bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi-site pilot randomized clinical trial of the Treatment and Education Approach for Childhood-onset Lupus (TEACH) program: study design and COVID-19 adaptations
Authors: Cunningham Natoshia R. , Miller Alaina , Ely Samantha L. , Reid Mallet R. , Danguecan Ashley , Mossad Sarah I. , Pereira Luana Flores , Abulaban Khalid , Kessler Elizabeth , Rosenwasser Natalie , Nanda Kabita , Rubinstein Tamar , Reeves Mathew , Kohut Sara Ahola , Stinson Jennifer , Tal Tala El , Levy Deborah M. , Hiraki Linda , Smitherman Emily A. , Knight Andrea M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (cSLE) is an autoimmune disease associated with fatigue, mood symptoms, and pain. Fortunately, these symptoms are potentially modifiable with psychological intervention such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The Treatment and Education Approach for Childhood-onset Lupus (TEACH) program is a CBT intervention developed to target these symptoms for adolescents and young adults with cSLE. This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to determine the feasibility and effect of TEACH for youth with cSLE. Adjustments to the study protocol following the COVID-19 pandemic are also described.

Methods

This two-arm multisite RCT will explore the feasibility (primary outcome) and effect (secondary outcome) of a remotely delivered TEACH protocol. Participants will be randomized to a six-week remotely delivered TEACH program plus medical treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU alone. We will include patients ages 12–22 years presenting to rheumatology clinics from six sites. Validated measures of fatigue, depressive symptoms, and pain will be obtained at baseline and approximately eight and 20 weeks later. Protocol adjustments were also made due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in collaboration with the investigative team, which included patients and caregivers.

Conclusions

Findings from this multi-site RCT aim to document the feasibility of TEACH and provide an estimate of effect of a remotely delivered TEACH protocol on fatigue, depression, and pain symptoms in youth with cSLE as compared to standard medical treatment alone. This findings may positively impact clinical care for patients with cSLE. Clinical trials.gov registration: NCT04335643.
SAFit2 ameliorates paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain by reducing spinal gliosis and elevating pro-resolving lipid mediators
Authors: Wedel Saskia , Hahnefeld Lisa , Schreiber Yannick , Namendorf Christian , Heymann Tim , Uhr Manfred , Schmidt Mathias V. , de Bruin Natasja , Hausch Felix , Thomas Dominique , Geisslinger Gerd , Sisignano Marco
Published: June 2023

Background

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (CIPN) describes a pathological pain state that occurs dose-dependently as a side effect and can limit or even impede an effective cancer therapy. Unfortunately, current treatment possibilities for CIPN are remarkably confined and mostly inadequate as CIPN therapeutics themselves consist of low effectiveness and may induce severe side effects, pointing out CIPN as pathological entity with an emerging need for novel treatment targets. Here, we investigated whether the novel and highly specific FKBP51 inhibitor SAFit2 reduces paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain.

Methods

In this study, we used a well-established multiple low-dose paclitaxel model to investigate analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of SAFit2. For this purpose, the behavior of the mice was recorded over 14 days and the mouse tissue was then analyzed using biochemical methods.

Results

Here, we show that SAFit2 is capable to reduce paclitaxel-induced mechanical hypersensitivity in mice. In addition, we detected that SAFit2 shifts lipid levels in nervous tissue toward an anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid profile that counteracts peripheral sensitization after paclitaxel treatment. Furthermore, SAFit2 reduced the activation of astrocytes and microglia in the spinal cord as well as the levels of pain-mediating chemokines. Its treatment also increased anti-inflammatory cytokines levels in neuronal tissues, ultimately leading to a resolution of neuroinflammation.

Conclusions

In summary, SAFit2 shows antihyperalgesic properties as it ameliorates paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain by reducing peripheral sensitization and resolving neuroinflammation. Therefore, we consider SAFit2 as a potential novel drug candidate for the treatment of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain.
Blunted circadian variation of blood pressure in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Rivera Ana M. Cieza , Fernández-Villa Tania , Martín Vicente , Atallah Isis
Published: June 2023

Background

Cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke are life-threatening complications associated with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). As previous studies observed an association between cardiovascular events and the loss of circadian variations of blood pressure, we investigated the 24 h circadian rhythm of blood pressure (BP) in 24 NF1 patients (10 males and 14 females, with a mean age of 39.5 years ± 14 years) by using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).

Results

Only one-third of the patient were dippers, 50% were non-dippers, and 17% were risers. Reduced variability of systolic and diastolic nocturnal blood pressure was observed in NF1 patients compared with several studies of normotensive individuals (p = 0.024). In NF1 patients, the blunted systolic nocturnal decline was significantly associated with the number of neurofibromas (p = 0.049) and the presence of a plexiform neurofibroma (p = 0.020).

