bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse Effects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome on Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wu Jue , Feng Jun , Yan Cuiyin , Jiang Xiaojuan , Liu Yanping , Hou Wenjie
Published: May 2024

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can both contribute to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. There is relatively limited research on the outcomes for women who have a history of both PCOS and GDM. Our study attempt to explore how the presence of comorbid PCOS affects pregnancy outcomes in women with GDM. Methods: Our study was a retrospective study of women diagnosed with GDM through a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at our hospital from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022. We divided the participants into two groups, group +GDM/+PCOS and group +GDM/-PCOS, based on their history of PCOS. We compared clinical variables, delivery details and neonatal complications between the two groups. Results: Among the 149 women enrolled in the study with GDM, a total of 44 women were diagnosed with PCOS. Women with GDM and PCOS have higher plasma glucose level at 120 minutes (PG120) level (9.17 mmol/L vs 8.59 mmol/L, p = 0.001). The incidence of postpartum hemorrhage is higher in women with history of GDM and PCOS (2.9% vs 22.7%, p < 0.01). On regression analysis, plasma glucose level at 60 minutes (PG60) level (odds ratio (OR) 6.341, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.69~23.76, p = 0.006) and PCOS (OR 36.105, 95% CI 3.89~335, p = 0.002) were identified as independent risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage. We also found that infants born to mothers with PCOS and GDM had lower Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) scores at 1 minute after birth (p < 0.01). PCOS was also an independent risk factor for lower 1-minute APGAR scores on regression analysis (β = –0.296, t = –3.852, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Women who co-presented with GDM and PCOS had worse postprandial blood glucose levels, higher rates of postpartum hemorrhage, and lower 1-minute APGAR scores in newborns. The management of PCOS should be promptly initiated, with close monitoring of blood glucose levels throughout pregnancy, and timely implementation of intervention measures to optimize obstetric and neonatal outcomes.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in People with Eating Disorders and the Acute Effect of Different Interventions – A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Williams Monica , Blalock Dan , Foster Marina , Mehler Philip S. , Gibson Dennis
Published: May 2024

Background: Studies suggest that there is an association between eating disorders and pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), although the contribution of PFD toward symptomatology and interventions to improve these symptoms in the eating disorder population is poorly understood. This study seeks to describe common symptoms of PFD in an eating disorder cohort, as well as the effect of interventions on pelvic floor symptomatology. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, 193 patients who completed the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) upon admission and discharge were included in the study. There were 84 subjects in the control group and 109 in the intervention group, with assignment based on the patient’s willingness to participate in additional interventions for PFD. Those subjects in the intervention group received one of several interventions aimed at improving functioning of the pelvic floor muscles (education, bladder retraining/pelvic floor stretches, internal assessment of the pelvic floor muscles with intervention aimed at improving coordination of these muscles, and biofeedback). Results: Participants at admission reported a mean pelvic organ prolapse distress inventory (POPDI-6) score of 24.44, a mean colorectal-anal distress inventory (CRAD-8) score of 31.28, and a mean urinary distress inventory (UDI-6) score of 23.03, for a total PFDI-20 score of 78.75. The control group saw improvement in the total PFDI-20 score as well as each of the subscales; however, bladder training and incorporation of pelvic floor stretches resulted in improvement above that seen in the control group for each of the subscales, biofeedback resulted in improvement above that seen solely in the control group in the POPDI-6 score, and internal assessment of the pelvic floor muscles with active intervention resulted in improvement in the UDI-6 score above that seen solely in the control group. Patients with anorexia nervosa binge-eating/purging subtype reported higher PFDI symptoms than patients with the restricting subtype of anorexia nervosa, as reflected by higher scores on the POPDI-6 and CRAD-8 subscales. Conclusions: Patients with eating disorders report an increased level of pelvic floor symptomatology. Studied interventions had a positive effect in reducing these symptoms. Future studies are warranted to better describe the etiology of the PFD in those with eating disorders and how PFD contributes to eating disorder behaviors and gastrointestinal symptoms.
The Factors Affecting the Fertility of Women Undergoing Transcervical Resection of Intrauterine Adhesions: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Xiong Wenqian , Hu Xiaohui , Hu Shifu , Liu Yi , Yang Chun
Published: May 2024

