bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridging the gap: integrating models and observations for better ecosystem understanding
Authors: Skogen MD , Aarflot JM , García-García LM , Ji R , Ruiz-Villarreal M , Almroth-Rosell E , Belgrano A , Benkort D , Daewel U , Edman M , Friedland R , Gao S , Hill-Cruz M , Hjøllo SS , Huret M , Kellner JB , van Leeuwen S , Lopez de Gamiz-Zearra A , Maar M , Mousing EA , Peck MA , Pastor Rollan A , Sailley SF , Saraiva S , Speakman C , Troost T , Yumruktepe VÇ
Published: May 2024

Our understanding of complex marine ecosystem dynamics is often hindered by significant uncertainties and issues of representativeness associated with models and observations. Both observations and models provide a limited view of real-world complexities depending on what is specifically measured or simulated. When used together, they provide the ability to gain a broader understanding of important ecological processes. How to properly integrate models and observations while utilizing the advantages of both approaches remains a challenge. In this paper, we draw attention to commonly overlooked limitations of both observations and models, and use examples to illustrate potential strategies to mitigate bias, properly interpret results, and help improve both models and observations. We emphasize that proper validation of all data sources (models and observations) is necessary in all marine ecosystem studies, with a careful assessment of the spatio-temporal scales that the data represent.
Penyuluhan Pentingnya Pendidikan Karakter Kristiani bagi Generasi Milenial di HKBP Rawamangun Jakarta Timur
Authors: Sinaga Dameria , Simbolon Bintang R. , Boiliu Noh I. , Kia Armando
Published: May 2024

Orang dewasa iman memiliki tanggung jawab untuk membekali generasi muda dengan kekuatan karakter untuk menjadi individu yang berbeda. Hal ini dapat dilakukan dengan membantu mereka memahami arti pilihan dalam iman, memupuk keyakinan yang benar dalam Allah, dan memberikan teladan yang baik. Pendidikan karakter bertujuan untuk membentuk dan mengembangkan nilai-nilai positif pada individu, seperti kejujuran, keberanian, dan tanggung jawab. Dalam konteks generasi milenia, pendidikan karakter dapat membantu embentuk karakter yang mandiri, kreatif, dan inovatif dalam menghadapi perubahan yang cepat dan kompleks. Generasi milenia memiliki karakteristik yang berbeda dengan generasi sebelumnya. Pendidikan karakter yang baik dapat membantu mereka untuk lebih fokus, sabar, dan bertanggung jawab dalam menghadapi tantangan dan mencapai tujuan hidup mereka. Kebutuhan di HKBP Rawamangun, pendidikan karakter sangat penting bagi generasi milenia di Geteja HKBP Rawamangun. Melalui pendidikan karakter yang baik, generasi milenia dapat membentuk karakter yang positif, mandiri, dan terbuka terhadap perubahan. Pendidikan karakter merupakan investasi penting bagi masa depan generasi milenial Kristen di Gereja HKBP Rawamangun. Dengan pendidikan karakter yang baik, mereka dapat menjadi individu yang beriman, bermoral, dan bertanggung jawab, serta mampu menghadapi tantangan masa depan dengan lebih baik dan meraih keberhasilan dalam kehidupan.
Kata Kunci: Pendidikan Karakter, Remaja Kristen, Generasi Milenial
Periodontal Hastalıkların Alzheimer Hastalığı Üzerine Etkileri: Literatür Taraması
Authors: Ozturk Ayla
Published: May 2024

Beynin nörodejeneratif bir hastalığı olan Alzheimer Hastalığı (AH) ile diş yüzeyine tutunan bakterilerin sebep olduğu lokal inflamatuar bir hastalık olan periodontitis arasında ilişkiyi gösteren çalışmaların sayısı giderek artmaktadır. Klinik bulguları birbirinden tamamen farklı olan bu iki hastalığın gelişim sürecinde inflamasyonun anahtar rol aldığı bilinmektedir. Periodontitis, sistemik dolaşımdaki proinflamatuar sitokinlerin ve C-reaktif protein seviyelerinin arttığı göz önüne alındığında, düşük dereceli bir sistemik hastalık olarak da tanımlanabilir. İnflamasyon AH’nın da önemli özelliklerinden biridir ve periodontitisin AH için risk faktörü olabileceği hipotezinin temelini oluşturur. İnflamasyon teorisinde periferal inflamatuar sürecin amiloid birikimini tetiklediği görüşü ileri sürülmüştür. Periodontitis AH’nı farklı mekanizmalarla etkileyebilir. Bu mekanizmalara örnek olarak, a) periodontal patojenlerin beyne direkt invazyonu veya b) periodontal patojenlerin toksik ürünlerinin beyne ulaşması ve bunların toksik etkileri, ya da c) periodontitis kaynaklı proinflamatuar moleküllerin sistemik dolaşımda sub-klinik dozda artması ve beynin bunlara uzun süre maruz kalması, literatürde ileri sürülmüştür. Bu teorilerle uyumlu olarak kilit periodontal patojenlerden biri olan Porphyromonas gingivalis AH’nın beyinlerinde, beyin omurilik sıvısında tespit edilmiştir. Yine farelere bu oral patojen verildiğinde beyine ulaştığı, AH’nın patolojik belirtileri olan nöroinflamasyon, amiloid plak oluşumu ve nörofibriler demetlerin ortaya çıkmasına sebep olduğu gözlemlenmiştir. Ayrıca AH olan bireylerin beyin dokularında bu patojenin virülans faktörü olan gingipainin arttığı gösterilmiştir. Farede gingipain inhibitörlerinin kullanılmasının enfeksiyonu hafiflettiği, Amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42) peptid birikimini ve nöroinflamasyonu azalttığı gösterilmiştir. Bu derlemenin amacı periodontitis ve AH arasındaki bağlantıyı gözden geçirerek her iki hastalık arasındaki ilişkiyi açıklayan en güncel kanıtları sunmaktır.
İnfertil Kadınlarda Duygusal Özgürleşme Tekniğinin Kullanımı ve Psikososyal Bakım
Authors: Coşkun Merve , Aslan Ergül
Published: May 2024

