bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Macam Bahan dan Konsentrasi Compost Tea terhadap Pertumbuhan Bibit Kelapa Sawit di Pre Nursery
Authors: Hasibuan Afrizal Hasibuan , Pauliz Budi Hastuti  , Ety Rosa Setyawati
Published: June 2022

Abstract— This study aims to determine the effect of the application of various materials and the concentration of compost tea on the growth of oil palm seedlings in the pre-nursery. This research was conducted in Pasar Lembu Village, Air Joman District, Asahan Regency, North Sumatra Province. The study was conducted from March to May 2021. This study used a factorial experimental method arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of two factors, namely the various of compost tea material consisting of 3 levels (kascing, cow compost and goat compost) and the concentration of compost tea consisting of 3 levels, namely chemical fertilizers Urea and NPK (as control), 1:3, 1:5, 1:10. From these two factors, 12 treatment combinations were obtained with each treatment repeated 6 times, so that 72 plant samples were obtained. The research data were analyzed by analysis of variance at the 5% level. Significantly different data will be further tested with DMRT (Duncan's Multiple Range Test) at the 5% test level. Parameters observed in this study were plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, crown fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight and root length. The results showed that there was no significant interaction between the various of material and the concentration of compost tea on the growth of oil palm seedlings in the pre-nursery. The various materials of compost tea gave the same effect on all research parameters, as well as the concentration of compost tea. Giving compost tea concentration of 1:10 is more efficient and has been able to replace chemical fertilisers of oil palm seedlings in the pre nursery.
Studi Tentang Keragaman Hayati Tanaman Dan Perannya Dalam Mengeliminir Pencemaran Udara
Authors: Susilo Achmadi
Published: June 2022

Tujuan riset : (a) melakukan identifikasi karagaman tanaman di wilayah RW07 Taman Indah Sidoarjo atas dasar kemampuannya dalam mengeliminir polutan, dan (b) mengetahui kondisi saat ini keragaman tanaman pada wilayah RW07 Taman Indah, Sidoarjo atas dasar analisis data yang ditemukan di lapangan. Pendekatan metode yang dipakai pada riset ini adalah : (a) melakukan survey lapangan secara langsung untuk mendata keadaan fisik semua sampel tanaman di lapangan dan (b) selanjutnya mengidentifikasi berbagai jenis tanaman menggunakan buku Identifikasi “Singapore flora” sesuai habitusnya, serta fungsi untuk menyerap polutan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa (a) keragaman tanaman di wilayah RW07, Sidoarjo  adalah 76 pohon,  meliputi :  katagori semak 36 jenis, perdu 17 jenis, pohon berkayu 15 jenis , dan 8 jenis palem. (b). jenis tanaman yang berfungsi mereduksi partikel Pb, yakni  mahoni, angsana, tanjung, mangga, glodokan tegak, bugenvil, asem, dan sawo kecik; semua jenis tanaman berfungsi  menyerap CO2,  mereduksi CO dan NOx.
ANALISIS HAMBATAN GURU MIPA DALAM PEMBELAJARAN DARING DI SMAS KR. RANTEPAO DI MASA PANDEMI COVID 19
Authors: Sae D. B. , Sihotang H.
Published: June 2022

This study was to desribe the obstacles of Mathematics and Natural Sciences teachers at Christian Senior High School Rantepao in online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study was a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis. Subjects in this study were 17 Mathematics and Natural Sciences teachers at Christian High School Rantepao. Data collection techniques using a questionnaire. The data were analized by descriptive percentage. The results of this study showed that Mathematics and Natural Sciences teachers at Christian Senior High School Rantepao experienced obstacles in online learning in the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Keywords: covid-19, , online learning, teacher, obstacles.
PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA BERBASIS ARTICULATE STORYLINE PADA MATERI BANGUN RUANG SISI DATAR KELAS VIII
Authors: Saputro P. A. , Lumbantoruan J. H.
Published: June 2022

This study aims to produce mathematics learning media products in the material of flat side space. The media is designed with the Articulate Storyline application with a visualization of understanding the concept of flat-sided building materials as a tool in explaining the concept of flat-sided building materials and improving student learning outcomes in class VIII of flat-side building material. The method used in this research is the Research and Development (R&D) method. This research method consists of several phases, namely: analysis of the potential and problems that exist in the research site, the second phase of literature studies and collection of information related to problem handling and based on existing potential, the third phase of designing the product, the fourth phase of designing the product, the fifth phase of expert validation, and getting tested product designs. Design validation is carried out by experts consisting of media experts, material experts, and teachers. Research data in the form of expert validation results obtained at 4.48 with the interpretation into the very valid category. In this way, the learning media is ready to be applied to the trial process and large classes in further research and development methods.

