bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gambaran Pola Asuh Orangtua pada Anak Pelaku Kekerasan yang Berhadapan dengan Hukum di Kota Makassar
Authors: Bustamin Kaila Lutfia
Published: July 2024

Pola asuh adalah suatu cara orangtua dalam mengasuh, membimbing, dan merawat untuk berperilaku dengan lingkungan sekitarnya agar terbentuk menjadi anak yang baik, patuh terhadap peraturan dengan aspek komunikasi dan kasih sayang yang diberikan oleh orangtua. Anak berhadapan dengan hukum dianggap sebagai kegagalan anak dalam memenuhi harapan, tuntutan sosial, nilai dan norma yang dianut oleh masyarakat. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu memberikan informasi terkait gambaran pola asuh orangtua pada anak pelaku kekerasan yang berhadapan dengan hukum. Subjek penelitian ini adalah dua orang remaja laki-laki anak pelaku kekerasan dan sedang menjalani  pengamanan di Rumah Aman Unit Pelaksana Teknis Daerah Perlindungan Perempuan dan Anak Kota Makassar, berusia 14-18 Tahun, dan pelaku kekerasan fisik. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan wawancara mendalam dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa gambaran pola asuh orangtua sangat berpengaruh penting bagi anak. Gambaran pola asuh membandingkan anak merupakan hal yang rentan pada anak sehingga menunjukkan gangguan perilaku atau hambatan perilaku. Pengalaman dibanding-bandingkan dengan saudara lelakinya oleh orangtua dan pengaruh kelompok sebaya menjadi faktor utama Anak Berhadapan dengan Hukum.
Unlocking Resilience: Examining the Influence of Fluid Viscous Dampers on Seismic Performance of Reinforced-concrete Structures in Earthquake-prone Regions
Authors: Belbachir Asma , Belbachir Nesrine , Bahar Sadek , Benbakhti Abdeldjalil , Louhibi Zouhir S. M. , Amziane Sofiane
Published: July 2024

In high seismicity regions like Algeria, the seismic performance of structures is of paramount importance. This study investigates the effectiveness of fluid viscous dampers (FVDs) in enhancing the seismic resilience of a 12-story (G+12) reinforced concrete structure. By utilizing Etabs and SeismoSoft softwares, a comparative analysis is conducted between two structural configurations: one with a traditional fixed base and another incorporating fluid viscous dampers. The incorporation of FVDs aims to mitigate the seismic impact by dissipating energy, thereby reducing base shear, displacement, and acceleration during seismic events. The structure's location in a high seismicity zone necessitates robust design strategies to ensure safety and structural integrity. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the seismic response and advanced simulation framework providing detailed results on key parameters. The findings highlight the potential of fluid viscous dampers to significantly improve the seismic performance of reinforced concrete structures, offering a promising solution for earthquake-prone areas.
What no one has seen before: gravitational waveforms from warp drive collapse
Authors: Clough Katy , Dietrich Tim , Khan Sebastian
Published: July 2024

Despite originating in science fiction, warp drives have a concrete description in general relativity, with Alcubierre first proposing a spacetime metric that supported faster-than-light travel. Whilst there are numerous practical barriers to their implementation in real life, including a requirement for negative energy, computationally, one can simulate their evolution in time given an equation of state describing the matter. In this work, we study the signatures arising from a warp drive “containment failure”, assuming a stiff equation of state for the fluid. We compute the emitted gravitational-wave signal and track the energy fluxes of the fluid. Apart from its rather speculative application to the search for extraterrestrial life in gravitational-wave detector data, this work is interesting as a study of the dynamical evolution and stability of spacetimes that violate the null energy condition. Our work highlights the importance of exploring strange new spacetimes, to (boldly) simulate what no one has seen before.
Increased frequency of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential in Bloom syndrome probands and carriers
Authors: Lin Isabella , Wei Angela , Gebo Tsumugi A. , Boutros Paul C. , Flanagan Maeve , Kucine Nicole , Cunniff Christopher , Arboleda Valerie A. , Chang Vivian Y.
Published: July 2024

Not available.
Conocimiento sobre salud oral y prácticas de higiene bucal de padres con niños preescolares en una institución educativa
Authors: Silva Zevallos Edith Úrsula , Velásquez Porras Paul Cesar , Mechato Ancajima Paulina , Llacsa Molina Julia Pilar , Granados Durand Rosa Fernanda
Published: July 2024

Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre el conocimiento sobre salud oral y las prácticas de higiene bucal en padres de familia con niños en edad preescolar en una institución educativa. Material y métodos: Estudio de enfoque cuantitativo aplicado, con un diseño no experimental, correlacional y de corte transversal. La población estuvo conformada por 300 padres de familia y la muestra no probabilística por 100 participantes. Se emplearon dos cuestionarios, uno para conocimiento de salud oral con una validez V Aiken de 0,86 y otro para prácticas de higiene bucal con una validez de 0,87. La prueba de confiabilidad de alfa de Cronbach de 0,897 indica que existe relación entre las dos variables del estudio. Resultados: Se registra una relación moderada entre el conocimiento y las prácticas de higiene bucal con un valor de 0,473 y una significancia de p = 0,001. Conclusión: El conocimiento se relaciona con la higiene bucal en padres de familia con niños entre las edades de 3 a 5 años. Es importante comprometer a los padres en programas educativos para fomentar hábitos de higiene bucal efectiva para el bienestar y la salud de sus hijos menores.
CHOLINESTERASE AND TYROSINASE INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF SUBCRITICAL WATER AND MICROWAVE EXTRACTS OF RAPHANUS SATIVUS L. ‘RED MEAT’ RADIX
Authors: Koyu Halil
Published: July 2024

Objective: Cholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory activity potential of microwave-assisted and subcritical water extracts of Raphanus sativus L. Red Meat roots were investigated.
Material and Method: Total phenol, flavonoid and anthocyanin content of extracts from conventional solvent and advanced extraction systems were spectrophotometrically quantified. Acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory activities were investigated with the calculation of the rate of absorbance change with kinetic readings.
Result and Discussion: The subcritical water extract was found to provide highest acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory activities with an IC50 of 0.71 mg/ml, 2.13 mg/ml and 1.21 mg/ml, respectively. Consistent with the anaylsis of total phenol (27.57 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (4.80 mg QE/g) contents, subcritical water extract of red meat radish can be considered as a potential source for products aiming enzyme inhibitory activity.
THE MONSTROUS PLOT IN VLADIMIR SOROKIN’S NOVEL “THE QUEUE”
Authors: ZHILENE EKATERINA , BOGDANOVA OLGA , BURAIA MARIA , VLASOVA ELIZAVETA
Published: July 2024

The article offers an interpretation of the earliest conceptual novel by the famous Russian novelist Vladimir Sorokin “The Queue” (1985). The authors of the article have implemented a new approach to the text of a modern conceptual novelist. If traditionally V. Sorokin’s novel was perceived by critics mainly from the side of the originality of its form, with the actualization of the author’s appeal to the pictorial art objects of conceptual artists (I. Kabakov, V. Pivovarov, D. Prigov et al.), then in this article a different research perspective is justified — the need to look at the Sorokin text as a creative realization of a capacious speech metaphor, as the embodiment of the image of a “language monster” — the hydro-like essence of a “living” queue.
Introducing the Concept of Patient Blood Management and Haemovigilance in Government Sector Hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Waheed Samra , Khan Muhammad , Qamar Shumaila , Siddiqui Hamid , Rafiq Erum
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims: While patient blood management (PBM) and haemovigilance are different, they are both significant following evidence-based clinical transfusion. PBM is defined as the timely application of evidence-based medical and surgical concepts designed to maintain haemoglobin concentration, optimise haemostasis, and minimise blood loss in an effort to improve patient outcomes. The main aim is to manage patients such that transfusion is only used when the benefits outweigh the risks. Haemovigilance is the set of surveillance procedures covering the entire blood transfusion chain, to minimise the risk of any transfusion-related event to the donor as well as the patient.

In this study, the authors audited, critiqued, and measured their own performance regarding the establishment of PBM and haemovigilance at government sector hospitals of the Regional Blood Centre Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the 3.5 years since the establishment of Regional Blood Centre (RBC) Karachi and its associated hospital-based blood banks was conducted. Data were taken from Blood Bank Management Information System software and analysed on SPSS version 23 (IBM, Armonk, New York, USA) . The authors calculated the frequency of transfusion reactions and donor-related adverse events, and also calculated cross match to infusion (CT) ratio and transfusion index.

Results: Initially, the cross match to transfusion ratio was 15:1, but with time and management, at the end of the third year, the team achieved a CT ratio of 1.7:1.0 for different hospitals. Transfusion index was also calculated to be 0.2 at the start of 2020 and 0.8 at the end of 2022. Similarly, no transfusion reaction was reported for the first 1.5 years since RBC’s establishment, and in the later 2 years, 59 reactions were reported. No whole blood was issued, a maximum surgical blood ordering schedule was initiated, and a restrictive transfusion strategy was applied.

Conclusion: While there is still progress to be made, the authors were able to reduce wastage and subsequently suggest the idea of a restrictive transfusion strategy, so that the right blood component is given to the right patient at the right time.
Access, restrictions, and readership in early modern parish libraries
Authors: Purdy Jessica G.
Published: July 2024

This article explores the collections and accessibility of parish libraries in early modern England and the subjects in which their readers were most interested. The period covered begins with the 1558 accession of Elizabeth I, which preceded by only a few years the establishment of the first post-Reformation parish library, and ends with the Parochial Libraries Act of 1709, which ensured that libraries could not be dismantled and dispersed without permission from the appropriate authorities. This article argues that parish libraries were established in this period to provide people of gentry rank and below with a religious education and that, despite previous historians’ arguments to the contrary, the works in these collections were appropriate to the intended audience. It further contends that despite physical access restrictions imposed on these libraries by their founders, their books were read, and that readers’ interests focused on four themes that were central to early modern Protestantism.
EFEKTIVITAS IMPLEMENTASI MIGRASI KARTU TANDA PENDUDUK DIGITAL DI DINAS KEPENDUDUKAN DAN PENCATATAN SIPIL KABUPATEN OKU TIMUR, SUMATERA SELATAN
Authors: Astuti Winda , Setiawan Irfan
Published: July 2024

