bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social media use, knowledge, attitudes, and risky sexual behavior of HIV transmission: A survey among boarding school adolescent students in Indonesia
Authors: Ramadani Regina Cahya , Ibrahim Kusman , Mirwanti Ristina , Maulana Sidik , Jabareen Raifa
Published: June 2024

Background: Social media has many positive and negative influences on individuals, especially for adolescents related to HIV. However, little is known about how social media impacts HIV-related outcomes among adolescents in boarding schools.
Objective: This study aims to investigate the social media use, knowledge, attitudes, and sexual behavior at risk of HIV transmission and their relationship with the demographic characteristics of adolescent students at boarding schools.
Methods: This study was school-based and used a cross-sectional design. The questionnaires were used to assess social network site usage, knowledge, attitudes, and risky behavior. Cluster random sampling involved students (n = 214) from three boarding schools in Cirebon City, West Java, Indonesia, in 2022. Chi-square tests and Cramer’s V were used to explore correlations between social and demographic factors.
Results: A considerable number of adolescent students exhibited high social media addiction (58.4%), with the majority possessing limited knowledge of HIV transmission (54.7%). Additionally, nearly half displayed a negative attitude towards preventing HIV transmission (47.2%), while only a small fraction engaged in risky behavior (2.8%). Bivariate analysis revealed that social media use was moderately associated with the type of social media application (φc = 0.246, p <0.05). Knowledge of HIV transmission exhibited a moderate correlation with age (φc = 0.331, p <0.05), education level (φc = 0.240, p <0.001), and exposure to information (φc = 0.269, p <0.001). Similarly, attitudes toward HIV prevention demonstrated moderate associations with age (φc = 0.341, p = 0.001), education level (φc = 0.317, p <0.001), and exposure to information (φc = 0.266, p <0.001). Furthermore, risky sexual behavior exhibited a strong association with exposure to pornographic content (φc = 0.730, p <0.001).
Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of social media usage among adolescents, coupled with low knowledge about HIV, negative attitudes, and risky behavior. Significant relationships were observed between social media use, knowledge, attitudes, and risky sexual behavior related to HIV transmission and demographic characteristics. This study emphasizes the vital role of nurses and healthcare professionals in implementing targeted educational interventions in boarding schools to address gaps in HIV risk knowledge influenced by social media, ultimately improving strategies for adolescents’ sexual health.
OPTIMALISASI PELAYANAN TERDEPAN BERBASIS ONLINE (PETABA ON) DALAM PENERBITAN KTP ELEKTRONIK (E-KTP) DI DINAS KEPENDUDUKAN DAN PENCATATAN SIPIL KABUPATEN PIDIE
Authors: Maulana Arief , Ansari Rifanda
Published: June 2024

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk menelaah sejauh mana optimalisasi pelayanan terdepan berbasis online (Petaba On) dalam penerbitan KTP Elektronik (e-KTP) di Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Pidie. Optimalisasi ini mengenai tugas dan peranan Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Pidie dalam mengoptimalkan program Petaba On tersebut. Studi ini juga menganalisis hambatan yang dialami serta upaya yang telah dilakukan untuk mengoptimalisasikan Petaba On ini agar mencapai sasaran dan tujuan yang telah ditetapkan. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan induktif, sedangkan metode yang digunakan dalam pengumpulan data adalah dengan melakukan observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Pemilihan  informan dilakukan secara purposive sampling dan pada masyarakat secara accidental sampling. Analisis data dilakukan dengan model interaktif Miles, Huberman and Saldana (2014). Dari hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa optimalisasi Petaba On dalam penerbitan e- KTP belum berjalan optimal jika dilihat dari dimensi efisiensi dan efektifitas. Apabila dilihat dari dimensi ekonomis, Petaba On telah optimal dikarenakan dapat menghemat waktu, mempersingkat jarak tempuh, dan mengurangi biaya yang harus dikeluarkan publik. Hambatan yang dialami selama  pelaksanaan Petaba On ini antara lain adalah kurangnya anggaran untuk operasional Petaba On, minimnya  sumber  daya  manusia  baik  dari  segi kualitas  dan  kuantitas, dan sarana  dan  prasarana yang  belum  memadai.  Adapun upaya  yang  dilakukan untuk optimalisasi Petaba On adalah  dengan  menyusun  kembali rencana kerja anggaran yang lebih mengakomodasi suksesnya program tersebut, pembentukan Petugas Registrasi Gampong (PRG) yang lebih baik, dan meningkatkan koordinasi di level kecamatan.
Kata Kunci: e-KTP, Pelayanan Administrasi, Pencatatan Sipil, Petaba On
Aplikasi Kamus Obat Berbasis Web Sebagai Media Swamedikasi
Authors: Parni Rezkyta Senissa , Syam Syahriani , Muryanah Siti
Published: June 2024