Keywords:. mathematics learning media, articulate storyline, build flat side space
ASOSIASI KECEMASAN MATEMATIS DENGAN KEBIASAAN BERPIKIR SISWA SMA
Authors: Adam Supriatna  , Zulkarnaen Rafiq , Firmansyah Dani
Published: June 2022

Students’ who have low mathematical anxiety cause themselves more confidence in learning mathematics and solving given problems, while mathematical habit of mind is a key aspect of student success in learning mathematics. This study aims at investigating the association of mathematical anxiety and habit of mind of high school students’. This study is survey research and it was conducted in a public senior high school in Karawang, West Java, Indonesia. The sample of this research consists of the 11th grade were 501 students’ taken using the cluster sampling method. The instrument used in this research covers mathematical anxiety and habit of mind questionnaire, and the data were analysed by using confirmatory factor analysis. The results show that students' mathematical anxiety was negatively associated with  habits of mind. However, the result of the research indicates that dominant aspects of mathematical anxiety are: negative perceptions of mathematics learning, low mathematical achievement, lack of confidence, and mathematics tests. Meanwhile, the dominant aspect of habits of mind are: persevering, thinking metacognition, and working carefully and precisely.
PENENTUAN INDEKS dan KOEFISIEN LAJU GERMINASI KEDELAI (Glycine max (L.) Merr) yang DIBERI PENGASAPAN (Liquid Smoke) dari SUMBER MATERIAL TUMBUHAN yang BERBEDA
Authors: Wahyu Dani Swari  , Basry Yadi Tang  , Stormy Vertygo
Published: June 2022

The research aimed at determining the Germination Rate Index (ILG) and Coefficient Velocity of Germination (KLG) of Soybean treated with liquid smoke derived from different plant materials. The seeds were soaked with liquid smoke from 3 different plant sources: Kesambi wood, coconut shell, and rice husk with each source were then divided into six variety of concentration: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 100%. Analysis was conducted by calculating the GRI and CVG based on the parameters observed which were : Germination Time (GT) and Mean Germination Time (MGT). Results showed that liquid smoke derived from Kesambi wood gave the best result in promoting Soybean germination. Based on its ILG and KLG value . Results showed that liquid smoke derived from Kesambi wood gave the best result in promoting Soybean germination. Based on its ILG and KLG value, Kesambi wood-derived liquid smoke with 10% concentration gave the best value which were 50,00 and 2,00 respectively. On the other hand, liquid smoke derived from coconut shell and rice husk inhibited Soybean germination starting from 10% concentration. It is suggested to use liquid smoke derived from Kesambi wood to promote seed germination with lower concentration.
UJI EFEKTIVITAS SALEP KULIT BATANG KAPUK RANDU (Ceiba Pentandra) SEBAGAI OBAT ANTI-INFLAMASI
Authors: Harianto Setya , Prasetyaningsih Aniek , Cantya Prakasita Vinsa
Published: June 2022

Inflammation is protective response of vascular tissue to various harmful stimuli that characterized by pain, redness, and swelling. Empirically, stem bark of Ceiba pentandra has various chemical compounds that nutritious for health and have potential to be used as anti-inflammatory. This research will provide information the benefit of  C. pentandra stem bark especially as anti-inflammatory agents and it’s correlation with the compounds. Maceration method with 70% ethanol was used in extraction and the yield was 75,54%. In phytochemical test, it was identified in crude extract contained flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, β-sitosterol, 1,2-benzendiol, quinic acid, and octadec-9-enoic acid. On extract and ointment products C. pentandra has antioxidants activity with IC50 value of extract was 52,64 ppm and IC50 value of ointment products was 117,64 ppm. This research is included RAL experimental which was carried out on male mice that divided into 5 groups: negative control (ointment base), positive control (Betametasone valerate 0,1%), and 50%, 75%, 100% of C. pentandra ointment. The ointment was applied after the mice were induced by carrageenan, measured with the parameter of skinfold thickness of mice’s back every hour for 6 hours of observation. The result showed C. pentandra stem bark ointments has anti-inflammatory effect which %PI value in the 50%, 75%, 100% were respectively 10,85%; 18,99%; 30,84%.
ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN LITERASI SAINS PESERTA DIDIK DALAM PEMBELAJARAN KIMIA MENGGUNAKAN MULTIMEDIA INTERAKTIF BERBASIS BLENDED LEARNING
Authors: Muhammad Shohibul Ihsan  , Siti Wardatul Jannah
Published: June 2022

This study aims to determine the effect of blended learning-based interactive multimedia on students' scientific literacy skills. This type of research is a quasi-experimental study carried out with a non-equivalent control group design. This research was conducted in one of the high schools in Lombok, Indonesia, involving a control class and an experimental group. Pre-test and post-test were given by researchers to test students' scientific literacy skills in learning chemistry with the subject matter of oxidation-reduction reactions. The validity, reliability, and level of difficulty of the questions were tested using the Rasch Model. The statistical analysis used was the prerequisite test for data analysis and hypothesis testing using the t-test (Independent samples t-test) with the help of SPSS 20 for windows. The results showed that the average N-gain score of the experimental class students' scientific literacy was 78.5 with high criteria, the experimental class N-gain average score was 67.3 with medium criteria. So it can be concluded that the scientific literacy ability of the experimental class is higher than the control class and interactive multimedia based on blended learning affects increasing students' scientific literacy skills.
POTENSI PEMANFAATAN YOUTUBE DALAM PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA
Authors: Nur Setiyana Fira , Badu Kusuma Anggun
Published: June 2022

