bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Did Rural Micro-Entrepreneurs Do Make A Higher Gain? A Preliminary Study on The Potential of Supply Chain Digitalization Using PLS-SEM Approach
Authors: Ahmad Rosli Muhammad Syahrul Deen , Mat Rani Mohd Afandi , Tumiran Mohd Amzari , Mohd Arif Mohd Izzat Amsyar
Published: March 2023

Studies on digitalization disruption and its impact on business are gaining global attention, especially among small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs). It is theoretically expected to be a business value add element in terms of capability and competitiveness in the supply chain ecosystem, which is fundamental in business success. But digitalization also has its own risks and challenges including expertise, capital, cooperation, incentives, and support from other economic units, such as other merchants and customer preferences. Failure in digitization can lead to mistrust and negative perceptions that may lead to effects the SME growth. Among the biggest digitalization challenges are for the rural micro-entrepreneurs (RME) who live in areas that lack digital support facilities and technological capabilities, such as a weak internet connection and native customer's desire to buy using online shopping platforms. This study will analyze the competitive level of RME businesses from a supply chain perspective. To analyze the impact of supply chain digitization (DSC), a mediator effect will be used. DSC will be applied in mediator effect to entrepreneurial supply chain towards the level of RME’s business competitiveness. The hypothesis of this study is DSC practice has a role on the growth of RME business competitiveness. Using the Partial Lease Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method, this study found that RMC’s efforts on business digitization do not have a significant impact on the development of business competitiveness. The hypothesis of this study was confirmed by the rate of P-value. While DSC mediator effect through variance accounted for (VAF) calculation found that there is low partial mediation (23%).  This paper proposes a further study on the elements of competitiveness and the desire for digitalization of RMC to be investigated, while the current need for a comprehensive DSC model of RMC particularly, in line with rural economic development issues in Malaysia.
Gejala Al-Sukhriyyah Dalam Media Sosial: Analisis Menurut Perspektif Islam
Authors: Meerangani Khairul Azhar , Abdul Hamid Mohammad Fahmi , Ibrahim Ahmad Faqih , Mat Johar Muhammad Hilmi , Badhrulhisham Adam
Published: March 2023

Malaysia merupakan negara ke-9 yang mencatatkan penggunaan media sosial paling aktif di dunia iaitu hampir 80% daripada keseluruhan rakyatnya. Penggunaan secara meluas ini mendedahkan setiap individu kepada pelanggaran etika dan moral yang akhirnya boleh membawa kepada jenayah buli siber. Amalan al-sukhriyyah atau persendaan merupakan salah satu bentuk gejala buli siber yang semakin berleluasa. Perbuatan ini semakin menjadi budaya dalam kalangan netizen dengan menjadikan seseorang individu sebagai bahan sendaan dan gurauan bertujuan meraih perhatian dan keseronokan di media sosial. Oleh itu, pihak kerajaan telah memperkenalkan Akta Komunikasi dan Multimedia 1998 bagi memantau kesalahan-kesalahan yang wujud di media sosial terutamanya membabitkan medium siber. Kajian ini bertujuan mengenalpasti bentuk-bentuk al-sukhriyyah yang wujud dalam media sosial masa kini serta menganalisis kedudukan perbuatan ini menurut perspektif hukum Islam. Kajian dijalankan secara kualitatif menggunakan kaedah kepustakaan dengan menganalisis teks-teks al-Quran dan Hadis serta perbahasan para sarjana Muslim berkaitan pengamalan al-sukhriyyah. Selain itu, kaedah analisis kandungan juga dilakukan terhadap beberapa media sosial bagi meneliti pengamalan al-sukhriyyah yang wujud pada masa kini. Perbuatan al-sukhriyyah meskipun mendatangkan keseronokan dan hiburan kepada para pelakunya namun merupakan perbuatan yang dilarang oleh Islam tanpa mengambil kira latar belakang mangsa. Pengguna media sosial perlu mengutamakan adab dan etika yang baik dalam komunikasi yang berlaku bagi mengekalkan keharmonian sesama mereka.
Hakikat dan Kebahagiaan Jiwa Insan dalam Mendepani Pandemik COVID-19
Authors: Tamili Nurul Hasanah , Azlan Aishah , Bahri Sumaiyah
Published: March 2023

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) yang telah diisytiharkan sebagai pandemik oleh Pertubuhan Kesihatan Sedunia atau World Health Organization (WHO) telah menyebabkan ramai rakyat Malaysia gusar akan penyakit ini yang masih belum mempunyai ubat yang sesuai hingga kini. Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) diwartakan oleh kerajaan Malaysia sebagai langkah bagi menyekat pergerakan orang awam untuk mengawal penularan wabak ini. PKP dilihat sebagai satu kaedah yang baik bagi sesetengah orang, namun bagi sebahagian yang lain boleh mengundang penyakit yang lain seperti kemurungan, anxiety disorder, keresahan, dan banyak lagi penyakit kejiwaan. Statistik melaporkan kes bunuh diri juga tinggi sewaktu PKP dilaksanakan, kes penderaan, kes pasangan yang bergaduh dan banyak lagi. Justeru, kajian ini bertujuan melihat hakikat sebenar peranan insan itu sendiri dan apakah konsep kebahagiaan yang perlu kita kecapi ketika berhadapan dengan pelbagai konflik kehidupan terutamanya yang berlingkar dalam aktiviti seharian manusia itu sendiri. Peranan roh, jiwa, akal, kalbu dalam melengkapi hakikat insan itu diketengahkan. Selain itu, teori psikologi al-Ghazali juga dirujuk bagi membantu pemahaman dalam permasalahan yang dihadapi ini. Kajian perpustakaan melalui kaedah analisis kandungan telah digunakan bagi merungkai makna kebahagiaan dan solusi yang boleh dicadangkan terhadap institusi keagamaan dengan penerbitan modul yang sesuai. Cadangan modul ini dapat membantu manusia memandu dalam mencari kebahagiaan hidup yang sebenar.
Cabaran Guru Dalam Pembinaan Sahsiah Murid Melalui E-Pembelajaran Pendidikan Islam
Authors: Tengku Kasim Tengku Sarina Aini , Mohd Noor Nur Eliza , Md. Yusoff Yusmini
Published: March 2023

