bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Jean Monnet Chair Freiburg for European Education (JMC-FrEE)
Authors: Óhidy Andrea
Published: April 2023

This paper presents the teaching, research and other activities realized from 2020
to 2023 within the EU-funded Jean Monnet Chair Freiburg for European Education
(JMC-FrEE) at the University of Education in Freiburg (Pädagogische Hochschule
Freiburg). The main objectives of the JMC-FrEE-project are first of all to provide
expert guidance to future educators and teachers about European matters, and to prepare
them to organize learning and teaching processes in a European context for the education
of the next generation of active European citizens. Secondly, more public awareness for
the topic European Education in and outside of the academic world shall be raised on a
national and international level in cooperation with scientists, teachers, civil society
actors, policy makers, journalists and school pupils. To achieve these two goals there
are multidisciplinary teaching activities, research projects and special events in these
areas: Europeanization of Education, Intercultural Education (esp. Multilingual
Education) in Europe and Education for disadvantaged children (esp. from the
Roma-minority) in Europe.
Emotional Encounters During Fieldwork: Researching Brazilian Women Migrants as a Brazilian Women Researcher
Authors: França Thais
Published: April 2023

This paper addresses the ethical implications of doing qualitative research among migrant women while being a migrant woman researcher myself. Brennan (2014)’s affective turn shows us how affect (both positive and negative) irradiates powerfully between one subject and another; while Ahmed (2010) reminds us that our affective situation may shape what/how we will feel. Based on experiences and reflections, since my PhD in 2008, on Brazilian migrants’ experiences in Portugal, I borrow Teresa Brennan’s concepts of affect and Sara Ahmed’s notion of emotion to look at how our encounters throughout our fieldwork with migrant women affect our bodies and vice versa. Moving away from the insider/outsider dichotomy, I argue that our knowledge production practice with migrant women is a reciprocal emotional reaction, surrounded by inequality power dynamics, which entails a set of ethical implications when translating these emotional reactions as research outputs.
DIAGNÓSTICO E ANÁLISE DAS POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS DE FOMENTO À AGRICULTURA URBANA E À PRODUÇÃO AGROECOLÓGICA E ORGÂNICA EM BELO HORIZONTE E REGIÃO METROPOLITANA
Authors: Nascimento Alexandre Túlio Amaral , Silva Lomba Tais , Peruhype de Aguilar Elvira , Ribeiro Evangelista Ana Flávia , Lua Santos Ferreira Henrique
Published: April 2023

Este estudo investigou como a produção de agroecológicos da agricultura urbana de Belo Horizonte e região metropolitana está se valendo dos instrumentos legais e das políticas públicas disponíveis. O trabalho se deu através de revisão bibliográfica, da identificação e contato com instituições atuantes na região e da aplicação de um questionário amostral eletrônico, que obteve 34 respostas. Os resultados destacam: (i) a vitalidade das associações e coletivos envolvidos no movimento agroecológico e de agricultura urbana; (ii) a importância de políticas nacionais, como o PNAE e o PRONAF, e de estratégias amplas adequadas ao território, como o Sistema Participativo de Garantia (SPG) e as Comunidades que Sustentam a Agricultura (CSA); e (iii) a relevância de instrumentos locais, como a formação Trilha da Agroecologia e de articulações interinstitucionais como a da Rede Sisal. Avanços no contexto investigado parecem estar relacionados ao melhor uso de instrumentos disponíveis negligenciados, à consolidação do SPG e à ampliação dos canais de escoamento.
Fracture of the Penis: A Review
Authors: Persaud Satyendra , Persaud Maliza , Naraynsingh Vijay
Published: April 2023

Fracture of the penis is not uncommon and usually occurs during intercourse when the erect penis forcefully hits against the perineum or symphysis pubis. The aetiology varies with geographical area, and additionally penile self-manipulation is more common in the Middle East. While imaging may be used as an adjunct to aid diagnosis, especially in equivocal cases, it remains largely a clinical diagnosis. Immediate repair has been established as the standard of care although delayed repair has also been employed with equally successful outcomes. The degloving incision facilitates very good exposure but repair may be undertaken via a simple direct incision if the fracture site can be localised. Urethral injuries usually require repair, although successful non-operative management of small partial tears has been described. Postoperative medications to suppress erections have not been of proven benefit.
Integrated Farming System Budidaya Ayam dan Ikan Nila dalam Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Desa
Authors: Widodo Ristito , Salsabila Yashinta , Jannah Nuria Fa'ul , Susanto Dani , Novianti Novianti , Agustin Via Anggi , Nurwahid Nurwahid , Pratiwi Freselia Ria , Yulia Utin , Sylviandari Irsa , Tribudi Yuli Arif
Published: April 2023

Sistem Pertanian Terpadu (SPT) dalam pengabdian ini ditujukan untuk mengatasi permasalahan pemenuhan pakan ternak ayam dan ikan akibat harga pakan yang semakin tinggi tiap tahunnya, sekaligus pengurangan limbah organik hasil pertanian dan rumah tangga melalui pemanfaatan larva (maggot) Black Soldier Fly. Pengabdian dilakukan secara bertahap dari perencanaan, persiapan, sosialisasi, pelaksanaan dan pemantauan, hingga penyusunan laporan. Pengabdian telah terlaksana secara efektif, di mana limbah organik telah berkurang karena dimanfaatkan sebagai pakan dalam budidaya maggot. Maggot yang telah dibudidayakan kemudian juga berguna dalam pemberian pakan hewan ternak ayam dan ikan dengan harga yang terjangkau namun memiliki gizi yang tinggi bagi peningkatan imun dan pertumbuhan hewan ternak. Karenanya, SPT dalam pengabdian ini diasumsikan terlaksana secara efektif dalam pengurangan limbah organik sekaligus membantu peternak dalam penyediaan kebutuhan pakan hewan ternak ayam dan ikan.
Social-Crowdfunding “Pohon Asuh” Sebagai Upaya Rehabilitasi Kawasan Hutan Gunung Ungaran
Authors: Kartijono Nugroho Edi , Sholeh Muh. , Gusman Fulia Aji
Published: April 2023

