bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpreting prediction intervals and distributions for decoding biological generality in meta-analyses
Authors: Yang Yefeng , Noble Daniel WA , Senior Alistair M , Lagisz Malgorzata , Nakagawa Shinichi
Published: February 2025

Despite the importance of identifying predictable regularities for knowledge transfer across contexts, the generality of ecological and evolutionary findings is yet to be systematically quantified. We present the first large-scale evaluation of generality using new metrics. By focusing on biologically relevant study levels, we show that generalization is not uncommon. Overall, 20% of meta-analyses will produce a non-zero effect 95% of the time in future replication studies with a 70% probability of observing meaningful effects in study-level contexts. We argue that the misconception that generalization is exceedingly rare is due to conflating within-study and between-study variances in ecological and evolutionary meta-analyses, which results from focusing too much on total heterogeneity (the sum of within-study and between-study variances). We encourage using our proposed approach to elucidate general patterns underpinning ecological and evolutionary phenomena.
Decoding phase separation of prion-like domains through data-driven scaling laws
Authors: Maristany M Julia , Gonzalez Anne Aguirre , Espinosa Jorge R , Huertas Jan , Collepardo-Guevara Rosana , Joseph Jerelle A
Published: February 2025

Proteins containing prion-like low complexity domains (PLDs) are common drivers of the formation of biomolecular condensates and are prone to misregulation due to amino acid mutations. Here, we exploit the accuracy of our residue-resolution coarse-grained model, Mpipi, to quantify the impact of amino acid mutations on the stability of 140 PLD mutants from six proteins (hnRNPA1, TDP43, FUS, EWSR1, RBM14, and TIA1). Our simulations reveal the existence of scaling laws that quantify the range of change in the critical solution temperature of PLDs as a function of the number and type of amino acid sequence mutations. These rules are consistent with the physicochemical properties of the mutations and extend across the entire family tested, suggesting that scaling laws can be used as tools to predict changes in the stability of PLD condensates. Our work offers a quantitative lens into how the emergent behavior of PLD solutions vary in response to physicochemical changes of single PLD molecules.
Analysis of local and systemic side effects of bacillus Calmette-Guérin immunotherapy in bladder cancer: a retrospective study in Türkiye
Authors: Akbulut Ilkay , Ödemiş İlker , Atalay Sabri
Published: February 2025

Background

Bladder cancer is a growing health concern, especially in developing countries like Türkiye. Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy is essential for reducing recurrence and progression in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, it can cause local and systemic adverse effects linked to bacterial virulence, allergic reactions, or nosocomial infections. Data from randomized studies on BCG side effects are limited, with severe cases often reported in case studies. This study investigates the association between intravesical BCG immunotherapy and its adverse effects.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 239 patients who underwent BCG immunotherapy between 2017 and 2024. Detailed demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected, and the adverse effects that developed following BCG therapy were evaluated. Descriptive statistics, including medians, counts, and percentage distributions, were calculated, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing the development of adverse effects.

Results

Adverse effects related to BCG immunotherapy were observed in 63.1% of the patients. The most common minor adverse effects were hematuria, dysuria, and cystitis, while major adverse effects included sepsis and lymphadenopathy. The analyses revealed that elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and the presence of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis in urine cultures were significant risk factors for the development of adverse effects. Additionally, patients who underwent the 6th cycle of BCG therapy were found to have a higher risk of developing adverse effects compared to those who received fewer cycles.

Conclusion

BCG immunotherapy is an effective treatment method for NMIBC; however, the adverse effects that occur during treatment must be closely monitored. Elevated AST levels, the presence of specific pathogens in urine cultures, and the number of BCG doses administered are significant factors that increase the risk of adverse effects. These findings highlight the necessity for more careful monitoring throughout the treatment process.
Hematology and clinical biochemistry reference intervals for companion pigs using the ADVIA 2120 and Cobas c501
Authors: Schaefer Deanna M. W. , Videla Ricardo , Smith Joe S. , Mulon Pierre-Yves , Flatland Bente , Zhu Xiaojuan
Published: February 2025

Background

The majority of published reference intervals for hematology and clinical biochemistry in pigs are generated from a sample group that is demographically different from companion pigs, and as such may not be transferable. The goals of this study were to provide reference intervals generated from sexually mature companion pigs and to compare results based on age group, breed, and reproductive status. Reference intervals are ideally generated in the same laboratory in which patient samples are measured, since there is often bias in values generated from different instruments, but the cost and time commitment required to produce reference intervals may be prohibitive. If so, published reference intervals may be used cautiously as guidelines for interpretation.