Pandemik Covid-19 yang melanda negara menjadikan e-pembelajaran di rumah sebagai alternatif kepada konsep pembelajaran secara tradisional di dalam kelas ekoran daripada Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) yang diarahkan oleh Perdana Menteri Malaysia bermula 18 Mac 2020. Situasi ini memberi cabaran baru kepada profesion perguruan dalam memastikan guru lebih bersedia dan efisien untuk meningkatkan pencapaian akademik yang baik di samping melahirkan murid yang memiliki sahsiah terpuji. Hal ini berikutan medium e-pembelajaran terpaksa digunakan oleh guru sepenuhnya sebagai alternatif pembelajaran bagi menggantikan sistem pembelajaran konvensional. Analisis terhadap kajian lepas menunjukkan cabaran teknologi serta globalisasi dalam proses pembelajaran memberi impak terhadap pembentukan sahsiah pelajar. Oleh itu, kajian ini menggunakan kaedah kepustakaan dan berbentuk konseptual bertujuan untuk membincangkan pelaksanaan e-pembelajaran Pendidikan Islam sekolah rendah dengan mengupas cabaran dan halangan yang dihadapi oleh guru Pendidikan Islam pada masa kini ekoran pelaksanaan medium pengajaran dan pembelajaran secara tidak bersemuka. Selain itu, kajian ini akan melihat bagaimana usaha guru dalam membina sahsiah murid melalui e-pembelajaran Pendidikan Islam. Justeru, kajian ini dapat memberi kefahaman kepada guru mengenai usaha dan peranan yang perlu dilakukan bagi membina sahsiah murid melalui platform e-pembelajaran. Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa peranan guru sebagai murabbi amat penting dalam memastikan matlamat e-pembelajaran Pendidikan Islam tercapai di samping keluarga yang merupakan pendidikan informal yang pertama bertindak sebagai pelengkap kepada pendidikan formal walaupun dilakukan secara tidak bersemuka.
Motivasi Dalam Pembelajaran Dan Pengajaran Secara Atas Talian Dan Bersemuka: Satu Tinjauan Terhadap Pelajar IKMAS
Authors: Mohd Ali Ainul Nadzifah , Mohd Tawil Siti Syarah , Supani Shuhaib , Abang Ariffin Abang Zainal Abidin
Published: March 2023

Kajian ini dijalankan untuk mengkaji motivasi pelajar terhadap pembelajaran dan pengajaran berasaskan dalam talian dan bersemuka. Sampel kajian terdiri daripada 102 orang pelajar Institut Kemahiran Islam Malaysia Sarawak (IKMAS). Penyelidik menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan reka bentuk tinjauan. Item-item soal selidik menggunakan skala Likert telah dibina bagi setiap pembolehubah dan data dianalisis secara deskriptif iaitu mencari nilai kekerapan, peratusan, dan min. Hasil kajian menunjukkan motivasi pelajar terhadap pembelajaran dan pengajaran dalam talian adalah pada tahap rendah iaitu skor min 2.18. Dapatan daripada pembelajaran dan pengajaran secara bersemuka pula menunjukkan bahawa pelajar bermotivasi mengikuti pembelajaran dan pengajaran secara bersemuka dengan nilai skor min 3.51. Ini bermakna pembelajaran dan pengajaran dalam talian kurang berkesan berbanding bersemuka. Oleh itu, kaedah pembelajaran dan pengajaran dalam talian perlu diberi perhatian agar pelajar dan pensyarah dapat merasai keseronokan sesi PdP dalam talian.
Tadbir Urus Islam di Darul Quran: Satu Kerangka Konsep dalam Pendidikan Tahfiz
Authors: Abdul Ghani Azmi Ilhaamie , Muhamad Asmawati , Tengku Kasim Tengku Sarina , Ab Halim Asyiqin
Published: March 2023

Pendidikan tahfiz merupakan salah sebuah sektor yang semakin bertapak kukuh dalam arus perdana pendidikan masa kini. Demi menyahut permintaan masyarakat yang mahukan anak mereka menghafal al-Quran, pendidikan tahfiz berkembang pesat ibarat cendawan tumbuh selepas hujan. Namun begitu, timbul beberapa isu mengenai kelemahan pendidikan tahfiz seperti keselamatan bangunan dan infrastruktur serta masalah sosial yang mana rakyat menyabitkannya dengan tadbir urus yang lemah.  Tidak banyak perbincangan akademik yang menyentuh struktur tadbir urus Islam dalam pendidikan tahfiz terutamanya di peringkat persekutuan. Sehubungan itu, artikel ini cuba untuk menyediakan kerangka konsep tadbir urus Islam dalam pendidikan tahfiz terutamanya di Darul Quran. Dengan menggunakan kaedah perpustakaan, perkembangan Darul Quran dalam pendidikan tahfiz dan konsep tadbir urus dalam pendidikan tahfiz di peringkat persekutuan iaitu Darul Quran akan dikupas dalam artikel ini. Kerangka konsep pendidikan tahfiz di peringkat persekutuan juga dibangunkan di mana teori paradigm Tauhid dan Maqasid Syariah mendasari kerangka konsep ini.
Tadbir Urus Pengagihan Zakat Berdasarkan Maqasid Syariah: Kajian di Lembaga Zakat Selangor
Authors: Md Rejab Siti Noorbiah , Wahid Hairunnizam , Yaacob Salmy Edawati
Published: March 2023

