bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Interrelation Between Hirsutism and Androgen Hormone Levels as Well as Serum TNFΑ Concentrations
Authors: Siregar Berliana Agata , Ekawati Sri
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT Hair growth is subject to numerous factors that influence the development of hair follicles, including conditions such as alopecia areata and hirsutism. Hirsutism, a medical term denoting the excessive growth of terminal (coarse) hair in areas of a woman's body sensitive to androgens, occurs in approximately 7% of reproductive-age women. The majority of hirsutism cases are attributed to androgen excess. Elevated androgen hormone levels can trigger inflammatory responses through an increase in serum TNFα. Data collection involved sourcing articles relevant to the association between hirsutism, androgen hormone levels, and serum TNFα. Inclusion criteria comprised original articles, case-control studies, and review papers focusing on hirsutism, androgen hormones, and serum TNFα. Hirsutism is correlated with both androgen hormone levels and serum TNFα. Hirsutism arises from the interplay between androgen levels and the sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens. Several conditions triggered by high concentrations of androgen hormones can lead to the occurrence of hirsutism. Androgen hormones induce inflammatory effects, as evidenced by the presence of TNFα. Keywords: Hirsutism, Androgen, TNFα
Desain Guard Adjust Pressure Tyre untuk Meminimalisir Dampak Ledakan Tyre di Departemen Plant PT. Hasta Panca Mandiri Utama Job Site OBI
Authors: Setyowibowo Nanang Ari , Pangestu Nugroho Giga , Panuntun M. Bagus
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT The mining industry is a business sector with a high risk of accidents. The rapid use of heavy equipment, machines and the application of technology can pose potential dangers to the Mining and Environmental Safety (KPLH) aspect if mitigation is not carried out in each business process. To understand the design of the guard adjust pressure tire to minimize the impact of tire explosions in the Plant Department of PT. Hasta Panca Mandiri Utama Job Site OBI. The research method used was a descriptive study based on reliable literature sources. The use of guard adjust tire pressure is done by parking the unit according to the tools. The tire to be carried out for maintenance is placed directly above the tools/stepping on the tools. Next, the Log Out Tag Out (LOTO) mechanism is implemented by installing a block and activating LOTO on the unit. Mechanics can carry out tire pressure adjustment work through holes in the tools while remaining safe from the potential for the tire to explode. that adjusting activities have a big risk to workers due to the impact caused if the tire explodes. The use of guard adjust pressure tires can minimize the impact of explosions so that they do not hit the bodies of workers who are carrying out maintenance.  Keywords: Guard Adjust Pressure Tire Design, Tire Explosion Impact, Plant Department PT. Hasta Panca Mandiri Utama JOB SITE OBI  ABSTRAK Industri pertambangan merupakan sektor usaha dengan risiko tinggi terjadinya suatu kecelakaan. Penggunaan alat berat, mesin, dan penerapan teknologi yang pesat dapat menimbulkan potensi bahaya pada aspek Keselamatan Pertambangan dan Lingkungan Hidup (KPLH) apabila tidak dilakukan mitigasi pada setiap bisnis prosesnya.  Mengetahui desain guard adjust pressure tyre untuk meminimalisir dampak ledakan tyre tyre di Departemen Plant PT. Hasta Panca Mandiri Utama Job Site OBI. Metode penelitian yang dilakukan menggunakan studi deskriptif berdasarkan sumber literatur yang dapat dipertanggungjawabkan. Penggunaan guard adjust pressure tyre dilakukan dengan memarkirkan unit sesuai dengan tools. Tyre yang akan dilakukan maintenance ditempatkan tepat diatas tools/menginjak tools. Selanjutnya mekanisme Log Out Tag out (LOTO) diterapkan dengan pemasangan ganjal dan mengaktivkan LOTO pada unit. Mekanik dapat melakukan pekerjaan adjust pressure tyre melalui lubang pada tools dengan tetap aman dari potensi tyre yang meledak. Bahwa aktivitas adjust memiliki risiko yang besar kepada pekerja dikarenakan dampak yang ditimbulkan apabila tyre meledak. Penggunaan guard adjust pressure tyre dapat meminimalisir dampak ledakan sehingga tidak mengenai tubuh pekerja yang sedang melakukan maintenance. Kata Kunci: Desain Guard Adjust Pressure Tyre, Dampak Ledakan Tyre, Departemen Plant PT. Hasta Panca Mandiri Utama JOB SITE OBI
The Important Role of Traditional Games in Enchancing Children’s Gross Motor: Literature Review
Authors: Afifah Maulidiyyah Aisyah Nur , Purwoko Budi
Published: February 2024