Swamedikasi adalah perilaku individu untuk mengkonsumsi obat tanpa adanya diagnosa, saran dari dokter atau konsultasi dengan petugas kesehatan untuk mengobati diri sendiri. Swamedikasi (mengobati diri sendiri) tanpa pengetahuan yang cukup tentang obat-obatan yang digunakan dapat berdampak buruk dan berpotensi membahayakan bagi kesehatan individu. Oleh karena itu, penting adanya sebuah media yang dapat memberikan pemahaman yang tepat dan akurat agar individu dapat melakukan pengobatan mandiri dengan pengetahuan yang memadai. Aplikasi kamus obat berbasis web dapat memberikan akses informasi obat yang jelas dan terpercaya. Aplikasi ini menggunakan referensi obat yang bersumber dari buku ISO Indonesia Tahun 2021, yang merupakan acuan yang terpercaya dalam bidang farmasi. Dengan memanfaatkan referensi obat dari buku ISO Indonesia, pengguna dapat memperoleh informasi obat yang akurat, termasuk nama obat, kandungan, indikasi penggunaan, kontraindikasi, efek samping dan aturan pakai yang direkomendasikan. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode Waterfall dan menggunakan algoritma pencarian binary search. Dengan adanya aplikasi web ini, individu dapat memperoleh pengetahuan yang diperlukan untuk melakukan pengobatan mandiri secara efektif dan aman sesuai dengan kondisi kesehatan mereka. Ini akan membantu mencegah risiko dan memastikan pengobatan yang dilakukan sesuai dengan standar yang benar, serta meningkatkan kesadaran akan pentingnya swamedikasi yang bertanggung jawab.
Perbaikan Beban Kerja Berdasarkan Nilai Efektivitas Melalui Pendekatan Analisis Beban Kerja
Authors: Fatturrahman Fahri Rizky , Herwanto Dene , Nugraha Billy
Published: June 2024

PT XYZ merupakan perusahaan manufaktur yang memiliki fokus terhadap produksi bahan kimia khusus untuk berbagai sektor industri. Perusahaan tersebut memiliki Departemen Maintenance yang bertugas melayani kegiatan pemeliharaan atau maintenance diseluruh bagian perusahaan, termasuk pada bagian produksi dan office. Penelitian yang dilakukan termasuk kedalam jenis penelitian deskriptif, dimana pada penelitian ini menggunakan metode pendekatan analisis beban kerja yang berfokus pada pemahaman dan evaluasi beban kerja yang dialami oleh karyawan Departemen Maintenance dalam konteks pekerjaan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat 4 karyawan yang mengalami beban kerja lebih dari 100%, yang meliputi Foreman Maintenance 214%, Operator Maintenance 1 223%, Operator Maintenance 2 211%, Operator Maintenance 3 231 %. Dari hasil usulan perbaikan beban kerja yang dilakukan, maka usulan perbaikan beban kerja yang dapat diberikan adalah berupa penambahan operator maintenance sebanyak 5 orang, sehingga beban kerja karyawan departemen maintenance menjadi 97,7% yang berarti bahwa beban kerja dalam kondisi normal (mendekati 100%).
Impossible Labour History: Solidarity Dreams and Antiblack Subsumption
Authors: Sorentino Sara-Maria
Published: June 2024

Labour, for capitalist critique, is not just slavery analogised; it is slavery materialised and expanded. Across the Marxist terrain, class struggle is presupposed by the struggle not to be a slave: the struggle of ‘the worker’ combats a slavery simultaneously more complex, because it is more mediated, and implicitly more emancipatory, because it materialises what has been called ‘objective possibility’. In this article, I track symptoms of the sublation of slavery by labour in the telling of ‘new labour history’ and counter with ‘objective impossibility’ as a more open and efficacious diagnostic for the slave’s political position. Though the sentences of United States labour history are alive with promises of solidarity, the field also remains an unstable landmine of antagonism, death, failure, limit. I argue that this labour history, despite its gestures towards the problem ‘race’, is grammatically caught in a web of desires that Sylvia Wynter names ‘the hegemony of the labour conceptual frame (i.e., the frame of the struggle against capitalism)’. The labour conceptual frame is hegemonic because the relation between race and class already presupposes a latent Marxist orientation to subjects, objects, consciousness, and history that renders perfect the slave’s objective impossibility and culminates, at the nexus of race and class, in an uncritical conversion of labour’s objective possibility into pure, unmediated possibility. This article tracks how the black worker remains stubbornly impossible throughout this theoretical convergence, bending the apparatus of labour history, the purchase of Marxist theory, and the salience of class-first politics through the excess of blackness to labour.
Implementation of Government Accounting Standards, the Role of Internal Audit and Apparatus Competence on the Quality of Accounting Information at the Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM) Tirta Bening Pati District
Authors: Marhamah Marhamah , Indriastuti Ariyani
Published: June 2024

The quality of accounting information is very important for effective decision making by various stakeholders. To achieve good quality information, it must ensure compliance with accounting standards, have a strong internal control system, and ensure the competence of its apparatus. The aim of this research is to analyze the influence of government accounting standards, the role of internal audit, and apparatus competency on the quality of accounting information. The research sample was 45 employees of PDAM Tirta Bening, Pati district. The data collection method is by distributing questionnaires to respondents. Data analysis uses multiple linear regression. Based on the results of the data instrument test, valid and reliable results were obtained. This research also meets the classic assumption test criteria. The research results show that government accounting standards, the role of internal audit, and apparatus competency have a significant effect on the quality of accounting information.
Key words: Implementation of government accounting standards, Role of internal audit, Apparatus competence, Quality of accounting information
UJI AKTIVITAS TITER ANTIBODI AYAM PETELUR DAN PASCA VAKSINASI NEWCASTLE DISEASE INAKTIF
Authors: Faramitha Ikhfina Dhea , Komala Oom , Syamsidar .
Published: June 2024