Tadbir urus dalam sesebuah organisasi merupakan faktor penting dalam menentukan objektif dan matlamatnya tercapai. Tadbir urus yang baik adalah institusi yang bertanggungjawab, telus dan adil. Prinsip-prinsip ini akan memastikan pencapaian matlamat dan objektif institusi. Bagi institusi zakat, tadbir urus yang baik dapat menyumbang kepada kecekapan dan keberkesanan dana zakat. Pemeriksaaan dan kawalan dari pelbagai mekanisme tadbir urus penting kerana institusi zakat mengawal sumber kewangan yang besar. Justeru, kajian ini akan membincangkan tadbir urus pengagihan zakat dilihat dari segi bantuan dan skim yang diberikan kepada asnaf berdasarkan pendekatan Maqasid Syariah. Kajian ini berbentuk kualitatif dengan perolehan data sekunder melalui dokumentasi, historika dan observasi penyelidik. Hasil kajian mendapati tadbir urus pengagihan zakat bertepatan dengan prinsip Maqasid Syariah. Kajian ini juga diharapkan boleh membantu institusi zakat dalam menarik lebih ramai pembayar zakat dan seterusnya menjadi rujukan kepada para akademik dan penyelidikan di masa depan.
The Precious Knowledge of Oral Cultures: Converging Analyses of Italian Peasantry and the Haudenosaunee First Nations People. A Case Study
Authors: Della Rossa David
Published: March 2023

This case study documents the ancestral oral knowledge of Italian peasant culture and the Haudenosaunee people in informing an ecologically sustainable land ethic. In preserving the knowledge of their oral traditions and comparing the two oral cultures, humanity gains a deeper understanding into the insight and wisdom of oral stories. These two oral cultures point towards a sustainable and interdependent way of knowing and living on the land that will ensure a healthy and nurturing Earth for future generations.
Yliopisto-opiskelijoiden näkemyksiä etäopetuksen pienryhmätilanteista
Authors: Horila Tessa , Raappana Mitra
Published: March 2023

Koronapandemian myötä ryhmäkeskustelut tulivat osaksi opiskelijoiden etäopiskelun arkea. Opiskelijoiden asennoitumista sekä ryhmätyöhön että teknologiavälitteiseen vuorovaikutukseen on tutkittu, mutta tutkimusta etäopiskeluaikaisista ryhmäkeskusteluista ja niiden herättämistä tunteista ja asenteista ei vielä juuri ole. Tässä tutkimuksessa selvitetään, millaisena yliopisto-opiskelijat kokevat etäopiskelun reaaliaikaiset ryhmätilanteet ja millaisia asenteita ja tunteita ne heissä herättävät. Tutkimusaineisto kerättiin verkkolomakkeella, jossa oli avoimia kysymyksiä. Kyselyyn vastasi keväällä 2021 yhteensä 59 opiskelijaa kolmesta suomalaisesta yliopistosta. Aineisto analysoitiin laadullisella sisällönanalyysillä. Opiskelijoiden merkityksenannoissa korostuivat 1) mahdollisuus tulla osaksi ryhmiä ja yhteisöjä, 2) teknologiavälitteisen vuorovaikutuksen ja osallistumisen haasteet sekä 3) ryhmäkeskustelut opettajan ja opetuksen sääteleminä vuorovaikutustilanteina. Tulokset osoittivat myös, että ryhmäkeskusteluihin asennoiduttiin vaihtelevasti ja niillä nähtiin olevan erityisesti relationaalisia hyötyjä ja mahdollisuuksia. Poikkeusolojen myötä omiin ja toisten kielteisiin asenteisiin suhtauduttiin suopeammin ja solidaarisemmin kuin aiemmin. Keskustelut herättivät opiskelijoissa myönteisiä ja kielteisiä tunteita, joista tavallisin oli jännitys. Pohdimme tuloksia etäopiskelun ryhmätilanteista ryhmäviestinnän, viestintäosaamisen ja etäopetuksen tutkimuksen näkökulmista. Lisäksi esittelemme tutkimuksemme tulosten pohjalta käytännön ehdotuksia, miten tehdä etäopiskelun ryhmäkeskusteluista entistä mielekkäämpiä ja miellyttävämpiä viestintätilanteita.
Verkko-opetuksen kehittäminen viestintä- ja kieliopinnoissa
Authors: Niinivaara Janne , Lehtonen Heini
Published: March 2023