Masyarakat Desa Ngesrepbalong yang tinggal lereng utara Gunung Ungaran memiliki ketergantungan yang tinggi terhadap sumber mata air yang terdapat di dikawasan hutan lindung. Sumber mata air tersebut telah mengalami penurunan baik dari segi kualitas maupun kuantitas yang disebabkan oleh semakin meningkatnya lahan kritis di area hutan karena alih fungsi lahan yang semakin tidak terkendali. Upaya rehabilitasi lahan kritis melalui penanaman pohon telah dilakukan, namun upaya tersebut belum berjalan dengan maksimal karena terkendala tingginya biaya operasional yang dikeluarkan untuk pembibitan, penanaman, dan perawatan tanaman. Saat ini peluang masyarakat umum untuk berpartisipasi dalam kegiatan rehabilitasi lahan kritis melalui crowdfunding sangat terbuka lebar. Kedua hal tersebut sebenarnya saling berkaitan sehingga mempertemukan kepentingan antara pemilik dana dengan masyarakat desa melalui Program Pohon Asuh dapat menjadi solusi atas permasalahan yang ada. Berdasarkan permasalahan tersebut Program Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat ini akan diarahkan pada Pengembangan Program Social-Crowdfunding “Pohon Asuh” Berbasis Website Sebagai Upaya Rehabilitasi Kawasan Hutan Gunung Ungaran. Program pengabdian ini mencakup sosialisasi manajemen Social-Crowdfunding “Pohon Asuh”, pengembangan SOP pengelolaah pohon asuh, dan pelatihan promosi program pohon asuh melalui media website. Hasil yang dicapai dari kegiatan pengabdian ini adalah telah terbentuk struktur pengelola program pohon asuh Gunung Ungaran, tersusun poin-poin kesepakatan perjanjian pohon asuh, SOP pengelolaan program pohon asuh, dan adanya website untuk kegiatan monitoring pohon dan promosi program pohon asuh.
Komposting Sampah Organik Menggunakan Rumah Biakan Larva Lalat Tentara Hitam di Desa Bandarsari, Kecamatan Ngoro, Kabupaten Mojokerto
Authors: Rosariawan Firra , Fadilah Kabul , Hendrasarie Novirina
Published: April 2023

Pengelolaan serta pemanfaatan sampah organik belum memberikan hasil yang signifikan. Kurangnya partisipasi masyarakat serta mahalnya teknologi pengolahan sampah sering menjadi kendala dalam permasalahan sampah. Salah satu cara untuk mendegradasi limbah organik dengan menggunakan organisme yang dapat berperan sebagai agen biokonversi limbah organik adalah dengan menggunakan larva lalat tentara hitam (Hermetia illucens). Studi pendahuluan menunjukkan efektivitas penggunaan unit pengembangbiakan larva lalat tentara hitam yang digunakan sebagai alat dekomposisi sampah organik rumah tangga menggunakan variasi media tumbuh. Penggunaan rumah biakan larva lalat tentara hitam pada skala rumah tangga merupakan salah satu alternatif pengolahan sampah organik serta yang dapat dilakukan dengan mudah. Hasil dekomposisi sampah juga dapat dimanfaatkan untuk menjadi kompos. Kegiatan sosialisasi dan penggunaan rumah biakan larva lalat tentara hitam skala rumah tangga di Desa Bandarsari, Kecamatan Ngoro, Kabupaten Mojokerto dilakukan untuk meningkatkan kesadaran dalam pengolahan sampah rumah tangga yang berkelanjutan. Hasil dari pengabdian masyarakat ini menunjukkan masyarakat di Desa Bandarsari, Kecamatan Ngoro, Kabupaten Mojokerto antusias dan berkeinginan menggunakan rumah biakan larva lalat tentara hitam untuk pengelolaan sampah organik rumah tangga.
Implementasi IOTs Pada Budidaya Udang Skala Rakyat Pokdakan GEMPA 01 Desa Kurau Kabupaten Bangka Tengah
Authors: Pratiwi Fika Dewi , Notonegoro Hartoyo , Zulkia Dwi Rizka
Published: April 2023

