bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HAVALI TABANCA VE HAVALI TÜFEK SPORCULARININ SOMATOTİP, VÜCUT YAĞ YÜZDESİ, ÜST EKSTREMİTE UZUNLUĞU VE EL KAVRAMA KUVVETLERİNİN KARŞILAŞTIRILMASI
Authors: KURT Emine İlkcan , VARMIŞ Nurdan , CENGİZEL Çağdaş Özgür , CENGİZEL Elif
Published: September 2023

Bu çalışmanın amacı, havalı tabanca ve havalı tüfek sporcularının somatotip, vücut yağ yüzdesi, üst ekstremite uzunluğu ve el kavrama kuvvetlerinin karşılaştırılmasıdır. Araştırmaya 30 yıldız ve genç atıcı (havalı tabanca n=15, 6 kadın ve 9 erkek; havalı tüfek n=15, 6 kadın ve 9 erkek) gönüllü olarak katılmıştır. Katılımcıların somatotip, vücut yağ yüzdesi, beden kütle indeksi, üst ekstremite uzunluğu (kol, üst kol, ön kol ve işaret parmağı uzunluğu) ve el kavrama kuvveti ölçümleri alınmıştır. Araştırma gruplarının somatotip özelliklerinin belirlenmesinde ise Heath Carter metodu, vücut yağ yüzdelerinin hesaplanmasında Siri formülü kullanılmıştır. Havalı tabanca ve havalı tüfek sporcularının antropometrik ve somatotip özelliklerinin karşılaştırılması amacı ile tanımlayıcı istatistikler ve hipotez testleri (parametrik verilerde bağımsız gruplar için t testi, parametrik olmayan verilerde Mann Whitney U testi) SigmaPlot yazılımı aracılığı ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Havalı tüfek sporcularının havalı tabanca sporcularına göre anlamlı yüksek boy uzunluğu, kol uzunluğu, ön kol ve üst kol uzunluğuna ve anlamlı düşük vücut yağ yüzdesine sahip oldukları tespit edilmekle birlikte; işaret parmağı uzunluğu gruplar arası anlamlı farklı bulunmamıştır. Havalı tabanca sporcuları anlamlı yüksek endomorfi ile mezomorfi (havalı tabanca ve havalı tüfek sırasıyla; endomorfi: 4.0±1.1’e 2.6±0.7, mezomorfi: 5.0±1.9’a 3.5±1.2), düşük ektomorfi skoruna sahiptir (sırasıyla 2.0±0.7’ye 2.7±0.7). El kavrama kuvveti dominant ve non-dominant taraflarda her iki disiplin arasında anlamlı farklı değildir. Havalı tabanca sporcuları endomorfik mezomorf (4-5-2), havalı tüfek sporcularının ise dengeli mezomorf (3-4-3) somatotipe sahiptir. Sonuç olarak; her iki atıcılık disiplini de somatotip ve antropometrik özellikler açısından farklılık göstermektedir (havalı tüfek sporcuları daha uzun ve daha yüksek ektomorfik, havalı tabanca sporcularının daha yüksek vücut yağ yüzdeli ve daha yüksek endomorfik ve mezomorfik) ve antrenörler için bu farklılığın yetenek seçimi ve belirlenmesinde dikkate alınması önerilmektedir.
Pengaruh Fasilitas Sekolah Terhadap Kompetensi Pedagogik Guru Matematika SMA Se-Kota Pekanbaru
Authors: Ningtiyas Fitri Ayu , Mahmuzah Rifaatul , Zahara Yulia , Sinaga Nurul Afni , Iramadhani Dwi
Published: September 2023

Sekolah dengan fasilitas yang baik akan mendorong proses pembelajaran dan sekolah dengan fasilitas yang berkualitas rendah dapat menghambat pencapaian siswa. Analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah regresi linear sederhana. Populasi penelitian ini adalah seluruh guru matematika SMA di Kota Pekanbaru, Riau yang berjumlah 156 orang dan tersebar dalam 39 sekolah. Sampel penelitian berjumlah 33 orang. Teknik pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan 2 prosedur. Prosedur pertama, sekolah dikelompokkan menjadi 4 kategori berdasarkan nilai Ujian Sekolah. Prosedur kedua, sekolah dikelompokkan berdasarkan kecamatan agar dapat merepresentasikan seluruh guru matematika SMA yang ada di Kota Pekanbaru. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, diperoleh  value sebesar 0,008. Hal ini berarti bahwa terdapat pengaruh antara kompetensi pedagogik guru matematika SMA se-Kota Pekanbaru terhadap fasilitas sekolah.
Penerapan Pendekatan Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) untuk Meningkatkan Literasi Matematis dan Mereduksi Kecemasan Matematis Siswa
Authors: Komala Elsa , Erma Monariska
Published: September 2023

