bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphometric differentiation of Landouria smimensis along altitudinal gradient
Authors: Nurhayati P A , Nurinsiyah A S , Atmowidi T , Priawandiputra W
Published: December 2023

Landouria smimensisis an endemic land snail found in the Mount Semeru area. This species can be found in different altitudes of Mount Semeru. The study aimed to analyze the morphometric ofL. smimensisshells along the altitudinal gradient of Mount Semeru. Samples were taken from four altitudinal gradients of Mount Semeru from October 2021 to June 2022. In total, 114 individuals ofL. smimensiswere measured based on shell morphology characters. The characters were the height and diameter of the shell, the height and diameter of the aperture, the diameter of the first three whorl, and the number of whorls. Shell morphometric was measured using ImageJ and analyzed using PAST. Most shell morphology characters showed the differentiation among the altitudinal gradient (p<0.05), except between 1601-2000 m asl and 2001-2400 m asl (p>0.05). The shell morphology characters from the population below 1200 m asl are significantly the biggest than population from others altitudes. Most shell morphology characters negatively correlated with the altitude. It is known that the shell morphometric characters of the shells can be a differentiates among populations ofL. smimensisat each altitude.
The estimated carbon stored in Underutilized Fruit Trees (UFTs) collection of Cibodas and Cibinong Botanic Gardens
Authors: Yulizah  , Rahajoe J S , Jakalalana S , Oksari A A , Yuliani N
Published: December 2023

Trees are the largest carbon stores in tropical forests, where each species has different biomass and carbon sequestration. Information on biodiversity potential is essential for the conservation of endangered species, especially underutilized species, such as Underutilized Fruit Trees (UFTs). These UFTs were collected from various regions in Indonesia, representing trees that generally grow in lowland to mountain forest ecosystems, then these trees were replanted in Cibodas Botanic Gardens and Cibinong Botanic Gardens as living collection. This research aims to determine the role of UFT in ecosystem function as carbon storage. Sampling carried out using a purposive sampling method to determine the UFT species. The allometric equations is used to determine biomass, while to determine carbon content the UFT species analysis using C/N analyzer. The research result show that the highest potential for carbon storage and absorption is found in Castanopsis argentea, while Eugenia uniflora wood has the highest carbon content, namely 45.86%. Syzygium pycnanthum wood has the lowest carbon content (35.76%). Considering the highest potential of UFT as a carbon stock, information about other species of UFTs is important for determining carbon in modelling carbon trading, since this species is widely cultivated on agroforestry land.
DNA barcoding application for potential medicinal plants on Ziziphus species from Aketajawe-Lolobata National Park, North Moluccas
Authors: Arifiani D , Sulistyaningsih L D , Martiansyah I , Tamnge F , Sahroni D
Published: December 2023

Aketajawe-Lolobata National Park is a protected national park located in the province of North Moluccas, Indonesia. The national park has been known to be rich in biodiversity with the existence of many potential medicinal plants such as Ziziphus. DNA barcoding can be a useful tool for identifying and characterizing these plants for potential medical applications. Research and exploration have been conducted in Aketajawe-Lolobata National Park in November and December 2022. This study aimed to analyze how the DNA barcoding regions aid identification for potential medicinal plants. The genomic DNA were amplified by matK primers, and the sequences showed high similarity rate with their homologs, then the phylogenetic tree was constructed using the Neighbor-Joining method to assess their cross-species relationship. The phylogenetic study showed that the species that have been identified based on morphological characters, i.e., Ziziphus angustifolia and Z. mauritiana were clustered with Z. angustifolia and Z. mauritiana retrieved from GenBank. However, the unidentified species are closely related with Z. calophylla obtained from GenBank but with low bootstrap support. All the results indicate that DNA barcoding approach could be successfully used for reliable identification of medicinal plants and matK gene is a good candidate for this approach.
Diurnal activity budget and aggressive behaviour during feeding in captive Javan deer (Cervus timorensis)
Authors: Narami C R F C R , Limin N A , Hatta S N N F , Hatta S K M , Yusof N N M
Published: December 2023

Javan deer (Cervus timorensis) is an Indonesia’s native species which has been introduced to Malaysia and kept in captivity for various purposes such as deer farming, education and tourist attraction. Despite being farmed in Malaysia since early 1990s, very limited studies have been conducted to investigate the behaviour of captive Javan deer which is important as monitoring tool for their overall well-being. Therefore, in this study the diurnal activity of captive Javan deer and their aggressive behaviour during feeding were investigated. The activity budget was determine using instantaneous scan sampling while continuous observation was used to observe aggressive behaviour during feeding. From the results, adult deer showed significantly higher proportion in displaying alert and feeding behaviour compared to the juvenile. They also displayed significantly higher alert and feeding behaviour in the morning compared to the afternoon session. Juvenile on the other hand were observed to be more inactive compared to adult. During concentrate feeding, adult displayed significantly higher aggressive behaviour compared to the juvenile. As the study on activity budget can give insight on behavioural alteration due to environmental changes, further behavioural studies on Javan deer in different captivity should be conducted to enhance their welfare and general well-being.
Native arbuscular mycorrhiza colonization in seedling root of dogfruit (Archidendron pauciflorum) planted as seed-ball in field
Authors: Yuniar R , Sukarno N , Tanio R , Anwar S , Nugraha T S , Fadillah W N
Published: December 2023

Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) is a mutualistic symbiosis between soil fungi and plants, including dogfruit (Archidendron pauciflorum). Archidendron pauciflorum is a local plant from Southeast Asia, including Indonesia that is used for food and animal forest feed. Planting A. pauciflorum seedlings on revegetation land with a sharp slope is difficult and dangerous to workers. Therefore, seed-ball planting technique is required for revegetation of post-mining sharp slope areas. This research aimed to study the ability of the native AM fungi to colonize A. pauciflorum seedlings grown as a seed-ball in the field for revegetation purposes. The seed-ball was made using three types of fungal inoculum sources, namely control without AM fungi, natural forest, and stockpile inoculum. All colonization structures, such as entry points, coils, arbuscules, and vesicles, were observed. All seedlings were colonized by AM fungi, with root colonization ranging from 2% to 16%. Stockpile inoculum had a higher AM colonization than the natural forest inoculum. Both sources of native AM fungi tended to improve the growth of the seedling. There were two types of AM spores found in all treatments, Glomus sp. 1 and Glomus sp. 2. Glomus sp. 2 is the dominant species of AM fungi in all treatments.
Vegetation dynamics of permanent plot in dipterocarp forest Bukit Bangkirai, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Rosleine D , Dandi R , Susanti R , Pratama B A , Suzuki E
Published: December 2023

Vegetation dynamics in dipterocarp forest permanent plots after fire (1997-1998) is important to monitor due to the successional process. Monitoring was conducted from 2001 to 2013 to record tree individuals with a more than 4.8 cm diameter. The highest species diversity was found in 2013 (249 species), then decreased in 2022 (237 species). Dominant species during monitoring change from Macaranga gigantea (Euphorbiaceae) and Madhuca kingiana (Sapotaceae) (2001-2002) to M. gigantea (Euphorbiaceae) and Vernonia arborea (2005-2013) and then M. gigantea (Euphorbiaceae) and M. kingiana (Sapotaceae) (2022). Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’) in 2022 indicates that species diversity in this permanent plot is high (4.85). The class diameter of trees in the permanent plot is dominated by small individuals (DBH <10 cm). The highest diameter increments are M. gigantea (0.42 cm year-1) and V. arborea (0.41 cm year-1) in the 5-10 cm diameter class. The highest tree recruitment found in 2005 (41.62%). Mortality rate from 2013-2022 was 3.16%, with high contribution from M. gigantea (141 individuals). Carbon storage value from 2001 to 2022 increased from 38.91 tons ha-1 (2001) to 114.29 tons ha-1 (2022). Successional process in this permanent plot needs to be monitored to assess forest health.
First identification of potential bioactive compounds from ethanol extracts of Lepista sordida from Indonesia
Authors: Nurhayat O D , Putra I P , Sibero M T , hermawan R , Karimah S N , Anita S H , Yanto D H Y , Kristanto M A
Published: December 2023

Mushrooms species are well known to have a high potential for bioactive compounds for decades. In the era of modern technologies, it is possible to uncover and explore the hidden ethnopharmacological values, comprising complex bioactive compounds of substantial health benefits. Lepista sordida is an edible and medicinal mushroom, and its distributed from Europe to Southeast Asia. However, there was no prior study on the bioactive compounds of L. sordida from Indonesia. In this present study, ethanol extracts of L. sordida were obtained and their extract properties were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 13 different chemical compounds were found in L. sordida ethanol extracts through GC-MS analysis. 4-O-Methylmannose, n-Hexadecanoic acid, and cis-13-Octadecenoic acid were noted as the major compounds with area percentages of 10.09%, 8.19%, and 6.49%, respectively. The result of PASS Server analysis suggested that the ethanolic extract of L. sordida has the pharmaceutical effect to treat phobic disorder and skin damage, preventing blood clotting, anti-inflammatory, and treating several infections which cause by bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Therefore, it is strongly suggested to conduct further bioassay to confirm the pharmaceutical properties of this mushroom.
Fiber drink from Eucheuma cottonii and red dragon popping boba with honey pineapple extract
Authors: Amini R , Ekayanti I , Palupi E
Published: December 2023

The large production of Eucheuma cottonii, red dragon fruit, and honey pineapple in Indonesia offers economic and health potential, as it contains beneficial nutritional components such as fiber and bioactive compounds. This study aimed to formulate a dietary fiber drink with acceptable organoleptic properties and analyze the nutrient content, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and nutritional claims of the formulation of popping boba with honey pineapple extract. This study was conducted in a completely randomized design with a single factor, seaweed (RL) and red dragon (NM) formulation. The treatment in this study was the RL: NM formula in percent was 100:0 (F1), 80:20 (F2), 75:25 (F3), 70:30 (F4). The results showed that the F3 formula had a total of 5.76% dietary fiber with acceptable organoleptic properties based on the ranking test (1.8) and hedonic test (6.83 out of 9), strong antioxidant activity (88.97 ppm), and compliance with nutritional claims. The F3 formula showed compliance with dietary fiber source claims, acceptable organoleptic properties, and strong antioxidant activity, so it has the potential to be developed as a modern popping boba rich in fiber and antioxidants that is sustainable, functional, and profitable in economic value.
Growth capacity of hybridoma clones producing monoclonal antibody against SARS-CoV-2 in low-serum media
Authors: Sulfîanti A , Sopandi V T , Ningsih F N
Published: December 2023

