodialysis (HD), affecting their quality of life (QOL). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with anxiety and depression in ESRD patients on chronic HD. Thirty-nine HD patients were assessed for anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire. The HADS scores were correlated with demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters. According to the HADS scores, depression and anxiety were found, respectively, in 11 (28.2%) and in nine (23.1%) patients. Both depression and anxiety were found in four (10.3%) patients. The average depression score was 7.4 ± 4.2; the average anxiety score was 7.7 ± 4.6. The depression score correlated significantly with the number of medications (r = 0.46, P = 0.003) and phosphatase alcalin (r = −0.37; P = 0.022); the anxiety score correlated significantly with the number of medications only (r = 0.36, P = 0.022). The risk factors associated with anxiety were age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.2; P = 0.025] and sleep disturbances (OR = 6.74; 95% CI: 1.49–30.4; P = 0.016), and only diabetes was a risk factor associated with depression (OR = 4.4; 95% CI: 1.94–16.9; P = 0.009). The screening and management of depression and anxiety would improve the QOL of patients on chronic HD.
Dimorphic Response of Sex and Hospital-acquired Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Schiffl Helmut , Lang Susanne M.
Published: October 2023

The risk of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury (HA-AKI) depends on a person's intrinsic susceptibility, the presence of risk factors, and on the type and extent of exposure to kidney insults. Older cohort studies have focused on male-only or mostly male populations, assuming a lower incidence of HA-AKI in women. Insufficient statistical power suggested that female sex was a shared susceptibility factor for HA-AKI. It was included as a risk factor in risk prediction models of HA-AKI. With the inclusion of women in clinical research studies, this presumption was challenged. Recent meta-analyses of sex-stratified studies showed that the risk for HA-AKI was significantly higher in men. These results suggested a protective role of female sex hormones. However, these studies were complicated by the inclusion of women across an age spectrum that includes the menopausal shift. Preliminary clinical and basic research data suggest that postmenopausal women lose their protection from HA-AKI. The number, size, and quality of reported clinical studies are low. There is an unmet need to characterize the susceptibility factor sex, to assess its clinical relevance and to evaluate renoprotection by sex hormone administration.
Partial Nephrectomy of Transplanted Kidney with Calyceal Fistula
Authors: de Arruda Germano José Ferraz , Abularach Andres M. , Gatti Márcio , Arruda Pedro F. , Fácio Fernando N.
Published: October 2023

Kidney transplant is the established treatment for patients with chronic kidney disease but is associated with complications due to the complexity of the procedure. Calyceal fistulas are rare urological complications in transplants caused by arterial occlusion with segmental infarction of the graft. Treatment is based on the extension of the affected area and the clinical status of the patient. For extensive infarctions treated surgically, a total nephrectomy of the transplanted kidney is generally performed. We present a case of a transplanted kidney with polar necrosis and calyceal fistula treated with partial nephrectomy of the affected area, maintaining the graft and preserving kidney function.
Transplant Associated Graft versus Host Disease
Authors: Al Salmi Issa , Mohammed Ehab , Al Kindi Salam , Al Musalhi Muhanna , Al Ghonaim Mohammed , Shaheen Faisal , Hannawi Suad
Published: October 2023

Graft versus host disease (GVHD) occurs quite often after hematopoietic cell transplantation. However, it is a rare complication after solid organ transplantation and consists of a reaction of donor-derived immune cells directed against host tissues, which is mostly seen in liver, small intestine, and pancreas transplantation. We are presenting a 54-year-old man with a long-standing history of hypertension, hypertensive nephrosclerosis, and stage V terminal chronic kidney disease, who was on a regular hemodialysis thrice weekly. He had a living kidney transplantation done abroad. On returning, he had a normal kidney function with no obvious complications. Three years later, he presented with jaundice, anorexia, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Laboratory evaluation showed marked elevated liver enzymes, and severe pancytopenia with evidence of hepatosplenomegaly. Liver biopsy was compatible with graft-versus-host-disease and toxic hepatitis. The patient was not cooperative with the management and he traveled abroad for the 2nd opinion. Based on the clinical presentations, laboratory, radiological, and pathological findings, transplant-associated GVHD (ta-GVHD) was confirmed. Unfortunately, this patient was complicated by severe sepsis, and confounded by a lack of cooperation with the management plan, which resulted in his demise. In the presence of a highly immunocompromised state, patients presenting with transaminitis/hyperbilirubinemia, and when drug-induced liver injury is excluded, the diagnosis of ta-GVHD needs to be highly considered.
Cytomegalovirus-related Cystitis in a Patient with Membranous Glomerulonephritis Receiving Cyclophosphamide: A Case Study
Authors: Hameed Najia , Mahmood Sumbal Nasir , Naveed Ahmed Kunwer
Published: October 2023

Hemorrhagic cystitis is a familiar complication of cyclophosphamide therapy in patients receiving high doses of intravenous cyclophosphamide, which is commonly used as part of a chemotherapeutic regimen and as an immunosuppressant for various malignancies and connective tissue diseases. Acrolein, an active and urotoxic metabolite of cyclophosphamide, is the leading cause of this hazardous complication. However, there are very few case reports indicating the role of pathogens such as BK virus, adenovirus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella, and Candida as the triggers for hemorrhagic cystitis, after short courses and oral use of cyclophosphamide therapy. Here, we report a case of CMV-related cystitis in a patient with membranous glomerulonephritis, who received conventional doses of oral cyclophosphamide for a short duration and presented with hematuria. Cystoscopy, along with a microscopic examination of the bladder mucosa, revealed mononuclear viral inclusions indicating CMV were observed. The patient responded to antiviral therapy.
Malnutrition-Inflammation Score: A Valid Tool to Assess Nutritional Status in Patient with End-stage Renal Disease
Authors: Sethi Suman , Sethi Nitin , Makkar Vikas , Kaur Simran , Sohal Preet M.
Published: October 2023