Background: Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis effectively restores the anatomical integrity of the uterine cavity in cases of intrauterine adhesions (IUA). However, there is ongoing debate regarding the factors influencing the reproductive outcomes of hysteroscopic adhesiolysis in women with IUA. Methods: One-hundred and thirty-seven patients with IUAs who wanted to become pregnant were enrolled. All patients underwent hysteroscopic adhesiolysis performed by a single experienced surgeon at a tertiary University-affiliated hospital between February 2019 and July 2021. Subsequently, these patients attempted to conceive within the following two years. Patients with concurrent intrauterine diseases such as polyps, submucosal myoma, or IUAs attributed to tuberculosis were excluded from the study. General clinical data were collected and analyzed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: The clinical pregnancy rate for patients with IUA was 60.6% (83/137), and the live birth rate was 51.8% (71/137). The clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were similar between the in vitro fertilization (IVF) group and the spontaneous conception group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that patients aged 37 years or older (Odds ratio (OR) 3.928, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.214–12.710, p = 0.022) or with severe IUA (OR 4.579, 95% CI 1.811–11.578, p = 0.002) were significantly more likely to have a lower clinical pregnancy rate. Similarly, patients aged 37 years or older (OR 3.919, 95% CI 1.147–13.388, p = 0.029) or with severe IUA (OR 5.8, 95% CI 2.129–15.806, p = 0.001) were more likely to have a lower birth rate. Conclusions: Patients’ age and severity of IUA can potentially predict the reproductive outcomes of IUA treatment.
The Role of Fibrinolytic Activity of Blood Plasma in the Development of Obstetric Complications in Overweight Pregnant Women with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bahniy Lina , Heryak Svitlana , Bahniy Nataliya , Kuchmii Viktoriia
Published: May 2024

Background: Obesity and hyperlipidaemia during pregnancy increase the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Our aim was to evaluate changes in the fibrinolytic system in overweight pregnant women due to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, compared with a control group and its impact on the development of gestational complications. Methods: Prospective cohort study included 69 overweight pregnant women with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and 30 healthy pregnant women (control group). All pregnants with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and obesity were divided into 3 subgroups: IA – 23 overweight pregnant women, IB – 25 pregnants with obesity grade 1, IC – 24 pregnant women with obesity grade 2. To evaluate the fibrinolysis system, we studied total, enzymatic and non-enzymatic fibrinolytic activity of plasma. Results: The total fibrinolytic activity of IA, IB and IC groups were, respectively, 15%, 19% and 23% lower than that of controls and the enzymatic fibrinolytic activity in overweight pregnant women with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis of IA, IB and IC groups were, respectively 28%, 43% and 54% lower than in controls. Marked suppression of the total fibrinolytic activity and enzymatic fibrinolytic activity of the blood plasma was established in overweight pregnant women with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. These changes can serve as a prerequisite for the occurrence of microthrombosis with the subsequent development of placental dysfunction, fetal growth restriction and fetal distress. Conclusions: There are disorders in the system of the coagulation function with a tendency to peripheral microthrombosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome and macrothrombosis, which can be early prognostic criteria in the development of obstetric and perinatal complications in overweight pregnant women with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. Clinical Trial Registration: This work is a fragment of the complex research work of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine “A comprehensive approach to symptom control, recurrent and long-term prognosis in conditions of comorbid pathology in internal medicine clinic and family doctor’s practice” (state registration number 0223U000022, 0118U000361 https://nrat.ukrintei.ua/en/searchdoc/).
Chitinase Producing Gut-Associated Bacteria Affected the Survivability of the Insect Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Winssy Thiyagarajan Deborah , Gopal Nellaiappan Olaganathan , Indiragandhi Pandiyan , Balasubramani Venkatasamy , Anandham Rangasamy
Published: May 2024

Background: Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a highly destructive maize pest that significantly threatens agricultural productivity. Existing control methods, such as chemical insecticides and entomopathogens, lack effectiveness, necessitating alternative approaches. Methods: Gut-associated bacteria were isolated from the gut samples of fall armyworm and screened based on their chitinase and protease-producing ability before characterization through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The efficient chitinase-producing Bacillus licheniformis FGE4 and Enterobacter cloacae FGE18 were chosen to test the biocontrol efficacy. As their respective cell suspensions and extracted crude chitinase enzyme, these two isolates were applied topically on the larvae, supplemented with their feed, and analyzed for their quantitative food use efficiency and survivability. Results: Twenty-one high chitinase and protease-producing bacterial isolates were chosen. Five genera were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing: Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Bacillus, Pantoea, and Kocuria. In the biocontrol efficacy test, the consumption index and relative growth rate were lowered in larvae treated with Enterobacter cloacae FGE18 by topical application and feed supplementation. Similarly, topical treatment of Bacillus licheniformis FGE4 to larvae decreased consumption index, relative growth rate, conversion efficiency of ingested food, and digested food values. Conclusion: The presence of gut bacteria with high chitinase activity negatively affects insect health. Utilizing gut-derived bacterial isolates with specific insecticidal traits offers a promising avenue to control fall armyworms. This research suggests a potential strategy for future pest management.
A Study of the UV Spectral Features in Wine and Their Correlation with Phenolic Constituents
Authors: Johnson Joel B. , Timofeev Ruslan , Kazak Anatoliy , Grishin Yurij , Solovyova Ludmila , Rudenko Marina
Published: May 2024

