bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kokoomuksen ja Suomen Sosialidemokraattisen Puolueen sosiaalisen median sivistykselliset käytännöt
Authors: Pastuhov Annika
Published: April 2024

Poliittisten puolueiden yhteiskunnallisiin tehtäviin kuuluu poliittisten näkemysten esittely ja vaihtoehtojen tarjoaminen demokraattiseen keskusteluun, mitä voidaan tarkastella aikuiskasvatuksellisena tehtävänä. Tarkastelen Kansallisen Kokoomuksen (kokoomus) ja Suomen Sosialidemokraattisen Puolueen (SDP) sosiaalisen median sisältöjä sivistyksellisinä käytäntöinä. Tutkimus kohdistuu Suomessa vuonna 2022 käytyyn turvallisuuspoliittiseen keskusteluun. Tarkastelen puolueiden sekä niiden puheenjohtajien turvallisuuspolitiikkaa koskevia Instagram-julkaisuja kysymällä, 1) mitä turvallisuuspoliittisia vaihtoehtoja puolueet tuovat esiin sivistyksellisillä käytännöillään ja 2) mitkä ennakkoehdot mahdollistavat ja rajoittavat näiden esiin tuomisen. Käytäntöteoriaan tukeutumalla tutkimus osoittaa, kuinka tutkitut puolueet puheenjohtajineen esittelevät eritoten Ukrainan tukemisen ja Natoon liittymisen toivottuina turvallisuuspoliittisina vaihtoehtoina, joita esitellään eri ennakkoehtoihin nojautuen. Kokoomuksella vaihtoehtojen esittelyä leimaa ytimekäs kieli, joka liitetään toistuvasti puolueväen tapaamisiin tai puolueen johtohahmojen kannanottoihin. SDP tukeutuu vaihtoehtojen esittelyssä politiikan virallisiin ilmaisuihin, tekemisen tapoihin ja rooleihin. Kummankin puolueen tutkitut sosiaalisen median käytännöt esittelevät vaihtoehtojen asiayhteyksiä niukasti, mikä tekee vaihtoehtojen puntaroimisen haasteelliseksi ja asettaa sivistyksellisyyden paitsioon.
Puhuminen ja kirjoittaminen kotoutumiskoulutuksessa
Authors: Seppä Marianne , Ahlholm Maria
Published: April 2024

Tutkimme artikkelissa kotoutumiskoulutuksen suomenopettajien tapaa jäsentää omaa toimintaansa aikuisten maahanmuuttajien kielen tuottamistaitojen eli puhumisen ja kirjoittamisen taitojen tukijoina. Opettajat nähdään ekososiaalisen viitekehyksen mukaisesti mesotason toimijoina, joiden työtä määrittävät makrotasolla yhteiskunnalliskulttuuriset reunaehdot ja mikrotasolla kohtaamiset opiskelijoiden kanssa. Tutkimuskysymyksinä ovat, miten opettajat kuvaavat suomen kielen tuottamistaitojen kehittymistä ja siihen tarjoamaansa tukea. Aineisto koostuu kahdeksan haastatteluhetkellä työssä olleen opettajan teemahaastatteluista. Teemahaastattelut analysoitiin semanttisella verbianalyysillä, ja tulokset kuvattiin kolmen opettajadiskurssin kautta: opettaja 1) kielen kehittymisen analysoijana, 2) kommunikoijana ja tekemisen aktivoijana sekä 3) työnsä reflektoijana. Tulosten mukaan opettajat ovat tietoisia kielen kehittymisen prosessin epälineaarisuudesta, ja heillä on hallussaan käytännön pedagogisia keinoja tukea tuottamistaitoja. Kirjoittamisen taidoissa opettajat kaipaavat lisää osaamista siihen, miten tukea opiskelijoita, joiden kirjalliset taidot omalla äidinkielelläkin ovat vasta kehittyviä. Opettajat joutuvat myös jatkuvasti pohtimaan työnsä reunaehtoja ja kehittämiskohteita. Tuloksia voidaan soveltaa etsittäessä keinoja tukea heterogeenisistä taustoista tulevien opiskelijoiden kielen kehittymistä.
”Aikuiskasvatustiede tuo esiin kasvamisen ja oppimisen merkityksen jokaisen aikuisen elämässä”
Authors: Korhonen Mari
Published: April 2024

Erikoistutkijana Turun yliopistossa työskentelevä Mirva Heikkilä, 41, pitää tärkeänä, että tutkimuksen ja opetuksen välistä yhteyttä vaalitaan.
Kustannusten hallinta olennainen osa maitotilayrityksen johtamista
Authors: Ryhänen Matti , Sipiläinen Timo , Rajakorpi Jyrki
Published: April 2024