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are biorecognition molecules in the COVID-19 detection. Previously, we used the hybridoma technique to generate anti-Spike SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies. The resulting mAbs captured the commercial Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 on an indirect ELISA platform, and afterward, the hybridomas were adapted to live in low-serum media. However, a validated hybridoma cell and a specific mAb should be established due to its critical role in large-scale production. Hence, this study aimed to observe the hybridoma cell’s growth capacity and its mAbs production in low-serum media. Two hybridoma clones, SF2 and RF10, were grown in RPMI media supplemented with 3% FBS for 11 days. Their viable cell density, growth rate, and doubling time were measured and calculated. According to the data, the SF2 clone grew slower than the RF10 clone. However, SF2 had shown greater cell density on the logarithmic phase. This finding is linear to the ELISA result, showing that SF2 produces higher absorbance levels. These findings demonstrated that the SF2 clone had the potential to survive under low-serum circumstances and still produce mAbs. This clone might be used to produce mAbs against Spike protein SARS-CoV-2 at a low cost.
Expression of recombinant human insulin precursor by Pichia pastoris in a 10 liter bioreactor
Authors: Puspitasari D J , Mahsunah A H , Nurdiani D , Astuti R I , Meryandini A
Published: December 2023

Recombinant insulin is a vital medicine for diabetic patients. This hormone is produced by microbes such as Pichia pastoris that carry the recombinant gene of a human insulin precursor (HIP). Large-scale protein production involves a bioreactor to promote the optimal condition for the yeast to express the protein target. In order to obtain a large amount of insulin, the cultivation of recombinant P.pastoris/pD902-IP carrying human insulin precursor gene in a bioreactor 10 Liter was developed. The isolate was cultivated in a half concentration of basal salt media for 124.5 hours. Induction of the protein was done by continual methanol feeding. The fermentation condition was set to have a temperature at 28°C, agitation at 300 rpm, aeration at 2 L/min and a pH value of around 5. Dry cell weight (DCW) was measured, and HPLC quantified the content of HIP, glycerol and methanol. This work’s DCW and HIP concentrations were 46.5 g/L and 928 mg/L, respectively. The results can be higher by increasing the number of cells in the culture or extending the cultivation time so that the HIP concentration may exceed 1 g/L.
Preparation, characterization, and in-vitro evaluation of liposome-coated chitosan nanoparticle as immune adjuvant candidate in RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Tarwadi  , Adliani A D , Setyawati D R , Ningsih F N , Kurniawan D W
Published: December 2023

Chitosan has been explored for various biological applications due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility. In this research, we prepared, characterized, and evaluated liposome-coated chitosan nanoparticles for immune adjuvant against bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a vaccine model. The liposome was formulated using DPPC, cholesterol, and DSPE-PEG with a molar ratio of 9.5:9.5:1. The BSA-chitosan nanoparticle was generated using the ionic gelation method prepared at pH 2.8, 5.5, and 8.7 before it was encapsulated with the liposome. The adjuvant was evaluated for its degree of encapsulation efficiency by Bradford reagent, and the particle size was determined using Zetasizer. Cell viability and nitric oxide release assays were carried out in RAW 264.7 cells. It was found that encapsulation efficiency was in the range of 72% to 85%, and the smallest particle size of the adjuvant-BSA was approximately ∼ 200 nm with a polydispersity index of ∼ 0.04. MTT assays have shown that cell viability was around 80%-90% compared to the control and capable of inducing nitric oxide release (p<0.05). Further exploration should be carried out in order to further discover cytokine release, humoral, and cellular immune responses.
Cognitive analysis based on EEG measurements on children with stunting-indicated in East Nusa Tenggara
Authors: Syahidah S , Fitri L L , Kusumawardani S R
Published: December 2023

Children with stunting have been associated with delayed brain development and poor cognitive performance by a lack of attentional control. The aim of the present study was to determine characteristics of stunting children based on theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz) and beta (12-30 Hz) oscillation at anterofrontal (AF) and temporoparietal (TP). This research involved two groups: Stunting Group (SG, N=14) and Control Group (C; N=8) from East Nusa Tenggara. EEG was recorded during an eyes-open condition at baseline and puzzle task. Our result revealed alteration of theta oscillation in SG AF8 and TP10 during puzzle task, supporting role of theta oscillation in higher working memory loads although it was not accompanied by proper TP connectivity. Higher alpha and beta AF7 activity in SG compared to control group implying decreasing attentional processing and higher arousal. According to Laterality Index (LI), we revealed alteration in temporoparietal SG during puzzle task. These findings provide new insights about theta, alpha, and beta oscillation in stunting children may reflect that declining attentional functioning during the puzzle task leads to poor cognitive performance.
Analysis of silicon-induced genes related to defense system in banana
Authors: Pambudi A , Maryanto B A , Effendi Y , Sudirman L I , Miftahudin M
Published: December 2023