Gross motor development involves body movements that engage large muscles, such as sitting, walking, and running. Participation in motor activities is crucial for a child's development. Through active physical activities, children can enhance their gross motor skills. One approach to developing these skills is through traditional games. However, with the advancement of science and technology, children tend to be more interested in and easily access gadget games rather than traditional games. This shift has led to a lack of social interaction among children and limitations in the development of gross motor skills. Recognizing this phenomenon, researchers conducted a literature review to identify the important role of traditional games in improving children's gross motor skills. This study employed a literature review or literature survey method, utilizing supplementary data from previous research with a similar topic. Data collection was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method. The findings of the literature review concluded that traditional games can provide a solution for enhancing the development of children's gross motor skills.
Critical Nurses’ Views And Experiences Of Caring Unconscious Patients: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mulyati Leli , Sitorus Ratna , Ramli Yetty , Besral Besral
Published: February 2024

Nurses who care for patients in critical rooms, especially unconscious patients, feel greater pressure and burden of responsibility when caring for patients. This study further explores the nurses’ perceptions as 24-hour care providers for unconscious patients and their experiences observing patients and family interactions during the critical phase of unconsciousness. Data were collected with Descriptive Qualitative Research Approach through a focus group discussion process consisting of 12 critical care nurses as participants. The results show four main themes and seven subthemes, including the nurses’ responses when they first met unconscious patients, family involvement in patient care, the role of family stimulation activities, and the patient’s responses when they woke up. This study concludes that nurses attempt to function effectively according to the nursing process procedures, although psychologically, they experience stress when caring for unconscious patients, and active family involvement s essential to support and enhance the patient’s recovery process. Furthermore, critical nurses need to get interventions for solving their psychological problems and the need to actively involve families in the care of unconscious patients.
Edukasi Kesehatan Berbasis Booklet Meningkatkan Pengetahuan dan Kepatuhan Pengobatan pada Klien Hipertensi
Authors: Yusniarita Yusniarita , Munawaroh Aprilia Khoirul , Susana Sarka Ade
Published: February 2024

Chronic hypertension is increasing by 29% worldwide. Hypertension is a silent killer that causes complications in other body organs. The impact that occurs on clients if they do not regularly take blood pressure medication becomes uncontrolled and increases the death rate in Indonesia. The prevention and control strategies provided increased understanding and adherence to taking medication with booklet-based health education. The aim of the research is to analyze the effect of booklet-based health education on knowledge and treatment compliance in hypertensive clients. The research design was a quasi-experimental two-group pretest-posttest with a control group design. The population consisted of 158 clients; the sample consisted of 50 respondents in the intervention group and 50 respondents in the control group. The intervention group was given health education using booklet media. Data were collected using the knowledge questionnaire and the medication adherence questionnaire using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Data analysis using the Mann-Whitney test because the data is not normally distributed. There is an influence of booklet-based health education on knowledge and treatment compliance in hypertensive clients.
Hubungan Gaya Hidup dengan Kejadian Premenstrual Syndrome pada Mahasiswi Jurusan Keperawatan
Authors: Sabila Shania Ghina
Published: February 2024

Women will experience their first menstruation which is called menarche. One of the problems that women of childbearing age often experience is complaints during the menstrual period, known as Premenstrual Syndrome. Female students are a group of women of childbearing age, and are also not free from this complaint. Many factors cause Premenstrual Syndrome, one of which is lifestyle. There are still some who live lifestyles that are not good for nursing students, but there is no possibility of living a good lifestyle. The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between lifestyle and the incidence of premenstrual syndrome in nursing students. This study used correlational quantitative descriptive research with a cross sectional approach. A sample of 160 people using the Slovin formula was taken using a consecutive sampling technique and data using the sPAF and lifestyle questionnaire were collected via Google Form which was then processed using the Spearman Rank test with the inclusion criteria of students from the Nursing Department of the Undergraduate Nursing Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Tanjungpura University class of 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 as well as those who have reached menarche. Exclusion criteria were not being willing to be a respondent and female students having reproductive organ disease. Most nursing students experience a normal age of menarche and experience a normal menstrual cycle. The lifestyle of nursing students is not good, and most of the cases of Premenstrual Syndrome are asymptomatic to mild. The results of the Spearman rank analysis test obtained a significance value of p=0.498 (p<0.05). There is no relationship between lifestyle and the incidence of premenstrual syndrome in nursing students.
Evaluasi Kualitas Dokumentasi Asuhan Keperawatan Metode NNN (Nanda, NOC dan NIC) pada Keperawatan Neonatus: Studi Deskriptif Observasional Dokumentasi Mahasiswa Ners
Authors: Amaliya Sholihatul , Azizah Nurona , Rachmawati Septi Dewi , Kapti Rinik Eko , Hendika Alvin Fitri , Abrianti Nindy Claudia
Published: February 2024

