bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BIMBINGAN DAN PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN LAPORAN KEUANGAN MELALUI APLIKASI MS OFFICE EXCEL DI KOPERASI UNIT DESA
Authors: Suryadi Suryadi , Edi Winarto  , R. Setiawan  , Ludfi Djajanto  , Andi Asdani
Published: October 2022

Cooperatives are business organizations that are run for the common good with the aim of prospering its members. The Dau Village Unit Cooperative (KUD) in the common interest needs improvements. Among them are improvements in increasing cooperation or mutual cooperation, improving financial and asset administration as well as improvements in the presentation of financial statements and SHU. On the other hand, serving the purchase and improvement of store management belonging to KUD Dau also needs monitoring and business improvement. The awards that have been obtained at that time need to be achieved again so that the welfare of the members becomes better. Village Unit Cooperatives need support from various parties to exist again, especially the management of cooperatives professionally, starting from financing, administration, management of goods and services as well as financial reports, as well as improvements in SHU reporting. This issue must be immediately addressed by the parties concerned. information regarding the current condition of the KUD, administrative and financial management has been restructured so that there will be no more chaos in the preparation of financial statements and administering assets.The collaboration between the Polytechnic and the KUD management is one of the supports from the academic community to improve skills related to financial administration, especially the Balance Sheet and financial reports in general through Ms Office Simple Excel training.
PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN SABUN CUCI PIRING DAN CUCI TANGAN DI POSYANDU DISABILITAS – DESA. BEDALI – KECAMATAN LAWANG - KABUPATEN MALANG
Authors: Hadi Priyo Sudarminto  , Anang Takwanto  , Rosita Dwi Chrisnandari  , Sandra Santosa  , Arief Rahmatulloh
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this PKM is to provide training on making dish soap and hand washing to the Posyandu with Disabilities in Bedali Village. It is hoped that this training will encourage the interest and creativity of the members of the Posyandu with disabilities to become entrepreneurs. The output of this PkM is an increase in partner skills, partner HR competitiveness, and appropriate technology. PKM activities began with the procurement of tools and materials for making soap, making soap-making video tutorials, implementing soap-making training activities at the Posyandu group of Posyandu with Disabilities in Bedali Village which was carried out by taking into account K3 aspects and the Covid-19 health protocol.
Spinal stability analysis of lumbar interbody fusion according to pelvic type and cage angle based on simplified spinal model with various pelvic indices
Authors: Kim Cheol-Jeong , Son Seung Min , Choi Sung Hoon , Ryu Dongman , Lee Chiseung
Published: October 2022

Recently, the objectives of lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) have been extended to include the correction of broader/relative indications in addition to spinal fixation. Accordingly, LIF must be optimized for sagittal alignment while simultaneously achieving decompression. Therefore, a representative model classified into three pelvic types, i.e., neutral pelvis (NP), anterior pelvis (AP), and retroverted pelvis (RP), was selected according to the pelvic index, and LIF was performed on each representative model to analyze Lumbar lordosis (LL) and the corresponding equivalent stress. The finite element (FE) model was based on a sagittal 2D X-ray image. The calculation efficiency and convergence were improved by simplifying the modeling of the vertebral body in general and its posterior portion in particular. Based on the position of the pelvis, according to the pelvic shape, images of patients were classified into three types: AP, RP, and NP. Subsequently, representative images were selected for each type. The fixation device used in the fusion model was a pedicle screw and a spinal rod of a general type. PEEK was used as the cage material, and the cage shape was varied by using three different cage angles: 0°, 4°, and 8°. Spinal mobility: The pelvic type with the highest range of motion (ROM) for the spine was the NP type; the AP type had the highest LL. Under a combination load, the NP type exhibited the highest lumbar flexibility (LF), which was 2.46° lower on average compared to the case where a pure moment was applied. Equivalent stress on the spinal fixation device: The equivalent stress acting on the vertebrae was lowest when cage 0 was used for the NP and AP type. For the RP type, the lowest equivalent stress on the vertebrae was observed when cage 4 was used. Finally, for the L5 upper endplate, the stress did not vary significantly for a given type of cage. In conclusion, there was no significant difference in ROM according to cage angle, and the highest ROM, LL and LF were shown in the pelvic shape of NP type. However, when comparing the results with other pelvic types, it was not possible to confirm that LF is completely dependent on LL and ROM.
The inhibiting effect of alpha-based TARE on embolized vessels and neovascularization
Authors: Tong Qianqian , Li Rou , Wang Ruizhi , Zuo Changjing , Li Danni , Jia Guorong , Peng Ye , Li Xiaohong , Yang Jian , Xue Shuai , Bai Qingyun , Li Xiao
Published: October 2022

