bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El cine mexicano visto desde México y el extranjero
Authors: Zavala Alvarado Lauro José , Sánchez Prado Ignacio M. , Domínguez Cáceres Roberto , Ramírez Miranda Francisco Javier , Mercader Martínez Yolanda Norma , Olachea Pérez Rubén , Obscura Gutiérrez Siboney , Tierney Dolores M. , Álvarez Olarra Silvia , Suzanne Janzen Rebecca Claire
Published: May 2024

Los ensayos aquí reunidos ofrecen un panorama general de los estudios contemporáneos sobre cine mexicano, tanto los realizados en el interior del país como los elaborados por mexicanistas extranjeros. Al observar la orientación de estos trabajos es evidente la existencia de tradiciones académicas distintas que requieren un diálogo constante para enriquecer sus perspectivas. Es evidente la importancia del feminismo y los estudios sobre el lenguaje cinematográfico en la tradición inglesa; el peso de los estudios culturales y la interdisciplinariedad en la tradición estadounidense y la diversidad de enfoques en la academia mexicana, con registros que van de la semiótica y los estudios de género a la aproximación ideológica e historiográfica. En particular, este volumen contiene trabajos acerca del cine de la Época de Oro (Dolores Tierney); el cine contemporáneo (Yolanda Mercader); los géneros cinematográficos (Silvia Álvarez Olarra); el cine documental (Siboney Obscura); el cine y la educación (Rubén Olachea); cine y política (Rebecca Janzen); cine e ideología (Javier Ramírez) y el lenguaje cinematográfico (Roberto Domínguez). En el ensayo de Ignacio Sánchez Prado que abre el volumen se hace un balance de los antecedentes que explican las diferencias entre los estudios de mexicanistas que trabajan en el país y los mexicanistas extranjeros que se especializan en cine mexicano. Este volumen tiene como objetivo contribuir al intercambio de ideas entre los investigadores de cine mexicano que trabajan en el país y en el extranjero.
Lung and Airway Disease Caused by E-Cigarette (Vape): A Systematic Review
Authors: Simanjuntak Arya Marganda , Putra Mokhammad Raihan Eka , Amalia Nindy Putri , Hutapea Anastasya , Suyanto Suyanto , Siregar Indi Esha
Published: May 2024

Vape use is increasing among the youth and there is a catchphrase that vape is the solution to conventional tobacco smoking. Some case reports show the impact of vape use in the form of lung injury. However, there are no studies that definitively determine how many cases and what kind of problems in the lungs and airways can be caused by the use of vape and this is the purpose of our research. This systematic review article used several databases with the keywords "Vape OR E-cigarette" and "Disease." We screened and eliminated articles based on the PEOS framework. The included articles were analyzed for risk of bias using the JBI critical appraisal tool. A total of 16 articles were included and involved 313 patients in this review. Several case reports show the incidence of pulmonary infections in vape users, lung damage (EVALI), respiratory failure, burning throat, and various other events associated with vape use. The duration of vape use also varies before the appearance of the disease and the earliest use duration is six months and the longest is up to years. Vape use poses a risk of lung and airway disease and requires further study to accurately determine the degree of risk of the impact of vape use on lung and airway health. In conclusion, vape circulation vigilance needs to be considered because the impacts can cause health issues and interfere with the achievement of health goals for all.
Khám phá vai trò trung gian của năng lực đổi mới và định hướng sáng nghiệp trong ảnh hưởng của chuyển đổi số đối với năng lực cạnh tranh của doanh nghiệp nhỏ và vừa
Authors: Bùi Thành Khoa
Published: May 2024

Nghiên cứu này điều tra các tác động chiến lược của chuyển đổi số đến lợi thế cạnh tranh mà các doanh nghiệp nhỏ và vừa (SME) tại Việt Nam. Dựa trên quan điểm năng lực động, nghiên cứu xem xét tác động trung gian của định hướng sáng nghiệp và năng lực đổi mới trong việc hỗ trợ chuyển đổi số nâng cao năng lực cạnh tranh của các SME. Một cuộc khảo sát trên 512 SME ở Việt Nam xác nhận các mối quan hệ tích cực trong mô hình nghiên cứu bằng cách sử dụng phân tích mô hình cấu trúc bình phương nhỏ nhất từng phần (PLS-SEM). Kết quả nêu bật chuyển đổi số là yếu tố thay đổi cuộc chơi mang tính cạnh tranh dành cho các SME bị cản trở bởi những hạn chế về quy mô và nguồn lực; trong đó, vai trò trung gian của định hướng sáng nghiệp, và năng lực đổi mới cũng được khẳng định. Nghiên cứu này mang ý nghĩa chiến lược quan trọng liên quan đến việc tận dụng chuyển đổi số một cách toàn diện để xây dựng năng lực cạnh tranh của SME tại Việt Nam.
Desenvolvimento e caracterização de creme misto de leite bovino e caprino: Análise físico-química, microbiológica e sensorial
Authors: Mishina Renata Ângela Guimarães , Santos Renata de Eça , Rocha Mariana Alves , Amaral João Bosco , Carvalho Luísa Costa de , Lima Lys Gabriela Alves Correia
Published: May 2024