Artikkelimme tarkastelee pandemia-ajan kielikeskusopetuksessa ilmeneviä ylipisto-opiskelijoiden vuorovaikutuskäsityksiä ja -kokemuksia verkko-opetuksessa. Tutkimuksemme pohjalta hahmottelemme suuntaviivoja kielikeskuksiin soveltuvalle tutkimuspohjaiselle pedagogiselle kehittämiselle, jonka keskiössä on ymmärrys verkko-opetuksesta ja viestintä- ja kieliosaamisen kehittämisestä. Artikkelimme pohjaa vuonna 2021 Helsingin yliopistossa kerättyyn opiskelijakyselyn avovastauksiin (n=512). Aineistolähtöisessä sisällönanalyysissä löytyi kolme keskeistä jäsennystä: 1) opettajan erilaiset läsnäolon muodot, 2) vertaisvuorovaikutuksen erityispiirteet sekä 3) vuorovaikutuksen kilpailevat funktiot viestintä- ja kieliopintojen verkkototeutuksella. Opiskelijoiden käsitykset ja kokemukset toivotusta ja itselle soveltuvasta vuorovaikutuksesta viestintä- ja kieliopintojen verkkototeutuksella vaihtelivat suuresti. Vaihtelu ilmeni sekä opiskelijoiden keskinäisessä että opettaja-opiskelijavuorovaikutuksessa. Ehdotamme artikkelissamme näiden variaatioiden systemaattista huomioimista opetustarjonnassa, opetussuunnitelmatyössä sekä erilaisten opetus- ja vuorovaikutusmuotojen kehittämisessä. Kielikeskuksen opetuksen kehittämisessä tulee hyödyntää niin viestintä- kuin kielitieteistäkin ammentavaa poikkitieteellistä ymmärrystä. Erityisen tärkeää on määritellä ja tunnistaa digitaalinen vuorovaikutusosaaminen ja kehittää sitä viestintä- ja kieliopinnoissa. Digitalisaatiota ja verkko-opetusta ei tulisi lähestyä vain opetusmenetelminä, vaan opetuksenkehittämisessä on johdonmukaisesti huomioitava työelämän teknologisoituneet ympäristöt myös vuorovaikutusosaamisen paikkoina ja tavoitteina.
Bannayan Zonana Syndrome: An Unusual Cause of Intussusception and Protein Losing Enteropathy in a Child
Authors: Ines Maaloul , Mahdi Ben Dhaou , Taycir Cheikhrouhou , Mohamed Zghal , Hajer Aloulou , Riadh Mhiri , Salma Ben Ameur , Thouraya Kamoun
Published: March 2023

Bannayan-Zonana syndrome (BRRS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by macrocephaly, numerous soft tissue and visceral hamartomas, and lipomas. Because of the risk of fatal bleeding and visceral neoplasia in adulthood, recognizing this disease is critical. We reported a new pediatric case of BRRS in an 18-month-old female infant with lipomas, macrocephaly, and gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyps that prompted ileo-ileal intussusception and protein-losing enteropathy. Patients with BRRS require a comprehensive approach. Our case is unique in its sporadic occurrence and the presence of protein-losing enteropathy as a gastrointestinal polyposis manifestation. Pediatric patients with multiple lipomas, protein-losing enteropathy, and intestinal intussusception should be assessed for BRRS.
A Review of the Applications of Intraoperative Ultrasound Guidance in Cervical Cerclage and Selected Gynecological Procedures
Authors: Leybovitz-Haleluya Noa , Hershkovitz Reli
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Many gynecologic procedures may benefit from the use of real-time ultrasonography. The goal of this review is to summarize the use of ultrasound in some of the main gynecologic procedures, with focus on cervical cerclage procedure.

Recent findings: Ultrasound guidance has been shown to decrease both operative time and complication rates in curettage procedures. In addition, intraoperative ultrasound use reduces recurrence rates after hysteroscopic resection of uterine myoma or septa. Ultrasound guidance may improve the efficiency of cervical cerclage by direct visualization of tightening and assist in measures of prognostic factors following the procedure.

Conclusion: Intraoperative ultrasound guidance appears to be a safe and valuable tool for the gynecologic surgeon. It may reduce complication and re-operation rates and may improve the efficacy of some procedures.
Novel Treatment for Interstitial Cystitis Pilot Study
Authors: Hardy Timothy J.
Published: March 2023

Background and aims: Use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is well established in treatment of orthopedic patients. This pilot study aims to determine the efficacy of using instillation of PRP paired with hydrodistention of the bladder to treat patients with interstitial cystitis (IC).

Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis were recruited to this study. Patients completed Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency (PUF) patient symptom scale, which quantified a symptom and bother score. Patients were treated with hydrodistention with instillation of PRP. Patients completed the PUF questionnaire weekly for six weeks following treatment.

Results: 12 patients underwent hydrodistention with instillation of PRP. The patients were all women, ranging in age from 23 to 71. The mean symptom score went from 13.167 to 7.417 and the mean bother score decreased from 6.833 to 4.41, showing a statistically significant reduction in symptom and bother scores.

Conclusions: Hydrodistention with instillation of PRP is an effective treatment of interstitial cystitis.
Enhancing dairy productivity through best bet feeding interventions under smallholders in the central highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Ashagrie Aemiro K. , Feyissa Fekede , Kebede Gezahegn , Faji Mulisa , Mohammed Kedir , Mengistu Gezahegn , Kitaw Getu , Dejene Mesfin , Geleti Diriba , Minta Muluneh , Rios Esteban F. , Balehegn Mulubrhan , Adesogan Adegbola T.
Published: March 2023

Dairy cattle production is an integral part of smallholder farming systems in the central highlands of Ethiopia, but it is characterized by low milk productivity mainly due to nutritional constraints. This study assessed the comparative advantage of using improved forage-based feeding system over the traditional feeding practices on feed intake, milk yield and quality, and cost benefit analysis of crossbred dairy cows under smallholder farmers. The study was conducted at Welmera and Ejere districts on 12 farmers and two cows per farmer, and two dietary treatments were assigned to each cow randomly, and the study lasted 8 weeks. The treatments were: 1) intervention diet composed of oats-vetch mixture hay with concentrate supplementation at the rate of 0.5 kg/l of milk and 2) basal diet following farmers’ current feeding practices: crop residues and native hay, commonly soaked with local brewery residue (“Atela”) and water. The results showed that there was no difference in total dry matter intake between the two diets. However, the basal feed intake was higher in the traditional feeding practice by 11% whereas the concentrate intake was higher in the intervention diet by 25%. Crude protein intake was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the intervention group by 23%. As a result, milk yield was increased by 36% under oat-vetch mixed fodder-based feeding system as compared to the traditional feeding practice. Consequently, the amount of feed required per unit of milk was lower in the intervention group, indicating higher feed conversion efficiency as compared to the traditional feeding practice. On the other hand, there was no significant variation in milk composition between the two groups. Partial budget analysis indicated that the benefit from the intervention diet (95 birr/cow/day) was greater by 266% than that obtained from the traditional practice (45 birr/cow/day). Utilization of improved forage varieties was proven to play significant role in supplying good quality and abundant feed resource that increased milk yield and also fetch additional economic return for smallholder farmers compared to the existing traditional practice. In general, this study demonstrates that adoption of improved forage production and feeding practices along with sufficient training on balanced ration formulation has been observed to increase dairy productivity and food security through provision of sustainable livelihood opportunity for smallholder farmers.
Role of ferroptosis in pregnancy related diseases and its therapeutic potential
Authors: Xu Jinfeng , Zhou Fan , Wang Xiaodong , Mo Chunheng
Published: March 2023