Conclusions

Most NF1 patients in this study showed a “non-dipper” pattern with a blunted nocturnal BP decline, which is considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events in normotensive and hypertensive individuals. Periodic monitoring of BP should be included in NF1 follow-up guidelines to diagnose masked hypertension or a non-dipper/riser pattern which would significantly increase the morbidity and mortality of NF1 patients to implement therapeutic strategies.
Comparing video examinations with physical clinical examinations using finishing pigs with umbilical outpouchings as a model
Authors: Birch Julie Melsted , Pedersen Ken Steen
Published: June 2023

Background

Veterinary telemedicine has only been adopted to some degree. One aspect that needs to be evaluated is clinical examinations using video. The objective of this study was to evaluate agreement between a traditional physical clinical examination and a clinical examination using recorded video using finishing pigs with umbilical outpouchings (umbilical hernias, cysts, and abscesses) as the study unit. A total of 102 finisher pigs with umbilical outpouchings were clinically examined and recorded on video. Four experienced pig veterinarians were allowed to examine each pig for approximately 10 min and were individually asked to fill out a predesigned clinical record. Approximately 1 month after the physical examinations, the veterinarians individually reexamined all 102 pigs in a blinded manner, utilizing the video recordings and filling in a predesigned clinical record.

Results

For all measurements using a ruler, a high Pearson correlation coefficient was observed between physical and video examinations (range 0.69–0.95). In comparison, the visual bodyweight estimation had a lower Pearson correlation coefficient (range 0.57–0.64). Substantial to almost perfect agreement was observed between the physical and video examinations for abnormal weight distribution on any leg, restricted gait movements, lameness, signs of pain, fitness for transportation, presence of wounds, and categorization of the number of wounds > 4 cm2 on the umbilical outpouching (mean Kappa range 0.67–0.87). Fair agreement was observed for the presence of perineal soiling, ear wounds, pendulation of umbilical outpouching, umbilical outpouching touching the legs, skin not movable over the umbilical outpouching, and umbilical outpouching wound characteristics: type, presence of crusts, active bleeding, thick wound edges, connective tissue (mean Kappa range 0.21–0.40). Slight agreement was observed for umbilical outpouching characteristics: shape, macroscopic vascularization of the skin covering the outpouching, and the presence of scars, excoriations, and fistulas (mean Kappa range 0.10–0.20). Poor agreement was observed for the presence of granulation tissue (mean Kappa =  − 0.05).

Conclusions

The agreement between a physical clinical examination and a clinical examination using recorded video of the same pig varies from poor to almost perfect, depending on the clinical sign and the executing veterinarian.
Forensic age assessment of late-term bovine fetuses
Authors: Agerholm Jørgen Steen , Dahl Maria , Herskin Mette , Nielsen Søren Saxmose
Published: June 2023

Background

Transporting pregnant cattle that have passed 90% or more of the expected gestation period (G90 threshold) is prohibited within the European Union. Therefore, there is a need to determine whether this threshold has been exceeded in late-gestation cows sent to slaughter. The aim of this study was to evaluate fetal parameters’ reliability for use in forensic age assessment of late-term Holstein fetuses.

Results

Analysis of the gestation length of 2734 Holsteins that calved with a single liveborn fetus revealed a median gestation length of 278 days with 99% of parturitions occurring between day 261 and 290, corresponding to G90 thresholds of 235 and 261 days, respectively. The association between gestation length and neonatal body weight had an R2 of 0.27. The influence of fetal sex and cow parity on gestation length was ± 2 days. The eruption of incisor and canine teeth was assessed in preterm calves delivered by caesarean section (n = 52) and full-term neonatal calves (n = 54). Statistical analysis of tooth eruption data showed a statistically significant variation in fetal age at tooth eruption.

Conclusions

Defining the G90 threshold for a cow not having reached parturition is challenging. Body weight was not found to be a reliable parameter for identifying fetuses beyond the G90 threshold. Statistical analysis of the association between fetal age and eruption through the gingival mucosa of incisor and canine teeth revealed significant variation, making tooth eruption a challenging parameter to use in forensic cases. Assessment of the evaluated parameters, therefore, cannot be considered a scientifically validated method to conclude definitively and beyond reasonable doubt whether or not a given fetus has passed the G90 threshold.
Incidence and clinical features of HHV-7 detection in lower respiratory tract in patients with severe pneumonia: a multicenter, retrospective study
Authors: Xu Jun , Zhong Lin , Shao Huanzhang , Wang Qianqian , Dai Muhua , Shen Peng , Xiong Yonghui , Zhang Weijun , Deng Xutao , Wang Mingqiang , Zhu Yue , Reng Xindie , Jiang Yongpo , Chen Mengyuan , Zhu Chengcong , Fang Xueling , He Guojun , Han Yijiao , Huang Xiaohan , He Xuwei , Xu Yinghe , Cai Hongliu , Huang Lingtong
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The significance of detecting human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) in the lower respiratory tract of patients with severe pneumonia is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of detecting HHV-7 in the lower respiratory tract of patients with severe pneumonia.

Methods

Patients with severe pneumonia requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and underwent commercial metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) testing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from January 2019 to March 2023 were enrolled in 12 medical centers. Clinical data of patients were collected retrospectively, and propensity score matching was used for subgroup analysis and mortality assessment.

Results

In a total number of 721 patients, 45 cases (6.24%) were identified with HHV-7 positive in lower respiratory tract. HHV-7 positive patients were younger (59.2 vs 64.4, p = 0.032) and had a higher rate of co-detection with Cytomegalovirus (42.2% vs 20.7%, p = 0.001) and Epstein–Barr virus (35.6% vs 18.2%, p = 0.008). After propensity score matching for gender, age, SOFA score at ICU admission, and days from ICU admission to mNGS assay, there was no statistically significant difference in the 28-day mortality rate between HHV-7 positive and negative patients (46.2% vs 36.0%, p = 0.395). Multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusting for gender, age, and SOFA score showed that HHV-7 positive was not an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality (HR 1.783, 95%CI 0.936–3.400, p = 0.079).