Background: This study investigated the ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectra of various types and ages of grape wines and the correlation these spectra presented with their phenolic constituents. Firstly, the differences in UV spectra were characterized for different wine samples, depending on their type and age. Methods: The following methods were used in this study: ultraviolet visible spectrophotometry, Folin–Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method, high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Then, it was demonstrated that for identically aged wines, the 280 nm absorbance is proportional to the concentration of phenolic compounds, as determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Next, an investigation was conducted into the absorption coefficients of different phenolic classes commonly found in grapes and wine. Finally, the range in variation of phenolic compounds in various types of grape wines was established. Conclusions: This work provides a methodological approach to rapidly determine the concentration of phenolic compounds in wines using UV spectroscopy, provided that their age is known. As UV spectrophotometers are available in nearly all laboratories, this may provide a cheaper and faster alternative to current methods, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Establishment of an Efficient Protoplast Isolation and Transfection Method for Eucommia ulmoides Oliver
Authors: Hu Bin , Dong Mingyang , Liu Ruonan , Shan Wen , Wang Yi , Ding Yang , Peng Jingyi , Meng Luyang , Wang Chaoyong , Zhou Qiang
Published: May 2024

Background: Eucommia ulmoides Oliver is a unique high-quality natural rubber tree species and rare medicinal tree species in China. The rapid characterization of E. ulmoides gene function has been severely hampered by the limitations of genetic transformation methods and breeding cycles. The polyethylene glycol (PEG)-mediated protoplast transformation system is a multifunctional and rapid tool for the analysis of functional genes in vivo, but it has not been established in E. ulmoides. Methods: In this study, a large number of highly active protoplasts were isolated from the stems of E. ulmoides seedlings by enzymatic digestion, and green fluorescent protein expression was facilitated using a PEG-mediated method. Results: Optimal enzymatic digestion occurred when the enzyme was digested for 10 h in an enzymatic solution containing 2.5% Cellulase R-10 (w/v), 0.6% Macerozyme R-10 (w/v), 2.5% pectinase (w/v), 0.5% hemicellulase (w/v), and 0.6 mol/L mannitol. The active protoplast yield under this condition was 1.13 × 106 protoplasts/g fresh weight, and the protoplast activity was as high as 94.84%. Conclusions: This study established the first protoplasm isolation and transient transformation system in hard rubber wood, which lays the foundation for subsequent functional studies of E. ulmoides genes to achieve high-throughput analysis, and provides a reference for future gene function studies of medicinal and woody plants.
Exosomal EGFR and miR-381-3P Mediate HPV-16 E7 Oncoprotein-Induced Angiogenesis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhan Riming , Yu Hua , Zhang Guihong , Ding Qingkai , Li Huan , Li Xiangyong , Tang Xudong
Published: May 2024

Background: It has been demonstrated that exosomes derived from HPV-16 E7-over-expressiong non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells (E7 Exo) trigger increased levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and miR-381-3p. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the role of E7 Exo in NSCLC angiogenesis, and to analyze the contribution of exosomal EGFR and miR-381-3p to it. Methods: The influence of E7 Exo on the proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was assessed using colony formation and transwell migration assays. Experiments on both cells and animal models were conducted to evaluate the angiogenic effect of E7 Exo treatment. The involvement of exosomal EGFR and miR-381-3p in NSCLC angiogenesis was further investigated through suppressing exosome release or EGFR activation, or by over-expressing miR-381-3p. Results: Treatment with E7 Exo increased the proliferation, migration, and tube formation capacities of HUVECs, as well as angiogenesis in animal models. The suppression of exosome release or EGFR activation in NSCLC cells decreased the E7-induced enhancements in HUVEC migration and tube formation, and notably reduced vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and Ang-1 levels. HUVECs that combined miR-381-3p mimic transfection and E7 Exo treatment exhibited a more significant tube-forming capacity than E7 Exo-treated HUVECs alone, but were reversed by the miR-381-3p inhibitor. Conclusion: The angiogenesis induced by HPV-16 E7 in NSCLC is mediated through exosomal EGFR and miR-381-3p.
Catalase Activity of IgG and κκ-IgG, λλ-IgG, and κλ-IgG Subfractions in HIV-Infected Patients and Healthy Donors
Authors: Tolmacheva Anna S. , Sedykh Sergey E. , Onvumere Margarita K. , Timofeeva Anna M. , Maksimenko Lada V. , Gashnikova Natalya M. , Nevinsky Georgy A.
Published: May 2024

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with pronounced oxidative stress, leading to the development of various virus-associated pathologies. A wealth of evidence suggests that, along with canonical enzymes of reactive oxygen species regulation, human blood contains antibodies with peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. Here we show that the catalase activity of IgGs and their κκ-IgG, λλ-IgG, and κλ-IgG subfractions of HIV-infected individuals is significantly different compared to the healthy donors. Methods: Protein G-Sepharose sorbent was used to resolve IgG from blood of healthy donors and HIV-infected patients by affinity chromatography. Subfractions of κκ-IgG, λλ-IgG, and κλ-IgG were separated from IgGs samples of each group by affinity chromatography on sorbents containing immobilized antibodies to κ or λ light human chains. The IgG catalase activity level was measured spectrophotometrically by evaluating the decrease in optical density (A240) due to hydrogen peroxide decomposition. Results: The relative catalase activity of antibodies from HIV-infected patients (kcat = (1.41 ± 0.92) × 103 min-1, 95% CI: [1.01–1.81]) was statistically significant, 1.6 times higher (p = 0.014) compared to apparently healthy donors ((0.86 ± 0.49) × 103, 95% CI: [0.69–1.03]). The activity level of κκ-IgG HIV-infected patients ((0.44 ± 0.04) × 103 min-1) was 1.4 times higher than that of λλ-IgGs ((0.31 ± 0.025) × 103 min-1); the opposite was observed for κκ-IgGs from apparently healthy donors, which activity ((0.17 ± 0.015) × 103 min-1) was 3.1 times lower compared to λλ-IgGs ((0.53 ± 0.045) × 103 min-1). Conclusions: Thus, the data obtained may indicate that IgG with increased catalase activity may prevent harmful processes arising from oxidative stress in HIV-infected patients, acting as an additional natural molecular mechanism of regulation of hydrogen peroxide level.
Inflammation as a Neurobiological Mechanism of Cognitive Impairment in Psychological Stress
Authors: Kocamer Şahin Şengül , Aslan Esra
Published: May 2024