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death characterized by iron overload, overwhelming lipid peroxidation, and disruption of antioxidant systems. Emerging evidence suggests that ferroptosis is associated with pregnancy related diseases, such as spontaneous abortion, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and spontaneous preterm birth. According to these findings, inhibiting ferroptosis might be a potential option to treat pregnancy related diseases. This review summarizes the mechanisms and advances of ferroptosis, the pathogenic role of ferroptosis in pregnancy related diseases and the potential medicines for its treatment.
Metabolic adjustments in response to ATP spilling by the small DX protein in a Streptomyces strain
Authors: Apel Cécile , Levasseur Marceau , Lejeune Clara , Korch Shaleen B. , Guérard Florence , David Michelle , Askora Ahmed , Litaudon Marc , Roussi Fanny , Gakière Bertrand , Chaput John , Virolle Marie-Joelle
Published: March 2023

ATP wasting is recognized as an efficient strategy to enhance metabolic activity and productivity of specific metabolites in several microorganisms. However, such strategy has been rarely implemented in Streptomyces species whereas antibiotic production by members of this genus is known to be triggered in condition of phosphate limitation that is correlated with a low ATP content. In consequence, to assess the effects of ATP spilling on the primary and specialized metabolisms of Streptomyces, the gene encoding the small synthetic protein DX, that has high affinity for ATP and dephosphorylates ATP into ADP, was cloned in the integrative vector pOSV10 under the control of the strong ErmE promoter. This construct and the empty vector were introduced into the species Streptomyces albogriseolus/viridodiastaticus yielding A37 and A36, respectively. A37 yielded higher biomass than A36 indicating that the DX-mediated ATP degradation resulted into a stimulation of A37 metabolism, consistently with what was reported in other microorganisms. The comparative analysis of the metabolomes of A36 and A37 revealed that A37 had a lower content in glycolytic and Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle intermediates as well as in amino acids than A36, these metabolites being consumed for biomass generation in A37. In contrast, the abundance of other molecules indicative either of energetic stress (ADP, AMP, UMP, ornithine and thymine), of activation (NAD and threonic acid) or inhibition (citramalic acid, fatty acids, TAG and L-alanine) of the oxidative metabolism, was higher in A37 than in A36. Furthermore, hydroxyl-pyrimidine derivatives and polycyclic aromatic polyketide antibiotics belonging to the angucycline class and thought to have a negative impact on respiration were also more abundantly produced by A37 than by A36. This comparative analysis thus revealed the occurrence in A37 of antagonistic metabolic strategies, namely, activation or slowing down of oxidative metabolism and respiration, to maintain the cellular energetic balance. This study thus demonstrated that DX constitutes an efficient biotechnological tool to enhance the expression of the specialized metabolic pathways present in the Streptomyces genomes that may include cryptic pathways. Its use thus might lead to the discovery of novel bioactive molecules potentially useful to human health.
Insights into the catalytic mechanism of the chlorothalonil dehalogenase from Pseudomonas sp. CTN-3
Authors: Yang Xinhang , Diviesti Karla , Miller Callie , Bennett Brian , Holz Richard C.
Published: March 2023

The catalytically competent Co(II)-loaded form of the chlorothalonil dehalogenase from Pseudomonas sp. CTN-3 (Chd, EC 3.8.1.2) was characterized by kinetic and spectroscopic methods. Maximum chlorothalonil (TPN; 2,4,5,6-tetrachloroisophtalonitrile) dehalogenase activity was observed in the presence of one Co(II) ion per monomer with kcat and Km values of 12 ± 3 s−1 and 130 ± 10 μM, respectively, providing a catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of ∼9.2 × 104 M−1s−1. The dissociation constant (Kd) for Co(II) was determined to be 0.29 µM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy indicated the active site Co(II) ion resides in a penta-coordinate environment. EPR spectra of Co1-Chd contain at least three distinct signals, an MS = ± 1/2 signal with a ∼94 G 59Co hyperfine pattern centered at g1’ ≅ 6.7, a broader MS = ± 1/2 signal with g1’ ≅ 5.7, an MS = ± 3/2 signal with tentatively estimated parameters of g1’ ≅ 10.5 (gz = 2.75), A1(59Co) ≅ 110 G, and a high-field broad resonance at g3’ ≅ 1.8. Four substrate-analog inhibitors with IC50 values ranging from 110 μM to 19 mM were also identified and characterized. Upon the addition of each of the substrate-like inhibitors to Co1-Chd, changes in the EPR spectrum were observed that, in all cases, were simpler than that of Co1-Chd in the absence of inhibitors and could be simulated as either a single species or a mixture of two. Simulation of these data indicate that the corresponding EPR signals are each due to a ground state MS = 1/2 Kramers’ doublet and are consistent with pentacoordinate Co(II) with a relatively constrained coordination sphere. These data suggest that the nitrile moiety of TPN may not directly coordinate to the active site metal ion, providing new insight into the catalytic mechanism for Chd.
A comprehensive review of the application of probiotics and postbiotics in oral health
Authors: Homayouni Rad Aziz , Pourjafar Hadi , Mirzakhani Esmaeel
Published: March 2023