Conclusion

HHV-7 was detected in the lungs of 6.24% of patients with severe pneumonia. The presence of HHV-7 in patients with severe pneumonia requiring invasive mechanical ventilation is associated with a younger age and co-detected of Cytomegalovirus and Epstein–Barr virus. While HHV-7 positivity was not found to be an independent risk factor for mortality in this cohort, this result may have been influenced by the relatively small sample size of the study.
Respiratory challenges and ventilatory management in different types of acute brain-injured patients
Authors: Frisvold S. , Coppola S. , Ehrmann S. , Chiumello D. , Guérin Claude
Published: June 2023

Acute brain injury (ABI) covers various clinical entities that may require invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) in the intensive care unit (ICU). The goal of MV, which is to protect the lung and the brain from further injury, may be difficult to achieve in the most severe forms of lung or brain injury. This narrative review aims to address the respiratory issues and ventilator management, specific to ABI patients in the ICU.
A electricity theft detection method through contrastive learning in smart grid
Authors: Liu Zijian , Ding Weilong , Chen Tao , Sun Maoxiang , Cai Hongmin , Liu Chen
Published: June 2023

As an important edge device of power grid, smart meters enable the detection of illegal behaviors such as electricity theft by analyzing large-scale electricity consumption data. Electricity theft poses a major threat to the economy and the security of society. Electricity theft detection (ETD) methods can effectively reduce losses and suppress illegal behaviors. On electricity consumption data from smart meters, ETD methods always train deep learning models. However, these methods are limited to extract different electricity consumption characteristics between independent users, and the pattern differences between users cannot be actively learned. Such difficulty prevents ETD further performance improvement. Therefore, a novel ETD method is proposed, which is the first attempt to apply supervised contrastive learning for electricity theft detection. On the one hand, our method allows the detection model to improve its detection performance by actively comparing users’ representation vectors. On the other hand, in order to obtain high-quality augmented views, largest triangle three buckets time series downsampling is adopted innovatively to improve model stability through data augment. Experiments on real-world datasets show that our model outperforms state-of-the-art models.
Investigation of near-field optical tweezers based on the edge effect of extraordinary optical transmission in thin microcavity
Authors: Zhang Lin , Wu Jiu Hui
Published: June 2023

Optical tweezers are powerful tools capable to trap and manipulate particles directly. However, using conventional optical tweezers for nanosized objects remains a formidable challenge due to the optical diffraction limits and high-power levels required for nanoscale trapping, which usually causes irreversible damage to the captured particles. In this paper, we investigate the near-field edge effect of thin microcavity due to macroscopic quantum effect, and the highly enhanced electric field can reach 2.4 times. Thus, a dual near-field optical trap potential well is generated at the edge of the thin microcavity. We theoretically show that this near-field potential well can stably capture nanoparticles smaller than 10 nm while keeping the incident optical power level below 100 mW. Besides, the relationship between size of the microcavity and optical gradient force has also been carefully studied. Finally, the theoretical model of near-field optical tweezers with double thin microcavity is established, and the electric field magnitude of the double microcavity model is enhanced by 4.5 times compared with single microcavity model, in which the coupling effect of double hole makes smaller particles be stably trapped. Our research presents a huge potential for optical trapping and separation of nanoparticles and biomolecules.
Postoperative Complications and Neurological Deficits After Petroclival Region Meningioma Resection: A Case Series
Authors: Nguyen Minh P. , Morshed Ramin A. , Cheung Steven W. , Theodosopoulos Philip V. , McDermott Michael W.
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND:

Surgical management of meningiomas involving the petroclival junction remains a challenge because of nearby critical neurovascular structures.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe surgical approach selection, outcomes, and factors associated with postoperative complications and neurological deficits in a series of patients undergoing resection of petroclival region meningiomas.

METHODS:

Retrospective review of patients undergoing symptomatic petroclival region meningioma resection was performed. Logistic regression was performed to identify variables associated with postoperative complications and new neurological deficits.

RESULTS:

Sixty-five patients underwent 54 one-stage and 11 two-stage resections with median follow-up of 51 months. Most tumors were World Health Organization grade 1 (90.8%), and the median volume was 23.9 cm3. Posterior petrosectomy and anterior petrosectomy were performed in 67.1% and 6.6% of operations, respectively. The gross or near total resection rate was 15.4%, and 8 patients (12.3%) progressed on follow-up. The surgical complication rate was 26.2% with no perioperative mortalities. Postoperatively, 45.8% of patients had new, persistent neurological deficits, with cranial nerves VII palsy being most common. On multivariate analysis, higher body mass index (odds ratio [OR]: 1.1, P = .04) was associated with risk of surgical complications. Longer operative time (OR: 1.4, P = .004) and staged procedures (OR: 4.9, P = .04) were associated with risk of new neurological deficit on follow-up, likely reflecting more challenging tumors. Comparing early vs later career surgeries performed by the senior author, rates of severe complications and neurological deficits decreased 23.1% and 22.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

Petroclival region meningiomas remain surgically challenging, but improved outcomes are seen with surgeon experience. These data help inform patients on perioperative morbidity risk and provide a guide for surgical approach selection.
The Post-Brexit Recruitment Challenge
Authors: Fowler David
Published: June 2023

