bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of phototherapy on tissues with dermal fillers: systematic review protocol
Authors: Shibasaki Liliane Akemi Kawano , Sá Nathalia Alves Pereira , Grisi Maria Paula Vidal , Reis Silvia Regina de Almeida
Published: June 2022

This systematic review protocol aims to verify the existence of synergistic effect of phototherapy in tissues that received dermal fillers. The review will be carried out through the stages of preparation of the research question, search for primary studies, selection of studies according to eligibility criteria, data extraction, analysis, and synthesis of evidence. The question will be based on the PICOS strategy: “Does the combined use of dermal fillers and phototherapy have a synergistic effect on facial rejuvenation?” The search in the literature will be carried out in seven databases and in sources of gray literature. The results will be exported to the Rayyan application for the purpose of deleting duplicate studies. The reading of the titles and abstracts will be carried out by two independent and blind reviewers. Randomized clinical studies that associated phototherapy in tissues that received dermal fillers will be selected for full reading. The data will be extracted and submitted to a narrative synthesis, and if possible, the meta-analysis. In the methodological quality analysis, the RoB2 tool will be used for the risk of bias and the GRADE tool for the quality of evidence.
Responsabilidade Social Corporativa no setor de supermercados frente à pandemia da COVID-19
Authors: Régis Suzana Virgínia da Costa , Vale Aline Francilurdes Nery , Siqueira Alexsandra Batista Cândido , Costa Yáscara Pryscilla Dantas , Siqueira Elisabete Stradiotto
Published: June 2022

Algumas empresas vêm adotando práticas de responsabilidade social corporativa por meio da promoção do bem estar social, alinhando-se dessa forma às novas demandas de mercado e da sociedade. Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar as práticas de responsabilidade social adotadas por uma rede de supermercados do interior do Rio Grande do Norte, durante a pandemia da COVID-19. A metodologia utilizada foi qualitativa e descritiva. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de pesquisa de campo, utilizando entrevista semiestruturada. Foram realizadas 15 entrevistas com gestores e colaboradores indicados pela Diretoria dos respectivos supermercados, com análise interpretativa dos dados. Os resultados indicam que as medidas de RSC adotadas, foram restritas às recomendações, orientações e exigências legais, comuns ou aplicáveis aos processos envolvidos na Atividade de Supermercados. Notou-se também uma certa resistência, a priori, por parte dos clientes que ainda insistem em agir em desacordo com os protocolos de segurança estabelecidos como medidas de prevenção à COVID-19. Desta forma, a pandemia não tornou as ações de responsabilidade social mais abrangentes para além do escopo legal.
Produção de carne artificial como uma alternativa sustentável: Revisão
Authors: Ferreira Cintia Stefhany Ripke , Alves Eloize Silva , Costa Joice Camila Martins , Ferreira Carla Micaela Ripke , Friedrichsen Jéssica Souza Alves , Frigo Giovana , Baeta Fernanda Silva , Felipe Michele Patricia , Chiavelli Lucas Ulisses Rovigatti , Santos Oscar Oliveira
Published: June 2022

Nos últimos, muito tem-se falado e buscado sobre a sustentabilidade na produção de alimentos. A carne artificial, por exemplo é uma alternativa derivada de um tecido com células cultivadas em laboratório, diferente da carne convencional que é necessário abater os animais, além dos impactos ambientais gerados. Desde esse momento, muitas empresas já investiram na ideia, pois, ao se pensar neste tipo de tecnologia ela tende a dominar o mercado de carne em breve já que, nosso planeta Terra não comporta mais lei da demanda e procura por recursos ambientais utilizados na produção de alimentos. Sendo necessário que técnicas alternativas de produção de proteína animal necessitam ser adotadas, como a carne artificial, por exemplo, que é uma alternativa frente a problemas ambientais enfrentados pela humanidade neste século. Desta forma, esta pesquisa tem como objetivo fornecer uma revisão bibliográfica recente sobre a produção de carne artificial como alternativa sustentável.
Educação para a sexualidade - faces e interfaces na formação do professor: descrição e resultados da oferta da disciplina para o curso de licenciatura em ciências biológicas
Authors: Fernandes Sheila Silveira , Assis Vitória Costa de , Acrani Simone
Published: June 2022

Discutir assuntos relacionados à sexualidade tem se tornado um desafio para os docentes, portanto, é importante formar professores preparados para orientar e discutir em sala de aula os múltiplos aspectos ligados à sexualidade humana. Este trabalho consiste no relato das características (carga horária, ementa, objetivos e estratégias) da disciplina “Educação para a sexualidade – faces e interfaces na formação do professor” ofertada para o curso de licenciatura em Ciências Biológicas na Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), bem como a descrição de seu desenvolvimento ao longo de quatro ofertas. A disciplina visa subsidiar os discentes em relação aos conteúdos/estratégias de ensino voltados à educação para a sexualidade, possibilitando aplicação mais efetiva dos conteúdos na educação básica. A carga horária teórica é de 45h/a, além de 15h/a de atividades práticas, totalizando 60h/a, são disponibilizadas 30 vagas anualmente. A oferta foi realizada apenas quatro vezes desde o início do curso em 2009. Considerando o número total de alunos do curso, podemos considerar que apenas 33% demonstraram interesse pela disciplina, 12% dos discentes concluíram a disciplina e 21% fizeram apenas a matrícula, mas nunca frequentaram. Os alunos frequentes nas aulas permanecem até sua conclusão. A bibliografia consultada, a realidade de oferta da disciplina e os relatos dos alunos que cursaram o componente curricular apontam para a necessidade de disciplinas que foquem na formação docente em consonância com a educação para a sexualidade, pois o licenciando estando apto para trabalhar e lidar com o tema estará preparado para agir em sala de aula em diversas circunstâncias.
Depressão em idosos: um estudo de revisão bibliográfica de 2013 a 2020
Authors: Silva Caio Kirk Albuquerque , Pita Júlia Alcântara de Melo , Ribeiro Maria Luíza de Melo , Parrela Rodrigo Freitas , Tourinho Luciano de Oliveira Souza
Published: June 2022