Information technology has a very important role in learning. YouTube is used as a teaching media to help overcome the difficulties of teaching and learning activities during the Covid-19 pandemic period. Providing sources of information in the form of materials and other additional information is very useful so students can understand the material optimally. The purpose of writing this article is to provide information so that it can be used as a source of readers about the potential for youtube utilization in mathematics learning. This research is a literature review that examines ideas, opinions, or findings contained in online articles and journals related to titles and research content so that it provides theoretical information. The results of this study concluded that the potential for youtube utilization in mathematics learning has a positive effect in increasing student learning interest and can motivate students to learn because information on YouTube is very diverse so that it will be useful in the current learning conditions.
The effect of tryptophan depletion on brain activation measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging during the Stroop test in healthy subjects
Authors: Horáček J , Závěšická L , Tintěra J , Dockery C , Platilová V , Kopeček M , Španiel F , Bubeníková V , Höschl C
Published: June 2022

We investigated the role of serotonin in cognitive activation of the frontal cortex. The serotonergic system was affected by the administration of an amino acids mixture without tryptophan (tryptophan depletion). In a placebo-controlled double-blind cross-over study with 20 healthy volunteers, we tested the hypothesis that a tryptophan (serotonin) decrease affects the activation of prefrontal cortex by the Stroop test. Cognitive brain activation was evaluated by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Tryptophan depletion decreased the plasma tryptophan level up to 90 % for five hours after the tryptophan-free drink had been consumed when compared with the same mixture with tryptophan (p?0.0001). Tryptophan depletion did not affect the Stroop test performance. We compared fMRI activation in both conditions (tryptophan depletion and placebo) with plasma tryptophan levels as the covariates. The tryptophan depletion increased the activation (fMRI signal) in the bilateral mediofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The present findings allow the postulate that serotonergic medial forebrain and cingulum bundle pathways play a role in the activity of cortical structures involved in Stroop test processing.
Förord
Authors: Björngren Cuadra Carin , Hansson Kristofer , Michailakis Dimitris , Neergaard Anders
Published: June 2022

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Kommunalt socialt arbete under covid-19-pandemin
Authors: Björngren Cuadra Carin , Cuadra Sergio
Published: June 2022

Studiens syfte är att undersöka den inverkan covid-19 pandemin har på det sociala arbetet inom den kommunala socialtjänsten sett ur ledningsperspektiv givet att avstånd ska upprätthållas i rummet samtidigt som socialt arbete ofta förutsätter social interaktion i ömsesidig närvaro. Studies material består av intervjuer med personer i ledande ställning eller med strategiska viktig sakkompetens. Utifrån ett teoretiskt riskhanteringsperspektiv kombinerat med George Simmels förståelse av det rumsliga som ett reciprokt förhållande mellan fysiska och sociala rum var reglering av rummet centralt för ledningen för att ta kontroll över det. Kontroll över rummet framstod som en grundläggande förutsättning för att försöka upprätthålla verksamheten och dess heterotopiska (platsbundna och ideala) värden såsom brukarnas sociala skydd. Regleringarna gällde ledningens ”beslutsrum” likaväl som personals när- och frånvaro och möten med brukare i det ”brukarnära” rummet. De innebar de förändrad social interaktion och anpassade arbetssätt och återskapande av ibland något annorlunda och/eller nya sociala rum.
Att hålla ihop det sociala arbetet
Authors: Hansson Kristofer
Published: June 2022

När covid-19-pandemin nådde Sverige kom civilsamhällesorganisationer och deras verksamheter att påverkas i varierande grad liksom övriga samhället. I denna artikel undersöks hur tre olika civilsamhällesorganisationer – kyrkans diakonverksamhet, kvinnojourer och verksamheter som stödjer hemlösa – påverkades av pandemin. Syftet är att beskriva och undersöka vilket så kallat återstabiliserande arbete verksamhetsföreträdare inom tre olika civilsamhällesverksamheter gjorde under den pågående pandemin. Detta har gjorts genom att från mars 2020 följa, genom korta telefonintervjuer, fjorton olika civilsamhällesorganisationer som är verksamma på olika platser i södra Sverige. Genom termen återstabiliserande arbete analyseras verksamhetsföreträdarnas arbete för att trots begränsningar av verksamheterna ändå fortsätta att upprätthålla det sociala arbetet. Alltså en form av harmonisering mellan å ena sidan de riktlinjer och risker som pandemin skapade, å andra sidan det fortsatta sociala behovet av hjälp, stöd och omvårdnad.
Flavorubredoxin, a Candidate Trigger Related to Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Screening of the Complete Genome of a Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Isolate From an AIDS Case
Authors: Wang Zhouhan , Xu Hao , Gu Beiqing , Jin Yanqi , Wang Tianyuan , Ma Jindi , Lu Yingfeng , Yu Xiaopeng , Zheng Beiwen , Zhang Yimin
Published: June 2022

