bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisis Koordinasi Relai Proteksi Transformator I 150/20kV GI Bumicokro Akibat Uprating Daya 50MVA Menjadi 60MVA
Authors: Anang Dasa Novfowan  , Mochammad Mieftah  , Heri Sungkowo
Published: July 2023

Nowadays, Electricity is a important thing for people. As the load grown at the Bumicokro Substation, transformer I had replaced from 50 MVA to 60MVA. Because of that, the relays protection had to be resetting because of the changes of nominal current. Therefore, the objectives of this research are calculated and simulated the setting of OCR (Over Current Relay), GFR (Ground Fault Relay), SBEF (Stand by Earth Fault), differential and REF (Resistance Earth Fault) relay. ETAPv12.6 software is used to get the relay coordination Outgoing 22kV, Incoming 150kV, OCR (Over Current Relay), GFR (Ground Fault Relay), SBEF (Stand by Earth Fault), differential and REF (Resistance Earth Fault) after the calculation and simulation finished, then the result indicated the appropriate conditions to overcome the distrubance at the transformer according to the protection zone. The result of current setting for Differential relay is 2,88A, Primary REF is 0,5A, Secondary REF is 1,1A, 150kV OCR is 3,5A, and the moment setting is 28A, 22kV OCR 150kV 4,7A, GFR 1,44A, SBEF 1,0A. While, the result of time setting for Differential relay, Primary REF, Secondary REF are instant, for 150kV OCR is 1,06s, 22kV OCR is 1,07s, GFR 1,51s, and SBEF 8,8s.
Audit Energi dan Rekomendasi Penghematan Energi Listrik di Gedung Rumah Sakit
Authors: Muhammad Fahmi Hakim  , Ahmad Hermawan  , Fandi Kurniawan  , Kumala Mahda Habsari
Published: July 2023

The actions for electricity consumption more efficiently is reducing the amount of electricity consumption of renewable and non renewable energy for human living sustainability or we can called energy conservation. Energy audit purposed to the energy utilization evaluation progress, is still infrequently applied in Indonesia, especially in huge building. The analyzing result of A building in the Dr. Radjiman Wediodiningrat Asylum, the first value audit of Energy Use Intensity (EUI) is 21,944 kwh/m2/year it was include the criteria of efficient. This EUI value is below EUI research that was issued by ASEAN-USAID in 1992 and the EUI value average of hospital in Korea, while detailed audit obtained energy value of EUI is 23,213 kWh/m2/year is included to the criteria of efficient. The THDi value in electricity system is IR= 33,2%, IS=24,48%, IT= 34,85% and IN=122,96%, the THDi value is not complied with IEEE 519-2014 permission which is the value is ISC/IL> 1000 has restraint value by 20%. Whereas the THDv value in electricity system is VR-S= 2,04%, VS-T= 2,11%, VT-R= 1,97%, VR-N= 3,83%, VS-N= 3,69%, VT-N= 3,73% and VL-L= 2,04% and VL-N= 3,75%, the value of THDv is complied the permissiod by IEEE 519-2014 with Voltage system of identification by 0,4 kV, therefore the limit value of THDV which permitted is 8%.
Analisis Pengaruh Suhu Dan Partial Shading Terhadap Output Daya PV 100-WP Untuk Sistem Hidroponik
Authors: Saputra Masramdhani , Santoso Asfari Hariz , Gumilang Binar Surya , Pratama Tio Chandra Ardhi
Published: July 2023

This experiment discusses the effect of the variability of solar radiation due to partial shading and surface temperature of the PV Panel on the output power of 100 Wp solar panels. This study begins by determining the load of the system, i.e. DC pump in the nutrient circulation system of the DFT hydroponic system. From there, we can observe the change in solar panel power output and PV surface temperature change due to partial shade. This survey method actually measures the temperature and intensity of solar radiation  and measures the power output of a solar panel, and the tools used are thermal sensors used to measure the surface temperature of solar panels. Solar power meter. to measure the solar irradiance and use the multimeter to measure the voltage and current, 10A capacity SCC battery, 100Wp capacity solar panel and 65Ah battery. The test will be conducted for 5 days, starting from 09:00 to 15:00 every day. This result shows that temperature increase affects the output power decrease when the solar panel is in normal condition (not half shaded condition). On the other hand, when partial shade conditions increase, the temperature does not affect the decrease in solar panel output power. The greater the intensity of partial shade produced by the solar panel, the lower the output power. However, for short periods of partial shade, the output power produced tends to be more stable than under normal conditions.
Blockchain financialization, neo-colonialism, and Binance
Authors: Jutel Olivier
Published: July 2023