Like many UK manufacturers, the car industry relies on skilled people from Europe to fill key posts. What will be the impact of leaving the EU?
Analysis of the feminine cultural and pedagogical codes of the musical talent of the Spanish prodigy pianist Maria Vallès at the early 20th century
Authors: Soler Campo Sandra , Saneleuterıo Elia
Published: June 2023

This paper aims to find details about an excellent Spanish pianist from the beginning of the 20th century who starred when she was a little child: her name was Maria Vallès. Not many news are known about her brief biography since she had a short life and little could develop and become known as a pianist. Through a research work some press articles from the first decades of the 20th century were found, which highlight the excellence of her piano performances in Spain. The aim of this research is to analyze the pedagogical codes for the training of a musical talent in Spain at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as the feminine cultural codes against a female prodigy artist, on the axis of Maria Vallès. This research was carried out according to the type of document analysis, which is one of the qualitative research types. Evidence documents regarding the prodigy phenomenon of the Spanish pianist were found. She played concerts basically in Catalonia, where she moved with her family when she was a little child. It should be also noted that she studied with one of the most prestigious pedagogues of the time, Molinari. He was her mentor and the one who introduced her to the Catalan cultural and musical life of the twenties, making her known among her peers who were also pedagogues and musicologists and the public attending her concerts. This research includes some codes for practitioners and pedagogues for the development of piano talent, in the example of Spanish pianist Maria Vallès, who was a prodigy child.
Yorum unsurlarıyla gelenekli Türk mûsikîsi ses icrâsına yönelik model önerisi
Authors: Yıldırım Mustafa
Published: June 2023

Türk mûsikîsi eğitim sistemi yüzyıllar boyu nota kullanmaksızın meşk sistemiyle nesiller boyu aktarıla gelmiştir. Tarihi süreçte uygulanmaya çalışılan ebced ve Batı nota sistemi Türk mûsikîsinin icrâ özelliğini karşılayamayacağı endişesiyle dönemin mûsikîşinasları tarafından kabul görmemiştir. Zaman içinde Osmanlı Devleti’nin batılılaşma hareketleri etkisinden dolayı mûsikî eğitim kurumlarında Batı nota sistemi kullanılmaya başlanmış gelenekli mûsikî eğitimi olan meşk sisteminden zamanla uzaklaşılmaya başlanmıştır. Cumhuriyetten sonra kurulan konservatuvarlarda da hocaların kendi inisiyatifleri hariç tamamıyla Batı nota sistemi kullanılmaya başlanmıştır. Bu yeni önerilerin gelenekli icrâ eğitimi yapan mûsikîşinaslar tarafından kabul görmemesinin sebebi; üslup-tavır özelliğini tam mânâsıyla yansıtamayacağı düşüncesidir. Türk mûsikîsinde kullanılan vagösterilemeyeceği düşüncesi bunlardan biridir. Ancak gelenekli icrâ anlayışından kopmadan yerinde çalışmalarla bu problem yeterince olmasa da notasyonla aşılabilir niteliktedir. Bu araştırmada gelenekli icrâ anlayışından kopmadan fakat nota sistemi de kullanılarak Türk mûsikîsinin ses sistemi üzerine üslup-tavır özelliklerini öğrenciye aktarım için bir model hazırlanmıştır. Bu hazırlık aşamasında üslup-tavır özellikleri alanında çalışmaları olan araştırmacıların çalışmaları incelenmiş, gelenekli icrâcıların yorum unsurları belirlenerek nota üzerinde verilmeye çalışılmıştır. Bu yazım esnasında Hafız Postun “Gelse O Şuh Meclise” adlı eseri kullanılmıştır. Türk mûsikîsinin icrâ özelliğine göre açıklanmaya çalışılan bazı yorum unsurları 3 farklı yorum ifadesi içerecek şekilde notaya aktarılarak öğrenciye hoca eşliğinde uygulanması amaçlanmıştır. Uygulanacak yorum unsurlarının Türk mûsikîsi anlayışı üzerine açıklamaları yapılmış ve bazı örnekleri verilmiştir. Bu çalışmamıza dayanak olacak icrâ-tavır özellikli çalışmaların bu alana zenginlik katacağı kuşkusuzdur. Sonuç olarak bir eserin asıl notaları yazılmış nota sisteminin Türk mûsikîsi icrâ özelliklerini yansıtamayacağı fakat bu ve benzeri notasyon üzerinde çalışmaların bu soruna kayda değer bir çözüm getireceği görülmüştür.
Konservatuvar eğitiminde Brahms’ın op.108 re minör keman- piyano sonatının, bestecinin müzikal stil ve çalış teknikleri açısından incelenmesi ve öneriler
Authors: Akdeniz Ayşe Özlem , Artaç Arman
Published: June 2023