Transarterial embolization (TAE) is a personalized technology that offers precise delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs or selective internal radiation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Beta-emitting radionuclide embolisms for TAE (β-based TARE) are commonly used in the clinic via inducing biochemical lethality on tumor cells, while alpha-emitting radionuclides-based embolisms for TAE (α-based TARE) are still under study. The feeding artery plays a key role in tumor growth, metastasis, and recurrence. In this research, the auricular central arteries (ACAs) of rabbits were embolized with silk fibroin-based microspheres (SFMs) or SFMs integrated with α (Ra-223) or β (I-131) radionuclides to investigate the influence on vessels. TARE-induced tissue necrosis and the following neovascularization were measured by pathological analysis and 68Ga-DOTA-RGD PET/CT. The results showed that, compared to I-131, Ra-223 enhanced the growth inhibition of human hepatoma cells Huh-7 and induced more DNA double-strand breaks in vascular smooth muscle cells. Unlike β-based TARE, which mainly led to extensive necrosis of surrounding tissues, α-based TARE induced irreversible necrosis of a limited area adjacent to the embolized vessels. RGD PET revealed the inhibition on neovascularization in α-based TARE (SUVmax = 0.053 ± 0.004) when compared with normal group (SUVmax = 0.099 ± 0.036), the SFMs-lipiodol group (SUVmax = 0.240 ± 0.040), and β-based TARE (SUVmax = 0.141 ± 0.026), owing to the avoidance of the embolism-induced neovascularization. In conclusion, α-based TARE provided a promising strategy for HCC treatments via destroying the embolized vessels and inhibiting neovascularization.
Production of biopolymer precursors beta-alanine and L-lactic acid from CO2 with metabolically versatile Rhodococcus opacus DSM 43205
Authors: Salusjärvi Laura , Ojala Leo , Peddinti Gopal , Lienemann Michael , Jouhten Paula , Pitkänen Juha-Pekka , Toivari Mervi
Published: October 2022

Hydrogen oxidizing autotrophic bacteria are promising hosts for conversion of CO2 into chemicals. In this work, we engineered the metabolically versatile lithoautotrophic bacterium R. opacus strain DSM 43205 for synthesis of polymer precursors. Aspartate decarboxylase (panD) or lactate dehydrogenase (ldh) were expressed for beta-alanine or L-lactic acid production, respectively. The heterotrophic cultivations on glucose produced 25 mg L−1 beta-alanine and 742 mg L−1 L-lactic acid, while autotrophic cultivations with CO2, H2, and O2 resulted in the production of 1.8 mg L−1 beta-alanine and 146 mg L−1 L-lactic acid. Beta-alanine was also produced at 345 μg L−1 from CO2 in electrobioreactors, where H2 and O2 were provided by water electrolysis. This work demonstrates that R. opacus DSM 43205 can be engineered to produce chemicals from CO2 and provides a base for its further metabolic engineering.
Causes and effects of contract management problems: Case study of road construction
Authors: Hanák Tomáš , Vítková Eva
Published: October 2022

Contract management is a crucial component of any project. As construction projects are complex and difficult to manage, adequate attention must be given to the related contract management issues. Inexpert management can bring about serious unfavourable consequences that can even result in a project failure. This study aims to explore a specific case study: A private road construction project implemented in the Czech Republic. The analysis consists in identifying potential problems and discussion of their implications. The problem is investigated on three levels: economic, technical and legal. The paper also considers contrasting attitudes of the contracting parties (buyer and supplier), e.g., from the point of view of the causes of problems. Several recommendations are formulated on the basis of the research findings. The results of this study have an ambition to improve contract management capabilities in the construction sector in order to prevent the occurrence of similar problems in future and contribute to our understanding of long-term effects of contract management problems throughout the life cycle.
Recent progress of electrochemical hydrogen evolution over 1T-MoS2 catalysts
Authors: Zhang Yicen , Wang Li , Chen Qian , Cao Jing , Zhang Cen
Published: October 2022

Developing efficient and stable non-noble metal catalysts for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is of great significance. MoS2 has become a promising alternative to replace Pt-based electrocatalysts due to its unique layered structure and adjustable electronic property. However, most of the reported 2H-MoS2 materials are stable, but the catalytic activity is not very ideal. Therefore, a series of strategies such as phase modulation, element doping, defect engineering, and composite modification have been developed to improve the catalytic performance of MoS2 in the HER. Among them, phase engineering of 2H-MoS2 to 1T-MoS2 is considered to be the most effective strategy for regulating electronic properties and increasing active sites. Hence, in this mini-review, the common phase modulation strategies, characterization methods, and application of 1T-MoS2 in the HER were systematically summarized. In addition, some challenges and future directions are also proposed for the design of efficient and stable 1T-MoS2 HER catalysts. We hope this mini-review will be helpful to researchers currently working in or about to enter the field.
Microwave-assisted synthetic method of novel Bi2O3 nanostructure and its application as a high-performance nano-catalyst in preparing benzylidene barbituric acid derivatives
Authors: Yahyazadehfar Mahdieh , Sheikhhosseini Enayatollah , Ahmadi Sayed Ali , Ghazanfari Dadkhoda
Published: October 2022