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui peningkatan literasi matematis siswa yang menggunakan pendekatan Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) dibandingkan dengan peningkatan literasi matematis siswa yang menggunakan pendekatan saintifik, dan mengetahui kecemasan matematis siswa terhadap pembelajaran menggunakan pendekatan RME. Penelitian ini menggunakan kuasi eksperimen, dengan desain kelompok kontrol pretes-postes. Kelompok eksperimen memperoleh pembelajaran dengan pendekatan RME dan kelompok kontrol memperoleh pembelajaran dengan pendekatan saintifik. Populasi penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas VIII salah satu MTsN di Cianjur. Adapun yang di jadikan sampel dipilih sebanyak dua kelas dari delapan kelas yang ada dengan teknik  purposive sampling. Untuk mendapatkan data hasil penelitian digunakan instrumen berupa tes literasi matematis dan skala kecemasan matematis berupa angket. Pengolahan data peningkatan literasi matematis menggunakan uji Mann-Whitney, dan data kecemasan matematis menggunakan presentase jawaban setiap siswa dari hasil angket. Berdasarkan analisis data, hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa peningkatan literasi matematis siswa yang memperoleh pembelajaran dengan pendekatan RME lebih baik daripada siswa yang memperoleh pembelajaran dengan pendekatan saintifik, peningkatan yang terjadi ada pada kategori rendah. Hasil skala kecemasan matematis menunjukkan bahwa kecemasan matematis siswa yang memperoleh pembelajaran dengan pendekatan RME sebagian besar siswa negatif, artinya sebagian besar siswa tidak cemas ketika pembelajaran yang dilakukan menggunakan pendekatan RME.
Literasi Matematis Siswa MTs Pada Materi Statistika
Authors: Jusniani Nia , Setiawan Erwan
Published: September 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memperoleh gambaran mengenai literasi matematsis siswa SMP/MTs dalam menyelesaikan soal literasi matematis pada materi statistika. Soal yang digunakan pada penelitian ini merupakan soal statistika PISA level 1. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif. Subjek dalam penelitian ini yaitu siswa kelas VIII A di MTs Negeri 6 Cianjur pada tahun ajaran 2021/2022. Subjek sebanyak 30 orang siswa. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan tes literasi matematis. Analisis yang dilakukan berdasarkan pencapaian indikator literasi matematis. Hasil analisis data menunjukan bahwa: Kemampuan literasi matematis siswa ada pada kategori sedang. Berdasarkan indikator literasi matematis, siswa unggul pada indikator menggunakan simbol, bahasa formal dan teknik.
Pengaruh Penggunaan Strategi Komandan (Kompetisi Maju Ke Depan) Pada Mata Kuliah Matematika Diskrit Terhadap Kemampuan Pemahaman Konsep Matematis
Authors: Syelfia Dewimarni  , Rizalina  , Wienda Gusta
Published: September 2023

Matematika merupakan mata pelajaran yang ada disetiap jenjang Pendidikan. Diajarkan dari tingkat satuan Pendidikan rendah sampai ke satuan Pendidikan tinggi. Pada perguruan tinggi matematika diberikan dalam bentuk mata kuliah matematika. Pada jurusan sistem informasi Universitas Putra Indonesia Yptk Padang peserta didik semester IV mata kuliah matematika diskrit diberikan. Matematika diskrit yang cenderung dianggap sulit oleh Sebagian besar peserta didik, hal ini dikarena pembelajaran yang selama ini diberikan berpusat pada pendidik yaitu dosen. Peserta didik hanya menerima saja yang diberikan oleh dosen sehingga berdampak pada rendahnya kemampuan pemahaman konsep mata kuliah matematika diskrit dan berujung pada rendahnya hasil belajar. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengungkap perbedaan kemampuan pemahaman konsep pada mata kuliah matematika diskrit peserta didik dengan menggunakan strategi pembelajaran Komandan (kompetisi maju ke depan) dengan stategi pembelajaran konvensional. Jenis penelitian ini adalah Quasy Eksperiment yang dilakukan pada semester ganjil 2022/2023. Sampel dari penelitian ini adalah kelas SI 7 sebagai kelas eksperimen dan kelas SI 6 sebagai kelas kontrol. Instrument penelitian ini adalah soal tes kemampuan pemahaman konsep. Teknik analisa data yang digunakan adalah uji t. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah bahwa kemampuan pemahaman konsep mata kuliah matematika diskrit peserta didik yang diajar menggunakan strategi pembelajaran komandan lebih baik daripada kemampuan pemahaman konsep peserta didik yang diajar dengan pembelajaran konvensional.
ДОСТУПНОСТЬ ВАКЦИНАЦИИ ОТ COVID-19: МИРОВОЙ ОПЫТ И СИТУАЦИЯ В БЕЛАРУСИ
Authors: Дунаева Е.И. , Голобородько Н.В.
Published: September 2023

В статье перечислены условия, влияющие на доступность вакцинации от COVID-19. Приведена краткая характеристика производителей и самих вакцин от COVID-19, лидирующих по использованию в клинической практике. Представлен анализ текущей ситуации с доступом к вакцинам от COVID-19, а также к рутинной вакцинации в мире и в Беларуси. Рассмотрены отдельные способы повышения доступа к вакцинам: рекомендованный ВОЗ механизм одобрения экстренного использования вакцин и его реализация в Беларуси, механизм COVAX для обеспечения равной доступности вакцин в странах с разным уровнем дохода, градация приоритетности предоставления вакцин отдельным категориям населения, а также снижение порога доступа к вакцинации. Обсуждены ближайшие перспективы потребности в вакцинах от COVID-19, возможности использования опыта борьбы с пандемией (новые технологические платформы производства вакцин, ускоренный вывод вакцин на рынок, межстрановые взаимодействия) при решении других задач в области медицины, в том числе в устранении глобального дефицита вакцин от прочих заболеваний.
КРИТИЧЕСКАЯ МЕДИЦИНСКАЯ АНТРОПОЛОГИЯ В ЛАТИНСКОЙ АМЕРИКЕ: ТЕНДЕНЦИИ, ВКЛАД, ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ
Authors: Менендес Э.Л.
Published: September 2023

