bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Biotic and abiotic factors on mites infestation under grain storage- A review
Authors: Maheswari Sourabh
Published: June 2023

Mites are common pests of stored grain containing high fat and protein content. They are considered secondary invaders among the diverse range of storage pests because they are unable to infest sound grain and instead feed on fractured kernels, debris, and high moisture grain that has been already damaged by some insect pests. The high humidity and optimum temperature are determining factors for the sensitivity of the food grains for mites attack. Mites directly risk human health by contaminating food and indirectly by mycotoxin released under storage conditions. They also result in a considerable loss in grain weight and a reduction in germination ability. The losses become more severe as the mite population grows. Chemical agents have traditionally been used to prevent or manage mite infestations, as it is the simplest and most cost-effective approach to dealing with stored grain mites. This review paper discusses Distribution, pest status, host range, food grain choice, abiotic factor influence, quantitative damage, change in biochemical composition, and botanicals for mite management.
PEMERIKSAAN DAN PENYULUHAN KESEHATAN DI DESA WANAMEKAR KABUPATEN GARUT
Authors: Gin Gin Gin Gin Sugi Permana , Eva Eva Daniati , Andhika Andhika Lungguh Perceka , Dede Dede Suharta , Suli Eti Suliyawati , K Dewi K Dewi Budiarti , Ridwan Mohamad Ridwan Rifai
Published: June 2023

Indonesia is a disaster laboratory with 13 types of disasters in it. The history of disaster events shows that there has been an increase in disasters over time. Increasing vulnerability factors and limited capacity also lead to increased disaster risk in the future. This is a challenge in disaster management. Disaster management is local in nature. The purpose of community service activities is that it is hoped that the mindset of the community towards health in Wanamekar village will change, think positively about their health and be more enthusiastic about life and with the PTM examination it can help find out what prevention must be done, and free medical treatment to help people who are sick. The technique for implementing this activity is to do motivation, check uric acid, blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure for the community. As for the conclusion: a small proportion of Wanamekar villagers who have difficulty in getting clean water experience psychosocial problems, then many physical problems also occur in the elderly and adults. Hopefully this community service activity will provide benefits for Wanamekar residents.
Sewers, Ponds, and Gardens
Authors:   , Meilinger Valentin
Published: June 2023

Climate change and ongoing urban growth intensify water scarcity, flooding, and water
pollution in cities worldwide. To tackle these challenges, cities have widely endorsed
urban water circularity as a new paradigm for infrastructure development that enables
more circular water flows. Sewers, Ponds, and Gardens draws on a case study of Los Angeles, California, to explain shifting constellations of urban water and wastewater infrastructures in the context of growing water challenges and proliferating ideas of circularity. The study shows how attempts to realize urban water circularity through infrastructure renewal produce novel, power and value-laden arrangements of governing urban nature and space. Conceptually, the study draws from debates in urban political ecology, science and technology studies, and studies on urban infrastructures. Its analysis of the political power constituted by technology emphasizes the instability of different technological cultures of urban nature through which urban environments become known and governed. Ultimately, the study highlights avenues for rethinking institutions, actor roles, as well as knowledge and values in water governance to overcome contemporary urban water challenges.
Základy histológie I. Učebnica a mikroskopický atlas buniek a tkanív
Authors:   Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Domoráková Iveta , Tóth Štefan , Fagová Zuzana , Čurgali Kristína , Eliášová Viera , Kunová Alexandra , Holodová Monika
Published: June 2023

Recenzovaná vysokoškolská učebnica a mikroskopický atlas je zameraná na pochopenie základnej mikroskopickej štruktúry buniek a tkanív v svetelnom mikroskope. Texty v učebnici sú doplnené bohatým súborom mikrofotografií so základnými a špecifickými farbiacimi technikami. Všetky mikrofotografie boli pripravené autorským kolektívom na Ústave histológie a embryológie Lekárskej fakulty UPJŠ. URL: https://unibook.upjs.sk/
Self-concept among Indonesian adolescents in coastal areas: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sarfika Rika , Saifudin I Made Moh. Yanuar , Oktavianto Eka
Published: June 2023

Background: Adolescence is a transitional phase from childhood to adulthood, characterized by various biological, psychological, and social changes. Adolescents living in coastal regions are exposed to social-environmental risk factors that can affect their emotional wellbeing, primarily due to the demanding and unpredictable nature of coastal communities. These challenging and volatile circumstances can have a negative impact on adolescents’ emotions, making them more vulnerable to mental and emotional disorders.
Objective: This study aimed to examine the self-concept and its differences according to sociodemographic factors among adolescents residing in coastal areas of Indonesia.
Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed for this study, which involved 644 adolescents living in coastal regions of Indonesia, specifically in the West Sumatra and Bali provinces. The Tennessee Self Concept Scale (TSCS) 2nd Edition Short Form was used to assess self-concept from August to September 2022. Descriptive statistics, Independent-t-test, and One-way ANOVA were utilized for data analysis.
Results: The findings revealed that adolescents in coastal areas had a high level of self-concept. A statistically significant difference was discovered in the overall self-concept according to gender (p = 0.002). Similarly, a significant difference was observed in the physical domain based on class level (p = 0.019). Regarding the personal domain, significant differences were identified according to age (p = 0.030), class level (p = 0.030), parent's marital status (p = 0.030), father's education (p = 0.05), and family income (p = 0.01). Furthermore, in the family domain, significant differences were found based on parents’ marital status (p <0.001) and adolescents’ residence status (p = 0.002). Additionally, a significant difference in the academic domain was observed with respect to gender (p = 0.001). However, no significant differences were noted in the moral ethics and social domains across all sociodemographic variables (p >0.05).
Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for attention from various stakeholders, including mental health nurses, to prioritize interventions to promote positive self-concept among adolescents, consider sociodemographic factors that influence self-concept, and address areas of dissatisfaction such as moral behavior and academic/work efficiency. Incorporating family support and nurturing positive parent-child relationships are also important for fostering a healthy self-concept in adolescents.
Psychometric evaluation of the Malay version of the Individual Community-Related Empowerment scale among older adults in Malaysia
Authors: Zaidun Zuraidah , Sutan Rosnah , Aizuddin Azimatun Noor
Published: June 2023

