bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Validation of Reinforced Concrete Beam Incorporating Coal Fly Ash and Coal Bottom Ash Using Numerical Analysis
Authors:   Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Nasrudin Nurul Natasha , Ariffin Nur Farhayu ,   Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Alias Aizat ,   Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Hasim Abdul Muiz ,   Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Zaimi Muhammad Nor Syahrul ,   Universiti Malaysia Pahang
Published: September 2023

The environmental deterioration affected by the disposal of Coal Bottom Ash (CBA) from power stations has worsened as the energy demand has increased. In addition, the increased demand for concrete leads to an increase in aggregate consumption, which contributing to the depletion of natural resources. To prevent the immense amount of CBA waste and the destruction of natural resources, an initiative has been implemented to replace aggregate with CBA in concrete. The Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams underwent a four-pointbending test. The test was done after 28 days of curingage. Therefore, this study was conducted to study the performance of RC beam incorporating CBA as fine and coarse aggregate replacement. The deflection, maximum load and cracking pattern of RC beam were determined. Beam with 100% coarse coal bottom ash 100% fine coal bottom ash resulted to the maximum load at 88 kN with maximum deflection at 18.87 mm. The RC beams were redesigned using the three-dimensional nonlinear simulation software ABAQUS in enable to identify and compare the simulation and experimental findings. The FEA result shows that ultimate load of FEA waswithin 5% range with the experimental results. The simulation results demonstrated that the proposed finite element model accurately predicted the RC beam’s damage behaviour.
Assessment On Abandoned Housing Project: Impact and Revitalization in Malaysia
Authors:   Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Salam Saidah An'nisaa , Ariffin Nur Farhayu ,   Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Ali Mohamad Idris ,   Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Ramli Noram Irwan ,   Universiti Malaysia Pahang
Published: September 2023

The housing development sector was a key factor in the growth of Malaysia’s economic income since 1970s due to rapid urbanization. Unfortunately, housing construction in Malaysia still facing the abandonment issues due to financial constraints and many other factors. Abandoned housing project give a huge impact to the environment and socio economic to the stakeholder involved directly or indirectly. The purpose of this study is to overview the impact of abandoned housing project and to study the best solution in preventing the issues. Through extensive literature review from previous study and semi-structured interview session with 10 expert panels, several factors and impacts had been listed. Aqualitativeresearch methodology was conducted for data collection through anextensive literature review, semi-structured interviews and discussions with expert panels. From the discussion, the abandoned housing project give an impact to all parties and the proper financial management, amend the development concept, study the market signal properly, amend the initial policy of housing development and finally takeover the problematic development by the governmentis the best solution in preventing it.
A Numerical Study of Brace-Viscous Damper System of Fixed Offshore Jacket Platforms Under Extreme Environmental Loads
Authors:   Universiti Malaysia Pahang, A. Alwashali SalahAldeen M. , Chin Siew Choo ,   Universiti Malaysia Pahang
Published: September 2023

The Persian Gulf is one of the most common regions where offshore platforms exist due to the presence of oil and natural gas.Wind, current, and wave loading affect the dynamic response of offshore structures, increasing performance uncertainty and catastrophic failure probability. Thus, this study investigates energy dissipation systems, particularly viscous dampers, to solve design and rehabilitation problems of fixed offshore structures. Viscos dampers improve vibrational behaviour and reduce structural response to optimise platform performance. Thus, eliminating costly structural repairs and strengthening components under extreme environmental loads extends structure lifetime. Thus, different viscous damper system configurations are tested to reduce dynamic response under extreme environmental loads in the Persian Gulf. Diagonal and inverted V-shaped brace viscous dampers with ninedifferent arrangements are compared to find the best configuration. The study found that the brace viscous dampers with only three applied dampers at the top three levels are most efficient at mitigating dynamic response. It reduced displacements from level 1 to level 5 by 52% to 64% and connection stresses by 38% to 54%. Finally, viscous dampers reduce structural vibration and provide uniform and constant structural dynamic response, so the oil and gas industry should use them for offshore structure design and rehabilitation.
Investigating The Combined Effects of Replacing Cement with Sugarcane Bagasse Ash and Coarse Aggregate with Ceramic Tile Waste in Concrete Production
Authors:   Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jumani Sajjad Hussain , Mangi Sajjad Ali ,   Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Phul Najeeb-ur-Rehman ,   Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Faiz Rizwanullah ,   Mehran University of Engineering and Technology
Published: September 2023