Management of diseases in bananas, such as wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum, has not been effective in controlling the disease. Silicon (Si) can be used as an alternative practice to mitigate the disease. In several plants, Si increases resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The research aims to analyze the expression of several genes related to the defense system in banana cv. Raja sereh (AAB) plantlets induced by Si. The in-vitro banana plantlets were supplemented with three different Si concentrations (0, 1.6, and 2.4 mM) for eight weeks. Total RNA was isolated from whole plantlets using the organic extraction method. Expression analysis of AOS, ATP6V1A, PAL, PIP, PPO, PR1, WRKY33, and WRKY71 was done using the qRT-PCR with the Actin gene used as an internal control. The proline content of plantlets was also analyzed. The results showed that the banana plantlets significantly increased the proline content with the Si concentration. The WRKY33, WRKY71, AOS, and ATPV1 genes were upregulated with 1.6 mM Si treatment, then decreased at 2.4 mM Si. Meanwhile, the PAL, PIP, PPO, and PR1 genes were not upregulated with Si treatment and showed lower expression levels. Si could induce the defense system in bananas.
Design of Ir/Pt dual electrocatalysts loaded on exfoliated acetylene black for Li air battery application
Authors: Zhou Lihang , Higashimine Koichi , Badam Rajashekar , Matsumi Noriyoshi
Published: December 2023

This study introduces a novel type of electrocatalysts, where Pt and Ir nanoparticles were incorporated onto exfoliated acetylene black (FAB) substrate. These electrocatalysts were engineered to exhibit dual activity, simultaneously facilitating both oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction. The successful creation of these dual-function electrocatalysts, namely FAB180-Pt/Ir and FAB60-Pt/Ir, was confirmed through characterization techniques including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). Ultimately, this bimetallic Pt-Ir catalyst, supported on exfoliated acetylene black (FAB), hold potential for application in Li-air batteries.
The effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on hospitalised adults: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Alqurashi Helal B , Robinson Katie , O’Connor Dominic , Piasecki Mathew , Gordon Adam L , Masud Tahir , Gladman John R F
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a treatment to prevent or reverse acquired disability in hospitalised adults. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of its effectiveness.

Method

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health (CINAHL) and the Cochrane library. Inclusion criteria: randomised controlled trials of hospitalised adult patients comparing NMES to control or usual care. The primary outcome was muscle strength. Secondary outcomes were muscle size, function, hospital length of stay, molecular and cellular biomarkers, and adverse effects. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. We used Review Manager (RevMan) software for data extraction, critical appraisal and synthesis. We assessed certainty using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool.

Results

A total of 42 papers were included involving 1,452 participants. Most studies had unclear or high risk of bias. NMES had a small effect on muscle strength (moderate certainty) (standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0.33; P < 0.00001), a moderate effect on muscle size (moderate certainty) (SMD = 0.66; P < 0.005), a small effect on walking performance (moderate certainty) (SMD = 0.48; P < 0.0001) and a small effect on functional mobility (low certainty) (SMD = 0.31; P < 0.05). There was a small and non-significant effect on health-related quality of life (very low certainty) (SMD = 0.35; P > 0.05). In total, 9% of participants reported undesirable experiences. The effects of NMES on length of hospital stay, and molecular and cellular biomarkers were unclear.

Conclusions

NMES is a promising intervention component that might help to reduce or prevent hospital-acquired disability.
Developing a list of core competencies for medical aspects of healthcare delivery in care homes: scoping review and Delphi process
Authors: McCarthy Lauren , Borley Kayla , Ancelin Thomas , Carroll Rachael , Chadborn Neil , Blundell Adrian G , Gordon Adam L
Published: December 2023

Background

Care home residents live with frailty and multiple long-term conditions. Their medical management is complex and specialised. We set out to develop a list of core competencies for doctors providing medical care in long-term care homes.

Methods

A scoping review searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CAB Abstracts, supplemented by grey literature from the Portal of Online Geriatrics Education and the International Association of Geriatrics and Gerontology, looking for core competencies for doctors working in care homes. These were mapped to the UK nationally mandated Generic Professional Competencies Framework. A Delphi exercise was conducted over three rounds using a panel of experts in care homes and medicine of older people. Competencies achieving 80% agreement for inclusion/exclusion were rejected/accepted, respectively.

Results

The scoping review identified 22 articles for inclusion, yielding 124 competencies over 21 domains. The Delphi panel comprised 23 experts, including 6 geriatricians, 4 nurses, 3 general practitioners, 2 advanced clinical practitioners, 2 care home managers, and one each of a patient and public representative, palliative care specialist, psychiatrist, academic, physiotherapist and care home audit lead. At the end of three rounds, 109 competencies over 19 domains were agreed. Agreement was strongest for generic competencies around frailty and weaker for sub-specialist knowledge about specific conditions and competencies related to care home medical leadership and management.