Tämän artikkelin tavoitteena on selvittää miten maitotilayrittäjät seuraavat kustannuksia, miten he pyrkivät hallitsemaan kustannuksia ja mitä tukea he kaipaavat sidosryhmiltä kustannusten hallintaan. Aineisto hankittiin kirjallisuudesta, Forms-kyselyllä ja kolmesta työpajasta. Työpajat järjestettiin Seinäjoella, Lapinlahdella ja Riihimäellä. Työpajoihin osallistui 24 maitotilayrittäjää, jotka aikovat kehittää yritystoimintaansa lähitulevaisuudessa ja 24 sidosryhmien edustajaa, jotka tulivat neuvontaorganisaatioista, pankeista ja meijereistä. Työpajatyöskentelyn aluksi esitettiin Forms-kyselyn tulokset ja kustannusten hallinnan viitekehys. Työpajoissa maitotilayrittäjät ja sidosryhmien edustajat kertoivat käsityksiään ja näkemyksiään kustannusten hallinnasta vuorovaikutteisesti, mikä syvensi tiedon tuottamista. Työpajatyöskentely nauhoitettiin, nauhoitteet litteroitiin ja analysoitiin. Aineistoa käsiteltiin tavoiteasetannan pohjalta ja osin aineistolähtöisesti. Tulkinta tehtiin aiheperusteisesti. Meijeri päättää raakamaidon hinnoittelun ja laatukriteerit. Kun tuotetta ei voi erilaistaa, kustannusten hallinta on olennainen osa maitotilayrityksen johtamista. Kustannusten hallinta edellyttää hyvää tuottavuutta eli panosten muuntamista tehokkaasti tuotokseksi. Kustannustehokas tuottavuuden kasvattaminen on tärkeä maitotilayrittäjän käytössä oleva keino pienentää maitolitran tuotantokustannusta. Työpajatulosten mukaan pääosa maitotilayrittäjistä tarkastelee talouttaan lähinnä rahan riittävyyden näkökulmasta. Kustannusten seuranta- ja kannattavuusnäkökulmat jäävät sitä vähemmälle huomiolle. Lypsylehmien ruokinnassa ja peltojen viljelyssä nähdään eniten mahdollisuuksia pienentää maitolitran tuotantokustannusta. Pitkävaikutteisten panosten kustannusvaikutusten hahmottaminen on osalle maitotilayrittäjistä haasteellista. Hyvän tietojärjestelmän tarve ja merkitys kustannusten hallinnassa tiedostetaan. Silti systemaattinen tietojen keruu ja hyödyntäminen sekä suunnittelu- ja tarkkailulaskennan käyttö on vähäistä. Kustannuksia pyritään hallitsemaan tulevaisuudessa tietojärjestelmän hyödyntämisellä, tuottavuutta kasvattamalla ja ydinosaamiseen panostamalla. Uudet toimintamallit mahdollistavat optimaalisen yrityskoon ja konekaluston hankinnan sekä yksikkökustannusten pienentämisen. Yhteistyöllä parannetaan resurssien ja osaamisen saatavuutta, lisätään tuottavuutta ja pienennetään yksikkökustannusta. Yhteistyön haasteena on löytää kumppaneita, joilla on yhtenevät arvot ja tavoitteet. Maitotilayrittäjät kaipaavat sidosryhmiltä tukea luotettavien tietojen hankinnassa, kustannusten hallinnan sparrauksessa ja tulosten tulkinnassa. Tärkeänä pidetään asiantuntijoiden kykyä tunnistaa tulevaisuuden haasteita ja auttaa maitotilayrittäjää muodostamaan oikea käsitys yritystoiminnan kehittämisedellytyksistä, etenkin isoja investointeja suunniteltaessa.
Maan viljavuusfosforipitoisuus vaikuttaa ohran satoon fosforilannoitusta voimakkaammin
Authors: Termonen Maarit , Louhisuo Arja , Järvenranta Kirsi , Virkajärvi Perttu
Published: April 2024

Fosforin (P) lannoituskokeita on tyypillisesti tehty koeasetelmalla, jossa P-lannoittamatonta koejäsentä verrataan erisuuruisiin P-lannoituksiin viljavuus-P-luokaltaan tasaisella koealueella. Ohran tiedetään hyötyvän P-lannoituksesta säilörehunurmia enemmän matalissa viljavuus-P-luokissa. Eri peltolohkoilla tehtyjä eri kasvilajien kokeita ei kuitenkaan voi verrata toisiinsa tilastollisesti, eikä tutkimustietoa maan P-luokan ja lannoitefosforin yhdysvaikutuksesta juurikaan ole. Tässä kokeessa haluttiin selvittää maan viljavuus-P-luokan vaikutusta satotasoon, sadon laatuun ja P-pitoisuuteen sekä P-taseeseen. Lisäksi tutkittiin maan P-luokan ja P-lannoituksen välistä mahdollista yhdysvaikutusta. Koe toteutettiin osana Makera-rahoitteista (MMM) FOMARE-hanketta. Kenttäkoe toteutettiin v. 2020–2023 Luke Maaningalla tutkimuskentällä, jossa matalan viljavuus-P:n (runsasmultainen hiesusavi, vilj.-P keskimäärin 5,3 mg l-1) lohkolle on luotu kolmena toistona keskimääräisen (vilj.-P 13,6 mg l-1) ja korkean (vilj.-P 22,9 mg l-1) P-luokan pääruudut kaksoissuperfosfaattilannoituksella vuosina 2017–2018. Kokeessa oli mukana sekä puitava ohra että säilörehunurmi. Tässä raportoidaan ohratulokset. Osaruutuna toteutettiin P-lannoitukset 0, 10, 20 ja 40 kg P ha-1 ohran kylvön yhteydessä. Ohra reagoi selvästi maan P-luokkaan. Korkeimmassa P-luokassa saatiin suurempia jyväsatoja riippumatta kylvön yhteydessä annetun P-lannoituksen määrästä, vaikka erot eivät aina olleet tilastollisesti merkitseviä. Fosforilannoitus lisäsi jyväsatoa matalimmassa P-luokassa. Viljavuus-P laski kokeen aikana matalassa P-luokassa keskimäärin 0,3 mg l-1, keskimääräisessä luokassa 2,7 mg l-1 ja korkeassa luokassa 5,4 mg l-1. Koko koejakson aikana 40 kg P ha-1 lannoituksella viljavuus-P aleni vähemmän kuin muilla lannoituksilla. Karjatiloilla, joilla tyypillisesti on nurmikierrossa mukana ohraa, ohran nurmesta poikkeava fosforintarve on syytä ottaa huomioon.
Students’ Perception Toward English Meeting Club of Their Speaking Skill
Authors: Harzanah Novi Dwi , Islam Muhammad Hifdil , Hamdany Beny
Published: April 2024

