bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ ОЦІНЮВАННЯ РЕЗУЛЬТАТІВ ДИСТАНЦІЙНОГО НАВЧАННЯ УЧНІВ В УМОВАХ ВОЄННОГО СТАНУ
Authors: Головко Світлана Григорівна , Жук Юрій Олексійович , Науменко Світлана Олександрівна
Published: October 2023

У статті представлено результати експериментального дослідження особливостей організації оцінювання результатів дистанційного навчання в закладах загальної середньої освіти України в умовах воєнного стану. Дослідження було реалізовано шляхом широкого опитування педагогічних працівників закладів загальної середньої освіти за технологією Гугл Форми (Google Forms). Увагу акцентовано на з’ясуванні періодичності, методів і форм поточного і підсумкового оцінювання результатів навчання учнів в умовах дистанційної освіти; виявленні засобів й інструментів оцінювання результатів дистанційного навчання, яким надають перевагу вчителі; з’ясуванні особливостей та основних труднощів в організації оцінювання результатів навчання учнів в умовах воєнного стану; виявленні змін у процедурах оцінювання та підходах щодо вибору засобів його реалізації.
Узагальнено практичний досвід українських педагогів щодо використання технологій і інструментарію оцінювання під час дистанційного навчання. Проаналізовано основні труднощі, що ускладнюють реалізацію процедур оцінювання в умовах воєнного часу. Актуалізовано проблему зниження успішності учнів, самостійності виконання учнями навчальних завдань як умови забезпечення об’єктивності оцінювання результатів навчання. Акцентовано увагу на тенденції зростання ваги оцінювання результатів навчання в синхронному режимі; необхідності вдосконалення його засобів й інструментів з метою підвищення об’єктивності, запобіганні академічній недоброчесності, мотивації до самоосвіти та саморозвитку; доцільності розроблення спеціального дидактичного забезпечення, орієнтованого на системне застосування здобувачами вмінь і навичок аналізу, синтезу, створення нового знання.
Визначено напрями вдосконалення механізмів організації оцінювання результатів дистанційного навчання здобувачів загальної середньої освіти, обґрунтовано доцільність розвитку цифрової грамотності вчителів та учнів, необхідність створення дидактичного забезпечення онлайн-навчання, інтегрованого в єдиний навчально-методичний комплекс.
USING A DIDACTIC TOOL WITH IT-SUPPORT FOR TEACHING GEOGRAPHY IN A SPECIAL SCHOOL IN SLOVAKIA
Authors: Hladush Viktor , Bendíková Slávka , Kovačova Barbora , Čarnická Marcela
Published: October 2023

The article tells about the peculiarities of using electronic didactic tools in teaching special school students in Slovakia. The staff of the Department of Special Pedagogy, Catholic University in Ruzomberk (Slovakia), together with teachers of special schools prepared a didactic manual with IT support considering the modern requirements for the level of knowledge and skills of students with intellectual disabilities. The purpose of the manual was to increase the level of success in learning geography. The content of the didactic guide is based on the typical curriculum for 9th grade students of a special school approved by the Ministry of Education and Science of Slovakia. As an example, the article briefly highlights the essence of the preparatory stage and the specific sequence of the teacher's work when studying one section «Slovakia». In the course of preparing the didactic guide, the peculiarities of psychophysical development of children in special schools, the problems of perception and understanding of new educational information were taken into account. To showcase the effectiveness of our innovative approach, we conducted an experimental test using the developed electronic textbook with IT support in one of the special schools in Slovakia. During this study, we analyzed and compared the level of geography knowledge among students over a span of 6 academic years (2016 – 2018 – traditional education, 2019 – 2021 – education using e-Learning). Based on the statistical data, a noteworthy improvement in academic performance was observed. To validate these results, considering the limited research sample due to the unique nature of special schools' educational process, we employed nonparametric tests such as the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests for multiple comparisons. These tests were utilized to ensure the reliability and significance of the findings. The results of the mathematical processing of the materials convincingly confirmed a significant increase in the level of academic achievement over the six years of the educational process in a special school. Thus, the electronic didactic guide for studying geography by 9th grade students of special schools proved to be quite effective. The idea of preparing and using such a didactic guide can be used in practice by teachers of other social studies subjects in special schools.
The Importance of the Multidisciplinary Team in the Management of Patients with Endometrial Cancer: Interviews with Two Key Opinion Leaders
Authors: Scott Brigitte
Published: October 2023

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynaecological cancers in high-income countries, and the incidence is rising significantly. There has recently been a crucial increase in understanding of tumour biology in endometrial cancer, as well as a significant improvement in tailoring surgery and radiotherapy, and the introduction of targeted therapies. In the context of these developments, novel initiatives are needed to increase awareness of new treatment modalities, and infrastructure is required to enable optimal management of patients with endometrial cancer. A co-ordinated, collaborative, multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach in endometrial cancer management promotes shared decision-making and enables comprehensive care of patients, from diagnosis through treatment, via a range of medical specialities and support initiatives. For this article, EMJ conducted an in-depth interview in August 2023 with two key opinion leaders, Domenica (Ketta) Lorusso from the Catholic University of Rome, Italy, and Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCC, Italy; and Jalid Sehouli from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, both of whom have a wealth of experience and expertise in the clinical management of endometrial cancer, and have conducted numerous scientific projects in this field. The experts gave valuable insights into topics such as diagnosis and disease staging in patients with endometrial cancer, measuring the value of an endometrial cancer MDT, and quality control and monitoring of MDT meetings. Lorusso and Sehouli also explored ideas on how to optimise multidisciplinary care in patients with endometrial cancer, including covering aspects of patient management beyond treatment, and how to maintain effective communication between the MDT and the patient. Further topics discussed included empowering nurses in the MDT, managing clinical trial opportunities for patients with endometrial cancer, and aligning MDT recommendations with the expectations of the patient. Finally, Lorusso and Sehouli described what the future of the multidisciplinary management of patients with endometrial cancer might look like.
Quantitative Analysis of the Impact of Climate Change and Human Activities on Runoff Variation in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Udokpoh Udeme , GARBA Haruna
Published: October 2023