In pursuit of sustainable and innovative construction practices, this study investigates the combined effects of sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) and ceramic tile waste (CTW) as subsititue to aggregates on concrete properties, aiming to optimize their usage as eco-friendly alternatives. However, SCBA is a waste product of sugar industry. As a result of increasing recognition and understanding of sustainability and recycling in academia and industry over the past several decades, sustainability and recycling have become increasingly significant. It is also important to note that recycling construction waste and debris is one of the opportunities available for reducing construction waste. To optimize the amount of cement replaced by SCBA, the cement was partially replaced by SCBA and the ceramic waste was replaced at different dosages of 10%, 20%, and 30% by weight of coarse aggregates. Different properties such as workability and compressive strength have been evaluated during 7 and 28 days following replacement by SCBA and CTW. The results further revealed that the workability decreased with the inclusion of SCBA and CTW due to water absorption by the CTW and SCBA particles. However, the compressive strength of concrete mix was relatively higher at 10% replacement of cement by SCBA and 10% replacement of CTW, after which it decreased beyond 10% replacement. The maximum compressive strength was observed as 29.31 MPa with 10% SCBA and 10% CTW at the age of 28 days which is around 9.7% higher than the control mix concrete. It was deduced from the results of this study that 10% SCBA and 10% CTW replacement by the cement and coarse aggregates respectively, could be considered asoptimum replacement.
An Initial Study of Finite Element Analysis on Sound Pressure and Pressure Drop on a Diesel Generator Sets
Authors:   Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Azhar Khairul Azim , Yahya Musli Nizam ,   Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Abdul Latif Hanif ,   Modulus Acoustic PLT
Published: September 2023

This study is concern about the behavior of a diesel generator sets in terms of sound pressure level and pressure drop. Numerical study had been carried out by using simulation from the ANSYS software to obtain the sound pressure level and pressure drop across a duct silencer of a diesel generator sets. ANSYS Fluent and ANSYS Harmonic Responses was used to perform the simulation on the sound pressure level and pressure drop of the duct silencer. The design of the 3-dimensional model consists of splitter and rockwool as its porous medium. Observation was focused along the simulation process and detailed investigation has been carried out on the duct silencer. From the results obtained, there is noise reduction and pressure drop occur across the duct silencer and contour were observed clearly.
PCSK9 Antagonists: Clinical Efficacy and Main Trends in the Development of New Medicines
Authors: Nekipelova A. A. , Alyautdin R. N.
Published: September 2023

Scientific relevance. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Dyslipidemia, as the pathophysiological basis of atherosclerosis, is the most important cause of CVD. Among the factors that modify this pathology, the World Health Organisation lists statins, which effectively reduce the cholesterol level. However, statin treatment compliance is not sufficient to achieve population-based lipid targets. This is a powerful stimulus for the creation of fundamentally new groups of lipid-lowering agents, in particular, antagonists of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9).

Aim.The study aimed to review innovative approaches to developing a new generation of lipid-lowering agents, PCSK9 antagonists, and to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and clinical potential of these medicines.

Discussion.PCSK9 antagonists significantly increase the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy when combined with statins and are an effective monotherapy in patients with contraindications for statins. PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies, as well as inclisiran, have a favourable risk–benefit ratio. However, the high cost of commercially available PCSK9 antagonists limits their clinical use. A number of promising directions exist for developing new PCSK9 antagonists that have fundamentally different mechanisms of action, such as adnectins; genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9; combining small molecules with low molecular weight PCSK9 inhibitors; PCSK9 vaccines; and antisense oligonucleotides. Medicinal products from these groups are currently at various stages of preclinical and clinical development.

Conclusions.Therefore, new lipid-lowering agents can be developed by synthesising high and low molecular weight PCSK9 ligands and by altering the genetic mechanisms of PCSK9 synthesis. The innovative medicines considered in this review are highly effective, and most have shown no signs of toxicity at the pre-authorisation stage.
Using Zebrafish in Preclinical Drug Studies: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Kalueff A. V. , Kotova M. M. , Ikrin A. N. , Kolesnikova T. O.
Published: September 2023

Scientific relevance. Since fiscal and regulatory constraints substantially limit bioscreening in rodent models, a wider implementation of additional alternative models in preclinical studies of medicines is gaining momentum. These alternative models include aquatic vertebrates, such as zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Aim.The study aimed to examine zebrafish models in terms of their performance in preclinical studies, their current uses, the challenges and opportunities in the field, and strategic directions for the development of preclinical testing in zebrafish.

Discussion.Here, the authors summarise the key zebrafish tests that are currently used to assess a wide range of small molecules for their general and endocrine toxicity and effects on the survival of embryos and larvae. The review discusses the strengths and weaknesses of zebrafish models for preclinical testing of neurotropic agents. Additionally, the authors overview various methodological approaches to improving zebrafish toxicity testing. Overall, the use of zebrafish models is gradually becoming internationally established for laboratory testing of small molecules.

Conclusions.A wider implementation of zebrafish models in pharmaceutical research and preclinical testing as an additional alternative to rodents, particularly in Russia, may significantly accelerate the development of novel medicinal products and foster a more comprehensive and adequate assessment of the biological risks associated with chemical substances.
Current Approaches to the Preclinical Assessment of Endocrine Toxicity
Authors: Babkov D. A.
Published: September 2023

Scientific relevance. Endocrine disruptors affect the functioning of endocrine organs, which leads to adverse drug reactions. Endocrine toxicity requires special attention in preclinical studies of candidate medicinal products.