This article will look at the financial geographies and legacies of neo-colonialism to critique the emergence of blockchain financialization in the developing world. Blockchain “financialization” advances through the interplay of crypto imaginaries, new platform economies, and the trading infrastructure for highly leveraged financial products. The largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, has presented itself as a champion of the blockchain for development paradigm in Africa. Its success in the region relies on the use of community leaders, hackathons, and the lobbying of governments for regulatory concessions. Binance operates on two scales. Firstly, it is part of a fintech vanguard attempting to dismantle New Deal financial regulatory systems in the Global North (Omarova, Yale Journal on Regulation, 2019, 36, 735–793; Allen, H, DeFi: Shadow Banking 2.0?, 2022). Secondly, it as an agent of financialization in the developing world, promoting DeFi to map the speculative micro-financial practices of the Global South. Crypto and blockchain thus represent extensions of “subprime empire” (Schuster, Current Anthropology, 2021, 62, 389–411) in which marginal economic activities in fragile developing world contexts feed into the North-South extraction of value. This article will outline Binance’s forays into Nigeria as an example of the micro and macro scales of neocolonial finance and the interplay of infrastructure, territory, and the social imaginary in blockchain.
EVC-EVC2 complex stability and ciliary targeting are regulated by modification with ubiquitin and SUMO
Authors: Barbeito Pablo , Martin-Morales Raquel , Palencia-Campos Adrian , Cerrolaza Juan , Rivas-Santos Celia , Gallego-Colastra Leticia , Caparros-Martin Jose Antonio , Martin-Bravo Carolina , Martin-Hurtado Ana , Sánchez-Bellver Laura , Marfany Gemma , Ruiz-Perez Victor L. , Garcia-Gonzalo Francesc R.
Published: July 2023

Ellis van Creveld syndrome and Weyers acrofacial dysostosis are two rare genetic diseases affecting skeletal development. They are both ciliopathies, as they are due to malfunction of primary cilia, microtubule-based plasma membrane protrusions that function as cellular antennae and are required for Hedgehog signaling, a key pathway during skeletal morphogenesis. These ciliopathies are caused by mutations affecting the EVC-EVC2 complex, a transmembrane protein heterodimer that regulates Hedgehog signaling from inside primary cilia. Despite the importance of this complex, the mechanisms underlying its stability, targeting and function are poorly understood. To address this, we characterized the endogenous EVC protein interactome in control and Evc-null cells. This proteomic screen confirmed EVC’s main known interactors (EVC2, IQCE, EFCAB7), while revealing new ones, including USP7, a deubiquitinating enzyme involved in Hedgehog signaling. We therefore looked at EVC-EVC2 complex ubiquitination. Such ubiquitination exists but is independent of USP7 (and of USP48, also involved in Hh signaling). We did find, however, that monoubiquitination of EVC-EVC2 cytosolic tails greatly reduces their protein levels. On the other hand, modification of EVC-EVC2 cytosolic tails with the small ubiquitin-related modifier SUMO3 has a different effect, enhancing complex accumulation at the EvC zone, immediately distal to the ciliary transition zone, possibly via increased binding to the EFCAB7-IQCE complex. Lastly, we find that EvC zone targeting of EVC-EVC2 depends on two separate EFCAB7-binding motifs within EVC2’s Weyers-deleted peptide. Only one of these motifs had been characterized previously, so we have mapped the second herein. Altogether, our data shed light on EVC-EVC2 complex regulatory mechanisms, with implications for ciliopathies.
Unearthed opium: development of a UHPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of Papaver somniferum alkaloids in Daunian vessels
Authors: Vincenti Flaminia , Montesano Camilla , Ciccola Alessandro , Serafini Ilaria , Favero Gabriele , Pallotta Matteo , Pagano Flavia , Di Francesco Gaia , Croce Martina , Leone Maria Laura , Muntoni Italo Maria , Sergi Manuel
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The analysis of organic residue in ancient vessels to investigate early-age civilization habits is an important archeological application that needs advanced analytical methods. However, these procedures should meet inherent requisites such as low sampling invasiveness and high sensitivity for trace analysis. This study deals with the development of advanced analytical methods for the detection of opium alkaloids in ceramic vessels and its first application to the study of Daunian pots dating back to the VIII–IV sec BC.

Methods: All the stages of the analytical procedure, from sampling to analysis, were carefully optimized. Concerning sampling, the traditional scraping approach was compared with a swabbing strategy which permitted minimizing sample encroachment. Extraction was based on pressurized liquid extraction or ultrasound-assisted liquid extraction, followed by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, which allowed concentration enrichment. On the other hand, a UHPLC-MS/MS method was specifically developed and validated to obtain reliable data. Some Daunian pots, belonging to the Ceci-Macrini private archeological collection, were selected for sample withdrawal as their iconography could suggest opium usage.

Results: Several of the analyzed samples resulted positive to thebaine and less frequently to morphine and codeine; furthermore, 70% of the analyzed items tested positive for at least one opium alkaloid. Positive findings were common to all the samples collected in the pots, suggesting that scraping and swabbing provided comparable results and validating this unusual sampling strategy. All samples were additionally analyzed by UHPLC-HRMS to further improve the confidence level of the identified compounds. The obtained results shed new light on the hypothesis of opium usage by the ancient Daunian civilization. Furthermore, this study provided suitable analytical tools for further investigations on the same topic, with a good level of confidence in the quality of the results.
Establishment of a mathematical prediction model for voriconazole stable maintenance dose: a prospective study
Authors: Zhou Lijuan , Li Min , Li Huihong , Guo Zhiqiang , Gao Yanqiu , Zhang Hua , Qin Fuli , Sang Zhihui , Xing Qinghe , Cheng Long , Cao Wei
Published: July 2023

Background

In patients with invasive fungal infection (IFI), the steady-state serum trough concentration (Cmin) of voriconazole (VCZ) is highly variable and can lead to treatment failure (Cmin < 0.5 mg/L) and toxicity (Cmin ≥ 5.0 mg/L). However, It remains challenging to determine the ideal maintenance dose to achieve the desired Cmin level quickly.