Kemajuan teknologi telah membawa perkembangan transformasi digital, salah satunya dalam  bidang  administrasi  kependudukan,  yaitu  melalui  hadirnya  Kartu  Tanda Penduduk (KTP) Digital. Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Oku Timur telah menerapkan Kartu Tanda Penduduk (KTP) berbasis digital sejak tahun 2023, namun dalam pelaksanaannya  masih terdapat beberapa hambatan. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan analisis untuk menilai efektivitas implementasi Kartu Tanda Penduduk (KTP) Digital, serta untuk menganalisis proses dan faktor yang memengaruhi kesuksesan efektivitas program Kartu Tanda Penduduk (KTP) Digital di kantor Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Oku Timur. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif kualitatif, teknik  pengumpulan  data  dengan  cara observasi,  dan  studi  pustaka.  Hasil  penelitian menunjukkan bahwa implementasi administrasi  kependudukan cukup efektif dilihat dari dimensi kemanfaatan, kemudahan dan penerimaan teknologi informasi, meskipun terdapat hambatan dalam hal sosialisasi yang dilakukan secara langsung karena belum semua penduduk Kabupaten Oku Timur mengetahui tentang pelaksanaan sosialisasi KTP digital. Hal ini terutama berlaku untuk kalangan yang lebih tua dan kurang memahami teknologi sehingga kesulitan dalam menggunakan IKD.
Comparison between Pollution Index and STORET Methods in Determining Post-Mining Lake Water Quality in Lati Petangis Forest Park, Paser, East Kalimantan after Reclamation
Authors: PUTRA NAUFAL HAFIDH MAHDI SUJARWO , SOEPROBOWATI TRI RETNANINGSIH , JUMARI JUMARI
Published: July 2024

Tahura Lati Petangis is post-mining forest park area. Tahura Lati Petangis has been through the stages of reclamation and post-mining lake has been formed. Monitoring activities are needed to determine the success of post-mining management. This research aims to evaluate the post-mining lake of water quality in Tahura Lati Petangis based on the Pollution Index and STORET methods. The research was located at 3 observation stations, which were station 1 (Pit Lake I Saingprupuk Erai), station 2 (Natural Lake Gentung Dayo), and station 3 (Pit Lake II Saingprupuk Duo). At all research stations, in-situ water quality observations were made in the form of dissolved oxygen, pH, and water temperature at 4 points sites. Water sampling was also carried out at 4 sites in each station for ex-situ quality testing. Water quality analysis based on pollution index and STORET method. The determination of water quality status based on Government Regulation No. 22/2021. The results showed that the water quality status between Pollution Index and STORET had differences. The STORET method shows more polluted results. The source of pollution at the three observation stations is generally related to organic compounds through high measurement of chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, phosphate, and phenol, so the value of dissolved oxygen is also affected. Especially for zinc and iron dissolved in Station 3 which are heavy metals included in the accumulation of STORET scoring. Station 1 and Station 2 are only suitable for agricultural or irrigation activities (class IV), while Station 3 is not suitable for all four use classes. Therefore, Station 3 is more polluted than the other two lakes. Monitoring the water quality of post-mining lakes after reclamation showed decrease in heavy metal concentrations, and on the other side there was increase in the concentration of aquatic organic compounds.
Census of the American Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber (Phoenicopteriformes: Phoenicopteridae) in Haiti
Authors: Timyan Joel , Bonifassi Anne-Isabelle , Exantus Jean-Marry
Published: July 2024

An aerial census of the American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) was conducted during February 20–27, 2024, in Haiti. Nineteen wetland sites were surveyed by fixed-wing aircraft over 4 days. Flamingos were detected at 5 sites and totaled an estimated 1333 individuals. The highest number of individuals was observed at the Estère mangroves and wetlands (1000), followed by Lac Azuéi (229), Lagon Grand Vide (76), Ile-à-Vache (25) and Pointe Mangle (3). It was not possible to census all the areas in Haiti where flamingos are known or expected to occur. Coastal areas that were omitted from this census included the western Tiburon Peninsula, the Cayemites, the Northwest, the Southeast and Tortuga Island. The census is likely an underestimate of the actual population in Haiti during the period of the study. Historical and recent data were compiled to map the distribution of the species in Haiti. It is recommended that Haiti increase the area of protected wetlands to ensure adequate feeding and resting habitats, but also to expand their spatial and temporal coverage and ensure conditions for breeding residents.
MODELS USED TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF CLINICAL PRACTICE EVALUATION AMONG NURSING STUDENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Saputra Muhamad Andika Sasmita , Sansuwito Tukimin bin , Said Faridah Mohd
Published: July 2024