Aim. The study aimed to review international guidelines and approaches to assessing the risk of endocrine toxicity associated with medicinal products.

Discussion. This review covers documents that provide a methodological framework for identifying and classifying a chemical compound as an endocrine disruptor. These documents include the following: Revised Guidance Document 150 on Standardised Test Guidelines for Evaluating Chemicals for Endocrine Disruption (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, 2018), Nonclinical Evaluation of Endocrine-Related Drug Toxicity (Food and Drug Administration, 2015), and Guidance for the Identification of Endocrine Disruptors in the Context of Regulations (EU) No. 528/2012 and (EC) No. 1107/2009. The proposed algorithm for endocrine toxicity assessment involves collecting all available data on the test compound, such as the literature and previously obtained experimental data, including acute and subchronic toxicity data, and in silico predictions. Particular attention should be paid to the standard battery of preclinical chronic toxicity studies, which can identify most side effects associated with the endocrine system. The main endpoints for endocrine toxicity include changes in the mass and histopathology of the major endocrine organs (adrenal glands, testes, epididymides, ovaries, and the thyroid gland), oestrous cycle effects, reproductive toxicity, and transplacental action. A thorough assessment of the data obtained provides for the determination of unfavourable endocrine activity that requires further studies.

Conclusions. The OECD guidelines offer a set of validated in vivo and in vitro tests that characterise the most important mechanisms of endocrine toxicity (oestrogen, androgen, thyroid, and steroidogenic endocrine pathways) by identified toxic effects. This approach allows researchers to identify potential endocrine disorders early in the drug development process and to optimise the scope of the required studies accordingly.
Following up on the impact of a distance learning teachers’ professional development program in science: Α longitudinal case study
Authors: Tzovla Eirini , Kedraka Katerina
Published: September 2023

This paper follows up on the impact of a distance learning teachers’ professional development program on their self-efficacy beliefs in the long term. Specifically, it measures the personal self-efficacy beliefs and outcome expectancy beliefs of a group of 122 in-service elementary teachers before the start of the program, immediately after its completion, and two years later. The quantitative was used as the data collection method of the research. The results advocate that both the personal self-efficacy beliefs and the outcome expectancy beliefs of the research participants improved immediately after the program was completed and the former remained relatively improved two years after completion of the program, while the latter returned to the levels they had had before attending the program. Recommendations are made for future research.
Diagnostic Value of Combined Detection of Serum TTR, PP13 and PLGF in Preeclampsia Patients
Authors: Jiang Ying , Deng Caifeng , Cheng Xuehua , Chen Xiaofeng
Published: September 2023

Background: To investigate the diagnostic value of serum transthyretin (TTR), placental protein 13 (PP13) and placental growth factor (PLGF) in preeclampsia patients. Methods: Sixty cases of pregnant women with preeclampsia who were examined in our hospital from January 2020 to February 2022 were retrospectively selected as the preeclampsia group, and 40 cases of healthy pregnant women who received regular physical examination in our hospital during the same period were selected as the control group. Based on the severity of the disease, the patients were allocated into two groups: mild preeclampsia group (n = 35) and severe preeclampsia group (n = 25). The levels of Serum TTR, PP13 and PLGF were compared between the groups. The correlation between serum TTR, PP13, PLGF and the patients was also analyzed by Spearman method, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) was adopted to analyze the clinical value of the separate and combined detection of serum TTR, PP13, PLGF in the diagnosis of preeclampsia. Results: The levels of serum TTR, PP13, PLGF in preeclampsia group were evidently lower versus the control group (p < 0.05), and those of patients in mild preeclampsia group were markedly lower versus the control group (p < 0.05), while those in severe preeclampsia group were markedly lower versus the mild preeclampsia group and control group (p < 0.05). Serum TTR, PP13, PLGF levels in preeclampsia patients were negatively correlated with the disease progression (r = –0.332, –0.315, –0.391, p < 0.05). The AUC values of TTR, PP13, PLGF in the single diagnosis of preeclampsia and their joint diagnosis were 0.812, 0.759, 0.867, and 0.887, respectively. The area under the ROC curve of TTR, PP13, and PLGF joint diagnosis of preeclampsia was higher than that of PP13 alone (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Serum TTR, PP13, and PLGF levels of preeclampsia patients were decreased compared with those of the control group, and the decrease was more significant with the aggravation of the disease, suggesting that TTR, PP13, and PLGF could be used as indicators to predict the onset and severity of preeclampsia. The combination of the three indicators could improve the diagnostic efficiency.
Integration of Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring into Laparoscopic Pelvic Nerve Decompression Surgery: A Novel Technique for Protecting Pelvic Nerves
Authors: Gundogdu Elif Cansu , Kale Ahmet , Mercan Metin , Yayla Vildan , Ozcan Ugur Efe , Usta Taner , Keles Esra
Published: September 2023