В статье автор анализирует, как контекст систем здравоохранения в Латинской Америке обусловливает специфику актуальных трендов медицинской антропологии в регионе. Он описывает историю развития и актуальное состояние дисциплины в Новом Свете, а также особенно концентрируется на таком направлении, как критическая медицинская антропология. Автор выделяет взаимоотношения народной медицины и биомедицины в качестве аспекта системы здравоохранения, который можно назвать ключевым фактором и движущей силой развития медицинской антропологии в Латинской Америке.
АНТРОПОЛОГИЯ РОДИЛЬНОЙ КЛИНИКИ В РОССИИ В XIX НАЧАЛЕ XX В.: КЛИНИЧЕСКОЕ ПРОСТРАНСТВО, ПАЦИЕНТЫ И ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЫ*
Authors: Мицюк Н.А. , Пушкарева Н.Л.
Published: September 2023

В России социальная история родовспоможения – новая тема для исследовательского поиска. Представленная публикация раскрывает своеобразие антропологии родильной клиники в рамках утверждавшейся на протяжении второй половины XVIII – начала XX в. биомедицинской модели родовспоможения. В статье показано, что клиническое родовспоможение приобретало легитимность исключительно в крупных городах и воспринималось населением как патологическое место для родов. С одной стороны, утверждавшаяся технократическая модель родов снижала уровень материнской и младенческой смертности, предоставляла оперативную помощь и обезболивание. Но с другой, происходили изоляция и сегрегация пациенток, вводились жесткие представления о норме и патологии, росло не всегда обоснованное число оперативных вмешательств; пациентки становились объектом для врачебных действий, лишаясь индивидуальности и инициативы, происходило закрепление единственной родильной позы — в положении лежа. Пространство родильной клиники отражало прежде всего интересы врачей, было направлено на максимальную эффективность произведения ими акушерских манипуляций над роженицами. Акушерки заняли подчиненное место в иерархии медицинского персонала, полностью подчиняясь врачам. Клиническое родовспоможение разрушало традиционную культуру родов, основанную на свободном поведении роженицы, сохранении женского пространства родов, использовании религиозных обрядов, средств народной медицины.
О ПРОФИЛИЗАЦИИ ПРЕПОДАВАНИЯ КУРСА «МЕДИЦИНСКАЯ АНТРОПОЛОГИЯ» В СОВРЕМЕННЫХ РОССИЙСКИХ ВУЗАХ
Authors: Кириленко Е.И.
Published: September 2023

Проблема преподавания курса «Медицинская антропология», продвижения дисциплины в современном образовательном пространстве активно обсуждается в научном сообществе. Отмечено «критически-направленное» ожидание в отношении медико-антропологического знания у студентов-медиков и студентов-гуманитариев. Соответственно, преподавание медицинской антропологии требует поиска специальных подходов в зависимости от специфики адресата получаемого знания. Имеющийся опыт работы со студентами разных профилей показывает: наиболее эффективно «входит» медицинская гуманитаристика в медицинском вузе через традицию патографии, в то время как студенты классического университета (где тема личности – центр космоса специальных дисциплин), более тяготеют к концептуальным разворотам, теоретическим моделям, внимательны к самой идее расширения междисциплинарных связей.
Remote body condition scoring of Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) using uncrewed aerial vehicle derived morphometrics
Authors: Viljoen Devon , Webb Edward , Myburgh Jan , Truter Christoff , Myburgh Albert
Published: September 2023

Population surveys of crocodilians using uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) or drones may become accurate and cost-effective alternatives to more traditional approaches. However, there are currently no quantitative methods for deriving body condition scores of crocodilians through remote sensing. This study presents seven UAV-based morphometric measures collected from rectified aerial imagery of farmed Nile crocodiles. Two hundred and eighty-eight Nile crocodiles, from two commercial crocodile farms in South Africa were included in this study. One farm housed crocodiles which appeared to have wider abdominal girths than those on the second farm, allowing comparisons for a range of sizes and body condition states. An initial disturbance assessment was conducted, and an appropriate flight altitude selected for image acquisition of farmed Nile crocodiles. Altitudes between 40m and 60m above ground level suited the studies requirements and minimized disturbance. A UAV-based body condition index for Nile crocodiles was then developed, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional condition scoring methods. The body condition index (BCI) was calculated for each crocodile by measuring the relationship between total length and belly width (with the equation: BCI = BW/TL*10) derived from photogrammetrically processed orthophotos in GIS. The BCI values were then normalized to form a body condition score (BCS) with the equation: BCS = (BCI/1.27)*4 + 1. The BCS ranked crocodile body conditions from 1-5, where a score of 1 identified a crocodile that was comparatively thin or emaciated, while a score of 5 identified a crocodile that was relatively fat or obese in contrast to the other crocodiles assessed. A BCS of 3 was the most frequent across all crocodiles in the study, with few animals scoring a 1 or 5. The farm housing crocodiles with narrower abdominal girths had no BCS 5 occurrences, and the farm housing crocodiles with wider abdominal girths had no BCS 1 occurrences. This UAV-based body condition score could be applied to large wild or captive populations for a fast-paced health and welfare evaluation.
Placental pathology in perinatal asphyxia: a case–control study
Authors: Alongi Silvia , Lambicchi Laura , Moltrasio Francesca , Botto Valentina Alice , Bernasconi Davide Paolo , Cuttin Maria Serena , Paterlini Giuseppe , Malguzzi Silvia , Locatelli Anna
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Placentas of term infants with birth asphyxia are reported to have more lesion such as maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM), fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM) and chorioamnionitis with fetal response (FIR) than those of term infants without birth asphyxia. We compared the placental pathology of asphyxiated newborns, including those who developed hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), with non-asphyxiated controls.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective case–control study of placentas from neonates with a gestational age ≥ 35 weeks, a birthweight ≥ 1,800 g, and no malformations. Cases were asphyxiated newborns (defined as those with an umbilical artery pH ≤ 7.0 or base excess ≤ −12 mMol, 10-minute Apgar score ≤ 5, or the need for resuscitation lasting >10 min) from a previous cohort, with (n=32) and without (n=173) diagnosis of HIE. Controls were non-asphyxiated newborns from low-risk l (n= 50) or high-risk (n= 68) pregnancies. Placentas were analyzed according to the Amsterdam Placental Workshop Group Consensus Statement 2014.