In this study, controllable and optimal microwave irradiation has been used to synthesize the novel nanostructures of Bi2O3 under environmental conditions. The final products had a thermal stability of 210°C, an average particle size distribution of 85 nm, and a surface area of 783 m2/g. The high thermodynamic stability of Bi2O3 nanostructures was confirmed by TG and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. The nanostructure nature of compounds, and most importantly, the use of an effective, cost-effective, and rapid synthesis route of microwave have created significant physiochemical properties in the Bi2O3 products. These unexpected properties have made the possibility of potential application of these products in various fields, especially in nano-catalyst applications. It is well-documented that, as Lewis acid, bismuth nano-catalyst exhibits a great catalytic activity for the green synthesis of some bio-active barbituric acid derivatives using precursors with electron-donating or electron-withdrawing nature in high yields (80%–98%). After incorporating this catalyst into the aqueous media, all the reactions were completed within 2–3 min at room temperature. The main advantages of this method are practical facility, the availability of starting materials, and low costs besides the catalyst reusability. Additionally, the catalyst synthesis process may be carried out in the aqueous media for a short period with medium to high yields. The obtained results have opened a new window for the development of a novel nano-catalyst with practical application.
The oral-gut axis: Salivary and fecal microbiome dysbiosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Abdelbary Mohamed M. H. , Hatting Maximilian , Bott Alexandra , Dahlhausen Andrea , Keller Doris , Trautwein Christian , Conrads Georg
Published: October 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic inflammatory disorders that fall into two main categories: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The gastrointestinal tract extends from the mouth to the anus and harbors diverse bacterial communities. Several sequencing-based studies have identified an intestinal enrichment of oral-associated bacteria and demonstrated their ability to induce intestinal inflammation in mice, suggesting that intestinal pathobionts originate from the oral cavity, particularly members of the genus Streptococcus. This study aimed to investigate the composition of the salivary and fecal microbiome of IBD patients (n = 14) compared to healthy controls (n = 12) and to determine the abundance of common bacterial taxa in both niches. Metagenomic DNA was extracted from saliva and fecal samples, and the 16S rRNA gene was targeted for sequencing. Our results revealed that the overall microbial composition of saliva was significantly altered in the IBD patients compared to the control subjects (p = 0.038). At the genus level, Veillonella and Prevotella were highly abundant in IBD (median: 25.4% and 22.2%, respectively) compared to the control group (17.9% and 13.4%, respectively). In contrast, Neisseria, Streptococcus, Haemophilus, and Fusobacterium were associated with a healthy gut state. Regarding the fecal microbiome, the IBD group had a significantly higher abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Escherichia-Shigella (both comprising pathogenic bacteria) compared with the control group. Members of both bacterial groups have previously been shown to positively correlate with intestinal inflammation and high expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines that disrupt intestinal barrier integrity. In addition, we demonstrate that the increased abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Escherichia-Shigella has also been associated with significant upregulation of certain metabolic pathways in the feces of the IBD group, including bacterial invasion of epithelial cells. Streptococcus was the only common genus detected in both the salivary and fecal microbiome and represented the oral-gut axis in our study. Using culture-based methods, we isolated 57 and 91 Streptococcus strains from saliva as well as 40 and 31 strains from fecal samples of the controls and IBD patients, respectively. The phylogenetic tree of streptococci based on sodA sequences revealed several patient-specific clusters comprising salivary and fecal streptococcal isolates from the same patient and belonging to the same species, suggesting that the oral cavity is an endogenous reservoir for intestinal strains.
Entamoeba gingivalis is associated with periodontal conditions in Chinese young patients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Jiao Junwei , Bie Mengyao , Xu Xin , Duan Dingyu , Li Yan , Wu Yafei , Zhao Lei
Published: October 2022

Background

This study investigated the prevalence and relative abundance of Entamoeba gingivalis (E. gingivalis) in Chinese young patients with different periodontal conditions, and its association with subgingival microbial composition, periodontal parameters, and cytokines in gingival crevicular fluid.

Methods

Participants (age: 18–45 years) diagnosed with stage II–IV periodontitis, gingivitis, or periodontal health underwent periodontal examination and sampling. Subgingival plaque was analyzed by 16S+18S sequencing for E. gingivalis detection and microbial analysis. The distribution of E. gingivalis in subgingival plaque was illustrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Interleukin-1β, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α in gingival crevicular fluid were measured by multiplexed flow cytometric assay.

Results

This cross-sectional study included 120 sites from 60 participants. The prevalence and relative abundance of E. gingivalis were significantly increased in periodontitis (p<0.05). The sites were classified into three subgroups according to the relative abundance of E. gingivalis: negative group (Eg0, n=56); low-abundance group (Eg1, n=32); and high-abundance group (Eg2, n=32). The subgingival microflora in the subgroups showed stepwise changes at both the phylum and genus levels. The microflora compositions were significantly altered from Eg0 to Eg2 (p<0.001). Co-occurrence network analysis showed that Porphyromonas, Treponema, Tannerella, Filifactor, TG5, and Desulfobulbus were highly correlated with E. gingivalis (r>0.6, p<0.001). Correlation analysis showed that E. gingivalis was closely associated with important periodontal parameters and cytokines (p<0.01).