Background: This study aims to present a novel technique that integrates intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) into laparoscopy for continuous monitoring of pelvic nerves at risk during surgery to ensure their protection. Methods: This is a prospective analysis of 10 consecutive patients receiving surgical treatment for proven diagnosis of lumbosacral plexus nerve entrapment. Patients with symptoms of chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, and severe, burning sharp pain on the lower extremity dermatomes were included. Laparoscopic decompression of lumbosacral plexus nerve entrapment with intraoperative neuromonitoring was performed between January 2021 and February 2022. Intraoperative neuromonitoring records (spontaneous electromyography (EMG), free-run EMG recordings, transcranial electrical motor-evoked potentials (TcMEP) recordings, direct nerve root stimulation recordings, and compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) recordings) and preoperative and postoperative pain symptoms at one month were analyzed. Results: The median age of the patients was 29 (25–44) years. Neurovascular conflict, fibrosis, and abnormal piriformis muscle were identified as the three main etiologies of nerve entrapments. There were no statistically significant differences in transcranial motor evoked potential responses on the operated extremity side before and after decompression surgery or in the amplitude difference changes of TcMEP responses between the operated and non-operated extremity sides (p > 0.05). Dyspareunia visual analogue scale (VAS) scores showed a significant decrease at the first month postoperatively (p-value = 0.027). Conclusions: Integrating intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring into laparoscopy facilitates the monitoring of the patient’s motor function and prevents both permanent and transient nerve damage during pelvic nerve decompression surgery. This technique holds promise in enhancing surgical safety and preserving pelvic nerve function. The study was registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov (registration number NCT06009640).
Research Progress of Estrogen Receptor in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zhang Mengchen , Xu Haohui , Zhang Yixin , Li Zhanfei , Meng Wenqiang , Xia Jiayi , Lei Wentao , Meng Kai , Guo Yan
Published: September 2023

Objective: This review aims to provide some theoretical guidance for the precise treatment of ovarian cancer and the development of estrogen-related drugs. Mechanism: Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of death in gynecological cancer patients, mainly affecting middle-aged and elderly women. It has the characteristics of hidden location, strong heterogeneity and lack of specific symptoms in the early stage. Numerous studies have shown that estrogen receptor (ER) plays an important role in different types of cancer, including ovarian cancer. Accordingly, the study of ER signaling pathways and related regulatory factors in ovarian cancer cells should help us understand the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer. Findings in Brief: The expression of estrogen receptor subtypes is related to ovarian cancer gene and leads to ovarian cancer. Estrogen receptor modulators appear to be an important factor in the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer after hormone therapy. Conclusions: This review summarizes the regulatory mechanism of ER in the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer and outlines the specific role of estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in the treatment and prevention of ovarian cancer.
CD5L Deficiency Protects Mice Against Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Guo Yang , Zhu Mengyan , Shen Ruling
Published: September 2023

Background: Pulmonary fibrosis (PF), the most common clinical type of irreversible interstitial lung disease with one of the worse prognoses, has a largely unknown molecular mechanisms that underlies its progression. CD5 molecule-like (CD5L) functions in an indispensable role during inflammatory responses; however, whether CD5L functions in regulating bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis is less clear. Methods: Herein, we describe the engineering of Cd5l knockout mice using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. The BLM-induced model of acute lung injury represents the most widely used experimental rodent model for PF. Results: Taking advantage of this model, we demonstrated that both CD5L mRNA and protein were enriched in the lungs of mice following BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Inhibition of CD5L prevented mice from BLM-induced lung fibrosis and injury. In particular, a lack of CD5L significantly attenuated inflammatory response and promoted M2 polarization in the lung of this pulmonary fibrosis model as well as suppressing macrophage apoptosis. Conclusions: Collectively, our data support that CD5L deficiency can suppress the development of pulmonary fibrosis, and also provides new molecular targets for the use of immunotherapy to treat lung fibrosis.
SPI1-Mediated Upregulation of the CST1 Gene as an Independent Poor Prognostic Factor Accelerates Metastasis in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) by Interacting with MMP2
Authors: Luo Fei-Fei , Wang Jing , Zhang Zhan-Fei , Lin Si-Ting , Huang Tie-Jun , Liu Bao-Qi , Fan Mei-Ling , Peng Li-Xia , Zheng Shu-Tao , Yang Chang-Fu , Huang Bi-Jun
Published: September 2023