İnfertilite kadın yaşamında karmaşık bir kriz dönemidir. İnfertilite tedavisinin her aşamasında bireyler farklı fiziksel ve ruhsal zorluklar yaşamaktadır. Tedavi sürecinde bireyler bilişsel, emosyonel ve davranışsal tepkiler gösterebilirler. İnfertilite tedavi sürecinde yaşanan sorunlarla baş etmede psikososyal bakım ile infertilite sürecini optimize etmeleri ve infertilite tedavisinin psikolojik ve sosyal etkilerini yönetmeleri sağlanır. İnfertilite tedavi sürecinde kadınların stres, depresyon, kaygı düzeylerini azaltma, gebelik oranlarını ve yaşam kalitelerini artırmanın bir yolu da tedaviye alternatif psikososyal müdahalelerden yararlanmaktır. Duygusal Özgürleşme Tekniği ağrı, bağımlılık, uyku sorunları, stres, kaygı, depresyon, travma vb. fizyolojik ve psikolojik sorunların çözümünde olumlu psikososyal etkiler açısından önem taşımaktadır. Bu amaçla derlemede kadınlarda infertilite tedavi sürecinde duygusal özgürleşme tekniği ve psikososyal bakım ele alınmıştır.
Yoğun Bakım Hemşirelerinin Sepsis Belirti Bulguları ile Yönetimine İlişkin Bilgi Düzeylerinin İncelenmesi: Tanımlayıcı Araştırma
Authors: Uysal Özge , Akyar İmatullah
Published: May 2024

Amaç: Sepsis, sıklıkla yaşamı tehdit eden karmaşık bir durumdur. Yaşamı tehdit eden bu ciddi tablo ile kritik bakımda en sık karşılaşan sağlık profesyonellerinden olan hemşireler, hastayı sepsis açısından değerlendirme, sepsisin erken fark edilmesi ile hastanın izlemi ve bakımında önemli sorumluluğa sahiptir. Bu çalışma, yoğun bakım hemşirelerinin sepsis belirti-bulguları ile yönetimine ilişkin bilgi düzeylerinin ve uygulamalarının belirlenmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır.
Gereç ve Yöntemler: Tanımlayıcı nitelikteki araştırmanın örneklemini Ankara ilinde yer alan üç üniversite hastanesinin yoğun bakımlarında görev yapan 108 hemşire oluşturmuştur. Veriler “Sepsis Belirti-Bulguları ve Klinik Yönetimi Bilgi Formu” ve “Tanıtıcı Bilgiler Formu” kullanılarak toplanmıştır. “Sepsis Belirti-Bulguları ve Klinik Yönetimi Bilgi Formu”, “Sepsiste Sağkalım Kampanyası” tedavi kılavuzu temel alınarak, uzman görüşü ile oluşturulmuştur. Veriler tanımlayıcı istatistikler, Ki Kare ve t testi ile analiz edilmiştir.
Bulgular: Araştırmaya katılan hemşirelerin %70,4’ünün sepsis tanımını, %71,3’ünün septik şok tanı kriterlerini doğru olarak bildiği saptanmıştır. Sepsis konusunda eğitim/kurs alan hemşirelerin %94,4’ü sepsis tanımını doğru olarak bilmiştir. Hemşirelerin %75’i çalıştıkları kurumda sepsisi önleme, tedavi ve bakımına yönelik herhangi bir bakım paketi/protokol kullanılmadığını, %25’i çalıştıkları klinikte sepsis skorlama sistemi kullanıldığını belirtmiştir.
Sonuç: Yoğun bakım hemşirelerinin sepsis tanısı konusunda farkındalığının olduğu ancak klinik yönetimi ve bakım standartlarının tamamını uygulama konusunda eksikliklerinin olduğu saptanmıştır. Klinik uygulama alanlarında sepsis tanısı ile izlenen hastaları günlük olarak değerlendirmeyi hedefleyen skorlama sistemlerinin kullanımının yaygınlaştırılması ve hemşirelerin sepsis konusunda güncel literatürü takip ederek uluslararası kılavuzlarda belirtilen bakım standartlarını uygulamalarını sağlayacak bakım politikalarının geliştirilmesi önerilmektedir.
Hemşirelik Öğrencilerinin Pozitif Psikoterapi Yapıları İle Depresyon, Anksiyete ve Stres Düzeyleri Arasındaki İlişkilerin İncelenmesi
Authors: Açıkgöz Ferhan , Sarı Tuğba , Şen Tepe Çiğdem
Published: May 2024