Results

Cases had a higher prevalence of nulliparity, BMI>25, thick meconium, abnormal fetal heart monitoring, and acute intrapartum events than controls (p<0.001). MVM and FVM were more frequent among non-asphyxiated than asphyxiated newborns (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in inflammatory lesions or abnormal umbilical insertion site. Histologic meconium-associated changes (MAC) were observed in asphyxiated newborns only (p= 0.039).

Discussion

Our results confirm the role of antepartum and intrapartum risk factors in neonatal asphyxia and HIE. No association between neonatal asphyxia and placental lesions was found, except for in the case of MAC. The association between clinical and placental data is crucial to understanding and possibly preventing perinatal asphyxia in subsequent pregnancies.
The prolyl isomerase Pin1 stabilizes NeuroD during differentiation of mechanoreceptors
Authors: Zhao Liqun , Fong Steven H. , Yang Qiaoyun , Jiang Yun-Jin , Korzh Vladimir , Liou Yih-Cherng
Published: September 2023

The peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerase Pin1 plays vital roles in diverse cellular processes and pathological conditions. NeuroD is a differentiation and survival factor for a subset of neurons and pancreatic endocrine cells. Although multiple phosphorylation events are known to be crucial for NeuroD function, their mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that zebrafish embryos deficient in Pin1 displayed phenotypes resembling those associated with NeuroD depletion, characterized by defects in formation of mechanosensory hair cells. Furthermore, zebrafish Pin1 interacts with NeuroD in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. In Pin1-deficient cell lines, NeuroD is rapidly degraded. However, the protein stability of NeuroD is restored upon overexpression of Pin1. These findings suggest that Pin1 functionally regulates NeuroD protein levels by post-phosphorylation cis-trans isomerization during neuronal specification.
Ubiquitination of the protocadherin-γA3 variable cytoplasmic domain modulates cell-cell interaction
Authors: Ptashnik Albert , LaMassa Nicole , Mambetalieva Aliya , Schnall Emily , Bucaro Mike , Phillips Greg R.
Published: September 2023

The family of ∼60 clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) are cell adhesion molecules encoded by a genomic locus that regulates expression of distinct combinations of isoforms in individual neurons resulting in what is thought to be a neural surface “barcode” which mediates same-cell interactions of dendrites, as well as interactions with other cells in the environment. Pcdh mediated same-cell dendrite interactions were shown to result in avoidance while interactions between different cells through Pcdhs, such as between neurons and astrocytes, appear to be stable. The cell biological mechanism of the consequences of Pcdh based adhesion is not well understood although various signaling pathways have been recently uncovered. A still unidentified cytoplasmic regulatory mechanism might contribute to a “switch” between avoidance and adhesion. We have proposed that endocytosis and intracellular trafficking could be part of such a switch. Here we use “stub” constructs consisting of the proximal cytoplasmic domain (lacking the constant carboxy-terminal domain spliced to all Pcdh-γs) of one Pcdh, Pcdh-γA3, to study trafficking. We found that the stub construct traffics primarily to Rab7 positive endosomes very similarly to the full length molecule and deletion of a substantial portion of the carboxy-terminus of the stub eliminates this trafficking. The intact stub was found to be ubiquitinated while the deletion was not and this ubiquitination was found to be at non-lysine sites. Further deletion mapping of the residues required for ubiquitination identified potential serine phosphorylation sites, conserved among Pcdh-γAs, that can reduce ubiquitination when pseudophosphorylated and increase surface expression. These results suggest Pcdh-γA ubiquitination can influence surface expression which may modulate adhesive activity during neural development.
Radio advertisement speech style preferences among listeners with different first languages within one country
Authors: Altrov Rene , Pajupuu Hille , Pajupuu Jaan , Kiisla Aet
Published: September 2023

Objective

The goal of the study was to find out if, in a society where there is a large community of people for whom the official state language is a second language, they prefer to listen to state-language radio advertisements in the same performance style as listeners for whom the official state language is their first language.

Method

An experiment was conducted in Estonia, with two groups: those who spoke Estonian as their first language and those who spoke Russian as their first language and Estonian as their second. Both groups listened to Estonian-language radio advertisements presented by various spokespeople, half of which were performed in a calm style (low arousal) and half in an energetic style (high arousal). They then rated the likability of each performance.

