bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indicadores de sostenibilidad urbana para la ciudad de Cuenca de infraestructura pública reciclada y reutilizada: revisión bibliográfica
Authors: Salto Chabla Juan Fernando , Angumba Aguilar Pedro Javier , Quesada Molina Juan Felipe , Pintado Farfan Julio Cesar
Published: April 2023

Los indicadores de sostenibilidad urbana han permitido generar metodologías de tratamiento para las soluciones de varios problemas que se tratan en los ODS, y mejorar el hábitat de la sociedad, al no existir un listado unificado internacional se pueden presentar inconvenientes al tratar de solucionar problemas como la reutilización de edificios abandonados. Por lo cual, el objetivo de la investigación fue evaluar los indicadores sostenibles internacionales en infraestructura pública reciclada, reutilizada, y adaptarlos a la ciudad Cuenca para la recuperación urbanística de los sitios abandonados. Utilizando una metodología descriptiva – observacional con un enfoque cualitativo a través de una revisión bibliográfica bajo una línea de tiempo temporal y estudio de caso. Los resultados dieron a conocer que, la situación de abandono de la Plaza de Toros Santa Ana, tiene debe ser analizada a fondo para su intervención mediante los indicadores obtenidos de reciclaje y la reutilización de infraestructuras; por otra parte, en el estudio, se considera prioritario los temas de espacios verdes, el espacio público, la temporalidad de las infraestructuras, indicadores de la movilización y los servicios de mantenimiento urbano como los más factibles en el caso. Concluyendo que, la importancia que tenía la plaza de Toros para la ciudad de Cuenca y el espacio que ocupa se debe considerar la implementación de los indicadores para una adaptación del sitio en beneficio de la colectividad.  y regenerar el entorno de la sociedad
Evaluación analgésica de xilacina y dexmedetomidina por infusión continua en cirugías de OVH en caninos
Authors: Llambo Villacrés Edisson Humberto , Castillo Edy Paúl
Published: April 2023

Objetivo: Evaluar la analg8uesia intraoperatoria y postoperatoria inmediata por infusión continua de xilacina y dexmedetomidina en cirugías de ovariohisterectomía (ovh) en caninas de raza indiferenciada, en la clínica veterinaria Snap de la ciudad de Ambato, diciembre-enero 2022-2023. Metodología: Se ingresan 50 caninos hembras en un estudio ciego, prospectivo y aleatorizado con previo consentimiento informado de los propietarios. Son divididas en dos grupos: 25 caninos para el grupo xilacina (X) y 25 caninos para el grupo dexmedetomidina (D). Se toman los signos vitales: frecuencia cardiaca (FC), frecuencia respiratoria (FR), presión arterial media (PAM), tiempo de llenado capilar (TLLC) y temperatura (T) antes de comenzar la neuroleptoanalgesia y durante todo el procedimiento quirúrgico más capnografía (eTCO2) a los 5 10 y 15 minutos, para el grupo (X) la premedicación es xilacina 0,3mg/kg y tramadol 3mg/kg, para el grupo (D) la premedicación es dexmedetomidina 3ug/kg y tramadol 3mg/kg. La inducción para los dos grupos es la misma ketamina 3mg/kg y propofol 3mg/kg aplicados intravenosa lenta en 2 minutos, inmediatamente se realiza el mantenimiento con propofol a infusión continuo al igual que los alfa 2 adrenérgicos propuestos mediante bombas de jeringa. Además, se valora el consumo de propofol y el tiempo de recuperación anestésica. En el post operatorio con el animal recuperado de anestesia se valora el dolor mediante escala de Glasgow modificada. Esta investigación fue de tipo experimental descriptiva, y enfoque cuantitativo. Resultados: en los 2 grupos de estudio, las variables medidas no presentan cambios significativos estadísticamente, pero para el grupo(X) se observó un consumo mayor de propofol cercano al 20% para obtener un buen plano anestésico, en el post operatorio el despertar analgésico se sucede durante los 10 minutos posteriores y la escala de Glasgow no es estadísticamente significativa. Conclusión: incluir fármacos alfa dos adrenérgicos aporta una herramienta más para mejorar el alivio al dolor durante y después de un procedimiento quirúrgico.
Tác động của các kỹ năng bán hàng, hành vi định hướng khách hàng và bán hàng thích ứng đến hiệu suất bán hàng - Vai trò trung gian của chất lượng mối quan hệ
Authors: Nguyễn Hải Quang , Nguyễn Quốc Thái
Published: May 2023

Nâng cao hiệu suất bán hàng là một mục tiêu quan trọng trong kinh doanh. Nghiên cứu này xác định vai trò của các kỹ năng bán hàng, hành vi định hướng khách hàng, hành vi bán hàng thích ứng và chất lượng mối quan hệ giữa nhân viên bán hàng với khách hàng đối với hiệu suất bán hàng. Dữ liệu được thu thập từ 282 khách hàng là các tổ chức và cá nhân sử dụng dụng cụ cơ khí chính xác. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy hành vi định hướng khách hàng có tác động mạnh nhất đến hiệu suất bán hàng, tiếp đến là chất lượng mối quan hệ, hành vi bán thích ứng và cuối cùng là các kỹ năng bán hàng. Bên cạnh đó, chất lượng mối quan hệ còn đóng vai trò trung gian tích cực trong tác động của hành vi định hướng khách hàng và hành vi bán hàng thích ứng đến hiệu suất bán hàng. Bài viết đóng góp những hiểu biết hữu ích về tầm quan trọng của những yếu tố nghiên cứu đối với hiệu suất bán hàng và các hàm ý kinh doanh nhằm nâng cao hiệu suất bán hàng.
Implementasi Algoritma K-Nearest Neighbor Untuk Rekomendasi Smartphone
Authors: Mulyana Teady Matius Surya
Published: May 2023

