bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compound and Simple Leaf Woody Species of The Chilean Matorral Are Equally Affected by Extreme Drought
Authors: Ortíz José , Hernández-Fuentes Carolina , Sáez Patricia L. , Saz Néstor Fernández del , Cavieres Lohengrin A.
Published: March 2022

Two main leaf types are recognized among vascular plant species: compound and simple. Compound leaves are believed to be photosynthetically more productive than simple ones, by diluting mass tissue in more projected area. Conversely, simple leaves are believed to be more stress tolerant by packing mass tissue in less projected area during stress like drought. Nevertheless, convective cooling is more efficient in compound than simple leaves, a process that could alleviate water loss in drought periods. In Central Chile, woody species with simple and compound leaves coexist. This zone is facing a mega-drought event, causing browning and tree mortality. However, photosynthetic limitations on both types of leaves in drought conditions have not been addressed so far. We measured photosynthetic limitations in well-watered and drought conditions in three compound and three simple leaf species, and drought response ratio were obtained. We hypothesized that with no water limitation compound leaf species will show higher net photosynthesis (AN) than simple leaf species associated with a higher mesophyll conductance (gm). Nevertheless, opposite results are expected for simple leaves because their stress-tolerant physiology, showing fewer changes in their photosynthetic traits. We found that (gm) and (AN) were larger in compound leaves in well-watered conditions. Under drought conditions, both types of leaves were negatively affected despite foliar temperature in compound leaf species was 4°C lower. Our result suggests that regardless leaf shape matorral species in Central Chile will be seriously affected in their AN due to the megadrought currently affecting this zone.
Amiodarone improves anemia in a murine model of sickle cell disease and is associated with increased erythrocyte bis(monoacylglycerol) phosphate
Authors: Venugopal Jessica , Wang Jintao , Guo Chiao , Eitzman Daniel T.
Published: March 2022

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is with associated altered plasma and erythrocyte lipid profiles. In a previous study, SCD mice with deficiency of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) were observed to have more severe anemia and increased sickling compared to control SCD mice. Although PCSK9 affects circulating low density lipoprotein (LDL) by regulation of the LDL receptor, the effect of PCSK9 on anemia was independent of LDL receptor expression. In the current study, erythrocyte metabolomics were performed and revealed altered erythrocyte lipid species between SCD mice with and without PCSK9. Of particular interest, the late endosome-specific lipid bis(mono)acylglycerol phosphate (BMP) 44:12 was markedly decreased in erythrocytes from SCD mice deficient in PCSK9 mice relative to control SCD mice. Incubation of sickle erythrocytes with a neutralizing antibody to BMP increased erythrocyte sickling in vitro. In vitro treatment of SCD erythrocytes with amiodarone (1.5 uM) or medroxyprogesterone (6.75 uM), two pharmacologic compounds known to increase BMP, resulted in reduced erythrocyte sickling. Treatment of SCD mice with amiodarone (10 mg/kg) for 2 weeks resulted in increased BMP, improvement in anemia with reduced reticulocytosis, and decreased ex vivo sickling. In conclusion, severity of anemia in SCD is improved with amiodarone treatment, an effect which may be mediated through increased erythrocyte BMP.
WITHDRAWN: Permeability enhancement approaches of dexamethasone using niosomal gel for treating keloid
Authors: Sivaranjani
Published: March 2022

Background
Niosome are surfactant based vesicular drug delivery system that improve the residence time of drugs by overcoming the inherent anatomical barrier. Dexamethasone is used as an intralesional injection for treating keloids, which is formulated as niosomal gel for the inhibition of keloid fibroblast. This study aimed to formulate the Dexamethasone niosome suspension and the suspension was incorporated into the gel. Niosomal suspension of Dexamethasone was formulated by thin-film hydration method using Tween 20, Span 60, and Tween 80. Tween 80 niosome formulation was optimized using Design of expert software (DOE). Optimized niosome were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), entrapment efficiency, in vitro release, cell proliferation studies, and cell permeation studies. The optimized tween 80 formulation was incorporated into the carbopol gel base and evaluated.
Results
The desirable quantity of tween 80 was 86.2 µM and cholesterol was 38.9 µM. Spherical shaped vesicle with particle size of tween 80 suspension was 498.1 ± 1.1710 nm, entrapment efficiency was 85.2%±2.851, and in vitro release was 96.5%±2.88 at the end of 6 hr. Cell proliferation studies were performed to confirm the anti-keloid activities using MTT assay which decreased the cell viability in the range between 49–58%. Cell permeability studies were performed using Caco-2 cells showed a low Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) value after 2 hr treatment indicating more permeation than the drug solution.
Conclusion
The results confirm niosomal gel with Tween 80 enhances the skin permeation of Dexamethasone.
Integrated Analysis of Serum Lymphocytes Develops a Nomogram for Predicting Prognosis of Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors to Chemo-Radiotherapy
Authors: Wang Hairong , Huang He , Mou Yonggao , Chi Peidong , Lin Xiaopin , Chen Hongyu , Chen Jiangen , Chen Zhongping , Yang Qunying , Guo Chengcheng
Published: March 2022