Results

The results showed that both groups preferred the calm style but there were significant differences in the scores: the first group gave the calm style significantly higher scores than the second group, while the latter scored the energetic style more highly.

Conclusion

Knowing the advertising style preferences in a society where people have different first languages may allow for better targeting of advertising.
Pre-arterialization of coronary veins prior to retroperfusion of ischemic myocardium: percutaneous closure device
Authors: Choy Jenny S. , Hubbard Terry , Golts Eugene M. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Navia José A. , Kassab Ghassan S.
Published: September 2023

Background

Chronic coronary retroperfusion to treat myocardial ischemia has previously failed due to edema and hemorrhage of coronary veins suddenly exposed to arterial pressures. The objective of this study was to selectively adapt the coronary veins to become arterialized prior to coronary venous retroperfusion to avoid vascular edema and hemorrhage.

Methods and results

In 32 animals (Group I = 19 and Group II = 13), the left anterior descending (LAD) artery was occluded using an ameroid occlusion model. In Group I, the great cardiac vein was blocked with suture ligation (Group IA = 11) or with occlusion device (Group IB = 8) to arterialize the venous system within 2 weeks at intermediate pressure (between arterial and venous levels) before a coronary venous bypass graft (CVBG) was implemented through a left internal mammary artery (LIMA) anastomosis. Group II only received the LAD artery occlusion and served as control. Serial echocardiograms showed recovery of left ventricular (LV) function with this adaptation-arterialization approach, with an increase in ejection fraction (EF) in Group I from 38% ± 5% after coronary occlusion to 53% ± 7% eight weeks after CVBG, whereas in Group II the EF never recovered (41% ± 2%–33% ± 7%). The remodeling of the venous system not only allowed restoration of myocardial function when CVBG was implemented but possibly promoted a novel form of “collateralization” between the native arterioles and the newly arterialized venules, which revascularized the ischemic myocardium.

Conclusions

These findings form a potential rationale for a venous arterialization-revascularization treatment for the refractory angina and the “no-option” patients using a hybrid percutaneous (closure device for arterialization)/surgical approach (CVBG) to revascularize the myocardium.
The feasibility and efficiency for constructing arteriovenous fistula with <2 mm vein—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Ruijia , Wang Siwen , Yu Jianwen , Zheng Xunhua , Chen Wei , Wang Xin , Chang Guangqi
Published: September 2023

Background

Autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an efficient hemodialysis access for patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The specific threshold of vein diameter still not reached a consensus.

Method

We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for articles which comparing the treatment outcomes of AVF with 2 mm as vein diameter threshold. Fixed and random effect model were used for synthesis of results. Subgroup analysis was designed to assess the risk of bias.

Result

Eight high-quality articles were included finally. Among a total of 1,075 patients (675 males and 400 females), 227 and 809 patients possessed <2 mm and ≥2 mm vein respectively. Apart from gender and coronary artery disease (P < 0.05), there was no significant difference in age, diabetes, hypertension or radial artery between maturation and non-maturation groups. The functional maturation rate was lower in patients with <2 mm vein according to fixed effect model [OR = 0.19, 95% CI (0.12, 0.30), P < 0.01]. There was no significant difference in primary [OR = 0.63, 95% CI (0.12, 3.25), P = 0.58] or cumulative patency rates [OR = 0.40, 95% CI (0.13, 1.19), P = 0.10].

Conclusion

Vein diameter less than 2 mm has a negative impact on the functional maturation rate of AVF, while it does not affect the primary and cumulative patency rates (12 months).
Charge transport comparison of FA, MA and Cs lead halide perovskite single crystals for radiation detection
Authors: Bennett Stephanie H. , Ghosh Joydip , Gros-Daillon Eric , Lédée Ferdinand , Mayén Guillén Javier , Verilhac Jean-Marie , Zaccaro Julien , Chung Duck Young , Klepov Vladislav , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Sellin Paul J.
Published: September 2023

We report a systematic comparison of the charge transport and radiation detection properties of inorganic and organic metal bromide single crystal perovskites. We studied the performance of Bridgman-grown CsPbBr3 single crystals, together with solution-grown FAPbBr3 and MAPbBr3 single crystals. Laser time of flight is used to measure the drift mobilities for all samples, and we report a maxium mobility value of 121 ± 10 cm V−1 s−1 for CsPbBr3. Alpha particle measurements were used to assess the mobility-lifetime products, with values recorded in the range of 2 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 to 1 × 10−3 cm2 V−1. Low temperature measurements showed an increase in bulk resistivity at temperatures down to 260 K, but no significant change to the drift mobilities. The overall performance of the Cs, FA and MA samples is compared and their potential for use in gamma spectroscopy measurements is discussed.
School leadership engagement: validation of the Portuguese version of UWES scale
Authors: Castro Silva José , Ferreira Marco , Pacheco Patricia , Almeida Ana
Published: September 2023