Oral diseases are among the most common diseases around the world that people usually suffer from during their lifetime. Tooth decay is a multifactorial disease, and the composition of oral microbiota is a critical factor in its development. Also, Streptococcus mutans is considered the most important caries-causing species. It is expected that probiotics, as they adjust the intestinal microbiota and reduce the number of pathogenic bacteria in the human intestine, can exert their health-giving effects, especially the anti-pathogenic effect, in the oral cavity, which is part of the human gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have been conducted on the role of probiotics in the prevention of tooth decay. In this review, while investigating the effect of different strains of probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria on oral diseases, including dental caries, candida yeast infections, periodontal diseases, and halitosis, we have also discussed postbiotics as novel non-living biological compounds derived from probiotics.
Statistical context learning in tactile search: Crossmodally redundant, visuo-tactile contexts fail to enhance contextual cueing
Authors: Chen Siyi , Shi Zhuanghua , Vural Gizem , Müller Hermann J. , Geyer Thomas
Published: March 2023

In search tasks, reaction times become faster when the target is repeatedly encountered at a fixed position within a consistent spatial arrangement of distractor items, compared to random arrangements. Such “contextual cueing” is also obtained when the predictive distractor context is provided by a non-target modality. Thus, in tactile search, finding a target defined by a deviant vibro-tactile pattern (delivered to one fingertip) from the patterns at other, distractor (fingertip) locations is facilitated not only when the configuration of tactile distractors is predictive of the target location, but also when a configuration of (collocated) visual distractors is predictive—where intramodal-tactile cueing is mediated by a somatotopic and crossmodal-visuotactile cueing by a spatiotopic reference frame. This raises the question of whether redundant multisensory, tactile-plus-visual contexts would enhance contextual cueing of tactile search over and above the level attained by unisensory contexts alone. To address this, we implemented a tactile search task in which, in 50% of the trials in a “multisensory” phase, the tactile target location was predicted by both the tactile and the visual distractor context; in the other 50%, as well as a “unisensory” phase, the target location was solely predicted by the tactile context. We observed no redundancy gains by multisensory-visuotactile contexts, compared to unisensory-tactile contexts. This argues that the reference frame for contextual learning is determined by the task-critical modality (somatotopic coordinates for tactile search). And whether redundant predictive contexts from another modality (vision) can enhance contextual cueing depends on the availability of the corresponding spatial (spatiotopic-visual to somatotopic-tactile) remapping routines.
Case report: Reconstruction of the long-gap unilateral absence of right pulmonary artery with contralateral pulmonary artery flap and autologous pericardial graft
Authors: Li Tiange , Ling Yunfei , Xiong Ziqing , An Qi
Published: March 2023

Unilateral absence of pulmonary artery (UAPA) is a rare type of congenital abnormality that may coexist with other congenital abnormalities or present as an isolated lesion, the latter form can be asymptomatic. Surgical procedure is usually carried out when UAPA was diagnosed with significant symptoms, and the aim of surgery is to restore the pulmonary flow distribution. The right-side UAPA is a considerable challenge for surgeons to process surgery, however, technical description of this type of UAPA are limited. Here we described a rare case of a two-month girl with absence of right pulmonary artery, we presented a technique that reconstructs this long-gap UAPA with contralateral pulmonary artery flap and autologous pericardial graft.
Correlation analysis between myocardial work indices and liver function classification in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis: A study with non-invasive left ventricular pressure-strain loop
Authors: Cao Yang , Zhang Huihui , Li Shuai , Li Siliang , Sun Shuowen , Chen Jinwen , Ye Ting , Zhang Xijun , Yuan Jianjun
Published: March 2023

Background

Liver cirrhosis is closely associated with cardiac dysfunction. The aims of this study were to evaluate left ventricular systolic function in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis by non-invasive left ventricular pressure-strain loop (LVPSL) technique, and to explore the correlation between myocardial work indices and liver function classification.

Methods

According to the Child-Pugh classification, 90 patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis were further divided into three groups: Child-Pugh A group (n = 32), Child-Pugh B group (n = 31), and Child-Pugh C group (n = 27). During the same period, 30 healthy volunteers were recruited as the control (CON) group. Myocardial work parameters, which included global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), and global work efficiency (GWE), were derived from the LVPSL and compared among the four groups. The correlation between myocardial work parameters and Child-Pugh liver function classification was evaluated, and the independent risk factors affecting left ventricular myocardial work in patients with cirrhosis were investigated by univariable and multivariable linear regression analysis.