Sejak tahun 2019, pandemi virus COVID-19 membuat hampir semua aktivitas dilakukan di rumah. Pandemi COVID-19 membuat orang-orang yang tinggal di rumah bosan dan membutuhkan hiburan. Salah satu hiburan yang bisa dinikmati di rumah adalah smartphone. Smartphone memiliki banyak jenis dan model dari berbagai merek yang membingungkan orang dalam memilih yang sesuai dengan kebutuhan masing-masing. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk membantu memberikan rekomendasi smartphone berdasarkan kebutuhan masyarakat. Program rekomendasi smartphone akan menggunakan algoritma K-Nearest Neighbor dengan nilai K = 3 untuk menentukan kelas smartphone yang terbagi menjadi 3 kelas flagship dengan menggunakan 4 parameter. Data tersebut kemudian akan diklasifikasikan dengan menghitung jarak Euclidean antara data uji dan data latih. Pengujian akan dilakukan dengan menggunakan confusion matrix untuk mengukur tingkat akurasi pada klasifikasi kelas smartphone. Dari hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa program dapat memberikan rekomendasi smartphone dengan akurasi 83%. Data perlu diperbarui setiap beberapa tahun karena akan ada perubahan spesifikasi untuk setiap kelas dalam waktu tertentu.
Klasifikasi insiden pada aplikasi ServiceNow untuk menentukan keberhasilan Service Level Agreement
Authors: Rawung Jemi , Solichin Achmad
Published: May 2023

The failure to achieve Service Level Agreement (SLA) has a negative impact on the satisfaction of the service that was promised. The SLA report that does not reach the target can have an impact on the promised service being not in accordance with what is paid by the business. On the other side, the service provider will have a bad reputation as a service provider company, and can even be fined for this. This study analyzed incidents using the CRISP-DM methodology and classification techniques with the Naive Bayes (NB), Logistic Regression (LR) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms which are most widely used in previous studies to predict SLA failures based on a review of studies. With help of the machine learning applications to do the data mining process, it is obtained that the SVM algorithm has the highest accuracy with a value of 75.05%, compared to LR 74.79% and NB 74.48%. The prediction prototypes are made with a programming language by adding incidents dataset, performing data reduction to balance data on target attribute, transforming data, and split training and testing dataset. This processes increasing the level of accuracy on the prototype to 83.32%.
The Impact of Obligatory Online Education on Business Students: A Comparative Study
Authors: Becker Lisa , Parham Shohreh
Published: May 2023

Due to the Covid-19 crisis, higher education was forced to offer online alternatives to their courses. This change drastically increased the number of students partaking in online education. However, the effects of obligatory online education could potentially be harmful and are not yet sufficiently explored. This research analyses the impact of obligatory online education on business students’ social life, well-being and academic performance. The study used a phenomenological and a comparative approach to assess and compare students’ personal experiences in Germany and the Netherlands. A total number of 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with students in the mentioned countries. Results show, that students’ academic performance decreased due to a lack of student identity, study life balance, motivation and technological issues during e-learning. Furthermore, mixed findings were recorded about the impact on social life. Finally, a slight drop in students’ well-being caused by a decline in physical and mental health was observed. Findings of this study are significant in a sense that they can provide crucial information for policymakers, educators and managers in higher education which enable them to make more informed decisions when delivering online education in crucial times and enhance students’ experience. This will consequently create a more positive impact for students’ well-being, social life and academic performance.
A Reflection on Post-Graduate Supervision Practice: Towards a Deeper Understanding of Effective Student Engagement
Authors: Pather Shaun
Published: May 2023

There can be no debate about the central role of postgraduate studies in the enterprise of the research university.  Reflecting on the past and the future of higher education, it is clear that the economic foundations of nations are built on their ability to create new knowledge through research and, in turn, transform the same into innovations and resultant societal impact. In this regard, postgraduate supervision is integral to the foundation of national knowledge creation. The PhD degree is regarded as the capstone entry point for researchers to formally enter the scientific enterprise and the world of academia.  However, research shows that many academics undertake the role of postgraduate supervision without any formal training or orientation to the task at hand.  This paper reviews the literature in relation to the challenges in higher education with respect to postgraduate supervision. Using a personal reflective lens, the paper highlights the relevance of understanding the locus of disciplinary identity during supervision; the need to embrace plurality in terms of modes of supervision; the importance of knowing the boundaries of power, and how to evade the creation of supervisor dominant relationships; and lastly, that simple pragmatic tools can aid and address what is often perceived by the student to be a terrain of extreme complexity.
The Teacher in the Digital World - New Roles, Representations, Perceptions
Authors: Todorova Teodora
Published: May 2023

