bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution Of Active Urban Park Visits Based on Range of Services in Semarang
Authors: Muning Harjanti Intan , Pangi  , Budiati Lilin , Wiranata Bivansyah
Published: December 2024

Urban parks are green oases in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the urban, where people can do activities and socialize. Not only are they beautiful, but urban parks are also designed to facilitate various activities, such as recreation and sports. The aim of this research is to determine the distribution of active urban parks based on service coverage in Semarang. So, it will be able to provide guidance to users when visiting urban parks. The research scope area is Semarang, which observations objects focuses on 51 active urban parks. This research is a continuation of previous research. In this research, the results of mapping the range of active urban park services in Semarang were obtained using a buffer process, so this research uses the results of this mapping. Analysis was carried out to ensure all houses in Semarang had active park visit directions. This is done because there are still houses that are not included in the scope of the visiting directions. Generally, the results describe that the distribution of active parks in Semarang is not completely even. There are districts which have various directions choices for visiting active urban parks, they are Semarang Selatan District, Semarang Timur District, and Semarang District. However, there are still districts that do not have park to visit, specifically Tugu District. Therefore, the public is advised to visit the nearest park first to visit.
NO2 mapping of Perth bushfire utilizing Sentinel-5P TROPOMI
Authors: Neyrizi Sima , Muhamad Jaelani Lalu , Hayati Noorlaila , Saadi Ramin
Published: December 2024

In the face of escalating environmental concerns, effective management of air quality remains critical. This study focuses on Perth, Australia, a region impacted by frequent bushfires and industrial emissions, necessitating precise monitoring of atmospheric pollutants like NO2. Leveraging advanced remote sensing technologies, including Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-5P satellites, this research assesses the spatial and temporal dynamics of NO2 before, during, and after the 2021 Wooroloo bushfire. A key objective was to convert satellite-derived NO2 data from mol/m2 to μg/m3 to enable accurate environmental assessment. This conversion utilized a unit conversion method, improving accuracy metrics substantially, with a correlation coefficient (r) increasing from 0.59 to 0.82 and root mean square error (RMSE) decreasing from 7.58 μg/m3 to 3.20 μg/m3. A regression model, validated with ground-level measurements, demonstrates robust predictive capability (R2 = 0.76, RMSE = 2.58 μg/m3), aiding in the creation of NO2 distribution maps across Greater Perth. Comparison with six ground stations revealed varying accuracy (RMSE: 2.9249 to 7.2705 μg/m3), likely influenced by proximity to the fire and prevailing wind directions. Spatiotemporal analysis depicted distinct NO2 patterns: stable levels pre-fire, dramatic increases during, and gradual post-fire recovery. Maximum NO2 concentrations peaked during the fire (up to 79.227 μg/m3), exceeding air quality guidelines. Post-fire, concentrations normalized, yet sporadic peaks persisted, indicating an ongoing environmental impact. Furthermore, analysis of environmental parameters such as Land Surface Temperature (LST), precipitation, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) during the study period revealed significant correlations with NO2 levels. LST showed a positive correlation (r = 0.64) with NO2 concentrations during the fire, suggesting temperature influences on atmospheric stability and pollutant dispersion. Precipitation exhibited a negative correlation (r = −0.52), indicating its role in scavenging NO2 from the atmosphere post-fire. NDVI displayed a weak negative correlation (r = −0.30), reflecting vegetation recovery trends post-fire. This comprehensive study integrates advanced remote sensing with statistical modelling to enhance air quality monitoring and inform decision-making in bushfire-prone regions. By elucidating NO2 dynamics and their environmental implications, this research contributes essential insights for mitigating air pollution and safeguarding public health amidst climate-induced challenges.
Real-Time Load Monitoring System for Tuna Fishing Ships: A Solution to Combat Illegal Transshipment
Authors: Koenhardono E S , Giafi S P , Kurniawan A , Kusuma I R , Sarwito S , Prananda J
Published: December 2024

Illegal fishing activities are the biggest challenge for Indonesia in protecting its territorial waters from illegal fish transhipment. To address this issue, a real-time load measurement system is needed on ships. Real-time measurement devices can also replace land-based measurement functions, thus improving the quality of catch during the transfer of tuna from the ship to the cold storage. The method used in this research is testing, which requires real data to support and simulate the implementation of the study. The research involves a prototype that utilizes a load cell as a sensor for detecting the mass of fish, and NodeMCU as a microcontroller programmed with Arduino IDE language. The prototype is integrated with Wi-Fi to send data to a MySQL database. The sensor circuit consists of four load cells, a junction box, and an HX711 amplifier. The results of the sensor experiment at a 12-degree tilt condition, which indicates the roll or trim condition of the ship, show a decrease in sensor accuracy and relatively unstable results compared to normal conditions. The average accuracy rate of sensor readings under normal conditions is 99.42%, while the average accuracy rate of sensor readings at a 12-degree tilt is 96.98%.
An Optimization Model for the Offshore Well Intervention Campaign: Literature Review
Authors: Wicaksono Sri Konsep Harum , Rusdiansyah Ahmad , Armono Haryo Dwito
Published: December 2024