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly lethal tumor type, but studies on the ESCC tumor microenvironment are limited. We found that cystatin SN (CST1) plays an important role in the ESCC tumor microenvironment. CST1 has been reported to act as an oncogene in multiple human cancers, but its clinical significance and underlying mechanism in ESCC remain elusive. Methods: We performed ESCC gene expression profiling with data from RNA-sequencing and public databases and found CST1 upregulation in ESCC. Then, we assessed CST1 expression in ESCC by RT‒qPCR and Western blot analysis. In addition, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to estimate the expression of CST1 in ESCC tissue and serum. Moreover, further functional experiments were conducted to verify that the gain and loss of CST1 in ESCC cell lines significantly influenced the proliferation and metastasis of ESCC. Mass spectrometry, coimmunoprecipitation, and gelatin zymography experiments were used to validate the interaction between CST1 and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and the mechanism of CST1 influence on metastasis in ESCC. Results: Here, we found that CST1 expression was significantly elevated in ESCC tissues and serum. Moreover, compared with patients with low CST1 expression, patients with high CST1 expression had a worse prognosis. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were significantly unfavorable in the high CST1 expression subgroup. Likewise, the CST1 level was significantly increased in ESCC serum compared with healthy control serum, indicating that CST1 may be a potential serum biomarker for diagnosis, with an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.9702 and p < 0.0001 by receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. Furthermore, upregulated CST1 can promote the motility and metastatic capacity of ESCC in vitro and in vivo by influencing epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and interacting with MMP2 in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Conclusions: Collectively, the results of this study indicated that high CST1 expression mediated by SPI1 in ESCC may serve as a potentially prognostic and diagnostic predictor and as an oncogene to promote motility and metastatic capacity of ESCC by influencing EMT and interacting with MMP2 in the TME.
The Effect of Aqueous Lessertia frutescens Extract on TM3 Leydig Cells Exposed to TNF-α in vitro
Authors: Leisegang Kristian , Finelli Renata , Henkel Ralf , Zenoaga-Barbăroșie Cătălina
Published: September 2023

Background: Extractions of Lessertia frutescens (Lf) are shown to have immune modulation, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, Lf is also cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and pro-apoptotic in vitro. Furthermore, Lf extractions may influence steroidogenesis. Nevertheless, the impact on Leydig cell function has not previously been investigated. As tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is known to cause Leydig cell dysfunction under inflammatory conditions, it is further proposed that Lf extracts may protect against the negative impact of TNF-α on Leydig cells. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of an aqueous Lessertia frutescens extract (LFE) on Leydig cells exposed to TNF-αin vitro. Methods: Human chorionic gonadotrophin-stimulated TM3 Leydig cells were exposed for 24 h to (a) TNF-α (0.1, 1, 10, 100 ng/mL), (b) LFE (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 ng/mL), and (c) co-exposure to 10 ng/mL TNF-α and LFE (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 ng/mL). We analyzed cell viability, cytotoxicity, caspase 3/7 activation, testosterone concentration, and intracellular superoxide. Results: TNF-α exposure decreased cell viability, increased cytotoxicity, and caspase 3/7, with no significant effect on intracellular superoxide in TM3 Leydig cells. When LFE concentrations of 0.01–10 ng/mL were tested, we observed improved vitality and reduced levels of caspase 3/7. At 100 ng/mL, LFE decreased viability and increased cytotoxicity and caspase 3/7. However, LFE did not affect intracellular superoxide. Furthermore, LFE protected against 10 ng/mL TNF-α-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis, except at the highest concentration. LFE alone and in co-culture with 10 ng/mL TNF-α increased testosterone at high concentrations. Conclusions: In our TM3 Leydig cell model, LFE protected against TNF-α-induced cytotoxicity and early apoptosis, except at the highest experimental concentrations, where it was cytotoxic. These effects were not mediated through a change in intracellular superoxide. Although further investigations are warranted, aqueous LFE may protect against TNF-α-induced Leydig cell dysfunction.
Ribosomal, Telomere, and Mitochondrial Repeat Copy Number Variations in Female Genomes during Ovarian Stimulation and the Prediction of In Vitro Fertilization Outcome: A Pilot Study
Authors: Veiko Natalia Nikolaevna , Ershova Elizaveta Sergeevna , Porokhovnik Lev Nikolaevich , Klimenko Maria Petrovna , Klimenko Peter Afanasievich , Umriukhin Pavel Evgenievich , Kostyuk Еdmund Viktorovich , Kurtser Mark Arkadievich , Agafonova Oksana Nikolaevna , Salimova Tatyana Agaragimovna , Kutsev Sergey Ivanovich , Izhevskaya Vera Leonidovna , Kostyuk Svetlana Viktorovna
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Individual risk assessment of assisted reproductive technologies is essential for personalized treatment strategies. Genetic and genomic indicators of the response to stress by cells could provide individual prognostic indicators for in vitro fertilization (IVF) success. Such indicators include the copy number of ribosomal genes (rDNA), which modulates the level of protein synthesis, and the abundance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which provides the cell with energy, while the content of telomere repeats (TRs) indicate the biological age. Materials and Methods: The contents of the three repeats in DNA isolated from blood leukocytes of 40 women before and after ovarian stimulation were assayed prior to IVF. Then, we divided the women into a successful IVF group, IVF+ (N = 17, 7 cases of twins), and a group of failed cases, IVF– (N = 23). The control group included 17 non-pregnant women with natural childbirth in the past. The nonradioactive quantitative hybridization (NQH) method was applied to assay the genome repeat contents. Results: The number of rDNA copies in the IVF+ group was significantly higher than in the IVF– group (p < 10-8). The number of mtDNA copies in the IVF+ group also exceeded those in the IVF– group (p < 0.001), whereas the TR content in the two groups differed, albeit, non-significantly (p < 0.03). Following the ovarian stimulation, the rDNA copy numbers did not change, while the contents of the mtDNA and TR varied significantly. Conclusions: This pilot study has shown that rDNA abundance in blood leukocytes can be considered a stable and effective predictor. Very low numbers of ribosomal repeat copies (<330) entail a high risk of IVF failure. However, a combination of numerous mtDNA and TRs, provided that rDNA content is not very low, increases the probability of multiple pregnancies.
Discordance of Circulating Non-HDL Cholesterol with LDL Cholesterol Concerning Long-Term Prognosis in Statin-Treated Individuals with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Previous Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Li Chuang , He Kuizheng , Yang Yixing , Li Kuibao , Chen Mulei , Wang Lefeng , Gao Yuanfeng , Xu Xiaorong
Published: September 2023