Pokdakan Gempa 01 merupakan kelompok pembudidaya udang Vanname (tambak skala rakyat) di desa Kurau Barat, Kecamatan Koba, Kabupaten Bangka Tengah merintis usahanya mulai tahun 2020. Monitoring kualitas air masih dilakukan secara manual dan belum menerapkan teknologi. Padahal, tambak rakyat tersebut berpotensi untuk dapat scale-up ke skala yang lebih besar, apabila mampu mengaplikasikan teknologi, salah satunya berbasis Internet of Things (IoT). Oleh karena itu, program pemberdayaan masyarakat sangat diperlukan,  yang ditujukan implementasi Internet of Things (IoT) untuk usaha budidaya tambak udang skala rakyat. Program pemberdayaan masyarakat dengan skema PMTU akan dilakukan, dengan pendekatan kombinasi metode yaitu melalui penyuluhan atau sosialisasi, pendampingan disertai partisipasi aktif mitra. Program yang direncanakan yaitu sosialisasi dan pengenalan sistem IoT (Internet of Things) dalam manajemen kualitas air budidaya, disertai pendampingan aplikasi sistem IoT. Tahap akhir adalah evaluasi dengan cara membagikan kuesioner skala Likert (1-4) kepada 10 anggota pokdakan Gempa 01. Berdasarkan hasil evaluasi diperoleh bahwa penggunaan IoTs yang tergolong baru tersebut sesuai dengan kebutuhan mitra, serta memiliki nilai manfaat untuk jangka panjang. Anggota kelompok mendapatkan wawasan baru, pemahaman meningkat setelah sosialisasi dan mereka menginginkan keberlanjutan kegiatan pengabdian guna mengingkatkan produktifitas tambak udang. Aplikasi IoT oleh mitra dapat men scale-up tambak udang skala rakyat, dengan indikator data kualitas air tersedia dalam data base yang dapat diakses kapanpun sehingga dapat menunjang keberhasilan budidaya dan dapat dijadikan early warning system sehingga kegagalan panen dapat dihindari.
Pengembangan, Penyuluhan dan Hibah Tangan Prostetik Bagi Anak-Anak Penyandang Disabilitas Tuna Daksa di YPAC Kota Semarang
Authors: Aripin Aripin , Nurcipto Dedi , Kurniatie Menik Dwi , Mayasari Dita Ayu , Suhartono Vincent , Hawari Ihtifazhuddin
Published: April 2023

Salah satu permasalahan yang masih dihadapi oleh pemerintah Kota Semarang adalah tingginya warga penyandang Tuna Daksa. Berdasarkan data Penyandang Masalah Kesejahteraan Sosial (PMKS) Dinas Sosial Kota Semarang, bahwa jumlah penyandang disabilitas untuk jenis tuna daksa adalah 1.758 jiwa. Menurut Wali Kota Semarang Hendrar Prihadi, masih banyak warga penyandang tuna daksa khususnya anak-anak di YPAC Kota Semarang yang memerlukan alat bantu tangan prostetik agar anak-anak dapat beraktifitas dengan normal. Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini bertujuan membantu anak-anak di YPAC Kota Semarang untuk memperoleh tangan prostetik sesuai dengan kebutuhan mereka yang diiringi dengan kegiatan penyuluhan dan pendampingan sehingga bantuan yang diberikan dapat dimanfaatkan secara optimal. Tahapan dalam kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini, terdiri dari 1) Koordinasi dengan yayasan dan pengurus YPAC Kota Semarang, 2) Pendataan anak tuna daksa di YPAC Kota Semarang, 3) Perekaman bentuk dan ukuran tangan anak tuna daksa, 4) Proses desain tangan prostetik, 5) Proses Produksi, 6) Penyusunan buku manual penggunaan dan pemeliharaan tangan prostetik, dan 7) Penyuluhan dan pendampingan, serta hibah tangan prostetik kepada anak tuna daksa. Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini sangat penting untuk membantu anak tuna daksa di YPAC Kota Semarang sehingga dapat beraktifitas sehari-hari secara normal untuk meningkatkan prestasi belajarnya.
Pembuatan Website Untuk Keterbukaan Informasi Dan Publikasi RW 01 Kelurahan Tangkerang Selatan
Authors: Br Tampubolon Veronica Taruli Dwi Cahya
Published: April 2023

Website sebagai bagian dari kinerja internet memberi dampak baik positif maupun negatif bagi budaya masyarakat, serta meningkatkan presepsi dan pengetahuan masyarakat melalui transparansi dan aksesibiltas informasi sehingga informasi tentang desa yang merupakan unsur implisit dari pembangunan terencana dapat sampai ke masyarakat. Pembangunan suatu wilayah juga akan lebih maksimal melalui pemanfaatan website sebagai bentuk keterbukaan informasi publik sehingga mempermudah dalam mempromosikan suatu wilayah dan pemenuhan kebutuhan administrasi masyarakat. Perkembangan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi menuntut RW 01 Kelurahan Tangkerang Selatan dapat mengakses dan menyediakan informasi yang dibutuhkan masyarakat. Permasalahan yang ada yaitu kurangnya pengetahuan serta keterampilan dalam memanfaatkan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi oleh perangkat RW 01 Tangkerang Selatan maupun masyarakatnya. Tujuan kegiatan pengabdian ini adalah memanfaatkan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi secara maksimal dengan merancang sebuah website yang dapat diakses oleh masyarakat luas. Terdapat beberapa metode penerapan kegiatan seperti pembuatan website oleh mahasiswa Kukerta, peluncuran website, dan pelatihan kepada admin dalam mengelola website. Hasil dari program ini yaitu masyarakat dapat mengakses informasi lebih mudah dan efektif.
Pendampingan E-Rapot Tahfizta Versi 1 Tahun Ajaran 2021/2022
Authors: Winarsih Nurul Anisa Sri , Rohman Muhammad Syaifur , Saraswati Galuh Wilujeng , Saputra Filmada Ocky
Published: April 2023