In the offshore oil industry, well-intervention barges provide crucial support for the production enhancement of offshore platforms. These specially designed ships contain tools and equipment to perform perforation activities that keep the wells active. However, with the relevance and practical operations, operators meet two principal challenges: 1) limited barge availability to serve a set of platforms and 2) each platform exhibits specific job requirements (different number of wells, duration, production gain, cost, time windows). This short literature review provides an overview of the Well Intervention Campaign Problem (WLICP) adopting the model of Vehicle Routing Problem considering Profits (VRPP). We propose four carefully designed questions to answer. It relates to 1) problem structure 2) modelling approach 3) solution technique and 4) optimization scenario. According to the result, WLICP exhibits a rigorous project management structure. Its structure contains the breakdown of n-sub-project representing VRP nodes. Combinatorial optimization helps barges find routes and schedules to maximize profit.
Design of portable floating battery platform utilizing solar and wind energy sources
Authors: Kamal A.J. , Koenhardono E.S. , Kurniawan A.
Published: December 2024

Overfishing is caused by excessive fishing, resulting in a significant decrease in fish populations. This has a detrimental impact on marine ecosystems, fish availability, and fishermen’s income. Since 2008, the fishing area in the Madura Strait has experienced overfishing. In relation to the many fishing areas in Indonesia that have experienced overfishing, Government Regulation No. 11 of 2023 was issued on controlled and proportional fishing, carried out in measured fishing zones, based on fishing quotas to preserve fish resources and their environment, and equalize national economic growth. From the perspective of a Marine Engineer, one method to implement this government policy is by changing from fuel to batteries on fishing boats, as well as building energy stations throughout the waters of the Madura Strait. Therefore, this research aims to design a floating energy station based on solar panels and wind turbines to cover the needs of four 10 GT fishing boats with a battery capacity of 90 kWh. Based on numerical methods and trial and error according to weather data, the floating energy station uses 135 solar panels of 550 Wp and 16 wind turbines of 2 kW used to charge 300 batteries of 24 Volts, 100Ah. All batteries can be recharged in 8.5 hours.
Urban tree inventory with field measurement and mobile mapping system at Denpasar City
Authors: Sahab A , Wihanesta R , Afwani M Z , Lipu B G , Widhyasarie I A , Witadharma A , Saharini I G A R
Published: December 2024

Tree inventory is crucial in managing road trees in urban areas. In Indonesia, roadside trees in public areas are managed by local governments. However, local governments, including Denpasar, have limited tree management resources, such as a lack of budget, low resource capacity, limited numbers of field staff, and incomplete equipment. Under these conditions, local governments can only conduct tree inventories on a small percentage of roadside trees using traditional (paper-based) methods that are time-consuming and poor database management. As a result, the city government does not have complete data for managing roadside trees, including anticipating failure that threatens public safety and property. It is necessary to improve roadside tree inventory methods that can be self-carried out by local governments within the limitations they have. This study examines the time required to record several trees using a mobile application-based field survey method and a mobile mapping system. This study used 1386 roadside trees to be recorded using the mobile application-based field survey method and 12,846 trees to be recorded using the mobile mapping system. The study results show that the mobile application-based field measurement method takes about 11.5 minutes to collect tree data consisting of the local name, diameter, height, tree damage, trunk slope, and tree coordinates. As for the mobile mapping system method, the time needed to collect data for 12,846 trees is 5 days (7 working hours) to record pictures (acquisition) and 15 days to process the recorded images to produce tree data.
Forest local community perception on sengon pest and disease and forest soil properties
Authors: Haneda N F , Winata B , Nurianti E , Pramisari Y , Siregar U J
Published: December 2024

Banten Forest Management Unit (FMU) is undertaking an effort to develop sengon (Falcataria falcata) as a wood-producing commodity alongside teak, acacia, and mahagony. Local farmers carrying out sengon propagation assist in this development effort. Improper practices of propagating and cultivating sengon and the need for more public knowledge regarding pests and diseases that attack sengon raise questions regarding the public’s perception of cultivation techniques and control of plant pests and diseases. Training on sengon cultivation and introducing pests and diseases on sengon plants was held on 25 November 2023 at the Cigembor Wood Collecion Place (WCP), inten Jaya Village, Lebak, Banten. In total, 30 participants who were members of a forest local community (LMDH) at Perum Perhutani FMU Banten attended this activity. The training method involves presentations and direct practice in the field. The results of the pre- and post-test evaluation showed an increase of 25% in knowledge of pests and diseases in sengon plants and 10% in knowledge of sengon cultivation. The test results also showed that 8 out of 10 participants could differentiate between forest pests and diseases. Furthermore, 10 out of 10 participants knew the harvest age for sengon. In general, this training increased the participants’ knowledge and experience in cultivating sengon and identifying pests and diseases in sengon plants.
Evaluating the impact of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols following oesophagectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials
Authors: Kennelly Patrick , Davey Matthew G , Griniouk Diana , Calpin Gavin , Donlon Noel E
Published: December 2024