Conclusion

The resulting competencies provide the basis of a curriculum for doctors working in long-term care homes for older people. They are specialty agnostic and could be used to train general practitioners or medical specialty doctors.
SARS-CoV-2 induced vascular endothelial dysfunction: direct or indirect effects?
Authors: Lui Kathy O , Ma Zhangjing , Dimmeler Stefanie
Published: December 2023

Clinical evidence reveals that manifestations of endothelial dysfunction are widely observed in COVID-19 and long-COVID patients. However, whether these detrimental effects are caused by direct infection of the endothelium or are indirectly mediated by systemic inflammation has been a matter of debate. It has been well acknowledged that endothelial cells (ECs) of the cardiovascular system ubiquitously express the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), yet accumulating evidence suggests that it is more predominantly expressed by pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells of the mammalian blood vessel. Besides, replicative infection of ECs by SARS-CoV-2 has yet to be demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we review latest research on endothelial ACE2 expression in different vascular beds, and the heterogeneity in various EC subsets with differential ACE2 expression in response to SARS-CoV-2. We also discuss ACE2-independent alternative mechanisms underlying endothelial activation in COVID-19, and the clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2-induced endothelial dysfunction. Altogether, understanding ACE2-dependent and ACE2-independent mechanisms driving SARS-CoV-2-induced vascular dysfunction would shed light on strategies of more effective therapies targeting cardiovascular complications associated with COVID-19.
Mitochondrial lipid dynamics regulated by MITOL-mediated ubiquitination
Authors: Yamano Koji , Kinefuchi Hiroki , Kojima Waka
Published: December 2023

Mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contact sites in mammals provide platforms for various reactions, such as calcium signaling, lipid metabolism, organelle dynamics and autophagy. To fulfill these tasks, a number of proteins assemble at the contact sites including MITOL/MARCHF5, a critical mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase. How MITOL regulates mitochondrial function from the contact site, however, has been largely unresolved. Recently, a new role for MITOL in the active transport of phosphatidic acid from the ER to mitochondria was reported. In this commentary, we briefly summarize our current understanding of mitochondria–ER contact sites and discuss the recently elucidated mechanism of MITOL fine-tuning phospholipid transfer activity through ubiquitination.
Tophaceous gouty arthritis with spondylolysis: a case report
Authors: Ye Yongsheng , Deng Fangyue , Luo Jiahui , Huang Xiongfei , Qu Xiliang , Zhuang Shabin
Published: December 2023

Spinal gout is a rare occurrence, and the combination of gout with lumbar spondylolysis has not been reported. We present a unique case involving a 29-year-old male who complained of low back pain for 1 month. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed articular subchondral erosions and a mass in the left L5-S1 facet joints. Initially treated for a spinal infection, the patient subsequently underwent lumbar spinal canal decompression and fusion, achieving complete relief. Postoperative pathology confirmed the spinal lesions to be tophaceous gout. Dual-energy CT or biopsy can assist in confirming the diagnosis. This report discusses another rare case of tophaceous gouty arthritis with spondylolysis to be added to the literature.
A case study of pyloric stenosis caused by metastatic lobular carcinoma of breast
Authors: Yoshida Taizo , Shimada Akihiko , Matsumoto Koichi , Inukai Michiko , Hashimoto Ryo , Matsuda Mutsuhito , Nishi Tomohiko , Seki Hiroaki , Sakata Michio , Matsumoto Hidetoshi
Published: December 2023

Metastasis to the gastrointestinal tract is rare. A 59-year-old woman who had a history of an invasive lobular carcinoma of breast with clinical complete response visited our hospital and complained of an upper abdominal pain and distension. We performed an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy which showed only a gastric ulcer without any malignant findings. She experienced a recurrence of symptoms 2 months after this visit. An endoscopy revealed pyloric stenosis, which did not improve with balloon dilatation. We performed a gastro-jejunal and cecal-transverse colonic bypass surgery. Diffuse wall thickening of the antrum was verified during the surgery, and a biopsy sample was collected. The diagnosis of gastric metastasis from breast was confirmed since it showed the same immunohistochemistry pattern as the prior breast lesion. Pyloric stenosis has still been confirmed with an endoscopy, she has been alive with satisfactory oral food intake for >10 years.
Mechanochemical consequences of myopathy‐linked mutations in Tpm2.2 on striated muscle contractility
Authors: Küçükdogru Recep , Franz Peter , Worch Remigiusz , Robaszkiewicz Katarzyna , Siatkowska Małgorzata , Tsiavaliaris Georgios , Moraczewska Joanna
Published: December 2023