The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) is a widely used self-report scale with the original twenty-three items and its abbreviated version of nine items to assess workers’ engagement. This paper reports a validation study of the UWES-17 and UWES-9 using confirmatory factor analysis, its convergent validity and invariance across gender in a sample of 921 Portuguese school leaders. The main findings support a bidimensional conceptualization of work engagement measurement. The Portuguese version of UWES-9 is proposed as a reliable and robust (CFI = 0.97; TLI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.073) tool to assess work engagement amongst Portuguese school leadership. The 9-item UWES is a reliable instrument to assess work engagement among Portuguese school leaders and could be used as an effective screening tool in educational contexts.
Metabolic effects of vasopressin in pathophysiology of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Lebedeva Svetlana , Margaryan Arus , Smolyarchuk Elena , Nedorubov Andrey , Materenchuk Maria , Tonevitsky Alexander , Mutig Kerim
Published: September 2023

The diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the major cause of the chronic kidney disease (CKD). Enhanced plasma vasopressin (VP) levels have been associated with the pathophysiology of DKD and CKD. Stimulation of VP release in DKD is caused by glucose-dependent reset of the osmostat leading to secondary pathophysiologic effects mediated by distinct VP receptor types. VP is a stress hormone exhibiting the antidiuretic action in the kidney along with broad adaptive effects in other organs. Excessive activation of the vasopressin type 2 (V2) receptor in the kidney leads to glomerular hyperfiltration and nephron loss, whereas stimulation of vasopressin V1a or V1b receptors in the liver, pancreas, and adrenal glands promotes catabolic metabolism for energy mobilization, enhancing glucose production and aggravating DKD. Increasing availability of selective VP receptor antagonists opens new therapeutic windows separating the renal and extra-renal VP effects for the concrete applications. Improved understanding of these paradigms is mandatory for further drug design and translational implementation. The present concise review focuses on metabolic effects of VP affecting DKD pathophysiology.
Strontium chloride improves bone mass by affecting the gut microbiota in young male rats
Authors: Xi Xueyao , Gao Yanan , Wang Jiaqi , Zheng Nan
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Bone mass accumulated in early adulthood is an important determinant of bone mass throughout the lifespan, and inadequate bone deposition may lead to associated skeletal diseases. Recent studies suggest that gut bacteria may be potential factors in boosting bone mass. Strontium (Sr) as a key bioactive element has been shown to improve bone quality, but the precise way that maintains the equilibrium of the gut microbiome and bone health is still not well understood.

Methods

We explored the capacity of SrCl2 solutions of varying concentrations (0, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg BW) on bone quality in 7-week-old male Wistar rats and attempted to elucidate the mechanism through gut microbes.

Results

The results showed that in a Wistar rat model under normal growth conditions, serum Ca levels increased after Sr-treatment and showed a dose-dependent increase with Sr concentration. Three-point mechanics and Micro-CT results showed that Sr exposure enhanced bone biomechanical properties and improved bone microarchitecture. In addition, the osteoblast gene markers BMP, BGP, RUNX2, OPG and ALP mRNA levels were significantly increased to varying degrees after Sr treatment, and the osteoclast markers RANKL and TRAP were accompanied by varying degrees of reduction. These experimental results show that Sr improves bones from multiple angles. Further investigation of the microbial population revealed that the composition of the gut microbiome was changed due to Sr, with the abundance of 6 of the bacteria showing a different dose dependence with Sr concentration than the control group. To investigate whether alterations in bacterial flora were responsible for the effects of Sr on bone remodeling, a further pearson correlation analysis was done, 4 types of bacteria (Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Alistipes and Weissella) were deduced to be the primary contributors to Sr-relieved bone loss. Of these, we focused our analysis on the most firmly associated Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014.

Discussion

To summarize, our current research explores changes in bone mass following Sr intervention in young individuals, and the connection between Sr-altered intestinal flora and potentially beneficial bacteria in the attenuation of bone loss. These discoveries underscore the importance of the “gut-bone” axis, contributing to an understanding of how Sr affects bone quality, and providing a fresh idea for bone mass accumulation in young individuals and thereby preventing disease due to acquired bone mass deficiency.
Proteomics and network pharmacology of Ganshu Nuodan capsules in the prevention of alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Yang Xiaonan , Wang Lei , Cui Xuejie , Zhang Jing , Liang Ying , Luo Zhaojing , Zhou Bingxue , Jiang Zheng , Yang Rachel Y. H. , Wu Yi , Wei Kunhua , Du Maobo , Qin Shuangshuang , Dai Chen , Zhao Guoliang
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Ganshu Nuodan is a liver-protecting dietary supplement composed of Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) spore powder, Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr. (P. montana), Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (S. miltiorrhiza) and Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge. (A. membranaceus). However, its pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of action remain unknown.

Methods

A mouse model of acute alcohol liver disease (ALD) induced by intragastric administration of 50% alcohol was used to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Ganshu Nuodan. The chemical constituents of Ganshu Nuodan were comprehensively identified by UPLC-QTOF/MS, and then its pharmacodynamic material basis and potential mechanism of action were explored by proteomics and network pharmacology.

Results

Ganshu Nuodan could ameliorate acute ALD, which is mainly manifested in the significant reduction of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in liver and the remarkably increase of glutathione (GSH) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver. Totally 76 chemical constituents were identified from Ganshu Nuodan by UPLC-QTOF/MS, including 21 quinones, 18 flavonoids, 11 organic acids, 7 terpenoids, 5 ketones, 4 sterols, 3 coumarins and 7 others. Three key signaling pathways were identified via proteomics studies, namely Arachidonic acid metabolism, Retinol metabolism, and HIF-1 signaling pathway respectively. Combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking, six key targets were subsequently obtained, including Ephx2, Lta4h, Map2k1, Stat3, Mtor and Dgat1. Finally, these six key targets and their related components were verified by molecular docking, which could explain the material basis of the hepatoprotective effect of Ganshu Nuodan.