The non-parametric Mann-Kendall (MK) trend test, including the Sen's slope test and Pettitt's test, was used to determine trends, magnitudes, and change points in hydro-meteorological variables from 1972 to 2021. The slope change ratio of accumulative quantity (SCRAQ) method was then used to calculate the relative contributions of climate change and human activities to runoff variation in the Uyo-Itu river basin. Annual rainfall, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and runoff showed significant increasing trends, whereas annual relative humidity, solar radiation, and potential evapotranspiration showed significant decreasing trends. Between 1992 and 2010, there were abrupt changes in hydro-meteorological variables. However, the runoff shift occurred in 2003. The time period under consideration was divided into two parts: baseline period A and change (impacted) period B. Climate change dominates runoff variation in period B, accounting for 103.6 percent of the variation, while human activities have a negative impact (-3.6%). The results indicate that climate change is the primary driver of runoff variation and that its impact is becoming more severe. Furthermore, the Budyko hypothesis was used to validate the contributions of human activities and climatic changes based on the SCRAQ method. The results showed that the contributions of human activities and climatic changes computed using the SCRAQ method are comparable with those computed using the sensitivity-based method. From this study, it can be concluded that assessing the influence of climate changes and human activities on variations and identifying the major driving forces causing the variations are critical for more efficient water resources management for sustainable economic growth
EFFECTIVENESS OF DIGESTIVE SYSTEM PROBLEM-BASED INTERACTIVE E-MODULE IN IMPROVING STUDENT CONCEPT MASTERY
Authors: Yuliani Yuyun , Djarot Prasetyorini
Published: October 2023

This research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of teaching materials in the form of problem-based interactive E-Modules. Prior to conducting this research, a preliminary study was carried out which consisted of literature studies and field studies. This type of research is experimental research. The data collection instruments were in the form of interview sheets to analyze the effectiveness of the teacher's needs and questionnaires to analyze the effectiveness of the E-Module on students as well as concept mastery tests in the form of pretest and posttest which were given to the control class and the experimental class. The interactive e-module used contains text, images and learning videos as an independent learning effort arranged in an experimental class. The subject of this study used 2 classes of students in class XI MIPA SMA YPHB, amounting to 30 people each. The results of the control class research resulted in an N-gain value of 0.37 in the medium category and the experimental class produced an N-Gain value of 0.66 in the moderate category so that it can be concluded that the use of problem-based interactive E-Module has a moderate effect on student mastery of concepts.
SCIENCE PRACTICUM ACTIVITIES THROUGH WATER AND AIR POLLUTION EXPERIMENTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION MATERIALS IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS
Authors: Laelandi Rahayu , Sriyati Siti , Prima Eka Cahya
Published: October 2023

Learning that is carried out using the experimental practicum method gives students the ability to think critically, actively and collaboratively in solving a problem in science material, especially environmental pollution material. This study aims to provide an alternative way for educators to convey material related to environmental pollution, especially water and air pollution. The method used is the development of practicum learning methods on the material of water pollution and air pollution which is carried out in class 7th grade students at junior high school. The results of the water pollution practicum research stated that the average fish operculum movement experienced the highest decrease in Jar 3, from 95 to 69. The results of observations on the average movement of fish that experience slow changes and die the most are in Jar 2 with an average of 60% of fish moving slowly and 80% of fish dying in the second minute. The higher the dose of detergent, the less movement of the fish operculum and the slower the movement of fish and the death. In air pollution, the highest percentage decline in normal cricket activity was in Jar 2, from 50% in the 3rd minute to 30% in the 6th minute. The longer the crickets were exposed to the smoke of the mosquito coils, the lower the displacement of the places carried out by the crickets and the higher the activity move the antenna.
ANALISIS PERGERAKAN LOGISTIK RUTE KENDARI-LANGARA KABUPATEN KONAWE KEPULAUAN
Authors: Alhamra Alhamra , Putra Adris Ade , Nasrul Nasrul
Published: October 2023

Kota Kendari dan Kabupaten Konawe Kepulauan merupakan wilayah yang memiliki potensi ekonomi yang cukup besar. Namun, masih terdapat kendala dalam proses pendistribusian logistik, seperti masih rendahnya efisiensi dan efektivitas dalam pengiriman barang dan material. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan analisis yang mendalam untuk mengetahui kondisi pergerakan logistic, peramalan angkutan barang dalam 5 tahun kedepan dan memberikan rekomendasi untuk upaya penanganan terhadap kendala dalam memasok ketersediaan logistik di wilayah wilayah tersebut. Pendekatan penelitian ini dilakukan dengan melihat fenomena angkutan logistik pada wilayah Kabupaten Konawe Kepulauan, melalui Pola Pergerakan Angkutan Logistik. Jenis penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kausal (causal).