Conclusion

E. gingivalis was enriched in periodontitis and closely associated with subgingival microbial dysbiosis, periodontal parameters and cytokines in gingival crevicular fluid. Thus, it may be an important pathogen in periodontal disease.
Identification and characterization of extracellular vesicles from red cells infected with Babesia divergens and Babesia microti
Authors: Beri Divya , Rodriguez Marilis , Singh Manpreet , Liu Yunfeng , Rasquinha Giselle , An Xiuli , Yazdanbakhsh Karina , Lobo Cheryl A.
Published: October 2022

Babesiosis is a zoonosis and an important blood-borne human parasitic infection that has gained attention because of its growing infection rate in humans by transfer from animal reservoirs. Babesia represents a potential threat to the blood supply because asymptomatic infections in man are common, and blood from such donors can cause severe disease in certain recipients. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are vesicles released by cells that contain a complex mixture of proteins, lipids, glycans, and genetic information that have been shown to play important roles in disease pathogenesis and susceptibility, as well as cell–cell communication and immune responses. In this article, we report on the identification and characterization of EVs released from red blood cells (RBCs) infected by two major human Babesia species—Babesia divergens from in vitro culture and those from an in vivo B. microti mouse infection. Using nanoparticle tracking analysis, we show that there is a range of vesicle sizes from 30 to 1,000 nm, emanating from the Babesia-infected RBC. The study of these EVs in the context of hemoparasite infection is complicated by the fact that both the parasite and the host RBC make and release vesicles into the extracellular environment. However, the EV frequency is 2- to 10-fold higher in Babesia-infected RBCs than uninfected RBCs, depending on levels of parasitemia. Using parasite-specific markers, we were able to show that ~50%–60% of all EVs contained parasite-specific markers on their surface and thus may represent the specific proportion of EVs released by infected RBCs within the EV population. Western blot analysis on purified EVs from both in vivo and in vitro infections revealed several parasite proteins that were targets of the host immune response. In addition, microRNA analysis showed that infected RBC EVs have different microRNA signature from uninfected RBC EVs, indicating a potential role as disease biomarkers. Finally, EVs were internalized by other RBCs in culture, implicating a potential role for these vesicles in cellular communication. Overall, our study points to the multiple functional implications of EVs in Babesia–host interactions and support the potential that EVs have as agents in disease pathogenesis.
How promising are HIV-1-based virus-like particles for medical applications
Authors: Martins Sofia A. , Santos Joana , Silva Rúben D. M. , Rosa Cátia , Cabo Verde Sandra , Correia João D. G. , Melo Rita
Published: October 2022

New approaches aimed at identifying patient-specific drug targets and addressing unmet clinical needs in the framework of precision medicine are a strong motivation for researchers worldwide. As scientists learn more about proteins that drive known diseases, they are better able to design promising therapeutic approaches to target those proteins. The field of nanotechnology has been extensively explored in the past years, and nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as promising systems for target-specific delivery of drugs. Virus-like particles (VLPs) arise as auspicious NPs due to their intrinsic properties. The lack of viral genetic material and the inability to replicate, together with tropism conservation and antigenicity characteristic of the native virus prompted extensive interest in their use as vaccines or as delivery systems for therapeutic and/or imaging agents. Owing to its simplicity and non-complex structure, one of the viruses currently under study for the construction of VLPs is the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Typically, HIV-1-based VLPs are used for antibody discovery, vaccines, diagnostic reagent development and protein-based assays. This review will be centered on the use of HIV-1-based VLPs and their potential biomedical applications.
Review on data-centric brain-inspired computing paradigms exploiting emerging memory devices
Authors: Wang Wei , Kvatinsky Shahar , Schmidt Heidemarie , Du Nan
Published: October 2022

Biologically-inspired neuromorphic computing paradigms are computational platforms that imitate synaptic and neuronal activities in the human brain to process big data flows in an efficient and cognitive manner. In the past decades, neuromorphic computing has been widely investigated in various application fields such as language translation, image recognition, modeling of phase, and speech recognition, especially in neural networks (NNs) by utilizing emerging nanotechnologies; due to their inherent miniaturization with low power cost, they can alleviate the technical barriers of neuromorphic computing by exploiting traditional silicon technology in practical applications. In this work, we review recent advances in the development of brain-inspired computing (BIC) systems with respect to the perspective of a system designer, from the device technology level and circuit level up to the architecture and system levels. In particular, we sort out the NN architecture determined by the data structures centered on big data flows in application scenarios. Finally, the interactions between the system level with the architecture level and circuit/device level are discussed. Consequently, this review can serve the future development and opportunities of the BIC system design.
cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase 8A and 8B isoforms are differentially expressed in human testis and Leydig cell tumor
Authors: Campolo Federica , Capponi Chiara , Tarsitano Maria Grazia , Tenuta Marta , Pozza Carlotta , Gianfrilli Daniele , Magliocca Fabio , Venneri Mary A. , Vicini Elena , Lenzi Andrea , Isidori Andrea M. , Barbagallo Federica
Published: October 2022