Os derivados do leite de cabra são alimentos de elevado valor agregado, possuindo atributos de aroma e sabor característicos. Considerando o numeroso rebanho caprino no Nordeste e a necessidade de valorização desse leite e seus derivados, este estudo teve como objetivo elaborar três manteigas cremosas mistas de creme de leite bovino e caprino em diferentes proporções, caracterizando-as quanto aos aspectos microbiológicos, físico-químicos e sensoriais. Foram realizadas análises para contagem de coliformes totais, coliformes termotolerantes, Staphylococcus coagulase positiva, contagem total de aeróbios mesófilos em placa e detecção de Salmonella. Para a caracterização físico-química foram realizadas análises de acidez titulável em ácido lático, umidade, cinzas, lipídios por Gerber e cloretos de sódio. Foram realizados os testes sensoriais de aceitabilidade, intenção de compra e check-all-that-apply (CATA). Na avaliação físico-química houve variação significante nas cinzas, umidade e cloreto de sódio. Nas análises microbiológicas as três amostras de manteigas avaliadas se encontram de acordo com a legislação brasileira. Os testes sensoriais de aceitação e de intenção de compra comprovaram que, de maneira geral, todas as amostras foram bem aceitas pelos provadores e com boa intenção de compra. O teste CATA apontou as características de cada amostra, sendo a A1 a mais firme e salgada, a A2 a mais macia e A3 com mais sabor caprino e mais branca.
O olhar da fisioterapia sobre o contexto socioeducacional de crianças com necessidades especiais
Authors: Santos Ketlen Vitória Vasconcelos , Costa Rhamon Asafe da Silva , Rios Beatriz Marques , Conceição Andréia Santos da , Conceição Andrelina Santos da , Miranda Thais Oliveira de , Marques Heloisa
Published: May 2024

Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo delinear as características socioeducacionais de crianças em atendimento de fisioterapia em clínica pública de livre demanda. Foi realizada uma pesquisa epidemiológica, descritiva e transversal no município de Parnaíba, Piauí. Compuseram a amostra 32 famílias, que responderam a um questionário composto por 10 perguntas, das quais 9 eram fechadas e 1 pergunta aberta. Essa estrutura foi projetada para capturar tanto respostas objetivas quanto percepções subjetivas, permitindo uma compreensão abrangente dos aspectos financeiros, domiciliares e escolares das famílias participantes. Os resultados destacam que a maioria das famílias enfrentavam desafios financeiros, apesar de algumas receberem benefícios governamentais para crianças com necessidades especiais. Muitas famílias também tinham dificuldades em seguir recomendações médicas ou participar de atividades terapêuticas devido a barreiras financeiras. No contexto domiciliar, a mobilidade da criança emergiu como um desafio significativo. A análise revelou que a maioria das famílias não têm acesso a equipamentos especializados para melhorar a mobilidade. Isso cria um ambiente onde a locomoção das crianças com necessidades especiais pode ser restrita, afetando sua independência e qualidade de vida. Por fim, a inclusão das crianças com necessidades especiais nas atividades escolares ainda é um desafio significativo. Os achados trazem informações relevantes para a elaboração de políticas públicas com vistas ao estabelecimento de suporte formal para nosso público-alvo.
Estado atual do estudo da anatomia: Uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Sobral Marcus Aurelio Farias , Lemos Beatriz Torriani , Silveira Douglas Madureira Heringer da , Mendes Rebeca Braga Ponte , Tamada Horacio
Published: May 2024

O estudo da anatomia desempenha um papel de grande importância na evolução da medicina ao longo da história, desde os trabalhos dos primeiros anatomistas, e vem sendo acompanhado por diversos avanços tecnológicos. O objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar o atual panorama do estudo anatômico, dos progressos tecnológicos e fundamentos essenciais dessa disciplina, além de compreender parte da trajetória evolutiva dos métodos de estudo. Para isto, foi realizada uma revisão integrativa por intermédio de uma abordagem qualitativa, com pesquisa nas bases de dados a partir da pergunta norteadora “De que forma o estudo da anatomia é realizado atualmente?”, utilizando-se a estratégia “PICo”, procedeu-se uma busca nas bases de dados do Embase, PubMed, LILACS e Scopus, onde foram encontrados o total de 770 estudos, que foram submetidos aos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, restando 36, dos quais 28 foram selecionados para a leitura integral e escrita desta revisão. A partir dos resultados obtidos, observou-se uma manutenção na utilização de cadáveres, porém com o advento de novas técnicas, como a plastinação e dissecação virtual. Como conclusão deste estudo, entende-se que essas novas metodologias, embora representem avanços significativos, não substituem integralmente os métodos tradicionais de ensino, mas sim complementam a educação anatômica.
THE ACTIVITIES OF RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CORRECTION OF BELIEVERS CONVICTED IN THE PROCESS OF SERVING THEIR SENTENCE AND AFTER THEIR RELEASE
Authors: Skomoroh Oleg
Published: May 2024

