bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISIS PENJADWALAN PROYEK DENGAN METODE PERT (STUDI KASUS PADA PEKERJAAN REHABILITASI JALAN RA. KARTINI KOTA KENDARI)
Authors: Sutianingsih Ida , Ahmad Siti Nurjanah , Nasrul Nasrul
Published: October 2023

Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk menganalisis Menganalisis penjadwalan proyek Rehabilitasi Jalan RA. Kartini, Kendari Sulawesi Tenggara, dengan Metode PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technigue). Sampel yang digunakan sebanyak 4 orang yang terlibat dalam proyek dan analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis regresi linear berganda dan desain alur kerja (network planning). Hasil penelitian diperoleh bahwa Penjadwalan proyek Rehabilitasi Jalan RA. Kartini, Kendari Sulawesi Tenggara, dengan Metode PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technigue) membantu dalam mempercepat pelaksanaan dengan menghemat waktu kerja sampai 12 hari kerja. Hal ini dilihat dari penjadwalan tanpa menggunakan metode PERT pada pekerjaan Rehabilitasi Jalan RA. Kartini – Kendari, Sulawesi Tenggara menghasilkan waktu pelaksanaan proyek selama 120 hari dan menggunakan metode PERT selama 108 hari. Jika melihat perbandingan jadwal menggunakan metode PERT selama 108 hari kerja dengan jadwal existing proyek yaitu selama 120 hari kerja, pada pekerjaan Rehabilitasi Jalan RA. Kartini – Kendari, Sulawesi Tenggara , maka jadwal rencana menggunakan PERT jauh lebih cepat daripada realisasi pelaksanaan proyek. Kemungkinan (probability) proyek selesai pada target yang diinginkan TD= 120 hari adalah sebesar 74,22%.

Kata Kunci: Penjadwalan Proyek, Metode PERT
Forecasting Consumer Price Index Expenditure Inflation for Food Ingredients Using Singular Spectrum Analysis
Authors: S Nur Aziza , Aswi Aswi , Fahmuddin S Muhammad , Asrirawan
Published: October 2023

Inflation is an economic problem that significantly impacts the macro economy and people's real income if it occurs continuously. South Sulawesi Province often experienced significant inflation fluctuations during 2005-2019. In 2015, inflation in South Sulawesi reached 3.32%, ranking the highest in Eastern Indonesia. Ten food ingredients played an essential role in influencing inflation that year. However, until now, research on forecasting Consumer Price Index expenditure inflation for food ingredients in South Sulawesi using the Singular Spectrum Analysis method has never been carried out. The novelty in this research lies in using the Singular Spectrum Analysis method, which provides a new contribution to forecasting inflation trends in South Sulawesi and deepens understanding of regional inflation problems. This research aims to forecast consumer price index expenditure inflation for food ingredients in South Sulawesi using the Singular Spectrum Analysis method. This research used CPI expenditure inflation data for food ingredients from the official website of the Central Statistics Agency of South Sulawesi for the monthly period from January 2014 - June 2022. The forecasting results show that the lowest inflation rate is predicted to occur in December 2022 at -0,12%, while the highest level is expected to be reached in May 2023 at 0.43%. Furthermore, the mean absolute percentage error value of 3.54% indicates that the forecasting model has a very good level of accuracy. The results of this forecasting have the potential to be used by economic policymakers in South Sulawesi in designing more effective policies to overcome the problem of inflation, especially in the food ingredients and its impact on society. The practical implications of this research can help improve regional economic stability and community welfare.
Forecasting Daily Maximum and Minimum Air Temperatures in The Cilacap District Using Arima and Exponential Smoothing
Authors: Hana Yulia Anggraeni  , Riski Aspriyani  , Mizan Ahmad
Published: October 2023

This research aims to predict daily maximum and minimum air temperatures in Cilacap Regency using ARIMA and Exponential Smoothing. Data was obtained from recordings carried out by BMKG Cilacap using maximum and minimum thermometers taken from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2021. The results show that the best forecasting model uses the ARIMA (2,1,2) model for maximum temperature and the ARIMA (1,1,1) model for minimum temperature, with the MAPE value of 2.09% for the maximum temperature and 2.44% for the minimum temperature, while the RMSE value obtained is 0.9177 for the maximum temperature and 0.8001 for the minimum temperature. Based on the ARIMA model, Cilacap's daily maximum temperature in 2022 was predicted to be around 30.6ᵒC, with a 95% confidence interval between 28ᵒC - 35ᵒC, while the minimum temperature was predicted to be around 25.1ᵒC, with a 95% confidence interval between 23ᵒC - 28ᵒC.
Modeling and bifurcation analysis of tuberculosis with the multidrug-resistant compartment incorporating chemoprophylaxis treatment
Authors: Kitaro Damtew Bewket , Bole Boka Kumsa , Rao Koya Purnachandra
Published: October 2023