Background: Some individuals who maintain desirable low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels still experience the progression of atherosclerosis, which may eventually lead to cardiovascular events. Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels are quantified to assess residual risk in statin-treated patients with coronary heart disease. The study aimed to estimate the predictive performance of discordance between non-HDL-C and LDL-C on clinical prognosis in statin-treated patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: 468 statin-treated patients with previous CABG undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as a secondary coronary treatment due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The definition of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) was a composite endpoint of cardiovascular death, recurring myocardial infarction, and a need for repeat revascularization. Cox proportional hazards modeling, restricted cubic splines regression, and discordance analysis were conducted to the association between all lipid parameters and the occurrence of MACEs. Discordant values were defined as LDL-C concentrations ≤1.8 mmol/L accompanied by non-HDL-C >2.6 mmol/L. Results: MACEs occurred in 95 patients over a median follow-up period of 744.5 days. Cox models demonstrated that increased concentrations of non-HDL-C and LDL-C levels were independent risk indicators of MACEs (p < 0.001). The restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a linear relationship between non-HDL-C concentrations and MACEs (p-nonlinear: 0.26), whereas a nonlinear relationship was observed between LDL-C concentrations and MACEs (p < 0.01). In the subgroup analysis, the spline curves revealed that the odds of the individuals with desirable LDL-C levels suffering MACEs emerged when non-HDL-C levels were above 2.07 mmol/L. Individuals who exhibited discordance involving high non-HDL-C/low LDL-C levels had an elevated risk of experiencing MACEs compared to those with concordantly low LDL-C and low non-HDL-C levels [hazard ratios (HRs) = 2.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.14–5.22, p = 0.02]. Conclusions: Non-HDL-C levels could predict the residual risk of MACEs in ACS patients with previous CABG and statin therapy that underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. A discordance between non-HDL-C and LDL-C in individuals with desirable LDL-C levels could be useful in identifying those with a residual risk of cardiovascular complications.
DES Selection for Left Main and Coronary Bifurcation Stenting
Authors: Mehmedbegović Zlatko , Jelić Dario , Mladenović Đorđe , Stanković Goran
Published: September 2023

Coronary bifurcation lesions present a challenging lesion subset regarding procedural complexity and worse patient outcomes as compared to simple lesions. Drug eluting stents (DES), as the current standard of care for percutaneous myocardial revascularization, have tubular design and uniform diameter, and therefore, need to be subjected to a standardized set of procedural modifications, to optimally fit and reconstruct underlying bifurcation anatomy. Since contemporary DES have various design platforms, with diverse mechanical properties, we must be aware of the device’s favorable characteristics and limitations, to ensure maximal procedural safety and success. This is especially true for bifurcation lesion stenting, during which device integrity will often be eventually tested by undergoing specific procedural steps, such as proximal balloon optimization, kissing-balloon inflations, or even intentional stent crushing. In this review we address the design characteristics of contemporary DES, their bifurcation-specific experimental testing data, and reported clinical results, in an attempt to provide relevant information and help in device selection for bifurcation stenting procedures.
Septal Myectomy and Subvalvular Repair in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis
Authors: Song Ming-Yang , Wei Xiang , Li Chen-He , Li Rui
Published: September 2023