The research is devoted to the issues of the activities of religious organizations in institutions of the Russian penal system. The article identifies trends in changes in penal enforcement legislation in the field of strengthening traditional spiritual and moral values in the penal policy of the Russian Federation. The article examines the social concepts of traditional religious organizations in Russia in terms of providing assistance to convicts, as well as the main directions and forms of participation of clergy, religious and non-profit organizations in the implementation of basic means of correction of convicts. Special attention is paid to the study of the role of religious organizations, as well as religiously oriented non-profit organizations in promoting the re-socialization and social adaptation of convicts. Proposals have been made to develop means of legal regulation and law enforcement practice in the field of interaction between institutions and bodies of the penal enforcement system with traditional centralized religious organizations in Russia.
Learning enhancement through deploying personal learning environment, network and problem-based learning assessment
Authors:   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China., Dutta Shanta , Zhang Yuying ,   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China., He Mingjing ,   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China., C.W. Tsang Daniel ,   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
Published: May 2024

Intended to foster students’ self-directed learning and research ability at the postgraduate level, this educational research evaluated the implications of personal learning environment & network (PLE&N) and problem-based learning (PBL) assessment as student-centric and student-driven pedagogic approaches. Compared to conventional instructional paradigms, the PLE&N platform presents an agile and interactive platform that empowers students to partake in collaborative discourse while orchestrating their learning journey through the judicious utilization of communal resources. The vitality of the PLE&N model is substantiated by the enduring engagement of peers, teachers, professionals, and external experts in the field, fostering a milieu of enriched knowledge exchange, synergistic collaboration, and personalized curation of learning approaches. In contrast, the PBL assessment was designed by incorporating intricate scenarios similar to the real world, thereby affording an avenue for cultivating students’ cogitation and adroit problem-solving skills within a guided learning environment. By integrating constructivist and connectivist pedagogies, the PBL assessment facilitated teamwork while engaging students in independent research and empowered their knowledge construction on selected topics. Students’ self-evaluation through the survey indicated their enhancement in self-directed learning behavior and competence building for complex problem-solving tasks. Moreover, peer feedback and suggestions received through both PLE&N and PBL were highly beneficial for students to analyze information and learning resources from diverse perspectives, which further helped to expand their learning horizon. This study underscored the significance and advantages of modern student-centric approaches such as PLE&N and PBL. These pedagogical paradigms stand as seminal strategies for nurturing nascent post-graduate students, thereby endowing them with indispensable proficiencies in self-directed learning and robust competencies in scholarly inquiry. Keywords: PLE&N, PBL, Constructivism, Connectivism, Pedagogy, Self-directed learning.
Investigation of the Psychological Health Status and Influencing Factors of Vocational College Students in Beijing
Authors:   Peking University, Medical Psychology Department, China., Xu Honghong , Xue Ruotong ,   Peking University, Medical Psychology Department, China., Hao Shuwei ,   Peking University, Medical Psychology Department, China.
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the psychological health status and influencing factors of self-esteem among 960 vocational college students in Beijing (average age 18.78). Results indicate varying degrees of psychological pressure, with overall moderate self-esteem levels. Participants' scores for depression, anxiety, self-esteem, subjective well-being, simplified coping style, and psychological resilience fall within the normal range. Specifically, 72.9% of students reported no depression, 8.5% displayed anxiety symptoms, and 38.4% had a relatively good level of self-esteem. Positive coping strategies were commonly employed (average score 1.78), while negative coping was less utilized (average score 1.59). Demographic factors, such as gender and being an only child, showed limited impact on psychological health and self-esteem, but specific coping styles were affected. The study emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments to foster positive self-esteem development and overall well-being in vocational college students. Keywords: Vocational college students, psychological health, self-esteem, academic achievements, family support, social recognition
Development and Establishment of Professional Identity during Academic Education; a Qualitative Study on the Lived Experiences of Pharmacy Students
Authors:   Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran., Gholami Ahmad , Abedi Soheil ,   General pharmacist (Pharm D), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran., Asemani Omid ,   Department of Medical Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran.
Published: May 2024

Some educationally important themes like Professional performance, academic motivation, etc. could be explained in relation to "professional identity". Nevertheless, 'identity' is somewhat vague but could be described based on special considerations related to the context, major, personal and environmental characteristics. This study aims to explore how pharmacy students contribute to the formation and development of their professional identity. 12 pharmacy students were interviewed by purposeful sampling. The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis methodology. Five main categories were extracted to explain how pharmacy students' professional identity develop and establish from the beginning to graduation: 1) Basic (primary) establishments in the path of choosing the field of study, 2) Intra- and extra-professional conflicts in the way of stabilizing the primary professional identity, 3) Becoming empowered in the chosen future professional path, 4) The consolidation of professional identity structures by heartening yourself and relying on your own abilities and, 5) The dynamics of students' satisfaction with studying pharmacy. The central category, "To Search for and acquire yourself; flourishing in the path of your chosen professional destiny," could describe the data and establish relationship between the main categories. Academic educators could pave the way for every student according to his/her specific goals, personal abilities and limitations. Nevertheless, Availability of general academic advising from the first stages of education could help development of professional growth and excellence. Defining and then strengthening the hidden and overt roles of professors could facilitate this process properly and promptly. Keywords: Pharmacy students, Professional identity, Qualitative research, Academic motivation, Academic identity.
FESTIVAL ISLAMIC GOOD CHILD SEBAGAI SARANA PENANAMAN NILAI RELIGIUS
Authors: Aziz Abdul , Asiah Siti , Rabiannur Rabiannur
Published: May 2024