The fast development of the Internet and digital technologies has led to many fundamental transformations in the sphere of education and has challenged the traditional pillars of the brick-and-mortar school as an institution. In light of these processes, the present study aims to reveal the teacher’s current position by studying their new roles, representations, and how they are perceived. The following insights are the result of case studies of 6 popular Bulgarian educational online platforms and Internet sites in their development for the period between 2019 and 2022 and include observations on the processes that go parallel in the Bulgarian educational institution. The research methods used in the present study include observation of online educational practices, content analysis of educational and media materials, as well as 45 in-depth semi-structured interviews with 8 creators of educational platforms, 12 teachers, 15 students, and 10 parents. The article aims to open a discussion on what the new roles of teachers in the Digital World are and how they may respond to society's new expectations. The first part of it analyses the change in the position of the teacher – from a central authority in the classroom to a guide who leads the learners through their way to knowledge. The second one regards the new need for teachers today to compete for their audience’s attention. The last two parts raise a discussion about the balance between technological and human experience. They discuss the need for teachers to obtain deeper knowledge about the impact of technology on different spheres of the human world and underline the irreplaceable role of the teacher as a human being.
Confiabilidad de la notificación de la morbilidad por enfermedad diarreica aguda en Colombia, 2013 - 2017
Authors: Delgado Malagón Milena Patricia
Published: April 2023

Introducción: la enfermedad diarreica aguda es una de las principales causas de mortalidad y morbilidad de la niñez en el mundo. Más de la mitad de las muertes prematuras se debe a enfermedades que se podrían evitar o tratar si hubiera acceso a intervenciones simples y asequibles. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la confiabilidad de la información notificada de enfermedad diarreica aguda por las entidades territoriales en el Sistema de Vigilancia en Salud Pública de 2013 a 2017 en Colombia. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo con fuente de datos Sivigila de la notificación de enfermedad diarreica aguda (2013 - 2017). El análisis de la información se realizó con frecuencias absolutas, por cada uno de los municipios del país y por entidad territorial de procedencia del caso. Se consideraron las semanas en las que se realizó notificación, respecto al total de semanas epidemiológicas y se establecieron categorías de medición para evaluar la confiabilidad de la notificación (mínimo, regular, óptima). Resultados: en los años revisados, el 100 % de las entidades territoriales realizaron notificación para el evento. Las entidades territoriales que ofrecen una mayor confiabilidad de acuerdo con la notificación oportuna son Barranquilla, Bogotá, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Cesar, Guaviare, Santa Marta y Valle del Cauca. Las entidades territoriales que tienen menor confiabilidad en la notificación son Guainía, Amazonas, Archipiélago de San Andrés y Vaupés, ya que más de la mitad de sus municipios notifican menos del 80 % de las semanas en el año. Conclusión: el comportamiento de la notificación durante los cinco años revisados no presenta mayores diferencias. Las entidades territoriales obtienen resultados similares año tras año. Cabe destacar que de las entidades clasificadas como confiables; cinco son distritos y uno es un departamento que históricamente se ha comportado como buen notificador.
Primer caso identificado de leishmaniasis visceral en el municipio de Hatonuevo, La Guajira, 2018
Authors: Agudelo Johana , Reyes Yolima , Bruzón Leslie , Flórez Viviana , Flórez Zulibeth , Bonivento José , Daza José Luis , Galindo Fernando , Daza Over , Páez Cortes Jhon , García Ana Karina , Pimiento Rebeca , Espinosa Héctor Fabio
Published: April 2023

Introducción: las leishmaniasis son zoonosis que afectan la piel, las mucosas y las vísceras, causadas por un protozoario flagelado del género Leishmania, introducido al cuerpo por la picadura de un insecto flebotomíneo del género Lutzomyia. El 96 % de los casos en esta región, se encuentran en Brasil, Argentina y Colombia (valle del Magdalena y en la zona caribe) (1). Las especies incriminadas como vectores de leishmaniasis visceral son: L. longipalpis, y L. Evansi, y el principal reservorio domestico es el perro. Los objetivos fueron caracterizar el caso e identificar los factores de riesgo involucrados en la transmisión y describir las intervenciones realizadas por la entidad territorial del nivel municipal y departamental. Materiales y métodos: se realizó estudio de brote con investigación epidemiológica de campo (IEC) en el municipio de Hatonuevo-Guajira, barrio Los Mayalitos II, comunidad Guaimarito, y Guamachito. Se aplicaron herramientas de vigilancia activa, encuestas de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas, estudio de foco, intervenciones, muestreo canino y de menores sintomáticos. Los datos fueron registrados y procesados en Microsoft Excel 2016®. Se realizó análisis descriptivo con las características del caso, abordaje e intervenciones. Los resultados se presentaron en tablas de frecuencias. Resultados: se establece como un brote de leishmaniasis visceral, caso confirmado por laboratorio, autóctono por las condiciones para la presencia del vector y reservorio positivo: niño de 14 meses, indígena, cuadro clínico de fiebre, trombocitopenia y anemia, confirmado por inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI) para leishmaniasis visceral, en el estudio de foco se identificó el vector y reservorio doméstico (canino) positivo en casco urbano. En la búsqueda activa comunitaria no se identificaron niños menores de cinco años con sintomatología compatible con leishmaniasis visceral. Conclusión: se establece un brote de leishmaniasis visceral con un caso confirmado por laboratorio, autóctono por las condiciones para la presencia del vector y reservorio positivo en el municipio de Hatonuevo, La Guajira en el 2018.
Регламентація кримінальної відповідальності комбатантів у міжнародному гуманітарному праві
Authors: Мельничук А. І.
Published: April 2023