O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a depressão no idoso e discutir os fatores desencadeastes e agravantes. A depressão é um dos principais problemas de saúde pública sendo caracterizada por uma doença que possui sintomas como sensação de tristeza frequente e perda da capacidade de sentir prazer ou alegria. Alguns estudos mostram que o comprometimento funcional pode ser um fator de risco para o aparecimento da doença na população idosa, todavia tais sintomas depressivos podem acarretar a perda da funcionalidade. Programas de exercícios físicos parecem apresentar uma resposta positiva na diminuição desses sintomas. A redução dos sintomas de depressão por meio da prática do exercício físico pode estar relacionada pelo aumento da libertação de hormônios como endorfina, dopamina, serotonina propiciando um efeito tranquilizante e sensação de bem-estar, obtendo um resultado relaxante pós-exercício. Tratou-se de revisão da literatura, baseando-se na busca de artigos publicados entres 2013 a 2020. As bases de dados utilizadas serão: SCIELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online); Google acadêmico.
Action Research: A Cross-Country Checkup
Authors: Clausen Kurt
Published: June 2022

With this issue, a 12-year effort has now come to a new plateau in its vision and reach. How little did the journal’s founders know where it would lead when the endeavor was first brought to realization at the annual meeting of the Ontario Educational Research Council in 1998. Here, after seeing a thriving action research community at the grass-roots level in the province, they decided that some outlet should be created for the dissemination of its results and recommendations. The title of this resource was christened the Ontario Action Researcher, named for two important reasons: First, their initial intention was to focus almost solely on the Ontario scene to the exclusion of all outsiders. As such, it was hoped that local talent would be nurtured in this diminutive hothouse, and connections could be made in a small geographical area. Second, they hoped that by avoiding a more “academic” title (such as journal, annals of, etc...) it could bridge the gap between the often disconnected populations of teacher and scholar. Based on this belief, equal members of the two groups held positions on the original editorial panel. And with this nascent philosophy, the journal tootled off from the gate to meet its supporters and critics.
Increasing Communication in Geometry by Using a Personal Math Concept Chart
Authors: Friedman Rhonda , Kazerouni Gety , Lax Stacey , Weisdorf Elli
Published: June 2022

The action research team developed a “Personal Math Concept Chart”. This chart required students to describe the mathematical concepts that they were studying in the Geometry strand of Mathematics using their own images and words. In this study, students were encouraged to express their own understanding of geometric concepts in order to strengthen their own personal knowledge. The purpose of the Personal Math Concept Chart was to enhance students’ ability to express themselves using mathematical terminology. As part of having students work toward improving their mathematical expression with the Personal Math Concept Chart, the teachers on this action research team invited students to connect the concepts learned in class to everyday applications.
PROBLEM BASED INSTRUCTION: GETTING AT THE BIG IDEAS AND DEVELOPING LEARNERS
Authors: Inglis Laura , Miller Nicole
Published: June 2022

Written collaboratively by two former teaching partners, this paper details the journey taken by a team of teachers from a large southern Ontario school board as they completed an action research project during the 2008-2009 school year, in conjunction with ETFO and their Teachers Learning Together: A Math Journey initiative. This paper will outline the process and findings from our team.
MONTAGE: IMPROVISING IN THE LAND OF ACTION RESEARCH
Authors: Windle Sheila , Sefton Terry
Published: June 2022

This paper and its appended multi-media production describe the rationale and process of creating and presenting a “digitally saturated” (Lankshear & Knobel, 2003), multi-layered, synchronous “montage” (Denzin & Lincoln, 2003) of educational Action Research findings. The authors contend that this type of presentation, arising from the fusion of Collaborative Action Research (CAR) and arts-based research (ABR), conveys more fully the complexity of context-specific, classroom-based CAR. Viewers and readers are invited to experience vicariously, interpret critically, and construct uniquely this “new type of knowledge.”
EMPOWERING TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS TO PLAY THEIR KEY ROLE IN IMPROVING EDUCATION A Keynote address delivered at the North Eastern Ontario Education Network 2011 Research Carousel
Authors: Wideman Ron
Published: June 2022

Good afternoon and thank you Kelly for that kind introduction. I was in Toronto recently at a meeting of the Learning to 18 ministry work-group and was given a copy of the latest Capacity Building Series publication entitled Collaborative Teacher Inquiry. It is pretty exciting stuff to see the Government of Ontario throw its weight behind collaborative teacher inquiry as a means of professional learning and school improvement.
UNDERSTANDING PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH: A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY OPTION
Authors: MacDonald Cathy
Published: June 2022