Introduction:
It is common to evaluate lymphocytes subsets in virus infection, immunodeficiency diseases and cancer. This study retrospectively analyzed serum lymphocyte subsets and survival outcomes in intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCTs) patients.
Methods
Serum from145 iGCTs patients were collected and lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. Clinical information was extracted from the database in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and outcomes were confirmed through outpatient visits and telephone follow-up.
Results
76 patients were confirmed germinoma, 29 mixed germ cell tumor, 4 teratoma, 9 malignant teratoma, 6 endodermal sinus tumor, 20 choriocarcinoma and 1 embryonal carcinoma. 123(84.8%) patients received comprehensive treatments and 104(71.7%)reached complete or partial response. T lymphocytes (CD3+), cytotoxic T cells (CD3+CD8+ or Tc) and B lymphocytes(CD19+)decreased(p = 0.033, p = 0.011, and p < 0.001 respectively), while activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes(CD8+CD25+) increased(p < 0.001). Dynamic changes of activated Tc cells were associated with treatment patterns and evaluation of the disease(p = 0.038 and p = 0.043). Median survival was 45.81 months and patients of increased Tc cells, activated T helper cells(CD4+CD25+T cells or activated Th cells), activated Tc cells and normal CD4+/CD8+ ratio presented encouraging outcomes (p = 0.007;0.016;0.028;0.016 respectively). Nomogram and multivariate Cox Regression analysis indicated increased Tc cells was related to reduced risk death(p = 0.001,HR = 0.217 95%CI = 0.085—0.551).)
Conclusion
Implement of comprehensive treatments led to positive responses. Dynamic monitoring of serum lymphocyte subsets can be used as an auxiliary indicator for prognosis judgment.
Identification of key molecules and signaling pathways in GOLPH3 mediated colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Xiu-ying , Wang Mengshan , Zhang Liang
Published: March 2022

GOLPH3 is a peripheral membrane protein that is significantly associated with the development of cancer. However, the signaling pathways and mechanisms of GOLPH3 mediated cancer are still unclear. Here, our objective is to identify the essential molecules and signaling pathways by analyzing the RNA-seq data. The GSE196875 was produced by the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 (Homo sapiens). The KEGG and GO analyses indicated that axon guidance, signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells, and circadian entrainment are the major affected processes during the development of prostate cancer with GOLPH3 overexpression. Moreover, the ten interacting molecules were figured out including BMP2, RAC2, CACNA1C, PAX6, COL4A1, SPARC, GRIN1, CAV3, COL5A1, COL4A2. Thus, our study provides novel knowledge on the GOLPH3 affected cancer cells.
Triple-hit lymphoma in a 95-year-old patient: a case report and literature review
Authors: Tang Dongsheng , Chen Yue , Shi Yuye , Tao Hong , Tao Shandong , Zhang Quan'e , Ding Banghe , He Zhengmei , Yu Liang , Wang Chunling
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a highly heterogeneous tumor mainly occuring in the elderly, with approximately 40% of cases occurring in patients over 70 years old and this proportion will increase in the future. High grade B cell lymphomas (HGBL) with MYC and BCL2 and BCL6 rearrangements, so called triple-hit lymphomas (HGBL-THL), which usually presents a high-aggressive clinical behavior as well as to be associated with a very poor outcome. However, there are no standard treatment strategies for very elderly HGBL-DHL/THL patients, it still remains a challenge for clinicians. Case Presentaion: we report a case of a 95-year-old patient diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (HGBL-THL, non-germinal central type, stage IV group A, IPI 5 points, high risk group), coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, cardiac insufficiency), hypertension, treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted drug therapy obtained better outcome of keeping alive for 1 year. Conclusion: For very elderly HGBL-THL patients, a careful assessment of performance, nutritional status and comorbidities are needed before treatment. Novel therapies including immunotherapy, targeted therapy and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy may provide benefit.
Redo of ventricular tachycardia ablation in a patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy using the newly omnipolar technology
Authors: Conti Sergio , Sabatino Francesco , Sgarito Giuseppe
Published: March 2022

BackgroundHigh-definition multielectrode mapping is becoming the cornerstone of complex ablation procedures. Differently from traditional bipolar electrograms that have susceptibility to directionality, Omnipolar Technology (OT) provides voltage, timing, and activation direction assessments independent of catheter orientation by incorporating simultaneously acquired EGM signals from multiple directions. Case presentationA 62 years-old male with ischemic cardiomyopathy underwent VT ablation guided by the EnSite X 3D mapping system. The first procedure was performed without the OT, while for the redo, OT was available. The substrate map performed by using the OT was much more defined, and the LPs map showed residual activity. Of great interest, an area noted as a dense scar during the first procedure appeared to be outside the dense scar region at the redo. Complete elimination of LPs in this region made the VT not inducible. ConclusionsHigh-definition multipolar mapping using the HD Grid can be rapidly and accurately performed during complex substrate mapping and ablation, such as post-ischemic VT. In particular, omnipolar mapping provide rapid, high-density, orientation-independent assessment of the underlying atrial substrate. This case report has a unique nature considering that the same patient underwent the index procedure without OT and redo with OT.
Microcredentials Training In Pharmacy Practice And Education: An Exploratory Study Of Its Viability And Pharmacists’ Professional Needs
Authors: Lok Peggy , Beyene Kebede , Awaisu Ahmed , Woods David , Kheir Nadir
Published: March 2022