Quality of nursing care documentation is important for building effective communication between nurses and other health professionals and is also related to the quality of nursing care intervention. However, research that examines the quality of nursing care, especially in the nursing care documentation of prospective nurses (nursing student) has not been carried out. This study aims to assess the quality of nursing care documentation from nursing students in the neonatal nursing area. This study used a descriptive observational research design with a cross-sectional approach from secondary data from 40 nursing care documentations of students at the learning stage of the Nurse profession program by purposive sampling. The criteria used were documentation of care from infants aged 0 days to 28 days and treated in the perinatology room during the student practice period with the exclusion criteria of incompletely nursing documentation. The quality of nursing care documentation was assessed by Q-DIO modified observation sheet. The results showed that the outcomes of nursing care had the highest score followed nursing diagnoses and nursing interventions (93.75; 86.7; and 81.25). The conclusion of this study is that the of nursing intervention gets the lowest score compared to nursing diagnoses and outcomes, therefore, in the learning process of the Nurse profession program it is necessary to emphasize holistic and comprehensive nursing interventions. Further research can be carried out on nursing care documentation using the 3S method (SDKI, SLKI and SIKI)
Ansietas dan Kualitas Tidur Lanjut Usia
Authors: Mulyani Sri
Published: February 2024

Sleep disorders in the elderly continue to increase. About 50% of the elderly complain of difficulty sleeping. One of the causes is anxiety. Deterioration of mental condition in the elderly is the most visible result of lack of sleep. To improve the quality of sleep of the elderly can be done by controlling the time of elderly naps, light exercise, and relaxation therapy. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between anxiety and sleep quality of the elderly in the work area of UPTD Muara Kumpeh Health Center. The independent variable is anxiety and the dependent variable is sleep quality. The research location is in the working area of UPTD Muara Kumpeh Health Center, starting from September 2022-April 2023. There were 106 samples using the Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling method. The data collection instruments used were the ZSAS (Zung-Self Anxiety Rate Scale) questionnaire and the PSQI (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) questionnaire using the Kendall tau statistical test. There was a statistically significant relationship between anxiety and sleep quality of the elderly with a value of p = 0.000 (p < 0.05). The role of puskesmas officers in providing health promotion such as providing motivation and encouragement, as well as teaching relaxation therapy is needed to overcome anxiety and improve the quality of sleep of the elderly.
Pengaruh Isometric Handgrip Exercize Dan Terapi Nafas Dalam Terhadap Penurunan Tekanan Darah Pada Lansia Hipertensi
Authors: Bata Bani Patresia Noni
Published: February 2024

One of the non-communicable diseases that causes 71 percent of deaths globally, according to a report by The World Health Organization (WHO), is hypertension.. For the treatment of hypertension, there are both pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological options. There are a few non-pharmacological treatment options, including deep breathing exercises and isometric handgrip therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of deep breathing exercises and isometric handgrip exercises in lowering blood pressure in elderly hypertensive patients in the Sokodadi District, Paiton, Probolinggo. This type of research is pre-experimental with a one-group pre-post design. The population of elderly people with hypertension in Sokodadi Village, as many as 42 respondents, determined the sample using a purposive sampling technique that fit the criteria of 38 respondents. The instrument used is the Isometric handgrip exercise module and deep breathing therapy. This study was analyzed with the Wilcoxon test. The study's findings demonstrated that the typical blood pressure before therapy was 157/97.4 mmHg, and the blood pressure value after therapy was 146.3/89.7 mmHg. According to the analysis test's Wilcoxon results, deep breathing exercises and therapy for hypertensive elderly people in Sokodadi district had a positive impact on lowering blood pressure. (p-value = 0.000 < α = 0.05). In elderly hypertensive patients, isometric handgrip exercise and deep breathing therapy can lower blood pressure.
PROBLEMS OF DOMESTIC ENTERPRISES BANKRUPTCY UNDER MARTIAL LAW
Authors: Nikolaichuk О. А. , Kocherha K. S.
Published: February 2024

Objective. The objective of the article is the study of modern problems of domestic enterprises bankruptcy under martial law.

Methods. The research methods are the dialectical method of scientific knowledge, general scientific methods: analysis and synthesis (to assess the dynamics of unprofitable enterprises, analysis of bankruptcy risk problems, assessment of statistical data on the dynamics of bankruptcy cases), systematization and generalization (to determine the key areas of improvement of the business environment, recovery solvency and prevention of bankruptcy of enterprises), abstract-logical method (for formulating conclusions), graphic and tabular methods (for visualization of research results).

The results. The share of unprofitable enterprises in Ukraine is analyzed. The problems that increase the financial difficulties and risks of bankruptcy of Ukrainian enterprises are summarized. Based on the analysis of statistical data on the consideration of bankruptcy cases and the dynamics of filing applications, a reduction in the number of bankruptcy cases and amounts demanded by creditors has been established in recent years, the vast majority of cases end in liquidation. The changes in the regulatory regulation of the bankruptcy procedure in Ukraine under martial law conditions are studied. The existence of significant difficulties for the restoration of business in the conditions of war and the problem of interaction between business and authorities are established.