Festival Islamic good child is a single work program coordinated by one of the students of Islamic University 45 Bekasi held in the village of Sirnajati. The purpose of organizing the Festival Islamic Good Child program is to enhance the enthusiasm for seeking knowledge about Islam, and cultivate interest and ability in the field of religion, and foster self-confidence in the children of Sirnajati Village. In the implementation of the Festival Islamic Good Child, there are 3 competition classes: adhan rivalry, short surah retention rivalry, and calligraphy shading. The technique of conducting training is by examining the needs of early childhood, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and following up on the training that has been conducted. The consequence of this Festival Islamic Good Child program is that the children of the Madrasah Diniyah Takmiliyah Awaliyah (MDTA) Jamiatul Khoir in Sirnajati Village will be more enthusiastic in learning and practicing the teachings of Islam, and then the children of Sirnajati Village will also be more courageous in demonstrating their abilities and their self-confidence will increase after participating in the Festival Islamic Good Child program. This is evidenced by several youths from Sirnajati Village who initially did not want to perform the adhan, but after the Festival Islamic Good Child was held, they became fearless to perform the adhan.
PENINGKATAN HASIL BELAJAR IPS MELALUI MODEL THINK PAIR SHARE SISWA KELAS III SDN BOJONG RAWALUMBU X KOTA BEKASI TIMUR
Authors: Sundari Kori , Nurul Lumintang Annisa
Published: May 2024

Peneliti dilatar belakangi oleh rendahnya hasil belajar siswa dalam mata pelajaran IPS di kelas III SDN Bojong Rawalumbu X Kota Bekasi Timur. Hal ini dapat dilihat dari 1) Siswa kurang memahami materi pembelajaran: 2) Siswa masih takut untuk bertanya kepada guru: 3) Siswa masih kesulitan ketika mengelompokkan materi Perkembangan Transportasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa kelas III SDN Bojong Rawalumbu X Kota Bekasi Timur mata pelajaran IPS melalui model pembelajaran Think Pair Share (TPS). Metode penelitian ini menggunakan Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK) yang terdiri dari 2 siklus. Setiap siklus atau putaran kegiatan PTK dilakukan empat kegiatan pokok, yaitu perencaan, melaksanakan tindakan, observasi dan refleksi. Subjek penelitian ini berjumlah 31 siswa. Data pengumpulan ini menggunakan teknik pengumpulan ini berupa tes tertulis dan observasi. Kriteria keberhasilan dalam penelitian ini adalah apabila 80% dari jumlah siswa mencapai nilai KKM yang ditetapkan yaitu 75. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian diperoleh peningkatan presentase ketuntasan klasikal pada setiap siklusnya. Pada siklus I sebesar 45% dengan rata-rata nilai 70 dan siklus II sebesar 84% dengan rata-rata nilai 81. Lalu siklus diberhentikan karena telah mencapai target nilai ketuntasan klasikal 80% pada mata pelajaran IPS di SDN Bojong Rawalumbu X Kota Bekasi melalui model pembelajaran Think Pair Share (TPS).
PENERAPAN MODEL TEAM GAMES TOURNAMENT UNTUK MENINGKATKAN MOTIVASI BELAJAR MATEMATIKA SISWA KELAS III SDIT PERMATA HATI
Authors: Sugiharti Rini Endah , Sari Novita , Fitriani Salsabila Zahra , Fitri Nabillah Ike , Indah Fauziah Resti , Mira Yuliaini Dinda , Fidia Firjatullah Syifa , Dwiranti Nabila
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini membahas implementasi model pembelajaran kooperatif tipe Team Games Tournament (TGT) dengan dukungan media pembelajaran kartu domino untuk meningkatkan motivasi belajar matematika siswa kelas III SDIT Permata Hati. Penelitian dilakukan dengan metode Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK) selama dua siklus. Siklus I melibatkan perbaikan tindakan berdasarkan refleksi siklus sebelumnya, sedangkan siklus II bertujuan mencapai kriteria keberhasilan yang telah ditetapkan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya peningkatan motivasi belajar siswa, mencapai persentase rata-rata sebesar 84,83% pada siklus II. Implementasi model pembelajaran TGT berbantu media berhasil meningkatkan minat dan interaksi siswa dalam pembelajaran matematika di kelas III SDIT Permata Hati.
Understanding climate-related visual storytelling on TikTok
Authors: Zeng Jing , Yan Xiaoyue
Published: May 2024