Methods

Complete blood count (CBC) and plasma biochemistry data were generated using the ADVIA 2120 hematology analyzer and Cobas c501 chemistry analyzer on blood samples collected from 94 sexually mature, clinically healthy companion pigs housed mostly in eastern Tennessee over a 5-year period. The majority (90/94) of samples were collected after sedation or general anesthesia. The age range of the reference sample group was 5 months to 11 years, including <1-year-old (n = 26), 1–2 years old (n = 26), and >2-years-old (n = 42). Reproductive status included intact females (n = 46), spayed females (n = 9), intact males (n = 15), and castrated males (n = 24). Breeds were predominantly Vietnamese potbellied mini pigs, American mini pigs, and mixed breed pigs.

Results

Reference intervals are provided for routine CBC and plasma biochemistry values. The <1-year-old pigs were excluded from reference interval calculation for some values because their results were significantly different from pigs >1-year-old. These included red blood cell concentration, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin, platelet count, mean platelet volume, lymphocyte concentrations by both automated and manual methods, and total protein by refractometry. Few significant differences were observed based on breed or reproductive status.

Discussion

Age, breed, and reproductive status can affect some hematology and biochemistry results in companion pigs. If companion pig reference intervals are not available from the laboratory in which patient samples are measured, these published reference intervals may provide guidance for interpretation, although some methodologic variances are likely.
PGSXplorer: an integrated nextflow pipeline for comprehensive quality control and polygenic score model development
Authors: Yaraş Tutku , Oktay Yavuz , Karakülah Gökhan
Published: February 2025

The rapid development of next-generation sequencing technologies and genomic data sharing initiatives during the post-Human Genome Project-era has catalyzed major advances in individualized medicine research. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have become a cornerstone of efforts towards understanding the genetic basis of complex diseases, leading to the development of polygenic scores (PGS). Despite their immense potential, the scarcity of standardized PGS development pipelines limits widespread adoption of PGS. Herein, we introduce PGSXplorer, a comprehensive Nextflow DSL2 pipeline that enables quality control of genomic data and automates the phasing, imputation, and construction of PGS models using reference GWAS data. PGSXplorer integrates various PGS development tools such as PLINK, PRSice-2, LD-Pred2, Lassosum2, MegaPRS, SBayesR-C, PRS-CSx and MUSSEL, improving the generalizability of PGS through multi-origin data integration. Tested with synthetic datasets, our fully Docker-encapsulated tool has demonstrated scalability and effectiveness for both single- and multi-population analyses. Continuously updated as an open-source tool, PGSXplorer is freely available with user tutorials at https://github.com/tutkuyaras/PGSXplorer, making it a valuable resource for advancing precision medicine in genetic research.
pandasPGS: a Python package for easy retrieval of Polygenic Score Catalog data
Authors: Zhang Zheyu , Zhou Jintong , Cao Tianze , Huang Yuexia , Huang Chu , Xia Yu
Published: February 2025

Background

The Polygenic Score (PGS) Catalog is a public database dedicated to storing polygenic risk scores. To date, the database has included 5,022 polygenic risk scores associated with 656 different traits. Although the PGS Catalog offers an official resource representational state transfer (REST) application programming interface (API), there is no ready-made data client tailored for any specific programming language. Researchers are thus required to invest time in becoming familiar with the structure of the REST API and to implement a corresponding client in their programming language of choice to integrate PGS data into their analytical workflows.