У статті розглянуто питання регламентації кримінальної відповідальності комбатантів у міжнародному гуманітарному праві. Методологічною основою наукової роботи стали філософські, загальнонаукові концептуальні підходи, а також характерні для сучасної юридичної науки підходи і методи, відповідно до проблеми. У ході дослідження з’ясовано, що кримінальна відповідальність комбатантів закріплена як у конвенціях, так і в статутних документах, які в сукупності складають основу міжнародного гуманітарного права. Аналіз норм міжнародного гуманітарного права дав змогу встановити, що конвенційні норми містять заборони щодо вчинення дій-воєнних злочинів комбатантами в межах збройних конфліктів, недотримання яких визнається серйозними порушеннями міжнародного гуманітарного права. Індивідуальна відповідальність окреслюється через встановлення обмежувальних механізмів, спрямованих на захист осіб, які не беруть участі або припинили участь у збройних конфліктах, регламентацію ведення збройного конфлікту, обмеження насильства під час збройного конфлікту.  Такі норми мають високий рівень узагальнення та не містять належного механізму притягнення до кримінальної відповідальності комбатантів, конкретних зобов’язань держав-учасників і механізмів контролю за їх виконанням, що потребує системної розробки, зокрема уточнення складу злочинів, визначення ступеня їх суспільної небезпеки тощо національним правом. З’ясовано, що принцип індивідуальної відповідальності комбатантів, як і юрисдикція стосовно воєнних злочинів, їх зміст міститься в статутах Міжнародних військових трибуналів та Міжнародного кримінального суду, на основі яких вони функціонують. Діяльність Трибуналів сприяла появі прецедентних рішень, які є ефективним правовим засобом реалізації міжнародного гуманітарного права в частині припинення його порушень, з огляду на визнані юридичні підстави кваліфікації певної поведінки, як міжнародне правопо-рушення, встановлені елементи міжнародних правопорушень, склади міжнародних злочинів тощо.
Open Access: Benefits and Pitfalls for Political Scientists
Authors: Breuning Marijke , Akyol Seyma
Published: May 2023

Who benefits from open access (OA) publishing? For whom does it present additional hurdles? We seek to understand the impact of the move to OA publishing models on scholars as producers of articles for academic journals. Specifically, we examine whether research funding, author gender and number, (location of) institutional affiliation, and the European or US origin of the journal affect the likelihood that an article is published OA. Our empirical analysis focuses on twelve well-respected journals. We find that research funding is consistently and positively associated with OA publishing, but also that relatively few articles are published OA. In addition, articles authored by scholars with European institutional affiliations are more likely than those with US institutional affiliations to be published OA. We discuss the implications of our findings and point to avenues for further work to better understand how OA affects scholars’ ability to publish their research in academic journals.
The Significance of the Ascension of Christ and Its Implications for Worship
Authors: Lim Budianto
Published: May 2023

The observance of the Ascension of Christ is not really a prime celebration in most Protestant churches. Even examples of congregational practices related to the celebration of Ascension Day throughout Christian worship history are scarce. Most Christians go through this celebration without much consideration on how the ascended Christ influences life in the here and now. Most would probably view Christ as the heavenly king and unconsciously ignore the fact that Christ ascended as the high priest who can empathize with his people. Although Indonesia treats this Christological event as a public holiday, the preparation leading to the celebration is not as significant as other commemorations like Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas. The consequence is that Christians do not have a meaningful worship experience that may inspire them to endure the life of daily discipleship. Thus, the focus of this article is on understanding the significance of Christ’s ascension and how the church can celebrate Ascension Day in ways that help Christians live according to Christ’s teaching and hope for the future. This article will reconsider the biblical and theological foundations of the ascension to develop worship that strengthens the identity of Christians for daily discipleship.
Skrining Penyakit Tidak Menular dan Kanker Leher Rahim pada Masyarakat di Kota Luwuk Kabupaten Banggai
Authors: Wijianto Wijianto , Nurarifah Nurarifah , Sukmawati Sukmawati , Subchan Djadid , Yuwono Dian Kurniasari , Hasan Sri Murniawati , Muhammad Hana Yulianti , Mangemba Dg. , Galenso Nitro
Published: May 2023

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are diseases that are not transmitted to other people through any form of contact. Examples of NCDs include stroke, coronary heart disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and conditions resulting from accidents and violence. In Banggai Regency, the number of people with NCDs continues to increase, with 5.2% having hypertension and 8.5% having diabetes mellitus in 2021. NCDs can be detected through early detection by measuring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI). The aim of this activity is to screen for NCDs and cervical cancer. The participants of this activity are 22 women from the Ministry of Religious Affairs Women's Association in Banggai Regency. The activity was conducted in October 2022 at the campus of the D3 Nursing Study Program in Luwuk. The examination method used rapid tests to measure cholesterol and blood sugar levels, while blood pressure was measured using a digital sphygmomanometer, and anthropometric measurements were taken to obtain BMI data. IVA tests were also conducted to detect cervical cancer. The results of the examination showed that 63.6% of the participants were at risk of pre-hypertension, 12.7% were at risk of hypercholesterolemia, and 31.8% were at risk of diabetes mellitus. The BMI measurements showed that 59.1% were in the obesity category, and 72.7% had an obese waist circumference. The IVA tests did not detect any risk of cervical cancer. NCD screening through routine health check-ups should be done periodically to detect NCD risks as early as possible.
Edukasi Mitigasi Kesehatan Reproduksi pada Masyarakat Desa Sibalaya Utara dan Sibalaya Selatan, Kabupaten Sigi, Sulawesi Tengah
Authors: Sumiaty Sumiaty , Batjo Siti Hadijah , Taqwin Taqwin , Pani Widya , Silfia Niluh Nita , Usman Hastuti , Ramadhan Kadar , Kusumawati Dwi Erma , Aslinda Wery , Ndama Metrys , Supetran I Wayan , Patompo Mohamad Fadli Dg. , Condeng Baharuddin , Junaidi Junaidi , Kolomboy Fajrillah , Zainul Zainul , Sulaeman Djunaedil Syukur , Novarianti Novarianti , Saharudin Saharudin , Nilasanti Ni Made Ridla
Published: May 2023