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are evidence-based care improvement pathways which are perceived to expedite patient recovery following surgery. Their utility in the setting of oesophagectomy remains unclear. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials (RCTs) to evaluate the impact of ERAS protocols on recovery following oesophagectomy compared to standard care. A systematic review was performed in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager (Version 5.4). Six RCTs including 850 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Overall complication rate (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.35, Confidence Interval (CI): 0.21, 0.59, P < 0.0001), pulmonary complications (OR: 0.40, CI: 0.24, 0.67, P = 0.0005), post-operative length of stay (LOS) (OR -1.88, CI -2.05, −1.70, P < 0.00001) and time to post-operative flatus (OR: -5.20, CI: −9.46, −0.95, P = 0.02) favoured the ERAS group. There was no difference noted for anastomotic leak (OR: 0.55, CI: 0.24, 1.28, P = 0.17), cardiac complications (OR: 0.86, CI: 0.30, 2.46, P = 0.78), gastrointestinal complications (OR: 0.51, CI: 0.23, 1.17, P = 0.11), wound complications (OR: 0.85, CI: 0.28, 2.58, P = 0.78), mortality (OR: 1.37, CI: 0.26, 7.4, P = 0.71), and 30-day re-admission rate (OR: 1.29, CI: 0.30, 5.47, P = 0.73) between ERAS and standard care groups. ERAS implementation improved post-operative complications, LOS, and time to flatus following oesphagectomy. These results support the robust adoption of ERAS in patients indicated to undergo oesphagectomy.
Hydrocarbon metabolism and petroleum seepage as ecological and evolutionary drivers for Cycloclasticus
Authors: Arrington Eleanor C , Tarn Jonathan , Kivenson Veronika , Nunn Brook L , Liu Rachel M , Paul Blair G , Valentine David L
Published: December 2024

Aqueous-soluble hydrocarbons dissolve into the ocean’s interior and structure deep-sea microbial populations influenced by natural oil seeps and spills. n-Pentane is a seawater-soluble, volatile compound abundant in petroleum products and reservoirs and will partially partition to the deep-water column following release from the seafloor. In this study, we explore the ecology and niche partitioning of two free-living Cycloclasticus strains recovered from seawater incubations with n-pentane and distinguish them as an open ocean variant and a seep-proximal variant, each with distinct capabilities for hydrocarbon catabolism. Comparative metagenomic analysis indicates the variant more frequently observed further from natural seeps encodes more general pathways for hydrocarbon consumption, including short-chain alkanes, aromatics, and long-chain alkanes, and also possesses redox versatility in the form of respiratory nitrate reduction and thiosulfate oxidation; in contrast, the seep variant specializes in short-chain alkanes and relies strictly on oxygen as the terminal electron acceptor. Both variants observed in our work were dominant ecotypes of Cycloclasticus observed during the Deepwater Horizon disaster, a conclusion supported by 16S rRNA gene analysis and read-recruitment of sequences collected from the submerged oil plume during active flow. A comparative genomic analysis of Cycloclasticus across various ecosystems suggests distinct strategies for hydrocarbon transformations among each clade. Our findings suggest Cycloclasticus is a versatile and opportunistic consumer of hydrocarbons and may have a greater role in the cycling of sulfur and nitrogen, thus contributing broad ecological impact to various ecosystems globally.
The Dynamics of Banking and Insurance
Authors: Haueter Niels Viggo , Altamura Carlo Edoardo
Published: December 2024

Banking and insurance share an origin but have distinct evolutionary paths. First, this chapter traces the history of both sectors from their shared origins to the transformations brought by industrialization, crises, and state regulation. Then the chapter compares the dynamics in both industries focusing on risk, regulation, and societal and technological changes. Managing risk is the main dynamic that shaped both banking and insurance from the very start. Regulation introduced external risk management and turned out to be the single most influential dynamic. Shifts in social strata significantly shaped product offerings and uptake from the 18th century on, as lower-income households became able to save up. Recently, digital access further ‘democratized’ financial services. In the final part, the chapter assesses the future of the insurance and banking industry in light of the dramatic changes of the early 21st century, suggesting that the traditional distinction between the two is becoming less useful. This is not so much due to their convergence but to the addition of alternative providers both from within and from outside the financial sector.
Chemical Industries
Authors: Stokes Ray
Published: December 2024

Dynamic change has characterized the history of the modern chemical industry from its inception in the early 19th century to the present. This article departs from previous studies of the industry’s evolution by dividing the history of the industry into five distinct periods. Each has entailed fundamental changes in the industry’s products, processes, main actors, and other aspects, and therefore alterations to its fundamental character. The main drivers and impacts of change over time have included technology, in particular application of theoretical science for product and process innovation; feedstocks; the companies populating the industry; government policy, especially with regard to intellectual property; and globalization.
Age Groups and Civic Subdivisions
Authors: Kennell Nigel
Published: December 2024