This research aims to assess the students' perceptions of English meeting club of their speaking in the language. Istiqlal Islamic Boarding School's English class chose three students to participate in the research. The researchers used a descriptive qualitative method and collected data using two steps: an observational and an interview.  The result of this research is majority of students in this research had a positive perception of English meeting club. The students are believing that by joining the English club, they would be able to improve their speaking skills. Another thing the student thought would help them improve their communication skills, especially their pronunciation, was going to English club meetings. On top of that, it might stand in for students who have problems with public speaking fear and low confidence.
MOC VE MĚSTĚ STŘÍBRA V ÉŘE JIŘÍHO Z PODĚBRAD
Authors: Nakodým David
Published: April 2024

Příspěvek analyzuje městský patriciát a mechanismus městské správy v Kutné Hoře v 60. letech 15. stol. Problematika moci je zkoumána ve dvou rovinách. Za prvé, analýza městské rady s důrazem na její složení a proměny v kontextu druhé pol. 15. stol. a za druhé, její vliv na chod města a její pravomoci sledováním vztahů s královskou mocí. Neméně důležitá je otázka postavení havířského pořádku k městské radě. Cílem příspěvku je prozkoumat strukturu a moc radní vrstvy v konkrétním časovém období na příkladu Kutné Hory
MOC A JEJ LEGITIMITA SÚDNE REHABILITÁCIE OBETÍ KOMUNISTICKÉHO REŽIMU NA VÝCHODNOM SLOVENSKU (1968 – 1971)
Authors: Balvirčáková Miriama
Published: April 2024

Cieľom príspevku je analyzovať vývoj vplyvu moci komunistickej vlády, jej podriadených organizácií a inštitúcií voči mediálnej sugescii a tlaku spoločnosti v totalitnom komunistickom režime v Československu na príklade priebehu súdnych rehabilitácií na východnom Slovensku v období rokov 1968 – 1971. Príspevok sa zameriava na determináciu objektu výskumu v podobe obetí komunistického režimu počas 50. rokov 20. storočia v kontexte vnútropolitického i medzinárodného politického vývoja na prelome 60. a 70. rokov 20.storočia. Na príklade realizácie súdnych rehabilitácií na východnom Slovenskupoukážeme na viditeľné výkyvy vplyvu moci komunistickej vlády voči spoločenskej požiadavkev troch sledovaných vlnách (október 1967 – august 1968, september 1968 – december 1969,1970 – 1971).
ANALISIS CITIZEN CHARTER PADA DINAS KEPENDUDUKAN DAN PENCATATAN SIPIL KABUPATEN GORONTALO
Authors: Junus Dikson , Nuna Muten - , Sahi Nirmala Afriyanti , Harun Nur Istiyan , Purnamasari Sri Logita
Published: April 2024

ABSTRAK. Penyelenggaraan pelayanan publik demi terwujudnya tata kelola pemerintahan yang baik (good governance) salah satunya yaitu melalui citizen charter. Citizen charter ini ialah merupakan kebijakan yang berorientasi pelayanan publik yang menempatkan warga atau citizen sebagai pusat dari tujuan pelayanan publik. Artinya kebutuhan dan kepentingan pengguna layanan publik merupakan tujuan utama. Citizen charter mendorong penyelenggara untuk memenuhi hak dan kewajiban serta menyeimbangkannya dan menjadikan kepuasan warga sebagai sebuah capaian kinerja. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis konsep pembangunan good governance melalui citizen charter di Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Gorontalo. Metode yang digunakan yaitu penelitian deskriptif dengan menggunakan pendekatan penelitian kualitatif yaitu menggunakan data hasil wawancara berupa uraian-uraian kalimat. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu dengan melakukan observasi, dokumentasi dan wawancara, dimana peneliti akan melakukan tanya jawab langsung dengan narasumber yang telah di pilih. Setelah data terkumpul maka akan dianalisis dengan menggunakan teknik analisis data model interaktif dari Miles, Huberman dan Saldana (2014;14)  yang meliputi koleksi data, kondensasi data, penyajian data dan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pembangunan good governance melalui citizens charter di Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Gorontalo berdasarkan indikator dalam citizen charter sebagaimana yang dimaksud (Karjuni Dt. Maani, 2010), yaitu visi dan misi, standar pelayanan, alur pelayanan, unit/bagian pengaduan masyarakat, dan survey pengguna layanan yaitu belum dijalankan secara maksimal. Hal tersebut dilihat dari beberapa indikator dalam penerapan citizens charter seperti visi dan misi yang belum sepenuhhnya terlaksana dengan baik, standar pelayanan, alur pelayanan yang masih terkesan berbelit-belit, unit pengaduan masyarakat yang masih belum banyak diketahui oleh pengguna layanan, serta survey pengguna layanan dalam menentukan index kepuasan masyarakat terhadap pelayanan pada Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Gorontalo dari tahun 2019-2020 tidak mengalami kenaikan yang cukup signifikan, akan tetapi hanya mengalami penurunan sekitar 2,89%.
Implementing The Project To Strengthen The Profile Of Pancasila Students On The Theme Of Wisdom Class lll At SD Plus Al Anwar Islamic Boarding School Pacul Gowang
Authors: Astutik Anik , Rahma Pratiwi Emy Yunita , Faizi Ahmad
Published: April 2024