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate/Protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) signaling pathway is the master regulator of endocrine tissue function. The level, compartmentalization and amplitude of cAMP response are finely regulated by phosphodiesterases (PDEs). PDE8 is responsible of cAMP hydrolysis and its expression has been characterized in all steroidogenic cell types in rodents including adrenal and Leydig cells in rodents however scarce data are currently available in humans. Here we demonstrate that human Leydig cells express both PDE8A and PDE8B isoforms. Interestingly, we found that the expression of PDE8B but not of PDE8A is increased in transformed Leydig cells (Leydig cell tumors-LCTs) compared to non-tumoral cells. Immunofluorescence analyses further reveals that PDE8A is also highly expressed in specific spermatogenic stages. While the protein is not detected in spermatogonia it accumulates nearby the forming acrosome, in the trans-Golgi apparatus of spermatocytes and spermatids and it follows the fate of this organelle in the later stages translocating to the caudal part of the cell. Taken together our findings suggest that 1) a specific pool(s) of cAMP is/are regulated by PDE8A during spermiogenesis pointing out a possible new role of this PDE8 isoform in key events governing the differentiation and maturation of human sperm and 2) PDE8B can be involved in Leydig cell transformation.
Concurrence of osteonecrosis and steroid myopathy secondary to oral steroid therapy in a patient with ABCB1 gene polymorphisms: A case report
Authors: Hu Yidan , Lu Chenyang , Lin Hui
Published: October 2022

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used in various autoimmune diseases. Side effects may occur in patients with long-term or high-dose GC usage. Among them, steroid myopathy and osteonecrosis are two severe forms. We report a patient with pemphigus vulgaris on GC-treatment who developed muscle weakness when a cumulative dose of methylprednisolone reached about 20g (14-80mg/d for 2.5 years). Laboratory tests showed slightly elevated lactate dehydrogenase and hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase. MRI revealed osteonecrosis in the femoral head, distal femur, and proximal tibia of both legs. The biopsy of the right quadriceps revealed atrophy of type II myofiber without leukocyte infiltration, which was suggestive of steroid myopathy. Genotyping of the patient showed 5G/5G genotype of the PAI-1 gene and CC genotype of the ABCB1 gene (C3435T), suggesting she was sensitive to GCs. The patient’s lesions were considered to be GC-induced adverse events, which were improved with tapering GC. Therefore, it is important to recognize steroid-induced musculoskeletal side effects and genotyping favors personalized medication.
Ovarian stimulation in IVF couples with severe male factor infertility: GnRH antagonist versus long GnRH agonist
Authors: Lv Mu , Yu Juanjuan , Chen Peiqin , Xiao Qimeng , Lou Liqun , Luo Yifan , Yuan Mu , Xu Yuan , Feng Youji , Bai Mingzhu , Zhang Zhenbo , Li Linxia
Published: October 2022

Objective

To examine the efficacy of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol and the long GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) protocol during in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy in patients with severe male infertile factors.

Methods

A total of 983 women with severe male factor infertility undergoing IVF therapy from 2017 to 2020 at one center were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the GnRH-ant group (n=527) and the GnRH-a group (n=456) according to their ovarian stimulation protocols. Patient baseline characteristics, ovarian stimulation characteristics, and clinical pregnancy outcomes were compared between the groups. The live birth rate was considered the main pregnancy outcome.

Results

GnRH-a group had a higher live birth rate compared with the GnRH-ant group (41.0% versus 31.3%, p=0.002). Moreover, the implantation (32.8% vs. 28.1%, p=0.033), biochemical pregnancy (52.4% versus 44.8%, p=0.017), clinical pregnancy (49.3% versus 39.7%, p=0.002) and ongoing pregnancy rates (43.2% vs. 34.9%, p=0.008) were higher in GnRH-a group. For patients with one embryo transferred, the GnRH-a group demonstrated higher live birth (37.0% vs. 19.4%, p=0.010) and ongoing pregnancy rate (38.9% vs. 24.5%, p=0.046) than the GnRH-ant group. Among patients with two embryos transferred, the live birth rate was also higher in the GnRH-a group than in the GnRH-ant group, with no statistical difference. No significant differences were observed in the biochemical abortion rate, clinical miscarriage rate, early miscarriage rate, late miscarriage rate, heterotopic pregnancy rate, twin pregnancy rate, and birth sex ratio between the two groups.

Conclusion

For individuals with severe male infertility undergoing IVF, the GnRH-a protocol is considered a more efficient and feasible strategy with a higher live birth rate compared to the GnRH-ant protocol, especially in single embryo transfer.
Diagnosing pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 in daily practice
Authors: van Beek Dirk-Jan , Pieterman Carolina R. C. , Wessels Frank J. , van de Ven Annenienke C. , de Herder Wouter W. , Dekkers Olaf M. , Zandee Wouter T. , Drent Madeleine L. , Bisschop Peter H. , Havekes Bas , Borel Rinkes Inne H. M. , Vriens Menno R. , Valk Gerlof D.
Published: October 2022

Background

In multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) have a high prevalence and represent the main cause of death. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the currently used conventional pancreatic imaging techniques and the added value of fine needle aspirations (FNAs).

Methods

Patients who had at least one imaging study were included from the population-based MEN1 database of the DutchMEN Study Group from 1990 to 2017. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), FNA, and surgical resection specimens were obtained. The first MRI, CT, or EUS was considered as the index test. For a comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of MRI versus CT, patients with their index test taken between 2010 and 2017 were included. The reference standard consisted of surgical histopathology or radiological follow-up.