Aims

This randomized, prospective observational single-center study aimed to identify factors affecting VCZ-Cmin and maintenance dose and create an algorithmic model to predict the necessary maintenance dose. MeThe study enrolled 306 adult IFI patients, split into two groups: non-gene-directed (A) (where CYP2C19 phenotype is not involved in determining VCZ dose) and gene-directed (B) (where CYP2C19 phenotype is involved in determining VCZ dose).

Results

Results indicated that CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms might significantly impact VCZ loading and maintenance dose selection. CYP2C19 phenotype, C-reaction protein (CRP), and average daily dose/body weight were significant influencers on VCZ-Cmin, while CYP2C19 phenotype, CRP, and body weight significantly impacted VCZ maintenance dose. A feasible predictive formula for VCZ stable maintenance dose was derived from the regression equation as a maintenance dose (mg) =282.774-0.735×age (year)+2.946×body weight(Kg)-19.402×CYP2C19 phenotype (UM/RM/NM:0, IM:1, PM:2)-0.316×CRP (mg/L) (p < 0.001).

Discussion

DiThis formula may serve as a valuable supplement to the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC®) guideline for CYP2C19 and VCZ therapy, especially for IFI patients with highly variable inflammatory cytokines during VCZ therapy.
Regulation of FGF2-induced proliferation by inhibitory GPCR in normal pituitary cells
Authors: Sosa Liliana del V. , Picech Florencia , Perez Pablo , Gutierrez Silvina , Leal Rodrigo Bainy , De Paul Ana , Torres Alicia , Petiti Juan Pablo
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Intracellular communication is essential for the maintenance of the anterior pituitary gland plasticity. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether GPCR-Gαi modulates basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2)-induced proliferative activity in normal pituitary cell populations.

Methods

Anterior pituitary primary cell cultures from Wistar female rats were treated with FGF2 (10ng/mL) or somatostatin analog (SSTa, 100nM) alone or co-incubated with or without the inhibitors of GPCR-Gαi, pertussis toxin (PTX, 500nM), MEK inhibitor (U0126, 100µM) or PI3K inhibitor (LY 294002, 10 μM).

Results

FGF2 increased and SSTa decreased the lactotroph and somatotroph BrdU uptak2e (p<0.05) whereas the FGF2-induced S-phase entry was prevented by SSTa co-incubation in both cell types, with these effects being reverted by PTX, U0126 or LY294002 pre-incubation. The inhibition of lactotroph and somatotroph mitosis was associated with a downregulation of c-Jun expression, a decrease of phosphorylated (p) ERK and pAKT. Furthermore, SSTa was observed to inhibit the S-phase entry induced by FGF2, resulting in a further increase in the number of cells in the G1 phase and a concomitant reduction in the number of cells in the S phases (p< 0.05), effects related to a decrease of cyclin D1 expression and an increase in the expression of the cell cycle inhibitors p27 and p21.

Discussion

In summary, the GPCR-Gαi activated by SSTa blocked the pro-proliferative effect of FGF2 in normal pituitary cells via a MEK-dependent mechanism, which acts as a mediator of both anti and pro-mitogenic signals, that may regulate the principal effectors of the G1 to S-phase transition.
Sustainable corporate governance mediates between firm performance and corporate social responsibility using structural equation modelling
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Liu Xiangyang , Arif Muhammad , Rahman Shams Ur , Manan Fazal , Khattak Sajid Rahman , Wang Rongyu
Published: July 2023

It is crucial for the corporate sector to set aside a reasonable proportion of revenues for a sustainable corporate environment to transfer favorable and long-lasting impact to the upcoming generations. This study analyzed the impact of firm performance (FP) of the 25 energy sector sample firms of the Shanghai stock exchange (SSE) on corporate social responsibility (CSR) for the period 2011–2020 in light of the role of the intervening variable, corporate governance (CG). The data of the sample firms were analyzed and tested through multiple regression and structural equation models. This study is conducted in a developed economy with the rare mediator of CG to attempt to fill the gap of the previous studies conducted in a specific region of developing economies. The results show a pivotal role of FP in favorable CSR practices. In addition, the more established CG mechanism, as a mediator, has a considerable role between the predictor and predicted variables in the study. It is concluded from the results that firms in developed economies are more sustainability conscious than developing countries’ firms in terms of CG and CSR practices, which has been observed from the findings of the previously conducted studies in developing nations. Furthermore, structural equation model analysis values of βs for return on assets (ROA = 0.48), return on equity (ROE = 0.65), return on sales (ROS = 0.80), and debt-ratio (LIB = 0.40) considerably affects FP in the sample firms. It is also observed from the correlation matrix that FP indicators (ROA, ROS, ROE, and LIB) have positive as well as significant effects on CG and CSR practices. This study’s detailed policy implications are provided in the conclusion section.
Will green financial policy influence energy consumption structure? Evidence from pilot zones for green finance reform and innovation in China
Authors: Cui Genghao , Mao Huizhen , Dong Xin , Shao Lin , Wang Miao
Published: July 2023