Results

GWI, GCW and GWE of Child-Pugh B and C groups were lower than those of CON group, while GWW was higher than that of CON group, and the changes were more obvious in Child-Pugh C group (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that GWI, GCW, and GWE were negatively correlated with liver function classification to various degrees (r = −0.54, −0.57, and −0.83, respectively, all P < 0.001), while GWW was positively correlated with liver function classification (r = 0.76, P < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that GWE was positively correlated with ALB (β = 0.17, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with GLS (β = −0.24, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The changes in the left ventricular systolic function in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis were identified using non-invasive LVPSL technology, and myocardial work parameters are significantly correlated with liver function classification. This technique may provide a new method for the evaluation of cardiac function in patients with cirrhosis.
Spatial-temporal distribution, metallogenic mechanisms and genetic types of nephrite jade deposits in China
Authors: Zhang Cun , Yang Fan , Yu Xiaoyan , Liu Jinhai , Carranza Emmanuel John M. , Chi Jie , Zhang Peng
Published: March 2023

The nephrite jade deposits of different tectonic units in China exert significant commercial quality, which have attracted wide attention. However, these deposits have not been systematically summarized to date. Here, we investigate the major nephrite jade deposits in China to decipher their gemological and mineralogical characteristics, spatial-temporal distribution, and mineralization processes as well as to identify their geological settings and gemological properties, via integrating published geochronology, major and trace elements as well as H-O isotopes. The compiled data suggest that the major nephrite jade deposits in China can also be generally divided into green jade-type (GJ-type) and white jade-type (WJ-type) which covers different species, but most of them belong to the latter. The GJ-type nephrite deposits predominantly occur in ophiolite/ophiolitic mélange suites or are embedded into ultramafic serpentine jade orebodies. This type of nephrite jade mainly formed through the late auto-metamorphic metasomatism of serpentine or the spontaneous crystallization/precipitation along suture/shear zones that acted as pathways to migrate Ca-rich fluids during orogeny. In contrast, the orebodies of WJ-type nephrite jade are usually hosted at the contact zones between the dolomitic marbles and intermediate-felsic or mafic intrusive rocks, which were produced through metamorphism-metasomatism during post continent-continent collision, such as the Kunlun orogenic belt with about ∼1,300 km Hetian nephrite belt, and the eastern nephrite jade deposits along the Pacific Ocean. Our study highlights that the nephrite jade deposits in China originally formed during multiple tectonic stages related to the interactions between hydrothermal fluids and metamorphism under subduction accretion- and collision orogenesis-related settings. In addition, this study also provides insights into the genetic discrimination, mineral exploration, and occurrence characteristics of nephrite jade deposits as well as the evaluation and identification of nephrite jade quality.
Crack closure effect during the impact coal seam with high-pressure air blasting and the influence of gas drainage efficiency
Authors: Song Weihua , Jiao Huice , Wang Yingwei
Published: March 2023

The crack closure in impact coal seams induced by high-pressure air blasting greatly affects gas drainage efficiency. The length of the crack closure was calculated and analyzed based on energy and elastic theories. The closure region was then determined to be 3.8 m from the blasting hole. The results of a high-pressure air blasting experiment in the underground of one coal mine in China showed that the effect of crack closure on gas drainage efficiency manifested as a decreased amplitude of gas emission in the crack closure region. At 1.0–4.0 m from the blasting hole, the amplitude of gas emission in the observation holes first increased and then decreased with increasing distance from the blasting hole. At 1.8–2.5 m from the blasting hole, the amplitude of the gas emission was maximal. At 4.0 m from the blasting hole, the crack was nearly closed, and the gas emission in the observation holes was minimal. The theoretical calculation had good consistency with the field test results; thus, it can provide an important reference for an appropriate arrangement of gas drainage boreholes.
The deformation evolution law and stability evaluation of the high-filled slope in the cutting hills to backfill ditches project
Authors: Hu Jun , Yuan Wei , Fu Xiaodong , Zhang Zhenping , Zhou Yongqiang , Chai Shaobo , Cheng Yongliang , Sheng Qian
Published: March 2023

The cutting hills to back ditches (CHBD) project has been widely implemented since urbanization in hilly areas is steadily rising. The stability of the high-filled slope and the problem of foundation settlement deformation has become one of the vital issues for safe construction. This paper focused on the deformation evolution law and stability assessment of the high-filled deposit slope composed of the soil-rock mixture (S-RM) in the CHBD project, in Shiyan City, Hubei Province as examples. First, large-scale direct shear tests of S-RM with different rock block proportions (RBPs) under different various normal stresses were carried out, and its mechanical properties were analyzed. Next, the finite element method was used to simulate the processes of the step-by-step filling, and the deformation evolution law was analyzed. Then, the limited equilibrium method (LEM) was used to obtain the potential sliding surfaces and the corresponding safety factors of the high-filled slope, and the safety of the construction was assessed. Finally, automated monitoring of the step-by-step settlement and deep soil deformation was computerized for the typical locations, and the long-term stability of the high-filled slope was studied. The results demonstrate that the first layer of backfill in the F area contains the largest incremental settlement displacement in the y-direction, whereas the value in the G area occurs at the site of the fill layer close to the slope surface at each filling timestep. The displacement response value steadily declines with the increasing filling depth and horizontal displacement, presenting a clear spatial influence range, with the site of maximum incremental displacement as the center. After filling, the safety factors of the potential sliding surface in the F and G areas are 2.531 and 1.118, respectively, and the slope is in a stable state. The monitoring data show that the deformation mostly takes place within 10 m of the surface. The study’s findings are thought to offer technical and practical knowledge for the slope risks.
The impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on αKlotho in renal MDCK and HK-2 cells
Authors: Wolf Lisa , Föller Michael , Feger Martina
Published: March 2023