Background: Clinical practice evaluation in nursing education is crucial to ensuring students have the competencies for optimal nursing practice, aligning with WHO standards. However, data from NCSBN indicates a significant need for more effective and comprehensive evaluation models. Aim: This aims to do a systematic review to identify and analyse evaluation models used in nursing education to enhance the quality of clinical practice evaluation for students, as well as strengths and weaknesses. Methodology: This systematic review was conducted by searching electronic database sources through journal search engines such as Google Scholar, ProQuest, CINAHL, PubMed, and Science Direct. The inclusion criteria were open-access journals published within the last five years (2018-2023). A journal search used key terms "mobile phone application" and "nursing students". Analysing using PRISMA and Software computer for journal review. Results: 12 eligible journals were found relevant to the topic out of 5,727 journals. Journals that were not eligible were excluded based on exclusion criteria. Each journal provided systematic information regarding methods of evaluating nursing students' clinical practice. Conclusion: Implementing appropriate evaluation models is crucial to enhance the quality of clinical practice evaluation for nursing students. The selection of evaluation methods should also be tailored to the evaluation objectives, available resources, and clinical education context. Combining multiple methods is often used to obtain a holistic and accurate picture of students' performance.
ENSAIO SOBRE O ESTOICISMO E A RAZÃO PRÁTICA EM SCHOPENHAUER
Authors: Alves Antonio
Published: July 2024

No presente ensaio eu apresento uma explicação filosófica e reflexiva sobre o entendimento geral de Schopenhauer em relação ao estoicismo e a razão prática, utilizando-se para isso, dos três principais textos do autor sobre o assunto, ou seja, o § 16 do primeiro tomo d’O mundo como vontade e representação, o Cap. 16 dos Suplementos e o § 6 do primeiro tomo de Parerga e paralipomena, consideravelmente denominado Estoicos – no entanto, por vezes também cito e trago à tona outros trechos da obra. Para tal realização meu esforço foi simplesmente de refletir de modo prazenteiramente schopenhaueriano em torno desses tópicos.
A DANÇA PELOS MUNDOS DA FORMA E DA NÃO-FORMA
Authors: Gadelha Juliano
Published: July 2024

Este artigo de teoria racial crítica anuncia uma filosofia da abolição total dos modos coloniais de lidar com o sensível no campo do pensamento-criação. A metodologia implica os estudos do corpo, da representação e da sensação para com vidas racializadas. O plano teórico elabora uma crítica multidisciplinar com o objetivo de gerar um conhecimento de implicamento das forças visíveis que conhecemos pelos princípios da forma e do campo invisível que abordamos pelo princípio da não-forma, sendo que ambos os campos têm agência na vida social.
Digitalization of agriculture for sustainable crop production: a use-case review
Authors: Shamshiri Redmond R. , Sturm Barbara , Weltzien Cornelia , Fulton John , Khosla Raj , Schirrmann Michael , Raut Sharvari , Basavegowda Deepak Hanike , Yamin Muhammad , Hameed Ibrahim A.
Published: July 2024

The digitalization of agriculture is rapidly changing the way farmers do business. With the integration of advanced technology, farmers are now able to increase efficiency, productivity, and precision in their operations. Digitalization allows for real-time monitoring and management of crops, leading to improved yields and reduced waste. This paper presents a review of some of the use cases that digitalization has made an impact in the automation of open-field and closed-field cultivations by means of collecting data about soils, crop growth, and microclimate, or by contributing to more accurate decisions about water usage and fertilizer application. The objective was to address some of the most recent technological advances that are leading to increased efficiency and sustainability of crop production, reduction in the use of inputs and environmental impacts, and releasing manual workforces from repetitive field tasks. The short discussions included at the end of each case study attempt to highlight the limitations and technological challenges toward successful implementations, as well as to introduce alternative solutions and methods that are rapidly evolving to offer a vast array of benefits for farmers by influencing cost-saving measures. This review concludes that despite the many benefits of digitalization, there are still a number of challenges that need to be overcome, including high costs, reliability, and scalability. Most of the available setups that are currently used for this purpose have been custom designed for specific tasks and are still too expensive to be implemented on commercial scales, while others are still in their early stages of development, making them not reliable or scalable for widespread acceptance and adoption by farmers. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the current state of digitalization in agriculture and its impact on sustainable crop production and food security, this review provides insights for policy-makers, industry stakeholders, and researchers working in this field.
A m6A regulators-related classifier for prognosis and tumor microenvironment characterization in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xu Shaohua , Zhang Yi , Yang Ying , Dong Kexin , Zhang Hanfei , Luo Chunhua , Liu Song-Mei
Published: July 2024

Background

Increasing evidence have highlighted the biological significance of mRNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in regulating tumorigenicity and progression. However, the potential roles of m6A regulators in tumor microenvironment (TME) formation and immune cell infiltration in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC or HCC) requires further clarification.