Berdasarkan hasil analisis dalam penelitian ini, maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa: Faktor yang berpengaruh dalam perndistribusian logistik rute Kendari-Langara adalah biaya pengiriman, waktu pengiriman dan keamanan pengiriman, untuk Kapal Feri faktor biaya, waktu dan keamanan pengiriman berpengaruh secara simultan sedangkan faktor waktu pengiriman memiliki pengaruh parsial terhadap pendistribusian logistik, untuk JNE Langara faktor biaya, waktu dan keamanan pengiriman berpengaruh secara simultan sedangkan faktor biaya pengiriman memiliki pengaruh parsial terhadap pendistribusian logistik dan untuk Kantor Pos Langara faktor biaya, waktu dan keamanan pengiriman tidak berpengaruh secara simultan sedangkan faktor waktu pengiriman memiliki pengaruh parsial terhadap pendistribusian logistik, Peramalan angkutan barang dalam 5 tahun kedepan yaitu 2024 terdapat 6.404 ton, tahun 2025 terdapat 7.973 ton, tahun 2026 terdapat 9.926 ton, tahun 2027 terdapat 12.358, pada tahun 2027 terdapat 12.358, dan pada tahun 2028 terdapat 15.388 ton dan Upaya penanganan terhadap kendala dalam memasok ketersediaan logistik di wilayah Konawe Kepulauan dalam hal Dinas Perhubungan Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara yaitu dengan meningkatkan sarana dan prasarana serta fasilitas dasar pelayaran. Jasa perusahan logistik disarankan untuk mempermurah biaya pengiriman agar masyarakat tidak terbebani dengan biaya pengiriman yang mahal sehingga pendistribusian logistik Kendari-Langara dapat berjalan dengan lancar.

Kata Kunci : Pergerakan Logistik, Angkutan Logisitk, Geometrik.
EVALUASI TINGKAT KENYAMANAN RUANG TERBUKA HIJAU PAPALIMBA KOTA KENDARI MENGGUNAKAN METODE THERMAL HUMIDITY INDEX (THI)
Authors: Santoso Primus , Ahmad Siti Nurjanah , Talanipa Romy
Published: October 2023

Ruang Terbuka Hijau papalimba menjadi salah satu solusi untuk peningkatan kualitas lingkungan hidup serta menjadi penunjang kenyamanan pada area kota Kendari, Tetapi masih ada faktor yang mengganggu kenyaman seperti masih ditemukan sampah-sampah yang berserahkan yang membuat aroma bau disekitar taman, serta di masih belum terdapat tumbuhan pelindung yang berfungsi untuk melindungi sinar matahari. tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengetahui tingkat kenyamanan ruang terbuka hijau Papalimba Kota Kendari. penelitian dilakukan dengan metode thermal humadity index dan persepsi masyarakat. parameter thermal humadity index adalah suhu dan kelembaban. parameter persepsi masyarakat yaitu sirkulasi, iklim, aroma, bentuk, keamanan, kebersihan, dan keindahan dengan analisa data mengguanakan deskriptif kuantitatif. penelitian ini dilakukan di salah satu RTH yang berada di kota kendari yaitu RTH Papalimba. Hasil dari penelitian tingkat kenyamanan RTH Papalimba, didapatkan hasil seluruh zona pada area taman RTH papalimba termasuk dalam kategori tidak nyaman yang nilai 29,70°C, 29,10°C, 29,94°C, dan 29,61°C yang termasuk ke dalam kategori tidak nyaman. Hasil persentase tingkat kenyamanan dari total 8 parameter didapatkan hasil sebesar 68,4%. Persentase tingkat kenyaman an didapatkan melalui persentase pada masing-masing faktor yang mempengaruhi tingkat kenyamanan, Nilai persentase tersebut termasuk ke dalam kategori cukup nyaman yang menunjukan bahwa masyarakat masih dapat menerima tingkat kenyamanan pada taman RTH Papalimba.

Kata kunci: RTH, tingkat kenyamanan, thermal humidity index, Persepsi Masyarakat
Solar System Wave Packet
Authors: Soltani Abolfazl
Published: October 2023

The emptiness of the interplanetary space in the solar system from large objects is very thought-provoking. For example, Consider the distance between Earth and Venus. This distance is about 25 thousand times the total diameter of Earth and Venus. It's like placing two small gravels on either side of a football pitch. Now, it would be self-deception to imagine that the protoplanetary disk didn't have enough material to form dozens of other planets in the wide space between Earth and Venus, and only these two tiny gravels formed in this huge pitch. An event must have cleaned the objects between Earth and Venus from the protoplanetary disk. Here we show that this event is the oscillation of a huge standing wave packet, with the wavelength λ = 0.6 AU, in the protoplanetary disk of solar system. In addition, the Solar System Wave Packet (SSWP) theory explains the reason why the Giant (Jovian) planets are heavier than the terrestrial planets, the reason for the existence of Titius-Bode law and some other phenomena. The SSWP theory can easily overcome the problems of fragmentation barrier, bouncing barrier and meter-size barrier, and unlike current theories, we provide an identical and coherent explanation for the formation of giant and terrestrials planets of solar system, super-Earths and hot Jupiters. The spherical shape of chondrules tells us that the passage of a wave front was effective in the formation of chondrules. Here we show that that wave front can be SSWP.
Rancang bangun alat kasir barang otomatis berbasis RFID
Authors: Hendra Wibowo Galih , Purnama Kristanto Sepyan , Prasetyo Junaedi Adi , Aprilieno Richo Malvin
Published: October 2023