Participatory Action Research (PAR) is a qualitative research methodology option that requires further understanding and consideration. PAR is considered democratic, equitable, liberating, and life-enhancing qualitative inquiry that remains distinct from other qualitative methodologies (Kach & Kralik, 2006). Using PAR, qualitative features of an individual’s feelings, views, and patterns are revealed without control or manipulation from the researcher. The participant is active in making informed decisions throughout all aspects of the research process for the primary purpose of imparting social change; a specific action (or actions) is the ultimate goal. The following paper will contextualize PAR in terms of its history, principles, definitions, and strengths, as well as discuss challenges and practical suggestions for using PAR. In addition, it will examine focus groups and interviews as methods for data collection, the role of PAR in education, and the types of research for which PAR is best suited.
STUDENT RACIAL INTERACTIONS IN AN URBAN NEIGHBOURHOOD SCHOOL: AN ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT
Authors: Coddens David O. , Shriner Michael
Published: June 2022

This paper presents data collected and analyzed as part of a graduate-level action research project. First, preferred disassociation (gleaned via observational methodology) between Latino and African American racial students within an urban neighbourhood school located within a large Midwestern city in the United States is discussed. Second, additional data highlighted not only apparent disassociation in the classroom, but also in various other typical locations within the school, as well as commuting to/from school. Finally, interviews and subsequent surveys were conducted to gauge student perceptions of their own personal safety at different locations during a normal school day.
LIFTING KINDERGARTENERS’ WRITING TO MEET THE COMMON CORE LEARNING STANDARDS: A COLLABORATIVE INQUIRY
Authors: Heskial Joyce , Wamba Nathalis G.
Published: June 2022

The advent of Common Core Standards in New York State has forced a revisitation of past practices. With a goal of ensuring that all students are college and career-ready by the end of high school these standards call for increased rigor and higher expectations at all grade levels. The purpose of this study was to analyze through collaborative inquiry/action research student writing in kindergarten classrooms across a school, to identify common challenges and to develop and implement strategies to lift the level of work being produced by kindergartners according to the common core standards.
ACTION RESEARCH: NOT JUST FOR THE CLASSROOM
Authors: Clausen Kurt W.
Published: June 2022

When it comes to action research, some people seemed convinced that classroom teachers have a corner on the market. There does seem to be a natural fit. Research questions emerge all the time when students are involved, and they seem prepared to act as willing participants in any project that one might throw at them (providing it gets them away from a boring routine). Traditionally, teachers have toggled between purveyors of knowledge and educational leaders, so a fertile ground exists as the classroom becomes a nursery for researcher empowerment. However, in focusing on this area of action research, meta-analysis can, at times, overshadow the many other disciplines and workplaces that employ action research as standard practice.
Engaging in Action Research: A practical guide to teacher-conducted research for educators and school leaders.
Authors: Langford Nanci
Published: June 2022

Engaging in Action Research is designed as a how-to guide for teachers and school leaders to encourage and support them as researchers conducting research in their schools and school districts. Its eleven chapters are logically organized to take the reader through the process of designing, planning, implementing, analyzing and reporting research intended to answer questions specific to the teacher’s or administrator’s professional role and immediate environment. Chapter one offers four case examples of individuals who have questions arising from their own observations and curiosities about student learning or interactions taking place in their own work environments and how these could lead to research projects. I found this an effective way to connect the reader to the initial stages of wondering that leads to action research and how it arises from everyday activities.
TRANSFORMING READING COMPREHENSION INSTRUCTION THROUGH STUDENT CONFERENCING AND TEACHER JOURNALING
Authors: Costello David
Published: June 2022

When I was asked to teach the entire literacy curriculum to my grade six students in only five months, I implemented reading conferences as an instructional practice to deepen students’ reading comprehension. Classroom events related to reading conferences, student decision-making, and instructional planning were recorded in a journal. This study reflected a shift from traditional teaching to a student-centered approach wherein student learning was used to guide instruction. Findings demonstrated how instructional practices were changed to reflect student learning and how the use of reading conferences promoted dialogue between teacher and student.
TOWARD A DEVELOPMENTAL PARADIGM
Authors: Oh Neill Sam
Published: June 2022

I have worked with students at-risk for the greater majority of my career. The term has a number of meanings. Officially, it means they are at-risk of failing, but often the risks are much greater. At one extreme they are at-risk of losing their lives to substance abuse or suicide. Less drastically they are at-risk of making their way through the criminal justice system, being institutionalized or living desperate lives. One thing they had in common was a difficulty in having healthy social interactions especially in moments of conflict. The problem was to address these developmental needs while fulfilling mandated curriculum requirements.
CONDUCTING ACTION RESEARCH IN KENYAN PRIMARY SCHOOLS: A NARRATIVE OF LIVED EXPERIENCES
Authors: Otienoh Ruth
Published: June 2022