Method

RNA sequencing data were obtained from TCGA-LIHC databases and ICGC-LIRI-JP databases. Consensus clustering algorithm was used to identify m6A regulators cluster subtypes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), LASSO regression, Random Forest (RF), and Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE) were applied to identify candidate biomarkers, and then a m6Arisk score model was constructed. The correlations of m6Arisk score with immunological characteristics (immunomodulators, cancer immunity cycles, tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), and immune checkpoints) were systematically evaluated. The effective performance of nomogram was evaluated using concordance index (C‐index), calibration plots, decision curve analysis (DCA), and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).

Results

Two distinct m6A modification patterns were identified based on 23 m6A regulators, which were correlated with different clinical outcomes and biological functions. Based on the constructed m6Arisk score model, HCC patients can be divided into two distinct risk score subgroups. Further analysis indicated that the m6Arisk score showed excellent prognostic performance. Patients with a high m6Arisk score was significantly associated with poorer clinical outcome, lower drug sensitivity, and higher immune infiltration. Moreover, we developed a nomogram model by incorporating the m6Arisk score and clinicopathological features. The application of the m6Arisk score for the prognostic stratification of HCC has good clinical applicability and clinical net benefit.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal the crucial role of m6A modification patterns for predicting HCC TME status and prognosis, and highlight the good clinical applicability and net benefit of m6Arisk score in terms of prognosis, immunophenotype, and drug therapy in HCC patients.
mRNA lipid nanoparticles expressing cell-surface cleavage independent HIV Env trimers elicit autologous tier-2 neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Guenaga Javier , Alirezaei Mehrdad , Feng Yu , Alameh Mohamad-Gabriel , Lee Wen-Hsin , Baboo Sabyasachi , Cluff Jocelyn , Wilson Richard , Bale Shridhar , Ozorowski Gabriel , Lin Paulo , Tam Ying , Diedrich Jolene K. , Yates John R. , Paulson James C. , Ward Andrew B. , Weissman Drew , Wyatt Richard T.
Published: July 2024

The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) is the sole neutralizing determinant on the surface of the virus. The Env gp120 and gp41 subunits mediate receptor binding and membrane fusion and are generated from the gp160 precursor by cellular furins. This cleavage event is required for viral entry. One approach to generate HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies following immunization is to express membrane-bound Env anchored on the cell-surface by genetic means using the natural HIV gp41 transmembrane (TM) spanning domain. To simplify the process of Env trimer membrane expression we sought to remove the need for Env precursor cleavage while maintaining native-like conformation following genetic expression. To accomplish these objectives, we selected our previously developed ‘native flexibly linked’ (NFL) stabilized soluble trimers that are both near-native in conformation and cleavage-independent. We genetically fused the NFL construct to the HIV TM domain by using a short linker or by restoring the native membrane external proximal region, absent in soluble trimers, to express the full HIV Env ectodomain on the plasma membrane. Both forms of cell-surface NFL trimers, without and with the MPER, displayed favorable antigenic profiles by flow cytometry when expressed from plasmid DNA or mRNA. These results were consistent with the presence of well-ordered cell surface native-like trimeric Env, a necessary requirement to generate neutralizing antibodies by vaccination. Inoculation of rabbits with mRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNP) expressing membrane-bound stabilized HIV Env NFL trimers generated tier 2 neutralizing antibody serum titers in immunized animals. Multiple inoculations of mRNA LNPs generated similar neutralizing antibody titers compared to immunizations of matched NFL soluble proteins in adjuvant. Given the recent success of mRNA vaccines to prevent severe COVID, these are important developments for genetic expression of native-like HIV Env trimers in animals and potentially in humans.
Machine learning-based modeling of chl-a concentration in Northern marine regions using oceanic and atmospheric data
Authors: Aleshin Maxim , Illarionova Svetlana , Shadrin Dmitrii , Ivanov Vasily , Vanovskiy Vladimir , Burnaev Evgeny
Published: July 2024

Chl-a concentration is one of the key characteristics of marine areas related to photosynthesis, along with oxygen levels and water salinity. Most studies focus on estimating chl-a concentration in closed water bodies, rivers, and coastal areas of the tropical and temperate Earth belts and are therefore limited to specific regions and also require direct measurements and chemical analysis to obtain precise information about marine environmental conditions. Remote sensing techniques and spatial modeling aim to offer tools for rapid and global analysis of climate and ecological changes. In this study, we aim to develop a machine learning (ML)-based approach to estimate chlorophyll-a concentration when satellite data are unavailable. To provide physical parameters that may influence the predicted variable (chl-a concentration), we combined satellite observations from MODIS with geophysical Weather Research & Forecasting (WRF) and Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean (NEMO) models. Classical ML and deep learning (DL) algorithms were compared and analyzed for their ability to extract key biogeochemical patterns in the Barents Sea. The proposed approach allows us to forecast chl-a concentration for the next 8 days based on spatial features and measurements from preceding days. The best R2 metric achieved was 0.578 using a LightGBM algorithm, confirming the applicability of the developed solution to map the northern marine region even in cases where MODIS observations are unavailable for the preceding period due to insufficient illumination and dense cloud cover.
Involvement of mammalian SoLute Carriers (SLC) in the traffic of polyamines
Authors: Pochini Lorena
Published: July 2024