Eserlerini Romantik dönemde vermiş olan Alman besteci ve piyanist Johannes Brahms, senfoniler, piyano ve oda müziği eserleri, konçertolar koral eserler ve iki yüzden fazla şarkının bulunduğu pek çok eser bestelemiştir. 19. yüzyılın ikinci yarısında senfoni ve sonat formlarının büyük ustası olarak görülen Brahms, yazdığı 3 piyano, 3 keman, 2 viyola, 2 çello ve 2 klarnet sonatı ile bir Klasik dönem formu olan sonatı, romantik ve modern bir anlayışla işlemiş zengin müzikal ifadeleri ile sonat formunu oldukça geliştirmiştir. Bu çalışma geç Romantik1 dönemin en önemli bestecilerinden Johannes Brahms’ın op.108 3 numaralı keman sonatının detaylı bir incelemesidir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, öğrencilerin teknik ve müzikal gelişimlerine katkıda bulunabilecek pek çok unsuru da içerisinde barındıran; Brahms’ın 3 numaralı keman sonatını çalışacak olan icracılara, Brahms’ın müzikal anlayışı hakkında bilgi vermek; sonatı biçim, armoni ve stil açısından tanıtmak ve çeşitli çalışma önerileri sunmaktır. Bu çalışmada veriler; literatür taraması, eserlerin dinlenmesi, icra edilmesi ve nota üzerinde analiz yöntemiyle elde edilmiştir. Çalışmada Brahms’ın müzikal yaşamına kısaca değinilmiş, stili hakkında bilgiler verilmiştir. Sonraki bölümde sonat hakkında bilgiler verilerek, form, armoni ve yorum açısından analizi yapılmıştır. Doğru çalış stilinin uygulanabilmesi ve Brahms’ın yoğun müzikal dokusunun yansıtılabilmesi için sağ ve sol elde çeşitli icra teknikleri ve çalışma önerilerinde bulunulmuştur. Hızlı bölümler için metronom tavsiyelerinde bulunulmuştur. Benzer analiz ve öneriler piyano partisi için de yapılmıştır. Çalışmadaki veriler literatür taraması ve notaların ayrıntılı incelemesi sonucunda elde edilmiştir. Ortaya çıkan sonuçlara göre; Brahms, sonatı organik bir bütünlük içinde tasarlamış, keman ve piyano arasındaki ilişkiyi bir solo çalgı ve ona eşlik eden bir piyano olmanın ötesine taşımış, kontrpuan, rondo formu, sonat allegro formu gibi geleneksel formları kullanmış, uygulanmasını istediği her türlü ifadeyi nota üzerine yazmış olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır.
Writing Effective Alt-text for Online Instructional Materials
Authors: Chee Michael , Weaver Kari D.
Published: June 2023

Instructional materials are increasingly created and made available within an online space. Engaging materials utilize various types of images to break up walls of text and enhance learning. Describing these images with effective alternative text (alt-text) is subjective and contextually-based, requiring a treatment and knowledge beyond a simple checklist. This lesson is aimed to support educators in becoming more accessibility-literate, and to build in robust alt-text at the moment of creation.
This lesson presents five different types of images. Each image type serves a distinct purpose within the context of online instructional materials. During the lesson, learners will work through each image type, with opportunities to practice examining HTML alternative tags and writing appropriate alt-text for each type of image.
Universal Design for Learning: Increasing Inclusive Teaching for Graduate Students
Authors: Söken Ali
Published: June 2023