Background: Microcredentials (MCs) are short courses that certify/recognise an individual's achievement of specific skills or knowledge. Schools of pharmacy could be well-placed to contribute to the continuing professional development (CPD) of pharmacists through the inclusion of MCs training in their programs. This study aimed to explore pharmacy professionals’ views on the need and viability of MC courses globally. Methods: Eleven semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with pharmacy practitioners, policymakers, and academics across seven countries. The participants were selected using purposive sampling to explore information from varying pharmacy disciplines. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using a general inductive approach. Results: Participants regarded MCs in pharmacy as an innovative idea, well-suited to the increasingly technology-driven world. They believe MCs provide easily accessible means of skills and knowledge acquisition that fulfils the needs of the pharmacy profession. MCs were also perceived as an alternative pathway of meeting the requirements of traditional CPD programmes. Many participants believe universities are well-suited to provide MCs; however, numerous challenges such as recognition, time and resources have been identified as potential barriers to enrolment and implementation. Conclusions: This study provides an insight into the views of pharmacy practitioners and academics on MCs, and their potential utility in pharmacy education and practice. The findings should help in the development of MCs that could be utilised by pharmacy practitioners around the world for CPD purposes. This study comes at a time when alternative models of teaching and learning are being explored as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ética y moral del docente universitario. Una interpretación a Kant
Authors: Mendieta Lenin
Published: March 2022

El estudio de la moral es un tema de actualidad y tan añejo como la vida en sociedad. El objetivo del ensayo es interpretar el imperativo categórico de Immanuel Kant, acudimos a las posturas de varios autores, nos confesamos en un acto de endoconciencia y nos arrimamos a la vera de la educación superior por considerar que es en la academia donde se forjan los profesionales que construyen esta sociedad del conocimiento. Empleamos la metodología de revisiones bibliográficas siguiendo un hilo secuencial histórico, e interpretamos desde nuestros reservorios cognitivos para presentar dos planteamientos que no son concluyentes: el primero es que el imperativo categórico es hasta el día de hoy una utopía global; el segundo es que existen en la academia, profesores que son esa reserva ecológica moral que ara, siembra, riega, abona, cultiva y espera ilusionado una buena cosecha de seres humanos (estudiantes) convertidos en personas humanas y éticamente profesionales.
Self-transcendence through Futuwwah and Dharma: Islam and Hinduism Perspectives
Authors: Bulut Sefa
Published: March 2022

As a field of study, psychology has been on the path of sustained evolution. From psychoanalysis to Logotherapy, we have come a long way. The advent of spirituality, positive thinking, and the renewed interest in human potential have led to the emergence of various sub-fields in psychology. From denying the role of religion and spirituality in the therapy setting to designing interventions around these concepts, we have approached a contemporary phase in under­standing human behavior and attitudes. A novel concept born out of the evolution of psychological concepts is the idea of self-transcendence. According to Maslow, there is a progressive movement towards uncovering people’s potentials and being the best version of the self. Maslow proposed that a self-actualizing individual would eventually have to move up the hierarchy of needs and transcend the ego to relate to something beyond it. This process, known as self-transcendence, is often facilitated by selfless values and moral behaviors that allow the ego to transcend itself. The present paper looks into Maslow’s theory of self-transcendence as recorded in two particular religious philosophies; Futuwwah (Islam) and Dharma (Hinduism). Both Futuwwah and Dharma, despite cultural and religious differences, foster similar values and moral acts in people. The current paper attempts to establish that the moral acts prescribed in Futuwwah and Dharma would eventually lead to an individual's self-transcendence. To do so, we will first attempt to define self-transcendence, theories of self-transcendence from multiple disciplines, and related concepts such as peak experiences and flow. Further, the paper will strive to explore traces of self-transcendence as expressed in religious philosophies, namely; Futuwwah and Dharma.
Motion characteristics and energy efficiency of potential energy recycling system of telescopic handler
Authors: Xu Huairen , Liu Zhiqi , Wang Yao , Ge Lei
Published: March 2022

Telescopic handler is combined of truck crane and forklift. Equipped with different accessories, the telescopic handler can achieve fork loading, lifting and other operations. Large amount of energy is needed to maintain lifting and lowering in large range with high frequency of the working device of telescopic handler. There is no energy recycling device for the working device that leads to the large dissipating of gravitational potential energy. In order to recycle the wasted energy, a three-chamber hydraulic cylinder boom system (TCCBS) is proposed. In this paper, the recycling principle is described. Then the energy consumption characteristics are analyzed. Further, the mode of TCCBS of telescopic handler is established and analyzed. Compared with the double chamber cylinder boom system (DCCBS), the single-action time of the boom is reduced 4.15 s. The velocity shock decrease from 0.12 m/s to 0.02 m/s at the beginning of the boom lowering process. The peak pressure decreased from 24 MPa to 21 MPa and the average pressure decreased from 17 MPa to 13 MPa during boom lifting process. The potential energy recycling of the working device is 139 kJ, which accounts for about 47.1 % of total potential energy. The cumulative output energy of TCCBS is 311 kJ, which is 92 kJ less than the DCCBS. The comprehensive energy saving efficiency is 22.3 %. The results show that the TCCBS can realize the potential energy recycling.
Optimal PMU placements using sea lion optimization for adaptable distribution system
Authors: Arivazhagan Thamaraiselvi , Srikrishna Subramanian , Kaliyan Naveenkumar , Sivarajan Ganesan
Published: March 2022