The main areas of revitalization of the business environment, restoration of solvency and prevention of bankruptcy of enterprises are identified. They include: eliminating corruption, carrying out judicial and tax reform, improving access to credit resources, improving the bankruptcy procedure, reducing the cost of resources, searching for new markets (including abroad), changing and diversification of business activity, increase in income, development of unique products or services, rationing of all items of expenses and strict control over the implementation of established standards, collection of overdue receivables, development of unique products and services, use of innovations, which will allow to reduce costs of production of products and increase their competitiveness.
CULTURAL AND EDUCATION TOURISM IN UKRAINE: CURRENT STATE OF THE RESOURCE BASE AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS
Authors: Snihur K. V.
Published: February 2024

Objective. The article is aimed at analyzing the current state of the resource base, identifying the main trends and prospects for the development of cultural and educational tourism in Ukraine.

Methods. To achieve the objective, the following methods are applied: theoretical generalisation (to study approaches to defining the concept of cultural and educational tourism), statistical (to process statistical information), analysis (to study the current state of the resource base, trends and features of the development of cultural and educational tourism), abstract-theoretical (to summarise and draw conclusions) and modelling (to identify promising areas for the development of cultural and educational tourism in Ukraine).

Results. As a result of the study of approaches to defining the concept of "cultural and educational tourism", it is established that the latter should be understood as travel, the main purpose of which is to familiarise tourists with historical, cultural and natural objects and resources in order to meet educational and aesthetic needs. The structure, current state of the resource base of cultural and educational tourism and features of its spatial location are analysed. The imbalance between the location and saturation of cultural and historical objects between different regions of Ukraine is revealed, in favour of Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa and Poltava regions and the Carpathian region. The article analyses the loss of cultural and educational resources from the Russian-Ukrainian war and identifies the main trends in the current development of cultural and educational tourism.

As a result of the analysis, the main directions of development of cultural and educational tourism in wartime and post-war conditions are identified and substantiated, in particular, the following: development of militarised areas of cultural and educational tourism, extension of modern travel trends to cultural and educational tourism, introduction of the promising Slow Cities tourist movement in cities, shifting the emphasis to the creativity of forms of cultural and educational tourism and expanding the use of innovative technologies in promoting tourist attractions and exchanging information with consumers of tourist services.
INVOLVEMENT OF UKRAINE IN THE PROCESSES OF GLOBAL INTERACTION
Authors: Bocharova Yu. G. , Ishchenko O. V. , Lyzhnyk Yu. B. , Blokhina N. S.
Published: February 2024

Objective. The objective of the article is the analysis of the level of involvement of Ukraine in the processes of global interaction in the period of 2017-2021.

Methods. The following cognitive methods and techniques are applied in the research process: theoretical generalisation and comparison, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, tabular and graphical methods.

Results. It is established that globalization is the main mega trend at the current stage of development. It is determined that one of the most representative and authoritative indicators of globalization in general, the inclusion of countries in the processes of global interaction in particular, is the KOF Globalisation Index, which, from 2002, is systematically calculated and published by the Swiss Institute of Economics at the Federal University of Technology in Zurich. It is identified that the KOF Globalisation Index is detailed by indicators of economic (trade and financial globalisation), social (interpersonal globalisation, information globalisation, cultural globalisation) and political globalisation, each of which is given in three dimensions: average value, de facto value (actual level of globalisation - the real level of global interaction) and de jure (politics and other factors contributing to the development of globalisation; varies within 0-100, where 0 is the minimum value, 100 is the maximum). It is substantiated that in 2017-2021 Ukraine is a country that is actively involved in the processes of global interaction, which is reflected both in the dynamics of the actual participation of the country in the processes of international cooperation, and in the further development of institutions, facilities and other components of the pool of determinants of the development of international cooperation of countries. It is established that in the analysed period Ukraine achieved the greatest success in the sphere of political and social globalisation. It is proved that in the sphere of economic globalisation Ukraine is most actively involved in the processes of global trade interaction, in the sphere of social globalisation - in information interaction. It is established that in most spheres the level of de jure globalisation of Ukraine is higher than the similar de facto indicator (the exception is the sphere of economic globalisation, where the opposite situation is observed - the level of economic globalisation of Ukraine is de facto higher than the de jure indicator).
ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT STATE AND DEVELOPMENT TRENDS OF THE HOTEL INDUSTRY IN EU COUNTRIES
Authors: Gorina G. O. , Baranovska V. A.
Published: February 2024

Objective. The objective of the article is to analyze the main indicators of the functioning of the hotel industry in the EU countries and determine the current development trends.