This cross-cultural study investigates the prevalence and impact of climate-related campaigns on TikTok, with a specific focus on climate-related visual storytelling in Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Computational methods are employed in the study to analyse a dataset of 7,564 videos, providing insights into prominent visual characteristics and regional variations. The findings underline the significance of cultural and political contexts in shaping climate storytelling on TikTok. Furthermore, this research explores the potential of computational visual data analysis in studying climate communication, demonstrating the integration of computer vision and topic modelling to examine visual styles and communicative functions in TikTok’s climate storytelling. The study enhances our understanding of climate communication on digital platforms and emphasizes the value of leveraging computational methods to gain meaningful cross-cultural insights into visual storytelling in the context of climate change.
Researching visual protest and politics with “extra-hard” data
Authors: Özkula Suay Melisa , Omena Janna Joceli , Gajjala Radhika
Published: May 2024

A range of scholars have criticised scholarly tendencies to focus on “easy” data such as provided by the low-hanging fruit of Twitter hashtag networks (Burgess & Bruns, 2015; Hargittai, 2020; Tromble, 2021). As a result, digital social research has been said to create a glut of studies that favour particular platforms, data forms, and networking dynamics, choices that may create ‘digital bias’ (Marres, 2017). These issues are particularly significant in visual data as the implicit nature of visuality means that platform spaces, text, and networked uses of visuals contribute to how visuals are interpreted in digital environments. In response to this issue, we present and critically reflect on new potentialities in software-based visual research on protest and politics, including: (1) rich cross-project comparisons; (2) complementing platform data with on-the-ground engagement, and (3) quali-quanti visual methods. These allow for rich data journeys through multi-modality, hybridity, comprehensive data curation, reiterative image data collection and interpretation, and the inclusion of contextual reflections in focused visual research, elements that provide meaning, texture, and context (= extra-hard data). We argue that visual digital methods consequently have the potential to provide nuanced, robust, and versatile analysis of visual data, if not necessitate these in a post-API age in which easy data access is no longer a given.
Lipopolysaccharide-induced alterations in the liver metabolome of St. Croix and Suffolk sheep
Authors: Johnson Samanthia R. , Bentley Kelsey , Bowdridge Scott , Ogunade Ibukun M.
Published: May 2024

The development of resistance in parasites due to overuse of anthelmintics has resulted in a marked decrease in the efficacy of these drug classes. Recent research efforts have focused on exploring alternatives such as selection for parasite-resistant breeds with the implication that immunocompetence may align with parasite resistance. Two breeds that are often investigated are the St. Croix (STC), a resistant hair breed, and Suffolk (SUF), a susceptible wool breed sheep. The liver plays a vital role in metabolism in the body and metabolizes lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which triggers whole body response through the production of appropriate metabolites, cytokines and immune cells. The objective of this study was to investigate the breed differences in liver metabolome of sheep, with divergent resistance to parasites, in response to LPS. Both STC and SUF sheep (n = 9/breed) were challenged with LPS intravenously. Rectal temperatures and sheep grimace score (SGS) were recorded hourly, for each animal, and averaged across the study for both breeds. The average rectal temperature throughout the study was similar for STC and SUF sheep (40.4°C and 40.2°C respectively), but the pattern of response was different. STC had an average SGS of 0.8 while SUF had an average of 3.3. Liver biopsies were collected from 3 sheep that were not challenged with LPS (HR0; n = 3/breed), two hours post-challenge (HR2; n = 3/breed), and six hours post-challenge (HR6; n = 3/breed). Liver tissue samples were subjected to quantitative untargeted metabolome analysis using chemical isotope labeling/liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Pathway analysis of the HR0 metabolome data revealed that 8 pathways (and their associated metabolites) including beta-alanine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism and glutathione metabolism were altered (false discovery rate-adjusted P-value (FDR) ≤ 0.05) between STC and SUF sheep. At HR2, 10 altered pathways such as folate biosynthesis, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, and glutathione metabolism. At HR6, only 2 pathways (glycerophospholipid metabolism and purine metabolism) were altered (FDR ≤ 0.05) between STC and SUF sheep. Results highlight the differences in hepatic metabolome and physiological response to LPS challenge that exist between SUF and STC. These findings suggest breed-specific differences in metabolic response to immune challenge, potentially influencing the divergent resistance of the two breeds to parasitic infections.
Effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy initiation on epigenomic DNA methylation in persons living with HIV
Authors: Zhang Joshua , Sehl Mary E. , Shih Roger , Breen Elizabeth Crabb , Li Fengxue , Lu Ake T. , Bream Jay H. , Duggal Priya , Martinson Jeremy , Wolinsky Steven M. , Martinez-Maza Otoniel , Ramirez Christina M. , Horvath Steve , Jamieson Beth D.
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) helps improve some measures of accelerated epigenetic aging in persons living with HIV (PLWH), but its overall impact on the epigenome is not fully understood.