The preparation of individual equipment in reproductive health mitigation during disasters is not known by the community. The people of Sibalaya Village have never received education on reproductive health mitigation kits during disasters. The purpose of community service is to prepare the community in reproductive health mitigation during disasters in Sibalaya Village, Tanambulawa Sub-district, Sigi, Central Sulawesi. The service method is health education and demonstration on reproductive health mitigation kits. The service was carried out in North and South Sibalaya Villages, Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi, from October 19 to October 24, 2022. The target audience are pregnant women, mothers with toddlers, adolescent girls, and couples of reproductive age, with a total of 38 participants. The education media used a PowerPoint presentation with an LCD projector. Evaluation was conducted through pre and post-tests using a questionnaire. The service results showed that 100% of participants knew about the risk groups during disasters, >70% knew about the color of the kit, 92.11% knew about the contents of the kit, and 97.37% knew about the availability of transportation during referrals. The post-test was conducted by asking participants directly, and those who answered correctly were given a reproductive health mitigation kit as a prize. Two participants were able to demonstrate the use of the mitigation kit. The conclusion of the service is that there is an increase in knowledge, and participants can demonstrate the use of reproductive health mitigation kits. It is recommended to form a village reproductive health mitigation team and provide training.
Neutrophil extracellular traps promote bronchopulmonary dysplasia-like injury in neonatal mice via the WNT/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Sun Liujuan , Zhang Meiyu , Jiang Jin , Liu Wanjiao , Zhao Wenhao , Li Fang
Published: April 2023

Background

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is one of the most common and severe chronic diseases in preterm infants. Premature infants are susceptible to BPD due to immature lungs and adverse perinatal episodes of infection, hyperoxia, and mechanical ventilation.

Methods

Neutrophils are the first line of host defence, and the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is an important strategy to immobilize and kill invading microorganisms. This study examined whether NETs were associated with BPD in preterm infants and contributed to hyperoxia-induced lung injury in neonatal mice via the WNT/β-catenin pathway.

Results

In this study, we found that preterm infants with BPD had higher levels of NETs in their tracheal aspirates than those without BPD. Neonatal mice treated with NETs after birth exhibited BPD-like changes in their lungs. Furthermore, the levels of Aquaporin 5 (AQP5) and surfactant-associated protein C (SPC), which represent alveolar differentiation and development, were significantly lower than those in the controls. The WNT/β-catenin pathway is one of the most well-known signalling pathways involved in lung growth. We found that the expression of the target genes c-MYC, cyclin D, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the important proteins WNT3a and β-catenin significantly decreased. Moreover, heparin, which is a NET inhibitor, attenuated changes in gene and protein expression, thereby attenuating BPD-like changes.

Discussion

This finding indicates that NETs are associated with BPD and can induce BPD-like changes in neonatal mice via the WNT/β-catenin pathway.
Serum level of S100A8/A9 as a biomarker for establishing the diagnosis and severity of community-acquired pneumonia in children
Authors: Xie Si , Wang Jun , Tuo Wenbin , Zhuang Shihao , Cai Qinzhen , Yao Cong , Han Feng , Zhu Hongmin , Xiang Yun , Yuan Chunhui
Published: April 2023

Background

S100A8/A9, which is a member of S100 proteins, may be involved in the pathophysiology of Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) that seriously threatens children’s health. However, circulating markers to assess the severity of pneumonia in children are yet to be explored. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of serum S100A8/A9 level in determining the severity of CAP in children.

Methods

In this prospective and observational study, we recruited 195 in-hospital children diagnosed with CAP. In comparison, 63 healthy children (HC) and 58 children with non-infectious pneumonia (pneumonitis) were included as control groups. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Serum S100A8/A9 levels, serum pro-calcitonin concentrations, and blood leucocyte counts were quantified.

Results

The serum S100A8/A9 levels in patients with CAP was 1.59 ± 1.32 ng/mL, which was approximately five and two times higher than those in healthy controls and those in children with pneumonitis, respectively. Serum S100A8/A9 was elevated parallelly with the clinical pulmonary infection score. The sensitivity, specificity, and Youden’s index of S100A8/A9 ≥1.25 ng/mL for predicting the severity of CAP in children was optimal. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of S100A8/A9 was the highest among the indices used to evaluate severity.