Amaç: Pozitif psikoterapi yapılarından olan birincil ve ikincil yeteneklerin az gelişmiş veya çok gelişmiş olması yaşam alanında sorunlara neden olabilmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı hemşirelik öğrencilerinin depresyon, anksiyete ve stres düzeyleri ile pozitif psikoterapi yapılarından olan birincil ve ikincil yetenekler arasındaki ilişkilerin incelenmesidir.
Gereç ve Yöntemler: İlişkisel tarama modeline dayanan bu çalışmaya bir devlet üniversitesinin 2022-2023 akademik yarıyılında kayıtlı olan 167 hemşirelik bölümü öğrencisi katılmıştır. Google Formlar’dan oluşturulan bir anket aracılığı ile Kişisel Bilgi Formu, Wiesbaden Pozitif Psikoterapi ve Aile Terapisi Envanteri ve Depresyon-Anksiyete Stres Ölçeği online olarak uygulanmıştır. Verilerin analizinde çoklu regresyon analizi tekniği kullanılmıştır.
Bulgular: Analiz sonuçlarına göre üniversite öğrencilerinde gelişmiş olan en az yeteneğin sabır olduğu en gelişmiş yeteneğin ise inanç/anlam yeteneği olduğu belirlenmiştir. Birincil yeteneklerden sabır ve güven yetenekleri her üç iyilik hali değişkeniyle (depresyon, anksiyete ve stres) düşük düzeyde de olsa bir ilişkiye sahiptir. Birincil yeteneklerden umudun depresyon üzerine, sabırın stres üzerine etkisi olduğu bulunmuştur. İkincil yeteneklerden başarı yeteneğinin depresyon ve anksiyete üzerine, düzen yeteneğinin anksiyete üzerine etkisi olduğu görülmüştür.
Sonuç: Çalışma sonuçlarına dayanarak depresyon, anksiyete ve stres düzeyinin semptomların birincil ve ikincil yeteneklerle ile ilişkili olduğu söylenebilir. Bu çalışmanın bulguları göz önüne alınarak öğrencilerin ruh sağlığını korumada yeteneklerin dengeli kullanımına ilişkin programlar ve düzenlemeler için geliştirilebilir.
Ebeveyn ve Çocuk Dental Anksiyete İlişkisinin Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Kahraman Gülsuhan , Aktören Oya
Published: May 2024

Dental anksiyete; genel anksiyetenin özel bir şeklidir ve fizyolojik, bilişsel, davranışsal komponentler içermektedir. Belirgin stres veya kaçınma ile sonuçlanan, dental uyaran ve prosedürlere karşı duyulan kaygı olarak belirtilebilmektedir. Dental anksiyete, her yaştan insanı etkileyebilen ve sıklıkla çocukluk ve ergenlik dönemlerinde ortaya çıktığı görülebilen yaygın bir sorundur. Bu derlemede, ebeveyn-çocuk dental anksiyete ilişkisini değerlendiren çalışmaların değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmalarda; çocukların ve ebeveynlerin dental anksiyeteleri arasında pozitif bir korelasyon tespit edilebildiği,
Lomber Disk Hernisi Ameliyatı Olan Hastalar İçin Geliştirilen Hasta Güvenliği Öğretim Planının Hastaların Günlük Yaşam Aktiviteleri ve Yaşam Kalitesi Üzerine Etkisi
Authors: Yıldırım Çetinkaya Meral , Bayraktar Nurhan
Published: May 2024

Amaç: Araştırmanın amacı; lomber disk hernisi cerrahisi için başvuran hastalara uygulanan hasta güvenliği öğretim planının, günlük yaşam aktivitesi ve yaşam kalitesine etkisini değerlendirmektir.
Gereç ve Yöntemler: Araştırmanın türü ön – son test düzeninde yarı deneysel tasarımdır. Evreni, Ankara Üniversitesi İbn-i Sina Hastanesi Beyin Cerrrahisi servisine Lomber Disk Hernisi ameliyatı için kabul edilen hastalar oluşturmuştur Örneklemi 60 hasta oluşturmuştur. Deney ve kontrol grubunda 30 hasta yer almıştır. Veri toplama aracı olarak; Kişisel Bilgi Formu, Bilgi Düzeyi Belirleme Formu, Günlük Yaşam Aktiviteleri Formu ve SF-36 Yaşam Kalitesi Ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Deney grubuna “Hasta Güvenliği Öğretim Planı” uygulanmıştır. Kontrol grubu rutin hemşirelik bakımını almışlardır. Analizde sayı ve yüzde, Kolmogrov-Smirnov, ki-kare ve Mann-Whitney U testi kullanılmıştır..
Bulgular: Tanıtıcı özellikler deney ve kontrol gurubunda benzer bulunmuştur. Deney grubunun bilgi ve günlük yaşam aktiviteleri puan ortancaları istatistiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde yüksek olduğu belirlenmiştir (p0,05).
Sonuç: Hasta güvenliği öğretim planı lomber disk hernisi cerrahisi geçirenlerin bilgilerini ve günlük yaşam aktivitelerini olumlu yönde geliştirirken, yaşam kaliteleri üzerinde olumlu bir etki oluşturmamıştır. Lomber disk hernisi tanısı konan bireylere yönelik olarak hazırlanan öğretim planının yaşam kalitesi içeriğinin güncellenerek ve aralıklı izlemler yapılarak kliniklerde kullanımı önerilmektedir.
Bir Üniversite Hastanesinde Beş Yıllık Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) ve Treponema Pallidum Hemaglutinasyon Assay (TPHA) Sonuçlarının Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Gür Vural Demet , Ateş Elif , Tanrıverdi Çaycı Yeliz , Bilgin Kemal , Bırıncı Asuman
Published: May 2024