This workshop seeks to equip Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, a set of standardized and widely accepted practices that enable Master's, Ph.D., and post-doctoral students to create a more inclusive teaching environment. This workshop is an updated and improved version of a previously conducted event. Participants will engage with the UDL framework, apply its principles in practical examples, and develop a learning activity tailored to their unique teaching practice. By integrating the UDL framework, GTAs will be equipped to create more inclusive learning environments for their students. This workshop will provide an opportunity to strengthen their teaching abilities.
Ecosystem services provided by agroforestry home gardens in Bengkulu, Indonesia: Smallholder utilization, biodiversity conservation, and carbon storage
Authors: WIRYONO WIRYONO , KRISTIANSEN PAUL , BRUYN LISA LOBRY DE , SAPRINURDIN SAPRINURDIN , NURLIANA STEFFANIE
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Wiryono, Kristiansen P, Bruyn LLD, Saprinurdin, Nurliana S. 2023. Ecosystem services provided by agroforestry home gardens in Bengkulu, Indonesia: Smallholder utilization, biodiversity conservation, and carbon storage. Biodiversitas 24: 2657-2665. Agroforestry system provides ecosystem services such as conserving biodiversity and providing smallholder farmers with food and other daily needs. It can also generate income for the owners. This study was conducted in 105 home gardens of four villages in Bengkulu Province, Indonesia, to analyze tree species diversity and composition, uses, and potential carbon storage in the agroforestry system of home gardens. Tree data were collected on individual trees from 200 plots (10×10 m). Home garden owners were interviewed on the uses of each tree species. The species richness of trees in each village ranged from 18 to 36, with a total of 57 species (29 introduced and 28 native) for four villages. Most trees (30 species) provided food. The above-ground carbon storage of trees ranged from 29 Mg ha-1to 127 Mg ha-1, with an average of 87 Mg ha-1. This study found that the agroforestry system in home gardens serves some ecosystem services, i.e., providing food, medicines, and other daily needs, conserving plant species and the habitat they provide, and storing carbon. These ecosystem services help villagers build resilience to changing environmental and socio-economic conditions.
Epiphytic and epigeal lichens as bioindicators of air pollution in the Burabay National Park, Kazakhstan
Authors: BUKABAYEVA ZNANYLKHAN , ABIYEV SARDARBEK , SILYBAYEVA BATIYASH , ASSANOVA ULBALA , SHARIPKHANOVA ANARGUL , SAGDATKYZY BALNUR
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Bukabayeva Z, Abiyev S, Silybayeva B, Assanova U, Sharipkhanova A, Sagdatkyzy B. 2023. Epiphytic and epigeal lichens as bioindicators of air pollution in the Burabay National Park, Kazakhstan. Biodiversitas 24: 2701-2709. Lichens are recognized as a symbiotic association between a fungus (mycobiont) and a chlorophyll-containing partner (photobiont). Because lichens receive all their nutrients from the atmosphere, they are very sensitive to air quality and can be used as bioindicators of pollution by heavy metals, organic compounds and radioactive elements in the air. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of lichens as bioindicators of the heavy metal content in the air in the Burabay National Park, northern Kazakhstan. In the period from 2018 to 2022, we studied the floristic composition of lichens in the national park. To inform air pollution level, we determined the quantitative characteristics and projective cover of an epiphytic lichen Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. at different heights above ground level, and the heavy-metal content in an epigeal lichen Cladonia alpestris (L.) Rabenh (Syn. Cladonia stellaris (Opiz) Pouzar & V?zda) at different distances from the road edge. We identified 56 species of lichen belonging to 23 genera and 16 families on the roadsides or in the nearby forest. We found that the average number of individuals of E. prunastri decreased as the tree trunk height increased. The largest number of individuals (11.3) was observed at a height of 60 cm, and the smallest (2.5), at a height of 150 cm. The analysis of C. alpestris samples taken at different distances (50, 100, 150, 200 m) from the roadside showed that the concentrations of Pb, Cr, Cd, As, Ga, V, and ?s were high, and for all the elements studied, except for Mn and Be, exceeded Maximum Allowable Concentration. Our study demonstrates that E. prunastri and C. alpestris are sensitive to air pollution from road traffic and can be used as biomonitors of heavy metal pollution in the study area. Because of the ever-increasing anthropogenic pressure on the vegetation of the Burabay National Park, we recommend further research and monitoring of its lichen biota.
Phytochemical analysis of ethanolic Psidium guajava leaves extract using GC-MS and LC-MS
Authors: NURSANTY RISA , PADZIL KHAIRUL NAIM BIN MD , RAMLI NUR ISTI’ANAH BINTI , MAHYUDIN NOR AINY , JAAFAR AHMAD HANIFF BIN , RUKAYADI YAYA
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Nursanty R, Padzil KNBM, Ramli NIB, Mahyudin NA, Jaafar AHB, Rukayadi Y. 2023. Phytochemical analysis of ethanolic Psidium guajava leaves extract using GC-MS and LC-MS. Biodiversitas 24: 2723-2732. Psidium guajava L. is well known as guava and has been used traditionally as a medicinal plant for a variety of ailments all over the world, especially in infusions and decoctions for oral and topical use. Every part of this plant has been used for treating stomachache and diarrhea in many countries. Other reported uses include dermatitis, sores, epilepsy, and wounds.Medicinal plants have an important role in complementary and alternative medicine because they produce various natural compounds with high therapeutic properties. Many researchers report that the major chemical composition of this plant includes tannins, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, alkaloids, sterols, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. The aim of this study is to identify the volatile and non-volatile compounds in ethanolic P. guajava leaves extract. This study aimed to identify phytochemical compounds in P. guajava leaves extract. The main volatile compounds identified using GC-MS were pyrogallol, ?-copaene, caryophyllene, aromadendrene, ?-humulene, alloaromadendrene, ?-muurolene, ?-selinene, ?-selinene, ?-muurolene, ?-bisabolene, ?-bisabolene, (-) globulol, caryophyllene oxide, ?-muurolol, and epiglobulol. Based on LC-MS analysis, a number of non-volatile compounds such as flavonoids; apigenin 7-?-?-D-glucuronopyranoside, quercetin, luteolin 7-O-glucuronide, naringenin 4?-O-glucopyranoside, and myrecitin along with phenolic derivatives such as quinic acid, catechin, and epigallocatechin (4?,8)-gallocatechin were tentatively identified.
Bacteriocin-producing Pediococcus acidilactici BAMA 15 isolated from "naniura" traditional foods in North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: NASUTION SUBANG AINI , FACHRIAL EDY , GINTING CHRISMIS NOVALINDA , LIENA LIENA , PISKA FINNA