Conclusion

Ganshu Nuodan can protect acute alcohol-induced liver injury in mice by inhibiting oxidative stress, lipid accumulation and apoptosis. Our study provides a scientific basis for the hepatoprotective effect of Ganshu Nuodan in acute ALD mice and supports its traditional application.
Impact of microplastics on the in situ, high-resolution of key nutrient dynamics at the soil-water interface in rice fields
Authors: Jiang Yizhen , Zhu Xiaoyan , Zhang Siyuan , Yang Jingang , Lu Yongzheng , Wang Ying
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Microplastics are characterized by their small size, widespread distribution, and durability, present a significant environmental risk. Despite their omnipresence in terrestrial and aquatic systems, the potential consequences on nutrient cycling remain under-investigated. Microplastics have emerged as a focal point of current research, presenting both a challenge and a frontier in environmental science.

Methods: This study explores the effects of microplastics on the high-resolution, in situ distribution and exchange dynamics of key nutrients, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), at the soil-water interface in rice paddies, utilizing the Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films (DGT) technique.

Results: Our results reveal distinct spatial distribution patterns for N and P across the soil-water interface. Labile phosphorus (P) concentrations were significantly higher in the soil than in the overlying water, whereas DGT-NO3− concentrations exhibited the inverse trend. Different microplastic concentrations notably impacted DGT-NO3− (P = 0.022) and DGT-NH4+ (P = 0.033), with an increase between 27.79% and 150.68%. Moreover, different particle sizes significantly influenced NH4+. Interestingly, paddy soil acted as a “source” for labile P and a “sink” for NH4+ and NO3−.

Discussion: These insights provide valuable insights into the interactions between microplastics and nutrient cycles at the soil-water interface, and assess the effects on nutrient migration and transformation. The outcomes of this study will contribute to an improved understanding of the broader ecological implications of microplastic pollution in agricultural settings. It will also provide a foundation for the development of strategies to manage and mitigate the impacts of microplastic pollution in agricultural soils, particularly in rice dominated agroecosystems.
Protected yet unmanaged: insights into the ecological status of conservation priority stony reefs in Belgian waters based on the integrative use of remote sensing technologies
Authors: Montereale Gavazzi Giacomo , Paoletti Silvia , Podholova Pavlina , Kapasakali Danae-Athena , Kerckhof Francis
Published: September 2023

Stony reefs are ecologically important, providing irreplaceable ecosystem services. These fragile environments are recognised as conservation priorities by all relevant global and European policies. Bottom-contacting fisheries are an important source of anthropogenic disturbance to the seafloor’s physical and ecological integrity having immediate and destructive consequences on stony reefs and compromising ecological functions. This study, aimed to assess the ecological status (community composition and functions) of two stony reef areas -Northwest and Hinder Banks study sites -in Belgian waters using multiple remote sensing tools. Insights on the study sites’ geomorphological context and fishing patterns were gained using echo-sounding and publicly available satellite data. Video-based benthic community data were assessed against the exposure to fishing pressure using a trait-based approach linked to the biotas’ resistance and recovery potential. In the Northwest study site, between 2019 and 2022 there was a significant decline in the abundance of benthic species classified with low resistance and recovery potential to trawling. Conversely, there was a notable increase in species with moderate scores. During the same period, this site experienced an eight-fold increase in fishing effort and the hydroacoustic data revealed the presence of several trawl-marks in 2022. Similar changes in benthic communities were observed in the Hinder Banks too. Here, the abundance of species with low resistance and recovery potential was significantly lower in locations that were geomorphologically exposed to trawling compared to sheltered ones. Exposed locations had a higher abundance of opportunistic species, with moderate to high scores. The presence of several trawl marks on the seafloor was observed in the exposed locations, corresponding to fishing hotspots identified in the satellite data. Trawling activities marginally impacted richness and total abundance, but negatively altered benthic functional composition. The findings of this study provide scientific evidence of the detrimental impact of bottom-contacting fisheries on conservation priority biotopes and argues against the coexistence of such activities with Marine Protected Areas. The results of our investigation are of interest to environmental managers for the adequate implementation of environmental legislation in the face of rapid and widespread anthropogenic changes.
Phylogenetically independent behavior mediating geographic distributions suggests habitat is a strong driver of phenotype in crangonyctid amphipods
Authors: Worsham McLean L. D. , Nair Parvathi , Gibson J. Randy , Rodriguez David , Schwartz Benjamin F. , Nowlin Weston H.
Published: September 2023