Tropomyosin (Tpm) is an actin‐binding protein central to muscle contraction regulation. The Tpm sequence consists of periodic repeats corresponding to seven actin‐binding sites, further divided in two functionally distinct halves. To clarify the importance of the first and second halves of the actin‐binding periods in regulating the interaction of myosin with actin, we introduced hypercontractile mutations D20H, E181K located in the N‐terminal halves of periods 1 and 5 and hypocontractile mutations E41K, N202K located in the C‐terminal halves of periods 1 and 5 of the skeletal muscle Tpm isoform Tpm2.2. Wild‐type and mutant Tpms displayed similar actin‐binding properties, however, as revealed by FRET experiments, the hypercontractile mutations affected the binding geometry and orientation of Tpm2.2 on actin, causing a stimulation of myosin motor performance. Contrary, the hypocontractile mutations led to an inhibition of both, actin activation of the myosin ATPase and motor activity, that was more pronounced than with wild‐type Tpm2.2. Single ATP turnover kinetic experiments indicate that the introduced mutations have opposite effects on product release kinetics. While the hypercontractile Tpm2.2 mutants accelerated product release, the hypocontractile mutants decelerated product release from myosin, thus having either an activating or inhibitory influence on myosin motor performance, which agrees with the muscle disease phenotypes caused by these mutations.
Modified Thermodilution for Simultaneous Cardiac Output and Recirculation Assessment in Veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Prospective Diagnostic Accuracy Study
Authors: Berger David , Stanger Elia J. , Jenni Hansjörg , Fried Philipp D. , Bachmann Kaspar F.
Published: December 2023

Background

Thermodilution is unreliable in veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). Systemic oxygenation depends on recirculation fractions and ratios of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) flow to cardiac output. In a prospective in vitro simulation, this study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of a modified thermodilution technique for recirculation and cardiac output. The hypothesis was that this method provided clinically acceptable precision and accuracy for cardiac output and recirculation.

Methods

Two ECMO circuits ran in parallel: one representing a VV-ECMO and the second representing native heart, lung, and circulation. Both circuits shared the right atrium. Extra limbs for recirculation and pulmonary shunt were added. This study simulated ECMO flows from 1 to 2.5 l/min and cardiac outputs from 2.5 to 3.5 l/min with recirculation fractions (0 to 80%) and pulmonary shunts. Thermistors in both ECMO limbs and the pulmonary artery measured the temperature changes induced by cold bolus injections into the arterial ECMO limb. Recirculation fractions were calculated from the ratio of the areas under the temperature curve (AUCs) in the ECMO limbs and from partitioning of the bolus volume (flow based). With known partitioning of bolus volumes between ECMO and pulmonary artery, cardiac output was calculated. High-precision ultrasonic flow probes served as reference for Bland–Altman plots and linear mixed-effect models.

Results

Accuracy and precision for both the recirculation fraction based on AUC (bias, −5.4%; limits of agreement, −18.6 to 7.9%) and flow based (bias, −5.9%; limits of agreement, −18.8 to 7.0%) are clinically acceptable. Calculated cardiac output for all recirculation fractions was accurate but imprecise (RecirculationAUC: bias 0.56 l/min; limits of agreement, −2.27 to 3.4 l/min; and RecirculationFLOW: bias 0.48 l/min; limits of agreement, −2.22 to 3.19 l/min). Recirculation fraction increased bias and decreased precision.

Conclusions

Adapted thermodilution for VV-ECMO allows simultaneous measurement of recirculation fraction and cardiac output and may help optimize patient management with severe respiratory failure.

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Characterization of a Cohort of Persons Who Use Methamphetamines in London, Ontario, and In-hospital Substance Use
Authors: Kim Harry H. , Silverman Michael , Anderson Kelly K. , Lodhi Rohit Jaibhagwan , Sarma Sisira , Dickey Chandlee , Forchuk Cheryl
Published: December 2023

Our objective was to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of a cohort of people who use methamphetamine with a history of hospitalizations in London, Ontario, including their substance use patterns, health and social service use patterns, and self-perceived quality of life. Participants were recruited from community and hospital settings in Southwest Ontario, and survey data were collected between October 2020 and May 2021. A total of 109 individuals were recruited in the study, of whom 32.1% reported a hospitalization directly related to methamphetamine use and 55.0% reported using substances during a hospitalization. The survey participants had high rates of health and social service use, as well as emergency department visits. Scores for quality of life and community integration were lower for the study participants compared with general population scores. We found that in-hospital substance use was higher than reported previously, highlighting the need to address this issue to support people who use methamphetamine in the hospital setting.

Notre objectif était de décrire les caractéristiques sociodémographiques d’une cohorte de personnes consommant de la méthamphétamine et ayant des antécédents d’hospitalisation à London, en Ontario, incluant leurs habitudes de consommation de substances, leurs habitudes d’utilisation des services sociaux et de santé et leur perception de leur qualité de vie. Les participants ont été recrutés dans les milieux communautaires et hospitaliers du sud-ouest de l’Ontario, et les données de l’enquête ont été recueillies entre octobre 2020 et mai 2021. Au total, 109 personnes ont été recrutées dans l'étude. 32,1% ont déclaré une hospitalisation directement liée à la consommation de méthamphétamine, et 55,0% ont déclaré avoir consommé des substances pendant une hospitalisation. Les participants à l’enquête présentaient des taux élevés d’utilisation des services sociaux et de santé, ainsi que de visites aux urgences. Les scores de qualité de vie et d’intégration dans la communauté étaient inférieurs pour les participants à l'étude par rapport aux scores de la population générale. Nous avons constaté que la consommation de substances à l’hôpital était plus élevée que ce qui avait été rapporté précédemment, ce qui souligne la nécessité d’aborder cette question pour soutenir les personnes qui consomment de la méthamphétamine en milieu hospitalier.
Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided-Tissue Acquisition in Pancreatic Melanoma. Report of Two Cases and Literature Review.
Authors: Ortega-Caballero André Y. , Paz-Rojas Alexis , Calderón-Vieyra Antonio , Serrano-Arevalo Mónica L. , Alonso-Lárraga Juan O. , de la Mora-Levy José G. , Hernández-Guerrero Angélica I. , Jiménez-Gutiérrez José M.
Published: December 2023