This chapter surveys the major civic divisions in the Greek cities of the Roman Empire. It traces the Hellenistic origins and Imperial-period developments of the constituent grades of the citizen training systems (paides, ephēboi, neoi), as well the corporate groupings of older citizens (presbuteroi, gerousiai) that appeared shortly before the Imperial period and became predominant in later centuries. The roles of the officials and staff involved in citizen training are examined, together with elements of the curriculum. The relationship between the presbuteroi and gerousiai is likewise discussed, along with their powers and functions. The overview concludes with an account of the oldest and most enduring civic divisions, the originally fictive kinship groups known as phylai and their subdivisions in various cities.
The Deliberative Institutions: The Council and Assembly
Authors: Kuhn Christina T.
Published: December 2024

This chapter discusses the role of the council (boulē) and assembly (ekklēsia) in the Greek cities under Roman rule. It starts by exploring the representation of the deliberative institutions in the public media of the poleis and Rome’s attitude towards the Greek deliberative institutions. It then discusses the transformation of the councils into more exclusive elite bodies, analysing the councils’ status, size, membership, recruitment rules, functions, internal workings, and meeting place. Furthermore, the chapter explores the role and functions of the Greek popular assemblies, focusing on the opportunities and limitations of the people in the decision making process under Roman rule. The chapter concludes with an overview of the current debate about the balance of power between these two political institutions in the post-Classical polis.
Constructing Public Space
Authors: Dickenson Christopher
Published: December 2024

This chapter provides an overview of the architectural transformations of public space in the Roman-period Greek city. It discusses how we can read those transformations, revealed primarily through archaeology, as evidence for cultural and political change. It takes a stance against the pessimist view, so prominent in older scholarship, that increasing monumentality was a symptom of civic decline and argues that combining archaeology with literary and epigraphic sources reveals the public spaces of the Imperial polis as vibrant arenas of interaction between different segments of the urban population. Taking its lead from theoretical work on public space by anthropologists and sociologists, the chapter argues that the streets, gymnasia, bathhouses, and especially the agoras—the main focus of the discussion—played an important role in shaping relations of power both between the Greek cities and Rome and between the elites and non-elites within the urban population.
The Urban Economy
Authors: Erdkamp Paul
Published: December 2024

The urban economy of the cities of the Greek East is inextricably linked to and therefore hard to disconnect from the surrounding countryside, but at the same time the scale and density of economic activity changed the way people interacted economically. The role of urban elites is paramount, as the income of their rural and urban possessions was invested in urban and rural activities, which formed the basis for urban consumption and employment. Relative stability of the food supply was a precondition for economic diversification and the division of labour in an urban context. In terms of status and prosperity, there is a wide spectrum between propertied and skilled artisans, workers, and traders, on the one hand, and unskilled day-labourers, many of whom were temporary migrants from the countryside, on the other. Long-distance connectivity was not evenly spread and favoured commercial centres along the main communication lines.
Civic Countryside and Rural Life
Authors: Mitchell Stephen
Published: December 2024

Graeco-Roman poleis usually combined an urban centre with agricultural and grazing land, comprising settlements that ranged from single farmsteads to large villages. Villages tended to preserve regional distinctiveness more than polis centres. Survey archaeology, though subject to serious limitations, has been an important tool in establishing the extent of rural settlement. Many villages were located on large estates and occupied by tenants of wealthy landowners. Roman taxation of cities was usually on income from rural landholdings. City magistrates took responsibility for keeping the peace in the countryside. City territories in the interior of Asia Minor and Syria might contain hundreds of villages, a pattern that differed radically from Greece and the Aegean region. Sanctuaries of local deities were a feature of all city territories and pose the question whether rural settlements shared the same cultural outlook as the Graeco-Roman cities or whether they were in important respects a world apart.
The Cities of Boeotia
Authors: Müller Christel
Published: December 2024

This chapter discusses how Boeotia found its place within the empire, despite a literary tradition that views the region as in decline. Several free cities prove to be flourishing, such as Thespiai, the best known in the sources. Works to dam the tributaries of Lake Kopais were carried out in Koroneia by the emperors from Hadrian onwards. Furthermore, the surveys of the Boiotia Project have shown that the decrease in the number of sites between 200 bc and ad 300 was associated with an increase in their size and with villae rusticae. Civic societies were marked by the presence of negotiatores and close links with Roman magistrates, but also by the progression of Roman citizenship within the elites from the Flavians onwards. Finally, the cities were marked by an active participation in the celebration of Rome (Rhōmaia contests) and the emperors, both through the honours and cults paid to them.
Archaeological Sources and Civic Life
Authors: Quatember Ursula
Published: December 2024