Background: Malaysia is projected to become an aged country by 2030, with the older age group comprising 10 percent of the total population. To address this demographic shift, comprehensive plans and initiatives are being implemented at various levels, ranging from the government to local communities. A crucial aspect of these efforts is community empowerment, which requires a reliable and validated tool for measurement.
Objective: This study aimed to validate the Individual Community Related Empowerment (ICRE) scale in alignment with the national language of Malaysia.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from May to December 2019. Back-to-back translation from the English to Malay version of the ICRE scale was done. A total of 328 older persons aged 60 years old and above who attended clinics and understood Malay had been randomly selected. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), particularly Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with Varimax rotation and Kaiser Normalization, was performed in this study using IBM SPSS version 27 Amos graphic.
Results: The findings revealed that the Malay version of the Individual Community Related Empowerment (ICRE-m) scale consists of five components: self-efficacy, intention, participation, motivation, and critical awareness, which collectively accounted for 92.3% of total variance. All five components demonstrated Cronbach’s alpha values greater than 0.7, indicating the reliability of the selected items for field studies.
Conclusion: The ICRE-m scale is acceptable for field studies and valid for measuring individual-related community empowerment. Nurses and other healthcare professionals can employ this scale specifically within the Malay-speaking population, particularly in the Asian region. Future studies on community empowerment among older individuals can utilize this tool to assess community readiness for participating in community health interventions.
A Study on Project-Based Learning (PjBL) Model and English Conversational Gambits in Classroom Speaking Practices
Authors: Ardiansah Dian
Published: June 2023

Abstract. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of a contemporary teaching model of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) using English Conversational Gambits as language material, which focuses on improving students' speaking skills. However, this study examine students' attitudes toward implementing learning models in terms of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional aspects. This present study was conducted at a university in Tasikmalaya. This present study used quantitative and qualitative designs following the purpose of the present study. As the results of quantitative data, it was found that the sig. (2- tailed) of t-test value is .001 which is smaller than .05 value. The results showed that the used of PjBL model improves students' proficiency in speaking by optimizing the process of EFL teaching and learning using material of English conversational gambits. In addition, according to the qualitative data analysis, this study shows that most of the students showed a positive attitude toward the implementation of the learning model. This study demonstrated by implementing PjBL model with English Conversational Gambits can be alternative strategy in EFL instructional techniques that can improve students' speaking skills.Keywords: classroom speaking practices; English Conversation Gambits; Project-Based Learning (PjBL); students’ speaking proficiencyAbstrak. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektivitas model Pembelajaran Berbasis Proyek (PjBL) dengan metode Conversation Gambits atau pembukaan percakapan dalam meningkatkan kemampuan berbicara siswa dalam bahasa Inggris. Selain itu, penelitian ini juga mengkaji sikap siswa terhadap model pembelajaran yang diterapkan ditinjau dari aspek perilaku, kognitif, dan emosional. Penelitian ini telah dilaksanakan di salah satu universitas di Tasikmalaya. Pendekatan kuantitatif dan kualitatif digunakan dalam penelitian ini. Hasil analisis data dari pendekatan kuantitatif, ditemukan bahwa sig. (2-tailed) dan nilai pada uji-t adalah 0,001 lebih kecil dari 0,05. Temuan lainnya juga menunjukkan bahwa model PjBL dapat meningkatkan kemampuan berbicara bahasa Inggris siswa dengan mengoptimalkan penggunaan metode Conversation Gambit selama pembelajaran berlangsung. Dari analisis data kualitatif, ditemukan bahwa sebagian besar siswa menunjukkan sikap positif terhadap penerapan model pembelajaran PjBL dan Conversation Gambit. Penelitian ini menyarankan agar penerapan model PjBL dapat dikolaborasikan dengan Conversation Gambit sebagai salah satu strategi pengajaran dalam kelas EFL untuk meningkatkan kemampuan berbicara siswa.Kata kunci: kelas praktik berbicara; pembukaan percakapan; Pembelajaran Berbasis Proyek (PjBL); kemampuan berbicara siswa
Sentence Complexity Analysis in Selected Students’ Scientific Papers: A Closer Look on Abstract Section
Authors: Mubshirah Dara , Pasaribu Gumarpi Rahis , Lubis M. Husnan , Saragih Erikson , Sofyan Rudy
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Abstract is an essential part of a scientific paper. However, according to the finding of researchers working in the repository at the (UIN) Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, many students still do not comply with the rules for writing scientific papers. This study aims to analyze the types of sentence complexity in the thesis abstracts of UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh students and the level of use of sentence complexity in scientific papers by students of UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh. This study used a qualitative approach with descriptive and content analysis methods. The data were obtained from the Repository UIN Ar-Raniry through purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s method. The result shows four types of sentence complexity in abstract writing, namely simple sentence (24.58%), compound sentence (25.97%), complex sentence (26.25%,) and compound-complex Sentence (23.19 %). The level of sentence complexity in student scientific abstracts includes complex sentences containing independent clause + noun clause, independent clause + adjective clause, independent clause + noun clause + adverbial clause. This finding contributes to improving the skills of students' ability in scientific writing.Keywords: abstract writing; scientific papers; sentence complexityAbstrak. Abstrak merupakan bagian terpenting dalam sebuah karya ilmiah. Menurut temuan peneliti dari repositori UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, masih banyak mahasiswa yang tidak mematuhi aturan penulisan karya ilmiah. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menganalisis jenis kompleksitas kalimat dalam abstrak skripsi mahasiswa UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh dan tingkat penggunaan kompleksitas kalimat dalam karya ilmiah oleh mahasiswa UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode analisis deskriptif yang  menggunakan pendekatan analisis isi. Data diperoleh dari Repository UIN Ar-Raniry melalui teknik pengambilan sampel purposive. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan metode Miles and Huberman. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat empat jenis kompleksitas kalimat dalam penulisan abstrak yang terdiri atas kalimat sederhana 24,58%, kalimat majemuk 25,97%, kalimat kompleks 26,25%, dan kalimat majemuk-kompleks 23,19%. Tingkat kerumitan kalimat dalam menulis abstrak ilmiah terdiri atas kalimat kompleks yang mengandung independent clause + noun clause, independent clause + adjective clause, independent clause + noun clause + adverbial clause. Temuan ini memberikan kontribusi untuk meningkatkan keterampilan kemampuan mahasiswa dalam menulis ilmiah.Kata kunci: kompleksitas kalimat; karya ilmiah; penulisan abstrak
OPTIMALISASI JARINGAN WIRELESS MENGGUNAKAN METODE PENGEMBANGAN NETWORK DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE (NDLC)
Authors: Saleha Siti Amalia , Saidi Laode , Subardin
Published: June 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hasil dari penerapan metode pengembangan Network Development Live Cycle (NDLC) pada jaringan wireless LAN di Unit Teknologi Informasi (UTI) Fakultas Matematika dan Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam (FMIPA) Universitas Halu Oleo (UHO). 

Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menganalisis kemampuan jaringan menggunakan Mikrotik, Nmap, SpeedTest dengan menggunakan parameter QOS yakni troughput dan packet loss untuk mengukur kualitas layanan jaringan menggunakan software wireshrak. Penelitian dilakukan menggunakan dua pengujian yaitu pengujian meet dan zoom. Optimalisasi yang dilakukan yaitu melakukan manajemen bandwith menggunakan metode simple queue bertujuan untuk membatasi penggunaan bandwith kemudian melakukan audit keamanan jaringan menggunakan software Nmap yang bertujuan memeriksa keamanan jaringan dengan melakukan scanning pada port jaringan.

Dari hasil menunjukan belum dilakukan pembagian bandwith pada jaringan sehingga menyebabkan tidak meratanya bandwith yang diterima oleh user dan terdapat kelemahan pada keamanan jaringan yaitu ditemukan port terbuka yang memungkinkan terjadinya kerentanan verifikasi terhadap mikrotik yang dapat membangun serangan pada jaringan. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini setelah dilakukan manajemen bandwith nilai unduh yang didapatkan yaitu 0,6 mbps dan nilai unggah 2.0 mbps pada speedtest. Nilai troughput 678 b/s pada pengujian meet dan 979 b/s pada pengujian zoom. Sedangkan nilai packet loss 0,3% dengan pengujian meet, 0,2% dengan untuk pengujian zoom.
SISTEM PENDUKUNG PENGAMBILAN KEPUTUSAN PEMILIHAN GURU TERBAIK MENGGUNAKAN METODE SIMPLE ADDITIVE WEIGHTING
Authors: Asnani  , Gusti Arviana Rahman
Published: June 2023

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menghasilkan sebuah sistem pendukung pengambilan keputusan pemilihan guru terbaik menggunakan metode simple additive weighting, yang dapat membantu dalam proses penilaian guru terbaik pada yayasan pendidikan teknologi muna. Sistem pendukung keputusan didefenisikan sebagai sebuah sistem yang mampu menghasilkan pemecahan dan penanganan masalah, serta membantu dan mendukung pengambil keputusan dalam mengambil keputusan. Upaya dalam meningkatkan kualitas sekolah pada Yayasan Pendidikan Teknologi Muna, yaitu dengan melakukan penilaian terhadap kinerja guru, guna untuk mengapresiasi prestasi kerja yang telah dilakukan selama menjadi tenaga pengajar, serta untuk memotivasi guru agar lebih meningkatkan kinerjanya dan meningkatkan kualitas keguruanya. Akan tetapi belum ada sistem yang mendukung penilaian tersebuat agar penilaian tidak menghabiskan banyak tenaga, waktu dan biaya. Oleh karena itu dibangunlah sistem pendukung pengambilan keputusan pemilihan guru terbaik menggunakan metode simple additive weghting untuk membantu dalam penilaian kinerja guru pada yayasan pendidikan teknologi. Metode simple additive weighting (SAW) ini dipilih karena dapat menentukan nilai bobot untuk setiap atribut, kemudian dilanjutkan dengan proses perankingan yang akan menyeleksi alternatif terbaik dari sejumlah alternatif yang ada. Pengujian hasil akhir penulis menggunakan dua pengujian diantaranya Black Box testing, yang memperoleh hasil sesuai harapan, dan pengujian Confusion Matriks dengan tingkat akurasi 92%.
SISTEM PAKAR DIAGNOSA KERUSAKAN HANDPHONE DENGAN METODE FORWARD CHAINING
Authors: Aprilia Santika  , Ferdinand Murni Hamundu  , Herdi Budiman
Published: June 2023