Methods: In this study, we analyzed the DNA methylation profiles of PLWH (n = 187) shortly before and approximately 2–3 years after they started HAART, as well as matched seronegative (SN) controls (n = 187), taken at two time intervals. Our aim was to identify specific CpGs and biologic pathways associated with HIV infection and initiation of HAART. Additionally, we attempted to identify epigenetic changes associated with HAART initiation that were independent of HIV-associated changes, using matched HIV seronegative (SN) controls (matched on age, hepatitis C status, and interval between visits) to identify CpGs that did not differ between PLWH and SN pre-HAART but were significantly associated with HAART initiation while being unrelated to HIV viral load. Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) on >850,000 CpG sites were performed using pre- and post-HAART samples from PLWH. The results were then annotated using the Genomic Regions Enrichment of Annotations Tool (GREAT).

Results: When only pre- and post-HAART visits in PLWH were compared, gene ontologies related to immune function and diseases related to immune function were significant, though with less significance for PLWH with detectable HIV viral loads (>50 copies/mL) at the post-HAART visit. To specifically elucidate the effects of HAART separately from HIV-induced methylation changes, we performed EWAS of HAART while also controlling for HIV viral load, and found gene ontologies associated with transplant rejection, transplant-related diseases, and other immunologic signatures. Additionally, we performed a more focused analysis that examined CpGs reaching genome-wide significance (p < 1 × 10−7) from the viral load-controlled EWAS that did not differ between all PLWH and matched SN controls pre-HAART. These CpGs were found to be near genes that play a role in retroviral drug metabolism, diffuse large B cell lymphoma proliferation, and gastric cancer metastasis.

Discussion: Overall, this study provides insight into potential biological functions associated with DNA methylation changes induced by HAART initiation in persons living with HIV.
Molecular pathways in mitochondrial disorders due to a defective mitochondrial protein synthesis
Authors: Antolínez-Fernández Álvaro , Esteban-Ramos Paula , Fernández-Moreno Miguel Ángel , Clemente Paula
Published: May 2024

Mitochondria play a central role in cellular metabolism producing the necessary ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. As a remnant of their prokaryotic past, mitochondria contain their own genome, which encodes 13 subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation system, as well as the tRNAs and rRNAs necessary for their translation in the organelle. Mitochondrial protein synthesis depends on the import of a vast array of nuclear-encoded proteins including the mitochondrial ribosome protein components, translation factors, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases or assembly factors among others. Cryo-EM studies have improved our understanding of the composition of the mitochondrial ribosome and the factors required for mitochondrial protein synthesis and the advances in next-generation sequencing techniques have allowed for the identification of a growing number of genes involved in mitochondrial pathologies with a defective translation. These disorders are often multisystemic, affecting those tissues with a higher energy demand, and often present with neurodegenerative phenotypes. In this article, we review the known proteins required for mitochondrial translation, the disorders that derive from a defective mitochondrial protein synthesis and the animal models that have been established for their study.
A Lifelike guided journey through the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension—from measured metabolites to the mechanism of action of drugs
Authors: Weinstein Nathan , Carlsen Jørn , Schulz Sebastian , Stapleton Timothy , Henriksen Hanne H. , Travnik Evelyn , Johansson Pär Ingemar
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a pathological condition that affects approximately 1% of the population. The prognosis for many patients is poor, even after treatment. Our knowledge about the pathophysiological mechanisms that cause or are involved in the progression of PH is incomplete. Additionally, the mechanism of action of many drugs used to treat pulmonary hypertension, including sotatercept, requires elucidation.

Methods

Using our graph-powered knowledge mining software Lifelike in combination with a very small patient metabolite data set, we demonstrate how we derive detailed mechanistic hypotheses on the mechanisms of PH pathophysiology and clinical drugs.

Results

In PH patients, the concentration of hypoxanthine, 12(S)-HETE, glutamic acid, and sphingosine 1 phosphate is significantly higher, while the concentration of L-arginine and L-histidine is lower than in healthy controls. Using the graph-based data analysis, gene ontology, and semantic association capabilities of Lifelike, led us to connect the differentially expressed metabolites with G-protein signaling and SRC. Then, we associated SRC with IL6 signaling. Subsequently, we found associations that connect SRC, and IL6 to activin and BMP signaling. Lastly, we analyzed the mechanisms of action of several existing and novel pharmacological treatments for PH. Lifelike elucidated the interplay between G-protein, IL6, activin, and BMP signaling. Those pathways regulate hallmark pathophysiological processes of PH, including vasoconstriction, endothelial barrier function, cell proliferation, and apoptosis.

Discussion

The results highlight the importance of SRC, ERK1, AKT, and MLC activity in PH. The molecular pathways affected by existing and novel treatments for PH also converge on these molecules. Importantly, sotatercept affects SRC, ERK1, AKT, and MLC simultaneously. The present study shows the power of mining knowledge graphs using Lifelike’s diverse set of data analytics functionalities for developing knowledge-driven hypotheses on PH pathophysiological and drug mechanisms and their interactions. We believe that Lifelike and our presented approach will be valuable for future mechanistic studies of PH, other diseases, and drugs.
Age-associated declined function of endothelial progenitor cells and its correlation with plasma IL-18 or IL-23 concentrations in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhu Yuanting , Cai Guoyi , Lin Luyang , Fu Hongna , Zhang Cong , Zeng Lijin , Tu Chang , Yang Zhen
Published: May 2024

Background

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) persists to be prevalent in the elderly with a dismal prognosis. The capacity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is reduced with aging. Nevertheless, the influence of aging on the functionality of EPCs in STEMI is not fully understood.