Yayasan Pondok Do'a Ahlul Qur'an atau lebih sering disebut dengan Pondok Doaqu bergerak di bidang sosial keagamaan, khuusnya agama Islam. Pondok Doaqu memiliki visi “Menjadi Mukmin Terbaik Versi Allah SWT dengan Belajar dan Mengajarkan Al Qur’an”. Dari visi tersebut, Pondok Doaqu mendirikan Tahfizta (Tahfiz untuk Balita dan Anak). Tahfizta sudah memiliki 3 cabang di Semarang yaitu Tahfizta Greenwood, Ulul Albab, dan Kalipancur.c Tahfizta memiliki 45 santri yang tersebar di 3 cabang. Santri tersebut dibimbing oleh 7 Guru/ Ustadzah pengajar. Dalam 1 tahun pembelajaran di Tahfizta, terdapat 4x penerimaan rapot yaitu UTS UAS semester 1 dan UTS UAS semester 2. Penilaian tiap rapot meliputi Tahfiz (hafalan), pembelajaran Madrasah, materi keislaman, laporan perkembangan fisik, dan presensi. Para Ustadzah merasa kesulitan mengingat banyaknya indikator yang perlu diisi dan banyaknya murid yang dibina. Terkadang Ustadzah harus meneliti file satu per satu agar nilai rapot yang diinputkan tidak terlewat dan tidak ada kekeliruan. Terlebih proses pengisian rapot dilakukan secara manual menggunakan Microsoft Word. Dilihat dari situasi dan permasalahan mitra, penulis melakukan pendampingan E-Rapot Tahfizta Versi 1 Tahun Ajaran 2021/ 2022.
Pelatihan Pengembangan dan Penggunaan Website Sekolah SMA Fitra Abdi Palembang
Authors: Ramila Rasmila , Fatoni Fatoni , Amalia Rahayu , Raihan Muhammad
Published: April 2023

Percepatan teknologi, arus informasi bergerak sangat dinamis serta kilat pertumbuhan ini membuat banyak transformasi dalam dunia pembelajaran, salah satunya pengembangan serta pemanfaatan satu buah sistem alias website sekolah. Website sekolah dikala ini sebagai tren didunia pembelajaran serta mendapatkan atensi, tangapan yang luar biasa bagus dari bermacam pihak baik dari tenaga pembelajaran, siswa serta jua masyarakat. Dengan website sekolah seluruh pihak dapat meyakini khasiat dari webiste sekolah, web ini dikhususkan buat pelajar dari sekolah bawah sampai sekolah menengah dan para guru. Banyak perihal yang bisa dicoba di web sekolah ini salah satunya bisa mengupdate seluruh aktivitas dari gambar sampai artikel dari aktivitas siswa siswi serta para dewan guru. Aktivitas pengabdian masyarakat ini dicoba dengan metode ceramah serta praktikum yang langsung dicoba oleh Team bersumber pada tugas masing masing yang bertujuan buat bisa menggunakan pengelolahan content web di SMA Fitra Abdi Palembang yang terdiri dari guru, staff serta siswa. Keuntungan website ini sendiri bisa di akses serta di baca oleh seluruh orang. Sistem ini di desain buat pendidikan berlangsung online e-learning, semacam pengerjaan soal-soal kompetensi buat siswa sampai perpustakaan go-digital yang berisikan modul pendidikan siswa siswi yang bersifat online.
Organization Citizenship Behavior: The Role of Spiritual Leadership, Self Efficacy, Locus of Control and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Pandia Molana Malik , Jufrizen Jufrizen , Khair Hazmanan , Tanjung Hasrudy
Published: April 2023

Purpose – This research aimed to investigate and analyze the direct and indirect impact of spiritual leadership, self-efficacy, locus of control, and the job satisfaction of PT. Pelabuhan Indonesia I (Persero) employees on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB).
Methodology – This quantitative research was conducted involving data from 61 employees through questionnaires. The data were analyzed using the Structural Equation Model SMART PLS 3.0.
Findings – The findings demonstrated that OCB is significantly positively influenced by spiritual leadership, self-efficacy, locus of control, and job satisfaction. Meanwhile, job satisfaction is significantly positively impacted by spiritual leadership, self-efficacy, locus of control, and OCB. This parameter also mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and locus of control with OCB.
Originality – This research examined OCB, which has a broad and significant impact on company performance. It also provided better comprehension concerning the relationship of spiritual leadership, self-efficacy, locus of control, and job satisfaction on this indicator.
Adjustments to the reference dataset design improve cell type label transfer
Authors: Mölbert Carla , Haghverdi Laleh
Published: April 2023

The transfer of cell type labels from pre-annotated (reference) to newly collected data is an important task in single-cell data analysis. As the number of publicly available annotated datasets which can be used as reference, as well as the number of computational methods for cell type label transfer are constantly growing, rationals to understand and decide which reference design and which method to use for a particular query dataset are needed. Using detailed data visualisations and interpretable statistical assessments, we benchmark a set of popular cell type annotation methods, test their performance on different cell types and study the effects of the design of reference data (e.g., cell sampling criteria, inclusion of multiple datasets in one reference, gene set selection) on the reliability of predictions. Our results highlight the need for further improvements in label transfer methods, as well as preparation of high-quality pre-annotated reference data of adequate sampling from all cell types of interest, for more reliable annotation of new datasets.
Role of carboxylic organic molecules in interfibrillar collagen mineralization
Authors: Indurkar Abhishek , Choudhary Rajan , Rubenis Kristaps , Locs Janis
Published: April 2023

Bone is a composite material made up of inorganic and organic counterparts. Most of the inorganic counterpart accounts for calcium phosphate (CaP) whereas the major organic part is composed of collagen. The interfibrillar mineralization of collagen is an important step in the biomineralization of bone and tooth. Studies have shown that synthetic CaP undergoes auto-transformation to apatite nanocrystals before entering the gap zone of collagen. Also, the synthetic amorphous calcium phosphate/collagen combination alone is not capable of initiating apatite nucleation rapidly. Therefore, it was understood that there is the presence of a nucleation catalyst obstructing the auto-transformation of CaP before entering the collagen gap zone and initiating rapid nucleation after entering the collagen gap zone. Therefore, studies were focused on finding the nucleation catalyst responsible for the regulation of interfibrillar collagen mineralization. Organic macromolecules and low-molecular-weight carboxylic compounds are predominantly present in the bone and tooth. These organic compounds can interact with both apatite and collagen. Adsorption of the organic compounds on the apatite nanocrystal governs the nucleation, crystal growth, lattice orientation, particle size, and distribution. Additionally, they prevent the auto-transformation of CaP into apatite before entering the interfibrillar compartment of the collagen fibril. Therefore, many carboxylic organic compounds have been utilized in developing CaP. In this review, we have covered different carboxylate organic compounds governing collagen interfibrillar mineralization.
Analysis on the thermal decomposition kinetics and storage period of biomass-based lycorine galanthamine
Authors: Qin Chong , Ling Weihong , Tian Chunlian
Published: April 2023