This chapter addresses archaeology as a source for the civic life and the urban infrastructure of the Greek poleis in the Roman Empire. In its first part, the chapter introduces different conceptual approaches, such as ‘Romanization’ or ‘globalization’ versus ‘glocalization’, that help us to grasp the idiosyncrasies of these cities within the wider framework of urban culture in the Roman Imperial period. The second part of the chapter discusses different types of material evidence from large-scale urban development and architecture to individual works of art and mass-produced consumer goods. An overview of basic methodologies is illustrated with examples from various Greek cities in different regions. In addition, the most important trends and current questions in the field are highlighted.
The Cities of the Lykos Valley
Authors: Filippini Alister
Published: December 2024

The Lykos Valley (western Turkey), where the river Lykos merges into the Maeander, is the crossroad between the ancient regions of Phrygia, Caria, and Lydia. The main cities of the valley were Hierapolis of Phrygia, Laodikeia on the Lykos, Tripolis (formerly Apollonia) on the Maeander, and Kolossai. Their long history stretches from the Classical period to Late Antiquity (5th century bc–7th centuries ad). Under the Roman Empire (1st–3rd centuries ad), the cities played an important role in textile production, trade, and politics. All this was within the common framework of the koinon of Asia, implying changing dynamics of alliance and rivalry.
The Greek Cities of the Black Sea
Authors: Dana Madalina
Published: December 2024

This chapter discusses the evolution of a peripheral Hellenism during Imperial times, that of the Greek cities of the Black Sea, primarily using epigraphic evidence. The first part is a survey of the coming of Rome and the gradual imposition of various forms of domination and hegemony on the ancient Greek cities from the Euxine Sea. There next follows a description of the civic life during this period, which had a different dynamism. Some elements unique to the Pontus are noted. The final part questions the place of the Black Sea within Hellenic culture and the emergence of a regional identity created by economic, political, and cultural intra-Pontic ties being reinforced under the aegis of the Roman Empire.
Cyrene and the Cities of Cyrenaica
Authors: Chevrollier François
Published: December 2024

After a brief review of the history of the excavations and the geographical distribution of the inscriptions, the chapter addresses the impact of Cyrenaica’s entry into the Roman Empire through two aspects. First, the evolution of the urban setting of Cyrene, including the transfer of the civic centre to the eastern part of the site, is analysed. The changes in the rural landscape, characterized by an increase in settlements according to a stratified hierarchical organization, are then studied. The second part of the chapter is devoted to the originality of Imperial Cyrenaica. The creation of a new civic identity is based, on the one hand, on a revival of the Greek memory of Cyrenaica favoured by the entry into the Panhellenion, and on the other, on the vitality of a ‘Libyan’ culture that was renewed and deeply mixed with Greek and Roman cultures.
Performance of Post-Socialist Innovation Systems
Authors: Radosevic Slavo
Published: December 2024

This chapter explores the performance of innovation systems in post-socialist economies, focusing on the patterns of diversification, catching up, and falling behind. It examines the evolution of these economies from their socialist heritage, emphasizing the importance of endogenous technology capability accumulation and integration into the global economy through trade and technology transfer. Using a variety of indicators, the chapter analyzes the economic growth, productivity, and technological performance across different regions, including Central Europe, the Baltics, Southeastern Europe, and post-Soviet states. The findings highlight the significant divergence in technology capability accumulation, and show Central Europe and the Baltics making more progress than post-Soviet states. These differences are explained as being largely due to structural differences in resources and different degrees and patterns of global integration. The chapter concludes by discussing the challenges of sustainable technology upgrading and the implications of worldwide geopolitics and emerging structural issues such as digital transformation and decarbonization for the future development of these economies.
Hemp Microbiome Composition and Function Under Developing Pest Management Solutions
Authors: Rietman Allison M. , Amani Lucía , Morozumi Connor N. , Gauthier Nicole A. , Christian Natalie
Published: December 2024

Conventional pesticides used in cropping systems prevent damage caused by pathogens and pests but may also have unintended consequences for non-target organisms associated with plants. For example, fungicide application may affect microbes such as fungal endophytes that potentially confer protective benefits to the host, such as pathogen or pest resistance. Here we investigated how fungicide application and pathogen inoculation altered the communities of pathogenic and non-target endophytic leaf microbes in hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). We found that fungicide application and inoculation with fungal pathogens affected hemp-associated microbial communities. Fungicide application altered fungal endophyte community composition, increased heterogeneity of fungal communities, reduced pathogen abundance, and decreased diversity of the endophytic fungal community. Inoculation with pathogenic fungi decreased the abundance of bacterial endophytes relative to control and fungicide-treated plants. We then investigated the potential of a common fungal endophyte isolated from this study, Ophiocordyceps sp., as a biological control agent for Helicoverpa zea, a common insect pest in hemp. Contrary to our expectations, larvae preferred food inoculated with Ophiocordyceps sp., though it did not alter growth or mortality of larvae. Together, our results indicate that hemp-associated endophyte communities are sensitive to abiotic and biotic manipulations, and that fungicide application impacts non-target microorganisms that could confer important functions for crop health. We encourage future studies to analyze the impact of biological control agents on host ecology in an integrated pest management plan and to examine ways to better utilize existing microbial associations to create biological controls.
Liposuction for Superficialization of Deep Hemodialysis Vascular Access: A Novel Application
Authors: Lanoux-Nguyen Arthur S. , Weis Lauren E. , Zalman Currey M. , Reilly Debra A. , Figy Sean C. , Florescu Marius C.
Published: December 2024