Seiring berjalannya waktu, kemajuan teknologi terus berkembang di berbagai bidang, salah satunya supermarket. Persaingan supermarket di pasar global sangatlah sengit, khususnya pada aspek pelayanan kepuasan konsumen saat bertransaksi. Permasalahan antrian panjang dan menunggu menjadi faktor menurunnya tingkat kepuasan konsumen. Teknologi barcode yang digunakan dalam transaksi di supermarket tidak jarang menemui permasalahan seperti pembacaan barang dilakukan manual dan posisi barang dengan reader yang harus sesuai. Teknologi RFID menjadi alternatif dalam identifikasi barang dengan memanfaatkan radio frekuensi dan digunakan dalam pengembangan alat kasir barang otomatis. Alat kasir barang dilengkapi dengan conveyor sebagai media penggerak otomatis barang untuk diidentifikasi. Proses identifikasi dilakukan dengan pengecekan data di dalam database melalui mikrokontroller. Alat ini mampu mendeteksi RFID tag pada barang (didalam kantong plastik ataupun tidak) dengan baik. Tingkat identifikasi RFID tag pada barang mencapai 100%. Alat dapat berfungsi dengan optimal dalam pembacaannya dengan jarak 0 - 2.5 cm dari RFID Reader dengan nilai 100%. Alat ini dilengkapi dengan keranjang sebagai media penampung barang hasil identifikasi dengan nilai rata-rata fungsionalitas sebesar 87% atau sebanyak tiga buah barang.

ABSTRACTAs time goes by, technological advances continue to develop in various fields, one of which is supermarkets. Supermarket competition in the global market is very fierce, especially in terms of service, especially customer satisfaction during transactions. The problem of long queues and waiting is a factor in decreasing the level of customer satisfaction. Barcode technology used in supermarket transactions often encounters problems such as manual reading of goods and the position of the goods with the reader that must match. RFID technology is an alternative in identifying goods by utilizing radio frequency and is used in the development of automatic goods cashiers. The goods cashier is equipped with a conveyor as a medium for automatically moving goods to be identified. The identification process is carried out by checking the data in the database through a microcontroller. This prototype is able to detect RFID tags on goods (in plastic bags or not) properly. The identification rate of RFID Tags on goods reaches 100%. The prototype can function optimally in reading with a distance of 0 - 2.5 cm from the RFID Reader with a value of 100%. This prototype is equipped with a basket as a medium for holding identified items with an average functionality value of 87% or as many as three items.
Mapping Indonesia's Covid-19 Death Case with Comorbidities Using Correspondence Analysis
Authors: Utami Melinda Putri , Rosita Kusumawati
Published: October 2023

This research aims to map and identify COVID-19 deaths with comorbidities in Indonesia using correspondence analysis. The data collection technique involved the analysis of 6231 samples of COVID-19 death cases with comorbidities in Indonesia from the official website of the COVID‑19 Response Acceleration Task Force. The variables used were the number of COVID-19 deaths with comorbid hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney disease, immune disorders, liver disease, cancer, asthma, pregnancy, tuberculosis, and other respiratory disorders. The findings from this study divide four groups of provinces with characteristics: Group One with the characteristics of COVID-19 death cases with comorbid hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, kidney disease, lung disease, immune disorders, and cancer; Group Two with the characteristics of COVID-19 death cases with comorbid pregnancy, liver disease, and tuberculosis; Group Three with the characteristics of COVID-19 death cases with comorbid asthma; and Group Four with the characteristics of COVID-19 death cases with other comorbid respiratory disorders.
Interfacial pressure improves calendar aging of lithium metal anodes
Authors: Bassett Kimberly L. , Small Kathryn A. , Long Daniel M. , Merrill Laura C. , Warren Benjamin , Harrison Katharine L.
Published: October 2023

Lithium (Li) metal is a promising anode because its theoretical specific capacity is approximately ten times larger than graphite. However, Li anodes suffer from long-term capacity fade due to Li stranding (becoming electronically disconnected) and electrolyte decomposition. Applied interfacial pressure has been shown to improve Li anode cycling, likely due to reincorporating stranded or “dead” Li into the anode. Calendar aging can also lead to Li capacity loss due to electrolyte decomposition/Li corrosion and the formation of stranded Li. Some research suggests that calendar aging during cycling results in reversible capacity losses due to Li stranding and reconnection. We here investigate the effect of applied interfacial pressure on Li anode calendar aging during cycling with incorporated rest steps in a localized high-concentration electrolyte (LHCE) to understand if pressure can mitigate stranded Li formation during rest by manipulating the Li morphology. Pouch cells exhibit more stable cycling and denser Li deposits between 10 kPa and 1,000 kPa of applied pressure compared to no applied pressure. Despite drops in CE during periodic rest cycles, the average cumulative lost capacity and average coulombic efficiency (CE) of cells over 50 cycles show that cells aged with incorporated rest steps perform similarly to cells cycled without added rests. This similar average CE suggests that dead Li is largely responsible for drops in CE during rest rather than irreversible Li corrosion and that the dead Li can be reconnected in subsequent cycling. The addition of a lithiophilic ZnO coating to the Cu working electrode increases the adhesion and coverage of Li deposits at low pressures and improves CE during the first cycle.
Designing customized temporomandibular fossa prosthesis based on envelope surface of condyle movement: validation via in silico musculoskeletal simulation
Authors: Wang Jun-Lin , Wang Jing , Chen Ke-Nan , Guo Jian-Qiao , Xu Xiang-Liang , Guo Chuan-Bin
Published: October 2023

Objective: This study presents an innovative articular fossa prosthesis generated by the envelope surface of condyle movement, and compares its mandible movements, muscle activities, and joint reaction forces with two temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prostheses using multibody musculoskeletal simulation.