Results

A total of 413 patients (92.8% of the database) underwent 3,477 imaging studies. The number of imaging studies per patient increased, and a preference for MRI was observed in the last decade. Overall diagnostic accuracy was good with a positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 88.9% (95% confidence interval, 76.0–95.6) and 92.8% (89.4–95.1), respectively, for PanNET in the pancreatic head and 92.0% (85.3–96.0) and 85.3% (80.5–89.1), respectively, in the body/tail. For MRI, PPV and NPV for pancreatic head tumors were 100% (76.1–100) and 87.1% (76.3–93.6) and for CT, 60.0% (22.9–88.4) and 70.4% (51.3–84.3), respectively. For body/tail tumors, PPV and NPV were 91.3% (72.0–98.8) and 87.0% (75.3–93.9), respectively, for MRI and 100% (74.9–100) and 77.8% (54.3–91.5), respectively, for CT. Pathology confirmed a PanNET in 106 out of 110 (96.4%) resection specimens. FNA was performed on 34 lesions in 33 patients and was considered PanNET in 24 [all confirmed PanNET by histology (10) or follow-up (14)], normal/cyst/unrepresentative in 6 (all confirmed PanNET by follow-up), and adenocarcinoma in 4 (2 confirmed and 2 PanNET). Three patients, all older than 60 years, had a final diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion

As the accuracy for diagnosing MEN1-related PanNET of MRI was higher than that of CT, MRI should be the preferred (non-invasive) imaging modality for PanNET screening/surveillance. The high diagnostic accuracy of pancreatic imaging and the sporadic occurrence of pancreatic adenocarcinoma question the need for routine (EUS-guided) FNA.
Quadratic regression estimation of hybridized nanoliquid flow using Galerkin finite element technique considering shape of nano solid particles
Authors: Rahman Mustafa Mutiur , Jamshed Wasim , Devi. S Suriya Uma , Ibrahim Rabha W. , Pasha Amjad Ali , Souayeh Basma , Safdar Rabia , Eid Mohamed R. , Hussain Syed M. , Tag El Din El Sayed M.
Published: October 2022

Because of its multivariate particle suspension approach, the developing class of fluid has a better level of stability as well as increased heat transfer. In this regard, hybrid nanofluid outperforms ordinary fluid and even well-known nanofluid. In a slick environment, we investigate its fluidity and heat transfer qualities. Nano-leveled particle morphologies, porousness materials, variable thermal conductivity, slippage velocity, and thermal radiative effects are all being studied. The Galerkin finite element method is a numerical methodology for numerically solving the governing equations (G-FEM). For this analysis, a Powell-Eyring hybrid nanofluid (PEHNF) flowing via a permeable stretchable surface is used, which comprises two types of nanoparticles (NP), copper (Cu), and titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) dispersed in sodium alginate (C6H9NaO7). The heat transfer ratio of PEHNF (Ti6Al4V-Cu/C6H9NaO7) remained much greater than that of conventional nanofluids (Cu-C6H9NaO7), with a range of 43%–54%. When lamina particles are present, the thermal conductivity of the boundary layer increases dramatically, while spherical nanoparticles have the lowest thermal conductivity. As nanoparticles are added under their fractional sizes, radiative heat conductance, and flexible heat conductance, the system’s entropy increases. The flow system’s ability to transport mass decreases when molecule diffusivity decreases dramatically. This is theoretically related to a rise in Schmidt number against molecular diffusivity.
Transfer-learning-based cloud detection for Zhuhai-1 satellite hyperspectral imagery
Authors: Jian Wang , Yi Wang , Wenlong Wang , Lei Shi , Haiping Si
Published: October 2022

The Zhuhai-1 hyperspectral satellite can simultaneously obtain spectral information in 32 spectral bands and effectively obtain accurate information on land features through integrated hyperspectral observations of the atmosphere and land, while the presence of clouds can contaminate remote sensing images. To improve the utilization rate of hyperspectral images, this study investigates the cloud detection method for hyperspectral satellite data based on the transfer learning technique, which can obtain a model with high generalization capability with a small training sample size. In this study, for the acquired Level-1B products, the top-of-atmosphere reflectance data of each band are obtained by using the calibration coefficients and spectral response functions of the product packages. Meanwhile, to eliminate the data redundancy between hyperspectral bands, the data are downscaled using the principal component transformation method, and the top three principal components are extracted as the sample input data for model training. Then, the pretrained VGG16 and ResNet50 weight files are used as the backbone network of the encoder, and the model is updated and trained again using Orbita hyperspectral satellite (OHS) sample data to fine-tune the feature extraction parameters. Finally, the cloud detection model is obtained. To verify the accuracy of the method, the multi-view OHS images are visually interpreted, and the cloud pixels are sketched out as the baseline data. The experimental results show that the overall accuracy of the cloud detection model based on the Resnet50 backbone network can reach 91%, which can accurately distinguish clouds from clear sky and achieve high-accuracy cloud detection in hyperspectral remote sensing images.
Regional differences and influencing factors of the carbon emission efficiency from public buildings in China
Authors: Wang Yong-Kun , Liang Yang , Shao Liang-Shan
Published: October 2022