As global ageing deepens and galanthamine is the preferred clinical drug for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, it will be valuable to examine the behaviour and mechanism of galanthamine’s thermal decomposition for its quality control, formulation process, evaluation of thermal stability, and expiry date in production. In order to study the pyrolysis of galanthamine hydrobromide with nitrogen as the carrier gas, a thermogravimetric-differential thermogravimetric technique (TG-DTG) was applied at a temperature rise rate of 10 K min−1 and a volume flow rate of 35 mL min−1. The apparent activation energy Ea and the prefactor A (Ea = 224.45 kJ mol−1 and lnA = 47.40) of the thermal decomposition reaction of galanthamine hydrobromide were calculated according to the multiple heating rate method (Kissinger and Ozawa) and the single heating rate method (Coats-Redfern and Achar), and the most probable mechanism function was derived, and then the storage period was inferred from Ea and E. A three-dimensional diffusion mechanism was suggested to control the thermal decomposition of galanthamine hydrobromide in accordance with the Jander equation, random nucleation and subsequent growth control, corresponding to the Mample one-way rule and the Avrami-Erofeev equation. As a result, the thermal decomposition temperature of galanthamine hydrobromide gradually increased with the rate of temperature rise. From Gaussian simulations and thermogravimetric data, galanthamine hydrobromide decomposed at the first stage (518.25–560.75 K) to release H2O, at the second stage (563.25–650.75 K) to generate CO, CO2, NH3 and other gases, and finally at the third stage (653.25–843.25 K) to release CO2. After 843.25 K, the residual molecular skeleton is cleaved to release CO2 and H2O. According to the Ea and A presenting in the first stage of thermal decomposition, it is assumed that the storage life of galanthamine hydrobromide at room temperature 298.15 K is 4–5 years.
First report on severe septic shock associated with human Parvovirus B19 infection after cardiac surgery
Authors: Xiang Chunlin , Wu Xiaoxiao , Wei Youkang , Li Tianlong , Tang Xuemei , Wang Yi , Zhang Xiaoqin , Huang Xiaobo , Wang Yiping
Published: April 2023

Background

Human Parvovirus B19 (PB19) is a single-stranded DNA virus. Septic shock from viremia is rare with PB19; however, this infection can progress to life-threatening conditions. We report the first case of severe septic shock associated with a PB19 infection after cardiac surgery.

Case Presentation

A 50-year-old Chinese woman received elective double metal valve replacement, including the aortic valve and the mitral valve, under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and suffered severe septic shock on postoperative day (PD) 30. Through the detection of PB19-specific nucleic acids in blister fluid and serum samples via metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), positive serum PB19 IgM and no other proven infection, acute PB19 infection was confirmed. After five days of combined treatment, no further fever or abdominal discomfort was noted, and the patient’s circulation gradually became stable without vasoactive medications.

Conclusion

PB19 may be an unrecognized cause of septic shock, rash, fever of unknown origin or multiple systemic signs and symptoms, especially in immunosuppressed and immunocompetent critically ill patients. Investigations for viral aetiology are needed.
“Development” definitions of internally displaced people and the government: A study of the Chenchu tribe in the Nallamala forest of southern India
Authors: Jinka Ramamurthy Malavika , Hoffman David M.
Published: April 2023

The Government of India’s twin objectives of protecting the tiger population in the Nallamala forest and providing “development” to the indigenous Chenchu people have resulted in an ongoing process of displacement of the Chenchu people from the forest to the town fringes. While the conservation-displacement nexus has bridged new anthropocentric pathways for development, it has also created deeper crevices in the innate relationships of the Chenchu with the forests and tigers. The research uses a bottom-up approach to present on-the-ground realities of conservation and development policies of the Indian Government and the Chenchu people, particularly, the Chenchu’s development expectations, relationship with the forest and tigers, and displacement views as well as the government’s tiger conservation objectives, development promises, and perspectives on Chenchu development and forest conservation. The paper is a comparative study of the definitions of “development” held by the internally displaced Chenchu people and the Indian government representatives of the Integrated Tribal Development Agency and the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve, and the local non-government organizations that collaborate with the Government.
Association polymorphism of guanine nucleotide–binding protein β3 subunit (GNB3) C825T and insertion/deletion of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene with peripartum cardiomyopathy
Authors: Dewi Ivana Purnama , Wardhani Louisa Fadjri Kusuma , Maghfirah Irma , Dewi Kristin Purnama , Subagjo Agus , Alsagaff Mochamad Yusuf , Nugroho Johanes
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a potentially life-threatening pregnancy-related heart disease. Genetic roles such as gene polymorphisms may relate to the etiology of PPCM. This study analyzes the association between single nucleotide gene polymorphism (SNP) guanine nucleotide–binding protein beta-3 subunit (GNB3) C825T and insertion/deletion (I/D) of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene with the incidence of PPCM.