Tuberculosis is a major health problem that contributes significantly to infectious disease mortality worldwide. A new challenge for society that demands extensive work toward implementing the right control strategies for Tuberculosis (TB) is the emergence of drug-resistant TB. In this study, we developed a mathematical model to investigate the effect of chemoprophylaxis treatment on the transmission of tuberculosis with the drug-resistant compartment. An analysis of stabilities is performed along with an investigation into the possibility of endemic and disease-free equilibrium. The qualitative outcome of the model analysis shows that Disease Free Equilibrium (DFE) is locally asymptotically stable for R0 < 1, but the endemic equilibrium becomes globally asymptotically stable for R0 > 1. A bifurcation analysis was performed using the center manifold theorem, and it was found that the model shows evidence of forward bifurcation. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis of the model was thoroughly carried out, and numerical simulation was also performed. This study showed that administering chemoprophylaxis treatment to individuals with latent infections significantly reduces the progression of exposed individuals to the infectious and drug-resistant classes, ultimately leading to a reduction in the transmission of the disease at large.
The effect of hospital-to-home transitional care using a digital messaging application on the health outcomes of patients undergoing CABG and their family caregivers: a randomized controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Maleki Maryam , Mardani Abbas , Iloonkashkooli Raziyeh , Khachian Alice , Glarcher Manela , Vaismoradi Mojtaba
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Given the increasing trend of care transition from healthcare settings to patients’ own home, patients and their family caregivers should take more responsibilities for care at own home. This study is going to investigate the effect of a transitional care program from hospital to own home using a digital messaging application on patients’ undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and their family caregivers’ health outcomes.

Methods

A parallel randomized controlled trial study will be conducted in a hospital in a metropolis located in southwestern Iran. Sampling will be performed sequentially and the eligible dyad of patients and family caregivers will be randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group will receive a transitional care program for 8 weeks using the WhatsApp on the mobile phone based on the person-centered care approach, but the control group will receive routine care for patient’s transition. Data collection will be conducted at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and two months after the intervention using demographic questionnaire, Cardiac Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES), MacNew Heart Disease Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire (MNHD-Q), Cardiac Symptom Scale (CSS), Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, and Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS). Descriptive and inferential statistics will be used for data analysis.

Conclusions

The results of this study will allow evaluating the effectiveness of an innovative transitional care program to patients’ own home using a digital messaging application. If the transitional program is shown feasible and effective it can be incorporated into existing care programs and stimulate further studies on the use of digital solutions for improving the continuity of care in own home.
Optimal scheduling for charging and discharging of electric vehicles based on deep reinforcement learning
Authors: An Dou , Cui Feifei , Kang Xun
Published: October 2023

The growing scale of electric vehicles (EVs) brings continuous challenges to the energy trading market. In the process of grid-connected charging of EVs, disorderly charging behavior of a large number of EVs will have a substantial impact on the grid load. Aiming to solve the problem of optimal scheduling for charging and discharging of EVs, this paper first establishes a model for the charging and discharging scheduling of EVs involving the grid, charging equipment, and EVs. Then, the established scheduling model is described as a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) in the multi-agent environment. This paper proposes an optimization objective that comprehensively considers various factors such as the cost of charging and discharging EVs, grid load stability, and user usage requirements. Finally, this paper introduces the long short-term memory enhanced multi-agent deep deterministic policy gra dient (LEMADDPG) algorithm to obtain the optimal scheduling strategy of EVs. Simulation results prove that the proposed LEMADDPG algorithm can obtain the fastest convergence speed, the smallest fluctuation and the highest cumulative reward compared with traditional deep deterministic policy gradient and DQN algorithms.
Tertiary lymphoid structures as local perpetuators of organ-specific immune injury: implication for lupus nephritis
Authors: Wang Meiying , Rajkumar Snehin , Lai Yupeng , Liu Xingjiao , He Jing , Ishikawa Tatsuya , Nallapothula Dhiraj , Singh Ram Raj
Published: October 2023

In response to inflammatory stimuli in conditions such as autoimmune disorders, infections and cancers, immune cells organize in nonlymphoid tissues, which resemble secondary lymphoid organs. Such immune cell clusters are called tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS). Here, we describe the potential role of TLS in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease, focusing on lupus nephritis, a condition that incurs major morbidity and mortality. In the kidneys of patients and animals with lupus nephritis, the presence of immune cell aggregates with similar cell composition, structure, and gene signature as lymph nodes and of lymphoid tissue-inducer and -organizer cells, along with evidence of communication between stromal and immune cells are indicative of the formation of TLS. TLS formation in kidneys affected by lupus may be instigated by local increases in lymphorganogenic chemokines such as CXCL13, and in molecules associated with leukocyte migration and vascularization. Importantly, the presence of TLS in kidneys is associated with severe tubulointerstitial inflammation, higher disease activity and chronicity indices, and poor response to treatment in patients with lupus nephritis. TLS may contribute to the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis by increasing local IFN-I production, facilitating the recruitment and supporting survival of autoreactive B cells, maintaining local production of systemic autoantibodies such as anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm/RNP autoantibodies, and initiating epitope spreading to local autoantigens. Resolution of TLS, along with improvement in lupus, by treating animals with soluble BAFF receptor, docosahexaenoic acid, complement inhibitor C4BP(β-), S1P1 receptor modulator Cenerimod, dexamethasone, and anti-CXCL13 further emphasizes a role of TLS in the pathogenesis of lupus. However, the mechanisms underlying TLS formation and their roles in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis are not fully comprehended. Furthermore, the lack of non-invasive methods to visualize/quantify TLS in kidneys is also a major hurdle; however, recent success in visualizing TLS in lupus-prone mice by photon emission computed tomography provides hope for early detection and manipulation of TLS.
Immune microenvironment dynamics of HER2 overexpressing breast cancer under dual anti-HER2 blockade
Authors: Batalha Sofia , Gomes Catarina Monteiro , Brito Catarina
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The clinical prognosis of the HER2-overexpressing (HER2-OE) subtype of breast cancer (BC) is influenced by the immune infiltrate of the tumor. Specifically, monocytic cells, which are promoters of pro-tumoral immunosuppression, and NK cells, whose basal cytotoxic function may be enhanced with therapeutic antibodies. One of the standards of care for HER2+ BC patients includes the combination of the anti-HER2 antibodies trastuzumab and pertuzumab. This dual combination was a breakthrough against trastuzumab resistance; however, this regimen does not yield complete clinical benefit for a large fraction of patients. Further therapy refinement is still hampered by the lack of knowledge on the immune mechanism of action of this antibody-based dual HER2 blockade.