Green finance is considered an effective way to promote economic development and environmental protection. The Chinese government has formulated the green financial reform and innovation policy to change the energy consumption structure (ECS) and achieved the goal of economic development and environmental protection. This paper considers the pilot zones for green finance reform and innovation (PZGFRI) set up in 2017 as a quasi-natural experiment, and we adopt the synthetic control method (SCM) to evaluate the possible policy effects of the PZGFRI on the ECS based on panel data from 30 provincial-level administrative regions from 2013 to 2019. The empirical results reveal that the PZGFRI setup plays a key role in influencing the ECS. The PZGFRI policy significantly optimizes the ECS in both Zhejiang Province and Guizhou Province, and the investigative result of Guizhou Province is better than that of Zhejiang Province. Meanwhile, the placebo test and robustness tests are still valid. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effectiveness of China’s PZGGRI policy on the ECS and also provides a reference for the country’s green finance to promote the adjustment of the ECS.
The Drape: a new way to characterize ecosystem states, dynamics, and tipping points from process-based models
Authors: Hély Christelle , Shugart Herman H. , Swap Robert J. , Gaucherel Cédric
Published: July 2023

There are many ways to study ecosystem dynamics, all having several issues. Main limitations of differential equation systems are the necessarily small number of interactions between few variables used, and parameter values to be set before the system dynamics can be studied. Main drawbacks of large-scale snapshot observation datasets to build a stability landscape are assuming that the most represented conditions are the most stable states, and using the computed landscape to directly study the system’s dynamics. To remedy these aforementioned shortcomings and study complex systems based on the processes that characterize them without having to limit the number of variables, neither set parameter values, nor to use observations serving both model buildup and system’s dynamics analysis, we propose a geometric model as an additional and novel aid to study ecosystem dynamics. The Drape is a generic multi-dimensional analysis, derived from process-based model datasets that include disturbances. We illustrate the methodology to apply our concept on a continental-scale system and by using a mechanistic vegetation model to obtain values of state variables. The model integrates long-term dynamics in ecosystem components beyond the theoretical stability and potential landscape representations currently published. Our approach also differs from others that use resolution of differential equation systems. We used Africa as example, representing it as a grid of 9395 pixels. We simulated each pixel to build the ecosystem domain and then to transform it into the Drape – the mean response surface. Then, we applied a textural analysis to this surface to discriminate stable states (flat regions) from unstable states (gradient or crest regions), which likely represent tipping points. Projecting observed data onto the Drape surface allows testing ecological hypotheses, such as illustrated here with the savanna-forest alternative stable states, that are still today debated topics, mainly due to methods and data used. The Drape provides new insights on all ecosystem types and states, identifying likely tipping points (represented as narrow ridges versus stable states across flat regions), and allowing projection and analysis of multiple ecosystem types whose state variables are based on the same three variables.
T-lymphocytes from focused ultrasound ablation subsequently mediate cellular antitumor immunity after adoptive cell transfer immunotherapy
Authors: Ran Li-Feng , Xie Xun-Peng , Xia Ji-Zhu , Xie Fang-Lin , Fan Yan-Min , Wu Feng
Published: July 2023

Background

Our previous studies found that high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) stimulated tumor-specific T cells in a mouse H22 tumor model, and adoptive transfer of the T cells from HIFU-treated mice could subsequently elicit stronger inhibition on the growth and progression of the implanted tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of T cells from focused ultrasound ablation in HIFU-mediated immunomodulation.

Methods

Sixty H22 tumor-bearing mice were treated by either HIFU or sham-HIFU, and 30 naïve syngeneic mice served as controls. All mice were euthanized on day 14 after HIFU and splenic T cell suspensions were obtained in each group. Using an adoptive cell transfer model, a total of 1 × 106 T cells from HIFU treated-mice were intravenously injected into each syngeneic H22 tumor-bearing mouse twice on day 3 and 4, followed by the sacrifice for immunological assessments at 14 days after the adoptive transfer.

Results

T cells from HIFU-treated mice could significantly enhance the cytotoxicity of CTLs (p < 0.001), with a significant increase of TNF-α (p < 0.001) and IFN-γ secretion (p < 0.001). Compared to control and sham-HIFU groups, the number of Fas ligand+ and perforin+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and apoptotic H22 tumor cells were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the HIFU group. There were linear correlations between apoptotic tumor cells and Fas ligand+ TILs (r = 0.9145, p < 0.001) and perforin+ TILs (r = 0.9619, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

T cells from HIFU-treated mice can subsequently mediate cellular antitumor immunity, which may play an important role in the HIFU-based immunomodulation.
Exploring the contribution of pro-inflammatory cytokines to impaired wound healing in diabetes
Authors: Nirenjen S. , Narayanan J. , Tamilanban T. , Subramaniyan Vetriselvan , Chitra V. , Fuloria Neeraj Kumar , Wong Ling Shing , Ramachawolran Gobinath , Sekar Mahendran , Gupta Gaurav , Fuloria Shivkanya , Chinni Suresh V. , Selvaraj Siddharthan
Published: July 2023

Background

Impaired wound healing is the most common and significant complication of Diabetes. While most other complications of Diabetes have better treatment options, diabetic wounds remain a burden as they can cause pain and suffering in patients. Wound closure and repair are orchestrated by a sequence of events aided by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are dysregulated in cases of Diabetes, making the wound environment unfavorable for healing and delaying the wound healing processes. This concise review provides an overview of the dysregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and offers insights into better therapeutic outcomes.