αKlotho is a transmembrane protein predominantly expressed in the kidney serving as a co-receptor for phosphate homeostasis-regulating hormone FGF23 and has an extracellular domain that can be cleaved off and is a hormone. αKlotho deficiency results in accelerated aging and early onset of aging-associated diseases while its overexpression strongly expands the lifespan of mice. Moreover, αKlotho exerts health-beneficial anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic, anti-fibrotic, and anti-oxidant effects. Higher αKlotho levels are associated with better outcomes in renal and cardiovascular diseases. SGLT2 inhibitors are novel drugs in the treatment of diabetes by inhibiting renal glucose transport and have additional nephro- and cardioprotective effects. We explored whether SGLT2 inhibitors affect αKlotho gene expression and protein secretion. Experiments were performed in renal MDCK and HK-2 cells, and αKlotho transcripts were determined by qRT-PCR and Klotho protein by ELISA. SGLT2 inhibitors canagliflozin, sotagliflozin, and dapagliflozin enhanced whereas empagliflozin reduced αKlotho gene expression in MDCK cells. By the same token, canagliflozin, sotagliflozin, dapagliflozin, but not empagliflozin down-regulated p65 subunit of pro-inflammatory NFκB. In HK-2 cells, all SGLT2 inhibitors reduced αKlotho transcripts. Canagliflozin and sotagliflozin, however, increased Klotho protein concentration in the cell culture supernatant, an effect paralleled by up-regulation of ADAM17. Taken together, our investigations demonstrate complex effects of different SGLT2 inhibitors on αKlotho gene expression and protein secretion in renal MDCK and HK-2 cells.
Strategies involving low-molecular-weight heparin for the treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients with obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Junjie , Qiao Xi , Wu Mingdong , Wang Haiyang , Luo Hailong , Zhang Haolong , Chen Yikuan , Sun Jianming , Tang Bo
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Recent studies have indicated that the dosage of LMWH in patients with specific weights may be controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore an appropriate dosage of LMWH for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with obesity.

Materials and methods

We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases up to July 23, 2022. Study selection, bias analysis, and information extraction were performed by three independent reviewers. The occurrence or recurrence of VTE and bleeding events were the primary outcomes we assessed.

Results

Eleven studies (a total of 6266 patients) were included in the prevention group, and 6 studies (a total of 3225 patients) were included in the treatment group. For VTE prophylaxis, compared with the standard-dosage group, the high-dosage group had a lower incidence of VTE (OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.27-0.82, P=0.007) and a similar incidence of bleeding events (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.69-1.08, P=0.020). For VTE therapy, compared to the standard-dosage group, the reduced-dosage group had a similar incidence of VTE recurrence (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.11-6.84, P=0.89) but a lower incidence of bleeding events (OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.10-0.89, P=0.03).

Conclusion

In patients with obesity, increasing the dosage of LMWH is a more appropriate option for the prevention of VTE. Due to the limited evidence, reducing the therapeutic dosage of LMWH requires careful consideration. Larger-scale, well-designed randomized controlled trials are necessary.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?, identifier ID=CRD42022298128.
Sex differences in thermoregulation in mammals: Implications for energy homeostasis
Authors: Fernández-Peña Carlos , Reimúndez Alfonso , Viana Félix , Arce Victor M. , Señarís Rosa
Published: March 2023

Thermal homeostasis is a fundamental process in mammals, which allows the maintenance of a constant internal body temperature to ensure an efficient function of cells despite changes in ambient temperature. Increasing evidence has revealed the great impact of thermoregulation on energy homeostasis. Homeothermy requires a fine regulation of food intake, heat production, conservation and dissipation and energy expenditure. A great interest on this field of research has re-emerged following the discovery of thermogenic brown adipose tissue and browning of white fat in adult humans, with a potential clinical relevance on obesity and metabolic comorbidities. However, most of our knowledge comes from male animal models or men, which introduces unwanted biases on the findings. In this review, we discuss how differences in sex-dependent characteristics (anthropometry, body composition, hormonal regulation, and other sexual factors) influence numerous aspects of thermal regulation, which impact on energy homeostasis. Individuals of both sexes should be used in the experimental paradigms, considering the ovarian cycles and sexual hormonal regulation as influential factors in these studies. Only by collecting data in both sexes on molecular, functional, and clinical aspects, we will be able to establish in a rigorous way the real impact of thermoregulation on energy homeostasis, opening new avenues in the understanding and treatment of obesity and metabolic associated diseases.
A bi-directional Mendelian randomization study of sarcopenia-related traits and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chen Simin , Yan Shikang , Aiheti Nuerbiyamu , Kuribanjiang Kaidiriyan , Yao Xuemei , Wang Qian , Zhou Tao , Yang Lei
Published: March 2023

Background

Previous studies have reported an association between sarcopenia and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but causation was prone to confounding factors. A more robust research approach is urgently required to investigate the causal relationship between sarcopenia and T2DM.

Methods

The bi-directional two-sample MR study was carried out in two stages: Sarcopenia-related traits were investigated as exposure while T2DM was investigated as an outcome in the first step, whereas the second step was reversed. The GWAS summary data for hand-grip strength (n = 256,523), appendicular lean mass (ALM, n = 450,243), and walking pace (n = 459,915) were obtained from the UK Biobank. T2DM data were obtained from one of the biggest case-control studies on diabetes (DIAGRAM; n = 180,834 cases and 492,191 controls), which was published in 2022. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) approach was used to obtain MR estimates, and various sensitivity analysis was also performed.

Results

Low hand-grip strength had a potential causal relationship with an increased incidence of T2DM (OR = 1.109; 95% CI, 1.008–1.222; p = 0.0350). T2DM risk was reduced by increasing ALM and walking pace: A 1 kg/m2 increase in ALM decreased the risk of T2DM by 10.2% (OR = 0.898; 95% CI, 0.830–0.952; p < 0.001). A 1 m/s increase in walking pace decreased the risk of T2DM by 90.0% (OR = 0.100; 95% CI, 0.053–0.186; p < 0.001). The relationship was bidirectional, with T2DM as a causative factor of sarcopenia-related traits (p < 0.05) except for ALM (β = 0.018; 95% CI, −0.008 to −0.044; p = 0.168).

Conclusions

Hand-grip strength and T2DM had a potential bidirectional causal relationship, as did walking pace and T2DM. We suggest that sarcopenia and T2DM may mutually have a significant causal effect on each other.