Since the new teachings of 2022â€“2023, the Al Anwar Pacul Gowang Islamic Boarding School Plus Elementary School has used the Independent Curriculum. establishing the Pancasila Student Profile as the cornerstone for cultivating pancasila-compatible character values. Its implementation is done through extracurricular and curricular (project-based) activities. The following are the 6 dimensions of Pancasila student profiles:: 1) Faith, Fear of God Almighty and noble character, 2) Global Diversity, 3) Mutual Cooperation, 4) Independent, 5) Critical Reasoning, 6) creative. The results of the study show that (1) The study's findings indicate that (1) Implementation of a project to enhance Pancasila students' profiles on the topic of class III local wisdom, in which the teacher creates materials and programs to be implemented over the course of one semester in order to ensure that the composition is well-designed, and that there are program benefits when students complete projects that are provided. (2) The ability to foster a sense of healing toward cultural variety, create innovative works and acts, and conduct projects to raise the profile of Pancasila class III students are demonstrated through efforts to increase student creativity. Not only that, but personality, emotional character, intellectual, language, cognitive character, and moral development all proceed at a rapid rate alongside physical and motor development. (3) Implementing the project to develop Pancasila student profiles on the topic of local knowledge has run into a number of challenges, including the teacher council's lack of cooperation, a lack of resources and infrastructure, and parental opposition. Increased collaboration with teacher boards and full facilities are the answers to these problems.
Putting the sting back in STING therapy: novel delivery vehicles for improved STING activation
Authors: Khorsandi Sina , Huntoon Kristin , Lux Jacques
Published: April 2024

Engaging the immune sensing Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) pathway has emerged as a potentially powerful approach to cancer therapy. However, current STING agonists lack stability and specificity, resulting in toxic adverse effects and disappointing patient outcomes. Therefore, novel delivery vehicles are needed to mitigate negative results and improve the efficacy of STING agonists. Here we discuss innovative particle-based strategies and how they have increased the therapeutic results seen with STING agonists. We review ultrasound-responsive vehicles, pH-responsive particles, inorganic particles, carriers for extended release, and particles that act as both STING agonists and/or drug carriers. Further optimization of these strategies can potentially enable the clinical use of STING agonists for cancer therapy.
Role of the gut microbiota in complications after ischemic stroke
Authors: Zhang Jinwei , Ling Ling , Xiang Lei , Li Wenxia , Bao Pengnan , Yue Wei
Published: April 2024

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a serious central nervous system disease. Post-IS complications, such as post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI), post-stroke depression (PSD), hemorrhagic transformation (HT), gastrointestinal dysfunction, cardiovascular events, and post-stroke infection (PSI), result in neurological deficits. The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) facilitates bidirectional signal transduction and communication between the intestines and the brain. Recent studies have reported alterations in gut microbiota diversity post-IS, suggesting the involvement of gut microbiota in post-IS complications through various mechanisms such as bacterial translocation, immune regulation, and production of gut bacterial metabolites, thereby affecting disease prognosis. In this review, to provide insights into the prevention and treatment of post-IS complications and improvement of the long-term prognosis of IS, we summarize the interaction between the gut microbiota and IS, along with the effects of the gut microbiota on post-IS complications.
Mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease: current view
Authors: Jellinger Kurt A.
Published: April 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD), the most common motor movement disorder and second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease (AD), is often preceded by a period of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is associated with impairment of a variety of cognitive domains including executive function, attention, visuospatial abilities and memory. MCI, a risk factor for developing dementia, affects around 30% of de novo PD patients and can increase to 75% after more than 10 years. While 30–40% remain in the MCI state, up to 60% will convert to dementia. Characteristic findings are slowing of EEG rhythms, frontotemporal hypoperfusion, decreased functional connectivity in the default mode and attentional networks, prefrontal and basal-ganglia-cortical circuits, which often manifests prior to clinical symptoms and overt brain atrophy. The heterogeneity of cognitive phenotypes suggests that a common neurodegenerative process affects multiple functional neuronal networks and neuromodulatory systems that may be superimposed by Lewy body and Alzheimer's-related or other co-pathologies. Sparse neuropathological data for PD-MCI revealed a heterogenous picture with various morphological changes similar to MCI in other diseases. This review highlights the essential epidemiological, clinical, neuroimaging and morphological changes in PD-MCI, available biomarkers, and discusses the heterogenous pathobiological mechanisms involved in its development. In view of its complex pathogenesis, well-designed longitudinal clinico-pathological studies are warranted to clarify the alterations leading to MCI in PD, which may be supported by fluid and neuroimaging biomarkers as a basis for early diagnosis and future adequate treatment modalities of this debilitating disorder.
A disaster communication plan for Higher Education Institutions in the Island Province of Occidental Mindoro, Philippines
Authors: Nielo Leomar Christian G.
Published: April 2024