Purpose of review

Although many therapeutic approaches have been lined up nowadays to treat Diabetes, there are no proper treatment modalities proposed yet in treating diabetic wounds due to the lack of understanding about the role of inflammatory mediators, especially Pro-inflammatory mediators- Cytokines, in the process of Wound healing which we mainly focus on this review.

Recent findings

Although complications of Diabetes mellitus are most reported after years of diagnosis, the most severe critical complication is impaired Wound Healing among Diabetes patients. Even though Trauma, Peripheral Artery Disease, and Peripheral Neuropathy are the leading triggering factors for the development of ulcerations, the most significant issue contributing to the development of complicated cutaneous wounds is wound healing impairment. It may even end up with amputation. Newer therapeutic approaches such as incorporating the additives in the present dressing materials, which include antimicrobial molecules and immunomodulatory cytokines is of better therapeutic value.

The adoption of these technologies and the establishment of novel therapeutic interventions is difficult since there is a gap in terms of a complete understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms at the cellular and molecular level and the lack of data in terms of the assessment of safety and bioavailability differences in the individuals’ patients. The target-specific pro-inflammatory cytokines-based therapies, either by upregulation or downregulation of them, will be helpful in the wound healing process and thereby enhances the Quality of life in patients, which is the goal of drug therapy.
Immune response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in multiple sclerosis patients after rituximab treatment interruption
Authors: Gröning Remigius , Dernstedt Andy , Ahlm Clas , Normark Johan , Sundström Peter , Forsell Mattias N. E.
Published: July 2023

Peripheral B cell depletion via anti-CD20 treatment is a highly effective disease-modifying treatment for reducing new relapses in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. A drawback of rituximab (RTX) and other anti-CD20 antibodies is a poor immune response to vaccination. While this can be mitigated by treatment interruption of at least six months prior to vaccination, the timing to resume treatment while maintaining subsequent vaccine responses remains undetermined. Here, we characterized SARS-CoV-2 S-directed antibody and B cell responses throughout three BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine doses in RTX-treated MS patients, with the first two doses given during treatment interruption. We examined B-cell mediated immune responses in blood samples from patients with RTX-treated MS throughout three BNT162b2 vaccine doses, compared to an age- and sex-matched healthy control group. The first vaccine dose was given 1.3 years (median) after the last RTX infusion, the second dose one month after the first, and the third dose four weeks after treatment re-initiation. We analyzed SARS-CoV-2 S-directed antibody levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the neutralization capacity of patient serum against SARS-CoV-2 S-pseudotyped lentivirus using luciferase reporter assay. In addition, we assessed switched memory (CD19+CD20+CD27+IgD-), unswitched memory (CD19+CD20+CD27+IgD+), naïve (CD19+CD20+CD27-IgD+), and double negative (DN, CD19+CD20+CD27-IgD-) B cell frequencies, as well as their SARS-CoV-2 S-specific (CoV+) and Decay Accelerating Factor-negative (DAF-) subpopulations, using flow cytometry. After two vaccine doses, S-binding antibody levels and neutralization capacity in SARS-CoV-2-naïve MS patients were comparable to vaccinated healthy controls, albeit with greater variation. Higher antibody response levels and CoV+-DN B cell frequencies after the second vaccine dose were predictive of a boost effect after the third dose, even after re-initiation of rituximab treatment. MS patients also exhibited lower frequencies of DAF- memory B cells, a suggested proxy for germinal centre activity, than control individuals. S-binding antibody levels in RTX-treated MS patients after two vaccine doses could help determine which individuals would need to move up their next vaccine booster dose or postpone their next RTX infusion. Our findings also offer first indications on the potential importance of antigenic stimulation of DN B cells and long-term impairment of germinal centre activity in rituximab-treated MS patients.
Outcomes of revision surgery for idiopathic macular hole after failed primary vitrectomy
Authors: Shi Yunhong , Feng Lujia , Li Yangyang , Jiang Zhihao , Fang Dong , Han Xiaotong , Wang Lanhua , Wei Yantao , Zhang Ting , Zhang Shaochong
Published: July 2023