The technological advancements and policy reformations make the electric power distribution system an active network. The modern power system operational regulations encourage coordinated network operations among various entities and customer participation. Unlike traditional operational environments, real-time monitoring has become a mandate for secure and reliable operations. Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) is the most reliable data acquisition tool, and their application for State Estimation (SE) has already been proven. This work extends the application of PMUs for the distribution system. A multi-objective optimization framework is proposed considering the optimal placement of PMU, network reconfiguration, and topology expansion. A novel optimization tool, the sea lion optimizer has been chosen to address the developed optimization problem. The proposed operational model is employed in IEEE RBTS-2 bus system, IEEE 33 node system and 69 node radial distribution network. Numerical results provide new insights into PMUs role in enhancing distribution network operations. The statistical indices confirm that the intended optimizer performs well in the chosen highly constrained optimization environment.
Elk Island (Losinyi Ostrov) national park: transformation of regulations in urban environment
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Kryukov Vitaly A. , Golubeva Elena I. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University
Published: March 2022

To take into account both ecosystem and socio-economic functions, it is necessary to carry out functional zoning of specially protected natural areas (SPNA). The dynamics of zoning of the Losiny Ostrov National Park from 1988 to 2012 was assessed from the position of environmental regimes using open-access data. Using GIS technologies, the estimated dynamic schemes of environmental restrictions were obtained. The tendency to easing regulations clearly exists: the weighted average dynamic parameter of environmental value is -3.27 (possible values vary from -20 to 20). The 2012 version established stronger transformations of environmental restrictions than in 2010 (dynamic indicators are -0.62 and -2.65, respectively). The greatest negative changes for natural complexes are associated with the allocation of a historical and cultural zone, the transformation of third-party user sites into economic zones, the expansion of the recreational zone, and the disappearance of the educational and excursion zone. Differences between Moscow city and the adjacent Moscow region are negligible. However, there is considerable disparity between current zoning of urban and regional parts of the park (restriction indicators are 7.41 and 12.17, respectively). Urban space is more oriented towards recreation, indicating an incompatibility with the status of a national park. In contrast to the outer 1000-meter belt, the central part of the park has had greater deterioration of nature restrictions. The weighted average indicator of ecosystem compliance (environmental restrictions and vulnerability of natural complexes) is 3.3 (possible values range from -20 to 20), which points to a sufficient level of compliance with the functional zoning of landscape vulnerability. This accordance is more typical of inner part of the park inner and territories within the boundary of Moscow.
Preparation, characterization, and application of modified magnetic biochar for the removal of benzotriazole: process optimization, isotherm and kinetic studies, and adsorbent regeneration
Authors: Hasanzadeh Maryam , Soltaninejad Yaser , Esmaeili Shirin , Babaei Ali Akbar
Published: March 2022

The adsorption of benzotriazole (BTA) by chemically modiﬁed magnetic biochar (MMBC) as a cheap and abundant biosorbent was investigated and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Initially, the MMBC composite was synthesized and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) techniques. The characterization results confirmed the existence of Fe3O4 in the composite structure, which had uniformly dispersed over biochar (BC) with porous texture. Moreover, the presence of Zn and Cl elements in EDX analysis indicated that the magnetic biochar (MBC) had been modified successfully. The effects of chemical modiﬁcation methods on the adsorption capacity of magnetic biochar were investigated. Maximum BTA removal efficiency was demonstrated by MMBC, modifying using ZnCl2 (>99%). Optimization was carried out based on reaction time, BTA concentration and the concentration of adsorbent. Optimum experimental conditions for the removal of BTA from aqueous solutions were found to be 35 min of reaction time, 0.55 g/L of adsorbent, and 50 mg/L of initial BTA concentration. At these optimal conditions, the predicted BTA adsorption efficiency was 92.6%. The adsorption process followed the Avrami fractional-order reaction kinetic and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm with the maximum adsorption capacity of 563.1 mg/g. The values of thermodynamic parameters demonstrated that the adsorption of BTA on ZnCl2-MBC is endothermic and spontaneous. Under optimum usage of MMBC, the adsorptive removal efficiency of BTA non-signiﬁcantly decreased from 99.2 to 93.9% after the 5th cycle. Thus, MMBC can be recommended as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective adsorbent to remove micropollutants from water.
Perspectives on Mental Health Evaluation in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension: A Call to Action
Authors: Parker Claire , Whalen Elise , McSweeney Julia , Brown Anna , Raj J. Usha , Mullen Mary P.
Published: March 2022

Background

The already high rates of anxiety and depression among healthy children have increased further since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020. Prepandemic data suggest children with chronic disease were already experiencing increased rates of anxiety and depression as compared to their healthy peers. There is currently a paucity of literature on the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with pediatric pulmonary hypertension. In addition, there are no practice recommendations regarding mental health screening in this population.