Background:

More than 65% of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) use arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) for hemodialysis. The increasing incidence of comorbid ESRD and obesity (body mass index, >35 kg/m2) precludes patients from kidney transplantation, resulting in a need for long-term, durable AVF access. Compared with traditional superficialization techniques for overlying adiposity, liposuction is minimally invasive and well-tolerated, allowing for earlier fistula use with lower complications. We present the detailed surgical technique for superficialization of AVFs using liposuction.

Methods:

Fourteen patients with well-matured but difficult-access fistulas due to adiposity were selected. Preoperative ultrasound mapped depth of fistulas. Tumescent liposuction was completed in a cross-hatched manner. Intraoperative ultrasound confirmed cannula positioning and measured fistula depth. A palpable thrill remained throughout superficialization. Cannulation began 4 weeks postoperatively.

Results:

Mean access depth preoperatively was 10.8 mm (8–15 mm), immediately postoperative was 7 mm (6–9 mm), and at 4 weeks was 5.3 mm (4–8 mm). The average usable access length was 12.7 cm (10–15 cm) after surgery. Thirteen fistulas were successfully accessed after liposuction superficialization. All patients were discharged home the same day. There were no postoperative infections or hemorrhage.

Conclusions:

Early experience with liposuction for superficialization of deep hemodialysis access is promising. This innovative solution has the possibility to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients living with ESRD and obesity. Our experience shows that this is a safe and effective technique to increase patient eligibility, enable successful and early cannulation, and decrease recovery time.
Reconstruction of the Triceps Brachii Using the Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap
Authors: Oda Sachie , Okochi Masayuki , Komuro Yuzo , Soejima Naoto
Published: December 2024

Elbow flexion is essential for the functional use of the hand. The reconstructive procedure may also change depending on the location of the sarcoma. The nonresected muscle may alter the function of the elbow. If the proximal part of the triceps muscle remains intact, it is considered functional. Functional muscle transfer is not required in such cases. A 50-year-old patient presented with a soft-tissue defect after a wide resection of a leiomyosarcoma affecting the left elbow. The wide resection resulted in the resection of the distal third of the triceps brachii, exposing the olecranon. We performed reconstruction using a pedicled latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. The flap was transferred to the elbow through a subcutaneous tunnel. Ten months after surgery, the elbow function improved. In our patient, the thoracodorsal nerve was cut to prevent mixed nerve signals. We found that patients with distal muscle defects do not require functional muscle grafting. Pedicled latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap transfer is a straightforward and useful procedure for reconstructing the upper arm region.
Causes of mortality following PCI: the University of New Mexico hospital experience
Authors: Azhar Yusra , Zabel Kenneth M. , Blankenship James C.
Published: December 2024

Background

Mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains a problem. Clinical databases such as the American College of Cardiology National Cardiovascular Data CathPCI Registry do not contain enough information to determine the specific cause of death after PCI, and thus are not able to identify opportunities for improvement (OFIs) that might have prevented the death of specific patients. We reviewed cases of death after coronary intervention to identify specific OFIs.

Methods

The University of New Mexico electronic medical record system was used to identify PCI patients who died before discharge from 1 January 2019 to 30 June 2021. Electronic medical records for each patient were reviewed by two physicians to identify presentation before PCI, procedural success of PCI, complications of PCI, contribution of PCI complications to death, and causes of death after PCI.

Results

During the study period, 48 of 894 PCI patients died before discharge. Presentation was ST elevation myocardial infarction in 23 (48%) and out of hospital cardiac arrest in 17 (35%). PCI success rate was 90%. Causes of death were most frequently cardiac (80%), septic shock (4%), mixed cardiogenic and septic shock (4%), COVID (8%), and anoxic brain injury (4%).

Conclusion

All post-PCI deaths in this series occurred in acutely unstable patients, with cardiac comorbidities and myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest prior to catheterization. PCI reduced culprit stenosis to ≤50% in 96% of cases with an overall procedural success rate of 90% and only one major complication. No deaths were clearly related to operator error.
Predicting severe multivessel coronary artery disease to guide access strategy in patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography
Authors: Hamilton Garry W. , Chye David , Johns Hannah , Ko Jefferson , Wong Edmond , Churilov Leonid , Raman Jaishankar , Clark David J. , Farouque Omar
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Given radial artery conduits are increasingly utilized for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), avoiding transradial access (TRA) for invasive coronary angiography (ICA) may benefit patients who ultimately undergo CABG. We sought to predict the likelihood of severe multivessel disease (MVD) before ICA to guide this decision.