Conclusions

S100A8/A9 may serve as a biomarker for predicting the severity of the condition in children with CAP and establishing treatment grading.
When is universal SEL effective under authentic conditions? Using LPA to examine program implementation in elementary classrooms
Authors: Zhao Hui , Lei Pui-Wa , Hart Susan Crandall , DiPerna James Clyde , Li Xinyue
Published: April 2023

As universal social-emotional learning (SEL) programs have become more common in K-12 schools, implementation practices have been found to affect program quality. However, research examining how multiple facets of program implementation interrelate and impact student outcomes, especially under routine conditions in schools, is still limited. As such, we used latent profile analysis (LPA) to examine implementation of a brief universal SEL program (Social Skills Improvement System SEL Classwide Intervention Program) in primary classrooms. Three latent profiles of implementation were identified based on dosage, adherence, quality of delivery, student engagement and teachers’ impression of lessons. Although results suggested that classrooms with moderate- and high-level implementation practices generally showed higher gains in student outcomes than those with low-level implementation, these differences did not reach statistical significance except for academic motivation. Implications for school-based universal SEL program planning, implementation, and evaluation are discussed.
Olfactory sex preferences in six Estrildid Finch species
Authors: Krause E. Tobias , Paul Madeleine , Krüger Oliver , Caspers Barbara A.
Published: April 2023

Avian courtship behaviour is essential to attract potential mating partners. Courtship behaviours can involve displays of different sensory modes. Sex discrimination is a crucial step and in many bird species, sexes differ in acoustic and visual traits, allowing sex discrimination. It has been shown only recently that in some species of Estrildid Finches, chemical cues are involved in social communication. Here, we investigated whether olfaction also plays a role in sex discrimination in Estrildid Finches. Investigating olfactory sex preferences as an indicator behaviour in six different Estrildid Finch species, we aimed to understand whether sex- and/or species-specific differences in olfactory preferences exists and whether olfactory sex preferences correspond to species-specific differences in sex-specific acoustic and visual displays, e.g., singing, plumage dimorphisms and courtship dance. Olfactory sex preferences were tested in a Y-Maze test. We found differences in scent preferences among the different species of Estrildid Finches. We discussed the behavioural pattern with respect to other species-specific traits. And their potential implications in a broader mate choice context.
Land cover changes, biomass loss, and predictive causes of massive dieback of a mangrove plantation in Lampung, Sumatra
Authors: Budiadi Budiadi , Pertiwiningrum Ambar , Lestari Lina Dwi , Jihad Aqmal Nur , Marpaung Boy Andreas , Prasetyo Sigit
Published: April 2023

A new massive dieback case of Avicennia marina was observed in the area of the Sunda Strait, which started in 2020, and the cause is still unknown. This research was conducted to report the rate of mangrove degradation, measure biomass loss, and predict the causes of the dieback. A sequential imagery analysis (2019–2022) was conducted to interpret the area changes using a research area of 200 ha from the total 528.69-ha mangrove, using the plant senescence reflectance index (PSRI) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Field data were collected before and during the dieback event (2020 and 2021) at seven research stations including, live mangroves, partial dieback, and full dieback sites. Biomass loss was measured as standing stock volume (SSV) and total biomass carbon (TBC). A literature study was conducted to predict the cause of the dieback. Based on the results, the mangrove dieback caused a rapid and significant loss of healthy stands (results of the PSRI) and very-high-density stands (results of the NDVI). The rate of healthy stand loss was 13.43 ha month−1 (during July–October 2020) and that of very-high-density stand loss was 14.99 ha month−1 (October 2020–April 2021), which affected 126.62 ha or 24% of the total area (last measurement in January 2022). The SSV before dieback was 118.70 (±46.1) m3 ha−1, but within 14 months, it decreased to 20.8 (±6.0), 79.80 (±52.3), and only 1.0 (±1.0) m3 ha−1 for live, partial dieback, and full dieback stands, respectively. The TBC of live mangroves (before dieback) was 51.6 (±24.4) Mg C ha−1, but within the same period, it changed to 30.70 (±3.80), 69.50 (±14.6), and 51.60 (±9.4) Mg C ha−1 for live, partial dieback, and full dieback stands, respectively. Based on the literature study and field observation, the dieback was probably related to less flushing and long-term inundation by the decrease in rainfall intensity, in addition to nitrogen (NO3−N and NO2−N) enrichment, an over-supply of N from fishpond wastes. Sustainable silvofishery may be introduced to ameliorate water and soil quality.
Parents‘ and healthcare professionals’ perception toward the introduction of a new fully liquid hexavalent vaccine in the Malaysian national immunization program: a cross-sectional study instrument development and its application
Authors: Al Bashir Lama , Ismail Aniza , Aljunid Syed Mohamed
Published: April 2023