Methods

To explore how the dual antibody challenge influences the phenotype and function of immune cells infiltrating the HER2-OE BC microenvironment, we developed in vitro 3D heterotypic cell models of this subtype. The models comprised aggregates of HER2+ BC cell lines and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Cells were co-encapsulated in a chemically inert alginate hydrogel and maintained in agitation-based culture system for up to 7 days.

Results

The 3D models of the HER2-OE immune microenvironment retained original BC molecular features; the preservation of the NK cell compartment was achieved upon optimization of culture time and cytokine supplementation. Challenging the models with the standard-of-care combination of trastuzumab and pertuzumab resulted in enhanced immune cytotoxicity compared with trastuzumab alone. Features of the response to therapy within the immune tumor microenvironment were recapitulated, including induction of an immune effector state with NK cell activation, enhanced cell apoptosis and decline of immunosuppressive PD-L1+ immune cells.

Conclusions

This work presents a unique human 3D model for the study of immune effects of anti-HER2 biologicals, which can be used to test novel therapy regimens and improve anti-tumor immune function.
Small molecule inhibitors for cancer immunotherapy and associated biomarkers – the current status
Authors: Schlicher Lisa , Green Luke G. , Romagnani Andrea , Renner Florian
Published: October 2023

Following the success of cancer immunotherapy using large molecules against immune checkpoint inhibitors, the concept of using small molecules to interfere with intracellular negative regulators of anti-tumor immune responses has emerged in recent years. The main targets for small molecule drugs currently include enzymes of negative feedback loops in signaling pathways of immune cells and proteins that promote immunosuppressive signals within the tumor microenvironment. In the adaptive immune system, negative regulators of T cell receptor signaling (MAP4K1, DGKα/ζ, CBL-B, PTPN2, PTPN22, SHP1), co-receptor signaling (CBL-B) and cytokine signaling (PTPN2) have been preclinically validated as promising targets and initial clinical trials with small molecule inhibitors are underway. To enhance innate anti-tumor immune responses, inhibitory immunomodulation of cGAS/STING has been in the focus, and inhibitors of ENPP1 and TREX1 have reached the clinic. In addition, immunosuppressive signals via adenosine can be counteracted by CD39 and CD73 inhibition, while suppression via intratumoral immunosuppressive prostaglandin E can be targeted by EP2/EP4 antagonists. Here, we present the status of the most promising small molecule drug candidates for cancer immunotherapy, all residing relatively early in development, and the potential of relevant biomarkers.
Bibliometric analysis of dental adhesives: research status and frontier development
Authors: Hu Xurui , Sun Tao , Kuang Bin , Sun Yanyan , Chen Lei , Ding Huanyang
Published: October 2023

Objective: A visual analysis of the literature in the field of dental adhesives is conducted in order to explore the current state of research, cutting-edge areas of interest, and future development trends in this domain.

Methods: English literature related to dental adhesives published between 2000 and 2023 was searched in the Web of Science Core Collection database. The retrieved results were then imported into VOSviewer and CiteSpace software in plain text format. Various data, such as journal names, authors, institutions, countries, and keywords, were extracted for further bibliometric analysis.

Results: A total of 19,403 publications were retrieved, featuring 42,365 authors, 7,359 institutions, 121 countries, and 1,523 journals. The annual publication and cumulative publication rates in this field are both on the rise. Among them, DENTAL MATERIALS is the journal with the highest publication rate, cumulative publication rate, and number of citations. Ozcan M is the author with the most publications and within the limitations of this study, is considered an influential author in the field (with the highest intermediary centrality score) and Meerbeek B is the author with the highest number of citations. UNIV SAO PAULO is the institution with the highest publication rate. The United States is the country with the highest publication rate and has the most collaborative partnerships with other countries. Collaboration between different authors, institutions, and countries in this field is indeed close, which has greatly contributed to the rapid development of dental adhesives. Current research focuses on various aspects such as the types of dental adhesives, adhesive strength, dental diseases, and clinical trials. Future research directions mainly concentrate on aspects such as nanoparticles, 3D printing, universal adhesives, antibacterial properties of adhesives, and adhesive strength.