Laying hens in Indonesia are outstanding and potential commodities. However, Newcastle Disease (ND) is one of the risks that must be faced. Now vaccination is chosen as one of the strategies to prevent ND. This paper aims to examine the effect of inactivated ND vaccine from Lentogenic and Velogenic strains on the increase in antibody titers of laying hens. To find the antibody titer value, the Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI) test method is used with serum sampling time before vaccination, 4th week, 6th week, 8th week, and 10th week post-vaccination. Meanwhile, to see the significance of the difference in titers at each time, a statistical analysis was carried out using the Paired Sample T-test. From this analysis, it is known that the Lentogenic strain has the highest significance at week 8 post-vaccination with a value of 1779.20 compared to 380.80 before vaccination. Meanwhile, the Velogenic strain had the highest significance at week 4 post-vaccination with a value of 1753.60 compared to 143.60 before vaccination. So it can be concluded that the Inactivated ND vaccine is effective in stimulating the formation of protective antibodies to fight against the ND virus attack.
Assessing limitations in published camel feeding studies: implications for smart feeding practices in meat and milk production
Authors: Alkhtib Ashraf , Samool Ali , Muna Muhanad , Tamiru Metekia , Naeem Muhammad , Onuoha Chris Chinemere , Wamatu Jane , Burton Emily
Published: June 2024

Rearing camels in intensive production systems started in the last 20 years. This led to a considerable change in camel feeding and nutrition including the use of new feeds (i.e. gains, agricultural by-products, supplements). Therefore, research was conducted to determine the effect of using these feeds in camel meat and milk production. The existing studies on camel feeding and nutrition are scattered and lack both an appraisal and comprehensive summary. This systematic review analyses the ability of published feeding and nutrition studies to guide researchers, extension workers, and farmers in formulating rations for smart feeding of camels. The Web of Science database was used to collect all published and peer-reviewed articles on the effects of feeding options on camel meat and milk production using the following Boolean: camel AND (milk OR growth OR meat). The first search yielded 2475 unique entries. Screening of the title shortlisted 278 relevant articles and the summary and full text assessment identified 41 relevant articles (27 fattening studies and 14 milk production studies) that were reviewed in depth. The experimental diets in only two studies (out of 41 studies) were formulated considering camel feeding standards. It is concluded that the published peer-reviewed literature in the field of camel nutrition is limited in both quantity and quality in informing the camel production sector to design rations for smart feeding for meat and milk production.
Glycoside-metabolizing oxidoreductase D3dgpA from human gut bacterium
Authors: Kim Heji , Mi Huynh Thi Ngoc , Ahn Joong-Hoon , Lee Jong Suk , Eser Bekir Engin , Choi Jongkeun , Han Jaehong
Published: June 2024

The Gfo/Idh/MocA family enzyme DgpA was known to catalyze the regiospecific oxidation of puerarin to 3”-oxo-puerarin in the presence of 3-oxo-glucose. Here, we discovered that D3dgpA, dgpA cloned from the human gut bacterium Dorea sp. MRG-IFC3, catalyzed the regiospecific oxidation of various C-/O-glycosides, including puerarin, in the presence of methyl β-D-3-oxo-glucopyranoside. While C-glycosides were converted to 3”- and 2”-oxo-products by D3dgpA, O-glycosides resulted in the formation of aglycones and hexose enediolone from the 3”-oxo-products. From DFT calculations, it was found that isomerization of 3”-oxo-puerarin to 2”-oxo-puerarin required a small activation energy of 9.86 kcal/mol, and the O-glycosidic bond cleavage of 3”-oxo-products was also thermodynamically favored with a small activation energy of 3.49 kcal/mol. In addition, the reaction mechanism of D3dgpA was discussed in comparison to those of Gfo/Idh/MocA and GMC family enzymes. The robust reactivity of D3dgpA was proposed as a new general route for derivatization of glycosides.
Interpretation of the effects of rumen acidosis on the gut microbiota and serum metabolites in calves based on 16S rDNA sequencing and non-target metabolomics
Authors: Wu Fanlin , Ji Peng , Yang Haochi , Zhu Xiaopeng , Wu Xiaohu
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Rumen acidosis is one of the most common diseases in beef cattle. It severely affects the normal development of calves and poses a significant threat to the farming industry. However, the influence of rumen acidosis on the gut microbiota and serum metabolites of calves is currently unclear.

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the changes in the gut microbiota and serum metabolites in calves after rumen acidosis and analyse the correlation.

Methods

Eight calves were selected as the rumen acidosis group, and eight health calves were selected as the healthy group. The faecal gut microbiota and serum metabolites of calves were detected respectively using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing and non-target metabolomics. The correlation between gut microbiota and serum metabolites was analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis.

Results

Differential analysis of the diversity and composition of gut microbiota between eight male healthy (Health) and eight male rumen acidosis (Disease) calves revealed that rumen acidosis increased the abundance of the gut microbiota in calves. At the phylum level, compared to the Healthy group, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in the Disease group significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the relative abundance of Desulfobacterota significantly increased in the Disease group (P<0.05). At the genus level, compared to the Disease group, the relative abundance of Alloprevotella, Muribaculaceae, Succinivibrio, Prevotella, Agathobacter and Parabacteroides significantly increased in the Healthy group (P<0.05), while the relative abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7 and Monoglobus significantly decreased in the Healthy group (P<0.05). Differential analysis results showed the Healthy group had 23 genera with higher abundance, while the Disease group had 47 genera with higher abundance. Serum metabolomics results revealed the differential metabolites associated with rumen acidosis, including nicotinamide, niacin, L-glutamic acid and carnosine, were mainly enriched in the nicotinate and nicotinamide pathway and the histidine pathway.