Implications for Providers

We evaluated provider perception of mental health screening at 14 pediatric pulmonary hypertension care centers across the United States and Canada using a cross-sectional survey. Thirty-seven providers from 14 pediatric pulmonary hypertension centers in North America completed the survey.

Conclusion

Health care providers caring for pediatric pulmonary hypertension patients perceive their patient cohort to frequently experience anxiety and depression. In addition, these providers believe that their patients would benefit from formalized, and routine, assessment of anxiety and depression with referral to mental health services as appropriate. This highlights the need to better understand the prevalence of anxiety and depression in pediatric pulmonary hypertension patients and to establish formal mental health screening practices within pediatric pulmonary hypertension care centers.
Social Media Participation Among Parents and Caregivers of Children With Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Whalen Elise , Hellsten Melody , Santucci Gina , Czyzewski Danita , Varghese Nidhy P.
Published: March 2022

Background

Engagement in social media has risen nearly 60% over the last decade with consumers engaging in social media not only browse social networking websites, but also to share health information, view health-related videos, and contribute to online support groups. For parents and caregivers (PCGs) of children diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, participation in social media can be one way to associate with others in a similar position as individuals can connect with others around the world and share information.

Methods

In this study, parental and caregiver involvement was explored through a cross-sectional study utilizing a survey method to evaluate current practices in social media groups. PCGs of over 300 patients from a large pediatric pulmonary hypertension center were approached for participation in the survey via their child’s web-based messaging portal connected to the electronic medical record. The survey was created in REDCap and given to parents electronically or on paper. The survey was comprised of 4 sections covering child demographics, PH medications and hospitalization encounters, social media utilization among PCGs, and the “Big 5 Personality Survey.”

Results

Eighteen PCGs completed sections 1–3 of the survey, and 6 PCGs completed the entirety of the survey (sections 1–4). The children represented in the survey had been diagnosed for an average of 5.5 years. Seventy percent of PCGs in the survey reported using social media as a support resource, utilizing 2–5 different social media platforms. PCGs reported feeling overwhelmed, connected, discouraged, depressed, supported, seen, and good when participating. Among respondents, the three highest-scoring personality traits were agreeableness (31.9), conscientiousness (27.2), and openness to experiences (26.7).

Conclusions

This is the first study that seeks to understand social media’s role as a support resource and its impact on PCGs of children diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. It offers insight as to why PCGs may utilize social media platforms and emphasizes its significant role as a support resource for these families. Healthcare teams should consider evaluation of social media and support its role as a resource and source of education.
La responsabilidad civil y su función de tutela del Derecho a la Protección de los Datos Personales: una visión desde el Derecho de la Unión Europea
Authors: Lago José Manuel Busto
Published: March 2022

Nesse trabalho, o autor investiga a função e a responsabilidade civil adjacente à tutela da Proteção de Dados Pessoais a partir do Direito Comunitário Europeu, debatendo questões de ordem material e processual no marco normativo vigente. Seu desenvolvimento tem em consideração, também, a Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados brasileira. Trata-se de estudo abrangente, repercutindo debates em torno de temas amplos como os ligados à legitimidade, aos serviços digitais e aos processos e procedimentos de indenização e ressarcimento quando da prática de atos de violação.
A desconfiança no sistema eleitoral como fator de comprometimento do capital social eleitoral: a descredibilidade que retrocede nos avanços democráticos
Authors: Rodrigues Ana Laura , Silva Laura Gabriella M. da , Nóbrega Flavianne Fernanda B.
Published: March 2022

Após um passado de fraudes e corrupções eleitorais, a instauração do voto eletrônico no Brasil e a sua paulatina acepção, consolidaram a democracia eleitoral no País. Todavia, essa harmonia passou a ruir com a crescente suspeição a respeito desse modelo eleitoral. Nessa senda, o presente estudo se propõe a investigar a desconfiança nas urnas eletrônicas, como fator para o comprometimento da credibilidade do sistema eleitoral no Brasil, bem como pretende elucidar a transição institucional de confiança para a descrença no sistema de voto eletrônico, abalado pelas irritações exógenas de atores políticos ligados à eleições, que suscitaram embates contra os resultados eleitorais. Para analisar esse contexto, foi preciso compreender o voto eletrônico e a Justiça eleitoral, como soluções para o passado de fraudes sucessivas, que imperavam como instituições informais fortes e bem articuladas. Assim, foi feita uma revisão bibliográfica dos principais autores que estudaram a história do sistema eleitoral e também dos temas que delinearam esse passado, como o coronelismo e o voto de cabresto. Na pesquisa foi utilizado o aporte teórico do paradigma Neoinstitucional de North, Brinks e Levitsky, que compreendem as instituições como “regras do jogo” e, ainda, o referencial de Capital social, cunhado por Putnam e Fukuyama.
Propofol Rescued Astrocytes from LPS-induced Inflammatory Response via Blocking LncRNA-MEG3/NF-κB Axis
Authors: Xia Pingping , Ye Zhi , Zhang Fan , Wang Zhihua , Sun Bei , Huang Yan , Chen Cheng , Hu Jie , Li Longyan
Published: March 2022

Objective:

Evidences demonstrate that propofol attenuates neuro-inflammation following brain ischemia. Moreover, LncRNA-MEG3 has been identified as an independent prognostic marker for ischemic stroke patients, and found to correlate to cerebral ischemia in animal models. Therefore, the current study explored the role of propofol in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammation in cultured astrocytes, along with the molecular mechanism involved in LncRNAMEG3/ NF-κB axis.