Conclusion: Within the defined scope of this study, we have conducted a quantitative and objective analysis of the current research status and emerging trends in dental adhesives. This analysis establishes a knowledge foundation and introduces novel perspectives for future in-depth investigations in this field.
Altered gut microbiome plays an important role in AKI to CKD transition in aged mice
Authors: Kim Myung-Gyu , Cho Won Yong , Chung Suk Min , Choi Young Eun , Fang Yina , Park Myeong Soo , Park Sang Jun , Ko Yoon Sook , Lee Hee Young , Yang Jihyun , Oh Se Won , Jo Sang-Kyung
Published: October 2023

Introduction

This study investigated the role of renal-intestinal crosstalk in the transition from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in elderly individuals.

Methods

Using young and aged mice, we induced bilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and compared intestinal and kidney inflammation over 28 days. To determine the role of the microbiome in gut–kidney crosstalk, we analyzed the microbiome of fecal samples of the young vs. aged mice and examined the effects of probiotic supplementation.

Results

In the post-IRI recovery phase, prolonged intestinal and renal inflammation along with dysbiosis were evident in aged vs. younger mice that was associated with severe renal dysfunction and fibrosis progression in aged mice. Probiotic supplementation with Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 and Bifidobacterium longum BORI alleviated intestinal inflammation but not intestinal leakage, characterized by decreased inflammatory cytokine levels and decreased infiltration of macrophages, neutrophils, and Th17 cells. This was associated with improved M1-dominant renal inflammation and ultimately improved renal function and fibrosis, suggesting that renal–intestinal crosstalk in aged mice contributes to the transition from AKI to CKD.

Discussion

Our study findings suggest that exacerbation of chronic inflammation through the gut–kidney axis might be an important mechanism in the transition from AKI to CKD in the elderly.
Warming modulates the photosynthetic performance of Thalassiosira pseudonana in response to UV radiation
Authors: Xu Zhiguang , Yang Shunda , Li Mingze , Bao Menglin , Wu Hongyan
Published: October 2023

Diatoms form a major component of phytoplankton. These eukaryotic organisms are responsible for approximately 40% of primary productivity in the oceans and contribute significantly to the food web. Here, the influences of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and ocean warming on diatom photosynthesis were investigated in Thalassiosira pseudonana. The organism was grown at two temperatures, namely, 18°C, the present surface water temperature in summer, and 24°C, an estimate of surface temperature in the year 2,100, under conditions of high photosynthetically active radiation (P, 400–700 nm) alone or in combination with UVR (P + UVR, 295–700 nm). It was found that the maximum photochemical yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) in T. pseudonana was significantly decreased by the radiation exposure with UVR at low temperature, while the rise of temperature alleviated the inhibition induced by UVR. The analysis of PSII subunits turnover showed that high temperature alone or worked synergistically with UVR provoking fast removal of PsbA protein (KPsbA), and also could maintain high PsbD pool in T. pseudonana cells. With the facilitation of PSII repair process, less non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) occurred at high temperature when cells were exposed to P or P + UVR. In addition, irrespective of radiation treatments, high temperature stimulated the induction of SOD activity, which partly contributed to the higher PSII repair rate constant (Krec) as compared to KPsbA. Our findings suggest that the rise in temperature could benefit the photosynthetic performance of T. pseudonana via modulation of its PSII repair cycle and protective capacity, affecting its abundance in phytoplankton in the future warming ocean.
Deep brain stimulation for essential tremor versus essential tremor plus: should we target the same spot in the thalamus?
Authors: Yu Cherry H. , Lench Daniel H. , Cooper Christine , Rowland Nathan C. , Takacs Istvan , Revuelta Gonzalo
Published: October 2023

Background

Although ET is a phenomenologically heterogeneous condition, thalamic DBS appears to be equally effective across subtypes. We hypothesized stimulation sites optimized for individuals with essential tremor (ET) would differ from individuals with essential tremor plus syndrome (ET-plus). We examined group differences in optimal stimulation sites within the ventral thalamus and their overlap of with relevant white matter tracts. By capturing these differences, we sought to determine whether ET subtypes are associated with anatomically distinct neural pathways.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on ET patients undergoing VIM DBS at MUSC between 01/2012 and 02/2022. Clinical, demographic, neuroimaging, and DBS stimulation parameter data were collected. Clinical characteristics and pre-DBS videos were reviewed to classify ET and ET-plus cohorts. Patients in ET-plus cohorts were further divided into ET with dystonia, ET with ataxia, and ET with others. DBS leads were reconstructed using Lead-DBS1 and the volume of tissue activated (VTA) overlap was performed using normative connectomes. Tremor improvement was measured by reduction in a subscore of tremor rating scale (TRS) post-DBS lateralized to the more affected limb.

Results

Sixty-eight ET patients were enrolled after initial screening, of these 10 ET and 24 ET-plus patients were included in the final analyses. ET group had an earlier age at onset (p = 0.185) and underwent surgery at a younger age (p = 0.096). Both groups achieved effective tremor control. No significant differences were found in lead placement or VTA overlap within ventral thalamus. The VTA center of gravity (COG) in the ET-plus cohort was located dorsal to that of the ET cohort. No significant differences were found in VTA overlap with the dentato-rubral-thalamic (DRTT) tracts or the ansa lenticularis. Dystonia was more prevalent than ataxia in the ET-plus subgroups (n = 18 and n = 5, respectively). ET-plus with dystonia subgroup had a more medial COG compared to ET-plus with ataxia.