Methods. In order to achieve the set goals and objectives, the following research methods are used: analysis and synthesis (to determine indicators of the development of the hospitality industry of EU countries suitable for further analysis), statistical research, namely the construction and analysis of dynamic series (to determine and evaluate trends and regularities development of the hospitality industry of the EU countries), comparative analysis (for a country comparison of the EU countries hotel industry development indicators), cartographic method (for a visual demonstration of the spatial location of hotels and similar accommodation facilities in the EU countries), graphic and tabular methods (for a visual representation of statistical material ).

Results. A study of the hotel industry development in EU countries is carried out based on the analysis of the main indicators of its functioning over the period 2012-2022, namely: the number of hotels and similar accommodation establishments; number of beds in hotels and similar accommodation establishments; the number of persons staying in accommodation establishments; number of overnight stays in accommodation establishments. The analysis of the main indicators of the EU countries hotel industry development in 2012-2022 allows us to identify the following trends: 1) constant growth in the number of hotels and similar accommodation facilities with an average growth rate of 2.19% and a negative growth of 3.8% in each of 2020; 2) significant national disparity in the number of hotels and similar accommodation facilities, as well as the rates of their positive and negative growth. Thus, the highest rates of growth were observed in Croatia, Romania, Slovenia, Portugal, Lithuania and Malta, while negative growth was recorded in Germany, Greece, Hungary, Finland, Luxembourg; 3) a significant difference in the number and dynamics of beds in hotels and similar accommodation facilities by EU countries. Thus, the largest increase in hotel capacity occurred in Croatia, Portugal, Slovenia and Lithuania, while the most significant negative increase was recorded in Hungary and Luxembourg; 4) a gradual steady increase in the number of arrivals at tourist accommodation establishments in the period 2012-2019 and a sharp decrease in 2020 by 53.28% under the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine restrictions; 5) a gradual steady increase in the number of overnight stays in accommodation facilities of EU countries, their rapid reduction due to the impact of Covid-19 in 2020 (-50.54%) and the restoration of a positive trend in 2021 due to the relaxation of quarantine restrictions and the introduction of vaccination ( +28.8%).
INTERNATIONAL HOTEL SERVICE INDUSTRY TRENDS
Authors: Filippova O. Yu.
Published: February 2024

Objective. The objective of the article is an overview of the current state of the global market of hotel services, an analysis of trends in the hotel industry.

Methods. Data from international hotel companies, data from hotel groups by the number of rooms, and the main global trends in the hotel industry were used in the study of trends in the world market of the hotel industry.

Results. The article examines the current state of the world market of hotel services and analyzes current global trends in the hospitality industry using data from international hotel companies, data from hotel groups by number of rooms, as well as the main international trends in the hotel industry.

The results of the article are that the hotel industry has undergone enormous changes and destruction over the past two decades. In order to survive in the conditions of modern competition, hotel companies began to introduce innovations and monitor trends in the hotel industry. Hospitality international companies represent an industry in constant flux, where major hotel companies compete with innovation and growth strategies to remain competitive in the global hospitality industry market.

The development of international hotel companies is the result of the expansion of the world market of hotel services and reflects the general trend towards globalization. The modern global hotel industry is characterized by several key trends - deeper specialization of services, the use of information systems for technological support and marketing, the creation of hotel chains, the integration of capital with other sectors of the economy, the use of scientific management and the development of a network of small hotel enterprises.
NATIONAL SECURITY RISKS AND THEIR MANIFESTATION POSSIBILITY IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALISATION
Authors: Chernega O. B. , Bocharova Yu. G. , Ishchenko O. V. , Lyzhnyk Yu. B.
Published: February 2024

Objective. The objective of the present article is analysis of features and probability of manifestation of national security risks in the conditions of globalization.

Methods. The following methods and techniques of cognition were used in the research process: theoretical generalization and comparison, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, generalization and systematization.

Results. It is established that national security should be understood as the ability of the State to respond effectively to internal and external challenges, to ensure the realisation of national interests in the short, medium and long term, using the available economic potential and the potential of force. It is determined that the concept of "national security" is closely related to the concepts of "national interests" and "threats and challenges". It is determined that in the context of increasing globalisation, the level of national security is increasingly determined not only by endogenous but also by exogenous factors. It is substantiated that despite the fact that the level of global risks of countries is closely correlated with the level of their involvement in globalisation processes, it is not the dominant determinant of the country's level of national security, since it is determined not only and not so much by the presence of threats and risks as by the effectiveness of the country's response to existing and potential threats, the effectiveness of the "challenge-response" system - the system of national resilience. It is established that the effectiveness of the "challenge-response" system - the system of national resilience to effectively respond to external threats and risks is determined by: the effectiveness of public administration; the level of development of public-private-social partnership (the level of development of relations between business and government, as well as society); the level of trust of society in general and business in particular in government and state institutions; the level of corruption; the level of satisfaction of society and business with public services, etc. On the basis of a thorough analysis of global risks in 2010-2023 (based on the World Economic Forum data), the main systemic risks to the security of the world economic system and humanity, national security in the twenty-first century were identified, with the time interval of their manifestation determined; the peculiarities of transformation of the nature of global risks (in 2010-2023, social and environmental risks became more important).
Navigating the brain and aging: exploring the impact of transposable elements from health to disease
Authors: Le Breton Anna , Bettencourt Margarida P. , Gendrel Anne-Valerie
Published: February 2024