Conclusion

The occurrence of rumen acidosis can induce changes in the gut microbiota of calves, with a significant increase of the Christensenellaceae_R-7 genus and a significant decrease of Prevotella and Succinivibrio genera. In addition, the occurrence of rumen acidosis can also induce changes in serum metabolites including niacin, niacinamide, L-glutamine, and carnosine, which may serve as the diagnostic biomarkers of rumen acidosis of calves.
Exploring alternative education: a comparison on 3 levels—Waldorf charters, non-Waldorf charters, and local public schools, as measured by the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress
Authors: Telfer-Radzat Kimberly
Published: June 2024

As the number of students enrolled in charter schools grows across the country, so do questions about their impact on academic outcomes (National Center for Educational Statistics). Given the importance of student test scores as evidence of success at the state, school, classroom, and teacher levels, understanding the effect of these charter schools' pedagogies on student outcomes is critical. Waldorf-inspired charter schools are one such growing alternative pedagogy. This study answers the question: Is there any significant difference between the levels of achievement for students in English Language Arts and math who are enrolled in Waldorf-inspired charter schools vs. those in either local public school classrooms or other charter classrooms that do not use the Waldorf pedagogy? Using OLS multiple linear regression this study examined the significance of the levels of achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) and math among students in 16 Waldorf-inspired charter schools and other charter and non-charter schools in California, using the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) scores. The research revealed that there are significantly higher percentages of eighth-grade students in Waldorf-inspired charter schools meeting or exceeding state standards in ELA and math as compared to their non-Waldorf charter school comparison groups, even when controlling for the size of the school, socioeconomic status, and district-level fixed effects (p < 0.01). This is despite the significantly smaller percentage of students in these schools meeting state standards in grades three through five. The results of this study suggest that Waldorf's developmental approach to education can result in strong academic outcomes despite a slower, low-stakes approach to teaching.
Unexpected outcomes from an AI education course among education faculty: Toward making AI accessible with marginalized youth in urban Mexico
Authors: Kasun G. Sue , Liao Yin-Chan , Margulieux Lauren Elizabeth , Woodall Maya
Published: June 2024

The authors explore the intersection of AI and equity in education, presenting a workshop designed for marginalized youth in urban Mexico. This reflective essay stems from their participation in the International Society for Technology in Education’s AI and education course. The lead author, a language education researcher who emphasizes equity in her scholarship, crafted a presentation on AI’s everyday applications for marginalized Mexican youth. Collaborating organically, the co-authors positioned this project as the course’s final collective output, fostering a unique blend of expertise and community engagement. The lead author designed the presentation for an organization with which she has partnered for over a decade, an educational project that supports learning and life skills, rooted in Don Miguel Ruiz’s Four Agreements, for children who live in a community of unofficial housing on the edge of railroad tracks in Cuernavaca, Mexico. The project aimed to bridge the global application of AI to marginalized Mexicans, facilitating a two-hour workshop in Spring 2023. Two additional faculty, technology education researchers, joined the effort to promote computational literacy equitably through culturally relevant pedagogy. They highlight their diverse scholarly backgrounds, positioning themselves as individuals from the margins, and share their motivation for creating a cogent and engaging workshop for the youth. The lead author reports on the unexpectedly rich conversation that unfolded during the workshop, underscoring the potential for AI to be inclusive as society navigates its integration into education.
Causal relationships exist between polycystic ovary syndrome and adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ma Yuanlin , Cai Jiahao , Liu Lok-Wan , Wen Tianrui , Huang Weina , Hou Wenhui , Wei Zixin , Xu Yan , Xu Yanwen , Wang Yizi , Mai Qingyun
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Previous observational studies have shown that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was associated with adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. However, it remains controversial whether PCOS is an essential risk factor for these adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. We aimed to use instrumental variables in a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to determine causality between PCOS and adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes.

Materials and methods

Summary statistics were extracted from a recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis conducted in PCOS, which included 10,074 cases and 103,164 controls of European ancestry. Data on Adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes were summarized from the FinnGen database of European ancestry, which included more than 180,000 samples. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method of MR was applied for the main outcome. To assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy, we conducted sensitivity analyses, including leave-one-out analysis, weighted median, MR-PRESSO (Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier), and MR-Egger regression.