Conclusion

VIM DBS therapy is efficacious in patients with ET and ET-plus. There were no significant differences in optimal stimulation site or VTA overlap with white-matter tracts between ET, ET-plus and ET-plus subgroups.
Metal levels of canned fish sold in Türkiye: health risk assessment
Authors: Kosker Ali Riza , Gundogdu Sedat , Esatbeyoglu Tuba , Ayas Deniz , Ozogul Fatih
Published: October 2023

This study analyzed 34 canned fish products, including 28 tuna specimens, 3 salmon specimens, 1 mackerel specimen, and 1 anchovy specimen, from 13 different brands purchased in Türkiye. The study aimed to determine metal/metalloid levels in canned fish and potential health risks for both children and adult consumers. The metal/metalloid levels in the samples were determined using an Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometer (ICP–MS), with the range of levels found as follows (mg/kg, ww): Fe (12.12–101.4), Cu (2.19–11.68), Zn (4.06–33.56), Se (0.24–10.74), Al (1.41–14.45), Cr (0.06–4.08), Pb (0.10–0.43), Cd (0.001–0.110), and As (0.01–0.13). Estimated weekly intake (EWI) levels were found that the consumption of canned fish products did not pose any risk based on the EWI levels and provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) limits. However, three tuna samples had target hazard quotient (THQ) levels above the threshold (>1). Arsenic levels were found to increase the carcinogenic risk for child consumers if they heavily consumed 18 canned fish products, including 15 tuna, 2 salmon, and 1 mackerel. The maximum allowable consumption rates (CRmm) for each canned fish product were calculated monthly. Consequently, the consumption of canned fish by children can pose health risks.
Robustness of hypofractionated breast radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery with free breathing
Authors: Chen Kunzhi , Sun Wuji , Han Tao , Yan Lei , Sun Minghui , Xia Wenming , Wang Libo , Shi Yinghua , Ge Chao , Yang Xu , Li Yu , Wang Huidong
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the robustness with respect to the positional variations of five planning strategies in free-breathing breast hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) for patients after breast-conserving surgery.

Methods

Twenty patients who received breast HFRT with 42.72 Gy in 16 fractions were retrospectively analyzed. Five treatment planning strategies were utilized for each patient, including 1) intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning (IMRTpure); 2) IMRT planning with skin flash tool extending and filling the fluence outside the skin by 2 cm (IMRTflash); 3) IMRT planning with planning target volume (PTV) extended outside the skin by 2 cm in the computed tomography dataset (IMRTePTV); 4) hybrid planning, i.e., 2 Gy/fraction three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy combined with 0.67 Gy/fraction IMRT (IMRThybrid); and 5) hybrid planning with skin flash (IMRThybrid-flash). All plans were normalized to 95% PTV receiving 100% of the prescription dose. Six additional plans were created with different isocenter shifts for each plan, which were 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, and 10 mm distally in the X (left-right) and Y (anterior-posterior) directions, namely, (X,Y), to assess their robustness, and the corresponding doses were recalculated. Variation of dosimetric parameters with increasing isocenter shift was evaluated.

Results

All plans were clinically acceptable. In terms of robustness to isocenter shifts, the five planning strategies followed the pattern IMRTePTV, IMRThybrid-flash, IMRTflash, IMRThybrid, and IMRTpure in descending order. V95% of IMRTePTV maintained at 99.6% ± 0.3% with a (5,5) shift, which further reduced to 98.2% ± 2.0% with a (10,10) shift. IMRThybrid-flash yielded the robustness second to IMRTePTV with less risk from dose hotspots, and the corresponding V95% maintained >95% up until (5,5).