Polyamines interact with different molecular targets to regulate a vast range of cellular processes. A network of enzymes and transport systems is crucial for the maintenance of polyamine homeostasis. Indeed, polyamines after synthesis must be distributed to the various tissues and some intracellular organelles. Differently from the well characterized enzymes devoted to polyamine synthesis, the transport systems are not unequivocally identified or characterized. Besides some ATPases which have been identified as polyamine transporters, much less is known about solute carriers (SLC) involved in the transport of these compounds. Only two SLCs have been unequivocally identified as polyamine transporters: SLC18B1 (VPAT) and SLC22A4 (OCTN1). Transport studies have been performed with cells transfected with the cDNAs encoding the two and other SLCs or, in the case of OCTN1, also by in vitro assay using proteoliposomes harboring the recombinant human protein. According to the role proposed for OCTN1, polyamines have been associated with prolonged and quality of life. This review provides an update on the most recent findings concerning the polyamine transporters or the prediction of the putative ones.
Is it early enough? The authentic meaning of the pediatric palliative approach between early and late referral in pediatric oncology: a case study
Authors: Santini Anna , Avagnina Irene , Affinita Maria C. , Zanin Anna , Benini Franca
Published: July 2024

The literature widely supports the benefits of early integration of palliative care into pediatric oncological care; however, many barriers to its successful integration remain. Integrating palliative care as early as possible in the oncology pathway is critical, but other criteria are relevant to positive results. This paper aims to contribute to the early/late referral dualism in pediatric palliative care (PPC) and highlight the importance of a collaborative approach between oncologists and palliative care teams. This study investigates the impact of early versus late referral to PPC, intersecting it with the synergy work between services and the related outcomes. The four pediatric cancer cases were selected based on clinical (e.g., disease duration, multiple treatments, and pain management), management (e.g., involvement of multiple services and multiple home–hospital transitions), and relevance of multidisciplinary team (e.g., difficult clinical decisions and ethical discussions) criteria. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative case analysis using clinical diaries, literature review, and practice guidelines development. Critical clinical information, time course, clinician–family communication, and patient involvement were analyzed. The outcomes show how simultaneous care creates continuous discussion and dialogue between professionals. The results indicate the importance of better communication and care coordination to improve patient and family satisfaction, highlighting the uniqueness of the pediatric field and the relationship with children and families. Through the discussion of clinical cases and a literature review, we provide practical guidance for clinicians working in oncology and PPC. These findings underscore the crucial need for a multidisciplinary approach in pediatric oncology, advocating policy changes to support early PPC integration and translate it into complementarity best operating practices. In conclusion, besides assessing the timeliness of referral to the PPC service, the synergy, harmony, and choral work of the professionals involved are equally valuable for a quality-of-life-oriented care plan.
Ligand-conjugated multiwalled carbon nanotubes for cancer targeted drug delivery
Authors: Thakur Chanchal Kiran , Karthikeyan Chandrabose , Ashby Charles R. , Neupane Rabin , Singh Vishal , Babu R. Jayachandra , Narayana Moorthy N. S. Hari , Tiwari Amit K.
Published: July 2024

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are at the forefront of nanotechnology-based advancements in cancer therapy, particularly in the field of targeted drug delivery. The nanotubes are characterized by their concentric graphene layers, which give them outstanding structural strength. They can deliver substantial doses of therapeutic agents, potentially reducing treatment frequency and improving patient compliance. MWCNTs’ diminutive size and modifiable surface enable them to have a high drug loading capacity and penetrate biological barriers. As a result of the extensive research on these nanomaterials, they have been studied extensively as synthetic and chemically functionalized molecules, which can be combined with various ligands (such as folic acid, antibodies, peptides, mannose, galactose, polymers) and linkers, and to deliver anticancer drugs, including but not limited to paclitaxel, docetaxel, cisplatin, doxorubicin, tamoxifen, methotrexate, quercetin and others, to cancer cells. This functionalization facilitates selective targeting of cancer cells, as these ligands bind to specific receptors overexpressed in tumor cells. By sparing non-cancerous cells and delivering the therapeutic payload precisely to cancer cells, this therapeutic payload delivery ability reduces chemotherapy systemic toxicity. There is great potential for MWCNTs to be used as targeted delivery systems for drugs. In this review, we discuss techniques for functionalizing and conjugating MWCNTs to drugs using natural and biomacromolecular linkers, which can bind to the cancer cells’ receptors/biomolecules. Using MWCNTs to administer cancer drugs is a transformative approach to cancer treatment that combines nanotechnology and pharmacotherapy. It is an exciting and rich field of research to explore and optimize MWCNTs for drug delivery purposes, which could result in significant benefits for cancer patients.
The interplay between mitochondria, the gut microbiome and metabolites and their therapeutic potential in primary mitochondrial disease
Authors: Zachos Kassandra A. , Gamboa Jann Aldrin , Dewji Aleena S. , Lee Jocelyn , Brijbassi Sonya , Andreazza Ana C.
Published: July 2024