Methods:

The primary cultured astrocytes isolated from rats were used to establish an inflammatory model, which were treated with LPS. Propofol was administrated to the primary cultured astrocytes during LPS treatment. The effects of propofol on pro-inflammatory cytokines and the LncRNAMEG3/ NF-κB pathway were detected by ELISA, qRT-PCR and Western Blot assay, respectively. Then, dual-luciferase assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA immunoprecipitation were used to determine the interaction between LncRNA-MEG3 and NF-κB.

Results:

Our study found propofol to significantly reduce LncRNA-MEG3 expression, which was elevated in LPS-stimulated astrocytes. Moreover, both propofol and LncRNA-MEG3 knockdown remarkably alleviated LPS-induced cytotoxicity by suppressing expressions and release of proinflammatory cytokines. Loss of LncRNA-MEG3 notably suppressed the NF-κB activity and its phosphorylated activation. Additionally, it was also observed that LncRNA-MEG3 could bind nuclear p65/p50, and promote the binding of NF-κB to IL-6 and TNF-α promoters in the nucleus, subsequently stimulating the production of inflammatory cytokines in LPS-treated astrocytes. Furthermore, a specific inhibitor of NF-κB, PDTC, rescued astrocytes from LPS exposure without affecting the LncRNA-MEG3 expression.

Conclusion:

These findings demonstrate that LncRNA-MEG3 acts as a positive regulator of NF-κB, mediating the neuroprotection of propofol in LPS-triggered astrocytes injury.
Hair Cortisol Concentration as a Biomarker of Symptoms of Depression
in the Perinatal Period
Authors: Cauli Omar , Mlili Nisrin El , Ahabrach Hanan
Published: March 2022

Pregnancy is a sensitive period when women experience major hormonal and psychological
changes. A high prevalence of the symptoms of depression and manifested major depression rates
have been reported during this period, leading to negative outcomes both for mothers and the offspring.
Despite its prevalence, the aetiology of depression is not yet fully understood. Nonetheless,
alterations in cortisol levels have been proposed as a reliable biomarker to identify pregnant women at
risk of perinatal depression. Hair cortisol has recently been extensively used in bio-psychological studies
as a suitable non-invasive biomarker for several neuropsychiatric disorders. Various studies have
published evidence regarding the relationship between cortisol fluctuations during the perinatal period,
measured both in hair and in other substrates, and the onset of perinatal symptoms of depression. This
current review provides an overview of cortisol level changes measured in women’s hair during pregnancy
or the postpartum period and its association with perinatal symptoms of depression. Further
studies, including repetitive measurement of both hair cortisol and depression throughout the prenatal
period, must be performed to clarify the relationship between cortisol levels and perinatal symptoms
of depression.
The Effects of Acute and Chronic Sleep Deprivation on the Immune Profile
in the Rat
Authors: Alzoubi Karem H. , Fahmawi Alaa , Khalifeh Mohammad S. , Rababa’h Abeer M.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Acute and chronic sleep deprivation present many health-related prob-lems in modern societies, mainly concerning the immune system. Immune factors, particularly the interleukins, regulate sleep and, therefore, may be altered by sleep deprivation (SD). Objec-tives: We aimed to investigate the possible effects of acute and chronic sleep deprivation on se-lected cytokines, including interleukins (IL-1β, IL-9, IL-17, and IL-23) and tumor necrosis fac-tor-alpha (TNF-α).

Methods:

The animals were grouped into acute sleep-deprived (SD; for 24 hours) and chronic sleep-deprived (8 hours a day for 10, 20, and 30-days). The SD was induced using the multiple-platforms model. The serum levels of cytokines were measured using commercially available ELISA.

Results:

The serum levels of IL-1β were significantly reduced after acute SD, whereas they were increased after 20-days of chronic SD. The IL-9 levels were reduced after acute SD, increased after 10-days of SD, and reduced again after 30-days of SD. Conversely, the levels of IL-23 were not changed after acute SD, reduced after 10 days of SD, and increased after 30-days of SD. Levels of TNF-α were not changed after acute SD, whereas they were increased after 20 and 30-days of SD.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, both acute and chronic SD distinctly disturb the immune profile, which might result in the emergence of various pathologies presented during sleep deprivation.
THE MULTIPLE ROLE OF EMPLOYEES AS ENTREPRENEURS
Authors: Haryati Tati , * Tukijan
Published: March 2022