Persistent idiopathic macular hole (PIMH), the occurrence of idiopathic macular holes that have failed to close after standard pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, has become a global health threat to the aging population. Because postoperative anatomic closure or restoration of visual acuity is more difficult to achieve in PIMH, surgical approaches that would yield the best outcomes remain to be elucidated. On paper, extended ILM peeling combined with silicone oil (SiO) tamponade is believed to be a feasible option for excellent macular hole closure. However, no studies on this combined treatment for PIMH is compared with simple air tamponade have been conducted. Thus, in this retrospective case series, we used spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and other technologies to investigate real-world evidence for the anatomical and functional outcomes of revisional PPV with either SiO or air tamponade for failed primary idiopathic macular hole surgery. We included the records of 76 patients with PIMH who had SD-OCT examinations and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Regression analysis was performed to find factors affecting PIMH fracture closure. Seventy-six participants were allocated to a SiO group (n = 21, with an extended ILM peeling and SiO tamponade) or an air group (n = 55, with extended ILM peeling and air tamponade). Anatomical success was achieved in 18 (85.7%) and 40 (72.7%) eyes in the SiO and air groups, respectively (p = 0.37). BCVA was significantly improved in both subgroups of closed PIMH (SiO group: p = 0.041; air group: p < 0.001). Minimum linear diameter (MLD) was closely related to the closure rate (OR, 1.0; 95% CI (0.985–0.999); p = 0.03). MLD = 650 μm seemed like a cut-off point for closure rate (MLD ≤ 650 μm vs. MLD > 650 μm; 88.4% vs. 52%, p = 0.002). In conclusion, we demonstrated that extended ILM peeling combined with SiO or air tamponade is effective in PIMH treatment. Moreover, though not statistically significant herein, the anatomic closure rate was better for silicone-operated eyes than for air-operated eyes. MLD is the best predictor of PIMH closure; MLD ≤ 650 μm could achieve a significantly higher closure rate.
Endothelial dysfunction in autoimmune, pulmonary, and kidney systems, and exercise tolerance following SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Sen Sabyasachi , Khosla Shikha , Awan Omar , Cohen Scott , Gollie Jared M.
Published: July 2023

Long COVID is characterized by persistent symptoms beyond 3-months of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Autonomic, immunologic, endothelial, and hypercoagulation are implicated as possible mechanisms of long COVID symptoms. Despite recognition of the public health challenges posed by long COVID, the current understanding of the pathophysiological underpinnings is still evolving. In this narrative review, we explore the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on T cell activation such as autoimmune disorders and endothelial cell dysfunction involving vascular impairments within pulmonary and renal architecture. We have described how endothelial dysfunction and vascular abnormalities may underscore findings of exercise intolerance by way of impaired peripheral oxygen extraction in individuals with long COVID.
Swiss Survey on current practices and opinions on clinical constellations triggering the search for PNH clones
Authors: Rovó Alicia , Gavillet Mathilde , Drexler Beatrice , Keller Peter , Schneider Jenny Sarah , Colucci Giuseppe , Beauverd Yan , Dorland Hendrika Anette van , Pollak Matthias , Schmidt Adrian , De Gottardi Andrea , Bissig Marina , Lehmann Thomas , Duchosal Michel A. , Zeerleder Sacha
Published: July 2023

This national survey investigated the current practice in Switzerland by collecting participants' opinions on paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) clone assessment and clinical practice.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate clinical indications prompting PNH clones' assessment and physician's accessibility of a flow cytometry facility, and also to understand clinical attitudes on the follow-up (FU) of patients with PNH clones.

Methods

The survey includes 16 multiple-choice questions related to PNH and targets physicians with a definite level of experience in the topic using two screener questions. Opinion on clinical management was collected using hypothetical clinical situations. Each participant had the option of being contacted to further discuss the survey results. This was an online survey, and 264 physicians were contacted through email once a week for 5 weeks from September 2020.

Results

In total, 64 physicians (24.2%) from 23 institutions participated (81.3% hematologists and 67.2% from university hospitals). All had access to flow cytometry for PNH clone testing, with 76.6% having access within their own institution. The main reasons to assess for PNH clones were unexplained thrombosis and/or hemolysis, and/or aplastic anemia (AA). Patients in FU for PNH clones were more likely to be aplastic anemia (AA) and symptomatic PNH. In total, 61% of the participants investigated PNH clones repetitively during FU in AA/myelodysplastic syndromes patients, even when there was no PNH clone found at diagnosis, and 75% of the participants tested at least once a year during FU. Opinions related to clinical management were scattered.

Conclusion

The need to adhere to guidelines for the assessment, interpretation, and reporting of PNH clones emerges as the most important finding, as well as consensus for the management of less well-defined clinical situations. Even though there are several international guidelines, clear information addressing specific topics such as the type of anticoagulant to use and its duration, as well as the indication for treatment with complement inhibitors in some borderline situations are needed. The analysis and the discussion of this survey provide the basis for understanding the unmet needs of PNH clone assessment and clinical practice in Switzerland.
Primary renal myxoid liposarcoma with pancreatic invasion on 18F-FDG PET/CT: first case report and literature review
Authors: Huang Wenpeng , Chao Fangfang , Zhang Yongbai , Li Liming , Gao Yuan , Qiu Yongkang , Gao Jianbo , Kang Lei
Published: July 2023

Background

Myxoid liposarcoma (MLS) is a rare malignant soft tissue sarcoma that predominantly manifests in the deep soft tissues of the extremities, particularly within the musculature of the thigh. Unlike other types of liposarcoma, MLS demonstrates a propensity for metastasis to atypical sites, including the lung parenchyma, soft tissues, retroperitoneum, mediastinum, breast, liver, thymus, lymph nodes, and bones. The definitive diagnosis primarily relies on histology with HE staining. Imaging modalities such as ultrasound, CT, MRI, and 18F-FDG PET/CT scans serve as valuable tools for tumor identification.