The various roles of the mitochondria and the microbiome in health and disease have been thoroughly investigated, though they are often examined independently and in the context of chronic disease. However, the mitochondria and microbiome are closely connected, namely, through their evolution, maternal inheritance patterns, overlapping role in many diseases and their importance in the maintenance of human health. The concept known as the “mitochondria-microbiome crosstalk” is the ongoing bidirectional crosstalk between these two entities and warrants further exploration and consideration, especially in the context of primary mitochondrial disease, where mitochondrial dysfunction can be detrimental for clinical manifestation of disease, and the role and composition of the microbiome is rarely investigated. A potential mechanism underlying this crosstalk is the role of metabolites from both the mitochondria and the microbiome. During digestion, gut microbes modulate compounds found in food, which can produce metabolites with various bioactive effects. Similarly, mitochondrial metabolites are produced from substrates that undergo biochemical processes during cellular respiration. This review aims to provide an overview of current literature examining the mitochondria-microbiome crosstalk, the role of commonly studied metabolites serve in signaling and mediating these biochemical pathways, and the impact diet has on both the mitochondria and the microbiome. As a final point, this review highlights the up-to-date implications of the mitochondria–microbiome crosstalk in mitochondrial disease and its potential as a therapeutic tool or target.
Impacts of COVID-19 pandemic prevention measures to the palliative care in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Meng-Ping , Hsiaog Sheng-huang , Huang Tsun-Cheng , Chu Da-Chen , Liu Chieh-Yu
Published: July 2024

Background

Prevention measures for palliative care and the provision of discharge planning services for inpatients in Taiwan before and during the COVID-19 pandemic had not been investigated. This study was aimed to investigate the factors associated with heightened palliative care needs and increased mortality rates.

Methods

This research adopts a retrospective case–control study design. The investigation encompasses patients admitted before the pandemic (from January 1, 2019, to May 31, 2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (from January 1, 2020, to May 31, 2020). The case group consisted of 231 end-of-life inpatients during the pandemic, control group was composed of the pool of inpatients with pre-pandemic and matched with cases by sex and age in a 1:1 ratio.

Results

The results showed that the prevalence of respiratory failure symptoms (p = 0.004), residing in long-term care facilities (p = 0.017), palliative care needs assessment scores (p = 0.010), as well as the provision of guidance for nasogastric tube feeding (p = 0.002), steam inhalation (p = 0.003), turning and positioning (p < 0.001), percussion (p < 0.001), passive range of motion (p < 0.001), and blood pressure measurement (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the assessment of the necessity for assistive devices, including hospital beds, also exhibited statistically significant variations (p < 0.001). Further investigation of the factors associated with high palliative care needs and the risk of mortality for both the case and control groups. Risk factors for high palliative care needs encompassed assessments of daily activities of living, the presence of pressure ulcers, and the receipt of guidance for ambulation. Risk factors for mortality encompassed age, a diagnosis of cancer, palliative care needs assessment scores, and the provision of guidance for disease awareness.

Conclusion

This research highlights the heightened risk of COVID-19 infection among end-of-life inpatients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study may advance care planning to alleviate avoidable suffering. To meet the needs of inpatients during pandemic, healthcare professionals should undergo comprehensive palliative care training and receive policy support.
Young fatherhood, masculinities, and structural factors in South Africa
Authors: Makusha Tawanda
Published: July 2024

Background

This paper explores the intricate interplay between young fatherhood, masculinities, and structural factors in South Africa. The country grapples with a complex web of social, economic, and cultural dynamics that shape the experiences of young men’s transition into fatherhood.

Methods

This qualitative study used snowball and purposive sampling techniques. In-depth interviews were undertaken with 24 young biological fathers aged between 18 and 24 years in an informal settlement in Durban (12) and a rural community in Pietermaritzburg (12), KwaZulu-Natal. Four focus-group discussions, in groups of four participants, were conducted with 16 of the participants who took part in the in-depth interviews. Data were analysed thematically on the local constructions of young fatherhood and masculinities and how both were associated with structural factors.

Results and discussion

Young fatherhood in South Africa is associated with a number of structural vulnerabilities, such as living in communities with high alcohol and drug abuse, low educational attainment, inadequate access to healthcare, unemployment, poverty, and crime. These structural vulnerabilities, deeply entrenched in the country’s history and socioeconomic fabric, together with prevailing notions of masculinities, often rooted in hegemonic ideals of dominance and control, intersect with societal expectations of fatherhood, thereby shaping young men’s identities, roles, and responsibilities as fathers.