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menghasilkan sebuah aplikasi sistem pakar berbasis web untuk mendeteksi kerusakan handphone menggunakan metode forward chaining. Deteksi dilakukan dengan memulai dari sekumpulan gejala-gejala, nantinya dapat melihat kesimpulan jenis kerusakan pada handphone. Pemakaian handphone selalu meningkat seiring dengan perkembangan zaman. Hal ini menunjukan bahwa minat konsumen terhadap handphone sangat tinggi, software maupun hardware dalam jangka waktu tertentu akan mengalami perubahan fisik atau kerusakan yang menyebabkan handphone harus diperbaiki. Penggunaan handphone yang terlalu sering juga menjadi salah satu faktor pemicu kerusakan yang terjadi seperti terkena air, terjatuh dan kesalahan perawatan dalam pemakaian sehari-hari. Penelitian ini dibutuhkan suatu sistem yang dapat menghasilkan pengetahuan untuk menangani permasalahan yang timbul dari handphone. Sistem yang dibuat harus mampu menangani permasalahan jarak, waktu, tenaga dan biaya yang dikeluarkan serta mudah digunakan seluruh kalangan pengguna handphone. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah teknik pelacakan forward chaining. Dengan adanya sistem ini diharapkan dapat membantu para pengguna agar lebih memperhatikan dan memahami setiap gejala untuk mencegah terjadinya kerusakan pada handphone. Hasil pengujian sistem menggunakan metode blackbox testing memiliki fungsionalitas hasil yang baik, dan hasil pengujian confusion matrix menunjukkan bahwa Sistem Pakar diangnosa kerusakan handphone dengan metode Forward Chaining memperoleh nilai Accuracy sebesar 88%. Artinya sistem yang dibuat dapat digunakan untuk mendeteksi kerusakan pada handphone
The potential of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for the treatment of systemic right ventricular failure in adults with congenital heart disease
Authors: Neijenhuis Ralph M. L. , Nederend Marieke , Jongbloed Monique R. M. , Kiès Philippine , Rotmans Joris I. , Vliegen Hubert W. , Jukema J. Wouter , Egorova Anastasia D.
Published: June 2023

Aims

Given the compelling evidence on the effectiveness of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in the conventional heart failure population, SGLT2i deserve exploration in systemic right ventricular (sRV) failure. The initial experience with dapagliflozin in sRV failure patients is described, with a focus on tolerability and short-term effects on clinical outcomes.

Methods and results

Ten patients (70% female, median age 50 years [46.5–52]) with symptomatic sRV failure who received dapagliflozin 10 mg per day on top of optimal medical therapy between 04–2021 and 01–2023 were included. Within 4 weeks, no significant changes in blood pressure, electrolytes, or serum glucose occurred. Creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) showed a slight decline (88 ± 17 to 97 ± 23 µmol/L, p = 0.036, and 72 ± 14 vs. 66 ± 16 ml/min/1.73m2, p = 0.020, respectively). At 6 months follow-up (n = 8), median NT-proBNP decreased significantly from 736.6 [589.3–1193.3] to 531.6 [400.8–1018] ng/L (p = 0.012). Creatinine and eGFR recovered to baseline levels. There were no significant changes in echocardiographic systolic sRV or left ventricular function. New York Heart Association class improved significantly in 4 out of 8 patients (p = 0.046), who also showed an improvement in the 6-minute walk test or bicycle exercise test performance. One female patient developed an uncomplicated urinary tract infection. No patients discontinued treatment.

Conclusion

Dapagliflozin was well-tolerated in this small cohort of sRV failure patients. While the early results on the reduction of NT-proBNP and clinical outcome parameters are encouraging, large-scale prospective studies are warranted to thoroughly evaluate the effects of SGLT2i in the growing sRV failure population.
Advanced progress of the relationship between PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies and hyperglycemic adverse events
Authors: Zhang Ruixing , Wang Yongxiang , Peng Yu , Zhao Jing , Zhang Zheng
Published: June 2023

Purpose of Review

Long-term use of statins had been confirmed to cause an increase in hyperglycemic adverse events (HAEs), whose mechanism has been well understood. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) monoclonal antibodies (PCSK9-mAbs), a kind of new lipid-lowering drug, can effectively reduce plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in patients with CHD and have been widely used. However, animal experiments, Mendelian randomization studies, clinical researches and Meta-analyses which focused on the relationship between PCSK9-mAbs and HAEs had reached different conclusions, which has attracted great attention from clinicians.

Recent Findings

The newest FOURIER-OLE randomized controlled trial followed PCSK9-mAbs users for over 8 years, whose results suggested that long-term use of PCSK9-mAbs did not increase the incidence of HAEs. Newest Meta-analyses also indicated that there was no relationship between PCSK9-mAbs and NOD. Meanwhile, genetic polymorphisms and variants related to PCSK9 might have effects on HAEs.