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic elements that constitute on average 45% of mammalian genomes. Their presence and activity in genomes represent a major source of genetic variability. While this is an important driver of genome evolution, TEs can also have deleterious effects on their hosts. A growing number of studies have focused on the role of TEs in the brain, both in physiological and pathological contexts. In the brain, their activity is believed to be important for neuronal plasticity. In neurological and age-related disorders, aberrant activity of TEs may contribute to disease etiology, although this remains unclear. After providing a comprehensive overview of transposable elements and their interactions with the host, this review summarizes the current understanding of TE activity within the brain, during the aging process, and in the context of neurological and age-related conditions.
Immunosuppressive agents for frequently relapsing/steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome in children: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Yu , Chen Junyi , Zhang Yao , Wang Xiaoai , Wang Jingjing
Published: February 2024

Aim

This study aimed to systematically compare the efficacy of various immunosuppressive agents in treating pediatric frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FRSDNS).

Methods

We conducted systematic searches of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science up to May 23, 2023. Outcome measures included relapses within 1 year, mean cumulative exposure to corticosteroids, patients with treatment failure at 1 year, relapse-free survival during 1 year, and adverse events. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the modified Jadad scale, the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS), and the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

Results

Rituximab was found to be the most likely (92.44%) to be associated with the fewest relapses within 1 year and was also most likely (99.99%) to result in the lowest mean cumulative exposure to corticosteroids. Rituximab had the highest likelihood (45.98%) of being associated with the smallest number of patients experiencing treatment failure at 1 year. CsA was most likely (57.93%) to achieve the highest relapse-free survival during 1 year, followed by tacrolimus (26.47%) and rituximab (30.48%). Rituximab showed no association with serious side effects and had comparable adverse effects to ofatumumab and tacrolimus.

Conclusion

Rituximab may be the most favorable immunosuppressive agent for treating pediatric FRSDNS. Nephrologists should consider this drug, along with their clinical experience, patient characteristics, and cost considerations, when choosing a treatment approach.
Addressing the long-standing limitations of double exponential and non-rectangular hyperbolic models in quantifying light-response of electron transport rates in different photosynthetic organisms under various conditions
Authors: Ye Zi-Piao , An Ting , Govindjee Govindjee , Robakowski Piotr , Stirbet Alexandrina , Yang Xiao-Long , Hao Xing-Yu , Kang Hua-Jing , Wang Fu-Biao
Published: February 2024

The models used to describe the light response of electron transport rate in photosynthesis play a crucial role in determining two key parameters i.e., the maximum electron transport rate (Jmax) and the saturation light intensity (Isat). However, not all models accurately fitJ–Icurves, and determine the values ofJmaxandIsat. Here, three models, namely the double exponential (DE) model, the non-rectangular hyperbolic (NRH) model, and a mechanistic model developed by one of the coauthors (Z-P Ye) and his coworkers (referred to as the mechanistic model), were compared in terms of their ability to fitJ–Icurves and estimateJmaxandIsat. Here, we apply these three models to a series of previously collected Chlafluorescence data from seven photosynthetic organisms, grown under different conditions. Our results show that the mechanistic model performed well in describing theJ–Icurves, regardless of whether photoinhibition/dynamic down-regulation of photosystem II (PSII) occurs. Moreover, bothJmaxandIsatestimated by this model are in very good agreement with the measured data. On the contrary, although the DE model simulates quite well theJ–Icurve for the species studied, it significantly overestimates both theJmaxofAmaranthus hypochondriacusand theIsatofMicrocystis aeruginosagrown under NH4+-N supply. More importantly, the light intensity required to achieve the potential maximum ofJ(Js) estimated by this model exceeds the unexpected high value of 105μmol photons m−2s−1forTriticum aestivumandA. hypochondriacus. The NRH model fails to characterize theJ-Icurves with dynamic down-regulation/photoinhibition forAbies alba,Oryza sativaandM. aeruginosa. In addition, this model also significantly overestimates the values ofJmaxforT. aestivumat 21% O2andA. hypochondriacusgrown under normal condition, and significantly underestimates the values ofJmaxforM. aeruginosagrown under NO3–N supply. Our study provides evidence that the ‘mechanistic model’ is much more suitable than both the DE and NRH models in fitting theJ–Icurves and in estimating the photosynthetic parameters. This is a powerful tool for studying light harvesting properties and the dynamic down-regulation of PSII/photoinhibition.
Evaluation of emergency drills effectiveness by center of disease prevention and control staff in Heilongjiang Province, China: an empirical study using the logistic-ISM model
Authors: Zhuge Ruiqian , Ruzieva Adelina , Chang Na , Wang Xing , Qi Xinye , Wang Qunkai , Wang Yuxuan , Kang Zheng , Liu Jingjing , Wu Qunhong
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Emergency drills are critical practices that can improve the preparedness for crisis situations. This study aims to comprehend the evaluation of emergency drill effectiveness by the staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Heilongjiang Province, China. It identifies potential factors that could influence the personnel’s appraisal of outcomes throughout the emergency drill procedure.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among public health professionals from various CDCs in Heilongjiang, a northeastern Chinese province. The binary logistic regression analysis identified the factors associated with the CDC staff’s assessment of emergency drill efficacy, while the Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) elucidated the hierarchical structure among the influencing factors.