This paper is a narrative of my personal experiences of conducting action research in Kenyan primary schools. It highlights the opportunities, successes, challenges and dilemmas I encountered during the process: from the school hunting period, to the carrying out of the actual research in two schools, with four teachers. This study reveals that although it may be challenging to conduct action research in schools/classrooms due to the stakeholders’ perceptions and attitudes about teaching and learning in an exam oriented context, the researcher’s disposition in terms of how he/she relates and interacts with participants may, to some extent, determine the level of a study’s success
ANALISIS MANAJEMEN RISIKO KEAMANAN JARINGAN MENGGUNAKAN FRAMEWORK NIST
Authors: Panjaitan Febriyanti , Aprilo Aldrison
Published: June 2022

Keamanan suatu jaringan komputer sangat penting bagi suatu jaringan komputer, karena jika terjadi sesuatu maka dapat dimanfaatkan serangan atau penyusupan ke dalam jaringan komputer tersebut. Oleh karena itu, perlu adanya jaminan keamanan jaringan, suatu jaringan (sistem) agar tercipta layanan yang memberikan kenyamanan dan kepercayaan kepada pengguna layanan tersebut, terutama pada saat LAN terhubung ke Internet akan menjadi semakin penting.. Pentingnya penelitian ini adalah untuk mengurangi ancaman yang berdampak negatif pada sistem keamanan informasi, sehingga mengurangi dampak kegagalan sistem informasi dan meminimalkan risiko yang mungkin timbul. Selain itu, analisis sistem keamanan jaringan dilakukan dengan menggunakan Framework NIST (National Institute of Standards Technology), kerangka kerja yang dirancang untuk perhitungan kualitatif berdasarkan analisis sistem keamanan. Analsis risiko keamanan jaringan salah satu perusahaan perbankan berhasil dilakukan dengan menggunakan framework NIST SP800-30 dan ditemukan bahwa sistem keamanan jaringan yang telah berjalan selama ini terdapat seperti backdoor yang memiliki tingkat risiko rendah, packet snifing, spoofing dan rookit sedang, dan Ddos memiliki tingkat risiko yang tinggi.
PENGEMBANGAN APLIKASI PELAYANAN MOBIL UNIT KESELAMATAN LALU LINTAS (MUKL) PADA PT JASA RAHARJA
Authors: Juniarti Dian Rosi , Sopiah Nyimas
Published: June 2022

PT Jasa Raharja merupakan salah satu perusahaan BUMN (Badan Usaha Milik Negara) yang bergerak dibidang asuransi sosial yang menjalankan amanah UU 33/34 tentang asuransi kecelakaan penumpang umum dan lalu lintas Jalan. Salah satu program kerja yang dilaksanakan oleh perusahaan sebagai wujud kepedulian kepada masyarakat sekaligus dalam upaya untuk membumikan PT. Jasa Raharja sebagai pengemban amanah UU No. 33 dan 34 Tahun 1964 kepada masyarakat, maka diadakanlah kegiatan MUKL atau singkatan dari Mobil Unit Keselamatan Lalu Lintas yang dilaksanakan setiap bulannya sebagai upaya pencegahan kecelakaan. Dalam proses Pelayanan MUKL ini masih dilakukan secara manual, dengan menggunakan buku besar dan tidak ada pendataan secara pasti dan hanya dilakukan dengan mencatatnya di buku besar dengan media buku sehingga sering terjadi kekeliruan dalam pendataan peserta yang mengikuti kegiatan ini, sehingga diperlukan sebuah sistem informasi yang dapat digunakan untuk mendata masyarakat yang mengikuti program ini dengan sebuah sistem informasi pelayanan MUKL berbasis web dengan bahasa pemrograman PHP dan MySQL sebagai DBMS dengan meggunakan metode UCD (User Centered Design) yang diharapkan dapat bermanfaat dan mempermudah dalam proses bisnis terutama dalam pendataan masyarakat yang mengikuti MUKL,mengoptimalkan kinerja petugas MUKL dalam pembuatan laporan dan memberikan informasi jumlah peserta yang mengikuti program ini kepada pimpinan sehingga dapat memberikan informasi tentang pengambilan keputusan lokasi kegiatan MUKL dibulan selanjutnya agar lebih efektif.
PERANCANGAN SISTEM PROFILING KOMPETENSI MAHASISWA UNTUK PORTOFOLIO MAHASISWA DI UNIVERSITAS PELITA HARAPAN
Authors: Hery Hery , Darmawan Willy , Haryani Calandra Alencia , Widjaja Andree E.
Published: June 2022

Universitas Pelita Harapan adalah sebuah perguruan tinggi swasta yang berlokasi di Karawaci. Saat ini Universitas Pelita Harapan belum menerapkan sistem terintegrasi berbasis web yang berfungsi untuk mengelola informasi workshop / seminar dan proses pendaftaran peserta. Semua proses selalu dilakukan melalui postingan Instagram dan media sosial lainnya. Oleh karena itu akan dirancang sistem yang berfungsi untuk mendukung proses mulai dari entri data, perencanaan hingga pendaftaran acara. Data pendaftaran dan informasi tentang mahasiswa dan institusi akan disimpan dalam database dan diolah menjadi laporan yang dapat diakses untuk keperluan Universitas Pelita Harapan dan institusi mitra sekolah lainnya. Pengembangan aplikasi berbasis web ini dirancanga menggunakan bahasa pemrograman PHP dengan menggunakan metodologi Rapid Application Development (RAD). Pemodelan yang digunakan dalam pembangunan aplikasi ini adalah UML yang terdiri dari use case diagram, relasi diagram antar tabel, activity diagram dan class diagram. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk merancang dan mengembangkan sistem profiling kompetensi mahasiswa untuk portofolio dan memberikan pengelolaan data berupa laporan excel untuk Universitas Pelita Harapan.
Penerapan Metode RUP Untuk Sistem Pengajuan Cuti Pegawai Di SMA AZ-Zahra Palembang Berbasis Web Mobile
Authors: Seprina Iin , Yulianingsih Evi
Published: June 2022