Natural disasters, as they impede development and exacerbate poverty, have been the foremost concern of developing countries such as the Philippines. With this, the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act (RA 10121) highlights the role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in disaster resiliency and requires the incorporation of disaster communication in their institutions. Since disaster communication is considered to be one of the most valuable assets during disasters, academic institutions are provided visibility, credibility, and concrete direction to address chaos and confusion and to secure the safety of their stakeholders. The study created Safeguard Against Natural Disasters of Academes Through Actions (SANDATA), a disaster communication plan for HEIs in Occidental Mindoro to provide disaster communication strategies that can be used by them in securing a disaster-resilient academic environment. The output of this study was materialized using factor and thematic analysis and through the 300 respondents assigned for the quantitative data and 30 respondents assigned for the qualitative data. These findings influenced the disaster communication strategies employed by HEIs under the disaster stages of the Crisis Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) Theory, stakeholders' identified communication challenges as experienced by them, and their recommendations for improving the existing strategies of their institutions.
A follow-up program in patients after hospitalization for heart failure: long-term health related quality of life and associated factors
Authors: Paleckiene R. , Zaliaduonyte D. , Dambrauskiene V. , Macijauskiene J.
Published: April 2024

Background

The well-being of individuals with chronic heart failure (HF) is significantly influenced by their health-related quality of life (HRQoL), which serves as a crucial measure indicating how HF affects their daily activities. Monitoring programs aimed at reducing the number of hospitalizations and improving functional conditions are currently being offered to patients with chronic HF.

The objective

To examine the long-term health-related quality of life changes in patients with heart failure enrolled in a follow-up program after hospitalization and to evaluate the factors associated with quality of life of patients with heart failure.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted between 2019 and 2020 at the Department of Cardiology of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I consisted of 71 patients (60.2%) where the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score decreased by more than 10 points at 4th visit if compared to the 1st one; and Group II consisted of 47 patients (39.8%) where the MLHFQ score remained unchanged or increased by less than 10 points at the 4th visit if compared to the 1st visit.

Results

Statistically significant differences were observed between groups. In Group II, a history of myocardial infarction was more frequent (p = 0.038), and there was a significantly higher occurrence of significant coronary artery disease (p = 0.006). Laboratory parameters indicating liver function exhibited statistically significant deterioration among patients in Group II. Specifically, AST (p = 0.050), ALT (p = 0.010), and GGT (p = 0.031) levels significantly increased. Upon analyzing the echocardiographic data, a statistically significant difference was found between the groups in relation to the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p = 0.043) and TAPSE (p = 0.031). An analysis of changes in dimensions related to QoL was conducted during the long-term follow-up program, which revealed statistically significant differences between groups in overall changes based on the MLHFQ (p < 0.001). This difference was also observed across all dimensions, including the emotional, physical, and social aspects (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients who had a higher LVEF at baseline, as well as those with an etiology of ischemic heart disease (IHD), better liver function, and fewer manifestations of edema, demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in their quality of life throughout the course of the patient monitoring program.
Inhaled NO at a crossroads in cardiac surgery: current need to improve mechanistic understanding, clinical trial design and scientific evidence
Authors: Muenster Stefan , Zarragoikoetxea Iratxe , Moscatelli Andrea , Balcells Joan , Gaudard Philippe , Pouard Philippe , Marczin Nandor , Janssens Stefan P.
Published: April 2024

Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) has been used in pediatric and adult perioperative cardiac intensive care for over three decades. NO is a cellular signaling molecule that induces smooth muscle relaxation in the mammalian vasculature. Inhaled NO has the unique ability to exert its vasodilatory effects in the pulmonary vasculature without any hypotensive side-effects in the systemic circulation. In patients undergoing cardiac surgery, NO has been reported in numerous studies to exert beneficial effects on acutely lowering pulmonary artery pressure and reversing right ventricular dysfunction and/or failure. Yet, various investigations failed to demonstrate significant differences in long-term clinical outcomes. The authors, serving as an advisory board of international experts in the field of inhaled NO within pediatric and adult cardiac surgery, will discuss how the existing scientific evidence can be further improved. We will summarize the basic mechanisms underlying the clinical applications of inhaled NO and how this translates into the mandate for inhaled NO in cardiac surgery. We will move on to the popular use of inhaled NO and will talk about the evidence base of the use of this selective pulmonary vasodilator. This review will elucidate what kind of clinical and biological barriers and gaps in knowledge need to be solved and how this has impacted in the development of clinical trials. The authors will elaborate on how the optimization of inhaled NO therapy, the development of biomarkers to identify the target population and the definition of response can improve the design of future large clinical trials. We will explain why it is mandatory to gain an international consensus for the state of the art of NO therapy far beyond this expert advisory board by including the different major players in the field, such as the different medical societies and the pharma industry to improve our understanding of the real-life effects of inhaled NO in large scale observational studies. The design for future innovative randomized controlled trials on inhaled NO therapy in cardiac surgery, adequately powered and based on enhanced biological phenotyping, will be crucial to eventually provide scientific evidence of its clinical efficacy beyond its beneficial hemodynamic properties.
How different are offline and online diplomacy? A comparative analysis of public statements and SNS posts by delegates to the United Nations
Authors: Sakamoto Takuto , Araki Momoko , Ito Hiroto , Matsuoka Tomoyuki
Published: April 2024

Introduction

This article investigates the evolving landscape of diplomacy in the digital age, focusing on diplomats at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York. The central inquiry revolves around how diplomatic actors use digital tools to complement or augment traditional face-to-face diplomacy.

Methods

We systematically compare a substantial corpus of X posts (tweets) from UN diplomats with their public statements at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), employing advanced computational social science techniques. This study applies a range of large-scale text analysis methods, including word embedding, topic modeling, and sentiment analysis, to investigate systematic differences between offline and online communication.