Methods: A healthy 23-year-old female was recruited for this study. Cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) was performed to reconstruct the mandibular bone geometry. A customized TMJ fossa prosthesis was designed based on the subject-specific envelope surface of condyle movement (ESCM). Mandibular kinematics and jaw-closing muscle electromyography (EMG) were simultaneously recorded during maximum jaw opening-closing movements. To validate our prosthesis design, a mandibular musculoskeletal model was established using flexible multibody dynamics and the obtained kinematics and EMG data. The Biomet fossa prosthesis and the ellipsoidal fossa prosthesis designed by imitating the lower limb prostheses were used for comparison. Simulations were performed to analyze the effects of different fossa prostheses on jaw opening-closing motions, mandibular muscle activation, and contact forces.

Results: The maximum opening displacement for the envelope-based fossa prosthesis was greater than those for Biomet and ellipsoidal prostheses (36 mm, 35 mm, and 33 mm, respectively). The mandibular musculoskeletal model with ellipsoidal prosthesis led to dislocation near maximal jaw opening. Compared to Biomet, the envelope-based fossa reduced the digastric and lateral pterygoid activation at maximal jaw opening. It also reduced the maximal resistance to condylar sliding on the intact side by 63.2 N.

Conclusion: A customized TMJ fossa prosthesis was successfully developed using the ESCM concept. Our study of musculoskeletal multibody modeling has highlighted its advantages and potential. The artificial fossa design successfully achieved a wider condylar range of motion. It also reduced the activation of jaw opening muscles on the affected side and resistance on the intact side. This study showed that an ESCM-based approach may be useful for optimizing TMJ fossa prostheses design.
Stromal cell inhibition of anti-CD20 antibody mediated killing of B-cell malignancies
Authors: Fagnano Ester , Pendharkar Swati , Colton Madyson , Jones Philip N. , Sallan Marta Crespi , Klymenko Tetyana , Braun Andrejs , Klein Christian , Honeychurch Jamie , Cheadle Eleanor J. , Illidge Timothy M.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The glycoengineered type II anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody obinutuzumab has been licensed for treatment in follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma and B-CLL following clinical trials demonstrating superior outcomes to standard of care treatment. However, ultimately many patients still relapse, highlighting the need to understand the mechanisms behind treatment failure to improve patient care. Resistance to chemotherapy is often caused by the ability of malignant B-cells to migrate to the bone marrow and home into the stromal layer. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether stromal cells were also able to inhibit type II anti-CD20 antibody mechanisms of action, contributing to resistance to therapy.

Methods: A stromal-tumor co-culture was established in vitro between Raji or Daudi B-cell tumor cells and M210B4 stromal cells in 24 well plates.

Results: Contact with stromal cells was able to protect tumor cells from obinutuzumab mediated programmed cell death (PCD), antibody dependent cellular phagocytosis and antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Furthermore, such protection required direct contact between stroma and tumor cells. Stromal cells appeared to interfere with obinutuzumab mediated B-cell homotypic adhesion through inhibiting and reversing actin remodelling, potentially as a result of stromal-tumor cell contact leading to downregulation of CD20 on the surface of tumor cells. Further evidence for the potential role of CD20 downregulation comes through the reduction in surface CD20 expression and inhibition of obinutuzumab mediated PCD when tumor cells are treated with Ibrutinib in the presence of stromal cells. The proteomic analysis of tumor cells after contact with stromal cells led to the identification of a number of altered pathways including those involved in cell adhesion and the actin cytoskeleton and remodeling.

Discussion: This work demonstrates that contact between tumor cells and stromal cells leads to inhibition of Obinutuzumab effector functions and has important implications for future therapies to improve outcomes to anti-CD20 antibodies. A deeper understanding of how anti-CD20 antibodies interact with stromal cells could prove a useful tool to define better strategies to target the micro-environment and ultimately improve patient outcomes in B-cell malignancies.
Skin microbiome profile in people living with HIV/AIDS in Cameroon
Authors: Ogai Kazuhiro , Nana Benderli Christine , Lloyd Yukie Michelle , Arios John Paul , Jiyarom Boonyanudh , Awanakam Honore , Esemu Livo Forgu , Hori Aki , Matsuoka Ayaka , Nainu Firzan , Megnekou Rosette , Leke Rose Gana Fomban , Ekali Gabriel Loni , Okamoto Shigefumi , Kuraishi Takayuki
Published: October 2023