Amaç: Sifilis, Treponema pallidum’ un neden olduğu sıklıkla cinsel yolla bulaşan multisistemik bir hastalıktır. Hastalığın tanısında ve tedavi takibinde sıklıkla serolojik testler kullanılır. Serolojik tanıda geleneksel algoritmada nontreponemal testlerle yapılan taramanın ardından sonucun treponemal testlerle doğrulanması esastır. Bu çalışmada Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi Hastanesi’nde beş yıllık Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) ve Treponema Pallidum Hemaglutinasyon Assay (TPHA) test sonuçlarının retrospektif olarak değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır.
Gereç ve Yöntemler: Ocak 2018- Aralık 2022 tarihleri arasında Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Seroloji Laboratuvarı’na sifilis tanı ve takibi amacıyla gönderilen toplam 6516 hastaya ait 10719 test sonucu retrospektif olarak değerlendirilmiştir. Serumlarda RPR (Monlabtest, İngiltere) ve TPHA (Plasmatec, İngiltere) testleri, üretici firmaların önerileri doğrultusunda çalışılmıştır.
Bulgular: Klinik sifilis şüpheli 6516 hastanın 2622 (%40,24)’sinden sadece TPHA, 696 (%10,68)’sından sadece RPR, 3198 (%49,08)’inden ise hem TPHA hem RPR istenmiştir. Sadece TPHA istenen hastalardan dokuzunda (%0,34), sadece RPR istenen hastaların ise altısında (%0,86) pozitiflik saptanmıştır. Hem TPHA hem RPR istenen hastaların sekizinde (%0,25) RPR pozitif-TPHA negatif, 71 (%2,22)’inde RPR pozitif-TPHA pozitif, 3038 (%95)’inde ise RPR negatif-TPHA negatif, 81 (%2,53)’inde RPR negatif-TPHA pozitif bulunmuştur. Yaş gruplarına göre RPR ve TPHA istemi en sık 19-30 yaş grubunda olup 3003 adet test istemi yapılmasına karşın, RPR ve TPHA pozitifliği 31-40 yaş grubunda (%4,32) diğer yaş gruplarına göre daha fazla saptanmıştır. Cinsiyetler arasında, yaş gruplarına göre yapılan istatistiksel analiz sonucu anlamlı fark saptanmıştır (p
Effect of the Glass Fiber Orientation on Mechanical Performance of Epoxy based Composites
Authors: Mishra Neelam , Khan Ubaid Ahmad , Srivastava Anshuman , Asthana Nidhi
Published: May 2024

Composites are one of the most advanced and adaptable engineering materials. The strength of any composite depends upon volume/weight fraction of reinforcement, orientation angle and other factors. The present work focuses on the determination of the mechanical properties of pure epoxy and unidirectional glass fiber reinforced epoxy. Nowadays, glass fibers are being used in several engineering applications like electronics, aviation, automobile, sport industry etc. Glass fibers are having excellent properties like high strength, flexibility, stiffness, and resistance to chemical attack. With an increase in the content of unidirectional glass fiber volume the properties of unidirectional glass Fiber Reinforcement Polymer (GFRP) composite were improved. It may be used in different forms like chopped, woven mat, short fibers and long fibers etc. Each type of glass fiber has unique properties and is used for different applications. The mechanical and thermal properties of various polymer composites reinforced with glass fibers when subjected to mechanical loading have been studied and reported.
A time-robust group recommender for featured comments on news platforms
Authors: Waterschoot Cedric , van den Bosch Antal
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Recently, content moderators on news platforms face the challenging task to select high-quality comments to feature on the webpage, a manual and time-consuming task exacerbated by platform growth. This paper introduces a group recommender system based on classifiers to aid moderators in this selection process.

Methods

Utilizing data from a Dutch news platform, we demonstrate that integrating comment data with user history and contextual relevance yields high ranking scores. To evaluate our models, we created realistic evaluation scenarios based on unseen online discussions from both 2020 and 2023, replicating changing news cycles and platform growth.

Results

We demonstrate that our best-performing models maintain their ranking performance even when article topics change, achieving an optimum mean NDCG@5 of 0.89.

Discussion

The expert evaluation by platform-employed moderators underscores the subjectivity inherent in moderation practices, emphasizing the value of recommending comments over classification. Our research contributes to the advancement of (semi-)automated content moderation and the understanding of deliberation quality assessment in online discourse.
Association between the triglyceride glucose index and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the general population: analysis of the national health and nutrition examination survey 1999–2004
Authors: Jihong Sun , Xiaojie Chen , He Lu , Yifan Zhao
Published: May 2024

Objective

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a reliable substitute indicator of insulin resistance (IR), is considered an independent risk factor for long-term outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, studies investigating the association between TyG and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are limited and lack direct evidence. We aim to examine the relationship between the TyG index and ASCVD through a comprehensive cross-sectional study.

Methods

Overall, 7212 participants from the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included. The baseline TyG index was calculated as ln [fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting blood glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression, univariate logistic regression, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the association between the TyG index and ASCVD.

Results

In the overall population, a multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the TyG level was not only positively associated with ASCVD [OR (95%CI): 1.29 (1.01,1.64), P=0.042], coronary artery disease (CAD) [OR (95%CI): 1.82(1.33,2.48), P<0.001], and stroke [OR (95%CI): 2.68(1.54,4.69), P=0.002], but also linearly correlated with all three (P-overall<0.001; P-non-linear >0.05). Although the TyG index was not associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) [OR (95%CI): 1.00 (0.73,1.36), P>0.900], it showed a U-shaped correlation with PAD (P-overall <0.001; P-non-linear= 0.0085), and the risk of PAD was minimized when TyG=8.67. By incorporating the TyG index into the baseline risk model, the accuracy of ASCVD prediction was improved [AUC: baseline risk model, 0.7183 vs. baseline risk model + TyG index, 0.7203, P for comparison=0.034]. The results of the subgroup analysis were consistent with those of the main analysis.

Conclusion

The TyG index was independently associated with ASCVD, CAD, and stroke, suggesting that it may serve as a valid indicator for predicting ASCVD in the entire population.
Insulin resistance may accelerate typical changes in heart function among type 1 diabetes patients, particularly in overweight patients: a preliminary study
Authors: Czarnik Klaudia , Sablik Zbigniew , Borkowska Anna , Drożdż Jarosław , Cypryk Katarzyna
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a metabolic disease characterized by insulin deficiency and subsequent hyperglycemia. Cardiovascular diseases are the prime cause of mortality and morbidity among patients with T1D. Accumulating metabolic disturbances and accelerated cardiac fibrosis fuel the development of heart dysfunction. As insulin resistance (IR) is a risk factor for the development and worsened course of heart failure, this study aimed to assess its impact on heart function in patients with T1D.