Results

Our analysis reveals that, while the essence of diplomacy remains consistent across both domains, there is strategic selectivity in the use of online platforms by diplomats. Online communication emphasizes non-security topics, ceremonial matters, and prominent policy stances, in contrast to the operational issues common in UNSC deliberations. Additionally, online discourse adopts a less confrontational, more public diplomacy-oriented tone, with variations among countries.

Discussion

This study offers one of the first systematic comparisons between offline and online diplomatic messages. It illuminates how diplomats navigate the digital realm to complement traditional roles. The findings indicate that some elements of public diplomacy and nation branding, directed toward a wider audience far beyond the council chamber, have become an integral part of multilateral diplomacy unfolding at the UNSC.
Data driven assessment of rock mass quality in red-bed hilly area: a case study of Guang’an city, SW China
Authors: Zhou Fang , Liang Hong , Lyu Tao , Li Minghui , Zhang Jianlong , Wang Baodi , Hao Ming
Published: April 2024

The evaluation of geological suitability for urban underground space (UUS) development is an indispensable prerequisite for its optimal utilization. As the actual carrier of underground facilities, the evaluation of rock mass quality plays a crucial role in assessing geological suitability. However, it is notable that the evaluation of rock mass quality has regrettably remained somewhat marginalized within the broader framework of the geological suitability assessment in recent years. The selection of pertinent indicators for the evaluation of rock mass quality inherently presents an appreciable degree of subjectivity. Predominantly subjective evaluation methods continue to dominate the field, while the application of objective algorithms, such as unsupervised clustering, remains in its nascent stage. Furthermore, there is a lack of comprehensive investigations into distinct combinations of attributes. This limitation confines the broader applicability of the evaluation outcomes in the context of urban underground space. Within this study, we meticulously amassed rock core test data from over 40 boreholes of engineering geological significance within the urban planning ambit of Guang'An City. Utilizing the K-means unsupervised clustering algorithm and the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) algorithm. We successfully conducted an unsupervised clustering procedure with nine distinct physical and mechanical attributes. This yielded an aggregation into five discernible clusters. Building upon the derived clustering outcomes, a stratification of rock mass quality was effectuated into three distinct tiers: Level 1 (characterized by pure sandstone), Level 2 (primarily dominated by sandstone), and Level 3 (denoting fair conditions predominantly influenced by mudstone). This structured stratification facilitates a relatively objective and comprehensive evaluation of rock mass quality within the context of the red-bed hilly terrain. In the course of this analytical trajectory, we conducted a dissection of the clustering efficacy. For strongly correlated attributes, we propose a preliminary dimensionality reduction procedure prior to the clustering endeavor. Moreover, we recommend intervals of 10 m for the stratified evaluation in red bed hilly urban terrains.
Pathways and molecules for overcoming immunotolerance in metastatic gastrointestinal tumors
Authors: Gan Qixin , Li Yue , Li Yuejun , Liu Haifen , Chen Daochuan , Liu Lanxiang , Peng Churan
Published: April 2024

Worldwide, gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is recognized as one of the leading malignancies diagnosed in both genders, with mortality largely attributed to metastatic dissemination. It has been identified that in GI cancer, a variety of signaling pathways and key molecules are modified, leading to the emergence of an immunotolerance phenotype. Such modifications are pivotal in the malignancy’s evasion of immune detection. Thus, a thorough analysis of the pathways and molecules contributing to GI cancer’s immunotolerance is vital for advancing our comprehension and propelling the creation of efficacious pharmacological treatments. In response to this necessity, our review illuminates a selection of groundbreaking cellular signaling pathways associated with immunotolerance in GI cancer, including the Phosphoinositide 3-kinases/Akt, Janus kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3, Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, Transforming Growth Factor-beta/Smad, Notch, Programmed Death-1/Programmed Death-Ligand 1, and Wingless and INT-1/beta-catenin-Interleukin 10. Additionally, we examine an array of pertinent molecules like Indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase, Human Leukocyte Antigen G/E, Glycoprotein A Repetitions Predominant, Clever-1, Interferon regulatory factor 8/Osteopontin, T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3, Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1, Cell division control protein 42 homolog, and caspases-1 and -12.
Immune modulation in transplant medicine: a comprehensive review of cell therapy applications and future directions
Authors: Knoedler Leonard , Dean Jillian , Diatta Fortunay , Thompson Noelle , Knoedler Samuel , Rhys Richmond , Sherwani Khalil , Ettl Tobias , Mayer Simon , Falkner Florian , Kilian Katja , Panayi Adriana C. , Iske Jasper , Safi Ali-Farid , Tullius Stefan G. , Haykal Siba , Pomahac Bohdan , Kauke-Navarro Martin
Published: April 2024

Balancing the immune response after solid organ transplantation (SOT) and vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) remains an ongoing clinical challenge. While immunosuppressants can effectively reduce acute rejection rates following transplant surgery, some patients still experience recurrent acute rejection episodes, which in turn may progress to chronic rejection. Furthermore, these immunosuppressive regimens are associated with an increased risk of malignancies and metabolic disorders. Despite significant advancements in the field, these IS related side effects persist as clinical hurdles, emphasizing the need for innovative therapeutic strategies to improve transplant survival and longevity. Cellular therapy, a novel therapeutic approach, has emerged as a potential pathway to promote immune tolerance while minimizing systemic side-effects of standard IS regiments. Various cell types, including chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T), mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), regulatory myeloid cells (RMCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), offer unique immunomodulatory properties that may help achieve improved outcomes in transplant patients. This review aims to elucidate the role of cellular therapies, particularly MSCs, T cells, Tregs, RMCs, macrophages, and dendritic cells in SOT and VCA. We explore the immunological features of each cell type, their capacity for immune regulation, and the prospective advantages and obstacles linked to their application in transplant patients. An in-depth outline of the current state of the technology may help SOT and VCA providers refine their perioperative treatment strategies while laying the foundation for further trials that investigate cellular therapeutics in transplantation surgery.
Germplasm evaluation and identification of the population source of hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) in China using SSR and COI markers
Authors: Wang JunYi , Xue DongXiu , Yang MeiJie , Ji YunLong , Song Hao , Zhou Cong , Shi Pu , Li YongRen , Guo YongJun , Meng FanYu , Lai ChangPing , Cheng ShunFeng , Zhang Tao
Published: April 2024