Conclusion

According to the results of current studies, there is no significant relationship between PCSK9-mAbs and HAEs. However, longer-term follow-up studies are still needed to confirm it. Although PCSK9 genetic polymorphisms and variants may affect the possible occurrence of HAEs, there is no need to perform relevant genetic testing before applying PCSK9-mAbs.
Wide antral circumferential vs. ostial pulmonary vein isolation using pulsed field ablation—the butterfly effect
Authors: Tilz Roland R. , Heeger Christian H. , Vogler Julia , Eitel Charlotte , Feher Marcel , Phan Huong-Lan , Mushfiq Ilias , Popescu Sorin S. , Zetzsch Leonie , Traub Anna , Hatahet Sascha , Mortensen Kai , Kuck Karl-Heinz , Kirstein Bettina
Published: June 2023

Background

Wide antral circumferential ablation (WACA) in comparison to ostial pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) has been attributed with improved rhythm outcome. We investigated the feasibility, lesion formation, and rhythm outcome of WACA-PVI in comparison to ostial-PVI using pulsed field ablation (PFA).

Methods

Symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) patients (69 years, 67% male; 67% paroxysmal AF) were prospectively enrolled into our single-center registry and underwent first-time ostial-PFA or WACA-PFA, N = 15 each. In all patients, eight pulse trains (2 kV/2.5 s, bipolar, biphasic, 4× basket/flower configuration each) were delivered to each PV. In WACA-PFA, two extra pulse trains in a flower configuration were added to the anterior and posterior antrum of the PVs. For comparison of PFA lesion size, pre- and post-ablation left atrial (LA) voltage maps were acquired using a multipolar spiral catheter together with a three-dimensional electroanatomic mapping system.

Results

WACA-PFA resulted in a significant larger lesion formation than ostial-PFA (45.5 vs. 35.1 cm2, p = 0.001) with bilateral overlapping butterfly shape-like lesions and concomitant posterior LA wall isolation in 73% of patients. This was not associated with increased procedure time, sedation dosage, or exposure to radiation. One-year freedom from AF recurrence was numerically higher after WACA-PFA than ostial-PFA (94% vs. 87%) but not statistically significant (p = 0.68). No organized atrial tachycardias (ATs) were observed. Ostial-PFA patients more often underwent re-ablation due to recurrent AF episodes.

Conclusion

WACA-PFA is feasible and resulted in significantly wider lesion sets than ostial-PFA. Concomitant posterior LA wall isolation occurred as an epiphenomenon in the majority of patients. The WACA approach was associated with neither increased procedure and fluoroscopy times nor statistically significant differences in 1-year rhythm outcome. ATs were absent.
Large scale application of the Finnish diabetes risk score in Latin American and Caribbean populations: a descriptive study
Authors: Nieto-Martinez Ramfis , Barengo Noël C. , Restrepo Manuela , Grinspan Augusto , Assefi Aria , Mechanick Jeffrey I.
Published: June 2023

Background

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) continues to increase in the Americas. Identifying people at risk for T2D is critical to the prevention of T2D complications, especially cardiovascular disease. This study gauges the ability to implement large population-based organized screening campaigns in 19 Latin American and Caribbean countries to detect people at risk for T2D using the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC).

Methods

This cross-sectional descriptive analysis uses data collected in a sample of men and women 18 years of age or older who completed FINDRISC via eHealth during a Guinness World Record attempt campaign between October 25 and November 1, 2021. FINDRISC is a non-invasive screening tool based on age, body mass index, waist circumference, physical activity, daily intake of fruits and vegetables, history of hyperglycemia, history of antihypertensive drug treatment, and family history of T2D, assigning a score ranging from 0 to 26 points. A cut-off point of ≥ 12 points was considered as high risk for T2D.

Results

The final sample size consisted of 29,662 women (63%) and 17,605 men (27%). In total, 35% of subjects were at risk of T2D. The highest frequency rates (FINDRISC ≥ 12) were observed in Chile (39%), Central America (36.4%), and Peru (36.1%). Chile also had the highest proportion of people having a FINDRISC ≥15 points (25%), whereas the lowest was observed in Colombia (11.3%).

Conclusions

FINDRISC can be easily implemented via eHealth technology over social networks in Latin American and Caribbean populations to detect people with high risk for T2D. Primary healthcare strategies are needed to perform T2D organized screening to deliver early, accessible, culturally sensitive, and sustainable interventions to prevent sequelae of T2D, and reduce the clinical and economic burden of cardiometabolic-based chronic disease.
Prediabetes is associated with a higher serum neurofilament light chain level in adolescents
Authors: Chen Zheng , Wu Lan-Ping , Peng Tuo-Chao
Published: June 2023

Objective

Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) level, which is a biomarker indicative of neuroaxonal damage and cognitive impairment, has been reported in several neurological diseases. There has been a lack of studies on the association between sNfL levels and prediabetes in adolescents. This study investigated whether sNfL levels were higher in adolescents with prediabetes undergoing elective orthopedic surgery.

Methods

The sNfL level was measured in 149 adolescents aged from 12 to 18 years who underwent elective orthopedic surgery at the Hunan Children’s Hospital (18 with and 131 without prediabetes). We evaluated the association between prediabetes and sNfL level after adjusting for age, sex, and triglycerides using a multivariable linear regression model.