Methods

This was a single-center study of 1485 patients with stable symptoms who underwent ICA. A model to predict severe MVD was developed. Relative importance analyses were performed to identify clinical characteristics most associated with the presence or absence of severe MVD.

Results

When predicting severe MVD, the model had a sensitivity of 70.3% and specificity of 71.8% (area under the curve = 0.7105). With a prevalence of 12.5% in our cohort, the model had a strong negative predictive value of 94.4%. Relative importance analyses showed factors most associated with the presence of severe MVD were a history of abnormal noninvasive tests, typical chest pain, aspirin use, insulin-dependent diabetes, increasing age, and a family history of coronary artery disease. Conversely, the absence of severe MVD was most associated with female sex, undergoing ICA as workup for either noncardiac or valve surgery, lung disease, atypical chest pain, and increased BMI.

Conclusion

Clinical information available before ICA can risk stratify the likelihood of severe MVD and therefore aid in identifying patients that may need CABG and could stand to benefit from TRA avoidance. The potential benefits of maximizing radial artery conduit availability by avoiding TRA must be balanced against the risks of alternative access on an individual patient basis.
Association between lactate determined at emergency department arrival and the probability of inhospital mortality and intensive care admission in elderly patients
Authors: Alquézar-Arbé Aitor , Pérez-Baena Sergio , Fernández Cesáreo , Aguiló Sira , Burillo Guillermo , Jacob Javier , Llorens Pere , Santianes Patiño Jesús , Queizán García Paula , Rosendo Mesino Diana , Troiano Ungerer Osvaldo Jorge , Vaswani- Bulchand Aarati , Rodríguez-Cabrera Montserrat , Suárez Pineda Mabel Coromoto , Gantes Nieto Patricia , Alemany González Francesc Xavier , Puche Alcaraz Ana , Bóveda García María , Veguillas Benito Mónica , Chamorro Francisco , Suero Méndez Coral , Fragero Blesa Eva , Gil Hernández Rodrigo Javier , Pedraza Ramírez Paula , González del Castillo Juan , Miró Òscar ,   (on behalf of the SIESTA Network)
Published: December 2024

Background and importance

Elderly patients often have atypical clinical presentations. Lactate measurement on arrival at the Emergency Department (ED) could be useful to identify elderly patients with a bad prognosis.

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum lactate determined at ED arrival and the probability of inhospital mortality and intensive care (ICU) admission in elderly patients.

Design

Retrospective multipurpose registry. Secondary analysis of the EDEN cohort (Elderly Department and Elder Needs).

Settings and participants

All patients ≥65 years attending 52 Spanish EDs during 2 week and in whom serum lactate was determined at ED arrival.

Outcome measures and analysis

The relationship between serum lactate values and the risk of inhospital all-cause death and transfer from the ED to the ICU was assessed by unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression assuming linearity and restricted cubic spline models assuming nonlinearity.

Results

The cohort included 25 557 patients. The 3024 patients in whom lactate was measured were analyzed. The median age was 81 years (74–87), 1506 (27.2%) were women, 591 (19.5%) had serious comorbidities, 475 (15.7%) severe dependency, and 648 (21.4%) dementia. Death occurred during hospitalization in 217 patients (7.2%) and 53 patients (1.75%) were admitted to the ICU. Serum lactate values were nonlinear related to inhospital mortality and ICU admission. Serum lactate >3.1 mmol/L [odds ratio (OR): 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–2.50] for inhospital mortality and 3.2 mmol/L (OR: 2.83, 95% CI: 1.03–6.79) for ICU admission were associated with significantly increased ORs in the adjusted models.

Conclusion

Serum lactate measured at ED arrival has a significant and exponential relationship with inhospital mortality and ICU admission in elderly patients.
Association and Variation Between the COVID-19 Pandemic and Health Care Quality in the Medicare Shared Savings Program: Insights From a Seven-Year Natural Experiment
Authors: Hu Xiyuan , Ouayogodé Mariétou H.
Published: December 2024

Potential changes in health care quality resulting from variation in pandemic severity since 2020 have received less attention. This study aims to assess the relationship between the pandemic and health care quality in Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) accountable care organizations and identify possible heterogeneity in the relationship. The year-by-year difference-in-difference event study of MSSPs between 2016 and 2022 (N = 3390) indicated that 1 standard deviation increase in standardized cumulative COVID-19 incidence in 2020 was associated with a decrease in total quality score of 0.83 percentage points (95% CI: −0.21 to 1.44) after controlling for confounders. The reduction in quality score was mostly driven by ACOs with the highest COVID-19 incidence and in the Midwest. We found no evidence for a persisting decline in quality scores in 2021 to 2022. Public health efforts may need to carefully monitor quality performance and mitigate negative effects during future health crises. Continued investment in strengthening health care resilience remains crucial.
Taylor–Couette system in the narrow-gap limit, revisited, with a corrigendum to the paper by Nagata (2023, Philosophical Transaction A.)
Authors: Nagata Masato
Published: December 2024