The rapid development of the tertiary industry has made the energy consumption of public buildings grow too fast during the operation stage, which has become a key area of energy conservation and emission reduction in China’s construction industry. This study uses the Minimum Distance to Strong effective Frontier function (MinDS) and Malmquist-Luenberger (ML) index analysis methods to measure the public building carbon emission efficiency (PBCEE) of 30 provincial-level units in China’s eight economic regions from 2010 to 2019, and analyze regional differences and evolution. Then, the influencing factors of PBCEE in different regions were analyzed using the fixed-effect panel data model. The results show that: 1) China’s PBCEE is generally low, with an average efficiency value of only 0.74, and there are great differences among regions, showing the spatial characteristics of “high in the east and low in the west.” 2) Relying on the positive impact of technological progress, the PBCEE in the eight regions increased year by year, with an annual growth rate of 1.82%. 3) The influence results and degrees of various factors on PBCEE are different in different economic zones, but increasing the proportion of electricity consumption has a certain positive effect on improving PBCEE. The same influencing factor has obvious threshold characteristics for PBCEE in different regions, so the government needs to consider the actual situation of the region when formulating carbon emission reduction policies for public buildings.
Conservation tillage and residue management improve soil health and crop productivity—Evidence from a rice-maize cropping system in Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Mamunur Rashid , Galdos Marcelo Valadares , Challinor Andrew J. , Huda Muhammad Shamsul , Chaki Apurbo K. , Hossain Akbar
Published: October 2022

The rice-maize (R-M) system is rapidly expanding in Bangladesh due to its greater suitability for diverse soil types and environments. The present conventional method of cultivating puddled transplanted rice and maize is input-intensive, decreases soil health through intense ploughing, and ultimately reduces farm profitability. There is a need to investigate alternatives. Accordingly, we conducted a replicated 2-year (2020–2021) field study to investigate the effects of conservation agriculture (CA) based tillage and crop establishment (TCE) techniques and residue management practices on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil along with crop productivity and the profitability of rice-maize systems in the sandy loam soil of Northwest Bangladesh. Two TCE techniques Puddled transplanted rice (PTR) followed by Conventional tillage maize (CTM) and strip tillage direct-seeded rice (STDSR) followed by strip-tilled maize (STM) were assigned to the main plots and different percentages of crop residue retention (0, 25, and 50% by height) were allocated to the subplots. Results showed that a reduction in bulk density (BD), soil penetration resistance (SPR), and increased soil porosity were associated with STDSR/STM-based scenarios (strip tillage coupled with 25 and 50% residue retention). The soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions, such as dissolved organic C (DOC), light and heavy particulate organic matter C (POM-C), MAOM, and microbial biomass C (MBC) levels in the 0–10 cm layer under ST based treatments were 95, 8, 6, 2 and 45% greater, respectively, compared to CT with no residue treatment. When compared to the CT treatment, the DOC, light POM-C, heavy POM-C, and MAOM in the 10–20 cm layer with ST treatment were 8, 34, 25, 4 and 37% higher, respectively. Residue retention in ST increased average rice, maize, and system yields by 9.2, 14.0, and 14.12%, respectively, when compared to CT. The system gross margin and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) were $1,515 ha−1 and 1.90 under conventional tillage to $1,696 ha−1 and 2.15 under strip-tillage practices. Thus, our study suggests that CA could be an appropriate practice for sustaining soil fertility and crop yield under R-M systems in light-textured soils or other similar soils in Bangladesh.
The impacts of water level fluctuations from paddy fields and aquaculture ponds on wetland habitats for wintering waterbirds: Implications for wetland management
Authors: Cheng Bo , Zhu Xiudi , Alatalo Juha M. , Gordon Jessica , Li Hongqing , Jiang Bo , Yin Wei
Published: October 2022

The distribution and composition of wetland habitats for wintering waterbirds are heavily influenced by water level fluctuations. Through polder construction and aquaculture activities, paddy fields and aquaculture ponds have decreased the lateral connectivity of water level fluctuations in the lake. However, the impacts of water level fluctuations on habitat suitability, which can be seen using high-resolution images analysis, often cannot separate disturbances caused by the paddy fields and aquaculture ponds, and it is difficult to capture the actual impact of water level fluctuations on wetland habitats. Based on remote sensing image data and hydrological data, we selected Caizi Lake as a study site and comparatively analyzed the changes in wintering waterbird habitats in a water level sequence under the two scenarios. Our work showed that paddy fields and aquaculture ponds should be considered as potential options for creating more suitable habitats for migratory waterbirds if combined with reasonable and effective management of the water level within the paddy fields and aquaculture ponds. The present study results could facilitate the management and sustainable utilization of Caizi Lake wetlands and provide support for creating small habitats by managing the water levels of paddy fields and aquaculture ponds.
From permafrost soil to thermokarst lake sediment: A view from C:N:P stoichiometry
Authors: Ren Ze , Li Xia , Zhang Cheng , Wang Qing , Fang Le , Cao Shengkui , Yu Jinlei
Published: October 2022