The feeling of emotional tension, restlessness, pressure, and inability to relax is referred to as psychological stress. Although it is unclear how psychological stress affects neurobiological processes, several factors are thought to be involved, including central and peripheral neuroinflammation, structural degeneration in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, alterations in fear neurocircuitry, and neuroplasticity. Aside from data relating cognitive impairment to chronic low-grade inflammatory stress, there is growing evidence linking mental stress, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation to the development of psychological disorders. After chronic and acute illnesses, insomnia, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and cognitive impairment were reported. Cognitive impairment is exacerbated by systemic and central inflammatory processes. There is uncertainty about the potential mechanisms causing these symptoms, although they are likely complex, with systemic inflammation playing a significant role. Therefore, this review aims to investigate the role of inflammation in stress-induced cognitive impairment. Depicting the inflammatory mechanisms of cognitive impairment is critical for understanding and treating illnesses, such as chronic stress exposure and anxiety disorders.
Endurance Exercise Prevented Diabetic Cardiomyopathy through the Inhibition of Fibrosis and Hypertrophy in Rats
Authors: Shabab Sadegh , Mahmoudabady Maryam , Gholamnezhad Zahra , Niazmand Saeed , Fouladi Mahtab , Mousavi Emadi Zahra
Published: May 2024

Background: Exercise training could be essential in preventing pathological cardiac remodeling in diabetes. Therefore, the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) singly or plus metformin on diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy were investigated in this study. Methods: Forty-nine Wistar rats (male) were recruited. Seven groups of animals were treated for six weeks as control, diabetes, MICT (15 m/min, 40 min/day), HIIT (20 m/min, 40 min/day), metformin (300 mg/kg), HIIT+metformin (Met-HIIT), and MICT+metformin (Met-MICT). The metformin was orally administered with an intragastrical needle, and the exercised rats were trained (5 days/week) with a motorized treadmill. Metabolic parameters, echocardiographic indices, histopathology evaluation, and assessment of gene expression connected with cardiac fibrosis, hypertrophy, mitochondrial performance, and intracellular calcium homeostasis were investigated. Results: Our results demonstrated that all the interventions prevented weight loss and enhanced heart weight/body weight ratio and fasting plasma glucose in diabetic rats. Both types of exercise and their metformin combinations improved diabetic animals’ echocardiography indices by enhancing heart rate, fractional shortening (FS), ejection fraction (EF) and reducing end-systolic and end-diastolic diameter of left ventricular (LVESD and LVEDD). Gene expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and collagen increased in the diabetes group. In contrast, the gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), ryanodine receptors (RyR), and Ca2+ ATPase pump of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SERCA) was reduced in diabetic animals. Exercise training alone or in combination with metformin reversed these changes. Moreover, diabetes-induced cardiac fibrosis was ameliorated in treated groups. All indicators of diabetic cardiomyopathy were improved more in the Met-HIIT group than in other groups. Conclusions: Exercise training, notably with metformin combination, alleviated diabetes-induced cardiac complications. The beneficial effects of exercise could be related to improving pathological cardiac remodeling and enhancing cardiac function.
Methodological issues undermine evidence about adverse effects of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy
Authors: Marinis Jonathon , Clarke Sarah Tomoyo , Bedi Gillinder
Published: May 2024

Methodological issues undermine evidence about adverse effects of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy
Wakarusa Wetlands Survey: University of Kansas Undergraduates
Authors: Lies Trevor Scott , Celik Dilara , Adams Glenn
Published: May 2024

The Wakarusa Wetlands remain under threat of urban development by government and corporate interests. Projects such as the South Lawrence Trafficway, its recently proposed expansion, & the New Boston Crossing threaten to harm the wetlands and obscure their crucial historical significance to Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) and Indigenous peoples more broadly. Despite the troubled history of the wetlands and persisting contention regarding new development projects, less is known about local perceptions of these issues. This work takes a first step toward understanding what Lawrence, KS community members think about the idea of continued development into the Wakarusa Wetlands.
Latent Classes of Adolescent Health Behaviour, Social Covariates and Mental Wellbeing: A Longitudinal Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Knowles Christopher , Thornton Emma , Petersen Kimberly , Lereya Suzet Tanya , Humphrey Neil
Published: May 2024