There are still a lot of even almost all types of companies that still use conventional methods in recording or calculating leave manually, one of them is SMA Az-zahra Palembang, Seeing with increasingly sophisticated technological advances, the author wants to help the problem of recording employee leave. Create a computerized leave application information system. The benefits include facilitating the recording process, both submitting leave for each employee and setting up leave confirmation so that each workforce can be properly distributed. The development is carried out using the RUP (Rational Unified Process) method and making designs using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) visual modeling. The application used in making this application is PHP, and MYSQL database. The hope of the information system created is that it can help accurately record employee leave and make the company better at managing its workforce.
Note on the Odd Perfect Numbers
Authors: Vega Frank
Published: June 2022

The Riemann Hypothesis is a conjecture that the Riemann zeta function has its zeros only at the negative even integers and complex numbers with real part $\frac{1}{2}$. In 2011, Sol{\'e} and and Planat stated that the Riemann Hypothesis is true if and only if $\frac{\pi^2}{6} \times \prod_{q\leq q_{n}}\left(1+\frac{1}{q} \right) >e^{\gamma}\times \log\theta(q_{n})$ is satisfied for all primes $q_{n}> 3$, where $\theta(x)$ is the Chebyshev function, $\gamma\approx 0.57721$ is the Euler-Mascheroni constant and $\log$ is the natural logarithm. We state the conjecture that $\frac{\pi^2}{6.4} \times \prod_{q \leq q_{n}} \left(1 + \frac{1}{q} \right) > e^{\gamma} \times \log\theta(q_{n})$ is satisfied for infinitely many prime numbers $q_{n}> 10^{8}$. Under the assumption of this conjecture and the Riemann Hypothesis, we prove that there is not any odd perfect number at all.
Motor Control Alterations and the Perception of Postural Instability in non-Fallers Latinx-Hispanic Adults Living with HIV
Authors: Rosario Martin G.
Published: June 2022

People who have advanced HIV can display inadequate postural control because of the virus affecting the brain. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) mitigates some repercussions of the disease, maintaining a healthy immune system. The issue is that prolonged usage of ART may affect balance at a slower pace.

Purpose: Assess postural control and balance perception in Latinx-Hispanic people living with HIV with a stable immune system.

Methods: 42 (30 men and 12women) subjects took part in the investigation (57.2± 8.7 years old). Participants had to be diagnosed with HIV to enroll in the study with a CD4 count of > 500 cells/µL. The eight balance tasks (15 s each) were accomplished on a thick balance foam mat and further partitioned into two parts, four single and four dual cognitive tasks (subjects counting backward three numbers at a time).

Results: We measured balance using body-worn accelerometers (ACC) and the ABC scale. There was a considerable increase in sway movements within the different tasks, χ2 (8) = 194.314, p = 0.00. This increment in postural movements was observed when single and dual tasks were contrasted for EO (Z=-2.169, p=005) and EOHUD (Z=-2.344, p 0.05). Related to the ABC scale, subjects scored lower, notably in tasks involving more balance demands.

Conclusion: HIV-diagnosed individuals with a stable immune system exhibit increased postural alteration and perceive balance difficulties with activities requiring higher motor control demands. Clinicians should assess the balance in people living with HIV in all stages of the disease as a prevention tool.
Association Between Duration of Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Kidney Disease Staging Among Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Padang Terap, Kedah, Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Zuki Abdul Hadi , Rodi Isa Mohamad
Published: June 2022

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health burden with a high economic cost to health systems and diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the significant predictors to the development of CKD. The study aimed to determine the association between the duration of DM and CKD staging among T2DM patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from the National Diabetes Registry’s (NDR) audited patients for the year of 2018 to 2020 at Padang Terap, Kedah. The eGFR was calculated from serum creatinine value and classified into six categories based on the KDIGO classification. Multinominal logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association.

Results: A total of 963 patients were included in the study. The prevalence of CKD was 38.6%. The majority of T2DM patients were elderly Malay females. The prevalence of stage 1 was 6.95%, stage 2 was 5.4%, stage 3a was 12.35%, stage 3b was 8.10%, stage 4 was 3.86% and stage 5 was 1.93%. In the multivariable analysis, in model 1 (unadjusted) the p-value showed a significant association between duration of DM and CKD staging. By adjusting with other blocks of variables (Model 2 to Model 6) were also found to be in a significant association (p<0.05).