Thermokarst lakes are formed as a result of thawing ice-rich permafrost, transforming vast permafrost soil into lake sediment and changing the biogeochemistry of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). Degraded permafrost soil and thermokarst lake sediment are two distinct fates of pristine permafrost in the thermokarst processes. However, we do not clearly understand the differences and relationships between degraded permafrost soil and thermokarst lake sediment from a stoichiometric perspective. In this study, 44 thermokarst lakes across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were investigated to collect lake sediment and surrounding degraded permafrost soil. In general, C, N, and P concentrations as well as C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios in soil and sediment decreased with increasing latitude, while increased with increasing mean annual precipitation. The degraded permafrost soil had much higher C, N, and P concentrations and C:N:P stoichiometric ratios than the lake sediment, particularly for C. Moreover, the concentrations of C, N, and P, as well as the ratios of C:P and N:P in sediment showed significant positive relationships with their corresponding components in soil but with different slopes. Standard major axis regression showed allometric scaling relationships between C, N, and P. The C:N:P ratio was 269:18:1 in degraded permafrost soil and 178:15:1 in lake sediment. The results suggest that the process from pristine permafrost to lake sediment releases more C, N, and P than the process from pristine permafrost to degraded permafrost soil, and that C changes more profoundly than N and P. Moreover, thermokarst processes substantially change the elemental balance and decouple the C:N:P relationship between degraded permafrost soil and lake sediment, suggesting that the further transformation from degraded permafrost soil to lake sediment will lose more C, which can be intensified by increasing precipitation. The results enriched our understanding of the variations in C, N, and P biogeochemistry during thermokarst processes.
Biodecolorization and degradation of textile azo dyes using Lysinibacillus sphaericus MTCC 9523
Authors: Srinivasan Shantkriti , Bankole Paul Olusegun , Sadasivam Senthil Kumar
Published: October 2022

Wastewater discharges by textile industries constitute a major environmental concern as they exert grave human health dangers. Innovative, cost-effective and economical strategy aimed at ameliorating the effect of textile effluent in the environment is highly desirable. Hence, this study investigated the decolorization efficiency of selective reactive azo dyes by textile effluent non-adapted Lysinibacillus sphaericus MTCC 9523 in optimized operational conditions. Visual color changes with 96.30% and 92.71% decolorization for Reactive Yellow F3R (RYF3R) and Joyfix Red RB (JRRB) elucidated by UV-visible spectrophotometric analysis affirmed decolorization of the dyes. Meanwhile, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy of the metabolites obtained after degradation further revealed the functional groups and loss of peak for azo group indicated the breaking of azo bond. On High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis, difference in control dye’s retention time compared to treated sample with peaks at 2.413 and 2.895 min for RYF3R and 2.466 min and 1.640 min for Joyfix Red RB supported biodegradation by this organism. The chemical identities of the metabolites revealed after Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used in the prediction of each dye’s metabolic pathway of degradation based on their molecular weight and mass-to-charge ratio. They were found to be (2Z)-but-2-ene, 1,3,5-triazine, (3E)-penta-1,3-diene for RYF3R and (methylsulfonyl)benzene, phenol, buta-1,3-diene, 1,3,5-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione, nitrobenzene for JRRB. Overall, the use of adapted and non-adapted microbes is highly promising as an efficient, cost-effective, time-saving and universal green strategy for biodegradation of textile effluent containing azo dyes.
Genome-wide identification and analysis of LOX genes in soybean cultivar “Zhonghuang 13”
Authors: Zhang Jing , Ng Cheungchuk , Jiang Yan , Wang Xianxu , Wang Shaodong , Wang Sui
Published: October 2022

Lipoxygenases (LOXs; EC1.13.11.12) are a family of iron- or manganese-containing dioxygenases that catalyze the oxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and play important roles in plant growth, development, and stress response. In this study, a total of 36 LOX gene family members were identified and annotated in Zhonghuang 13, a soybean cultivar bred by Chinese scientists in 2001. Sanger sequencing of the GmLOX1-coding sequence and colorimetric assays for the GmLOX1 protein showed that Zhonghuang 13 possessed the GmLOX1 gene. These LOX genes are divided into three subfamilies: 9-LOX, type Ⅰ 13-LOX and type II 13-LOX. In the 13-LOX group, the number of GmLOX members was the highest. These GmLOX genes are unevenly distributed on chromosomes 3, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, and 20. Most of the 13-LOX genes exist in the form of gene clusters, indicating that these genes may originate from tandem duplications. The analysis of duplicated gene pairs showed that GmLOX genes underwent purifying selective pressure during evolution. The gene structures and conserved functional domains of these genes are quite similar. Compared to the orthologous gene pairs of LOX genes between wild soybean (Glycine soja W05) and Zhonghuang 13, the sequences of most gene pairs are relatively conserved. Many cis-elements are present in the promoter region and are involved in stress response, growth and development, hormone response and light response. The tissue-specific gene expression of GmLOX genes was evaluated. Represented by GmLOX1, GmLOX2, and GmLOX3, which were expressed at extremely high levels in seeds, they showed the characteristics of specific expression. This study provides detailed information on soybean lipoxygenase gene family members in Zhonghuang 13, which lays a foundation for further research.