The presence of pathogens and the state of diseases, particularly skin diseases, may alter the composition of human skin microbiome. HIV infection has been reported to impair gut microbiome that leads to severe consequences. However, with cutaneous manifestations, that can be life-threatening, due to the opportunistic pathogens, little is known whether HIV infection might influence the skin microbiome and affect the skin homeostasis. This study catalogued the profile of skin microbiome of healthy Cameroonians, at three different skin sites, and compared them to the HIV-infected individuals. Taking advantage on the use of molecular assay coupled with next-generation sequencing, this study revealed that alpha-diversity of the skin microbiome was higher and beta-diversity was altered significantly in the HIV-infected Cameroonians than in the healthy ones. The relative abundance of skin microbes such as Micrococcus and Kocuria species was higher and Cutibacterium species was significantly lower in HIV-infected people, indicating an early change in the human skin microbiome in response to the HIV infection. This phenotypical shift was not related to the number of CD4 T cell count thus the cause remains to be identified. Overall, these data may offer an important lead on the role of skin microbiome in the determination of cutaneous disease state and the discovery of safe pharmacological preparations to treat microbial-related skin disorders.
Protective immunity induced by DNA vaccine containing TgGRA35, TgGRA42, and TgGRA43 against Toxoplasma gondii infection in Kunming mice
Authors: Shi Youbo , Li Jianbing , Yang Weili , Chen Jia
Published: October 2023

Background

Toxoplasma gondii can cause congenital infection and abortion in humans and warm-blooded animals. T. gondii dense granule proteins, GRA35, GRA42, and GRA43, play a critical role in the establishment of chronic infection. However, their potential to induce protective immunity against T. gondii infection remains unexplored.

Objective

This study aimed to test the efficacy of a DNA vaccine encompassing GRA35, GRA42, and GRA43 in inducing protective immunity against the highly virulent T. gondii RH strain (type I) and the brain cyst-forming PRU strain (type II).

Methods

The eukaryotic plasmids pVAX-GRA35, pVAX-GRA42, and pVAX-GRA43 were constructed and formulated into two- or three-gene cocktail DNA vaccines. The indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was used to analyze their expression and immunogenicity. Mice were immunized with a single-gene, two-genes, or multicomponent eukaryotic plasmid, intramuscularly. We assessed antibody levels, cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) responses, cytokines, and lymphocyte surface markers by using flow cytometry. Additionally, mouse survival and cyst numbers in the brain of mice challenged 1 to 2 months postvaccination were determined.

Results

Specific humoral and cellular immune responses were elicited in mice immunized with single-, two-, or three-gene cocktail DNA vaccine, as indicated by significant increases in serum antibody concentrations of total IgG, IgG2a/IgG1 ratio, cytokine levels (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12, IL-4, and IL-10), lymphocyte proliferation, lymphocyte populations (CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes), CTL activities, and survival, as well as decreased brain cysts, in comparison with control mice. Moreover, compared with pVAX-GRA35 + pVAX-GRA42, pVAX-GRA42 + pVAX-GRA43, or pVAX-GRA35 + pVAX-GRA43, multicomponent DNA vaccine with three genes (pVAX-GRA35 + pVAX-GRA42 + pVAX-GRA43) induced the higher humoral and cellular immune responses, including serum antibody concentrations, cytokine levels, lymphocyte proliferation, lymphocyte populations, CTL activities and survival, resulting in prolonged survival time and reduced brain cyst loads. Furthermore, mice immunized with pVAX-GRA35 + pVAX-GRA42, pVAX-GRA42 + pVAX-GRA43, or pVAX-GRA35 + pVAX-GRA43 showed greater Th1 immune responses and protective efficacy than the single-gene-vaccinated groups.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that TgGRA35, TgGRA42, or TgGRA43 are vaccine candidates against T. gondii infection, and the three-gene DNA vaccine cocktail conferred the strongest protection against T. gondii infection.
Research progress on the correlation between gut microbiota and preeclampsia: microbiome changes, mechanisms and treatments
Authors: Zong Yichi , Wang Xuguang , Wang Jun
Published: October 2023

Preeclampsia is a specific disease during pregnancy and is a significant factor in the increased mortality in perinatal women. Gut microbiota, an intricate and abundant microbial community in the digestive tract, is crucial for host metabolism, immunity, and nutrient absorption. The onset and progression of preeclampsia are closely correlated with the changes in maternal gut microbiota. Research purpose was to compile the existing bits of present scientific data and to close the gap in the knowledge of changes in gut microbiota in preeclampsia and their association with preeclampsia. We searched studies from two electronic databases (PubMed and Web of Science) included from 2014 to 2023. This review is divided into three parts. In the first part, the author elaborates longitudinal differences of maternal gut microbiota during different gestation periods. In the second part, we discuss that gut microbiota can lead to the occurrence of preeclampsia by systemic immune response, influencing the release of active peptides, short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and other metabolites, vascular factors and Microorganism-immune axis. In the third part, we proposed that a high-fiber diet combined with drugs and microecological regulators may be therapeutic in enhancing or preventing the emergence and evolution of preeclampsia, which needs further exploration. Although the pathogenesis of preeclampsia is still nebulous and there is no clear and valid clinical treatment, our study provides new ideas for the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of preeclampsia.
Alterations in urinary microbiota composition in urolithiasis patients: insights from 16S rRNA gene sequencing
Authors: Liu Haoran , Hu Qingqing , Yan Qunsheng , Hao Zongyao , Liang Chaozhao
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To investigate the urinary microbiota composition in urolithiasis patients compared to healthy controls and to identify potential microbial markers and their association with clinical parameters.