Methods

Adult participants were recruited prospectively. The inclusion criteria included a diagnosis of T1D. The exclusion criteria were other types of diabetes, symptoms/treatment of heart failure, AST and/or ALT exceeding the upper reference limit by ≥2x, hepatitis, alcoholism, metformin treatment, and pregnancy. The participants underwent a medical interview, physical examination, biochemical test, and echocardiography.

Results

The mean age in the study group was 38 ± 9.6 years, and the mean diabetes duration was 21.8 ± 11.3 years. The median BMI in the study cohort was 23.39 kg/m2. Patients with IR had significantly lower mitral E/A ratio and left ventricular and left atrial volume ratio (LVLAVR), higher LV mass index, and presented with altered mitral annular velocities.

Conclusions

IR seems to accelerate the pattern of typical changes in heart function among patients with T1D, especially in the overweight subgroup.
Unraveling the nexus of NAD+ metabolism and diabetic kidney disease: insights from murine models and human data
Authors: Yang Sisi , Gong Weiyuan , Wang Yujia , Hao Chuanming , Guan Yi
Published: May 2024

Background

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a critical coenzyme involved in kidney disease, yet its regulation in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains inadequately understood.

Objective

Therefore, we investigated the changes of NAD+ levels in DKD and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

Alternations of NAD+ levels and its biosynthesis enzymes were detected in kidneys from streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model by real-time PCR and immunoblot. The distribution of NAD+ de novo synthetic enzymes was explored via immunohistochemical study. NAD+ de novo synthetic metabolite was measured by LC-MS. Human data from NephroSeq were analyzed to verify our findings.

Results

The study showed that NAD+ levels were decreased in diabetic kidneys. Both mRNA and protein levels of kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) in NAD+ de novo synthesis pathway were decreased, while NAD+ synthetic enzymes in salvage pathway and NAD+ consuming enzymes remained unchanged. Further analysis of human data suggested KMO, primarily expressed in the proximal tubules shown by our immunohistochemical staining, was consistently downregulated in human diabetic kidneys.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated KMO of NAD+ de novo synthesis pathway was decreased in diabetic kidney and might be responsible for NAD+ reduction in diabetic kidneys, offering valuable insights into complex regulatory mechanisms of NAD+ in DKD.
Optimal configuration of acquisition terminals in regional distribution grids considering dynamic observability
Authors: Xuan Yi , Huang Jianping , Sun Zhiqing , Zhang Tianyang , Liang Yundan , Dai Tiechao , Liu Weihao , Liu Jian , Huang Yi , Fan Libo , Liu Yingye
Published: May 2024

Optimizing the configuration of acquisition terminals can maximize the observability and state estimation accuracy of the distribution grid achieving comprehensive perception of the distribution grid. However, the existing optimization configuration methods typically target a single topology structure. For regional distribution grids with dynamic topology changes, it cannot meet the observability requirements of all their topologies. In this regard, this paper proposes an optimal configuration scheme for regional distribution grid acquisition terminals considering dynamic observability. Firstly, the regional distribution grid considering the change of contact switch is modeled. Based on the observation redundancy and state estimation accuracy, the dynamic observability index of regional distribution grid is proposed. Then, a multi-objective optimal configuration model of acquisition terminal is constructed with the objective function of maximizing dynamic observability and minimizing configuration cost. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated with the simulation model.
Can beavers help improve terrestrial invertebrate diversity?
Authors: Andersen Line Holm , Nummi Petri , Bahrndorff Simon
Published: May 2024

On a global scale, species biodiversity is declining rapidly, including that of terrestrial invertebrates. Environmental heterogeneity is viewed as a key factor promoting biodiversity, and previous studies have shown how beavers can have a profound effect on both habitat heterogeneity and abundance and diversity of a plethora of water-related and terrestrial organisms. However, less is known about the effects of beavers and successional stages on the terrestrial invertebrate community. Here, we review existing knowledge and outline research trajectories to improve our understanding of how beavers affect the terrestrial invertebrate community with special focus on the importance of each successional stage that beavers provide on terrestrial invertebrates. Although beavers can have a large impact on the terrestrial invertebrate community, more studies are needed that take into consideration successional stages and with standardized sampling designs. A better understanding of how beaver activity affects the terrestrial invertebrate community can help in conservation of endangered species and restoration of biodiversity in terrestrial habitats.
Prevalence and associated factors for hepatitis B infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at SOS Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia
Authors: Hassan Shafie Abdulkadir , Ahmed Yousif Mousa Alobaid , Almugadam Babiker Saad , Hassan Yahye Sheikh Abdulle
Published: May 2024

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, maternal complications, and neonatal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Mother-to-child transmission is a major route of HBV transmission in endemic areas. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B infection and its associated factors among pregnant women attending Antenatal Care clinics at SOS Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Methods

The research followed a cross-sectional design, and the participants were chosen through systematic random sampling, including every fifth outpatient. Each participant provided a blood sample for standard testing, and their consent was obtained before conducting Hepatitis B screening using the ELISA method.

Results

In our study of 384 pregnant women, 43 individuals (11.2%) tested positive for HBsAg. The frequency of HBsAg seropositivity was significantly higher in subjects with no education when compared to those with primary education (AOR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.01–0.96, p = 0.046). Caesarian Section (AOR = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.004–0.0103, p = 0.001), blood transfusion (AOR = 11.6, 95% CI: 3.44–38.08, p = 0.001), previous dental procedures (AOR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.04–0.38, p = 0.001), and unsafe injections in the past (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.09–0.91, p = 0.035) were identified as significant risk factors for hepatitis positivity.