It is unclear if geographic distributions of animals are behaviorally mediated or simply maintained by ecologically-driven deleterious effects on fitness. Furthermore, it is not well known how behaviors that may affect geographic distributions and responses to environmental stressors evolve. To explore this, we examined behavioral and physiological reactions to light in six species of amphipods in the family Crangonyctidae collected from a variety of subterranean and epigean habitats. Stark differences between epigean and subterranean habitats occupied by different crangonyctid species allowed this clade to serve as an appropriate model system for studying the link between habitat and phenotype. We sampled habitats in or adjacent to the Edwards Aquifer in central Texas and collected two epigean and four stygobiontic species. We examined respiratory and behavioral responses to light in all study species. We found that similarities in behavioral and physiological responses to light between species were only weakly correlated with genetic relatedness but were correlated with habitat type. However, the breadth of variation in phenotype was found to be correlated with phylogenetic relationships, suggesting that population level trait evolution likely involves interactions between standing population level variation and strength of selection. Our findings suggest that natural selection via environmental conditions may outweigh history of common ancestry when predicting phenotypic similarities among species, and that behavioral and physiological phenotypes may mediate the evolution of biogeographic distributions.
Discovering useful genetic variation in the seed parent gene pool for sorghum improvement
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Boatwright J. Lucas , Sapkota Sirjan , Brenton Zachary W. , Ballén-Taborda Carolina , Myers Matthew T. , Cox William A. , Jordan Kathleen E. , Kresovich Stephen , Boyles Richard E.
Published: September 2023

Multi-parent populations contain valuable genetic material for dissecting complex, quantitative traits and provide a unique opportunity to capture multi-allelic variation compared to the biparental populations. A multi-parent advanced generation inter-cross (MAGIC) B-line (MBL) population composed of 708 F6 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), was recently developed from four diverse founders. These selected founders strategically represented the four most prevalent botanical races (kafir, guinea, durra, and caudatum) to capture a significant source of genetic variation to study the quantitative traits in grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. MBL was phenotyped at two field locations for seven yield-influencing traits: panicle type (PT), days to anthesis (DTA), plant height (PH), grain yield (GY), 1000-grain weight (TGW), tiller number per meter (TN) and yield per panicle (YPP). High phenotypic variation was observed for all the quantitative traits, with broad-sense heritabilities ranging from 0.34 (TN) to 0.84 (PH). The entire population was genotyped using Diversity Arrays Technology (DArTseq), and 8,800 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were generated. A set of polymorphic, quality-filtered markers (3,751 SNPs) and phenotypic data were used for genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We identified 52 marker-trait associations (MTAs) for the seven traits using BLUPs generated from replicated plots in two locations. We also identified desirable allelic combinations based on the plant height loci (Dw1, Dw2, and Dw3), which influences yield related traits. Additionally, two novel MTAs were identified each on Chr1 and Chr7 for yield traits independent of dwarfing genes. We further performed a multi-variate adaptive shrinkage analysis and 15 MTAs with pleiotropic effect were identified. The five best performing MBL progenies were selected carrying desirable allelic combinations. Since the MBL population was designed to capture significant diversity for maintainer line (B-line) accessions, these progenies can serve as valuable resources to develop superior sorghum hybrids after validation of their general combining abilities via crossing with elite pollinators. Further, newly identified desirable allelic combinations can be used to enrich the maintainer germplasm lines through marker-assisted backcross breeding.
Contraception and abortion in times of crisis: results from an online survey of Venezuelan women
Authors: Stifani Bianca M. , Luigi Genesis , Tam Genevieve , Zamberlin Nina , Carino Giselle , Medina-Salas Susana , Fetters Tamara , Gill Roopan
Published: September 2023

Introduction

In the last decade, Venezuela has experienced a complex humanitarian crisis that has limited access to healthcare. We set out to describe Venezuelan women's experiences accessing sexual and reproductive health services, including abortion, which is heavily restricted by law.

Methods

We fielded an online survey in July of 2020 among Venezuelan women recruited through social media advertisements. We conducted descriptive statistical analyses using Excel and STATA SE Version 16.0.

Results

We received 851 completed survey responses. Almost all respondents experienced significant hardship in the last year, including inflation (99%), worries about personal safety (86%), power outages (76%), and lack of access to clean water (74%) and medications (74%). Two thirds of respondents used contraception in the last two years, and almost half (44%) of respondents had difficulty accessing contraception during that same time period. About one fifth of respondents reported having had an abortion; of these, 63% used abortion pills, and 72% reported difficulties in the process. Half of those who had an abortion did it on their own, while the other half sought help – either from family members or friends (34%), from providers in the private health sector (14%), or from the Internet (12%).

Conclusions

Venezuelan women who responded to our survey describe a harsh context with limited access to sexual and reproductive health services. However, they report relatively high rates of contraceptive use, and abortion seems to be common despite the restrictive legal setting.
Current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of circulating permeability factor in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Salfi Giuseppe , Casiraghi Federica , Remuzzi Giuseppe
Published: September 2023

The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the onset and the post-transplant recurrence of primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are complex and remain yet to be fully elucidated. However, a growing body of evidence emphasizes the pivotal role of the immune system in both initiating and perpetuating the disease. Extensive investigations, encompassing both experimental models and patient studies, have implicated T cells, B cells, and complement as crucial actors in the pathogenesis of primary FSGS, with various molecules being proposed as potential “circulating factors” contributing to the disease and its recurrence post kidney-transplantation. In this review, we critically assessed the existing literature to identify essential pathways for a comprehensive characterization of the pathogenesis of FSGS. Recent discoveries have shed further light on the intricate interplay between these mechanisms. We present an overview of the current understanding of the engagement of distinct molecules and immune cells in FSGS pathogenesis while highlighting critical knowledge gaps that require attention. A thorough characterization of these intricate immune mechanisms holds the potential to identify noninvasive biomarkers that can accurately identify patients at high risk of post-transplant recurrence. Such knowledge can pave the way for the development of targeted and personalized therapeutic approaches in the management of FSGS.