Results

Two-sample MR analysis with the IVW method suggested that PCOS exerted causal effects on the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy [odds ratio (OR) 1.170, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.051–1.302, p = 0.004], in particular gestational hypertension (OR 1.083, 95% CI 1.007–1.164, p = 0.031), but not other pregnancy and perinatal diseases (all p > 0.05). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated pleiotropy only in pre-eclampsia or eclampsia (p = 0.0004), but not in other pregnancy and perinatal diseases (all p > 0.05). The results remained consistent after excluding two outliers (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

We confirmed a causal relationship between PCOS and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, in particular gestational hypertension, but no association with any other adverse pregnancy or perinatal outcome. Therefore, we suggest that women with PCOS who are pregnant should have their blood pressure closely monitored.
Spatiotemporal trends of atmospheric dryness during 1980–2021 in Yunnan, China
Authors: Qin Haiqin , Tan Yingying , Shen Ting , Schaefer Doug Allen , Chen Huafang , Zhou Shaoqi , Xu Qiang , Zhu Yingmo , Cheng Jinxin , Zhao Gaojuan , Xu Jianchu
Published: June 2024

Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns and variations in vapor pressure deficit (VPD) is essential for effective water resource management in the face of climate change. VPD serves as a fundamental indicator of atmospheric dryness, directly impacting plant evapotranspiration rates, thereby affecting overall ecosystem functioning. In this study, VPD changes in five subregions and four ecological types of land in Yunnan from 1980 to 2021 were investigated using data from 108 meteorological stations. We found increasing trends in annual VPD that were larger during warmer spring and summer seasons. Among the subregions, the highland subtropical southern broadleaved evergreen forest ecoregion exhibited the largest drying trend (0.04 kPa / decade), while the subtropical (eastern) humid broadleaved evergreen forest ecoregion had the smallest drying trend (0.01 kPa / decade). Among the ecological barriers, the dry-hot valleys had significantly higher increases in VPD compared to other Yunnan regions. Increases in VPD from 1990s to 2000s in several regions of Yunnan exceeded atmospheric drying trends reported elsewhere. Additionally, we documented smaller VPD declines at higher elevations. Across different ecological land types, Shrubland exhibited the largest VPD trend (0.07 kPa / decade), while Forest displayed the smallest (0.03 kPa / decade). Decreased relative humidity through time explained 65% of the increase in VPD in Yunnan, while increasing temperatures accounted for 25%. These findings provide valuable insights into climatic dynamics of Yunnan, with implications for ecological, hydrological, and atmospheric studies.
Nijmegen breakage syndrome: 25-year experience of diagnosis and treatment in Ukraine
Authors: Boyarchuk Oksana , Kostyuchenko Larysa , Akopyan Hayane , Bondarenko Anastasiia , Volokha Alla , Hilfanova Anna , Savchak Ihor , Nazarenko Liliia , Yarema Nataliia , Urbas Olha , Hrabovska Iryna , Lysytsia Oleksandr , Budzyn Andrii , Tykholaz Oksana , Ivanchuk Mariana , Bastanohova Olha , Patskun Erika , Vasylenko Nataliia , Stepanovskyy Yuriy , Chernyshova Liudmyla , Makukh Halyna
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) is an autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by microcephaly, immunodeficiency, and impaired DNA repair. NBS is most prevalent among Slavic populations, including Ukraine. Our study aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence, diagnosis, clinical data, immunological parameters, and treatment of NBS patients in Ukraine.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review that included 84 NBS patients from different regions of Ukraine who were diagnosed in 1999-2023. Data from the Ukrainian Registry of NBS and information from treating physicians, obtained using a developed questionnaire, were utilized for analysis.

Results

Among 84 NBS patients, 55 (65.5%) were alive, 25 (29.8%) deceased, and 4 were lost to follow-up. The median age of patients was 11 years, ranging from 1 to 34 years. Most patients originate from western regions of Ukraine (57.8%), although in recent years, there has been an increase in diagnoses from central and southeastern regions, expanding our knowledge of NBS prevalence. The number of diagnosed patients per year averaged 3.4 and increased from 2.7 to 4.8 in recent years. The median age of NBS diagnosis was 4.0 years (range 0.1-16) in 1999-2007 and decreased to 2.7 in the past 6 years. Delayed physical development was observed in the majority of children up to the age of ten years. All children experienced infections, and 41.3% of them had recurrent infections. Severe infections were the cause of death in 12%. The second most common clinical manifestation of NBS was malignancies (37.5%), with the prevalence of lymphomas (63.3%). Malignancies have been the most common cause of death in NBS patients (72% of cases). Decreased levels of CD4+ and CD19+ were observed in 89.6%, followed by a reduction of CD3+ (81.8%) and CD8+ (62.5%). The level of NK cells was elevated at 62.5%. IgG concentration was decreased in 72.9%, and IgA - in 56.3%. Immunoglobulin replacement therapy was administered to 58.7% of patients. Regular immunoglobulin replacement therapy has helped reduce the frequency and severity of severe respiratory tract infections.

Conclusion

Improvements in diagnosis, including prenatal screening, newborn screening, monitoring, and expanding treatment options, will lead to better outcomes for NBS patients.
Causal association of genetically determined plasma metabolites with osteoarthritis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Fu Qingsong , Yuan Xinhua , Wang Weibin , Han Xinyou , Zhang Jiakai , Wu Junlong , Wang Yao
Published: June 2024

Background

We aimed to elucidate the causal relationship between plasma metabolites and the vulnerability to Osteoarthritis (OA), encompassing both hip OA and knee OA.

Methods

We conducted a two-way two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the association of 1,400 plasma metabolites with OA. The Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) model served as the primary two-sample MR Analysis method, with supplementary analysis using the Weighted Median (WM) and MR Egger methods. To ensure the robustness of our findings, sensitivity analyses were performed, incorporating Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO, and Leave-One-Out analyses. To validate the identified metabolites, we utilized the Steiger test and linkage disequilibrium score regression.