Conclusions

The study found a higher prevalence of hepatitis B compared to previous studies. Factors such as blood transfusion, dental procedures, Caesarian Section, and unsafe injections were associated with hepatitis B infection. It is essential to raise awareness, promote preventive measures, and implement routine screening for pregnant women so as to stop the transmission of hepatitis B to their children.
Monocytes, particularly nonclassical ones, lose their opsonic and nonopsonic phagocytosis capacity during pediatric cerebral malaria
Authors: Vianou Bertin , Royo Jade , Dechavanne Sébastien , Bertin Gwladys I. , Yessoufou Akadiri , Houze Sandrine , Faucher Jean-François , Aubouy Agnes
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Innate immunity is crucial to reducing parasite burden and contributing to survival in severe malaria. Monocytes are key actors in the innate response and, like macrophages, are plastic cells whose function and phenotype are regulated by the signals from the microenvironment. In the context of cerebral malaria (CM), monocyte response constitutes an important issue to understand. We previously demonstrated that decreased percentages of nonclassical monocytes were associated with death outcomes in CM children. In the current study, we postulated that monocyte phagocytosis function is impacted by the severity of malaria infection.

Methods

To study this hypothesis, we compared the opsonic and nonopsonic phagocytosis capacity of circulant monocytes from Beninese children with uncomplicated malaria (UM) and CM. For the CM group, samples were obtained at inclusion (D0) and 3 and 30 days after treatment (D3, D30). The phagocytosis capacity of monocytes and their subsets was characterized by flow cytometry and transcriptional profiling by studying genes known for their functional implication in infected-red blood cell (iRBC) elimination or immune escape.

Results

Our results confirm our hypothesis and highlight the higher capacity of nonclassical monocytes to phagocyte iRBC. We also confirm that a low number of nonclassical monocytes is associated with CM outcome when compared to UM, suggesting a mobilization of this subpopulation to the cerebral inflammatory site. Finally, our results suggest the implication of the inhibitory receptors LILRB1, LILRB2, and Tim3 in phagocytosis control.

Discussion

Taken together, these data provide a better understanding of the interplay between monocytes and malaria infection in the pathogenicity of CM.
Chicken intestinal organoids: a novel method to measure the mode of action of feed additives
Authors: Mitchell Jordan , Sutton Kate , Elango Jeyashree Nathan , Borowska Dominika , Perry Famatta , Lahaye Ludovic , Santin Elizabeth , Arsenault Ryan J. , Vervelde Lonneke
Published: May 2024

There is a rapidly growing interest in how the avian intestine is affected by dietary components and feed additives. The paucity of physiologically relevant models has limited research in this field of poultry gut health and led to an over-reliance on the use of live birds for experiments. The development of complex 3D intestinal organoids or “mini-guts” has created ample opportunities for poultry research in this field. A major advantage of the floating chicken intestinal organoids is the combination of a complex cell system with an easily accessible apical-out orientation grown in a simple culture medium without an extracellular matrix. The objective was to investigate the impact of a commercial proprietary blend of organic acids and essential oils (OA+EO) on the innate immune responses and kinome of chicken intestinal organoids in a Salmonella challenge model. To mimic the in vivo prolonged exposure of the intestine to the product, the intestinal organoids were treated for 2 days with 0.5 or 0.25 mg/mL OA+EO and either uninfected or infected with Salmonella and bacterial load in the organoids was quantified at 3 hours post infection. The bacteria were also treated with OA+EO for 1 day prior to challenge of the organoids to mimic intestinal exposure. The treatment of the organoids with OA+EO resulted in a significant decrease in the bacterial load compared to untreated infected organoids. The expression of 88 innate immune genes was investigated using a high throughput qPCR array, measuring the expression of 88 innate immune genes. Salmonella invasion of the untreated intestinal organoids resulted in a significant increase in the expression of inflammatory cytokine and chemokines as well as genes involved in intracellular signaling. In contrast, when the organoids were treated with OA+EO and challenged with Salmonella, the inflammatory responses were significantly downregulated. The kinome array data suggested decreased phosphorylation elicited by the OA+EO with Salmonella in agreement with the gene expression data sets. This study demonstrates that the in vitro chicken intestinal organoids are a new tool to measure the effect of the feed additives in a bacterial challenge model by measuring innate immune and protein kinases responses.
Flow cytometry-based peripheral blood analysis as an easily friendly tool for prognostic monitoring of acute ischemic stroke: a multicenter study
Authors: Lu Kang , Ni Wanmao , Yue Juanqing , Cheng Yongran , Du Jing , Li Yanchun , Tong Xiangmin , Chen Guo-Bo , Wang Ying
Published: May 2024

Background and objective

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of mortality, severe neurological and long-term disability world-wide. Blood-based indicators may provide valuable information on identified prognostic factors. However, currently, there is still a lack of peripheral blood indicators for the prognosis of AIS. We aimed to identify the most promising prognostic indicators and establish prognostic models for AIS.

Methods

484 subjects enrolled from four centers were analyzed immunophenotypic indicators of peripheral blood by flow cytometry. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was applied to minimize the potential collinearity and over-fitting of variables measured from the same subject and over-fitting of variables. Univariate and multivariable Cox survival analysis of differences between and within cohorts was performed by log-rank test. The areas under the receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the selection accuracy of immunophenotypic indicators in identifying AIS subjects with survival risk. The prognostic model was constructed using a multivariate Cox model, consisting of 402 subjects as a training cohort and 82 subjects as a testing cohort.