Conclusion

Considering the dosimetric distribution and robustness in breast radiotherapy, IMRTePTV performed best at maintaining high target coverage with increasing isocenter shift, while IMRThybrid-flash would be adequate with positional uncertainty<5 mm.
Plants and mental disorders: the case of Catalan linguistic area
Authors: Irún Laia N. , Gras Airy , Parada Montse , Garnatje Teresa
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Mental disorders are among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide. Despite the disease burden they cause, including significant direct and indirect impacts on individual’s health and major social and economic consequences in all countries of the world, it is still one of the most neglected areas of public health. In such a context, the medicinal plants traditionally used to pale these pathologies are presented as a promising tool for future drug development for the management of mental health disorders. The aim of the present study is to analyze the information about plant species used to treat mental disorders in the Catalan linguistic area (CLA) and compare these traditional uses with pharmacological literature in order to evaluate the most quoted taxa and their uses and to provide a basis for further research. Methods: Data have been recovered from the “Etnobotànica dels Països Catalans” webpage (https://etnobotanica.iec.cat/) and the meta-analytic work carried out in the present study covers 27 prospections performed in different territories between 1990 and 2019. Descriptive statistics and quantitative ethnobotany were carried out and some ethnobotanical indices were calculated. Results and Discussion: The number of use reports analysed to treat mental disorders in CLA is 2,544 spread over 183 taxa belonging to 64 families, being the most cited the Malvaceae (29.36% of use reports), Lamiaceae (16.71%), Caprifoliaceae (7.94%), Rutaceae (7.47%) and Papaveraceae (6.01%). The most used taxa to treat or alleviate the mental disorders have been Tilia platyphyllos Scop. (24.53%), Valeriana officinalis L. (7.47%), Salvia officinalis L. (5.07%), Sambucus nigra L. (4.28%), and Ruta chalepensis L. (3.89%). The flowers or inflorescences (47.68%), followed by aerial part (23.49%), have been the most used plant parts, and tisane the most commonly used pharmaceutical form (78.03%). The most reported use is as sedative with 40.92%, followed by anticephalalgic (21. 19%) and tranquilizer (20.01%). The informant consensus factor (FIC) was 0.93, and 3.72% was the ethnobotanicity index (EI) value. The information is coincidental with at least one of the comprehensive pharmacological literature sources checked for 73.68% of ethnobotanical uses.
Ketamine promptly normalizes excess norepinephrine and enhances dopamine neuronal activity in Wistar Kyoto rats
Authors: Daniels Stephen , El Mansari Mostafa , Hamoudeh Rami , Blier Pierre
Published: October 2023

Ketamine acts primarily by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor at the phencyclidine site. The rapid antidepressant properties of ketamine were demonstrated in the clinic and several behavioral models of depression in rodents. We hypothesized that the normalization of abnormal activity of monoamine neurons in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats contributes to the rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine. A single administration of ketamine (10 mg/kg, i. p) or saline was administered to anesthetized WKY rats beforein vivoelectrophysiological recordings of dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) serotonin (5-HT), locus coeruleus (LC) norepinephrine (NE) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neuronal activity. Pyramidal neurons from the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) were also recorded before and after a ketamine injection. In the VTA, ketamine elicited a significant increase in the population activity of DA neurons. This enhancement was consistent with findings in other depression-like models in which such a decreased population activity was observed. In the LC, ketamine normalized increased NE neuron burst activity found in WKY rats. In the DRN, ketamine did not significantly reverse 5-HT neuronal activity in WKY rats, which is dampened compared to Wistar rats. Ketamine did not significantly alter the neuronal activity of mPFC pyramidal neurons. These findings demonstrate that ketamine normalized NE neuronal activity and enhanced DA neuronal activity in WKY rats, which may contribute to its rapid antidepressant effect.
Discovery of inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B contained in a natural products library from Mexican medicinal plants and fungi using a combination of enzymatic and in silico methods**
Authors: Díaz-Rojas Miriam , González-Andrade Martin , Aguayo-Ortiz Rodrigo , Rodríguez-Sotres Rogelio , Pérez-Vásquez Araceli , Madariaga-Mazón Abraham , Mata Rachel
Published: October 2023

This work aimed to discover protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitors from a small molecule library of natural products (NPs) derived from selected Mexican medicinal plants and fungi to find new hits for developing antidiabetic drugs. The products showing similar IC50 values to ursolic acid (UA) (positive control, IC50 = 26.5) were considered hits. These compounds were canophyllol (1), 5-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-7-methoxy-3′,4′-dihydroxy-4-phenylcoumarin (2), 3,4-dimethoxy-2,5-phenanthrenediol (3), masticadienonic acid (4), 4′,5,6-trihydroxy-3′,7-dimethoxyflavone (5), E/Z vermelhotin (6), tajixanthone hydrate (7), quercetin-3-O-(6″-benzoyl)-β-D-galactoside (8), lichexanthone (9), melianodiol (10), and confusarin (11). According to the double-reciprocal plots, 1 was a non-competitive inhibitor, 3 a mixed-type, and 6 competitive. The chemical space analysis of the hits (IC50 < 100 μM) and compounds possessing activity (IC50 in the range of 100–1,000 μM) with the BIOFACQUIM library indicated that the active molecules are chemically diverse, covering most of the known Mexican NPs’ chemical space. Finally, a structure–activity similarity (SAS) map was built using the Tanimoto similarity index and PTP1B absolute inhibitory activity, which allows the identification of seven scaffold hops, namely, compounds 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11. Canophyllol (1), on the other hand, is a true analog of UA since it is an SAR continuous zone of the SAS map.
Clustered photoplethysmogram pulse wave shapes and their associations with clinical data
Authors: Zanelli Serena , Eveilleau Kornelia , Charlton Peter H. , Ammi Mehdi , Hallab Magid , El Yacoubi Mounim A.
Published: October 2023