Results

A total of 94 plasma metabolites were associated with osteoarthritis, with 60 associated with hip OA and 106 associated with knee OA. IVW analysis revealed that tryptophan levels showed the strongest positive association with hip OA (OR [95% CI]: 1.119 [1.024, 1.223]), while X-24757 levels exhibited the highest positive association with knee osteoarthritis (OR [95% CI]: 1.095 [1.032, 1.162]). Ethylparaben sulfate levels were found to have the greatest positive association with hip OA (OR [95% CI]: 1.118 [1.015, 1.231]). Notably, the plasma metabolite X-2475 showed a strong robust random effect across all three types of osteoarthritis. Metabolic pathway analysis revealed that the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis in the hip was mediated by acetylarginine, specifically in four important metabolic pathways: ethanol degradation (p = 0.044), amino sugar metabolism (p = 0.090), fatty acid biosynthesis (p = 0.095), and aspartate metabolism (p = 0.097816).

Conclusion

There is a significant association between tryptophan levels and the risk of hip OA, as well as X-24757 levels and the risk of knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, X-24757 levels are also linked to the risk of hip OA. Moreover, this study has identified four crucial metabolic pathways in hip osteoarthritis, which are all regulated by acetylarginine. These findings provide valuable insights into potential biomarkers for OA and highlight potential pathways for its prevention and clinical intervention.
Comparing microbial populations from diverse hydrothermal features in Yellowstone National Park: hot springs and mud volcanoes
Authors: Rowe Laura , Dowd Scot E. , Davidson Kelly , Kovarik Claire , VanAken Michayla , Jarabek Alyssa , Taylor Churro
Published: June 2024

Geothermal features, such as hot springs and mud volcanoes, host diverse microbial life, including many extremophile organisms. The physicochemical parameters of the geothermal feature, such as temperature, pH, and heavy metal concentration, can influence the alpha and beta diversity of microbial life in these environments, as can spatiotemporal differences between sites and sampling. In this study, water and sediment samples were collected and analyzed from eight geothermal sites at Yellowstone National Park, including six hot springs, a mud volcano, and an acidic lake within the same week in July 2019, and these geothermal sites varied greatly in their temperature, pH, and chemical composition. All samples were processed and analyzed with the same methodology and taxonomic profiles and alpha and beta diversity metrics determined with 16S rRNA sequencing. These microbial diversity results were then analyzed with respect to pH, temperature, and chemical composition of the geothermal features. Results indicated that predominant microbial species varied greatly depending on the physicochemical composition of the geothermal site, with decreases in pH and increases in dissolved heavy metals in the water corresponding to decreases in alpha diversity, especially in the sediment samples. Similarly, sites with acidic pH values had more similar microbial populations (beta diversity) to one another than to relatively neutral or alkaline pH geothermal sites. This study suggests that pH and/or heavy metal concentration is a more important driver for microbial diversity and population profile than the temperature for these sites and is also the first reported microbial diversity study for multiple geothermal sites in Yellowstone National Park, including the relatively new mud volcano Black Dragon’s Caldron, which erupted in 1948.
Understanding the relationship between HCV infection and progression of kidney disease
Authors: Zhang Meiqi , Han Zhongyu , Lin Yumeng , Jin Zi , Zhou Shuwei , Wang Siyu , Tang Yuping , Li Jiaxuan , Li Xueping , Chen Haoran
Published: June 2024

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can cause a range of kidney diseases. HCV is the primary cause of mixed cryoglobulinaemia, which leads to cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis and cryoglobulinaemic glomerulonephritis (GN). Patients with acute cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis often exhibit acute kidney disease due to HCV infection, which typically progresses to acute kidney injury (AKI). HCV also increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the likelihood of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Currently, direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) can be used to treat kidney disease at different stages. This review focuses on key findings regarding HCV and kidney disease, discusses the impact of DAAs, and highlights the need for further research and treatment.
Transcriptomic analysis of reproductive organs of pregnant mice post toxoplasma gondii infection reveals the potential factors that contribute to poor prognosis
Authors: Deng Meng-Ling , Chen Jun-Rong , Yang Jian-Fa , Ma Jun , Shu Fan-Fan , Zou Feng-Cai , He Jun-Jun
Published: June 2024