Methods

An analytic observational study with a case–control design was conducted at the Integrated Cardiac Service Center of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia. PPCM patients of the case and control groups were enrolled. Baseline characteristic data were collected and blood samples were analyzed for SNP in the GNB3 C825T gene and for I/D in the ACE gene by using the polymerase chain reaction, restriction fragment length polymorphism, and Sanger sequencing. We also assessed ACE levels among different ACE genotypes using a sandwich-ELISA test.

Results

A total of 100 patients were included in this study, with 34 PPCM cases and 66 controls. There were significant differences in GNB3 TT and TC genotypes in the case group compared with that in the control group (TT: 35.3% vs. 10.6%, p = 0.003; TC: 41.2% vs. 62.5%, p = 0.022). The TT genotype increased the risk of PPCM by 4.6-fold. There was also a significant difference in the ACE DD genotype in the case group compared with that in the control group (26.5% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.021). DD genotypes increased the risk of PPCM by 3.6-fold. ACE levels were significantly higher in the DD genotype group than in the ID and II genotype groups (4,356.88 ± 232.44 pg/mL vs. 3,980.91 ± 77.79 pg/mL vs. 3,679.94 ± 325.77 pg/mL, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The TT genotype of GNB3 and the DD genotype of the ACE are likely to increase the risk of PPCM. Therefore, these polymorphisms may be predisposing risk factors for PPCM incidence. ACE levels were significantly higher in the DD genotype group, which certainly had clinical implications for the management of PPCM patients in the administration of ACE inhibitors as one of the therapy options.
The safety, benefits and future development of overnight and outpatient thyroidectomy
Authors: Su Duntao , Zhang Zeyu , Xia Fada , Li Xinying
Published: April 2023

With the development of medical care, the safety of thyroidectomy is improving year by year. Due to economic benefits and other advantages of the overnight and outpatient thyroidectomy, more and more patients and medical institutions have favored overnight and outpatient thyroidectomy, and its proportion in thyroidectomy has increased year by year. However, overnight and outpatient thyroidectomy still faces many challenges and remains to be improved. In this review, we focused on the recent progress and the relevant clinical features of overnight and outpatient thyroidectomy, including its safety, economic benefits, etc., which may bring valuable clues and information for further improvements of patient benefits and promotions of overnight or outpatient thyroidectomy in the future.
Mini-puberty testosterone and infant autistic traits
Authors: Tsompanidis Alex , Hampton Sarah , Aydin Ezra , Allison Carrie , Holt Rosemary , Baron-Cohen Simon
Published: April 2023

Background

Levels of steroid hormones in the first three months of life, a period referred to as ‘mini-puberty’, are one of the earliest physiological differences between typical males and females postnatally. Autistic traits also show consistent typical sex differences in later infancy, after the 18th month of life. Previous studies have shown prenatal testosterone is associated with later levels of autistic traits. Studies testing if postnatal testosterone levels are associated with autistic traits have reported null results. No studies to date have investigated mini-puberty longitudinally or tested for interactions with baseline sex differences or familial likelihood of autism.

Methods

The ‘Cambridge Human Imaging and Longitudinal Development Study’ (CHILD) is a prospective enriched cohort study in Cambridge, UK. It includes physiological measurements in early infancy, as well as neurodevelopmental follow-ups over the first two years of life. A subset of the cohort also includes children with a family history of autism (a diagnosed parent or sibling). Salivary testosterone levels were assessed at two time-points, just after the 2nd and 6th month of life. Autistic traits were measured using the Quantitative Checklist of Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT) when the children were 18 months of age.

Results

Salivary testosterone levels were significantly higher during ‘mini-puberty’ in the 2nd and 3rd month of life, compared to after the 6th month of life, in both males and females. There was no significant sex difference at either time-point. Log-transformed testosterone levels were not associated with autistic traits (Q-CHAT). There was no interaction effect with infant sex, autism family history or baseline testosterone levels after mini-puberty (at >6 months of age).

Conclusion

Both male and female infants have elevated levels of salivary testosterone during mini-puberty but in this relatively small sample this was not associated with their later autistic traits at 18 months or their family history of autism. This suggests that prenatal rather than postnatal testosterone levels are more relevant for understanding the causes of autism. Future studies should test these relationships in larger samples.
Joint association of hyperuricemia and chronic kidney disease with mortality in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Wang Chi , Che Hebin , Zhou You , Wang Ruiqing , Zhu Di , Cheng Liting , Rao Chongyou , Zhong Qin , Li Zongren , Duan Yongjie , Xu Jiayu , Dong Wei , Bai Yongyi , He Kunlun
Published: April 2023

Background

The joint association of hyperuricemia and chronic kidney disease (CKD) with mortality in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) is not conclusive.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China. We included 9,367 patients with CHF, who were hospitalized between January 2011 and June 2019. The definitions of hyperuricemia and CKD were based on laboratory test, medication use, and medical record. We categorized patients with CHF into 4 groups according to the absence (-) or presence (+) of hyperuricemia and CKD. The primary outcomes included in-hospital mortality and long-term mortality. We used multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate the mortality risk according to the hyperuricemia/CKD groups.