Methods

In this work we introduce pandasPGS, a Python package that provides programmatic access to PGS Catalog data. After being called by the researcher, pandasPGS will automatically select the appropriate uniform resource locator (URL) and request the data based on the name and parameters of the called function, and merge the obtained pagination data. In addition, pandasPGS also provides further data pre-processing functions. According to the structure of the obtained data, it can convert the data into several hierarchical pandas.DataFrame objects, which is convenient for further analysis by researchers.

Results

This tool allows researchers to easily analyze PGS Catalog data using Python. It alleviates the time cost for researchers to learn the REST APIs of PGS Catalog. The source codes can be found in https://github.com/tianzelab/pandaspgs, and the API documentations can be found in https://tianzelab.github.io/pandaspgs/.
Nutritional and Health Effects of Grasshopper-Enriched Sprouted Soybean/Millet-Based Complementary Food: A Study on Gut Health Markers in Rats
Authors: Ponfa Sambo , Adamu Gyenvwot Pyokpang , Dasoem Naanswan Joseph , Emmanuella Lombin Zhianbyen , Ezekiel Wazhi Ponnak , Muhammad Aisha Gadanya
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to develop and assess the effects of sprouted soybean/millet-based complementary food on gut health markers in rats. Four diets were formulated: sprouted millet (CFB), sprouted soybean (CFC), sprouted soybean/millet (CFD), and grasshopper-enriched sprouted soybean/millet (CFE). Proximate analysis was conducted using AOAC methods. Twenty-five Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups, with one serving as the control (fed animal feed) and the others fed the formulated diets for four weeks. At the end of the experiment, serum and stool samples were collected to measure serum carotenoids and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) to evaluate gut health effects. Results of proximate composition were significantly higher (p<0.05) in percentage ash, fat and protein content in grasshopper enriched diet, 6.36, 17.21, 24.22%, respectively than the other groups (3.38, 4.25, 4.68 and 5.67% for ash, 10.70, 12.50, 14.25 and 15.86% for crude fat, 18.34, 19.60, 22.27 and 22.86% for crude protein) respectively. Crude fiber was significantly (p<0.05) elevated in the grasshopper-enriched diet: 5.10% than the other groups (3.13%, 4.88%, 4.89% and 4.99%) respectively. Carbohydrate composition was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the control group: Moisture content was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the grasshopper-enriched diet than other formulation (17.53, 24.60, 23.54 and 25.54%) respectively. Short-chain fatty acid concentrations (acetate, butyrate, and propionate) were significantly (p<0.05) elevated in the grasshopper-enriched diet (68.73, 7.65 and 5.43 µmo/L) than the other groups (50.86, 62.60, 56.21 and 63.65µmo/L for acetate, 2.86 ,4.66, 2.98 and 6.32µmo/L for butyrate, 1.48, 2.98, 1.97 and 4.21µmo/L for propionate) respectively. In contrast, faecal protein and serum carotenoid concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the grasshopper-enriched diet (0.04 µmo/L and 0.33 µmo/L), respectively compared to the other groups (0.02, 0.03, 0.02 and 0.02 µmo/L for faecal protein, 0.41, 0.13, 0.37 and 0.17 µmo/L for carotenoids respectively. Based on the finding of this study, the grasshopper-enriched sprouted soybean/millet-based diet provide beneficial effect to host on both nutrition and health.
Supervised Machine Learning Models for COVID-19 Prediction
Authors: Modu Babagana , Fika Ibrahim Adamu
Published: February 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on global public health, resulting in millions of deaths worldwide. Understanding the factors influencing patient survival outcomes is crucial.This study conducts a comparative analysis of various supervised machine learning models to predict COVID-19 survivors. The dataset sourced from Kaggle repository containing 373 records; however, only 74 records were selected for analysis due to missing data in several feature variables. The outliers were addressed using the Z-Score method, while missing values were imputed using Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations (MICE).We partitioned the dataset into two distinct subsets: 80% (59 data points) for training and 20% (15 data points) for testing. Supervised classification models, including Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, Naive Bayes, Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, and Artificial Neural Network, were employed. The results indicated that the Random Forest model outperformed the others in predicting COVID-19 survivors, with an accuracy of 0.97±0.06, followed by Naive Bayes with an accuracy of 0.75±0.12. This findings demonstrate that Oxygen levels and Age emerge as strong predictors of COVID-19 severity; thus guiding patient outcomes and healthcare services.
Geophysical Method for Determining Geothermal Source Potential in Parts of the South-West and South-South, Nigeria
Authors: Ejaita Edeye , Godwin Ogobiri E. , Isaac Adedokun O. , Udensi Emmanuel E. , Omonefe Francis
Published: February 2025