Background: Some patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) still exhibit systolic anterior motion (SAM) and mitral regurgitation (MR) even after undergoing an isolated ventricular septectomy. Currently, there are disputes regarding whether to perform a mitral valve intervention and which type of operation is more effective. Methods: By searching PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, FDA.gov, and ClinicalTrials.gov, as well as other resource databases, we obtained all articles published before December 2022 on ventricular septal myectomy combined with mitral valve intervention for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Demographic information and outcome variable data were extracted from 10 screened studies on ventricular septal resection combined with mitral valve repair. The risk of bias was assessed using methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS). Student’s t-test was used for comparisons of continuous variables, and the chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used for dichotomous variables. A total of 692 patients across 10 studies were analyzed. Results: There were 5 (0.7%) deaths in the perioperative period. The average cardiopulmonary bypass time was 64.7 ± 22.2 minutes, and the average follow-up time was 39.6 ± 36.3 months. Compared with baseline levels, the left ventricular outflow tract gradient (83.6 ± 32.2 mmHg vs. 11.0 ± 7.8 mmHg, p < 0.01), maximum interventricular septal thickness (22.5 ± 5.1 mm vs. 14.7 ± 5.5 mm, p < 0.01), III/IV mitral regurgitation (351/692 vs. 17/675, p < 0.01), anterior mitral leaflet (AML)-annulus ratio (0.49 ± 0.14 vs. 0.60 ± 0.12, p < 0.01), tenting area (2.72 ± 0.60 cm2 vs. 1.95 ± 0.60 cm2, p < 0.01), and SAM (181/194 vs. 11/215, p < 0.01) were significantly improved. 14 (2.1%) patients were in New York Heart Association functional class III/IV, which was significantly improved compared with the preoperative state (541/692 vs. 14/682, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Ventricular septectomy combined with mitral valve repair can be a safe and effective treatment option for patients suffering from HOCM with SAM and severe MR.
INDONESIAN TRADITIONAL GAME «BANDHUL SADA» IN LEARNING ROTATION DYNAMIC CONCEPTS WITH CONTEXTUAL APPROACH
Authors: Fatmaryanti Siska Desy
Published: September 2023

Teachers can support cultural preservation while also providing a relevant and interesting way to teaching diverse subjects by including traditional games into the learning process. The aim of this research is identify the rotation dynamic concepts of Indonesian traditional game «Bandhul Sada» with contextual approach
Formulation of the problem. We focused how to learn the rotational dynamic concept with traditional game «Bandhul Sada» and implementation learning steps with contextual approach.This identification includes analysis of rotation dynamic consepts in “Bandhul Sada”  and analysis of learning steps with a contextual approach to the application of the game.
Materials and methods. The method used qualitative approach with descriptive analysis. In the analysis of rotation dynamic concepts and learning step in contextual approach, we used the method of narrative review research. Literature and observation have been used as the data collection methods. In the analysis of learning step, we used the literature review includes gathering information through literature that supports the development of learning steps based on a contextual approach.  
Results. Result of the research shows that (1) in «Bandhul Sada» game can be explained the concept of rotation dynamics that occur, namely linear speed, angular velocity, and angular momentum; (2) this game can be applicate in learning with contextual approach. This learning consist of 5 phase. There were constructing knowledge possessed by students, developing students' initial knowledge, using game «Bandhul Sada» in delivering material concepts, conducting inquiry processes through discussion activities and finally reflection. From all these learning phases, it appears that there is a relationship between teaching approaches and achievement of goals.
Conclusions. Thus it can be concluded that the traditional game «Bandhul Sada» can be used as a real example in learning physics the concept of rotational dynamics such as angular velocity and linear velocity. And it provides students with valuable experience in constructing their own knowledge in a variety of methods.
Beyond Homophobia: Investigating the Uniqueness of Biphobic Attitudes Under Consideration of Sexual Identity
Authors: Wurthmann Constantin , Ortega Alberto Lopez
Published: September 2023

LGBTQ+ individuals are gaining increasing social visibility. As a result, not only attitudes towards the group as a whole are becoming the subject of sociological debates, but also how members of this group are attuned to each other. This paper takes this as a starting point to explore the extent to which factors that help explain homophobic attitudes also explain the phenomenon of negative attitudes towards bisexuals, also called bi-erasure or biphobia. Using original data from August 2021 in Germany, we show that the factors explaining biphobia and homophobia are similar but not identical. While bisexuals are significantly less homophobic than heterosexuals, homosexuals are not less biphobic than heterosexuals. Thus we show that the assumption of intra-group solidarity cannot be confirmed in this way or that the question of who belongs to one's group differs. Explaining biphobic attitudes is the first of its kind for a European country and is essential to a better understanding of behaviour and attitudes within the LGBTQ+ community.
Control of Twinkle mtDNA helicase by NOD2.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: September 2023

We provide evidence here from overexpression-based gain-of-function studies in human cells (1, 2) which demonstrate control of Twinkle mtDNA helicase, encoded by TWNK, by the NLR (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor) family protein NOD2.
SLIRP is differentially expressed in central nervous system metastasis in human breast cancer.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: September 2023