In aquaculture, good germplasm resources are nearly decisive for its development. The hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria), a significant marine aquaculture bivalve in China, has flourished quickly since being introduced from North America in 1997. However, for numerous reasons, it has suffered from germplasm deterioration and uncertain origins. To address these issues, seven microsatellite DNA loci (SSRs) and mtCOI were employed to evaluate germplasm and trace the origins of various Chinese populations. The results of these two molecular genetic markers revealed weak genetic differentiation among all Chinese populations, with high genetic diversity observed across most individuals, except for a few outliers. This suggests an alarming situation regarding germplasm resources in China. Based on results of traceability analysis, the most likely areas of origin for the Chinese populations are Chesapeake Bay and the southern region of Cape Hatteras. This study provides a crucial theoretical foundation for the cultivation, conservation, and subsequent introduction of hard clam populations in China, thereby ensuring the sustainable growth of the hard clam breeding sector.
Assessment of the appropriateness of stress ulcer prophylaxis use and its determinants among admitted surgical patients at Debre Berhan University Hakim Gizaw Hospital, Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Tsige Abate Wondesen , Beyene Dessale Abate , Wondmkun Yehualashet Teshome , Endalifer Bedilu Linger , Habteweld Habtemariam Alekaw , Gebretadik Fissha Assegidew , Gebeyehu Aregahegn Adafir , Azene Belayneh Abebaw , Alamneh Misganaw Abebaw , Tesfaye Daniel Zebene , Fered Misganaw Aynalem , Girma Mandefro Teje , Mekonen Melkamu Belayneh , Dessie Tigist Yazezew , Ayele Siraye Genzeb
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Pharmacological stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) has been recommended for many years to reduce the risk of clinically significant upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding caused by stress ulcers (SUs). Stress-related ulcer bleeding in surgical patients significantly increases morbidity and mortality. Therefore, preventing stress-induced hemorrhage is the most appropriate measure for patients who are at increased risk. However, the inappropriate use of SUP has increased in recent years, and its use in Ethiopian surgical patients has not been well studied.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the appropriateness of SUP use and its determinants among admitted surgical patients at Debre Berhan University Hakim Gizaw Hospital (DBUHGH), Ethiopia.

Methods

We randomly selected 230 patients from the whole cross-sectional group of all surgical patients at DBUHGH from 1 February to 30 June 2023. The risk of stress ulcer (SU) development was assessed using the modified American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) guidelines. For data analysis, we used SPSS version 25.

Results

The mean age of study participants was 47.2 years (SD ± 20.4), and out of the total of 230, 130 (56.5%) were women. Approximately 66% of study participants took inappropriate SUP based on ASHP guidelines criteria. The most commonly used drug class for SUP was histamine-2 receptor blockers 115 (50%). Study participants who have a Charlson Comorbidity Index Score of moderate and GI bleeding have been significantly associated with the inappropriate use of SUP.

Conclusion

In our study, inappropriate SUP use was common in the surgical ward of DBUHGH. This may be an area that requires further and more focused working together among clinical pharmacists and medical professionals in an institution-specific SUP protocol that aids clinicians in identifying appropriate candidates for SUP medication.
Gender equity in hemophilia: need for healthcare, familial, and societal advocacy
Authors: Gualtierotti Roberta , Garagiola Isabella , Mortarino Mimosa , Spena Silvia , Romero-Lux Olivia , Peyvandi Flora
Published: April 2024

Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder caused by a genetic defect on chromosome X. It is inherited as an X-linked trait, and hence, it is more frequently diagnosed in males, whereas women have been traditionally considered only as carriers of the disease. However, the role of women in families of patients with hemophilia is pivotal. As mothers, sisters, daughters, and female partners of patients with hemophilia, they play a central role in the management of the patient, considering healthcare, social, and familial aspects, but they might be affected by the disease as well, particularly in regions where consanguinity is frequent. This paper aims to explore the involvement of women in hemophilia, including their carrier status, bleeding symptoms, treatment challenges, and psychosocial impact not only related to male patients, but also as patients affected with hemophilia themselves. We advocate health equity, equal access to healthcare for men and women with hemophilia and dedicated resources to improve the unique needs of the women dealing with hemophilia, ultimately leading to improved care and quality of life.
Diagnosis of bovine viral diarrhea virus: an overview of currently available methods
Authors: Wang Yuting , Pang Feng
Published: April 2024

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is the causative agent of bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), which results in significant economic losses in the global cattle industry. Fortunately, various diagnostic methods available for BVDV have been established. They include etiological methods, such as virus isolation (VI); serological methods, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and immunohistochemistry (IHC); molecular methods, such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real-time PCR, digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), and CRISPR-Cas system; and biosensors. This review summarizes the current diagnostic methods for BVDV, discussing their advantages and disadvantages, and proposes future perspectives for the diagnosis of BVDV, with the intention of providing valuable guidance for effective diagnosis and control of BVD disease.
Effects of N-glycans on the structure of human IgA2
Authors: Ruocco Valentina , Grünwald-Gruber Clemens , Rad Behzad , Tscheliessnig Rupert , Hammel Michal , Strasser Richard
Published: April 2024