A newly developed fully liquid hexavalent vaccine that comprises six antigens for Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis, Inactivated Poliomyelitis, Haemophilus Influenza type b., and Hepatitis B, is proposed to be introduced in the Malaysian national immunization program, instead of the non-fully liquid pentavalent vaccine and monovalent Hepatitis B vaccine that is currently employed in the immunization schedule. Although the introduction of new vaccines is a necessary intervention, it still needs to be accepted by parents and healthcare professionals. Hence, this study aimed to develop three structured questionnaires and to investigate the participants’ perception and acceptability toward the incorporation of the new fully liquid hexavalent vaccine. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 346 parents, 100 nurses, and 50 physicians attending twenty-two primary health care centers in the states of Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya during 2019-2020. The study found that Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the study instruments ranged from 0.825 to 0.918. Principal components analysis produced a good fit with KMO>0.6. For the parents’ perception questionnaire, the only extracted factor explained 73.9 % of the total variance; for the nurses’ perception toward a non-fully and fully liquid combined vaccine, there was a sole extracted factor that explained 65.2 % and 79.2% of the total variance, respectively. Whereas for the physicians’ perception, there was one factor extracted that explains 71.8 % of the total variance. The median score for all the questionnaire items ranged from 4 to 5 (Q1 and Q3 vary between 3-5). Parents' ethnicity was significantly associated (P-value ≤ 0.05) with the perception that the new hexavalent vaccine would reduce their transportation expenses. Moreover, a significant association (P-value ≤ 0.05) was found between physicians' age and the perception of the hexavalent vaccine's ability to decrease patient overcrowding in primary healthcare centers. The instruments used in this study were valid and reliable. Parents of Malay ethnicity were the most concerned about transportation expenses since they have the lowest income and are more concentrated in rural areas compared to other races. Younger physicians were concerned about reducing patient crowding and hence reducing their workload and burnout.
Cellular and transcriptional impacts of Janus kinase and/or IFN-gamma inhibition in a mouse model of primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Albeituni Sabrin , Oak Ninad , Tillman Heather S. , Stroh Alexa , Keenan Camille , Bloom Mackenzie , Nichols Kim E.
Published: April 2023

Background

Primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (pHLH) is an inherited inflammatory syndrome driven by the exuberant activation of interferon-gamma (IFNg)-producing CD8 T cells. Towards this end, ruxolitinib treatment or IFNg neutralization (aIFNg) lessens immunopathology in a model of pHLH in which perforin-deficient mice (Prf1–/–) are infected with Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). However, neither agent completely eradicates inflammation. Two studies combining ruxolitinib with aIFNg report conflicting results with one demonstrating improvement and the other worsening of disease manifestations. As these studies used differing doses of drugs and varying LCMV strains, it remained unclear whether combination therapy is safe and effective.

Methods

We previously showed that a ruxolitinib dose of 90 mg/kg lessens inflammation in Prf1–/– mice infected with LCMV-Armstrong. To determine whether this dose controls inflammation induced by a different LCMV strain, we administered ruxolitinib at 90mg/kg to Prf1–/– mice infected with LCMV-WE. To elucidate the impacts of single agent versus combination therapy, Prf1–/– animals were infected with LCMV, treated or not with ruxolitinib, aIFNg or both agents, and analyzed for disease features and the transcriptional impacts of therapy within purified CD8 T cells.

Results

Ruxolitinib is well-tolerated and controls disease regardless of the viral strain used. aIFNg, administered alone or with ruxolitinib, is most effective at reversing anemia and reducing serum IFNg levels. In contrast, ruxolitinib appears better than aIFNg, and equally or more effective than combination therapy, at lessening immune cell expansion and cytokine production. Each treatment targets distinct gene expression pathways with aIFNg downregulating IFNg, IFNa, and IL-6-STAT3 pathways, and ruxolitinib downregulating IL-6-STAT3, glycolysis, and reactive oxygen species pathways. Unexpectedly, combination therapy is associated with upregulation of genes driving cell survival and proliferation.

Conclusions

Ruxolitinib is tolerated and curtails inflammation regardless of the inciting viral strain and whether it is given alone or in combination with aIFNg. When administered at the doses used in this study, the combination of ruxolitinb and aIFNg appears no better than treatment with either drug alone in lessening inflammation. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the optimal doses, schedules, and combinations of these agents for the treatment of patients with pHLH.
Demethylating therapy increases cytotoxicity of CD44v6 CAR-T cells against acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Tang Ling , Kong Yingjie , Wang Haobing , Zou Ping , Sun Ting , Liu Ying , Zhang Juan , Jin Na , Mao Hanwen , Zhu Xiaojian , Wang Jue , Meng Fankai , You Yong
Published: April 2023

Background

CD44v6 chimeric antigen receptor T (CD44v6 CAR-T) cells demonstrate strong anti-tumor ability and safety in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the expression of CD44v6 on T cells leads to transient fratricide and exhaustion of CD44v6 CAR-T cells, which affect the application of CD44v6 CAR-T. The exhaustion and function of T cells and CD44v6 expression of AML cells are associated with DNA methylation. Hypomethylating agents (HAMs) decitabine (Dec) and azacitidine (Aza) have been widely used to treat AML. Therefore, there may be synergy between CD44v6 CAR-T cells and HAMs in the treatment of AML.

Methods

CD44v6 CAR-T cells pretreated with Dec or Aza were co-cultured with CD44v6+ AML cells. Dec or aza pretreated AML cells were co-cultured with CD44v6 CAR-T cells. The cytotoxicity, exhaustion, differentiation and transduction efficiency of CAR-T cells, and CD44v6 expression and apoptosis in AML cells were detected by flow cytometry. The subcutaneous tumor models were used to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of CD44v6 CAR-T cells combined with Dec in vivo. The effects of Dec or Aza on gene expression profile of CD44v6 CAR-T cells were analyzed by RNA-seq.