Conclusion: It is concluded that there was an association between the duration of DM and CKD staging. Early detection of CKD and glycemic control are essential to delay the onset of diabetic kidney disease. Diabetes control should be optimized to reduce diabetes-related complications and minimize adverse events.
Development of an Improved in vitro Model of Bovine Trophectoderm Differentiation
Authors: Ortega M. Sofia , Rizo Jason A. , Drum Jessica N. , O'Neil Eleanore V. , Pohler Ky G. , Kerns Karl , Schmelze Amanda , Green Jonathan , Spencer Thomas E.
Published: June 2022

The mechanisms regulating early stages of placentation and trophectoderm differentiation in the ruminant conceptus remain poorly understood. Here we present a model of trophectoderm (TE) differentiation in vitro from outgrowths of individual in vitro derived embryos. Cell outgrowths expressed markers of mononucleate (MNC) and binucleate (BNC) TE cells. The percentage of BNC ranged from 14 to 39% in individual outgrowths as determined by flow cytometry. Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs), produced by BNC, were measured in culture media on days 35 to 54. Continuous secretion of PAGs was observed and indicative of BNC functionality. Gene expression was evaluated in 20 embryo cell outgrowths derived from two different sires. Expression of HAND1, which is involved in TE differentiation, and CSH2, a BNC-specific gene, was altered in cell outgrowths between the two sires tested. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis of day 40 TE cell outgrowths revealed 11 distinct cell populations, with specific clusters genes involved in TE lineage specification, proliferation, and differentiation. In addition, whole -RNAseq analysis was performed in day 35 and 40 TE cell outgrowths and confirmed sustained expression of genes expressed by BNC, such as CSH2 and some PAGs. The developed in vitro bovine embryo outgrowth culture found evidence for MNC and BNC differentiation and continuous production of PAGs, recapitulating key features of early bovine placenta development. This model can be used to understand the developmental biology of TE cells, provide insights into paternal influences on TE differentiation, and impact our understanding of early pregnancy loss in cattle.
MycoVarP: Mycobacterium Variant and Drug Resistance Prediction Pipeline for Whole-Genome Sequence Data Analysis
Authors: Swargam Sandeep , Kumari Indu , Kumar Amit , Pradhan Dibyabhaba , Alam Anwar , Singh Harpreet , Jain Anuja , Devi Kangjam Rekha , Trivedi Vishal , Sarma Jogesh , Hanif Mahmud , Narain Kanwar , Ehtesham Nasreen Zafar , Hasnain Seyed Ehtesham , Ahmad Shandar
Published: June 2022

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) provides a comprehensive tool to analyze the bacterial genomes for genotype–phenotype correlations, diversity of single-nucleotide variant (SNV), and their evolution and transmission. Several online pipelines and standalone tools are available for WGS analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) complex (MTBC). While they facilitate the processing of WGS data with minimal user expertise, they are either too general, providing little insights into bacterium-specific issues such as gene variations, INDEL/synonymous/PE-PPE (IDP family), and drug resistance from sample data, or are limited to specific objectives, such as drug resistance. It is understood that drug resistance and lineage-specific issues require an elaborate prioritization of identified variants to choose the best target for subsequent therapeutic intervention. Mycobacterium variant pipeline (MycoVarP) addresses these specific issues with a flexible battery of user-defined and default filters. It provides an end-to-end solution for WGS analysis of Mtb variants from the raw reads and performs two quality checks, viz, before trimming and after alignments of reads to the reference genome. MycoVarP maps the annotated variants to the drug-susceptible (DS) database and removes the false-positive variants, provides lineage identification, and predicts potential drug resistance. We have re-analyzed the WGS data reported by Advani et al. (2019) using MycoVarP and identified some additional variants not reported so far. We conclude that MycoVarP will help in identifying nonsynonymous, true-positive, drug resistance–associated variants more effectively and comprehensively, including those within the IDP of the PE-PPE/PGRS family, than possible from the currently available pipelines.
Impact of Irradiation on Vector Competence of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) for Dengue and Chikungunya Viruses
Authors: Balestrino Fabrizio , Bouyer Jérémy , Vreysen Marc J. B. , Veronesi Eva
Published: June 2022

Effective control strategies against arthropod disease vectors are amongst the most powerful tools to prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an effective and sustainable autocidal control method that has recently shown effective population suppression against different Aedes vector species worldwide. The SIT approach for mosquito vectors requires the release of radio-sterilized male mosquitoes only, but currently available sex separation techniques cannot ensure the complete elimination of females resulting in short-term risk of increased biting rate and arboviral disease transmission. In this study, we compared for the first time the transmission of dengue and chikungunya viruses in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus females exposed as pupae to an irradiation dose of 40 Gy. Females of both species were fed on blood spiked with either dengue or chikungunya viruses, and body parts were tested for virus presence by real-time RT-PCR at different time points. No differences were observed in the dissemination efficiency of the dengue virus in irradiated and unirradiated Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. The dissemination of the chikungunya virus was higher in Ae. albopictus than in Ae. Aegypti, and irradiation increased the virus load in both species. However, we did not observe differences in the transmission efficiency for chikungunya (100%) and dengue (8–27%) between mosquito species, and irradiation did not impact transmissibility. Further implications of these results on the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases in the field are discussed.
Tangled Tales of Mycelium and Architecture: Learning From Failure
Authors: McGaw Janet , Andrianopoulos Alex , Liuti Alessandro
Published: June 2022