Background: Adolescent wellbeing has been declining in the United Kingdom for over a decade. The expansion of services to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people is a public health priority and a core component of the National Health Service’s Long-Term Plan. In this paper, we contribute to knowledge regarding the epidemiology of adolescent mental wellbeing by leveraging secondary analysis of a very large longitudinal dataset (#BeeWell) to generate insights regarding different patterns of health behaviour, their covariates, and consequences for mental wellbeing one year later. Methods: A Latent Class Analysis was conducted using data on physical activity, sleep, and eating habits collected in 2021 from 18,478 Year 8 pupils from Greater Manchester (United Kingdom) to (1) identify distinct latent classes of adolescent health behaviour; (2) establish factors likely to be associated with latent class membership; and (3) determine whether latent class membership contributes to variance in self-reported mental wellbeing one year later. Results: A three-class solution was identified as an excellent fit to the data, discriminating between: the Wellness Weary (n = 2,717; 15%); the Balanced Bunch (n = 7,377; 40%); and the Green and Dream Team (n = 8,384; 45%). Several factors significantly influenced class membership. Most notably, socio-economic disadvantage and social media use were linked with less favourable health behaviour patterns, whilst cisgender heterosexual girls were likely to endorse healthier patterns. After adjusting for covariates, the Green and Dream Team reported significantly greater mental wellbeing than the Balanced Bunch one year later, signalling that health behaviours endorsed in adolescence may have a long-term impact on mental health. Conclusions: Beyond advancements in fundamental understanding, findings yield significant translation opportunities through their use and application in health, education, and allied professional settings designed to support young people.
The role of outcomes-based frameworks in social housing provision in Australia
Authors: Duff Cameron , Johnson Guy , Blunden Hazel , Horton Ella , Nygaard Andi
Published: May 2024

This research examines the organisational and resource implications of transitioning from ‘output-based’ to ‘outcomes-based’ funding arrangements for providing social housing in Australia. It explores relevant housing policy contexts, reviewing opportunities and key policy barriers for this reform goal.With outcomes-based service models, organisational funding arrangements are tied to specific service outcomes (such as better health or employment outcomes) rather than discrete service volumes (such as number of clients served). To work properly, outcomes-based funding requires ongoing accurate measurements and evaluation of the effectiveness of welfare interventions. While there is widespread agreement among stakeholders—policy makers, service providers and consumers—that a shift from an output-based to an outcome-oriented housing assistance and support system makes sense, there are concerns about the best way to measure outcomes that take into account the complex differences among social housing tenants, and the recognition that when outcome measurement is done poorly, it can have a damaging impact on both service users and service providers.The research strongly recommends government do more to standardise outcomes measures. There are broader national health and social care services datasets that could be used to drive this standardisation of performance benchmarks and measures, such as the existing data analytics and evaluation capabilities of organisations like the Australian Bureau of Statistics or the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare. In addition, establishing a National Housing Outcomes Clearinghouse could support the development of standardised outcomes tools, methods and approaches, clarifying what outcomes agencies are responsible for, while also supporting the dissemination of key outcomes findings to drive service improvements across the sector.
INDONESIAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ ABILITY IN COMPREHENDING NARRATIVE TEXTS
Authors: Damayanti Eka , Supriusman Supriusman , Azhar Fadly
Published: May 2024

This quantitative descriptive research aimed to find the abilities of the students at one school in Riau Island Province in comprehending narrative texts. The population was 80 students. 28 students were taken as the sample selected by using a purposive sampling technique. The instrument to collect the data was a reading test. The reading test consisted of 5 short narrative texts. Each consists of 8 questions that cover the components of reading such as factual information, main ideas, meaning of certain words, references, and inferences, then the components of narrative texts such as generic structures, language features, and social functions. To analyze the data, the writer calculated the data by using Microsoft Excel 2016. The data analysis showed that the mean score of their ability in comprehending components of reading was 47% while comprehending narrative texts at 53% so their total at 50% and categorized into medium level. The finding of research also showed that the lowest ability for students was in answering questions about finding the meaning of certain words at 43%. It is suggested that students must do more practice in reading, then they should learn more about the eight components of reading comprehension of narrative texts such as factual information, main ideas, vocabulary, references, inferences, generic structure, language features, and social functions. Then learn reading strategy’s such as schema, skimming and scanning.
Hubungan Power Otot Tungkai dan Kecepatan Reaksi dengan Tendangan Depan pada Atlet Putra Pencak Silat
Authors: Fiqri Arisandi Sinaga  , Aref  Vai  , Fekie Adila
Published: May 2024