Results

Our results revealed that Dec and Aza improved the function of CD44v6 CAR-T cells through increasing the absolute output of CAR+ cells and persistence, promoting activation and memory phenotype of CD44v6 CAR-T cells, and Dec had a more pronounced effect. Dec and Aza promoted the apoptosis of AML cells, particularly with DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) mutation. Dec and Aza also enhanced the CD44v6 CAR-T response to AML by upregulating CD44v6 expression of AML cells regardless of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) or DNMT3A mutations. The combination of Dec or Aza pretreated CD44v6 CAR-T with pretreated AML cells demonstrated the most potent anti-tumor ability against AML.

Conclusion

Dec or Aza in combination with CD44v6 CAR-T cells is a promising combination therapy for AML patients.
Excessive BMI is associated with higher C-peptide level at recognition but also with its greater loss in two years clinical observation in children with new onset type 1 diabetes
Authors: Kurpiewska Emilia , Ciężki Sebastian , Jamiołkowska-Sztabkowska Milena , Polkowska Agnieszka , Starosz Aleksandra , Grubczak Kamil , Moniuszko Marcin , Bossowski Artur , Głowińska-Olszewska Barbara
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The prevalence of obesity in general pediatric population increases without sparing children with T1D. We intended to find factors associated with the possibility of preserving endogenous insulin secretion in individuals with long-standing T1D. At onset, higher BMI is associated with higher C-peptide level, which may indicate to be one of the favorable factors involved in preserving residual β-cell function. The study determines the influence of BMI on C-peptide secretion in children newly diagnosed with T1D in two years observation.

Methods

We assessed the possible relationship between selected pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, body mass at recognition and β-cell function status. 153 pediatric patients with newly diagnosed T1D were divided into quartiles according to BMI-SDS index. We separated a group consisted of patients with BMI-SDS >1. Participants were followed up for two years and examined for changes in body weight, HbA1c, and insulin requirement. C-peptide was assessed at baseline and after two years. We evaluated the patients’ levels of selected inflammatory cytokines at baseline.

Results

Subjects with higher BMI-SDS presented higher serum C-peptide levels and lower insulin requirements at diagnosis than children with lower body weight. The two-year follow-up showed that C-peptide levels of obese patients dropped more rapidly than in children with BMI-SDS within normal limits. The group with BMI-SDS >1 showed the greatest decrease in C-peptide level. Despite statistically insignificant differences in HbA1c at diagnosis between the study groups, in the fourth quartile and BMI-SDS >1 groups, HbA1c as well as insulin requirements increased after two years. The levels of cytokines varied the most between BMI-SDS <1 and BMI-SDS >1 groups and were significantly higher within BMI-SDS >1 group.

Discussion

Higher BMI, associated with enhanced levels of inflammatory cytokines, relates to preservation of C-peptide at T1D recognition in children but is not beneficial in the long term. A decrease in C-peptide levels combined with an increase in insulin requirements and in HbA1c among patients with high BMI occur, which may indicate a negative effect of excessive body weight on the long term preservation of residual β-cell function. The process seems to be mediated by inflammatory cytokines.
Genetic population structure of the precious coral Corallium japonicum in the Northwest Pacific
Authors: Kise Hiroki , Iguchi Akira , Saito Naoki , Yoshioka Yuki , Uda Koji , Suzuki Tomohiko , Nagano Atsushi J. , Suzuki Atsushi , Iwasaki Nozomu
Published: April 2023

Population sizes of the Japanese red coral Corallium japonicum have been severely affected by poaching and overfishing. Although genetic structure and connectivity patterns are considered important parameters for conservation strategies, there are few studies focusing on the population genetics of C. japonicum in the Northwest Pacific. We examined the genetic population structure of C. japonicum, in the Northwest Pacific. We used restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq), which can be used to identify genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), to reveal detailed within-species genetic variations. Using the variable SNP loci identified from this analysis, we successfully evaluated the population-level genetic diversity and patterns of gene flow among multiple populations of C. japonicum around Japan. The results of genetic analysis basically showed that gene flow is widely maintained in the geographic range examined in this study, but the analysis in combination with larval dispersal simulations revealed several populations that were genetically distinct from the other populations, suggesting geographically limited gene flows. The information obtained from this study will be useful for the design of effective management schemes for C. japonicum, which is under threat from overfishing.
Effect of Cu addition on sedimentary bacterial community structure and heavy metal resistance gene abundance in mangrove wetlands
Authors: Liao Junxian , Xu Ying , Zhang Zuye , Zeng Linfang , Qiao Yue , Guo Zhipeng , Chen Jun , Jia Bin , Shang Chenjing , Chen Si
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Mangroves are a unique ecosystem, but are often affected by heavy metal pollution. Bacterial communities in mangrove sediments usually respond to heavy-metal pollution stress by expressing specific heavy-metal resistance genes (HMRGs).

Methods

Multivariate statistics were performed on Metagenomics as well as environmental data to evaluated the effects of Cu addition on the sedimentary bacterial community structure.

Results and discussion

Using metagenomics technology, we found that the Shannon andChao1 indices of natural sediments were significantly higher than in sediments with artificially added Cu. Addition of Cu significantly altered bacterial community structure and diversity at the phylum, class and order levels in sediments. The relative abundance of HMRGs in Cuadded sediments was lower than that in natural sediments. Environmental factors that affect bacterial communities also affect HMRGs. However, the contribution of heavy-metal pollution to the change in HMRG abundance was much lower than its contribution to the change in the bacterial community, indicating that the relationship between HMRG abundance and heavy-metal pollution is complex and needs to be comprehensively studied.