We present two cases of primary melanomas that during their surveillance developed metastasis to the pancreas. After an initial approach, tissue samples of the pancreatic lesions were obtained by endoscopic ultrasound guided-fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB). The histopathological report was compatible, in both cases, with a metastatic melanoma.
Chinese expert consensus on laparoscopic hepatic segmentectomy and subsegmentectomy navigated by augmented- and mixed-reality technology combined with indocyanine green fluorescence imaging
Authors:   Hepatic Surgery Group, Surgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Digital Medical Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Digital Intelligent Surgery Committee of Chinese Research Hospital Association, Liver Cancer Committee of Chinese Medical Doctor Association
Published: December 2023

Augmented- and mixed-reality technologies have pioneered the realization of real-time fusion and interactive projection for laparoscopic surgeries. Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging technology has enabled anatomical, functional, and radical hepatectomy through tumor identification and localization of target hepatic segments, driving a transformative shift in the management of hepatic surgical diseases, moving away from traditional, empirical diagnostic and treatment approaches toward digital, intelligent ones. The Hepatic Surgery Group of the Surgery Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Digital Medicine Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Digital Intelligent Surgery Committee of the Chinese Society of Research Hospitals, and Liver Cancer Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized the relevant experts in China to formulate this consensus. This consensus provides a comprehensive outline of the principles, advantages, processes, and key considerations associated with the application of augmented reality and mixed-reality technology combined with indocyanine green fluorescence imaging technology for hepatic segmental and subsegmental resection. The purpose is to streamline and standardize the application of these technologies.
Opioid Use Disorder, Adolescents, and the Importance of Treatment in the Emergency Department
Authors: Buresh Chris , Kaplan Ron
Published: December 2023

Deaths from opiate overdoses are climbing every year, especially from fentanyl. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the acute and chronic harms associated with drug use, addiction, and overdose. Providers in the acute care setting have a unique opportunity to address a population of adolescents with opioid use disorder who are at the highest risk of harm and who may be more receptive to help. It is critical that providers are familiar with the tools that are available to assist and have some facility with their application.
Development of AI-Based Diagnostic Algorithm for Nasal Bone Fracture Using Deep Learning
Authors: Jeong Yeonjin , Jeong Chanho , Sung Kun-Yong , Moon Gwiseong , Lim Jinsoo
Published: December 2023

Facial bone fractures are relatively common, with the nasal bone the most frequently fractured facial bone. Computed tomography is the gold standard for diagnosing such fractures. Most nasal bone fractures can be treated using a closed reduction. However, delayed diagnosis may cause nasal deformity or other complications that are difficult and expensive to treat. In this study, the authors developed an algorithm for diagnosing nasal fractures by learning computed tomography images of facial bones with artificial intelligence through deep learning. A significant concordance with human doctors’ reading results of 100% sensitivity and 77% specificity was achieved. Herein, the authors report the results of a pilot study on the first stage of developing an algorithm for analyzing fractures in the facial bone.
Investigation of Two-Component Hydrogel System for the Tissue Regeneration from Simulation
Authors: Jiang Song , Kumar Ela
Published: December 2023

Tissue degenerative diseases pose significant global health challenges. Currently, hydrogel therapy stands as a promising approach to address these conditions. To explore its potential, we developed a computational simulation model to mimic hydrogel behavior accurately and precisely measure its degradation rate while incorporating dynamics associated with cell growth. This model aimed to investigate the relationship between a two-component hydrogel system and cell growth, assessing its feasibility for tissue regeneration. Our analysis revealed that the nutritional support for neural stem cells exceeds that of bone marrow cells, followed by other types of cells. This is significant considering the challenge in culturing neural stem cells compared to the relative ease of culturing other cell types. Additionally, we found that there isn’t a single solution to determine the ‘optimal’ conditions for cell growth. Different tissue regeneration processes require distinct conditions to establish what could be considered as ‘suitable’ growth environments. Lastly, it’s important to note that these ‘suitable’ conditions can be fine-tuned by adjusting various parameters.
Fine-tuning Large Language Models for Rare Disease Concept Normalization
Authors: Wang Andy , Liu Cong , Yang Jingye , Weng Chunhua
Published: December 2023

Objective

We aim to develop a novel method for rare disease concept normalization by fine-tuning Llama 2, an open-source large language model (LLM), using a domain-specific corpus sourced from the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO).