Results

In the prospective study, 7 immunophenotypic indicators of distinct significance were screened out of 72 peripheral blood immunophenotypic indicators by LASSO. In multivariate cox regression, CTL (%) [HR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.03–1.33], monocytes/μl [HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05–1.21], non-classical monocytes/μl [HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.16] and CD56high NK cells/μl [HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05–1.21] were detected to decrease the survival probability of AIS, while Tregs/μl [HR:0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–0.99, p=0.004], BM/μl [HR:0.90, 95% CI: 0.85–0.95, p=0.023] and CD16+NK cells/μl [HR:0.93, 95% CI: 0.88–0.98, p=0.034] may have the protective effect. As for indicators’ discriminative ability, the AUC for CD56highNK cells/μl attained the highest of 0.912. In stratification analysis, the survival probability for AIS subjects with a higher level of Tregs/μl, BM/μl, CD16+NK cells/μl, or lower levels of CD56highNK cells/μl, CTL (%), non-classical monocytes/μl, Monocytes/μl were more likely to survive after AIS. The multivariate Cox model showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.805, 0.781 and 0.819 and 0.961, 0.924 and 0.982 in the training and testing cohort, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study identified 7 immunophenotypic indicators in peripheral blood may have great clinical significance in monitoring the prognosis of AIS and provide a convenient and valuable predictive model for AIS.
Voltage-gated ion channels as novel regulators of epithelial ion transport in the osmoregulatory organs of insects
Authors: Dates Jocelyne , Kolosov Dennis
Published: May 2024

Voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs) respond to changes in membrane potential (Vm) and typically exhibit fast kinetic properties. They play an important role in signal detection and propagation in excitable tissues. In contrast, the role of VGICs in non-excitable tissues like epithelia is less studied and less clear. Studies in epithelia of vertebrates and invertebrates demonstrate wide expression of VGICs in epithelia of animals. Recently, VGICs have emerged as regulators of ion transport in the Malpighian tubules (MTs) and other osmoregulatory organs of insects. This mini-review aims to concisely summarize which VGICs have been implicated in the regulation of ion transport in the osmoregulatory epithelia of insects to date, and highlight select groups for further study. We have also speculated on the roles VGICs may potentially play in regulating processes connected directly to ion transport in insects (e.g., acid-base balance, desiccation, thermal tolerance). This review is not meant to be exhaustive but should rather serve as a thought-provoking collection of select existing highlights on VGICs, and to emphasize how understudied this mechanism of ion transport regulation is in insect epithelia.
A dissolved oxygen prediction model based on GRU–N-Beats
Authors: Hao Zhenhui
Published: May 2024

Dissolved oxygen is one of the most important water quality parameters in aquaculture, and the level determines whether fish can grow healthily. Since there is a delay in equipment control in the aquaculture environment, dissolved oxygen prediction is needed to reduce the loss due to low dissolved oxygen. To solve the problem of insufficient accuracy and poor interpretability of traditional methods in predicting dissolved oxygen from multivariate water quality parameters, this paper proposes an improved N-Beats-based prediction network. First, the maximum expectation algorithm [expectation–maximization (EM)] was used to fill in the original data by fitting the missing values. Second, the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) was used to reduce the overall noise of the sample, then the gated recurrent unit (GRU) feature extraction network was employed to extract the water quality information from the temporal dimension, the N-Beats was utilized to predict the preprocessed data, and the residual operation through Stack was performed to obtain the prediction results. The improved algorithm overcomes the challenge of insufficient prediction accuracy of the traditional algorithm. The GRU–N-Beats network proposed in this paper can extract features from multivariate time dimensions for prediction. The values of root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and R2 for the proposed algorithm were 0.171, 0.120, 0.015, and 0.97, respectively. In particular, they were 28.5%, 32.1%, 51.6%, 24.3%, 14.9%, 36.4%, and 19.3% higher than those of long short-term memory (LSTM), GRU, temporal convolutional network (TCN), LSTM–TCN, PatchTST, back-propagation neural network (BPNN), and N-Beats on RMSE, respectively.
Exploring tribological properties in the design and manufacturing of metal matrix composites: an investigation into the AL6061-SiC-fly ASH alloy fabricated via stir casting process
Authors: Kumar Murmu Sagar , Chattopadhayaya Somnath , Cep Robert , Kumar Ajay , Kumar Ashwini , Kumar Mahato Shambhu , Kumar Amit , Ranjan Sethy Priya , Logesh K.
Published: May 2024

This study investigates a novel methodology to intricately craft a HAMMC and thoroughly examine its multifaceted mechanical and tribological characteristics. By combining silicon carbide (SiC) and fly ash as reinforcements, a unique identity is bestowed upon this hybrid composite, enhancing its structural integrity and functional attributes. Stir casting is the chosen methodology for fabricating this composite, favored for its economic viability and suitability for large-scale manufacturing. In this research, the emphasis is on developing a cost-effective composite that not only meets stringent economic considerations but also exhibits improved material properties. Within the realm of hybrid metal matrix composites, the well-regarded Al6061 takes on the role of the matrix material, while the synergistic inclusion of fly ash and SiC serves as reinforcing constituents. Three specimens with compostion 90% Al6061 + 5% SiC +5% Fly ash, 90% Al6061 + 10% SiC +6% Fly ash and 90% Al6061 + 15% SiC +7% Fly ash were fabricated. To unravel the intricacies of the fabricated Al6061 metal matrix composite, comprehensive tests are employed. These tests, including the Pin-on Disc test, Scratch test, Rockwell Hardness test, and Charpy Impact test, collectively work to unveil the nuanced tribological and mechanical behaviors encapsulated within this innovative alloy. The results indicated significant improvement in wear resistance in specimen comprising 78% Al6061 + 15% SiC +7% Fly Ash and volumetric loss found to have 0.96 g. Superior hardness characteristics and enhanced abrasion resistance found in 78% Al6061 + 15% SiC +7% Fly Ash than other two specimens. The highest impact strength exhibited in 90% Al 6,061 + 5% SiC +5% Fly ash specimen.
Nε-lysine acetylation of the histone-like protein HBsu influences antibiotic survival and persistence in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Carr Rachel A. , Tucker Trichina , Newman Precious M. , Jadalla Lama , Jaludi Kamayel , Reid Briana E. , Alpheaus Damian N. , Korrapati Anish , Pivonka April E. , Carabetta Valerie J.
Published: May 2024