Architects, artists and engineers around the world have been experimenting with the potential of mycelium, the vegetative body of a fungus, as a future building material for the past 15 years. It shares many of the positive material attributes of polystyrene but unlike the synthetic material it is fully sustainable and completely biodegradable. Mycelium has also proved to be simple to grow at scale. Its capacity to rapidly grow its tangled hyphae in a multiplicity of directions, digesting nothing more than organic waste, has shown promise for the production of a variety of materials for the building industry. But despite this, mycelium has struggled to find a market within the building industry. Drawing on the literature, this article argues that the challenges have been psychological, aesthetic and economic, rather than technical. Western industrial systems have conditioned us to expect material cultures to be clean, precise and durable. Mycelium is messy and some fungi are known pathogens. Like any living creature it can be unpredictable. Further, while the materials for growing mycelium are cheap, initial production costs for mass production and distribution typical of industrial fabrication are high. The risk for investors in the absence of an assured market stymied early forays into production. But as the environmental crisis becomes more urgent, there is evidence of a growing interest in finding new avenues for production. Centralised large-scale production is only one way forward. Another, which learns from early failures, is mass production through a multiplicity of micro-scale, do-it-yourself systems.
Prolyl Isomerization-Mediated Conformational Changes Define ATR Subcellular Compartment-Specific Functions
Authors: Biswas Himadri , Zhao Shu-Jun , Makinwa Yetunde , Bassett James S. , Musich Phillip R. , Liu Jing-Yuan , Zou Yue
Published: June 2022

ATR is a PI3K-like kinase protein, regulating checkpoint responses to DNA damage and replication stress. Apart from its checkpoint function in the nucleus, ATR actively engages in an antiapoptotic role at mitochondria following DNA damage. The different functions of ATR in the nucleus and cytoplasm are carried out by two prolyl isomeric forms of ATR: trans- and cis-ATR, respectively. The isomerization occurs at the Pin1 Ser428-Pro429 motif of ATR. Here, we investigated the structural basis of the subcellular location-specific functions of human ATR. Using a mass spectrometry-based footprinting approach, the surface accessibility of ATR lysine residues to sulfo-NHS-LC-biotin modification was monitored and compared between the cis- and the trans-isomers. We have identified two biotin-modified lysine residues, K459 and K469, within the BH3-like domain of cis-ATR that were not accessible in trans-ATR, indicating a conformational change around the BH3 domain between cis- and trans-ATR. The conformational alteration also involved the N-terminal domain and the middle HEAT domain. Moreover, experimental results from an array of complementary assays show that cis-ATR with the accessible BH3 domain was able to bind to tBid while trans-ATR could not. In addition, both cis- and trans-ATR can directly form homodimers via their C-terminal domains without ATRIP, while nuclear (trans-ATR) in the presence of ATRIP forms dimer–dimer complexes involving both N- and C-termini of ATR and ATRIP after UV. Structural characteristics around the Ser428-Pro429 motif and the BH3 domain region are also analyzed by molecular modeling and dynamics simulation. In support, cis conformation was found to be significantly more energetically favorable than trans at the Ser428-Pro429 bond in a 20-aa wild-type ATR peptide. Taken together, our results suggest that the isomerization-induced structural changes of ATR define both its subcellular location and compartment-specific functions and play an essential role in promoting cell survival and DNA damage responses.
Intestine-Specific NHE3 Deletion in Adulthood Causes Microbial Dysbiosis
Authors: Xue Jianxiang , Dominguez Rieg Jessica A. , Thomas Linto , White James R. , Rieg Timo
Published: June 2022

In the intestine, the Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) plays a critical role for Na+ and fluid absorption. NHE3 deficiency predisposes patients to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In mice, selective deletion of intestinal NHE3 causes various local and systemic pathologies due to dramatic changes in the intestinal environment, which can influence microbiota colonization. By using metagenome shotgun sequencing, we determined the effect of inducible intestinal epithelial cell-specific deletion of NHE3 (NHE3IEC-KO) in adulthood on the gut microbiome in mice. Compared with control mice, NHE3IEC-KO mice show a significantly different gut microbiome signature, with an unexpected greater diversity. At the phylum level, NHE3IEC-KO mice showed a significant expansion in Proteobacteria and a tendency for lower Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, an indicator of dysbiosis. At the family level, NHE3IEC-KO mice showed significant expansions in Bacteroidaceae, Rikenellaceae, Tannerellaceae, Flavobacteriaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae, but had contractions in Lachnospiraceae, Prevotellaceae and Eubacteriaceae. At the species level, after removing those with lowest occurrence and abundance, we identified 23 species that were significantly expanded (several of which are established pro-inflammatory pathobionts); whereas another 23 species were found to be contracted (some of which are potential anti-inflammatory probiotics) in NHE3IEC-KO mice. These results reveal that intestinal NHE3 deletion creates an intestinal environment favoring the competitive advantage of inflammophilic over anti-inflammatory species, which is commonly featured in conventional NHE3 knockout mice and patients with IBD. In conclusion, our study emphasizes the importance of intestinal NHE3 for gut microbiota homeostasis, and provides a deeper understanding regarding interactions between NHE3, dysbiosis, and IBD.
Health and Academic Performance With Happy Children: A Controlled Longitudinal Study Based on the HOPP Project
Authors: Goswami Nandu , Hansen Dominique , Gumze Goran , Brix Bianca , Schmid-Zalaudek Karin , Fredriksen Per Morten
Published: June 2022

Background

Overweight/obesity in children and adolescents, largely arising due to increased food intake and reduced physical activity, is a major health concern. Physical activity (PA) integrated into learning has been shown to not only lead to improved health outcomes and wellbeing but also positively affect academic performance. The Health and Academic Performance with Happy Children (HAPHC) project aims at enhancing health and academic performance in elementary school children via implementation of a daily unit of Physical Activity Across the Curriculum (PAAC), which is carried out within the school setting. In this project, PA as an integrated part of learning will be evaluated and the learning material adapted for a large scale implementation across several European countries.