Methods

We developed an in-house template-based script to generate two corpora for fine-tuning. The first (NAME) contains standardized HPO names, sourced from the HPO vocabularies, along with their corresponding identifiers. The second (NAME+SYN) includes HPO names and half of the concept’s synonyms as well as identifiers. Subsequently, we fine-tuned Llama2 (Llama2-7B) for each sentence set and conducted an evaluation using a range of sentence prompts and various phenotype terms.

Results

When the phenotype terms for normalization were included in the fine-tuning corpora, both models demonstrated nearly perfect performance, averaging over 99% accuracy. In comparison, ChatGPT-3.5 has only ∼20% accuracy in identifying HPO IDs for phenotype terms. When single-character typos were introduced in the phenotype terms, the accuracy of NAME and NAME+SYN is 10.2% and 36.1%, respectively, but increases to 61.8% (NAME+SYN) with additional typo-specific fine-tuning. For terms sourced from HPO vocabularies as unseen synonyms, the NAME model achieved 11.2% accuracy, while the NAME+SYN model achieved 92.7% accuracy.

Conclusion

Our fine-tuned models demonstrate ability to normalize phenotype terms unseen in the fine-tuning corpus, including misspellings, synonyms, terms from other ontologies, and laymen’s terms. Our approach provides a solution for the use of LLM to identify named medical entities from the clinical narratives, while successfully normalizing them to standard concepts in a controlled vocabulary.
Intratumor bacteria is associated with prognosis in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Yuqing , Zhang Dengwei , Tan Linyi , Xu Junyao , Guo Ting , Sun Yang , Zhang Rui , Cheng Yao , Jiang Haowen , Zhai Wei , Li Yong-xin , Feng Chenchen
Published: December 2023

Background

Intratumor bacteria (ITB) plays a role in various cancer types. Its role in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains elusive due to small sample size and inadequate decontamination in relevant studies.

Objective

To establish common and reproducible ITB-associated biomarkers in ccRCC.

Design, setting, and participants

This retrospective study comprised seven bulk RNA sequencing datasets from six publicly available cohorts and one in-house Chinese cohort (Renji), one 16S rRNA sequencing dataset from an original Chinese cohort (Huashan), and one publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing dataset. All of these datasets included ccRCC cases.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Composition was presented by relative abundance. Overall and progression-free survival were primary outcomes profiled by putative ITB load and risk score, respectively. Potential host interaction was exploratorily analyzed using gene set enrichment analysis and Sparse CCA.

Results and limitations

Nine cohorts encompassing a total of 1049 ccRCC cases and 130 paired normal tissues were initially analyzed and underwent decontamination. Surprisingly, neither diversity nor composition was differentially distributed between normal and cancer tissue. High putative bacterial load was associated with better overall survival. Notably, a 7-genera dichotomized ITB risk score was indicative of overall survival and a 13-genera dichotomized ITB risk score was predictive of progression-free survival, respectively.Actinomyces,RothiaandBifidobacteriumshowed a protective role whileExiguobacteriumwas a risk factor. A limitation is lack of causation analyses.

Conclusions

ITB exists in ccRCC. High ITB loads and ITB-risk score predicts better ccRCC survival regardless of sequencing tech, sample processing or racial disparity.

Patient Summary

In this report, we explored the role of intratumor bacteria (ITB) in renal clear-cell carcinoma (ccRCC) in patients with different race and sequencing platforms. Putative ITB load and a 7-genera ITB risk score were associated with overall survival. A 13-genera ITB risk score was predictive of progression-free survival. We conclude that certain ITB features are universally pathogenic to ccRCC.
Academic librarians’ perceptions of mobile technology’s usefulness in library service delivery at universities of technology in South Africa
Authors: Matumba Muvhulawa , Rajkoomar Mogiveny
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Globally, mobile technology is a significant factor influencing how libraries are changing the ways of delivering services to today’s users. This paper aims to explore academic librarians’ perceptions of the usefulness of mobile technology in delivering library services and the efforts required for its successful adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted within an interpretive paradigm. The research objectives were underpinned by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology as a theoretical framework. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyses using NVIVO for thematic analysis.

Findings

Results show that, in general, academic librarians support the use of mobile technology to provide services such as access to eBooks and Journals, Online Public Access Catalogue, Bookmyne application, information literacy consultations and training. Library managers, fellow librarians and users were identified as encouraging the adoption of mobile technology to enhance library services. The paper further confirms that the successful adoption of mobile technology requires some effort. However, due to some of the challenges presented in the study, a majority of respondents felt that their libraries are not yet ready to fully embrace mobile technology the way it is envisioned in today’s world.

Practical implications

The study endeavours to address the divergence between students and academic librarians’ viewpoints regarding the application of mobile technology in the provision of library services.

Originality/value

This paper highlights numerous ways that academic librarians could adopt and embrace mobile technology, which can benefit both academic libraries and other institutions of higher learning. The knowledge presented in this paper could assist academic librarians in assessing their institutions’ vulnerabilities, challenges and strengths in using mobile technologies to provide library services.