Berdasarkan pengamatan peneliti terhadap atlet pencak silat putra Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate Pekanbaru, masih banyak pemain yang gagal dalam melakukan tendangan. Kesalahan umum yang terjadi saat menendang antara lain: Tendangannya mudah diblok oleh lawan, tendangannya kurang tepat dan lawan sering mengelak, tendangannya sering kali gagal mengenai lawan, dan tendangannya lambat diduga penyebabnya karena kondisi fisik atlet. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan kekuatan otot tungkai dengan kecepatan reaksi tendangan depan pada atlet pencak silat putra Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate Pekanbaru. Populasi penelitian ini hanya atlet pencak silat putra Persaudaraan Setia Hati yang berjumlah 8 orang. Sampel penelitian ini terdiri dari 8 orang dengan menggunakan teknik populasi sampling. Alat yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah standing broad jump, whole body reaction dan tendangan depan. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis menggunakan korelasi product moment. Berdasarkan analisis pengecekan normalitas, data X1 menghasilkan Lhitung sebesar 0,2558 dan Ltabel sebesar 0,2850, serta Sedangkan variabel Y menghasilkan Lhitung sebesar 0,1689 dan Ltabel sebesar 0,2850 serta Y menghasilkan Lhitung sebesar 0,1423 dan Ltabel sebesar 0,2850. Artinya data Lhitung < LTabel > 0,754 Rhitung > Rtabel. Dengan demikian, terdapat hubungan yang erat antara kekuatan dan kecepatan otot tungkai, bereaksi terhadap tendangan depan Persaudaraan Pencak Silat Setia Hati Putra Terate Pekanbaru.
Pengaruh Latihan Boomerang Run dan Skipping Rope dalam Meningkatkan Kelincahan Pemain Sepak Bola SSB Putra Arema U-14
Authors: Kadafi Kadafi Sultan Aulia , Slamet Raharjo  , Nanang Tri Wahyudi
Published: May 2024

Setiap pemain dalam olahraga sepak bola dituntut untuk mempunyai kelincahan yang baik karena banyak sekali situasi di lapangan yang mengharuskan pemain untuk mempunyai kelincahan yang baik. Berdasarkan hasil observasi pertandingan, kelincahan para pemain SSB Putra Arema U-14 terlihat kurang baik sehingga diperlukan sebuah program latihan untuk meningkatkan kelincahanya. Program latihan Boomerang Run dan Skipping Rope adalah sebuah program latihan untuk meningkatkan kelincahan. Penelitian ini dilakukan kepada 20 sampel SSB Putra Arema U14 dengan desain penelitian One Group Pretest-Posttest. Instrumen penelitian ini menggunakan Illinois agility run test untuk memperoleh data hasil pretest dan posttest. Hasil dari uji paired samples t test yaitu berupa nilai signifikansi sebesar 0,00<0,05. Sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa latihan boomerang run dan skipping rope mampu meningakatkan kelincahan pemain SSB Putra Arema U-14
Pengaruh Latihan Fartlek Terhadap Peningkatan Kapasitas Vo2 Maks Pemain SSB Putra Arema U14
Authors: Dery Gumelar Dery Wijoseno , Olivia Andiana  , Ardhiyanti Puspita Rahma
Published: May 2024

Sepak bola merupakan olahraga yang menuntut pemainnya untuk memiliki daya tahan yang sangat baik, hal ini di karenakan intensitas gerak yang sangat tinggi dan memerlukan waktu yang sangat lama dalam permainannya. SSB PUTRA AREMA merupakan klub sepak bola lokal yang sering mengikuti kompetisi lokal. Ketika bertanding para pemain cepat merasa kelelahan pada saat menit 70 ke atas dan mudah mengalami cedera. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui VO2maks sebelum diberi latihan fartlek dan menganalisis VO2maks sesudah perlakuan. Penelitian ini menggunakan Bleep Test untuk mengukur kapasitas VO2maks pemain. Pada awal bleep test, sampel berlari dengan lambat dan semakin cepat progresinya ketika mengikuti irama yang ditetapkan di setiap levelnya. Penelitian ini menggunakan jenis penelitian kuantitatif dengan metode Pre Eksperimental dengan desain penelitian One-Group Pretest-Posttest Design. Populasi penelitian ini sebanyak 22 pemain dengan teknik purposive sampling di dapat 20 pemain sebagai sampel penelitian. Hasil temuan penelitian ini menunjukan adanya pengaruh latihan fartlek terhadap peningkatan kapasitas VO2maks pada pemain SSB PUTRA AREMA U14 dengan nilai signifikansi sebesar 0,00 dari hasil uji statistik paired sample t test. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini bahwa latihan fartlek dapat meningkatkan kapasitas VO2maks yang ditunjukan dengan peningkatan nilai post test terhadap pemain SSB PUTRA AREMA U14.
Pengaruh Latihan Speed Ladder Drill terhadap Kecepatan Lari Sprint 40 Yard pada Siswa yang Mengikuti Ekstrakurikuler Atletik
Authors: Lumbantoruan Yohana , Ramadi  , Aref Vai  , Oca Fernandes AF
Published: May 2024