We study transition from circular Couette flow to Taylor–Couette flow in the narrow-gap limit. We find that subcritical bifurcations of a nonlinear axisymmetric flow occur at the linear critical point when the angular velocity ratio for the cylinders,

μ

, is less than approximately −0.5. We also demonstrate that two nonlinear axisymmetric flow branches with the same wavenumber as that for the critical mode exist for

μ
=
0

. Introducing the modified Taylor number

τ

, analyses for any

μ
<
1

are made possible, so that this study supplements the recent analysis of Nagata M. 2023 Taylor-couette flow in the narrow-gap limit.
Philos. Trans. R. Soc. A
381, 20220134. (doi:
10.1098/rsta.2022.0134
), in which the case

μ
=
−
1

was excluded, because the critical value of the conventional Taylor number

T
a

used therein approaches zero as

μ
→
−
1

. The present analysis takes into account all the contributions from the inertia term, including a component which was neglected in [1]. The effect of the inclusion of this previously neglected component is surveyed at the end.
16S rRNA gene sequencing reveals bacterial diversity in Khewra Salt Mine walls
Authors: Noor Syeda Wardah , Arshad Sara , Abdullah Syed Muhammad , Kayani Bushra Khudadad , Fazal Sahar
Published: December 2024

Graphical abstract
Multi-omics Analysis Reveals Prognostic Biomarker Candidates for Calcific Uremic Arteriolopathy Patients Treated with Stem Cells
Authors: Ye Xiaoxue , Lu Shijiu , Qin Lianju , Sun Yaoting , Zhang Jing , Zeng Ming , Wu Jingjing , Hu Jiaying , Chen Feng , Liu Kang , Yuan Yanggang , Ouyang Chun , Cui Hongqing , Li Lu , Zhang Ling , Yu Yongwu , Ge Weigang , Ren Haibin , Zhang Li , Zhu Jingfeng , Yu Youjia , Li Cui , Su Zhonglan , Luo Dan , Tang Shaowen , Tang Xinfang , Liao Meihua , Fang Guicun , Bian Anning , Li Fan , Mao Xiying , Cui Yugui , Jiang Chunyan , Ma Xiang , Ning Song , Gao Zhanhui , Zhao Baiqiao , Wu Daoxu , Liu Cuiping , Wang Xiuqin , Liang Ningxia , Xing Changying , Liu Jiayin , Guo Tiannan , Zhu Yi , Wang Ningning
Published: December 2024

Calciphylaxis, also known as calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA), is an orphan disease without proven therapies, we rescued it with human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs). In a discovery cohort of 10 uremic patients and 3 CUA patients, plasma proteomic analysis showed core differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) Thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) and Latent transforming growth factor (TGF)-β binding protein 1 (LTBP1) decreased significantly after 3 days of hAMSC treatment. Single-cell transcriptome sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) indicated megakaryocytes were the source of THBS1 in CUA patient. Same as the discovery cohort, plasma THBS1 and TGF-β1 levels were increased in seven CUA patients compared to the uremic group (n=20), as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the validation cohort. They can be inhibited after hAMSC treatment and increased as the frequency of therapy decreased. THBS1 and its receptor, CD47, were increased in the CUA skin. THBS1 and TGF-β1 are biomarker candidates for calciphylaxis.
Non-ionotropic signaling through the NMDA receptor GluN2B carboxy terminal domain drives morphological plasticity of dendritic spines and reverses fragile X phenotypes in mouse hippocampus
Authors: Barnes Stephanie A. , Thomazeau Aurore , Finnie Peter S.B. , Heinrich Maxwell J , Heynen Arnold J. , Komiyama Noburu H. , Grant Seth G.N. , Menniti Frank S. , Osterweil Emily K. , Bear Mark F.
Published: December 2024

It is well known that activation of NMDA receptors can trigger long-term synaptic depression (LTD) and that a morphological correlate of this functional plasticity is spine retraction and elimination. Recent studies have led to the surprising conclusion that NMDA-induced spine shrinkage proceeds independently of ion flux and requires the initiation ofde novoprotein synthesis, highlighting an unappreciated contribution of mRNA translation to non-ionotropic NMDAR signaling. Here we used NMDA-induced spine shrinkage in slices of mouse hippocampus as a readout to investigate this novel modality of synaptic transmission. By using selective pharmacological and genetic tools, we find that structural plasticity is dependent on the ligand binding domain (LBD) of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors and that metabotropic signaling occurs via the GluN2B carboxyterminal domain (CTD). Disruption of signaling by replacing the GluN2B CTD with the GluN2A CTD leads to increased spine density, dysregulated basal protein synthesis, and epileptiform activity in area CA3 reminiscent of phenotypes observed in theFmr1−/ymodel of fragile X syndrome. By crossing theFmr1−/ymice with animals in which the GluN2A CTD has been replaced with the GluN2B CTD, we observe a correction of these core fragile X phenotypes. These findings suggest that non-ionotropic NMDAR signaling through GluN2B may represent a novel therapeutic target for treatment of fragile X and related causes of intellectual disability and autism.