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is one of the two classic thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) diseases which could be induced by infections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient with acquired TTP induced by infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (hereafter, S. Typhimurium) isolate, S. Typhimurium_zhang, which was confirmed by serology and genetic taxonomy. The literature review identified 17 TMA-related genes encoding the candidate triggers, which were searched in the annotated genome sequence of S. Typhimurium_zhang. Anaerobic nitric oxide reductase flavorubredoxin (FlRd), encoded by norV which is related to another TMA, haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), was found in S. Typhimurium_zhang. Basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) analysis revealed that norV and FlRd in S. Typhimurium_zhang, as well as eight S. Typhimurium type strains, have high identity with HUS-related Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain TW14359. Similar results were obtained from the BLAST analysis of 73 S. enterica isolates for congenital TTP which was also previously reported to be triggered by S. enterica. Phylogenetic analysis and amino acid sequence alignment revealed that FlRd was functional and highly conservative on 69 Enterobacteriaceae, including S. Typimurium_zhang and TW14359. In brief, we found norV in the genome of a S. Typhimurium clinical isolate that induced TTP in an AIDS patient. FlRd, the protein encoded by norV, probably triggered the TTP and was highly conservative, functional, and widespread in S. enterica and Enterobacteriaceae. More in vitro and in vivo studies are required to confirm our findings and determine the underlying mechanism.
Dynamic Python-Based Method Provides Quantitative Analysis of Intercellular Junction Organization During S. pneumoniae Infection of the Respiratory Epithelium
Authors: Mo Devons , Xu Shuying , Rosa Juan P. , Hasan Shakir , Adams Walter
Published: June 2022

Many respiratory pathogens compromise epithelial barrier function during lung infection by disrupting intercellular junctions, such as adherens junctions and tight junctions, that maintain intercellular integrity. This includes Streptococcus pneumoniae, a leading cause of pneumonia, which can successfully breach the epithelial barrier and cause severe infections such as septicemia and meningitis. Fluorescence microscopy analysis on intercellular junction protein manipulation by respiratory pathogens has yielded major advances in our understanding of their pathogenesis. Unfortunately, a lack of automated image analysis tools that can tolerate variability in sample-sample staining has limited the accuracy in evaluating intercellular junction organization quantitatively. We have created an open source, automated Python computer script called “Intercellular Junction Organization Quantification” or IJOQ that can handle a high degree of sample-sample staining variability and robustly measure intercellular junction integrity. In silico validation of IJOQ was successful in analyzing computer generated images containing varying degrees of simulated intercellular junction disruption. Accurate IJOQ analysis was further confirmed using images generated from in vitro and in vivo bacterial infection models. When compared in parallel to a previously published, semi-automated script used to measure intercellular junction organization, IJOQ demonstrated superior analysis for all in vitro and in vivo experiments described herein. These data indicate that IJOQ is an unbiased, easy-to-use tool for fluorescence microscopy analysis and will serve as a valuable, automated resource to rapidly quantify intercellular junction disruption under diverse experimental conditions.
Usefulness of Random Forest Algorithm in Predicting Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Hong Wandong , Lu Yajing , Zhou Xiaoying , Jin Shengchun , Pan Jingyi , Lin Qingyi , Yang Shaopeng , Basharat Zarrin , Zippi Maddalena , Goyal Hemant
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims

This study aimed to develop an interpretable random forest model for predicting severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

Methods

Clinical and laboratory data of 648 patients with acute pancreatitis were retrospectively reviewed and randomly assigned to the training set and test set in a 3:1 ratio. Univariate analysis was used to select candidate predictors for the SAP. Random forest (RF) and logistic regression (LR) models were developed on the training sample. The prediction models were then applied to the test sample. The performance of the risk models was measured by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) and area under precision recall curve. We provide visualized interpretation by using local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME).

Results

The LR model was developed to predict SAP as the following function: -1.10-0.13×albumin (g/L) + 0.016 × serum creatinine (μmol/L) + 0.14 × glucose (mmol/L) + 1.63 × pleural effusion (0/1)(No/Yes). The coefficients of this formula were utilized to build a nomogram. The RF model consists of 16 variables identified by univariate analysis. It was developed and validated by a tenfold cross-validation on the training sample. Variables importance analysis suggested that blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, albumin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, calcium, and glucose were the most important seven predictors of SAP. The AUCs of RF model in tenfold cross-validation of the training set and the test set was 0.89 and 0.96, respectively. Both the area under precision recall curve and the diagnostic accuracy of the RF model were higher than that of both the LR model and the BISAP score. LIME plots were used to explain individualized prediction of the RF model.