The transition of IgA antibodies into clinical development is crucial because they have the potential to create a new class of therapeutics with superior pathogen neutralization, cancer cell killing, and immunomodulation capacity compared to IgG. However, the biological role of IgA glycans in these processes needs to be better understood. This study provides a detailed biochemical, biophysical, and structural characterization of recombinant monomeric human IgA2, which varies in the amount/locations of attached glycans. Monomeric IgA2 antibodies were produced by removing the N-linked glycans in the CH1 and CH2 domains. The impact of glycans on oligomer formation, thermal stability, and receptor binding was evaluated. In addition, we performed a structural analysis of recombinant IgA2 in solution using Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS) to examine the effect of glycans on protein structure and flexibility. Our results indicate that the absence of glycans in the Fc tail region leads to higher-order aggregates. SAXS, combined with atomistic modeling, showed that the lack of glycans in the CH2 domain results in increased flexibility between the Fab and Fc domains and a different distribution of open and closed conformations in solution. When binding with the Fcα-receptor, the dissociation constant remains unaltered in the absence of glycans in the CH1 or CH2 domain, compared to the fully glycosylated protein. These results provide insights into N-glycans’ function on IgA2, which could have important implications for developing more effective IgA-based therapeutics in the future.
The effects of Tai Chi on standing balance control in older adults may be attributed to the improvement of sensory reweighting and complexity rather than reduced sway velocity or amplitude
Authors: Cui Jianhua , Hao Zengming , Tian Haibo , Yang Yi , Wang Jian , Lin Xiaomei
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Tai Chi has proved to be an effective therapy for balance performance and cognition. However, non-consistency exists in the results of the effect of Tai Chi training on standing balance control in older adults. This study aimed to use traditional and non-traditional methods to investigate the effect of Tai Chi on standing balance in older adults.

Methods

Thirty-six Tai Chi practitioners (TC group) and thirty-six older adults with no Tai Chi practice (control group) were recruited in this study. A Nintendo Wii Balance Board was used to record the center of pressure (COP) during standing balance over 20 s in the condition of eyes closed with three repetitions. The wavelet analysis, multiscale entropy, recurrence quantification analysis, and traditional methods were used to evaluate the standing balance control in the anterior-posterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions.

Results

(1) Greater sway mean velocity in the AP direction and sway Path length were found in the TC group compared with the control group; (2) lower Very-low frequency band (0.10–0.39 Hz) and higher Moderate frequency band (1.56–6.25 Hz) in the AP and ML directions were found in the TC group compared with the control group; (3) greater complexity index (CI) and lower determinism (DET) in the AP and ML directions were observed in the TC group compared with control group; (4) greater path length linked with smaller Very-low frequency band in the AP and ML directions and higher Moderate frequency band in the AP direction in both groups; (5) greater path length linked with lower DET and higher CI in the AP direction only in the TC group.

Conclusion

Long-term Tai Chi practice improved sensory reweighting (more reliance on the proprioception system and less reliance on the vestibular system) and complexity of standing balance control in older adults. In addition, greater sway velocity may be as an exploratory role in standing balance control of TC older adults, which correlated with greater complexity, but no such significant relationship in the control group. Therefore, the effects of Tai Chi practice on standing balance control in older adults may be attributed to the improvement of sensory reweighting and complexity rather than reduced sway velocity or amplitude.
Evolutionary origin of alpha rhythms in vertebrates
Authors: Shibata Takashi , Hattori Noriaki , Nishijo Hisao , Kuroda Satoshi , Takakusaki Kaoru
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this review extends beyond the traditional triune brain model, aiming to elucidate the evolutionary aspects of alpha rhythms in vertebrates. The forebrain, comprising the telencephalon (pallium) and diencephalon (thalamus, hypothalamus), is a common feature in the brains of all vertebrates. In mammals, evolution has prioritized the development of the forebrain, especially the neocortex, over the midbrain (mesencephalon) optic tectum, which serves as the prototype for the visual brain. This evolution enables mammals to process visual information in the retina-thalamus (lateral geniculate nucleus)-occipital cortex pathway. The origin of posterior-dominant alpha rhythms observed in mammals in quiet and dark environments is not solely attributed to cholinergic pontine nuclei cells functioning as a 10 Hz pacemaker in the brainstem. It also involves the ability of the neocortex’s cortical layers to generate traveling waves of alpha rhythms with waxing and waning characteristics. The utilization of alpha rhythms might have facilitated the shift of attention from external visual inputs to internal cognitive processes as an adaptation to thrive in dark environments. The evolution of alpha rhythms might trace back to the dinosaur era, suggesting that enhanced cortical connectivity linked to alpha bands could have facilitated the development of nocturnal awakening in the ancestors of mammals. In fishes, reptiles, and birds, the pallium lacks a cortical layer. However, there is a lack of research clearly observing dominant alpha rhythms in the pallium or organized nuclear structures in fishes, reptiles, or birds. Through convergent evolution, the pallium of birds, which exhibits cortex-like fiber architecture, has not only acquired advanced cognitive and motor abilities but also the capability to generate low-frequency oscillations (4-25 Hz) resembling alpha rhythms. This suggests that the origins of alpha rhythms might lie in the pallium of a common ancestor of birds and mammals.