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Nasution SA, Fachrial E, Ginting CN, Liena, Piska F. 2023. Bacteriocin-producing Pediococcus acidilactici BAMA 15 isolated from "naniura" traditional foods in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 2830-2835. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) have beneficial properties for their hosts, potentially promoting health and balancing the normal gut flora. Meanwhile, bacteriocin is a bacteriostatic polypeptide used as a food preservative. LAB are generally produced from fermented products, such as dengke naniura, a typical Toba Batak food. Therefore, it is estimated that the LAB present in this food has the potential as a probiotic and produces bacteriocin, an antimicrobial polypeptide compound. The purpose of this study was to identify the LAB species found in dengke naniura and to characterize the bacteriocin generated by them. The first study stages included the isolation and biochemical and morphological characterization of LAB. Nine LAB isolates (BAMA 10-11, BAMA 15-20, and BAMA 25) were isolated from the samples. The best strain for use as a probiotic was Pediococcus acidilactici BAMA 15 because its antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus was 6.44 and 7.53 mm, respectively. The bacteriocin produced has a molecular weight estimated to be ?12 kDa.
Antibacterial activity and GC-MS profile of secondary metabolites of Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis HSFI-9 associated with Holothuria scabra
Authors: RAKHMAWATIE MAYA DIAN , MARFU’ATI NANIK , BARSALIPUTRI BESTY , FIKRIYAH AIDA ZAKIYATUL , ETHICA STALIS NORMA
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Rakhmawatie MD, Marfu’ati N, Barsaliputri B, Fikriyah AZ, Ethica SN. 2023. Antibacterial activity and GC-MS profile of secondary metabolites of Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis HSFI-9 associated with Holothuria scabra. Biodiversitas 24: 2843-2849. The emergence of resistant bacteria has led to the importance of new antibacterial discovery. Before this research, the marine biota Holothuria scabra found in the Kodek gulf area, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, was explored to isolate Bacillus sp. The present research was conducted to explore Bacillus sp. to produce secondary antibacterial metabolites, by culturing isolate using media containing starch, yeast, and peptone. Ethyl acetate was used for secondary metabolite extraction. Antibacterial activity screening was carried out by two-fold microdilution test to obtain Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value. In this study, it was found that the ethyl acetate extract of the strain HSFI-9 can inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Extended Spectrum ?-Lactamase (ES?L)-Escherichia coli, and Mycobacterium smegmatis with sequential minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values ??of 3.125; 25; and 50 µg/mL. Based on phylogenetic tree analysis, the strain HSFI-9 show 99.71 similarity with Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis. The ethyl acetate extract of Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis HSFI-9 metabolomics profile was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS). It showed five volatile secondary metabolites, with the first dominant compound being (2S, 3S)-(-)-3-propyloxiranemethanol (MW 116, C6H12O2) with an area of ??34.78% (database similarity index of 73.3%). This study concluded that B. subtilis subsp. subtilis HSFI-9 could be further developed as an antibacterial producer.
Phytochemical screening, phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of Rhizophoraceae methanol extracts from Langsa, Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: INDRIATY INDRIATY , DJUFRI DJUFRI , GINTING BINAWATI , HASBALLAH KARTINI
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Indriaty, Djufri, Ginting B, Hasballah K. 2023. Phytochemical screening, phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of Rhizophoraceae methanol extracts from Langsa, Aceh, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 2865-2876. Bruguiera cylindrica (L.) Blume,Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lam., Ceriops decandra (Griff.) Ding Hou, Rhizophora apiculate Blume, and Rhizophora mucronata Lam. are mangrove plant species belonging to Rhizophoraceae that have been used as medicinal plants. Studies on phytochemical screening and bioactivity of Rhizophoraceae mangrove plants from the Aceh region are still limited. This study aimed to analyze the chemical compounds in Rhizophoraceae from Aceh and determine total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity. The chemical compounds were determined using qualitative assay, TLC, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity was tested against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Twenty extracts from various plant parts of Rhizophoraceae (roots, bark, leaves, and fruit/hypocotyl) were used in this study. The phytochemical screening of Rhizophoraceae plants revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics (tannins), terpenoids, steroids, and saponins. The highest TPC content was obtained from the bark of R. mucronata (484.39 mg GAE/g extract). Furthermore, the highest TFC was found in the leaves of R. apiculata ( 15.23 mg QE/g extract). Nineteen extracts had very high antioxidant activity (IC50: 2.35 ± 0.01 - 29.84 ± 0.19 µg/mL). The bark and roots of C. decandra had the most potent antioxidant activity (IC50: 2.35 0.01 and 3.23 0.01 µg/mL, respectively). The GC-MS revealed the presence of pyrocatechol (15.85%), antiarol (1.44%), and hexadecanoic acid (1.69%), that act as antioxidants. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Rhizophoraceae methanol extract contains phenols in the stem bark and flavonoids in the leaves with very high antioxidant activity as a good source of natural ingredients for future pharmaceutical product development. It is highly recommended to do further research to obtain pure compounds from these plants.
Identification polymorphism of LHR and FSHR genes in Indonesian Holstein dairy cattle associated with productive and reproductive traits
Authors: SETYORINI YULIATI WAHYU , KURNIANTO EDY , SUTOPO SUTOPO , SUTIYONO SUTIYONO
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Setyorini YW, Kurnianto E, Sutopo, Sutiyono. 2023. Identification polymorphism of LHR and FSHR genes in Indonesian Holstein dairy cattle associated with productive and reproductive traits. Biodiversitas 24: 2898-2905. Luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones and their receptors play an important role in the reproductive system’s hormonal activity and physiological function. This study aimed to identify the genotype variation of the Luteinizing Hormone Receptor (LHR) gene exon 11 and the Follicle-stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR) gene exon 10 and to elucidate the associating between polymorphism with the milk and reproductive traits in dairy cattle. A total of 100 samples of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from Indonesian Holstein dairy cattle were used in this study. Polymerase Chain Reaction Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was performed for genotyping of the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) of the LHR and FSHR genes with the HhaI and AluI restriction enzymes, respectively. The collected phenotype data were milk production, quality, and reproductive trait. In addition, the general linear model procedure in the SAS program was carried out to investigate the association of genotypes with productive and reproductive traits. The results showed that the LHR gene in the population of this study was monomorphic, while the FSHR gene was polymorphic with three genotypes, namely CC, CG, and GG. The sequences of the FSHR gene indicated the presence of a mutation at nucleotide number 2037 that substitutes cytosine for guanine. Cows with the CC genotype showed better parameter service per conception (P<0.05) than the other genotypes but did not correlate with other reproductive parameters and milk traits. Therefore, it was concluded that SNP g.2037C>G polymorphism at FSHR gene exon 10 was identified in the Indonesian Holstein Dairy cattle population and associated with service per conception parameters but not with milk trait.