Conclusions

An interpretable RF model exhibited the highest discriminatory performance in predicting SAP. Interpretation with LIME plots could be useful for individualized prediction in a clinical setting. A nomogram consisting of albumin, serum creatinine, glucose, and pleural effusion was useful for prediction of SAP.
Evidence of Infection of Human Embryonic Stem Cells by SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Zeng Weijie , Xing Fan , Ji Yanxi , Yang Sidi , Xu Tiefeng , Huang Siyao , Li Chunmei , Wu Junyu , Cao Liu , Guo Deyin
Published: June 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was initially described to target the respiratory system and now has been reported to infect a variety of cell types, including cardiomyocytes, neurons, hepatocytes, and gut enterocytes. However, it remains unclear whether the virus can directly infect human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or early embryos. Herein, we sought to investigate this question in a cell-culture system of hESCs. Both the RNA and S protein of SARS-CoV-2 were detected in the infected hESCs and the formation of syncytium was observed. The increased level of subgenomic viral RNA and the presence of dsRNA indicate active replication of SARS-CoV-2 in hESCs. The increase of viral titers in the supernatants revealed virion release, further indicating the successful life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 in hESCs. Remarkably, immunofluorescence microscopy showed that only a small portion of hESCs were infected, which may reflect low expression of SARS-CoV-2 receptors. By setting |log2 (fold change)| > 0.5 as the threshold, a total of 1,566 genes were differentially expressed in SARS-CoV-2-infected hESCs, among which 17 interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) were significantly upregulated. Altogether, our results provide novel evidence to support the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect and replicate in hESCs.
On the Use of Efficient Projection Kernels for Motion-Based Visual Saliency Estimation
Authors: Nicora Elena , Noceti Nicoletta
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we investigate the potential of a family of efficient filters—the Gray-Code Kernels (GCKs)—for addressing visual saliency estimation with a focus on motion information. Our implementation relies on the use of 3D kernels applied to overlapping blocks of frames and is able to gather meaningful spatio-temporal information with a very light computation. We introduce an attention module that reasons the use of pooling strategies, combined in an unsupervised way to derive a saliency map highlighting the presence of motion in the scene. A coarse segmentation map can also be obtained. In the experimental analysis, we evaluate our method on publicly available datasets and show that it is able to effectively and efficiently identify the portion of the image where the motion is occurring, providing tolerance to a variety of scene conditions and complexities.
Prediction Nomogram for Postoperative 30-Day Mortality in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Patients Receiving Total Aortic Arch Replacement With Frozen Elephant Trunk Technique
Authors: Lin Hongyuan , Chang Yi , Guo Hongwei , Qian Xiangyang , Sun Xiaogang , Yu Cuntao
Published: June 2022

Objective

To develop and validate a nomogram model to predict postoperative 30-day mortality in acute type A aortic dissection patients receiving total aortic arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk technique.

Method

Clinical data on 1,156 consecutive acute type A aortic dissection patients who got total aortic arch replacement using the frozen elephant trunk technique was collected from January 2010 to December 2020. These patients were divided into training and testing cohorts at random with a ratio of 7:3. To predict postoperative 30-day mortality, a nomogram was established in the training set using the logistic regression model. The novel nomogram was then validated in the testing set. The nomogram's calibration and discrimination were evaluated. In addition, we created four machine learning prediction models in the training set. In terms of calibration and discrimination, the nomogram was compared to these machine learning models in testing set.

Results

Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter <45 mm, estimated glomerular filtration rate <50 ml/min/1.73 m2, persistent abdominal pain, radiological celiac trunk malperfusion, concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting and cardiopulmonary bypass time >4 h were independent predictors of the 30-day mortality. The nomogram based on these 6 predictors manifested satisfying calibration and discrimination. In testing set, the nomogram outperformed the other 4 machine learning models.

Conclusion

The novel nomogram is a simple and effective tool to predict 30-day mortality rate for acute type A aortic dissection patients undergoing total aortic arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk technique.
The Association Between Route of Post-menopausal Estrogen Administration and Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness in Community-Dwelling Women
Authors: Kalenga Cindy Z. , Hay Jacqueline L. , Boreskie Kevin F. , Duhamel Todd A. , MacRae Jennifer M. , Metcalfe Amy , Nerenberg Kara A. , Robert Magali , Ahmed Sofia B.
Published: June 2022

Background

Postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Although the route of estrogen administration may play a role in mediating risk, previous studies have not controlled for concomitant progestin use.

Objective

To investigate the association between the route of estrogen therapy (oral or non-oral) HT use, without concomitant progestin, and blood pressure and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women.

Methods

Systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP]), arterial stiffness (aortic pulse wave velocity [aPWV] and augmentation index at 75 beats per minute [AIx]) were measured using a validated automated brachial cuff-based oscillometric approach (Mobil-O-Graph) in a community-dwelling sample of 328 women.

Results

Fifty-five participants (16.8%) were ever users (current and past use) of estrogen-only HT (oral [n = 16], transdermal [n = 20], vaginal [n = 19]), and 223 were never HT users (control). Ever use of oral estrogen was associated with increased SBP and DBP (Oral: SBP: 137 ± 4 mmHg, DBP: 79 ± 2 mmHg) compared to use of non-oral estrogen (transdermal: SBP: 118 ± 2 mmHg, DBP: 73 ± 1 mmHg; p < 0.01 & p = 0.012, respectively; vaginal: SBP: 123 ± 2 mmHg DBP: 73 ± 2 mmHg; p = 0.02 & p = 0.01, respectively.) and controls (SBP: 124 ± 1 mmHg, DBP: 74 ± 1 mmHg, p = 0.03, p = 0.02, respectively) after adjustment for covariates. aPWV was higher in oral estrogen ever users (9.9 ± 1 m/s) compared to non-oral estrogen (transdermal: 8.6 ± 0.3 m/s, p < 0.01; vaginal: 8.8 ± 0.7 m/s, p = 0.03) and controls (8.9 ± 0.5 m/s, p = 0.03) but these associations were no longer significant after adjustment for covariates. AIx was higher in oral estrogen (29 ± 2 %) compared to non-oral estrogen (transdermal: 16 ± 2 %; vaginal: 22 ± 1.7 %) but this association was no longer significant after adjustment for covariates (p = 0.92 vs. non-oral; p = 0.74 vs. control).