Berdasarkan pengamatan peneliti pada siswa yang mengikuti ekstrakurikuler atletik, terdapat beberapa siswa yang mengalami kendala pada lari sprint, dimana tungkai bawah dan telapak kaki tidak menyentuh tanah dengan kecepatan yang sesuai saat berlari. Kecepatan berjalan dan panjang langkahnya masih lambat sehingga kurangnya kecepatan saat berlari. Latihan tambahan diperlukan untuk meningkatkan kecepatan siswa untuk mencapai tujuan yang diinginkan. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh pelatihan speed ladderrill terhadap peningkatan kecepatan lari pada ekstrakurikuler atletik. Populasi penelitian adalah seluruh siswa SMK PGRI Pekanbaru yang mengikuti ekstrakurikuler atletik yang berjumlah 30 siswaengan sampel 10 siswa putra, pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik purposive sampling dimana sebagian dari populasi dijadikan sampel oleh karena itu, sampel yang diambil hanya siswa putra saja. Penelit menggunakan desain penelitian one-group preetest-posttest. Artinya, penelitian ini termasuk eksperimen satu kelompok tanpa kelompok pembanding. Jenis tes yang diberikan pada post-test sama dengan pree-tes yaitu tes sprint 40 yard. Teknik analisis data diperoleh dari uji normalitas dan uji signifikan. Hasil penelitian menjelaskan bahwa uji-T diperoleh Thitung sebesar 11 dan Ttabel sebesar 1,833 sehingga Ha diterima pada taraf alpha sebesar 0,05. Disimpulkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh latihan speed ladderrill terhadap kecepatan lari 40 yard pada siswa yang mengikuti kegiatan ekstrakurikuler atletik
Hubungan Aktivitas Fisik Perminggu dengan Kebugaran Jasmani Siswa SMAN 1 Kepanjen
Authors: Isro’i Oktavian Gunansya  , M.E. Winarno
Published: May 2024

Pada Penelitian ini untuk mengetahui adanya hubungan aktivitas fisik dengan kesegaran jasmani pada murid kelas 10 SMAN 1 Kepanjen. Metode yang di gunakan adalah metodologi deskriptif kuantitatif, desain korelasional. Populasinya adalah peserta didik kelas 10 SMA Negeri 1 Kepanjen berjumlah 408 siswa. Sampel yang diambil yang berjumlah 80 murid menggunakan Teknik purposive random sampling.  Sampel penelitian sebanyak 80 murid. Menggunakan tes lari 60m, gantung angkat tubuh, lompat tegak, baring duduk, dan lari jarak sedang 1200m atau 1000m serta alat untuk mengukur aktivitas fisik PAQ (A), koefisisien korelasi rx.y = 0,287 > r (0,05) (80-2) = 0,2199 hasil dari aktivitas fisik dengan kesegaran jasmani lebih baik dari r tabel (0,2199). Kesimpulannya aktivitas fisik dan kesegaran jasmani positif secara signifikan
Status of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Higher Secondary Schools of the Province of Sindh in Pakistan
Authors: Jiskani Aisha , Guriro Subhash , Fayyaz Sara
Published: May 2024

Education for sustainable development (ESD) aims to educate the learners to make informed decisions and responsible actions for climate change, economic sustainability, and a peaceful society. This study aims to check the status of ESD in the higher secondary schools of Sindh province in Pakistan. This qualitative study was conducted in the selected public sector schools of two districts of the province during the period of July 2022 to December 2022. This study revealed that the status of ESD in public higher secondary schools of Sindh province is not satisfactory and schools are not providing adequate knowledge and information to students about core concepts of sustainable development. The outcomes of the study indicate the unavailability of ESD content in the syllabus, a lack of awareness of proper pedagogies among teachers and an inadequate learning environment. This study recommends introducing ESD concepts in the school syllabus and training the teachers in higher secondary schools.
Impact of Assessment Procedure on Students' Learning in Semester System
Authors: Javed Sonia , Islam Huma , Rasool Shafqat
Published: May 2024

This study aims to explore the attitudes of undergraduate students majoring in social sciences at the University of Sargodha towards assessment for learning. It recognizes the substantial impact that assessment methods have on students' study habits and academic performance. A cohort of 50 students from the Education and Psychology departments at the B.S. 8th level were involved in the research. The study investigated motivation and psychological factors associated with classroom management approaches using a self-designed questionnaire that required participants to provide binary (Yes or No) replies. Using SPSS version 20 for analysis, the findings demonstrated the significant influence of evaluation on learning outcomes. Significantly, there were no discernible gender-based disparities in students' perspectives on motivation and psychology. The study suggests that it is important to allocate sufficient time for teachers to engage in class planning, prepare lectures, evaluate students, and provide feedback. This will help improve the entire learning experience.
Attitudes of 3PL Providers of the Companies towards the Activities of Organizational Performance
Authors: Demir İbrahim Kadir , Güzel Dilşad
Published: May 2024