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite of phylum Apicomplexa that poses a huge threat to pregnant hosts, and induces tragic outcomes for pregnant hosts, fetuses and newborns. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the tragic consequences caused by T. gondii remains to be revealed. In the present study, we applied RNA-seq to study the transcriptomic landscape of the whole reproductive organ of pregnant mice post T. gondii infection, aiming to reveal the key altered biological characters of reproductive organs of pregnant mice that could contribute to the tragic outcomes caused by T. gondii infection. The results of the present study showed that the transcriptome of reproductive organs of pregnant mice was significantly altered by T. gondii infection. A total of 2,598 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 1,449 upregulated genes and 1,149 downregulated genes. Enrichment analysis of the DEGs showed that the significantly altered features of reproductive organs of pregnant mice were excessive inflammatory responses, downregulated metabolism processes, and congenital diseases. The chemotaxis of immune cells in the reproductive organs of infected pregnant mice could also be reshaped by 19 differentially expressed chemokines and 6 differentially expressed chemokine receptors that could contribute to the damages of reproductive organ in pregnant mice. Overall, the findings of present study may help to understand the pathogenic mechanism of the acute T. gondii infection in reproductive organs of pregnant mice, and it could also help to improve toxoplasmosis therapeutics for pregnant individuals.
Mortality of neonates born to mothers of extreme reproductive age in Ethiopia; multilevel mixed effect analysis of Ethiopian demographic and health survey data of 2016
Authors: Tekeba Berhan , Techane Masresha Asmare , Workneh Belayneh Shetie , Zegeye Alebachew Ferede , Gonete Almaz Tefera , Alemu Tewodros Getaneh , Wassie Mulugeta , Kassie Alemneh Tadesse , Ali Mohammed Seid , Mekonen Enyew Getaneh , Tamir Tadesse Tarik
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Neonatal mortality is still a major public health problem in middle- and low-income countries like Ethiopia. Despite strategies and efforts made to reduce neonatal death, the mortality rate declines at a slower pace in the country. Though there are studies conducted on neonatal mortality and its determinants, our searches of the literature have found no study on the extent of mortality of neonates born to mothers of extreme reproductive age in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and factors associated with the mortality of neonates born to mothers of extreme reproductive age in Ethiopia.

Methods

Secondary data analysis was conducted using 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data. The final study contained an overall weighted sample of 2,269 live births. To determine the significant factors in newborn deaths, a multilevel binary logistic regression was fitted. For measuring the clustering impact, the intra-cluster correlation coefficient, median odds ratio, proportional change in variance, and deviation were employed for model comparison. The adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was presented in the multivariable multilevel logistic regression analysis to identify statistically significant factors in neonatal mortality. A P-value of less than 0.05 was declared statistically significant.

Results

The neonatal mortality rate of babies born to extreme aged reproductive women in Ethiopia was 34 (95% Cl, 22.2%–42.23%) per 1,000 live birth. Being twin pregnancy (AOR = 10; 95% Cl: 8.61–20.21), being from pastoralist region (AOR = 3.9; 95% Cl: 1.71–8.09), having larger baby size (AOR = 2.93; 95% Cl: 1.4–9.12) increase the odds of neonatal mortality. On the other hand, individual level media exposure (AOR = 0.3; 95% Cl: 0.09–0.91) and community level media exposure (AOR = 0.24; 95% Cl: 0.07–0.83), being term gestation (AOR = 0.14; 95% Cl: 0.01–0.81) decreases the odds of neonatal mortality born to mothers of extreme reproductive age.

Conclusion

Ethiopia had a greater rate of neonatal death among babies born at the extremes of reproductive age than overall reproductive life. Multiple pregnancies, larger baby sizes, emerging regions, term gestation, and media exposure were found to be significant factors associated with the mortality of neonates born to mothers of extreme reproductive age. Therefore, the concerned bodies should give emphasis to mothers giving birth before the age of 20 and above 35, access to media, healthy pregnancy, and special attention to pastoralists to reduce the burden of neonatal mortality.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward pediatric vitamin D deficiency among parents
Authors: Yu Chunli , Cai Jingjuan , Wang Chunxiang , Luo Yan , Fang Jian
Published: June 2024

Objective

To investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards pediatric vitamin D deficiency (VitD) among parents and explore the risk factors of their knowledge, attitude, and practice.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled parents in our Hospital between November 2022 and January 2023.

Results

A total of 621 valid questionnaires were collected in this study. The knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 6.13 ± 3.07 (theoretical score range: 0–13), 31.13 ± 6.20 (theoretical score range: 9–45), and 27.47 ± 4.21 (theoretical score range: 9–45), respectively; the mean knowledge score was <60%, indicating poor knowledge. Commercial and service industry workers and a monthly income ≥5,000 CNY were independently associated with sufficient knowledge (all P < 0.05). The knowledge score, ethnic minorities, divorced/widows, and spouses with a master's degree or above were independently associated with positive attitudes (all P < 0.05). The attitude score, female, non-urban, undergraduate education, commercial and service industry worker, and office worker were independently associated with proactive practice (all P < 0.05). Those characteristics could help design future KAP interventions on vitD deficiency.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated poor knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice regarding pediatric VitD deficiency among parents. Targeted interventions and educational programs should be developed to improve parental knowledge.
Assessing the long-term implications of age 9 initiation of HPV vaccination on series completion by age 13–15 in the US: projections from an age-structured vaccination model
Authors: Saxena Kunal , Patterson-Lomba Oscar , Gomez-Lievano Andres , Zion Abigail , Cunningham-Erves Jennifer , Kepka Deanna
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Routine human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the US is recommended at ages 11 or 12 years and can be given at age 9. Vaccination completion rates among adolescents 13–15 years in the US remain below the 80% goal. This study evaluated the long-term effects of increasing proactive HPV vaccination initiation rates at age 9 years in completion rates of adolescents.

Methods

An age-structured vaccination model was developed and parametrized based on the National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen) survey data. The model projected vaccination coverage (by vaccination status and age group), for 20 years, for a routine initiation scenario (no increase in initiation rates of 9-year-olds) and different proactive initiation (increased age 9 initiation) scenarios. The time to reach a completion rate of 80% for 13–15-year-olds was estimated. The model also generated projections stratified for subgroups of interest.