Conclusion

Ever use of oral estrogen was associated with increased SBP and DBP compared to non-oral estrogen use and no use. Given the cardiovascular risk associated with both menopause and increased blood pressure, further studies are required exploring the potential benefits of non-oral estrogen in postmenopausal women.
Optimizing Education Processes During the COVID-19 Pandemic Using the Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Tukiran Martinus , Sunaryo Widodo , Wulandari Dian , Herfina
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 epidemic has become a significant global obstacle as it has impacted people's lives in various sectors, including social, economic, and education. To respond to the shock caused to education systems, massive efforts—such as conducting formal education through online classes—have been made. This study has employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine this arena during the COVID-19 pandemic and has elaborated on how effectively the education system responded, especially through online lecturing. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was implemented as this study's theoretical framework. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling was employed to measure and assess the proposed model. This study was conducted through a survey with 112 student participants in a postgraduate program between January and December 2021. The findings showed that (1) the TAM-based proposed variables have been successfully explained during the pandemic through factors predicting the use by an online class of postgraduate students, (2) significant effects were reported from perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness toward actual system use through behavioral intentions to use, (3) there were no significant results to show an indirect effect from perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness toward actual system use through behavioral intentions to use.
Decreased Ovarian Reserves With an Increasing Number of Previous Early Miscarriages: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Tan Jifan , Luo Lu , Jiang Jiaxin , Yan Niwei , Wang Qiong
Published: June 2022

The fact of ovarian reserve (OR) decreased in women with recurrent miscarriage has been well known. However, Whether OR would decrease with increasing numbers of previous miscarriages (PMs) is still unclear. To address this, OR parameters of following four groups’ patients were evaluated: 99 women with one previous miscarriage (PM1), 46 women with two previous miscarriages (PM2) and 35 women with three or more previous miscarriages (PM3). The control group included 213 women without a history of miscarriage (PM0). The correlation of OR parameters and the proportion of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) patients between the four groups were analyzed using Kendall’s Tau-B coefficients. The results showed the median anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were 4.04, 3.40, 3.14 and 2.55 respectively in the PM0, PM1, PM2 and PM3 groups, respectively (H=15.99, P = 0.001); the median antral follicle counts (AFCs) were 10, 8, 8 and 6, respectively (H=24.53, P < 0.001); and the proportions of DOR patients were 10.8%, 15.2%, 23.9% and 31.4% (χ2 = 13.01, P = 0.005). In addition, AMH level and AFC correlated negatively with the number of PMs (correlation coefficients -0.154, P < 0.001; -0.205, P < 0.001 respectively), the proportion of DOR patients correlated positively with the number of PMs (correlation coefficients 0.156, P = 0.001). After stratification by age, AMH and AFC levels were still significantly lower in the PM3 group than the PM0 group (P < 0.05). The proportion of DOR patients between the PM0 and PM3 groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). This study showed that AMH levels and AFCs decreased as well as the proportion of DOR patients increased significantly as the number of PMs increased. In conclusion, our study indicates decreased AMH levels and AFCs might be one of the factors contributing to early miscarriage.
Roles of Altered Macrophages and Cytokines: Implications for Pathological Mechanisms of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Xu Yunteng , Yan Hui , Zhang Xin , Zhuo Junkuan , Han Yidan , Zhang Haifeng , Xie Dingbang , Lan Xin , Cai Wanping , Wang Xiaoning , Wang Shanshan , Li Xihai
Published: June 2022

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is characterized by the uncoupling of bone resorption and bone formation induced by estrogen deficiency, which is a complex outcome related to estrogen and the immune system. The interaction between bone and immune cells is regarded as the context of PMOP. Macrophages act differently on bone cells, depending on their polarization profile and secreted paracrine factors, which may have implications for the development of PMOP. PMOP, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) might have pathophysiological links, and the similarity of their pathological mechanisms is partially visible in altered macrophages and cytokines in the immune system. This review focuses on exploring the pathological mechanisms of PMOP, RA, and AD through the roles of altered macrophages and cytokines secretion. First, the multiple effects on cytokines secretion by bone-bone marrow (BM) macrophages in the pathological mechanism of PMOP are reviewed. Then, based on the thought of “different tissue-same cell type-common pathological molecules-disease pathological links-drug targets” and the methodologies of “molecular network” in bioinformatics, highlight that multiple cytokines overlap in the pathological molecules associated with PMOP vs. RA and PMOP vs. AD, and propose that these overlaps may lead to a pathological synergy in PMOP, RA, and AD. It provides a novel strategy for understanding the pathogenesis of PMOP and potential drug targets for the treatment of PMOP.
Lipid Profile in Patients With Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Ling , Wang Hanfeng , Shi Minglu , Kong Weizheng , Jiang Mei
Published: June 2022

Backgrounds

A large number of studies have investigated the effect of early menopause on cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes and the relationship between the levels of lipid profile and primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). However, the results are inconsistent. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess whether the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) changed in women with POI relative to healthy controls.