Methods

In three European countries (Austria, Slovenia, and Belgium), 12 primary schools in total will be recruited to act as either intervention or control school in a large intervention study, which applies the PAAC pedagogy during lectures. It is estimated that, at least 3,000+ children across the three countries will be recruited in this study. All teachers of intervention schools will receive training and materials/teaching equipment that will allow them to integrate a daily PA unit of 45 min over 3 years across the curriculum. In response to the daily PA intervention, the following primary outcomes will be assessed: changes in health related physiological factors, academic achievement, psycho-social aspects and wellbeing.

Impact of Project

The HAPHC project aims at promoting public health by increasing PA at an early age within the school setting and therewith preventing the increasing risk of non-communicable diseases across Europe. HAPHC project aims to develop knowledge and materials, which will ensure that the PAAC can be scalable to other European countries.

Trial Registration Number

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04956003.
Readiness of Advance Care Planning Among Patients With Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Fukue Noriko , Naito Emiko , Kimura Masayasu , Ono Kaoru , Sato Shinichi , Takaki Akira , Ikeda Yasuhiro
Published: June 2022

Background

Advance care planning (ACP) is a widely advocated strategy to improve outcomes at end-of-life care for patients suffering from heart failure (HF). However, finding the right time to start ACP is challenging for healthcare providers because it is often a sensitive issue for patients with HF and their families. We interviewed patients with cardiovascular diseases regarding ACP readiness and investigated the relationship between the ACP desire and multiple clinical prognostic parameters.

Method

Eighty-one patients (average age 81.8 ± 10.3 years old, 42 men, 62 cases of HF) who introduced cardiac rehabilitation were inquired about previous ACP experience, a desire for ACP, understanding of their cardiovascular diseases, and lifestyle-associated questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression analyses were employed to identify the clinical parameters associated with ACP desire. Patients who desired ACP were also asked about their preferences for medical care at the end-of-life.

Results

Nine patients (11.1%) had previous experience with ACP, and 28 (34.6%) preferred to implement ACP. Patients who did not want to implement ACP were 54.3%. Patients with HF showed a higher acceptance rate of ACP (odds ratio [OR] 5.56, p = 0.015). Interestingly, patients harboring skeletal muscle frailty showed lower ACP acceptance, while patients with non-frailty rather positively wanted to implement ACP. Two types of prognosis evaluation scales, such as the Enhanced Feedback for Effective Cardiac Treatment (EFFECT) risk score and the Japanese Version of Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT-JP), identified 31 patients (38.3%) needing ACP; however, 19 (61.3%) did not want ACP. The wish not to attempt resuscitation and life-prolonging treatment at the end-of-life reached approximately 70% among patients who requested ACP.

Conclusions

Although patients with HF tended to be ready for implementing ACP, the presence of skeletal muscle frailty was negatively associated with ACP preference. Indeed, patients who should be considered ACP were not carried out and did not desire it. Earlier introduction of ACP into patients before having skeletal muscle frailty may be considered.
Notopterol Attenuates Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Rat
Authors: Huang Lin , Li Huayang , Huang Suiqing , Wang Shunjun , Liu Quan , Luo Li , Gan Shuangjiao , Fu Guangguo , Zou PeiYun , Chen Guangxian , Wu Zhongkai
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Current targeted pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) therapies have improved lung hemodynamics, cardiac function, and quality of life; however, none of these have reversed the ongoing remodeling of blood vessels. Considering notopterol, a linear furocoumarin extracted from the root of traditional Chinese medicine Qiang-Huo (Notopterygium incisum), had shown the antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties in previous studies, we hypothesized that it could play a role in ameliorating PAH.

Methods

In vivo, we conducted monocrotaline (MCT) induced PAH rats and treated them with notopterol for 3 weeks. Then, the rats were examined by echocardiography and RV catheterization. The heart and lung specimens were harvested for the detection of gross examination, histological examination and expression of inflammatory molecules. In vitro, human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) were treated with notopterol after hypoxia; then, cell proliferation was assessed by cell counting kit-8 and Edu assay, and cell migration was detected by wound healing assays.

Results

We found that notopterol improved mortality rate and RV function while reducing right ventricular systolic pressure in MCT-induced PAH rats. Furthermore, notopterol reduced right ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis, and it also eased pulmonary vascular remodeling and MCT-induced muscularization. In addition, notopterol attenuated the pro-inflammatory factor (IL-1β, IL-6) and PCNA in the lungs of PAH rats. For the cultured HPASMCs subjected to hypoxia, we found that notopterol can inhibit the proliferation and migration of HPASMCs.

Conclusion

Our studies show that notopterol exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects in the pulmonary arteries, which may contribute to prevention of PAH.