Results

We identified 275 cases of in-hospital mortality and 2,883 cases of long-term mortality in a mean follow-up of 4.81 years. After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that compared with the hyperuricemia-/CKD- group, the risks of in-hospital mortality were higher in the hyperuricemia+/CKD- group (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.58 [1.01-2.46]), hyperuricemia-/CKD+ group (OR, 95% CI: 1.67 [1.10-2.55]), and hyperuricemia+/CKD+ group (OR, 95% CI: 2.12 [1.46-3.08]). Similar results were also found in long-term mortality analysis. Compared with the hyperuricemia-/CKD- group, the adjusted hazard ratios and 95% CI for long-term mortality were 1.25 (1.11-1.41) for hyperuricemia+/CKD- group, 1.37 (1.22-1.53) for hyperuricemia-/CKD+ group, and 1.59 (1.43-1.76) for hyperuricemia+/CKD+ group. The results remained robust in the sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

Hyperuricemia and CKD, both individually and cumulatively, are associated with increased mortality risk in patients with CHF. These results highlighted the importance of the combined control of hyperuricemia and CKD in the management of heart failure.
Climate change and pregnancy complications: From hormones to the immune response
Authors: Yüzen Dennis , Graf Isabel , Diemert Anke , Arck Petra Clara
Published: April 2023

Pregnant women are highly vulnerable to adverse environments. Accumulating evidence highlights that increasing temperatures associated with the ongoing climate change pose a threat to successful reproduction. Heat stress caused by an increased ambient temperature can result in adverse pregnancy outcomes,e.g., preterm birth, stillbirth and low fetal weight. The pathomechanisms through which heat stress interferes with pregnancy maintenance still remain vague, but emerging evidence underscores that the endocrine system is severely affected. It is well known that the endocrine system pivotally contributes to the physiological progression of pregnancy. We review – sometimes speculate - how heat stress can offset hormonal dysregulations and subsequently derail other systems which interact with hormones, such as the immune response. This may account for the heat-stress related threat to successful pregnancy progression, fetal development and long-term children’s health.
DNA methylation enzymes in the kidneys of male and female BTBR ob/ob mice
Authors: Veloso Pereira Beatriz Maria , Charleaux de Ponte Mariana , Malavolta Luz Ana Paula , Thieme Karina
Published: April 2023

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of the end-stage renal disease. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic modifications contribute to alterations in gene expression and the development of DKD. This study aimed to show an expression profile of key DNA (de)methylation enzymes (DNMT, TET proteins) and their differences between sexes under obesity and diabetic condition. Male and female black and tan brachyury (BTBR) ob/ob mice and their corresponding wild-type littermates (BTBR WT) were studied until 16 weeks of age. Metabolic parameters, kidney morphophysiology and the expression of fibrotic markers and epigenetic enzymes were studied in whole kidney tissue or specifically in the glomerulus. The results showed sexual dimorphism in the development of metabolic disease and in kidney morphophysiology. Female mice have a different profile of DNMTs expression in both WT and obese/diabetic condition. Furthermore, metabolic condition negatively modulated the glomerular expression of TET1 and TET3 only in females. To our knowledge, this is the first study that shows a kidney profile of the expression of key (de)methylation enzymes, DNMTs and TETs, in the BTBR ob/ob experimental model of DKD and its association with sex. The knowledge of this epigenetic profile may help future research to understand the pathophysiology of DKD in males and females.
Agricultural development policy diffusion associated with leading cadre’s experience and expansion of protected agriculture in China
Authors: Liu Min , Qi Danshu , Zhong Taiyang
Published: April 2023

Protected agriculture has notably expanded since 2010 in China and many factors have influenced protected agricultural expansion. Yet little attention has been paid to how the successful experiences of protected agriculture demonstration areas have been diffused. Leading cadres are considered to play an important role in the policy diffusion process, yet little attention has been paid to the influence of leading cadres with connections to industry demonstration regions on industry development. Thus, this study examined the impact of mayors and municipal party secretaries connected to four protected agriculture demonstration regions—Shandong Province, Jiangsu Province, Hebei Province, and Liaoning Province—on the expansion of protected agriculture. This study used panel data from 314 prefectural-level cities and 1792 counties for the period 2014–2018 and the multidimensional fixed-effects model for a quantitative study. The results show that connected mayors significantly contribute to the expansion of protected agriculture, with the scale of protected agriculture in the county-level areas under their jurisdiction being on average 10.8% higher than that in areas under the jurisdiction of unconnected mayors. The effect of connected municipal secretaries on the expansion of protected agriculture was not significant. In addition, there were geographical differences in the impact of leading cadres on the expansion of protected agriculture. The positive impact of leading cadres on the protected agriculture expansion is significantly weakened when the area under their jurisdiction is located in the less economically developed western region or is part of the comprehensive climate unsuitable area during the March-June sowing period. The leading cadres connected to Shandong Province, Liaoning Province, and Jiangsu Province respectively had significantly different but positive impacts on the expansion of protected agriculture.
Frontline governmental cooperation in environmental governance: A case analysis on the ecological demonstration zone in China
Authors: Li Li , Wang Jiong , Huangfu Xin , Lu Yichao
Published: April 2023

This study investigates the establishment of the Yangtze River Delta Eco-Green Integrated Development Demonstration Zone (also known as Ecological Demonstration Zone). During the inspection and acceptance process of the higher-level government, the authors identified two distinct types of government cooperation between frontline environmental policy implementers and middle-level government, as well as the public. The new interaction emphasizes cooperation between implementers and the public, while the traditional interaction involves collaboration between implementers and the government. This research aims to comprehend the underlying reasons for the shift in the targeted interaction of frontline government in environmental governance. The study uses fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to explore the cooperation dynamics in the implementation of environmental policies and to uncover that the power to promote the interaction of frontline governments in environmental governance comes from institutional change factors such as fuzzy task models and qualitative on-site inspections and acceptances by higher-level governments.
Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed genes involved in the sexual size dimorphisms and expressed sequence tag-Simple Sequence Repeat loci validation in Odorrana graminea
Authors: Li Hanyu , He Wenke , Wang Tonghang , Cui Chong , Zhang Jie , Chen Xiaohong
Published: April 2023

Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is widespread among animals and is characterized by differences in body size between sexes. Previous studies suggested SSD might reflect the adaptations of particular sexes to their specific reproductive or ecological roles. The large green cascade frogs (Odorrana graminea) exhibit obvious SSD that females are nearly twice the body size of males. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying SSD of O. graminea are still unknown. In the present study, we first obtained nearly 5 Gb of the transcriptome data through Illumina sequencing, and the de novo transcriptome assembly produced 189,868 unigenes of O. graminea. A total of 774 significantly sex-differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Of which, 436 DEGs showed significantly higher expression levels in females than those in males, whereas 338 DEGs showed significantly lower expression in females than those in males. We also found 10 sex-differentially expressed genes related to energy metabolism between sexes of O. graminea, and these DEGs were related to the estrogen signaling pathway, oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid biosynthesis, gastric acid secretion, and nitrogen metabolism. We found that the differences in energy metabolism and steroid hormone synthesis might be the main driving force leading to the sexual growth dimorphism of O. graminea. In addition, a total of 63,269 potential EST-SSR loci and 4,669 EST-SSR loci were detected and validated in different populations of O. graminea and other species within Odorrana. The assembled transcriptome will facilitate functional genomic studies of O. graminea and the developed EST-SSR markers will contribute to the population genetics of the species within Odorrana. The sex-differentially expressed genes involved in energy metabolism might provide insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying the SSD of O. graminea.
Identifying the genetic causes of phenotypically diagnosed Pakistani mucopolysaccharidoses patients by whole genome sequencing
Authors: Gul Rutaba , Firasat Sabika , Schubert Mikkel , Ullah Asmat , Peña Elionora , Thuesen Anne C. B. , Hussain Mulazim , Staeger Frederik F. , Gjesing Anette P. , Albrechtsen Anders , Hansen Torben
Published: April 2023

Background: Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are a group of inherited metabolic diseases, which encompass more than 50 different subtypes of pathologies. These disorders are caused by defects in lysosomal enzymes, transporters, and other non-lysosomal proteins. Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is the most common subgroup of lysosomal storage disorders in which the body is unable to properly breakdown mucopolysaccharides. The aim of the present study was to identify novel genes and pathogenic variants in families from diverse regions of Pakistan with clinically diagnosed mucopolysaccharidosis type I and mucopolysaccharidosis type II.

Methods: Clinical diagnosis identified 12 with mucopolysaccharidosis I and 2 with mucopolysaccharidosis II in 14 families and whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to identify the causative variations in 15 affected individuals. Twenty-two unaffected individuals including parents or normal siblings of patients were also sequenced. Putative causal variants were identified by co-segregation and functional annotation.

Results: Analysis of whole genome sequencing data revealed ten novel and six previously reported variants in lysosomal storage disorders-associated genes (IDUA, GALNS, SGSH, GAA, IDS, ALDOB, TRAPPC4, MASP1, SMARCAL, KIAA1109, HERC1, RRAS2) and a novel candidate gene (ABCA5) for lysosomal storage disorder-like phenotypes, which has previously been associated with symptoms strongly related with lysosomal storage disorder in animal models.

Conclusion: Multigenic inheritance was found in several families highlighting the importance of searching for homozygous pathogenic variants in several genes also in families with a high degree of consanguinity.
Production performance of four lines of Japanese quail reared under tropical climatic conditions of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Arunrao Keche Vishal , Kannan Duraisamy , Amutha Ramasamy , Thiruvenkadan Aranganoor Kannan , Yakubu Abdulmojeed
Published: April 2023

This research investigated the growth and other production traits of four distinct lines (L1, L2, L3, and L4) of Japanese quail (Cortunix japanoica) kept in the tropical climate of Tamil Nadu, India. The traits related to body weight at different weeks and weight gain were measured in 180 birds (90 males and 90 females) per line up to the fifth week of age, and then 90 birds (females only) from the sixth to the 16th week of age, with egg production and feed efficiency parameters measured in 10 observations per line. The traits were analysed using the General Linear Model procedure, and Tukey’s HSD was used to test for statistical differences (p < 0.05) between the means for subclasses under a specific effect. The results revealed a highly significant difference (p < 0.01) in body weight from hatch to fifth week of age. At 5th week of age, the L3 and L2 did not differ (p > 0.05) based on Tukey test; therefore, both presented the highest values and were statistically significant (p < 0.01) with L4 with a lowest value of 203.62 g. The cumulative fifth week feed conversion ratio showed non-significant difference (p > 0.05) at first and second week, and highly significant difference (p < 0.01) from third to fifth week of age. The age at 50 per cent egg production was 60.2 (L4), 61.4 (L2), 65.1 (L3) and 66.0 (L1) days and the L1 egg production differed significantly (p < 0.01) from L4 line. The highest bodyweight (g) during the laying period (at 15 weeks of age) was observed in L2 (327.08) and L3 (326.54) and differed significantly (p < 0.01) from L1 (309.24) as well as L4 (288.69) lines. The mean egg weight (g) of different lines showed non-significant difference (p > 0.05) at all weeks, except at 11th week of age (p < 0.01). The mean feed consumption (g)/bird/day differed significantly (p < 0.01) from 6th to 16th week of age, except at sixth and eighth week of age, where it was non-significant (p > 0.05). The overall feed efficiency/dozen of eggs (from 6th to 16th weeks) ranged from 1.33 (L1) to 1.98 (L3). The livability from 6 to 16 weeks of age was 100 per cent in all the lines. In order to boost Japanese quail production in the tropics, L3 and L4 may be selected for body weight and egg production, respectively.