Results

Results indicated that vaccine completion rates of 80% in 13–15-year-olds may not be achieved by 2040 under current trends of routine initiation at ages 11 or 12 years. However, increasing initiation rates in 9-year-olds by 1% and 3% annually could shorten the time to achieve 80% completion by 4 and 8 years, respectively. Stratification analyses showed that increasing initiation rates in 9-year-olds can also reduce disparities across subgroups in the time to achieve vaccination completion targets.

Discussion

Increasing HPV vaccination initiation rates in 9-year-olds by as little as 1%–3% annually may be an effective strategy to improve HPV vaccination completion rates in adolescents by age 15 and reach the Healthy People goal of 80% completion much earlier.
Active monitoring of antifungal adverse events in hospitalized patients based on Global Trigger Tool method
Authors: Meng Xiao , Wu Yaozhou , Liu Zixuan , Chen Yifan , Dou Zhizhou , Wei Li
Published: June 2024

Background

The increasing prevalence of fungal infections necessitates broader use of antifungal medications. However, the prevalence of adverse drug events (ADEs) restricts their clinical application. This study aimed to develop a reliable ADEs trigger for antifungals to enable proactive ADEs monitoring, serving as a reference for ADEs prevention and control.

Methods

This investigation comprises two phases. Initially, the trigger was established via a literature review, extraction of relevant items, and refinement through Delphi expert consultation. Subsequently, the validity of the trigger was assessed by analyzing hospital records of antifungal drug users from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020. The correlation between each trigger signal and ADEs occurrence was examined, and the sensitivity and specificity of the trigger were evaluated through the spontaneous reporting system (SRS) and Global Trigger Tool (GTT). Additionally, risk factors contributing to adverse drug events (ADEs) resulting from antifungal use were analyzed. Results: Twenty-one preliminary triggers were refined into 21 final triggers after one expert round. In the retrospective analysis, the positive trigger rate was 65.83%, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 28.75%. The incidence of ADEs in inpatients was 28.75%, equating to 44.58 ADEs per 100 admissions and 33.04 ADEs per 1,000 patient days. Predominant ADEs categories included metabolic disturbances, gastrointestinal damage, and skin rashes. ADEs severity was classified into 36 cases at grade 1, 160 at grade 2, and 18 at grade 3. The likelihood of ADEs increased with longer stays, more positive triggers, and greater comorbidity counts.

Conclusion

This study underscores the effectiveness of the GTT in enhancing ADEs detection during antifungal medication use, thereby confirming its value as a monitoring tool.
Adenosine A2A receptor as a potential regulator of Mycobacterium leprae survival mechanisms: new insights into leprosy neural damage
Authors: dos Santos Plinio Marcos Freire , Díaz Acosta Chyntia Carolina , Rosa Thabatta Leal Silveira Andrezo , Ishiba Michelle Harumi , Dias André Alves , Pereira Antonio Marcos Rodrigues , Gutierres Luísa Domingos , Pereira Melissa Pontes , da Silva Rocha Matheus , Rosa Patrícia Sammarco , Bertoluci Daniele F. F. , Meyer-Fernandes José Roberto , da Mota Ramalho Costa Fabricio , Marques Maria Angela M. , Belisle John T. , Pinheiro Roberta Olmo , Rodrigues Luciana Silva , Pessolani Maria Cristina Vidal , Berrêdo-Pinho Marcia
Published: June 2024

Background

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which can lead to a disabling neurodegenerative condition. M. leprae preferentially infects skin macrophages and Schwann cells–glial cells of the peripheral nervous system. The infection modifies the host cell lipid metabolism, subverting it in favor of the formation of cholesterol-rich lipid droplets (LD) that are essential for bacterial survival. Although researchers have made progress in understanding leprosy pathogenesis, many aspects of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of host–pathogen interaction still require clarification. The purinergic system utilizes extracellular ATP and adenosine as critical signaling molecules and plays several roles in pathophysiological processes. Furthermore, nucleoside surface receptors such as the adenosine receptor A2AR involved in neuroimmune response, lipid metabolism, and neuron–glia interaction are targets for the treatment of different diseases. Despite the importance of this system, nothing has been described about its role in leprosy, particularly adenosinergic signaling (AdoS) during M. leprae–Schwann cell interaction.

Methods

M. leprae was purified from the hind footpad of athymic nu/nu mice. ST88-14 human cells were infected with M. leprae in the presence or absence of specific agonists or antagonists of AdoS. Enzymatic activity assays, fluorescence microscopy, Western blotting, and RT-qPCR analysis were performed. M. leprae viability was investigated by RT-qPCR, and cytokines were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

We demonstrated that M. leprae-infected Schwann cells upregulated CD73 and ADA and downregulated A2AR expression and the phosphorylation of the transcription factor CREB (p-CREB). On the other hand, activation of A2AR with its selective agonist, CGS21680, resulted in: 1) reduced lipid droplets accumulation and pro-lipogenic gene expression; 2) reduced production of IL-6 and IL-8; 3) reduced intracellular M. leprae viability; 4) increased levels of p-CREB.

Conclusion

These findings suggest the involvement of the AdoS in leprosy neuropathogenesis and support the idea that M. leprae, by downmodulating the expression and activity of A2AR in Schwann cells, decreases A2AR downstream signaling, contributing to the maintenance of LD accumulation and intracellular viability of the bacillus.