Results

The prevalence of prediabetes in adolescents was 12.08%. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that prediabetes was related to sNfL. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the association between prediabetes with sNfL levels remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, and triglyceride. The relationship between the two was further visualized by a smoothed curve.

Conclusions

Prediabetes is associated with a higher sNfL. Further large-scale and prospective studies are needed to verify the clinical application of sNfL as a monitoring biomarker for adolescent prediabetes in adolescents and to evaluate the performance of sNfL in predicting the incidence of neuropathy and cognitive dysfunction in adolescents with prediabetes.
AI-assisted ethics? considerations of AI simulation for the ethical assessment and design of assistive technologies
Authors: Schicktanz Silke , Welsch Johannes , Schweda Mark , Hein Andreas , Rieger Jochem W. , Kirste Thomas
Published: June 2023

Current ethical debates on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare treat AI as a product of technology in three ways. First, by assessing risks and potential benefits of currently developed AI-enabled products with ethical checklists; second, by proposing ex ante lists of ethical values seen as relevant for the design and development of assistive technology, and third, by promoting AI technology to use moral reasoning as part of the automation process. The dominance of these three perspectives in the discourse is demonstrated by a brief summary of the literature. Subsequently, we propose a fourth approach to AI, namely, as a methodological tool to assist ethical reflection. We provide a concept of an AI-simulation informed by three separate elements: 1) stochastic human behavior models based on behavioral data for simulating realistic settings, 2) qualitative empirical data on value statements regarding internal policy, and 3) visualization components that aid in understanding the impact of changes in these variables. The potential of this approach is to inform an interdisciplinary field about anticipated ethical challenges or ethical trade-offs in concrete settings and, hence, to spark a re-evaluation of design and implementation plans. This may be particularly useful for applications that deal with extremely complex values and behavior or with limitations on the communication resources of affected persons (e.g., persons with dementia care or for care of persons with cognitive impairment). Simulation does not replace ethical reflection but does allow for detailed, context-sensitive analysis during the design process and prior to implementation. Finally, we discuss the inherently quantitative methods of analysis afforded by stochastic simulations as well as the potential for ethical discussions and how simulations with AI can improve traditional forms of thought experiments and future-oriented technology assessment.
Identification of cell death-related biomarkers and immune infiltration in ischemic stroke between male and female patients
Authors: Chen Wenli , Chen Yuanfang , Wu Liting , Gao Yue , Zhu Hangju , Li Ye , Ji Xinyu , Wang Ziyi , Wang Wen , Han Lei , Zhu Baoli , Wang Hongxing , Xu Ming
Published: June 2023

Background

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide, with ischemic stroke (IS) being the most prevalent. A substantial number of irreversible brain cell death occur in the short term, leading to impairment or death in IS. Limiting the loss of brain cells is the primary therapy target and a significant clinical issue for IS therapy. Our study aims to establish the gender specificity pattern from immune cell infiltration and four kinds of cell-death perspectives to improve IS diagnosis and therapy.

Methods

Combining and standardizing two IS datasets (GSE16561 and GSE22255) from the GEO database, we used the CIBERSORT algorithm to investigate and compare the immune cell infiltration in different groups and genders. Then, ferroptosis-related differently expressed genes (FRDEGs), pyroptosis-related DEGs (PRDEGs), anoikis-related DEGs (ARDEGs), and cuproptosis-related DEGs (CRDEGs) between the IS patient group and the healthy control group were identified in men and women, respectively. Machine learning (ML) was finally used to generate the disease prediction model for cell death-related DEGs (CDRDEGs) and to screen biomarkers related to cell death involved in IS.

Results

Significant changes were observed in 4 types of immune cells in male IS patients and 10 types in female IS patients compared with healthy controls. In total, 10 FRDEGs, 11 PRDEGs, 3 ARDEGs, and 1 CRDEG were present in male IS patients, while 6 FRDEGs, 16 PRDEGs, 4 ARDEGs, and 1 CRDEG existed in female IS patients. ML techniques indicated that the best diagnostic model for both male and female patients was the support vector machine (SVM) for CDRDEG genes. SVM’s feature importance analysis demonstrated that SLC2A3, MMP9, C5AR1, ACSL1, and NLRP3 were the top five feature-important CDRDEGs in male IS patients. Meanwhile, the PDK4, SCL40A1, FAR1, CD163, and CD96 displayed their overwhelming influence on female IS patients.

Conclusion

These findings contribute to a better knowledge of immune cell infiltration and their corresponding molecular mechanisms of cell death and offer distinct clinically relevant biological targets for IS patients of different genders.
Single-cell profiling reveals distinct immune response landscapes in tuberculous pleural effusion and non-TPE
Authors: Yang Xinting , Yan Jun , Xue Yu , Sun Qing , Zhang Yun , Guo Ru , Wang Chaohong , Li Xuelian , Liang Qingtao , Wu Hangyu , Wang Chong , Liao Xinlei , Long Sibo , Zheng Maike , Wei Rongrong , Zhang Haoran , Liu Yi , Che Nanying , Luu Laurence Don Wai , Pan Junhua , Wang Guirong , Wang Yi
Published: June 2023

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and remains a major health threat worldwide. However, a detailed understanding of the immune cells and inflammatory mediators in Mtb-infected tissues is still lacking. Tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE), which is characterized by an influx of immune cells to the pleural space, is thus a suitable platform for dissecting complex tissue responses to Mtb infection.