Results

53.3% (95% CI = 50.6–55.4) of participants perceived the emergency drills’ effectiveness as low. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the following adverse factors associated with the emergency drills increased the risk of a lower evaluation: lack of equipment and poor facilities (OR = 2.324, 95% CI = 1.884–2.867), poor training quality (OR = 1.765, 95% CI = 1.445–2.115), low leadership focus (OR = 1.585, 95% CI = 1.275–1.971), insufficient training frequency (OR = 1.539, 95% CI = 1.258–1.882), low skill in designing emergency drill plans (OR = 1.494, 95% CI = 1.180–1.890), lack of funding (OR = 1.407, 95% CI = 1.111–1.781), and poor coordination between departments (OR = 1.335, 95% CI = 1.085–1.641). The ISM revealed the hierarchical relationship of the influential factors, which were classified into three levels: Surface, Middle and Bottom. The Surface Level factors were training frequency, training quality, leaders’ focus, and inter-departmental coordination. The Middle Level factors were equipment availability and skill in designing emergency drill plans. The Bottom Level factor was funding guarantee.

Discussion

This survey revealed that over half of the CDC staff rated the effectiveness of public health emergency drills as low. The Logistic-ISM Model results indicated that the evaluation of drill effectiveness was negatively influenced by insufficient facility and equipment support, financial constraints, lack of departmental coordination, and inadequate leadership attention. Among these factors, funding guarantee was the most fundamental one. Therefore, this calls for strategic decisions to increase funding for equipment, leadership training support, and effective emergency coordination.
Availability and use of telehealth services among patients with ADRD enrolled in traditional Medicare vs. Medicare advantage during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wang Nianyang , Seale Melvin , Chen Jie
Published: February 2024

Background

The objective of this study was to examine differences in availability and use of telehealth services among Medicare enrollees according to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) status and enrollment in Medicare Advantage (MA) versus Traditional Medicare (TM) during the period surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of data from community-dwelling MA and TM enrollees with and without ADRD from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 COVID-19 Supplement Public Use Files. We examined self-reported availability of telehealth service before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and use of telehealth services during COVID-19. We analyzed marginal effects under multivariable logistic regression.

Results

There were 13,700 beneficiaries with full-year enrollment in MA (6,046) or TM (7,724), 518 with ADRD and 13,252 without ADRD. Telehealth availability during COVID-19 was positively associated with having a higher income (2.81 pp. [percentage points]; 95% CI: 0.57, 5.06), having internet access (7.81 pp.; 95% CI: 4.96, 10.66), and owning telehealth-related technology (3.86; 95% CI: 1.36, 6.37); it was negatively associated with being of Black Non-Hispanic ethnicity (−8.51 pp.; 95% CI: −12.31, −4.71) and living in a non-metro area (−8.94 pp.; 95% CI: −13.29, −4.59). Telehealth availability before COVID-19 was positively associated with being of Black Non-Hispanic ethnicity (9.34 pp.; 95% CI: 3.74, 14.94) and with enrollment in MA (4.72 pp.; 95% CI: 1.63, 7.82); it was negatively associated having dual-eligibility (−5.59 pp.; 95% CI: −9.91, −1.26). Telehealth use was positively associated with being of Black Non-Hispanic ethnicity (6.47 pp.; 95% CI: 2.92, 10.01); it was negatively associated with falling into the age group of 75+ years (−4.98 pp.; 95% CI: −7.27, −2.69) and with being female (−4.98 pp.; 95% CI: −7.27, −2.69).