Metastasis to the brain occurs in a significant fraction of patients with breast cancer (1-3). We mined published RNA-sequencing and microarray data (4, 5) to compare primary and metastatic tumor transcriptomes for the discovery of genes associated with brain metastasis in humans with metastatic breast cancer. We found that SRA stem-loop-interacting RNA-binding protein, encoded by SLIRP, was among the genes whose expression was most different in the brain metastases of patients with metastatic breast cancer as compared to primary tumors of the breast. SLIRP mRNA was present at increased quantities in brain metastatic tissues as compared to primary tumors of the breast. Expression of SLIRP in primary tumors was correlated with patient recurrence-free survival. Modulation of SLIRP expression may be relevant to the biology by which tumor cells metastasize from the breast to the brain in humans with metastatic breast cancer.
The Interplay of Culture and Urban Development
Authors: Kevin Aaliyah
Published: September 2023

The Interplay of Culture and Urban Development
Webcam Eye Tracking
Authors: Taore Aryaman
Published: September 2023

This study addresses the inherent challenges of current webcam-based eye tracking systems, particularly their limitations in precisely capturing gaze during head movements. By harnessing the capabilities of the YOLO (You Only Look Once) object detection framework, we engineered a single-stage eye-tracking model that significantly diminishes the need for calibration, thereby enhancing the accuracy and user-friendliness of our eye tracking model. Our model, trained on comprehensive datasets harvested from consumer-grade webcams on desktops/laptops, demonstrated a lower prediction error (err=2.67cm) compared to well-established models like webgazer.js (4.06cm). Moreover, it outperformed our recreated Valliappan et al.'s model from Google Research in a side-by-side comparison (our model = 1.73cm, vs theirs = 1.99cm). This progress underscores our model's potential as a valuable tool for future eye-tracking systems, aiming for seamless remote research and possibly more effective screening endeavours.
Control of IL4I1 by NOD2.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: September 2023

We provide evidence here from overexpression-based gain-of-function studies in human cells (1, 2) which demonstrate control of interleukin-4-induced gene 1, IL4I1, by the NLR (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor) family protein NOD2.
Monetary Policy, Carbon Transition Risk, and Firm Valuation
Authors: Döttling Robin , Lam Adrian
Published: September 2023

We document that the stock prices of firms with higher carbon emissions respond more to monetary policy shocks around Federal Open Market Committee announcements, especially among firms that are more capital intensive, with lower ESG ratings, or with greater regulatory risk exposures. Examining real effects, we find that high-emission firms reduce emissions relative to low-emission firms, but disproportionately slow down these efforts when monetary policy is restrictive. Our results indicate that monetary policy has a stronger effect on the financial and environmental performance of firms more exposed to carbon transition risk, irrespective of whether central banks embrace a climate target.
Reviving Local Traditional Culture through Typo-Morphological Approaches
Authors: Kevin Aaliyah
Published: September 2023

Reviving Local Traditional Culture through Typo-MorphologicalApproaches
Exploring Dynamic Load Energy Conversion in Urban Environments
Authors: Kevin Hasib
Published: September 2023

Exploring Dynamic Load Energy Conversion in UrbanEnvironments
Toward open science in PLS-SEM: Assessing the state of the art and future perspectives
Authors: Adler Susanne Jana , Sharma Pratyush N , Radomir Lăcrămioara
Published: September 2023

Driven by the high-profile failures to reproduce and replicate published findings, there have been increasing demands to adopt open science practices across scientific disciplines in order to enhance research transparency. Critics have highlighted the use of underpowered studies and researchers’ analytical degrees of freedom as factors contributing to these issues. Despite methodological advances and updated guidelines, similar concerns persist regarding studies utilizing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Open science practices can help alleviate these concerns by facilitating transparency in PLS-SEM-based studies. However, the current level of adherence to these practices remains unknown. In this article, we conduct a comprehensive literature review of leading marketing journals to assess the extent to which open science practices are implemented in PLS-SEM-based studies. Based on the observed lack of adoption, we propose a PLS-SEM-specific preregistration template that researchers can use to foster transparency in their analyses, thereby bolstering confidence in their findings.
Đốm Sáng
Authors: Hoang Vuong Quan
Published: September 2023

Bây giờ ở Hà Nội lại có nhiều quán nước vối, nấu cả nụ lẫn lá. Thế là, thức uống ngàn đời của người Việt mà cách đây gần một trăm năm cụ Nguyễn Công Tiễu, một nhà khoa học hàng đầu về lĩnh vực nông nghiệp, đã có một công trình về giá trị dinh dưỡng của nó sau một hồi thời thế xoay vần đã quay trở lại, bình thường như lẽ sống, sự sống. Nước vối khiêm nhường, nhưng đã đủ khỏe khoắn để vượt qua những thách thức của nước ngọt, đồ uống có ga, những thương hiệu lẫy lừng. (Tạp chí Tia Sáng; ngày 7-7-2016)
The Birth of the Universe
Authors: Waluyo Teguh
Published: September 2023

The universe is created from nothing. Before the birth of the universe, matter, space, and time were not yet created. The mass of universe before the birth is zero. Space and time are something unknown. Calculation using the relative density of space-time, the universe gets mass from its birth at the birth time and the process is instantaneous.