Methods

A total of 66 samples, comprising 45 from urolithiasis patients and 21 from healthy controls, were analyzed. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was employed to determine the microbiota composition. Various statistical and bioinformatics tools, including ANOVA, PCoA, and LEfSe, were utilized to analyze the sequencing data and identify significant differences in microbial abundance.

Results

No significant demographic differences were observed between the two groups. Post-quality control, clean tags ranged from 60,979 to 68,736. Significant differences in α-diversity were observed between the two groups. β-diversity analysis revealed distinct clustering of the urinary microbiota in urolithiasis patients and controls. Notably, Ruminococcaceae was predominant in urolithiasis samples, while Proteobacteria was more prevalent in healthy samples. Lactobacillus was significantly overrepresented in samples from healthy females.

Conclusion

The urinary microbiota composition in urolithiasis patients is distinct from that of healthy controls. Specific microbial taxa, such as Ruminococcaceae and Proteobacteria, could serve as potential biomarkers for urolithiasis. The findings pave the way for further exploration of the role of microbiota in urolithiasis and the development of microbiome-based therapeutic strategies.
Identification of an antivirulence agent targeting the master regulator of virulence genes in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Arya Rekha , Kim Truc , Youn Joo Won , Bae Taeok , Kim Kyeong Kyu
Published: October 2023

The emergence of bactericidal antibiotic-resistant strains has increased the demand for alternative therapeutic agents, such as antivirulence agents targeting the virulence regulators of pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus exoprotein expression (sae) locus, the master regulator of virulence gene expression in multiple drug-resistant S. aureus, is a promising therapeutic target. In this study, we screened a small-molecule library using a SaeRS green fluorescent protein (GFP)-reporter that responded to transcription controlled by the sae locus. We identified the compound, N-(2-methylcyclohexyl)-11-oxo-10,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,f][1,4]thiazepine-8-carboxamide (SKKUCS), as an efficient repressor of sae-regulated GFP activity. SKKUCS inhibited hemolysin production and reduced α-hemolysin-mediated cell lysis. Moreover, SKKUCS substantially reduced the expression levels of various virulence genes controlled by the master regulators, sae, and the accessory gene regulator (agr), demonstrating its potential as an antivirulence reagent targeting the key virulence regulators. Furthermore, autokinase inhibition assay and molecular docking suggest that SKKUCS inhibits the kinase activity of SaeS and potentially targets the active site of SaeS kinase, possibly inhibiting ATP binding. Next, we evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of SKKUCS in vivo using murine models of staphylococcal intraperitoneal and skin infections. Treatment with SKKUCS markedly increased animal survival and significantly decreased the bacterial burden in organs and skin lesion sizes. These findings highlight SKKUCS as a potential antivirulence drug for drug-resistant staphylococcal infections.
Presence of host and bacterial-derived collagenolytic proteases in carious dentin: a systematic review of ex vivo studies
Authors: Barbosa Cecília de Brito , Monici Silva Isabela , Cena Jéssica Alves de , Stefani Cristine Miron , Dame-Teixeira Naile
Published: October 2023

Introduction and aim

The presence of host collagenases in the degradation of the protein matrix at later stages of carious dentin lesions development, as well as the potential involvement of bacterial collagenases, have been suggested but lack conclusive evidence. This study aims to conduct a systematic review to comprehensively assess the profile of host and bacterial-derived collagenolytic proteases in both root and coronal dentin carious lesions.

Methods

The search was performed in eight databases and the grey literature. Studies evaluating ex vivo dentin, extracted teeth, or biofilms from natural caries lesions were included. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Synthesis of the results and the certainty of evidence were performed following the Synthesis without Meta-analysis (SWiM) checklist and GRADE approach for narrative synthesis, respectively.

Results

From 935 recovered articles, 18 were included. Although the evidence was very uncertain, it was possible to suggest that 1) MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, and CT-B may be increased in carious dentin when compared to sound dentin; 2) there is no difference in MMP-2 presence, while MMP-13 may be increased in root when compared to coronal carious dentin; 3) there is no difference of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression/activity before and after cavity sealing; 4) MMP-8 may be increased in the dentin before cavity sealing compared to dentin after cavity sealing; 5) there is no difference of MMP-20 in irradiated vs. non-irradiated carious dentin. MMP-20 probably reduces in carious outer dentin when compared to carious inner dentin (moderate certainty). Genes encoding bacterial collagenolytic proteases and protein-degrading bacteria were detected in coronal and root carious lesions.

Conclusion

Trends in the direction of the effect were observed for some collagenolytic proteases in carious dentin, which may represent a potential target for the development of new treatments. (Protocol register-PROSPERO: CRD42020213141).
Epidemiology of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Tuberculosis suspects, Southwest of China, 2017-2022
Authors: Wang Dong-Mei , Liu Hong , Zheng Yong-Li , Xu Yuan-Hong , Liao Yi
Published: October 2023

Objectives

This study summarizes the epidemiological characteristics, species distribution, and drug sensitivity of clinical nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolates at the Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu, China, from January 2017 to December 2022.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with clinically isolated NTM strains. Chi-square analysis assessed the rate of Mycobacterium strain isolation over 6 years.

Results

The number of samples tested for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and/or NTM increased each year, while MTB detection decreased and NTM detection rose significantly each year (P=0.03). The average age of NTM patients was 51 ± 17.53 years, with a 14.1% HIV infection rate. The predominant isolates were Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAC) and M. chelonae/M. abscessus, with 96.4% of cases being of Han ethnicity. Amikacin, moxifloxacin, and clarithromycin were effective against M. avium and M. intracellulare; linezolid, amikacin, and cefoxitin were effective against M. chelonae/M. abscessus. Over 90% of NTM cases originated from the respiratory tract.