In order to determine the depths of magnetic sources in the study area, this study offers a thorough evaluation of high-resolution aeromagnetic data using quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including spectral depth analysis, filtering techniques, and statistical analysis. The results show that the centroid depth (Zo) varies between 8.667 km and 20.824 km, while the magnetic source depth to the top (Zt) ranges between 2.173 km and 10.304 km. The Curie point depth map, which ranges from 9.57 km to 29.486 km, shows shallow Curie depths ranging from 9.5 km to 14 km in the eastern part of Edo State. On the other hand, the borders with Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Kogi, and Delta states show deeper depths ranging from 16 km to 29 km. Geothermal gradient investigation shows values ranging from 19 to 56 °C/km. Geothermal gradients range from 19 to 56 °C/km, with lower values (19–30.34 °C/km) in northern and western Edo and higher values (45–56.34 °C/km) in some municipalities. The towns in eastern Edo showed heat flow levels between 106 and 122 mW/m², whereas the overall range was 48 to 141 mW/m². Northern, western, and southern boundaries, on the other hand, show heat flow rates between 48 and 80 mW/m² that are lower. The results show that eastern Edo State has a lot of untapped geothermal energy potential, especially in cities with strong heat flows and geothermal gradients. We have identified Okada, Auchi, and Ugboku as promising locations for future investigation and resource extraction. Not only does this study add to our understanding of the region's geothermal terrain, but it also promotes the use of renewable energy sources, which might boost the economy and make the area more self-sufficient.
Rice Variety Screening for Blast Control in Burkina Faso
Authors: Souleymane Ouattara , Sylvain Zougrana , Itolou Kassankogno Abalo , Kadidia Koïta
Published: February 2025