Case report

A 57-year-old man presented with symptoms of abdominal distention and vomiting 1 month ago. Contrast-enhancement CT revealed a heterogeneous hypodense mass in the upper-middle part of the left kidney, displaying irregular morphology and protrusion towards the exterior of the kidney, with abundant blood supply and had a maximum dimension of approximately 10.7 cm × 9.0 cm. Additionally, a rounded soft tissue density was identified in the pancreatic body. Multiplanar reconstruction demonstrated a connection between the pancreatic lesion and the kidney mass. 18F-FDG PET/CT was conducted for staging, revealing significant growth of the lesion in the upper-middle part of the left kidney, extending beyond the kidney and infiltrating the pancreatic body. The lesion demonstrated remarkably high 18F-FDG uptake (SUVmax = 10.2, MTV = 136.13 cm3, TLG = 484.62). The postoperative pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of MLS. On the 10th day post-surgery, the patient presented with tumor recurrence and underwent another surgical resection. Unfortunately, during the operation, the patient experienced a sudden cardiac arrest and died.

Conclusion

Renal MLS with invasion into the pancreas is very rare in clinical practice. Due to the limited research on the utilization of 18F-FDG PET/CT in this particular context, given the rarity and low incidence of MLS, its role remains largely unexplored. As PET/CT imaging becomes increasingly prevalent, thorough imaging of disease sites becomes indispensable for the development of treatment protocols and the monitoring of treatment response.
Screening of exopolysaccharide-producing Enterobacter aerogenes NJ1023 and its cadaverine biosynthesis promotion
Authors: Xie Yanai , Ye Zhen , Wan Xin , Deng Hua , Sun Weihao , He Xun , Chen Kequan
Published: July 2023

Enterobacter aerogenes, the gram-negative bacteria belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae, lacks the ability to synthesize chemicals. However, in this study, a strain of Enterobacter aerogenes NJ1023 screened from the soil containing petrochemicals was found to be capable of producing extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs). After purification of the polysaccharide, the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of the polysaccharide were analyzed by UV–Vis spectra, FTIR spectroscopy and GC-MS, etc. The results showed that: The molecular weight of the polysaccharide produced by this strain was only 2.7×103 Da, which was lower than that reported in other polysaccharides from the same genus. The polysaccharide produced by E. aerogenes NJ1023 mainly comprised xylose, glucose, galactose, and N-acetylglucosamine with a molar ratio of 0.27: 4.52: 1.74: 0.2, which differed from those reported from the same genus. The results demonstrated that lower incubation temperatures and shaking speeds were more favorable for EPSs synthesis, while higher incubation temperatures and shaking speeds favored cell growth. Additionally, the EPSs produced by E. aerogenes NJ1023 significantly protected the Escherichia coli cells against cadaverine stress. Overall, the discovery of EPSs produced by E. aerogenes increased the diversity of bacterial polysaccharides and broadened the potential applications of this species.
Modeled energetics of bacterial communities in ancient subzero brines
Authors: Kanaan Georges , Hoehler Tori M. , Iwahana Go , Deming Jody W.
Published: July 2023

Cryopeg brines are isolated volumes of hypersaline water in subzero permafrost. The cryopeg system at Utqiaġvik, Alaska, is estimated to date back to 40 ka BP or earlier, a remnant of a late Pleistocene Ocean. Surprisingly, the cryopeg brines contain high concentrations of organic carbon, including extracellular polysaccharides, and high densities of bacteria. How can these physiologically extreme, old, and geologically isolated systems support such an ecosystem? This study addresses this question by examining the energetics of the Utqiaġvik cryopeg brine ecosystem. Using literature-derived assumptions and new measurements on archived borehole materials, we first estimated the quantity of organic carbon when the system formed. We then considered two bacterial growth trajectories to calculate the lower and upper bounds of the cell-specific metabolic rate of these communities. These bounds represent the first community estimates of metabolic rate in a subzero hypersaline environment. To assess the plausibility of the different growth trajectories, we developed a model of the organic carbon cycle and applied it to three borehole scenarios. We also used dissolved inorganic carbon and nitrogen measurements to independently estimate the metabolic rate. The model reconstructs the growth trajectory of the microbial community and predicts the present-day cell density and organic carbon content. Model input included measured rates of the in-situ enzymatic conversion of particulate to dissolved organic carbon under subzero brine conditions. A sensitivity analysis of model parameters was performed, revealing an interplay between growth rate, cell-specific metabolic rate, and extracellular enzyme activity. This approach allowed us to identify plausible growth trajectories consistent with the observed bacterial densities in the cryopeg brines. We found that the cell-specific metabolic rate in this system is relatively high compared to marine sediments. We attribute this finding to the need to invest energy in the production of extracellular enzymes, for generating bioavailable carbon from particulate organic carbon, and the production of extracellular polysaccharides for cryoprotection and osmoprotection. These results may be relevant to other isolated systems in the polar regions of Earth and to possible ice-bound brines on worlds such as Europa, Enceladus, and Mars.
The interplay between vector microbial community and pathogen transmission on the invasive Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus: current knowledge and future directions
Authors: Garrido Mario , Veiga Jesús , Garrigós Marta , Martínez-de la Puente Josué
Published: July 2023