Conclusion

Telehealth services were available to and used by Medicare enrollees with ADRD to a similar extent compared to their non-ADRD counterparts. Telehealth services were available to MA enrollees to a greater extent before COVID-19 but not during COVID-19, and this group did not use telehealth services more than TM enrollees during COVID-19.
Voices from the field: exploring practitioners' experiences and perceptions of the voices of athletes (VOA) in the pacific islands
Authors: Hong Hee Jung , Minikin Brian
Published: February 2024

This exploratory study aims to gain insights into practitioners' experiences and perceptions of the “Voices of Athletes” (VOA), a specialized athlete support program, developed and implemented in the Pacific Islands. Semi-structured interviews enabled participants to share detailed experiences, with 14 practitioners participating. Thematic analysis of the data identified five key themes: “Fostering Athlete Empowerment”, “Impact of Sport on Education and Social Change”, “Expanding VOA's Reach and Impact”, “VOA's Role in Preparing Athletes for Post-Sport Life”, and “Optimizing VOA Implementation and Experience”. The findings demonstrated that the VOA plays a critical role in empowering athletes and assisting them in becoming leaders within their societies. Practitioners emphasized the power of sport as an effective channel for education and inspiration, and the potential for the VOA framework to be applied in various contexts and regions. The study also revealed that the VOA helps athletes prepare for life after sport, contributing to increased self-esteem, development of transferable skills, and awareness of their social roles. The findings also emphasized the need for VOA improvements, including enhanced interactivity, larger spaces, and financial support. Recognition from sport governing bodies and coaches could broaden the program's reach and impact. Incorporating internship schemes within the VOA or related programs could address life after sport more effectively. Developing written VOA guidelines would ensure consistent, sustainable delivery, supporting its potential for wider implementation and adaptation, contributing to holistic development for athletes and young people globally.
Edible Mushroom Greenhouse Environment Prediction Model Based on Attention CNN-LSTM
Authors: Huang Shuanggen , Liu Quanyao , Wu Yan , Chen Minmin , Yin Hua , Zhao Jinhui
Published: February 2024

The large-scale production of edible mushrooms typically requires the use of greenhouses, as the greenhouse environment significantly affects the growth of edible mushrooms. It is crucial to effectively predict the temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide fluctuations within the mushroom greenhouse for determining the environmental stress and pre-regulation of edible mushrooms. To address the nonlinearity, temporal dynamics, and strong coupling of the edible mushroom greenhouse environment, a temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide prediction model based on the combination of the attention mechanism, the convolutional neural network, and the long short-term memory neural network (A-CNN-LSTM) is proposed. Experimental data were collected from both the inside and outside of the greenhouse, including environmental data and the on–off data of environmental control devices. After completing missing data using linear interpolation, denoising with Kalman filtering, and normalization, the recurrent neural network (RNN) model, long short-term memory (LSTM) model, and A-CNN-LSTM model were trained and tested on the time series data. These models were used to predict the environmental changes in temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide inside the greenhouse. The results indicate that the A-CNN-LSTM model outperforms the other two models in terms of denoising, non-denoising, and different prediction time steps. The proposed method accurately predicts temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels with errors of 0.17 °C (R2 = 0.974), 2.06% (R2 = 0.804), and 8.367 ppm (R2 = 0.993), respectively. These results indicate improved prediction accuracy for temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide values inside the edible mushroom greenhouse. The findings provide a decision basis for the precise control of the greenhouse environment.
Protective Effects of a Red Orange and Lemon Extract (RLE) on the Hepatotoxicity Induced by Ochratoxin A in Rats
Authors: Longobardi Consiglia , Damiano Sara , Vaccaro Emanuela , Ballistreri Gabriele , Restucci Brunella , Paciello Orlando , Florio Salvatore , Ciarcia Roberto
Published: February 2024

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a highly potent mycotoxin that contaminates many kinds of food and feed sources. Its significant impact on human health and animal productivity makes it a topic of particular concern. The role of specific bioactive compounds used as dietary antioxidants is believed to be substantial due to their capacity to act as free radical scavengers. Because of the well-known oxidative stress induced by OTA, the primary objective of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of a standardized powder extract recovered from citrus processing waste, red orange and lemon extract (RLE), on liver damage induced by OTA in a rat model. This study aimed to examine the impact of oral administration of RLE (90 mg/kg b.w.) on hepatic function and oxidative balance in Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 6/group) treated with OTA (0.5 mg/kg b.w.) over a period of 14 days. The administration of OTA alone resulted in both biochemical changes and an imbalance in redox status in the liver. However, the use of RLE alleviated the activity of antioxidant enzymes and dramatically decreased the serum levels of ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), and ALP (alkaline phosphatase), providing evidence of its protective benefits. Based on the findings from liver histology tests, the administration of RLE resulted in mitigation of lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, steatosis, and necrosis in the OTA group. These results indicate that the novel phytoextract RLE holds potential for application in the field of nutraceuticals.