Method

This study enrolled 20 younger STEMI patients and 21 older STEMI patients. We assessed the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events Risk (GRACE) scores in two groups. Then, we detected EPC migration, proliferation, adhesion, and plasma interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-23 concentrations in two groups. In addition, we analyzed the interconnection between age, EPC function, plasma IL-18 and IL-23 concentrations, and GRACE or TIMI scores in STEMI patients.

Result

GRACE and TIMI scores in older STEMI patients were higher than in younger STEMI patients, whereas EPC function declined. GRACE and TIMI scores were found to have an inverse relationship with the EPC function. In older STEMI patients, plasma concentrations of IL-18 and IL-23 increased. Plasma IL-18 and IL-23 concentrations were adversely connected to EPC capacity and positively related to GRACE and TIMI scores. Moreover, age was positively correlated with plasma IL-18 or IL-23 concentrations, as well as GRACE or TIMI scores. However, age was adversely correlated with EPC function.

Conclusion

In patients with STEMI, aging results in declined EPC function, which may be associated with inflammatory cytokines. The current investigation may offer new perception about mechanism and therapeutic targets of aging STEMI.
The influence of online education on pre-service teachers’ academic experiences at a higher education institution in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Qiqieh Sura , Dukmak Samir
Published: May 2024

Online education has gained widespread adoption in recent years due to several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has accelerated the growth of online education, with universities transitioning to online platforms to continue their activities. However, this transition has also impacted the preparation of pre-service teachers, who receive training to become licensed or certified teachers. This study investigates the influence of online education on the academic experiences of 130 pre-service teachers attending the Postgraduate Diploma Program at Al Ain University in the UAE. It also explores the relationships between pre-service teachers’ demographics and five academic experiences. A quantitative questionnaire consisting of five newly-developed scales was used for data collection. Pre-service teachers’ demographics were found not to impact effective teaching and learning, skill development, or satisfaction. Age and employment status were found not to influence pre-service teachers’ views of faculty online assessment and feedback or course organization and management. However, online course organization and management and faculty online assessment and feedback were significantly correlated with marital status as engagement and motivation with employment status was, but not with age or marital status. Effective teaching and learning, faculty assessment, and feedback positively impacted pre-service teachers’ engagement and motivation, while effective teaching and learning and course organization correlated with pre-service teachers’ skill development and satisfaction. Research on online education and pre-service teachers’ experiences post-pandemic is limited. Thus, future studies should explore this relationship to understand better pre-service teachers’ online learning experiences, involvement, and success.
Alternative isoform expression of key thermogenic genes in human beige adipocytes
Authors: Hazell Pickering Sarah , Abdelhalim Mohamed , Collas Philippe , Briand Nolwenn
Published: May 2024

Background

The beneficial effect of thermogenic adipocytes in maintaining body weight and protecting against metabolic disorders has raised interest in understanding the regulatory mechanisms defining white and beige adipocyte identity. Although alternative splicing has been shown to propagate adipose browning signals in mice, this has yet to be thoroughly investigated in human adipocytes.

Methods

We performed parallel white and beige adipogenic differentiation using primary adipose stem cells from 6 unrelated healthy subjects and assessed differential gene and isoform expression in mature adipocytes by RNA sequencing.

Results

We find 777 exon junctions with robust differential usage between white and beige adipocytes in all 6 subjects, mapping to 562 genes. Importantly, only 10% of these differentially spliced genes are also differentially expressed, indicating that alternative splicing constitutes an additional layer of gene expression regulation during beige adipocyte differentiation. Functional classification of alternative isoforms points to a gain of function for key thermogenic transcription factors such as PPARG and CITED1, and enzymes such as PEMT, or LPIN1. We find that a large majority of the splice variants arise from differential TSS usage, with beige-specific TSSs being enriched for PPARγ and MED1 binding compared to white-specific TSSs. Finally, we validate beige specific isoform expression at the protein level for two thermogenic regulators, PPARγ and PEMT.

Discussion

These results suggest that differential isoform expression through alternative TSS usage is an important regulatory mechanism for human adipocyte thermogenic specification.
Policies and tools for climate change policy implementation: a panel data analysis at industrial and commercial level
Authors: Huru Dragoș , Frățilă (Adam) Alexandra , Gavril (Moldovan) Ioana Andrada , Iacob Silvia Elena , Lădaru Georgiana Raluca
Published: May 2024