Methods

We employed singe-cell RNA sequencing to 10 pleural fluid (PF) samples from 6 patients with TPE and 4 non-TPEs including 2 samples from patients with TSPE (transudative pleural effusion) and 2 samples with MPE (malignant pleural effusion).

Result

Compared to TSPE and MPE, TPE displayed obvious difference in the abundance of major cell types (e.g., NK, CD4+T, Macrophages), which showed notable associations with disease type. Further analyses revealed that the CD4 lymphocyte population in TPE favored a Th1 and Th17 response. Tumor necrosis factors (TNF)-, and XIAP related factor 1 (XAF1)-pathways induced T cell apoptosis in patients with TPE. Immune exhaustion in NK cells was an important feature in TPE. Myeloid cells in TPE displayed stronger functional capacity for phagocytosis, antigen presentation and IFN-γ response, than TSPE and MPE. Systemic elevation of inflammatory response genes and pro-inflammatory cytokines were mainly driven by macrophages in patients with TPE.

Conclusion

We provide a tissue immune landscape of PF immune cells, and revealed a distinct local immune response in TPE and non-TPE (TSPE and MPE). These findings will improve our understanding of local TB immunopathogenesis and provide potential targets for TB therapy.
AATF/Che-1 RNA polymerase II binding protein overexpression reduces the anti-tumor NK-cell cytotoxicity through activating receptors modulation
Authors: Caforio Matteo , Tumino Nicola , Sorino Cristina , Manni Isabella , Di Giovenale Stefano , Piaggio Giulia , Iezzi Simona , Strimpakos Georgios , Mattei Elisabetta , Moretta Lorenzo , Fanciulli M. , Vacca Paola , Locatelli Franco , Folgiero Valentina
Published: June 2023

Introduction

AATF/Che-1 over-expression in different tumors is well known and its effect on tumorigenicity is mainly due to its central role demonstrated in the oncogenic pathways of solid tumors, where it controls proliferation and viability. The effect exerted by tumors overexpressing Che-1 on the immune response has not yet been investigated.

Methods

Starting from ChIP-sequencing data we confirmed Che-1 enrichment on Nectin-1 promoter. Several co-cultures experiments between NK-cells and tumor cells transduced by lentiviral vectors carrying Che-1-interfering sequence, analyzed by flow-cytometry have allowed a detailed characterization of NK receptors and tumor ligands expression.

Results

Here, we show that Che-1 is able to modulate the expression of Nectin-1 ligand at the transcriptional level, leading to the impairment of killing activity of NK-cells. Nectin-1 down-modulation induces a modification in NK-cell ligands expression able to interact with activating receptors and to stimulate NK-cell function. In addition, NK-cells from Che-1 transgenic mice, confirming a reduced expression of activating receptors, exhibit impaired activation and a preferential immature status.

Discussion

The critical equilibrium between NK-cell ligand expression on tumor cells and the interaction with NK cell receptors is affected by Che-1 over-expression and partially restored by Che-1 interference. The evidence of a new role for Che-1 as regulator of anti-tumor immunity supports the necessity to develop approaches able to target this molecule which shows a dual tumorigenic function as cancer promoter and immune response modulator.
Recombinant proteins A29L, M1R, A35R, and B6R vaccination protects mice from mpox virus challenge
Authors: Tang Ding , Liu Xiaoke , Lu Jia , Fan Huifen , Xu Xiuli , Sun Kaili , Wang Ruyu , Li Chunyang , Dan Demiao , Du Hongqiao , Wang Zejun , Li Xinguo , Yang Xiaoming
Published: June 2023

Since May 2022, mutant strains of mpox (formerly monkeypox) virus (MPXV) have been rapidly spreading among individuals who have not traveled to endemic areas in multiple locations, including Europe and the United States. Both intracellular and extracellular forms of mpox virus have multiple outer membrane proteins that can stimulate immune response. Here, we investigated the immunogenicity of MPXV structural proteins such as A29L, M1R, A35R, and B6R as a combination vaccine, and the protective effect against the 2022 mpox mutant strain was also evaluated in BALB/c mice. After mixed 15 μg QS-21 adjuvant, all four virus structural proteins were administered subcutaneously to mice. Antibody titers in mouse sera rose sharply after the initial boost, along with an increased capacity of immune cells to produce IFN-γ alongside an elevated level of cellular immunity mediated by Th1 cells. The vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies significantly inhibited the replication of MPXV in mice and reduced the pathological damage of organs. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a multiple recombinant vaccine for MPXV variant strains.
Immunological modifications following chemotherapy are associated with delayed recurrence of ovarian cancer
Authors: Adzibolosu Nicholas , Alvero Ayesha B. , Ali-Fehmi Rouba , Gogoi Radhika , Corey Logan , Tedja Roslyn , Chehade Hussein , Gogoi Vir , Morris Robert , Anderson Matthew , Vitko Julie , Lam Clarissa , Craig Douglas B. , Draghici Sorin , Rutherford Thomas , Mor Gil
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Ovarian cancer recurs in most High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (HGSOC) patients, including initial responders, after standard of care. To improve patient survival, we need to identify and understand the factors contributing to early or late recurrence and therapeutically target these mechanisms. We hypothesized that in HGSOC, the response to chemotherapy is associated with a specific gene expression signature determined by the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we sought to determine the differences in gene expression and the tumor immune microenvironment between patients who show early recurrence (within 6 months) compared to those who show late recurrence following chemotherapy.