Nutritional assessment is a basic and necessary process in the nutritional management of dialysis patients. Malnutrition is a prevalent complication in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). The study aimed to evaluate its relationship with the duration of dialysis, demographic and socioeconomic profile of HD patients, and to assess malnutrition inflammation score (MIS) in HD patients. In this descriptive-analytical study, 153 HD patients were selected with random sampling. All the patients were interviewed and the MIS of the patients was recorded. Evaluate the relationship of malnutrition with the duration of dialysis, demographic and socioeconomic profile of HD patients, and to assess MIS in HD patients. Patients were followed up for 3 months. Data were analyzed with Chi-square and t-tests and Pearson correlation coefficient. A total of 153 patients were studied, 53 (34.64%) patients had good nutritional status and 100 (65.35%) patients had malnutrition. The mean of patients MIS score was 10.71 ± 5.14. Malnutrition rates in males and females were not significantly different. There was a positive and significant relationship between age and MIS score (P = 0.035). There was also a significant correlation between the level of education and MIS score (P = 0.042). The mean dialysis duration was 25.52 ± 2 6.27 months. There was a significant difference in the duration of dialysis in mild to severely malnourished patients (P = 0.002). A significant correlation between MIS score and the serum calcium and serum iron results (r = 0.402). The rise in serum prealbumin level was significantly greater at 3 months. MIS score is the best tool to assess nutritional status in patients with ESRD undergoing HD, because it can recognize various degrees of malnutrition that may remain undetected by a single laboratory assessment. The correlation between MIS score and age and dialysis period was significant.
Indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants used by local villagers associated with Sadasivakona—A sacred grove of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Sivaramakrishna Pasupuleti , Yugandhar Pulicherla , Manjunatha Reddy Yarramreddy
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

The local villagers residing at Sadasivakona sacred grove are associated with medicinal plants and utilize many medicinal plants to cure ailments. Because of this, the present study was intended to document the traditional uses of medicinal plants used by local villagers residing at Sadasivakona—a sacred grove of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, India.

METHODS:

The documentation of indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants used by local villagers of Sadasivakona sacred grove was carried out with a structured questionnaire. The documentation of indigenous knowledge was made by conducting several tours and personal interviews with their local dialect from 2019 to 2020.

RESULTS:

Sixty-seven potential medicinal plants belonging to 59 genera and 36 families were documented from Sadasivakona—a sacred grove of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, India. For the preparation of medicine, leaves (49%) among the plant parts, paste (36%) among the form of medicine, internal administration (53%) among the intake of medicine, and cough (16%) among the ailment treatment were noticed as the highest percentages. Altogether, 41 types of ailments were successfully documented from the herbal practitioners of Sadasivakona sacred grove.

CONCLUSIONS:

There is no documentation on the indigenous knowledge of local villagers of Sadasivakona sacred grove so far. Hence the present study focuses on the documentation of perishing knowledge of this sacred grove. Among the documented plants, the therapeutic uses of 28 medicinal plants were matched with Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical database and 10 medicinal plants with Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions database. The documented information may be helpful to the pharmaceutical industries in the preparation of novel drugs.
Assessing the effect of Shodhana (detoxification) process using chromatographic profiling (HPTLC, HPLC, LC-MS, and GC-MS) and estimation of toxic content Abrine in Abrus precatorius L. (Gunja) seeds
Authors: Meena Ajay Kumar , Venktaraman Poorna , Ganji Kusuma , Kumar Neeraj , Singh Ravindra , Dixit Amit Kumar , Ilavarasan R. , Srikanth N , Dhiman Kartar Singh
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Abrus precatoriusL. (Gunja) is popular in Ayurveda system of medicine for its seeds, which are toxic because of the presence of Abrine–an alkaloid. It is used for the management of skin disease (Kustha), itching (kandu), cough (kasa), wound (vrana), and alopecia (indralupta). Theshodhanaprocess in Ayurveda is used for the purification and detoxification of toxic plant materials. This study aimed to observe the effect of theshodhana(purification) on phytochemicals and the Abrine content ofA. precatoriusL. (Gunja) seeds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The ethanolic and chloroform extracts ofA. precatoriusL. (Gunja) seeds are used to determine theRfvalue through high-performance thin-layer liquid chromatography (HPTLC) technique. Chemical profiling of seeds was carried out using sophisticated modern chromatographic different such as HPTLC, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

RESULTS:

TheRfvalue 0.45 corresponds to Abrine and confirms its presence inGunjaseeds. GC-MS and LC-MS results show the presence of 19–22 compounds. Results of HPLC analysis showed that Abrine content in chloroform extract and ethanol extract reduced to 30.36% and 10.20%, respectively, aftershodhanaprocess.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results showed the significance and effectiveness ofshodhanaprocess in reducing the toxins present inA. precatorius.