The invasive Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is nowadays broadly distributed with established populations in all continents except Antarctica. In the invaded areas, this species represents an important nuisance for humans and, more relevant, it is involved in the local transmission of pathogens relevant under a public health perspective. Aedes albopictus is a competent vector of parasites such as Dirofilaria and viruses including dengue virus, Zika virus, and chikungunya virus, among others. The mosquito microbiota has been identified as one of the major drivers of vector competence, acting upon relevant vector functions as development or immunity. Here, we review the available literature on the interaction between Ae. albopictus microbiota and pathogen transmission and identify the knowledge gaps on the topic. Most studies are strictly focused on the interplay between pathogens and Wolbachia endosymbiont while studies screening whole microbiota are still scarce but increasing in recent years, supported on Next-generation sequencing tools. Most experimental trials use lab-reared mosquitoes or cell lines, exploring the molecular mechanisms of the microbiota-pathogen interaction. Yet, correlational studies on wild populations are underrepresented. Consequently, we still lack sufficient evidence to reveal whether the microbiota of introduced populations of Ae. albopictus differ from those of native populations, or how microbiota is shaped by different environmental and anthropic factors, but especially, how these changes affect the ability of Ae. albopictus to transmit pathogens and favor the occurrence of outbreaks in the colonized areas. Finally, we propose future research directions on this research topic.
Levilactobacillus brevis, autochthonous to cucumber fermentation, is unable to utilize citric acid and encodes for a putative 1,2-propanediol utilization microcompartment
Authors: Pérez-Díaz Ilenys M. , Page Clinton A. , Mendez-Sandoval Lesley , Johanningsmeier Suzanne D.
Published: July 2023

The metabolic versatility of Levilactobacillus brevis, a heterofermentative lactic acid bacterium, could benefit environmentally compatible and low salt cucumber fermentation. The biodiversity of Lvb. brevis autochthonous to cucumber fermentation was studied using genotypic and phenotypic analyses to identify unique adjunct cultures. A group of 131 isolates autochthonous to industrial fermentations was screened using rep-PCR-(GTG)5 and a fermentation ability assay under varied combinations of salt (0 or 6%), initial pH (4.0 or 5.2), and temperature (15 or 30°C). No apparent similarities were observed among the seven and nine clusters in the genotypic and phenotypic dendrograms, respectively. A total of 14 isolates representing the observed biodiversity were subjected to comparative genome analysis. The autochthonous Lvb. brevis clustered apart from allochthonous isolates, as their genomes lack templates for citrate lyase, several putative hypothetical proteins, and some plasmid- and phage-associated proteins. Four and two representative autochthonous and allochthonous Lvb. brevis, respectively, were subjected to phenotype microarray analysis using an Omnilog. Growth of all Lvb. brevis strains was supported to various levels by glucose, fructose, gentiobiose, 1,2-propanediol, and propionic acid, whereas the allochthonous isolate ATCC14890 was unique in utilizing citric acid. All the Lvb. brevis genomes encode for 1,2-propanediol utilization microcompartments. This study identified a unique Lvb. brevis strain, autochthonous to cucumber, as a potential functional adjunct culture for commercial fermentation that is distinct in metabolic activities from allochthonous isolates of the same species.
Dynamic distribution of Massilia spp. in sewage, substrate, plant rhizosphere/phyllosphere and air of constructed wetland ecosystem
Authors: Xu Ailing , Liu Congcong , Zhao Shuke , Song Zhiwen , Sun Hui
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Massilia bacteria are widely distributed and have various ecological functions. Preliminary studies have shown that Massilia is the dominant species in constructed wetland ecosystems, but its species composition and distribution in constructed wetlands are still unclear.

Methods

In this paper, the in-house-designed primers were used to construct a 16S rDNA clone library of Massilia. The RFLP sequence analysis method was used to analyze the diversity of Massilia clone library and the composition of Massilia in sewage, substrate, plant rhizosphere, plant phyllosphere and air in a constructed wetland sewage treatment system. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) were used to analyze the correlation between environmental factors and the population characteristics of Massilia in the corresponding environment. The dominant species of Massilia were analyzed for differences.

Results

The results showed that the 16S rDNA clone library in primer 5 worked well. According to the clone library diversity index analysis, the richness of Massilia varied significantly in different environments in different seasons, where the overall summer and autumn richness was higher than that in the spring and winter. The relative abundance of 5 Massilia in the constructed wetland ecosystem was greater than 1% in all samples, which were M. alkalitolerans, M. albidiflava, M. aurea, M. brevitalea, and M. timonae. The seasonal variation of dominant genera was significantly correlated with environmental factors in constructed wetlands.

Discussion

The above results indicated that the species of Massilia were abundant and widely distributed in the constructed wetland ecosystem, and there were significant seasonal differences. In addition, the Massilia clone library of constructed wetland was constructed for the first time in this study and the valuable data of Massilia community structure were provided, which was conducive to the further study of microbial community in constructed wetland.