Conclusion

The NTM isolation rate in Southwest China has risen in recent years, primarily among elderly patients with a high HIV co-infection rate. The main NTM isolates were MAC and M. chelonae/M. abscessus. Amikacin, moxifloxacin, clarithromycin, and linezolid exhibited strong antibacterial activity against SGM, while amikacin and linezolid displayed relatively better antibacterial activity against RGM. The prevalence of NTM infection may be positively associated with regional economic development and health conditions.
Defining levels of care in cardiogenic shock
Authors: Alvarez Villela Miguel , Fu Danni , Roslin Kylie , Smoller Rebecca , Asemota Daniel , Miklin Daniel J. , Kodra Arber , Vullaganti Sirish , Roswell Robert O. , Rangasamy Sabarivinoth , Saikus Christina E. , Kon Zachary N. , Pierce Matthew J. , Husk Gregg , Stevens Gerin R. , Maybaum Simon
Published: October 2023

Background

Expert opinion and professional society statements have called for multi-tier care systems for the management of cardiogenic shock (CS). However, little is known about how to pragmatically define centers with different levels of care (LOC) for CS.

Methods

Eleven of 23 hospitals within our healthcare system sharing a common electronic health record were classified as different LOC according to their highest mechanical circulatory support (MCS) capabilities: Level 1 (L-1)—durable left ventricular assist device, Level 1A (L-1A)—extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, Level 2 (L-2)—intra-aortic balloon pump and percutaneous ventricular assist device; and Level 3 (L-3)—no MCS. All adult patients treated for CS (International Classification of Diseases, ICD-10 code R57.0) between 2016 and 2022 were included. Etiologies of CS were identified using associated diagnostic codes. Management strategies and outcomes across LOC were compared.

Results

Higher LOC centers had higher volumes: L-1 (n = 1): 2,831 patients, L-1A (n = 4): 3,452, L-2 (n = 1): 340, and L-3 (n = 5): 780. Emergency room admissions were more common in lower LOC (96% at L-3 vs. 46% L-1; p < 0.001), while hospital transfers were predominant at higher LOC (40% at L-1 vs. 2.7% at L-3; p < 0.001). Men comprised 61% of the cohort. Patients were younger in the higher LOC [69 (60–78) years at L-1 vs. 77 (67–85) years at L-3; p < 0.001]. Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-CS and acute heart failure (AHF)-CS were concentrated in higher LOC centers while other etiologies of CS were more common in L-2 and L-3 (p < 0.001). Cardiac arrest on admission was more prevalent in lower LOC centers (L-1: 2.8% vs. L-3: 12.1%; p < 0.001). Patients with AMI-CS received more percutaneous coronary intervention in lower LOC (51% L-2 vs. 29% L-1; p < 0.01) but more coronary arterial bypass graft surgery at higher LOC (L-1: 42% vs. L-1A: 23%; p < 0.001). MCS use was consistent across levels for AMI-CS but was more frequent in higher LOC for AHF-CS patients (L-1: 28% vs. L-2: 10%; p < 0.001). Despite increasing in-hospital mortality with decreasing LOC, no significant difference was seen after multivariable adjustment.

Conclusion

This is the first report describing a pragmatic classification of LOC for CS which, based on MCS capabilities, can discriminate between centers with distinct demographics, practice patterns, and outcomes. This classification may serve as the basis for future research and the creation of CS systems of care.
Does anxiety cause angina recurrence after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with STEMI?
Authors: Zhang Zhipeng , Wei Xing , Wei Jing , Wang Yuhui , Luo Chunmiao
Published: October 2023

Background

Statistics show that approximately 70% of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) experience relief from chest pain symptoms within 48 h post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, over 30% of these patients still suffer from angina post-PCI during their hospital stay and after discharge. Although the interrelation between cardiovascular diseases and psychological states, notably anxiety and stress, has been extensively studied and acknowledged, the specific influence of anxiety disorders on post-PCI clinical outcomes for STEMI patients, especially the recurrence of angina, remains undefined.

Methods

This study included a total of 324 STEMI patients who underwent PCI treatment due to chest pain in our hospital. Baseline and surgical data for all patients were collected. During their hospital stay, patients’ emotional states were assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, while angina was evaluated using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. All patients were followed up for 6 months post-discharge to gather clinical data and outcomes, analyzing whether anxiety disorders would affect the recurrence of angina post-PCI in STEMI patients.

Results

Out of the 324 patients, 82 experienced recurrent angina symptoms within 6 months post-PCI discharge. Compared to the non-recurrence group, the recurrence group showed statistically significant differences in anxiety levels. Other differing factors included the spouse's health status, cardiac Killip classification, severity of coronary lesions, and the state of the coronary microcirculation. After utilizing propensity score matching to eliminate inherent biases between the two groups at a 1:1 ratio, the COX regression analysis indicated that a patient's anxiety status is a risk factor for the occurrence of angina post-PCI in STEMI patients (HR = 2.094, 95% CI = 1.248–3.514, P = 0.005).

Conclusion

Anxiety is a significant factor for short-term recurrence of angina post-PCI in STEMI patients. This further confirms the crucial impact of mental health on cardiovascular wellness.