Methods

To identify eligible studies, references published prior to December 2021 were searched in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases. DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model was used to estimate the overall standard mean difference (SMD) between POI and healthy control subjects. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were preformed, and publication bias was assessed.

Results

A total of 12 studies featuring 846 women with primary ovarian insufficiency and 959 healthy women were selected for analysis. The meta-analysis showed that the levels of TC (SMD: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.89; P<0.0001), TG (SMD: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.60; P=0.003), LDL (SMD: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.76; P=0.003) were significantly increased in women with POI. There was no significant change in the level of HDL (SMD: 0.25; 95% CI: -0.12 to 0.61; P=0.19). Subgroup analysis showed that the heterogeneity in this meta-analysis of the correlation between lipid profile and POI might come from by region, sample size, number of cases, mean body mass index (BMI) value of cases and mean age of cases.

Conclusions

Scientific evidence suggests that the lipid profile levels were altered in patients with primary ovarian insufficiency compared to healthy controls. Therefore, we recommend that early medical intervention (e.g., hormone replacement therapy) to minimize the risk of CVD morbidity and mortality associated with dyslipidemia in patients with POI.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, identifier CRD42021297088
The Mediation Effect of Body Composition on the Association Between Menopause and Hyperuricemia: Evidence From China National Health Survey
Authors: He Huijing , Pan Li , Liu Feng , Ren Xiaolan , Cui Ze , Pa Lize , Zhao Jingbo , Wang Dingming , Du Jianwei , Wang Hailing , Wang Xianghua , Peng Xia , Yu Chengdong , Wang Ye , Shan Guangliang
Published: June 2022

Reproductive factors have been demonstrated to be associated with hyperuricemia. Body composition is an essential determinant influencing serum uric acid (SUA), but it is largely unknown whether increased SUA was influenced by changed body composition during the menopausal transition. As a secondary analysis of China National Health Survey from 2012-to 2017, this study included 18,997 women aged 20 to 80. Menarche age and menopause information were collected by questionnaire interview. Body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), fat mass index (FMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI) were used as body composition indexes. Hyperuricemia was defined as SUA higher than 360μmol/L (approximately 6 mg/dl). Mediation analysis was performed to explore the direct and indirect effects of menopause on hyperuricemia. A 1:2 age-matched case-control data set (n=6202) was designed to control age-related confounders and was used in multivariable analyses. After adjustment of covariates, postmenopausal women had 14.08 (10.89-17.27) μmol/L higher SUA than their premenopausal counterparts. Overweight/obesity and higher levels of BFP, FMI, and FFMI were all found to be positively associated with hyperuricemia. The mediation analysis showed that the total effect of menopause on hyperuricemia was positive, but was substantially mediated by body composition indexes. Forty-five percent of the total effect can be attributed to the indirect effect mediated by BMI (OR for the natural indirect effect (NIE): 1.09, 95%CI: 1.04-1.13), and over 80% mediated by BFP (OR for NIE: 1.23, 95%CI: 1.16-1.29). However, FFMI did not present the mediated role in the association (OR for NIE: 0.99, 95%CI: 0.96-1.02). The findings revealed that body composition, especially the fat mass indexes, significantly mediated the association between menopause and hyperuricemia. The role of body composition as mediator constitutes clinical and public health significance that should be recognized and considered in healthcare for women experiencing their menopause transition.
Characteristics of Gut Microbiome and Its Metabolites, Short-Chain Fatty Acids, in Children With Idiopathic Short Stature
Authors: Li Lin , Chen Lifen , Yang Yuanyan , Wang Junqi , Guo Li , An Jingjing , Ma Xiaoyu , Lu Wenli , Xiao Yuan , Wang Xinqiong , Dong Zhiya
Published: June 2022

Background

The gut microbiome is important for host nutrition and metabolism. Whether the gut microbiome under normal diet regulate human height remains to be addressed. Our study explored the possible relationship between gut microbiota, its metabolic products and the pathogenesis of idiopathic short stature disease (ISS) by comparing the gut microbiota between children with ISS and of normal height, and also the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by the gut microbiota.

Methods

The subjects of this study were 32 prepubescent children aged 4-8 years. The fecal microbial structure of the subjects was analyzed by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology. The concentrations of SCFAs in feces were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results

The richness of gut microbiota in ISS group was decreased, and the composition of gut microbiota was significantly different between ISS group and control group. The relative abundance of nine species including family Ruminococcaceae and genera Faecalibacterium and Eubacterium, in ISS group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). The relative abundance of 10 species, such as those belonging to genus Parabacteroides and genus Clostridium, in ISS group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The concentration of total SCFAs and butyrate in ISS group was significantly lower than that in control group. The correlation analysis among different species, clinical indicators, and SCFAs showed that the relative abundance of family Ruminococcaceae and genera Faecalibacterium and Eubacterium was positively correlated with the standard deviation score of height. Furthermore, the concentrations of total SCFAs and butyrate were positively correlated with serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)-SDS. Disease prediction model constructed based on the bacteria who abundance differed between healthy children and ISS children exhibited high diagnostic value (AUC: 0.88).