Businesses today specialize in their core competencies and outsource their other operations due to the emerging perception of competition brought on by the large-scale similarity of production, the quick spread of technology and information systems, and the disappearance of international borders. One of the most common fields of outsourcing activity is Third Party Logistics (3PL) service, and the Organizational Performance elements of 3PL service providers are listed as Service Quality, Relationship Management and Organizational Effectiveness. This research aims to examine the Organizational Performance criteria of the 3PL providers serving the production enterprises and to evaluate the relationship structure between the mean and standard deviation values of the statements in the survey. The empirical results obtained from frequency, regression and standard deviation analyses show that Guanxi, Reliability, Assurance, and Trust positively affect Organizational Effectiveness. However, only Trust has a positive and statistically significant impact on Service Quality
A Two-Year Observational Study to Evaluate Conversion Rates from High- and Low-Risk Patients with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment to Probable Alzheimer’s Disease in a Real-World Setting
Authors: Jang Hyemin , Na Duk L. , Kwon Jay Cheol , Jung Na-Yeon , Moon Yeonsil , Lee Jung Seok , Park Kyung-Won , Lee Ae Young , Cho Hanna , Lee Jae-Hong , Kim Byeong C. , Park Kee Hyung , Lee Byung-Chul , Choi Hojin , Kim Jieun , Park Mee Young
Published: May 2024

Background:

Predicting conversion to probable Alzheimer&s disease (AD) from amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is difficult but important. A nomogram was developed previously for determining the risk of 3-year probable AD conversion in aMCI.

Objective:

To compare the probable AD conversion rates with cognitive and neurodegenerative changes for 2 years from high- and low risk aMCI groups classified using the nomogram.

Methods:

This prospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted in Korea. A total of patients were classified as high- or low-risk aMCI according to the nomogram and followed-up for 2 years to compare the annual conversion rate to probable AD and brain structure changes between the two groups.

Results:

In total, 176 (high-risk, 85; low-risk, 91) and 160 (high-risk, 77; low-risk, 83) patients completed the 1-year and 2-year follow-up, respectively. The probable AD conversion rate was significantly higher in the high-risk (Year 1, 28.9%; Year 2, 46.1%) versus low-risk group (Year 1, 0.0%; Year 2, 4.9%, both p < 0.0001). Mean changes from baseline in Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery-Dementia Version, Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Box, and Korean version of the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scores and cortical atrophy index at Years 1 and 2 were significantly greater in the high-risk group (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

The high-risk aMCI group, as determined by the nomogram, had a higher conversion rate to probable AD and faster cognitive decline and neurodegeneration change than the low-risk group. These real-world results have clinical implications that help clinicians in accurately predicting patient outcomes and facilitating early decision-making. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03448445)
Multimodal biometric authentication: A review
Authors: Pahuja Swimpy , Goel Navdeep
Published: May 2024

Critical applications ranging from sensitive military data to restricted area access demand selective user authentication. The prevalent methods of tokens, passwords, and other commonly used techniques proved deficient as they can be easily stolen, lost, or broken to gain illegitimate access, leading to data spillage. Since data safety against tricksters is a significant issue nowadays, biometrics is one of the unique human characteristic-based techniques that may give better solutions in this regard. The technique entails biometric authentication of users based on an individual’s inimitable physiological or behavioral characteristics to provide access to a specific application or data. This paper provides a detailed description of authentication and its approaches, focusing on biometric-based authentication methods, the primary challenges they encounter, and how they have been addressed. The tabular view shows the benefits and downsides of various multimodal biometric systems, and open research challenges. To put it another way, this article lays out a roadmap for the emergence of multimodal biometric-based authentication, covering both the challenges and the solutions that have been proposed. Further, the urge to develop various multi-trait-based methods for secure authentication and data privacy is focused. Lastly, some multimodal biometric systems comprising fingerprint and iris modalities have been compared based on False Accept Rate (FAR), False Reject Rate (FRR), and accuracy to find the best secure model with easy accessibility.
Unravelling humoral immunity in SARS-CoV-2: Insights from infection and vaccination
Authors: Najimi Nouhaila , Kadi Chaimae , Elmtili Noureddine , Seghrouchni Fouad , Bakri Youssef
Published: May 2024

Following infection and vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, humoral components of the adaptive immune system play a key role in protecting the host. Specifically, B cells generate high-affinity antibodies against various antigens of the virus. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of immunity initiation through both natural infection and vaccination, shedding light on the activation of B cell subsets in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. The innate immune system serves as the initial line of primary and nonspecific defence against viruses. However, within several days following infection or a vaccine dose, a virus-specific immune response is initiated, primarily by B cells that produce antibodies. These antibodies contribute to the resolution of the disease. Subsequently, these B cells transition into memory B cells, which play a crucial role in providing long-term immunity against the virus. CD4+ T helper cells initiate a cascade, leading to B cell somatic hypermutation, germinal center memory B cells, and the production of neutralizing antibodies. B-cell dysfunction can worsen disease severity and reduce vaccine efficacy. Notably, individuals with B cell immunodeficiency show lower IL-6 production. Furthermore, this review delves into several aspects of immune responses, such as hybrid immunity, which has shown promise in boosting broad-spectrum protection. Cross-reactive immunity is under scrutiny as well, as pre-existing antibodies can offer protection against the disease. We also decipher breakthrough infection mechanisms, especially with the novel variants of the virus. Finally, we discuss some potential therapeutic solutions regarding B cells including convalescent plasma therapy, B-1 cells, B regulatory cell (Breg) modulation, and the use of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies in combating the infection. Ongoing research is crucial to grasp population immunity trends and assess the potential need for booster doses in maintaining effective immune responses against potential viral threats.