Photopletysmography (PPG) is a non-invasive and well known technology that enables the recording of the digital volume pulse (DVP). Although PPG is largely employed in research, several aspects remain unknown. One of these is represented by the lack of information about how many waveform classes best express the variability in shape. In the literature, it is common to classify DVPs into four classes based on the dicrotic notch position. However, when working with real data, labelling waveforms with one of these four classes is no longer straightforward and may be challenging. The correct identification of the DVP shape could enhance the precision and the reliability of the extracted bio markers. In this work we proposed unsupervised machine learning and deep learning approaches to overcome the data labelling limitations. Concretely we performed a K-medoids based clustering that takes as input 1) DVP handcrafted features, 2) similarity matrix computed with the Derivative Dynamic Time Warping and 3) DVP features extracted from a CNN AutoEncoder. All the cited methods have been tested first by imposing four medoids representative of the Dawber classes, and after by automatically searching four clusters. We then searched the optimal number of clusters for each method using silhouette score, the prediction strength and inertia. To validate the proposed approaches we analyse the dissimilarities in the clinical data related to obtained clusters.
Deficiency in NDH-cyclic electron transport retards heat acclimation of photosynthesis in tobacco over day and night shift
Authors: Zhang You , Fan Yanfei , Lv Xiaotong , Zeng Xiyu , Zhang Qiqi , Wang Peng
Published: October 2023

In order to cope with the impact of global warming and frequent extreme weather, thermal acclimation ability is particularly important for plant development and growth, but the mechanism behind is still not fully understood. To investigate the role of NADH dehydrogenase-like complex (NDH) mediated cyclic electron flow (CEF) contributing to heat acclimation, wild type (WT) tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and its NDH-B or NDH-C, J, K subunits deficient mutants (ΔB or ΔCJK) were grown at 25/20°C before being shifted to a moderate heat stress environment (35/30°C). The photosynthetic performance of WT and ndh mutants could all eventually acclimate to the increased temperature, but the acclimation process of ndh mutants took longer. Transcriptome profiles revealed that ΔB mutant exhibited distinct photosynthetic-response patterns and stress-response genes compared to WT. Metabolite analysis suggested over-accumulated reducing power and production of more reactive oxygen species in ΔB mutant, which were likely associated with the non-parallel recovery of CO2 assimilation and light reactions shown in ΔB mutant during heat acclimation. Notably, in the warm night periods that could happen in the field, NDH pathway may link to the re-balance of excess reducing power accumulated during daytime. Thus, understanding the diurnal cycle contribution of NDH-mediated CEF for thermal acclimation is expected to facilitate efforts toward enhanced crop fitness and survival under future climates.
Predictors of quality of childcare centers in low-income settings: findings from a cross-sectional study in two Nairobi slums
Authors: Nampijja Margaret , Langat Nelson , Oloo Linda , Okelo Kenneth , Muendo Ruth , Kiyeng Martin , Amboka Patrick , Abboah-Offei Mary , Ray Anna , Kitsao-Wekulo Patricia , Kimani-Murage Elizabeth W. , Elsey Helen
Published: October 2023

Background

Rapid urbanization and increased women’s involvement in paid work have contributed to the upsurge of informal childcare centers, especially in low-income settings where quality is a major issue. However, there are limited data on the factors associated with the quality of childcare centers in informal settlements in Africa.

Methods

We conducted a quantitative observation and questionnaire survey of 66 childcare centers to identify the factors associated with the quality of childcare services in two informal settlements (Korogocho and Viwandani) in Nairobi. The quality of the centers (outcome variable) was assessed using a locally developed tool. Data on center characteristics including type, size, location, length of operation, charges, and number of staff were collected. Center providers’ knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) in childcare were assessed through a questionnaire, focusing on nurturing care and business management. Data were described using means and standard deviation or frequencies and percentages. Associations between quality center score (outcome variable) and other variables were examined using multivariable linear regression to identify potential predictors of the quality of the center environment.

Findings

A total of 129 childcare centers were identified and categorized as home-based (n = 45), center-based (n = 14), school-based (n = 61), and church-based (n = 9). The number of home-based centers was particularly high in Viwandani (n = 40; 52%). Only 9% of home-based centers reported any external support and 20% had any training on early childhood development. Of the 129 centers, 66 had complete detailed assessment of predictors of quality reported here. Unadjusted linear regressions revealed associations between quality of childcare center and center providers’ education level, type of center, support received, caregiver–child ratio, number of children in the center, and center providers’ KAP score (p < 0.05). However, in the multivariable regression, only higher levels of center provider KAP (β = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.84; p = 0.003) and center type (β = 8.68; 95% CI: 2.32, 15.04; p = 0.008) were significantly associated with center quality score.

Implication

Our results show that center providers’ knowledge and practices are a major driver of the quality of childcare centers in informal settlements in Nairobi. Interventions for improving the quality of childcare services in such settings should invest in equipping center providers with the necessary knowledge and skills through training and supportive supervision.
Body composition in male lifelong trained strength, sprint and endurance athletes and healthy age-matched controls
Authors: Walker Simon , von Bonsdorff Mikaela , Cheng Sulin , Häkkinen Keijo , Bondarev Dmitriy , Heinonen Ari , Korhonen Marko T.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Aging involves many physiological processes that lead to decreases in muscle mass and increases in fat mass. While regular exercise can counteract such negative body composition outcomes, masters athletes maintain high levels of exercise throughout their lives. This provides a unique model to assess the impact of inherent aging. The present study compared lean mass and fat mass in young and masters athletes from different sports to age-matched non-athletic individuals.