Conclusion

The findings suggest young men’s involvement during the transition to fatherhood appears multi-determined. To effectively support young fathers and promote family well-being, it is imperative to address the root causes of structural inequalities, challenge rigid norms of masculinities, and foster inclusive policies and programmes that empower young men to embrace their roles as caregivers and agents of change within their families and communities.
RETRACTED: Near-cure in patients with Gadolinium deposition disease undergoing intravenous DTPA chelation
Authors: Semelka Richard C. , Ramalho Miguel
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To demonstrate and evaluate factors contributing to near-cures in patients with Gadolinium Deposition Disease (GDD) undergoing intravenous (IV) DTPA chelation.

Methods

Patients who had undergone or are currently undergoing DTPA chelation for GDD were included in this report based on their medical records that showed their perceived improvement was at least 80% back to normal. A survey was developed that included factors commonly reported by patients treated in one clinic to determine if these ‘near-cured’ (pre-MRI baseline health) individuals possessed certain factors and lacked others. The anonymized survey was emailed to these individuals by the principal treating physician, the only investigator not blinded to the subjects. This report describes clinical documentation of patient status and their underlying factors in individuals treated by the primary author, and no research was performed. The survey was sent to sixteen individuals; Fourteen patients completed it (10 females; 41.1 ± 11.2 y/o).

Results

The most common factor was the administration of ≤5 lifetime doses of a Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents (GBCA) (12/14). Unconfounded agents triggering GDD were seen in nine subjects. Most subjects (12/14) initiated chelation in the first year after the causative GBCA, and most (11/14) underwent ≤10 chelations with DTPA. Good healthcare status prior to MRI was observed in 5 subjects. The majority (11/14) described their immune status as strong. Severe physical disability prior to chelation was seen in 1.

Conclusion

Subjects with GDD can experience near-cure with IV DTPA chelation. Factors surveyed that predict near-cure include the start of chelation in the first year, few GBCA administrations, and good health status before MRI with GBCA injection. Nonetheless, a few patients with predictors of less successful outcomes still experienced near-cure.
Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) Volatile Compounds Determination by Vacuum-Assisted Sorbent Extraction (VASE)—Selected Aspects
Authors: Jeleń Henryk H. , Marcinkowska Monika
Published: July 2024

Vacuum-Assisted Sorbent Extraction (VASE) is a novel extraction technique that uses vacuum to facilitate the transfer of volatile compounds from the matrix to the sorbent. This technique was explored for extraction of volatiles from cape gooseberry fruit, for both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Selected extraction parameters were tested: sample size, extraction temperature and time, influence of tissue disintegration on release of volatiles, and also addition of Ag+1 ions in the form of AgNO3 to stop enzymatic formation of volatile compounds. For selected conditions (10 g sample, extraction for 30 min. at 40 °C of volatiles from blended fruit) quantitative aspects were explored. Twenty-two compounds of cape gooseberry were tested. The method was characterized with a very good linearity in a range of 10–5000 µg/kg and good reproducibility. The experiments proved the usefulness of VASE in both volatile profiling and quantitative analyses of cape gooseberry and in prospective other fruit.
Deciphering the Role of Trehalose in Chroococcidiopsis sp. 029’s High-Desiccation Resistance: Sequence Determination, Structural Modelling and Simulative Analysis of the 30S Ribosomal Subunit
Authors: Pietrafesa Davide , Napoli Alessandro , Iacovelli Federico , Romeo Alice , Tucci Fabio Giovanni , Billi Daniela , Falconi Mattia
Published: July 2024

Desert strains of the genus Chroococcidiopsis are among the most desiccation-resistant cyanobacteria capable of anhydrobiosis. The accumulation of two sugars, sucrose and trehalose, facilitates the entrance of anhydrobiotes into a reversible state of dormancy by stabilizing cellular components upon water removal. This study aimed to evaluate, at the atomistic level, the role of trehalose in desiccation resistance by using as a model system the 30S ribosomal subunit of the desert cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp. 029. Molecular dynamic simulations provided atomistic evidence regarding its protective role on the 30S molecular structure. Trehalose forms an enveloping shell around the ribosomal subunit and stabilizes the structures through a network of direct interactions. The simulation confirmed that trehalose actively interacts with the 30S ribosomal subunit and that, by replacing water molecules, it ensures ribosomal structural integrity during desiccation, thus enabling protein synthesis to be carried out upon rehydration.
Bridging the Gap between Tourism Development and Urban Planning: Evidence from Greece
Authors: Stamatiou Konstantina
Published: July 2024

This article examines the shifts in spatial planning within Greece’s tourism sector since the 2010s, aimed at addressing the structural problems and challenges of Greek tourism. By exploring the characteristics of urban planning and tourism development in Greece, it investigates the changes in spatial planning in the field of tourism and the emergence of new urban planning mechanisms designed to facilitate and enable integrated tourism development projects. It highlights the interconnections between tourism planning and urban planning, demonstrating how these new urban planning instruments have incorporated tourism planning approaches based on integration and adaptability, with a focus on environmental sustainability.