Rice blast, caused by Maganporthe oryzae, is a fungal disease that causes enormous damage in rice fields in Burkina Faso. This study aimed to test the resistance of four rice varieties to this disease in a semi-controlled environment. The study was carried out over two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023, on the experimental site of the Institute for Research in Applied Sciences and Technologies in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The plant material was composed of KBR2, KBR4, KBR6 and KBR8 rice varieties. The fungal material used for the varietal resistance test was M. oryzae strain BF0201. It is a strain from Burkina Faso isolated from rice leaves collected at the Farakô-Bâ site. The choice of this strain was justified by its level of virulence. The experimental design used was a randomised block with three replications. The parameters assessed were leaf and panicle severity, leaf and panicle incidence, grain yield and percentage yield loss. The results showed that the KBR8 variety was moderately susceptible to blast with a mean of 48.77% of the leaf area affected over the two experimentation years. While the KBR2, KBR4 and KBR6 varieties were susceptible to leaf blast with a mean of the leaf area affected over the two experimentation years of 54.33%, 51.66% and 53.89% respectively. The KBR8 variety was moderately resistant to panicle blast with a mean severity of 24,07%. This variety recorded the highest grain yield (59.99 g/pot) and the lowest loss rate (9.14%) with a mean of leaf and panicle incidences of 64.33% and 39.86% respectively.This variety can be improved and used as a means of varietal control against rice blast in rice fields in Burkina Faso.
In silico Investigation of the Anti-inflammatory Potential of Ligands from Commonly Used Spices, Herbs and Medicinal Plants
Authors: Morebise Olugbenga , Chukwu Emmanuel , Abandoh-Sam Monica , Kotbagi Suhas , Eyo Edidiong
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Inflammation has been shown to be implicated in many communicable and noncommunicable diseases. Several studies have indicated the beneficial/protective effects of phytochemicals from many commonly used herbs, spices, vegetables and medicinal plants against ailments that have inflammatory components. Our study investigated the possible anti-inflammatory properties of ligands from these commonly used plants by exploring their interactions with the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, using bioinformatics techniques. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a key enzyme involved in the production of prostaglandins implicated in inflammatory disorders.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight ligands from plants were used for the study; ibuprofen and celecoxib served as reference ligands. The 3-D structures of the 30 ligands were retrieved from the PubChem database in their Structure Data Format (SDF). COX-2 was retrieved in its Protein Data Bank (PDB) format. The ligands and the protein were converted to their pdbqt formats and subjected to molecular docking through standard bioinformatics procedures. One of the ligands (quercetin) was further subjected to molecular dynamics simulation using the Desmond Maestro software.
Results: Many of the ligands compared very well with celecoxib in their binding properties and exhibited more negative binding energies than ibuprofen. Additional interactions of H bonds and hydrophobic bonds were noticed post molecular dynamics simulation of quercetin with COX-2, indicating dynamic forces fluctuations. MD simulations showed that Gln42, Gly45, Pro 153, Pro154 and Glu465 were the best amino acid side chains that interacted with quercetin for the stabilization of the protein-ligand complex. The energy values and protein-ligand interactions indicate affinity and stability of complex.
Conclusion: Many of the ligands subjected to molecular docking and MD simulation can be taken as promising drug targets and subjected to ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) properties analysis and clinical trials. This is especially important in view of the various side effects of both selective and nonselective NSAIDs. In addition, the authors, through the findings of this study, recommend more consumption of natural foods that have health benefits rather than processed and artificial products.
Phytochemical Screening and Ameliorative Potential of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Polyaltha logifolia Leaves on Croton Oil-induced Hemorrhoid in Albino Wistar Rats
Authors: Celestine Ugwu Obiora , Doris Umeakuana Chidinma , Gloria Ogbonna Chidera , Casmir Uzoefuna Chima , Chinemerem Onyima Glory , Chekwube Adonu Cyril , Keneolisa Asogwa Felix , Romanus Omeh, Chijioke , Onyebuchi Idokoja Levi , Raymond Offia  Ogbonna , Emenike Onah Benjamin , Oluchukwu Pete Princess , Assumpta Anosike Chioma
Published: February 2025

Background: Hemorrhoids are a very common anorectal condition defined as the symptomatic enlargement and distal displacement of the normal anal cushions.
Aim: The research is aimed at investigating the ameliorative potential of ethyl acetate fraction of Polyaltha logifolia leaves on croton oil induced hemorrhoids in albino Wistar rats.
Methodology: Induction of Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoids were induced in the rats by the application of croton oil into the anus of the rats for five days. Hemorrhoids were induced to all the groups, except normal control group, by applying croton oil preparation. On each of the five (5) days of induction, each rat was immobilized in a restrainer cage. The tampon of an ear cotton bud was dipped in 10ml of the above inducer contained in 10 ml vial for 60 s. Then, it was inserted into the rectum and allowed to contact the mucosa to a depth of 2 cm for 60 s and then removed smoothly. The animals were freed from their restrainer and placed in back into their cages.
Results: Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses of EAFPL revealed that flavonoids, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides saponins, steroids and hydrogen cyanide were detected.  The study showed that the ethyl acetate fraction of Polyaltha logifolia leaves was not toxic even up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight. The results prove that group treated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg b.w of the fraction shown significant (p < 0.05) increase in body weight, rectal anal weight with corresponding decrease in rectal anal coefficient when compared with the untreated group. The study also revealed that groups treated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg b.w shown significant (p < 0.05) reduction in interleukin level when compared with the untreated group. However, the results showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in TNF-α level when compared with untreated group. The results showed that groups treated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg b.w of the fraction significantly (p < 0.05) decrease MDA level with corresponding significantly (p < 0.05)   increase in SOD, CAT and GSH levels when compared with untreated group.
Conclusion: This study therefore shows that the ethyl acetate fraction of Polyaltha logifolia possesses anti-hemorrhoid properties in rats.
Cardiac Markers: Laboratory Pattern in a Tertiary Hospital in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ochuko Otokunefor, , G Ossai, Emordi , M Aleme, Benjamin , Collins Amadi, , T Wala, Kelachi
Published: February 2025