Methods

Participants included young (20–39 years, n = 109) and older (70–89 years, n = 147) competitive male athletes, and 147 healthy age-matched controls (young = 53, older = 94 males). Athletes were separated into strength (e.g., weightlifters, powerlifters), sprint (e.g., sprint runners, jumpers) and endurance (e.g., long-distance runners, cross-country skiers) athletic disciplines. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Upper and lower limb lean mass was combined for appendicular lean mass as well as appendicular lean mass index (ALMI; kg/m2). Individuals’ scores were assessed against established cut-offs for low muscle mass, obesity, and sarcopenic obesity to determine prevalence in each group.

Results

ALMI was greater in young strength (0.81–2.36 kg/m2, ∼15% and 1.24–2.74 kg/m2, ∼19%) and sprint (95% CI = 0.51–1.61 kg/m2, ∼11% and 0.96–1.97 kg/m2, ∼15%) athletes than in endurance and controls, respectively (all P < 0.001). In masters athletes, only strength athletes had greater ALMI than endurance athletes, but both older strength and sprint athletes had greater ALMI than older controls (0.42–1.27 kg/m2, ∼9% and 0.73–1.67 kg/m2, ∼13%, respectively, both P < 0.001). Fat mass was significantly lower in sprint and endurance athletes compared to strength athletes and controls in both age-groups. Sarcopenic obesity was identified in one young (2%) and eighteen (19%) older controls, while only two older endurance athletes (3%) and one older strength athlete (2%) were identified.

Discussion

Lifelong competitive sport participation leads to lower prevalence of sarcopenic obesity than a recreationally active lifestyle. This is achieved in strength athletes by emphasizing muscle mass, while sprint and endurance athletes demonstrate low fat mass levels. However, all older athlete groups showed higher fat mass than the young groups, suggesting that exercise alone may not be sufficient to manage fat mass.
Effects of Three Long-Term Land Use Patterns on Soil Degradation in the Yellow River Delta: Evidence from Ecological Stoichiometry
Authors: Kong Baishu , Zhu Taochuan , Ming Yufei , Jia Sen , Li Chuanrong , Wang Fenghua , Dong Zhi , Jiao Shuying , Li Yongqiang , Shi Lianhui
Published: October 2023

The irrational land use patterns in the Yellow River Delta (YRD) have resulted in an imbalance in ecological stoichiometry, leading to secondary salinization and soil degradation. However, there is limited knowledge about the long-term response of soil and enzyme stoichiometry to land use. This hampers our ability to optimize land use in the YRD to alleviate nutrient limitation and thus promote ecological stoichiometric balance. We investigated the stoichiometry of soil and enzyme carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in three land use patterns (Alfalfa artificial grassland, AG; wheat–maize rotation field, WM; native grassland, PC) established for 19 years in the YRD. The results showed that the soil stoichiometry of the three land uses in the YRD was lower than the world and Chinese averages, indicating lower C and N levels. Nutrient limitations of soil microorganisms were C and P due to an enzyme C:N ratio greater than 1:1 and vector angle greater than 45°. The three land use patterns have different advantages in alleviating nutrient limitations in the YRD. AG promotes soil macroaggregate formation, reduces soil salt content, improves nutrient availability, and mitigates N limitation. This makes AG more conducive to improving the poor soil structure, high soil salinity, and stoichiometric imbalance in the YRD to mitigate local soil degradation and be suitable for long-term continuous cultivation. WM is beneficial for increasing soil total C content due to straw return. However, WM does not reduce soil salinity. WM is more suitable for intercropping or crop rotation to improve soil C content in the YRD. Although PC can alleviate soil microbial C limitation due to its significantly lower vector length than AG and WM, the low nutrient levels hindered its ability to alleviate local soil nutrient limitation. In conclusion, our study provides a theoretical basis for rational land use in the YRD to mitigate soil degradation.
Influence of Brown Seaweed (Ecklonia maxima) Extract on the Morpho-Physiological Parameters of Melon, Cucumber, and Tomato Plants
Authors: Lefi Elkadri , Badri Mounawer , Hamed Samouna Ben , Talbi Sihem , Mnafgui Wiem , Ludidi Ndiko , Chaieb Mohamed
Published: October 2023

In this study, we evaluated the impact of brown seaweed extract (Ecklonia maxima) on the morphology and physiology of three different plant species. We conducted experiments using two types of fertilizers: an artificial fertilizer (0.1 g/L) and a biological extract of brown seaweed (Ecklonia maxima) at two concentrations (C1 at 1 mL/L and C2 at 2.5 mL/L). For melon, the application of C1 resulted in significant improvements in photosynthesis parameters, total chlorophyll content, and overall plant growth. When C2 was applied, it further enhanced these parameters, leading to a notable increase in shoot phytomass. In the case of cucumber, C1 led to increased resource allocation towards stems and leaves. Conversely, C2 increased the number of green leaves and contributed to higher shoot phytomass. For tomato plants, the application of C1 resulted in a slight increase in photosynthesis, but it did not significantly impact leaf growth. On the other hand, C2 induced a modest increase in photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, and root growth. In summary, our findings indicate that brown seaweed extract has a discernible influence on the physiology of the studied plants. However, the specific effects on resource allocation largely depend on the plant species and the concentration of the extract applied.