Comparison of genetic diversity of farmed Oreochromis niloticus and wild unidentified tilapia (Wesafu) using microsatellite markers
Authors: UKENYE ESTHER ADAKU , MEGBOWON IWALEWA
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Ukenye EA, Megbowon I. 2023. Comparison of genetic diversity of farmed Oreochromis niloticus and wild unidentified tilapia (Wesafu) using microsatellite markers. Biodiversitas 24: 2953-2957. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) and unidentified tilapia (Wesafu) are cichlid species of important nutritional and economic value with good aquaculture potential. Assessing and comparing the genetic diversity of these cichlid species will assist in information development for conservation and management strategies to improve their overall productivity and sustainable aquaculture production. Using twenty fish specimens each from farmed O. niloticus and ecotype, Wesafu from the wild respectively, we examined the genetic diversity between these two cichlid species. Eight microsatellite loci were utilized to molecularly characterize and compare these two cichlid species from the wild and farm based on their genetic variation levels. Genetic diversity was investigated from isolated, amplified and resolved DNA of the two cichlid species obtained from the wild and farm. The microsatellite markers analysis revealed that ecotype, Wesafu from the wild exhibited higher genetic diversity than farmed O. niloticus as evidenced by the effective number of alleles (1.756), Shannon information index (0.596), observed and expected heterozygosity values (0.682 and 0.400). All genetic diversity indices were observed to have declined in farmed populations due to inbreeding. However, farmed O. niloticus recorded more polymorphism (87%) than ecotype, Wesafu from the wild (75%). Low genetic differentiation was found between the farmed and wild cichlid species according to the fixation index (-0.628) while Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) demonstrated some level of variation between the two cichlid species. This finding provides more insights into the conservation of the genetic resource and better management of these species to minimize inbreeding in aquaculture. We advise that only wild broodstocks should be used for fish restocking in breeding program for sustainable aquaculture production.
Trajectories of COVID-19: A longitudinal analysis of many nations and subnational regions
Authors: Burg David , Ausubel Jesse H.
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic is the first to be rapidly and sequentially measured by nation-wide PCR community testing for the presence of the viral RNA at a global scale. We take advantage of the novel "natural experiment" where diverse nations and major subnational regions implemented various policies including social distancing and vaccination at different times with different levels of stringency and adherence. Initially, case numbers expand exponentially with doubling times of ~1–2 weeks. In the nations where interventions were not implemented or perhaps lees effectual, case numbers increased exponentially but then stabilized around 102-to-103 new infections (per km2 built-up area per day). Dynamics under effective interventions were perturbed and infections decayed to low levels. They rebounded concomitantly with the lifting of social distancing policies or pharmaceutical efficacy decline, converging on a stable equilibrium setpoint. Here we deploy a mathematical model which captures this V-shape behavior, incorporating a direct measure of intervention efficacy. Importantly, it allows the derivation of a maximal estimate for the basic reproductive number Ro (mean 1.6–1.8). We were able to test this approach by comparing the approximated "herd immunity" to the vaccination coverage observed that corresponded to rapid declines in community infections during 2021. The estimates reported here agree with the observed phenomena. Moreover, the decay (0.4–0.5) and rebound rates (0.2–0.3) were similar throughout the pandemic and among all the nations and regions studied. Finally, a longitudinal analysis comparing multiple national and regional results provides insights on the underlying epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 and intervention efficacy, as well as evidence for the existence of an endemic steady state of COVID-19.
Socio-demographic and neighbourhood factors influencing urban green space use and development at home: A population-based survey in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Amegah A. Kofi , Yeboah Kelvin , Owusu Victor , Afriyie Lucy , Kyere-Gyeabour Elvis , Appiah Desmond C. , Osei-Kufuor Patrick , Annim Samuel K. , Agyei-Mensah Samuel , Mudu Pierpaolo
Published: June 2023

In Sub-Saharan Africa and other developing regions, there has been very little systematic attempt to document the uses and perceived health benefits of urban green spaces in cities and the factors influencing usage. We therefore sought to establish the availability, accessibility and use of urban green spaces, and the perceived health benefits in an African population. We also ascertained the factors influencing use and development of green spaces at home. A population-based survey was conducted in Accra, the capital city of Ghana, spanning 11 Municipal and 3 Sub-Metropolitan areas. Multivariable binary logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders was used to establish the association between green space use and development at home, and socio-demographic, neighbourhood and health factors. Odds ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were estimated from the models. Several socio-demographic (gender, age, marital status, occupation, ethnicity, religion) and district-level (population density, income level, neighbourhood greenness) factors were associated with use of green spaces and development of green spaces at home in Accra. Residents who were worried about depletion of green spaces in their community were more likely to develop green spaces at home. In neighbourhoods with moderate and high level of greenness, residents were less likely to develop green spaces at home. Five-percent and 47% of green space users in Accra reported witnessing an improvement in their physical and mental health, respectively, from use of green spaces. The study findings can inform policy action for promoting use and development of green spaces in African cities and for mitigating depletion and degradation of the limited urban greenery.