Methods

Paired tumor samples were obtained before and after Carboplatin and Taxol chemotherapy from 24 patients with HGSOC. Bioinformatic transcriptomic analysis was performed on the tumor samples to determine the gene expression signature associated with differences in recurrence pattern. Gene Ontology and Pathway analysis was performed using AdvaitaBio’s iPathwayGuide software. Tumor immune cell fractions were imputed using CIBERSORTx. Results were compared between late recurrence and early recurrence patients, and between paired pre-chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy samples.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between early recurrence or late recurrence ovarian tumors pre-chemotherapy. However, chemotherapy induced significant immunological changes in tumors from late recurrence patients but had no impact on tumors from early recurrence patients. The key immunological change induced by chemotherapy in late recurrence patients was the reversal of pro-tumor immune signature.

Discussion

We report for the first time, the association between immunological modifications in response to chemotherapy and the time of recurrence. Our findings provide novel opportunities to ultimately improve ovarian cancer patient survival.
Heme promotes sexual conversion of Plasmodium falciparum in human erythrocytes
Authors: Flage Bethany , Dent Matthew R. , Tejero Jesús , Amoah Linda Eva , Ofori-Acquah Solomon Fiifi
Published: June 2023

Between 2018 and 2020, the global population experienced a 55% increase in deaths attributed to the most prominent malaria-causing pathogen, Plasmodium falciparum. Transmission of P. falciparum from a human host to the mosquito vector is completely reliant on the formation of sexual stage gametocytes, which arise from asexually replicating parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage of infection. Defining specific factors that promote the formation of transmissible sexual stages from the disease-causing asexual stages is important for developing new malaria control methods. Malaria infection rates are known to be affected by genetic variation of the hemoglobin (Hb) protein, and epidemiological studies have shown that Hb variants may positively influence the production of sexual stage parasites. However, the mechanisms involved are poorly defined. Here, we show P. falciparum sexual conversion rates (SCR) are significantly higher in erythrocytes expressing Hb S compared to those that express Hb A. We then found parasitic enzyme-mediated digestion of Hb S to occur more rapidly than Hb A, suggesting an increased release of heme groups carried by each Hb subunit. Upon manipulating both intracellular and extracellular heme concentrations, we found significant increases in SCR, ultimately indicating heme acts as an inducer of sexual conversion (SC). As levels of both intracellular and extracellular heme are increased in individuals with Hb variants, we propose heme to be a contributing factor for increased sexual stage conversion observed in these populations. These findings support further investigation into how heme concentrations may be directly manipulated to prevent commitment to sexual-stage formation and ultimately disease transmission.
Assessing marine heat waves in the Mediterranean Sea: a comparison of fixed and moving baseline methods
Authors: Rosselló Pere , Pascual Ananda , Combes Vincent
Published: June 2023

The study of marine heat waves as extreme temperature events has a wide range of applications, from a gauge for ecological and socioeconomic impact to a climate change indicator. Various definitions of marine heat waves as extreme sea temperature events exist to account for its broad applicability, with statistical definitions based on percentile based thresholds being widespread in its use. Using satellite and model data of the Mediterranean Sea, we analyze the statistical implications of choosing baseline climatological periods for threshold delineation, which are either fixed in the past or shifted in time. We show that in the context of a warming Mediterranean Sea, using a fixed baseline leads to a saturation of marine heat wave days that compromises the significance of this marine indicator, with 90% of climate models analyzed predicting an average above 189 marine heat wave days per year by 2050 even for the lowest emission scenario. We argue that only with a moving baseline, can we reach a definition for marine heat waves which yield consistently rare extreme events.
Regional dynamic co-management for sustainable fisheries and ecosystem conservation: a pilot analysis in the Catalan Sea
Authors: Druon Jean-Noël , Lloret Josep , Sala-Coromina Joan , Recasens Laura , Gómez Sílvia , Bouzas Laura Fontán , Guillen Jordi , Tudela Sergi
Published: June 2023

The complexity of coastal fisheries, which often involve many gears with cross-impacts on various species and life stages, requires a management system that is able to integrate these multiple interactions in order to gradually achieve sustainability. In this paper, we argue that regional co-management can appropriately address the complex interactions between fisheries, including those with other potentially conflicting human activities. Our results, notably obtained through a questionnaire to local fishers’ representatives mainly on bottom trawl fisheries in the Catalan Sea region, show, however, that improved mutual understanding through effective communication and long-term collaboration between stakeholders, and in particular between fishers and scientists, is essential to ensure the successful implementation of fisheries co-management. In addition to balancing the voices of the many stakeholders, co-management needs to be further improved by developing multi-species, multi-gear and multi-use approaches to the oceans. This improvement could in turn support the effectiveness of co-decisions, as they would be based on the recognised administrative structure of co-management committees and sound scientific guidance that addresses both ecosystem protection and sustainable fisheries profitability. Dynamic management over time and space, using real-time essential fish habitat from operational oceanography, can help to make the co-management process more robust by improving collaboration between stakeholders and the effectiveness of measures in a changing environment. The decision-making, social and ecological components are described as integral and dependent parts of the co-management system, with priority given to mutual understanding between stakeholders. This integrated co-management framework is flexible enough to take into account regional complexity, but also national legislation and the EU Common Fisheries Policy, which all promote sustainable use of the oceans and protection of the ecosystem.