Purpose â€” This research aims to find out why a civil servant or private employee decides to open a business in Wamena City, Papua.Design/methodology/approach â€” This study uses a type of qualitative research through a phenomenological approach.Findings â€” The reasons why employees have dual roles as well as entrepreneurs, are: financial reasons, service reasons, and self-fulfillment reasons.Practical implications â€” This research contributes to civil servants who aspire to become entrepreneurs to develop their talents and hobbies, as well as those who want to actualize themselves.Originality/value â€” This paper describes things related to the reasons that motivate employees to become entrepreneurs. This case is expected to help motivate and provide understanding to employees who have an entrepreneurial desire.Keywords â€” Employee, Entrepreneur, Dual RolePaper type â€” Phenomenology
Is conceptual learning based on conceptual change text (CCT) effectively applied to pgsd students science class?
Authors: Sukmawati Wati , Lestari Handayani Sri , Yeni Yeni
Published: March 2022

For Elementary School Teacher Education (PGSD) students, the introductory science concept course is part of the compulsory course. The understanding of PGSD students in basic science concepts will affect the quality of learning in the classroom. This research was conducted in odd semesters with 60 students who attended lectures on basic science concepts, and the sample selection was made randomly. To collect data on the effectiveness of the implementation of CCT, instruments used in the form of cognitive and clinical test questions have gone through validation and reliability tests. In the study, students were divided into two groups: the experimental group using CCT-based contextual learning as teaching materials and the control class using ordinary teaching materials. Based on the N-Gain data found in the field, there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups; the control class had an N-Gain value of 0.54 while the experimental class was 0.81. The data revealed that learning using CCT successfully increased students' understanding of concepts in the material cycle and better environment compared to the control class. However, based on interview data, both experimental and control class students were interested in learning the concept of the energy cycle and environmental pollution, and there was no significant difference.
Pemanfaatan Tumbuhan Sebagai Bahan Pewarna Alami untuk Pembuatan Produk Jilbab Ecoprint di Perumahan Pasir Luhur Permai
Authors: Wahyuningsih Eti , Anggraeni Gita
Published: March 2022

Salah satu Kecamatan di Kabupaten Banyumas Provinsi Jawa Tengah Indonesia, yang memanfaatkan sebagian lahannya untuk pekarangan, pertanian lahan kering dan lahan basah, perkebunan dan hutan tropis adalah Kecamatan Purwokerto Barat. Program kemitraan masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk memberikan pelatihan pembuatan jilbab ecoprint, penyuluhan tumbuhan sebagai bahan pewarna alami dan penyuluhan manajemen pemasaran. Program kemitraan masyarakat ini akan dilaksanakan selama 6 bulan yaitu bulan April sampai September 2021. Target setelah dilakukan pelatihan pembuatan jilbab ecoprint, penyuluhan tumbuhan sebagai bahan pewarna alami dan penyuluhan manajemen pemasaran, organisasi masyarakat Pimpinan Anak Cabang (PAC) fatayat NU Purwokerto Barat ini dapat berkembang sebesar 80 %. Program kemitraan masyarakat ini di awali dengan observasi (survei) wawancara dengan Ketua organisasi masyarakat pimpinan anak cabang fatayat NU Purwokerto Barat. Kemudian dilakukan analisis yaitu pendampingan produksi jilbab ecoprint dan manajemen pemasarannya.Kata kunci: Pemanfaatan tumbuhan, Bahan pewarna alami, Jilbab ecoprint, dan Perumahan pasir luhur permai
ANALISIS KEPUASAN PELANGGAN TERHADAP KUALITAS PELAYANAN BENGKEL SEPEDA MOTOR ATC-ASC JURUSAN PENDIDIKAN TEKNIK OTOMOTIF UNY
Authors: Wijaya Swastika Fahmi
Published: March 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kepuasan pelanggan bengkel terhadap kualitas jasa servis di bengkel sepeda ATC-ASC Jurusan Pendidikan Teknik Otomotif Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif. Metode yang digunakan adalah survei. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan angket. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh pelanggan bengkel sepeda motor ATC-ASC Jurusan Pendidikan Teknik Otomotif UNY yang berjumlah 35 orang, yang diambil menggunakan incidental sampling. Teknik analisis data ini menggunakan analisis kuantitatif deskriptif yang disajikan dalam bentuk presentase. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa kepuasan pelanggan terhadap kualitas jasa servis berada pada kategori “sangat baik” sebesar 34% (12 orang), “baik” sebesar 28,57% (10 orang), “cukup” sebesar 31,40% (11 orang), “kurang” 2,85% (1 orang), dan “sangat kurang” 2,85% (1 orang). Berdasarkan nilai nilai rata-rata kepuasan yaitu 83,71% tingkat kepuasan pelanggan terhadap kualitas jasa servis bengkel sepeda motor ATC-ASC Jurusan Pendidikan Teknik Otomotif UNY dalam kategori “baik”.
Распределение по размерам нанокристаллических элементов структуры полиэтилена
Authors: Егоров В.М. , Борисов А.К. , Марихин В.А. , Мясникова Л.П. , Иванькова Е.М.
Published: March 2022

A method for calculating the size distribution of nanocrystalline elements of the polymer structure is proposed. The longitudinal size distribution (thickness) of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene lamellae was calculated from calorimetric data. The results of calculating the maximum values of the distribution are consistent with the known data obtained by other methods.
Cyanobacterial Blooms and Their Implications in the Changing Environment
Authors:   Laboratory of photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India, Mishra Sonal , Kumari Neha ,   Laboratory of photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India, Häder Donat-P. ,   Emeritus of Friedrich-Alexander University, Department of Biology, Neue Str. 9, 91096, Möhrendorf, German, Sinha Rajeshwar P. ,   Laboratory of photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India
Published: March 2022