Climate change is a very debated topic among academia, national and international institutions. Therefore, policies and tools for diminishing pollutant emissions are in place in a number of countries. Among them, taxation and renewable energy use seem to be among the most important. This paper aims at testing the impact of certain tools for climate change policy implementation, such as environmental taxes, renewable energy use, real productivity, employment rate taking into consideration the level of economic development and the GINI coefficient, on the greenhouse gas emissions in two important sectors of the economy: industry and commerce. Panel data analysis is used for a cluster of nine developing countries of the European Union that have the per capita GDP at purchasing power parity lower than 80% of the EU average, during 2008–2021. Similar to other studies, the results show a negative relationship between environmental taxation and greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector, and a positive one in the commercial sector. The latter is explained by the fact that transport, which is a main pollutant sector, is also one of the most difficult sectors to achieve green transition, given high associated costs. The analysis also shows that renewable energy use discourages the emissions of greenhouse gases, both in the industrial and commercial sectors, so that fostering investment in renewables is an important factor for addressing climate change and promoting a sustainable growth.
Causal relationship between anti-inflammatory drugs and cancer: a pan-cancer study with Mendelian randomization
Authors: Gao Shen , Wei Guojiang , Ma Qianwang , Wang Xue , Wang Sen , Niu Yuanjie
Published: May 2024

Background

Numerous epidemiological studies have elucidated the intricate connection between inflammation and cancer, highlighting how sustained inflammatory responses can fuel carcinogenesis by fostering proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis, while dampening immune responses and sensitivity to chemotherapy. Previous clinical investigations have underscored the potential of anti-inflammatory medications in either preventing or mitigating tumor formation. Here, the causal relationship between anti-inflammatory drugs and cancer was further explored through Mendelian randomization studies.

Methods

Employing Mendelian randomization, we scrutinized the causal links between three anti-inflammatory drugs—NSAIDs, Aspirin, and Anilide—and 37 types of cancer. We primarily utilized inverse variance weighting (IVW) as the primary analytical approach to delineate the causal association between these drugs and cancer types. Concurrently, sensitivity analyses were conducted to ascertain the absence of horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity.

Results

Our investigation revealed a discernible causal relationship between certain anti-inflammatory drugs and a subset of cancers, albeit without a pervasive impact across all cancer types. Specifically, NSAIDs exhibited a risk-reducing effect on non-small cell lung cancer (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59–0.97, p-value: 0.03) and gastric cancer (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34–0.98, p-value: 0.04). Conversely, aspirin was associated with an increased risk of oral malignant tumors (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.13–4.21, p-value: 0.02). Notably, no statistically significant findings were observed for anilide drugs (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

We identified several cancers with potential causal links to NSAIDs, including non-small cell lung cancer and gastric cancer. Despite our extensive analysis, we did not identify a substantial causal relationship between the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and the development of various cancers.
Southeast Florida large Orbicella faveolata are highly fecund without evident disease intervention effects
Authors: Renegar D. Abigail , Noren Hunter K. G. , Turner Nicholas R. , Figueiredo Joana , Walker Brian K.
Published: May 2024

The recent widespread mortality and tissue loss in Florida from stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) has propelled the need for assisted reproduction to restore reefs, especially for the ESA listed species Orbicella faveolata. In situ gamete collection can be challenging due to the weather and resources (boats and divers) required during the expected spawning window. In the northern portion of the Florida coral reef tract, coral spawn collection has been even more difficult due to historical inconsistency in annual spawning times and the potential for “zombie” corals, i.e. large but reproductively senescent individuals. Therefore, we examined the current reproductive potential of seven large (>2 m diameter) O. faveolata colonies from this region, quantified their fecundity, and estimated the spawning timeframe using histology. Additionally, we explored whether previous SCTLD lesion amoxycillin treatments affected reproductive metrics. Understanding the reproductive capacity and spawning timing of these large corals, given their history of disease and disease treatment, is critical to evaluate potential impacts of SCTLD treatments and the success of assisted reproduction efforts. The histological analysis coupled with in-water observations indicated a probable split-spawn in these individuals in 2020, although the dates of spawning may not be consistent with predictions for the wider Caribbean or with other colonies in Miami and the Florida Keys. All seven large O. faveolata colonies were found to contain abundant oocytes, with no obvious impact of SCTLD treatments on gamete development or fecundity.
Marine exploration and its environmental impact assessment: insights from international standards
Authors: Ma Letian , Li Jiabiao , Feng Xuwen , Hao Tianyao , Nan Fangzhou
Published: May 2024

Rising demand for marine resources has led to a great interest in seabed exploration and mining, while deep-sea environments are faced with cumulative effects of many human activities. Currently, conducting an environmental impact assessment for deep-sea exploration and mining is challenging due to the dynamic nature and a lack of high-quality data. The International Seabed Authority (ISA), which charges with regulating human activities on the seabed beyond the continental shelf, requires contractors to establish both geological and environmental baselines. Also, the ISA provides a general environmental guideline for exploring various seabed resources. However, standardization of its implementation would need to be addressed with specified technical international standards. The marine technology subcommittee of International Standardization Organization (ISO) contributes to the study of standards on deep-sea geological, geophysical and biological surveys, also on marine environmental protection. In this review, we explore two broad aspects of ISO standards: (1) the development of marine geological and geophysical exploration standard, which may help to establish geological map in the seabed area. (2) the current state of development of a series of Marine Environmental Impact Assessment (MEIA) standards, which could standardize the environmental surveys and monitoring activities in the seabed area. We also consider the standardization gap between MEIA and seabed mining, and propose future focus on coordination relationship between marine exploration and environmental protection.