Nε-lysine acetylation is recognized as a prevalent post-translational modification (PTM) that regulates proteins across all three domains of life. In Bacillus subtilis, the histone-like protein HBsu is acetylated at seven sites, which regulates DNA compaction and the process of sporulation. In Mycobacteria, DNA compaction is a survival strategy in response antibiotic exposure. Acetylation of the HBsu ortholog HupB decondenses the chromosome to escape this drug-induced, non-growing state, and in addition, regulates the formation of drug-tolerant subpopulations by altering gene expression. We hypothesized that the acetylation of HBsu plays similar regulatory roles. First, we measured nucleoid area by fluorescence microscopy and in agreement, we found that wild-type cells compacted their nucleoids upon kanamycin exposure, but not exposure to tetracycline. We analyzed a collection of HBsu mutants that contain lysine substitutions that mimic the acetylated (glutamine) or unacetylated (arginine) forms of the protein. Our findings indicate that some level of acetylation is required at K3 for a proper response and K75 must be deacetylated. Next, we performed time-kill assays of wild-type and mutant strains in the presence of different antibiotics and found that interfering with HBsu acetylation led to faster killing rates. Finally, we examined the persistent subpopulation and found that altering the acetylation status of HBsu led to an increase in persister cell formation. In addition, we found that most of the deacetylation-mimic mutants, which have compacted nucleoids, were delayed in resuming growth following removal of the antibiotic, suggesting that acetylation is required to escape the persistent state. Together, this data adds an additional regulatory role for HBsu acetylation and further supports the existence of a histone-like code in bacteria.
Untargeted metabolomics and metagenomics reveal signatures for intramammary ceftiofur treatment and lactation stage in the cattle hindgut
Authors: Vasco Karla A. , Hansen Zoe A. , Schilmiller Anthony L. , Bowcutt Bailey , Carbonell Samantha L. , Ruegg Pamela L. , Quinn Robert A. , Zhang Lixin , Manning Shannon D.
Published: May 2024

The gut microbiota in cattle is essential for protein, energy, and vitamin production and hence, microbiota perturbations can affect cattle performance. This study evaluated the effect of intramammary (IMM) ceftiofur treatment and lactation stage on the functional gut microbiome and metabolome. Forty dairy cows were enrolled at dry-off. Half received IMM ceftiofur and a non-antibiotic teat sealant containing bismuth subnitrate (cases), while the other half received the teat sealant (controls). Fecal samples were collected before treatment at dry off, during the dry period (weeks 1 and 5) and the first week after calving (week 9). Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was applied to predict microbial metabolic pathways whereas untargeted metabolomics was used identify polar and nonpolar metabolites. Compared to controls, long-term changes were observed in the cows given ceftiofur, including a lower abundance of microbial pathways linked to energy production, amino acid biosynthesis, and other vital molecules. The metabolome of treated cows had elevated levels of stachyose, phosphatidylethanolamine diacylglycerol (PE-DAG), and inosine a week after the IMM ceftiofur application, indicating alterations in microbial fermentation, lipid metabolism, energy, and cellular signaling. Differences were also observed by sampling, with cows in late lactation having more diverse metabolic pathways and a unique metabolome containing higher levels of histamine and histamine-producing bacteria. These data illustrate how IMM ceftiofur treatment can alter the functionality of the hindgut metabolome and microbiome. Understanding how antibiotics and lactation stages, which are each characterized by unique diets and physiology, impact the function of resident microbes is critical to define normal gut function in dairy cattle.
Not seeing the forest for the trees: combination of path integration and landmark cues in human virtual navigation
Authors: Scherer Jonas , Müller Martin M. , Unterbrink Patrick , Meier Sina , Egelhaaf Martin , Bertrand Olivier J. N. , Boeddeker Norbert
Published: May 2024

Introduction

In order to successfully move from place to place, our brain often combines sensory inputs from various sources by dynamically weighting spatial cues according to their reliability and relevance for a given task. Two of the most important cues in navigation are the spatial arrangement of landmarks in the environment, and the continuous path integration of travelled distances and changes in direction. Several studies have shown that Bayesian integration of cues provides a good explanation for navigation in environments dominated by small numbers of easily identifiable landmarks. However, it remains largely unclear how cues are combined in more complex environments.

Methods

To investigate how humans process and combine landmarks and path integration in complex environments, we conducted a series of triangle completion experiments in virtual reality, in which we varied the number of landmarks from an open steppe to a dense forest, thus going beyond the spatially simple environments that have been studied in the past. We analysed spatial behaviour at both the population and individual level with linear regression models and developed a computational model, based on maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), to infer the underlying combination of cues.

Results

Overall homing performance was optimal in an environment containing three landmarks arranged around the goal location. With more than three landmarks, individual differences between participants in the use of cues are striking. For some, the addition of landmarks does not worsen their performance, whereas for others it seems to impair their use of landmark information.

Discussion

It appears that navigation success in complex environments depends on the ability to identify the correct clearing around the goal location, suggesting that some participants may not be able to see the forest for the trees.