Cyanobacteria are the most ancient phytoplankton that first appeared at least 2.5 billion years ago and have a prolonged evolutionary history. They can form impenetrable and toxic blooms in aquatic ecosystems such as freshwater and marine environments. Cyanobacterial blooms produce cyanotoxins that endanger ecosystem functioning and deteriorate water quality used for recreation, drinking, and in fisheries, thus, adversely affecting human health and the economy. Some bloom-producing genera are Aphanizomenon, Planktothrix, Cylindrospermopsis, Nodularia, Trichodesmium, Dolichospermum, and Microcystis. They increase turbidity and suppress submerged aquatic vegetation. Due to the microbial bloom-mediated environmental degradation, oxygen scarcity might occur, inducing hypoxia and anoxia, and resulting in the death of fish and benthic invertebrates. Several cyanotoxins cause many diseases related to digestion, liver, and neurological disorders when ingested by birds and mammals, including humans. Global changes resulting from human impacts like eutrophication, rising CO2 levels, and global warming are major driving forces for the enhancement of cyanobacterial blooms in many aquatic systems worldwide. Various management strategies such as nutrient load reduction, hydrodynamic changes, and chemical and biological controls have been used to reduce bloom occurrence and proliferation of cyanobacteria. In this chapter, we have discussed the approaches regarding the understanding of how global changes affect cyanobacterial blooms and also suggested effective prediction and management strategies.
Implementing Remote Collaboration in a Virtual Patient Platform: Usability Study
Authors: Kiesewetter Jan , Hege Inga , Sailer Michael , Bauer Elisabeth , Schulz Claudia , Platz Manfred , Adler Martin
Published: March 2022

Background

Learning with virtual patients is highly popular for fostering clinical reasoning in medical education. However, little learning with virtual patients is done collaboratively, despite the potential learning benefits of collaborative versus individual learning.

Objective

This paper describes the implementation of student collaboration in a virtual patient platform. Our aim was to allow pairs of students to communicate remotely with each other during virtual patient learning sessions. We hypothesized that we could provide a collaborative tool that did not impair the usability of the system compared to individual learning and that this would lead to better diagnostic accuracy for the pairs of students.

Methods

Implementing the collaboration tool had five steps: (1) searching for a suitable software library, (2) implementing the application programming interface, (3) performing technical adaptations to ensure high-quality connections for the users, (4) designing and developing the user interface, and (5) testing the usability of the tool in 270 virtual patient sessions. We compared dyad to individual diagnostic accuracy and usability with the 10-item System Usability Scale.

Results

We recruited 137 students who worked on 6 virtual patients. Out of 270 virtual patient sessions per group (45 dyads times 6 virtual patients, and 47 students working individually times 6 virtual patients minus 2 randomly selected deleted sessions) the students made successful diagnoses in 143/270 sessions (53%, SD 26%) when working alone and 192/270 sessions (71%, SD 20%) when collaborating (P=.04, η2=0.12). A usability questionnaire given to the students who used the collaboration tool showed a usability score of 82.16 (SD 1.31), representing a B+ grade.

Conclusions

The collaboration tool provides a generic approach for collaboration that can be used with most virtual patient systems. The collaboration tool helped students diagnose virtual patients and had good overall usability. More broadly, the collaboration tool will provide an array of new possibilities for researchers and medical educators alike to design courses for collaborative learning with virtual patients.
The Association Between Actigraphy-Derived Behavioral Clusters and Self-Reported Fatigue in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Gulde Philipp , Rieckmann Peter
Published: March 2022

Background

Persons with multiple sclerosis frequently report increased levels of fatigue and fatigability. However, behavioral surrogates that are strongly associated with self-reports are lacking, which limits research and treatment.

Objective

The aim of this study was to derive distinct behavioral syndromes that are reflected by self-reports concerning fatigue and fatigability.

Methods

We collected actigraphic data of 30 persons with multiple sclerosis over a period of 1 week during an inpatient stay at a neurorehabilitation facility. Further, participants completed the German fatigue severity scale. A principal component analysis of actigraphic parameters was performed to extract the latent component levels of behaviors that reflect fatigue (quantity of activity) and fatigability (fragmentation of activity). The resulting components were used in a cluster analysis.

Results

Analyses suggested 3 clusters, one with high activity (d=0.65-1.57) and low clinical disability levels (d=0.91-1.39), one with high levels of sedentary behavior (d=1.06-1.58), and one with strong activity fragmentation (d=1.39-1.94). The cluster with high levels of sedentary behavior further revealed strong differences from the other clusters concerning participants’ reported levels of fatigue (d=0.99-1.28).

Conclusions

Cluster analysis data proved to be feasible to meaningfully differentiate between different behavioral syndromes. Self-reports reflected the different behavioral syndromes strongly. Testing of additional domains (eg, volition or processing speed) and assessments during everyday life seem warranted to better understand the origins of reported fatigue symptomatology.