The role of Cardiac markers cannot be over-emphasized when making a diagnosis of and classifying acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Ideally, all presenting patients should be immediately evaluated with a 12 lead ECG, however, there are atypical cases that do not have clear-cut (clinical and ECG) features. This poses a diagnostic challenge. One way to differentiate between the various classes of ACS and the causes of chest pain is by the presence or absence of elevated cardiac enzymes.
This necessitates that cardiac markers are done when there is a strong clinical suspicion. There is sparse information about cardiac markers in southern Nigeria.
Objectives: The study aimed to assess the patronage of the hospital laboratory in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital Rivers State and the pattern of the results of cardiac markers.
Methods: This was a retrospective study done over a period of 18months utilising data from Laboratory records in a tertiary hospital. Data from January 2022 to June 2023 was collected.
Results: A total of 146 requests were received and 78.6% were within range. 4.1% had isolated elevation of troponin I, 6.9% had only CK MB raised, 2.8% had isolated increase of myoglobin. Less than 1% had all three raised. 4.8% had values over 6 times the upper limit of the reference interval. Correlation with clinical features and time of onset of illness was difficult to establish due to insufficient records.
Conclusion: Cardiac markers should be assessed in all patients with suspected ACS and better collaboration between the clinician and the laboratory is strongly encouraged.
Hunting for New Antibiotics from the Soil Bacteria of Tabuk Natural Reserves
Authors: Albalawi Najla A. , Alatiyyat Hanaa A. , Alatawi Renad A. , Alghamdi Areej A. , Nour Eman OM , Alnour Tarig M , Abakur Eltayib H Ahmed , Alfifi Khalid A. S. , Ahmed Rehab
Published: February 2025

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is spreading all over the world and at the same time the rate of discovery of antimicrobials in general and antibiotics in particular is diminished. Historically and currently many antibiotics are discovered and isolated from soil bacteria and other natural sources. In this project our aim is to search for antibiotic producing bacteria from soil samples.
Methods: Soil samples from different locations from King Salaman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve were collected. Soil samples were cultured in Actinomyces special medium and incubated at 35 °C for 4 days. Isolates were further identified and categorized using VITEK-2 system. Two set of experiments were employed to evaluate the potential of antibiotic production and activity from these isolates against known pathogenic bacteria from both gram-positive and gram-negative Molecular identification of the isolates that exhibited inhibitory activity was performed by PCR. The identification of Actinomyces was confirmed or refuted molecularly by detecting the 16sRNA band in all the samples that were examined for their capacity to create inhibitory compounds.
Results: Many samples were identified through VITEK-2 as Actinomyces, others were unidentified and some were known irrelevant samples. Supernatant of the suspension of Actinomyces samples and the other unidentified samples succeeded to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae in the checkerboard experiments.
Conclusion: Some of the isolates were Actinomyces that are potentially secreting inhibitory substances and some of them were Actinomyces but not producing inhibitory substances. Further research is recommended to characterize these inhibitory substances.
Representasi Feminisme Masyarakat Jawa Perdesaan dalam Film Pendek Tilik
Authors: Wananda Anida Shofiyah , Surur Misbahus
Published: February 2025