Conclusions

The composition of gut microbiota and the change in its metabolite levels may be related to ISS pathogenesis. Strains with increased or decreased specificity could be used as biomarkers to diagnose ISS.
Follicular-Phase GnRH Agonist Protocol Is Another Choice for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients With Lower LH/FSH and Lower AMH Levels Without Increasing Severe OHSS Risk
Authors: Gao Rui , Liao Xin , Huang Wanrong , Zeng Rujun , Qin Lang , Bai Peng
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To explore another choice for a controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocol that does not increase severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) risk among polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients with specific clinical features.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed. Two hundred and fifty-nine participants were divided into two groups, group 1 (fixed GnRH antagonist protocol, n = 295) and group 2 (follicular-phase GnRH agonist protocol, n = 69) according to COS protocols. The basic characteristics and laboratory indicators between these two groups were compared. The severe OHSS rate and clinical pregnancy rate were selected as indicators to evaluate the risks and benefits of the two COS protocols. Subgroup analyses for the severe OHSS rate and clinical pregnancy rate were performed based on baseline luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone (bLH/FSH) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels.

Results

The severe OHSS rate was statistically higher in group 2 than in group 1 (11.6% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.008), but the biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate showed no statistical difference between the groups (71.9% vs. 60.3% and 62.5% vs. 54.3%). In the higher bLH/FSH subgroup (≥1.33) and the higher serum AMH level subgroup (>3.4 ng/ml), severe OHSS incidence was statistically higher in group 2 compared to group 1, but this incidence was lower in the bLH/FSH subgroup (<1.33) and the subgroup with lower serum AMH levels (≤3.4 ng/ml); a difference in severe OHSS risk was not observed. There was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding clinical pregnancy rate in any subgroup.

Conclusion

The limited evidence from this study indicates that in PCOS patients with lower bLH/FSH levels (<1.33) and lower serum AMH levels (≤3.4 ng/ml), a follicular-phase GnRH agonist protocol may be another choice that does not increase the risk of severe OHSS.
New Developments in T Cell Immunometabolism and Therapeutic Implications for Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Zhang Mengdi , Zhou Yanyan , Xie Zhiguo , Luo Shuoming , Zhou Zhiguang , Huang Jiaqi , Zhao Bin
Published: June 2022

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease mediated by T cells and is becoming a serious public health threat. Despite the increasing incidence rate of T1D worldwide, our understanding of why T1D develops and how T cells lose their self-tolerance in this process remain limited. Recent advances in immunometabolism have shown that cellular metabolism plays a fundamental role in shaping T cell responses. T cell activation and proliferation are supported by metabolic reprogramming to meet the increased energy and biomass demand, and deregulation in immune metabolism can lead to autoimmune disorders. Specific metabolic pathways and factors have been investigated to rectify known deficiencies in several autoimmune diseases, including T1D. Most therapeutic strategies have concentrated on aerobic glycolysis to limit T cell responses, whereas glycolysis is the main metabolic pathway for T cell activation and proliferation. The use of metabolic inhibitors, especially glycolysis inhibitors may largely leave T cell function intact but primarily target those autoreactive T cells with hyperactivated metabolism. In this review, we provide an overview of metabolic reprogramming used by T cells, summarize the recent findings of key metabolic pathways and regulators modulating T cell homeostasis, differentiation, and function in the context of T1D, and discuss the opportunities for metabolic intervention to be employed to suppress autoreactive T cells and limit the progression of β-cell destruction.
Does REDD+ Complement Law Enforcement? Evaluating Impacts of an Incipient Initiative in Madre de Dios, Peru
Authors: Montoya-Zumaeta Javier G. , Wunder Sven , Rojas Eduardo , Duchelle Amy E.
Published: June 2022

Subnational initiatives to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation and enhance carbon stocks (REDD+) have been implemented across the tropics over the last decade. Such initiatives are often embedded within pre-existing conservation policies, such as forest law enforcement, making it challenging to disentangle attributable impacts. In this article, we analyze a new REDD+ project implemented in Brazil nut concessions in the southeastern Peruvian Amazon. Public law enforcement to verify compliance with Peru's Forest Law was already ongoing and intensified locally during our study period. Thus, we combine longitudinal data from remote sensing and household surveys of 197 concessionaires in a before–after control-intervention (BACI) study design to: a) evaluate the project's impacts during the 2012–2018 period on deforestation, forest degradation, and the participants' wellbeing and b) assess how the law-enforcing field inspections may have complemented the project effects. Our results show that the REDD+ initiative had insignificant effects on deforestation and forest degradation, but confirm the curbing effects of the field inspection measures on forest loss. The non-significance of the REDD+ effects may reflect delays in cash incentive payments to enrolled concessionaires, lack of careful alignment of benefit provision with project participants, and limited enforcement of project conditionalities. Most REDD+ participants reported a reduced subjective wellbeing, which may reflect the frustrated expectations associated with project implementation. We discuss the implications of our results and outline lessons for similar tropical forest conservation initiatives.