Feminisme telah menjadi fenomena yang dikenal dalam masyarakat luas sejak lama. Fenomena ini tidak hanya terbatas pada masyarakat umum, akan tetapi isu feminisme juga hadir dalam industri perfilman Indonesia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana perempuan Jawa perdesaan direpresentasikan dalam film pendek yang berjudul “Tilik” (2020). Film pendek “Tilik” (2020) mengangkat feminisme yang berkembang di Indonesia, khususnya di daerah Jawa perdesaan. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dengan menerapkan metode semiotika televisi yang dikembangkan oleh John Fiske, yang terdiri dari tiga level analisis, yaitu level realitas, level representasi, dan level ideologi. Urgensi penelitian ini berkaitan dengan pemahaman mengenai bentuk feminisme yang dapat ditemui pada perempuan Jawa perdesaan. Adapun novelty dalam penelitian ini terletak pada titik fokus data yang dianalisis secara menyeluruh pada tiap tokoh perempuan. Hasil penelitian yang diperoleh penulis yakni berjumlah tujuh temuan  data dan diklasifikasikan dalam empat kategori feminisme, yaitu feminisme mendukung perempuan aktif berkampanye, feminisme mendukung perempuan sebagai pemimpin, feminisme mendukung kebebasan berekspresi perempuan, dan feminisme mendorong solidaritas antara perempuan.
Representation of Home: Negotiating Indonesian Identity through Vlogs of Indonesian Women in Transnational Marriage
Authors: Globalisasi Safitri Era , Tambunan Shuri Mariasih Gietty
Published: February 2025

As the transnational marriages rise among Indonesians, family vlogs on transnational marriages perform as an indicator of their existence on YouTube. Through daily vlogs, it captures the complexity of transnational family’s life. The mixed culture and identity have become a great challenge for spouses to perform their everyday life, especially for Indonesian woman, who come as a migrant to follow their partners abroad. As a migrant who live in a foreign country, they have to adjust to the environment but as a part of transnational marriage they are carrying a responsibility to pass over both her and her husband’s culture and identity to the family. This paper will examine two YouTube accounts of transnational marriage families which are Kimbab Family and Pita’s Life. Through vlogs, the women negotiate their Indonesian identity in practicing the family. This study uses a textual approach to explain the construction of Indonesian identity in transnational marriages based on their everyday life captured from the vlogs. The result of this research is both Kimbab Family and Pita’s Life representing Indonesian identity through the articulation of nationalism by participating on Indonesian events, vlogs as a ‘translanguaging space’, and finally through food as the articulation of Indonesian diversity. It shows that the identity of transnational marriages are fluid and continues to go through negotiation process.
Novel Functional Dressing Materials for Intraoral Wound Care
Authors: Ding Yutang , Zhu Zhou , Zhang Xin , Wang Jian
Published: May 2024

Intraoral wounds represent a particularly challenging category of mucosal and hard tissue injuries, characterized by the unique structures, complex environment, and distinctive healing processes within the oral cavity. They have a common occurrence yet frequently inflict significant inconvenience and pain on patients, causing a serious decline in the quality of life. A variety of novel functional dressings specifically designed for the moist and dynamic oral environment have been developed and realized accelerated and improved wound healing. Thoroughly analyzing and summarizing these materials is of paramount importance in enhancing the understanding and proficiently managing intraoral wounds. In this review, the particular processes and unique characteristics of intraoral wound healing are firstly described. Up‐to‐date knowledge of various forms, properties, and applications of existing products are then intensively discussed, which are categorized into animal products, plant extracts, natural polymers, and synthetic products. To conclude, this review presents a comprehensive framework of currently available functional intraoral wound dressings, with an aim to provoke inspiration of future studies to design more convenient and versatile materials.
Recent Advances in Ferroelectret Fabrication, Performance Optimization, and Applications
Authors: Wang Ningzhen , Zhang He , Qiu Xunlin , Gerhard Reimund , van Turnhout Jan , Cressotti Jason , Zhao Dong , Tang Liang , Cao Yang
Published: May 2024

The growing demand for wearable devices has sparked a significant interest in ferroelectret films. They possess flexibility and exceptional piezoelectric properties due to strong macroscopic dipoles formed by charges trapped at the interface of their internal cavities. This review of ferroelectrets focuses on the latest progress in fabrication techniques for high temperature resistant ferroelectrets with regular and engineered cavities, strategies for optimizing their piezoelectric performance, and novel applications. The charging mechanisms of bipolar and unipolar ferroelectrets with closed and open‐cavity structures are explained first. Next, the preparation and piezoelectric behavior of ferroelectret films with closed, open, and regular cavity structures using various materials are discussed. Three widely used models for predicting the piezoelectric coefficients (d33) are outlined. Methods for enhancing the piezoelectric performance such as optimized cavity design, utilization of fabric electrodes, injection of additional ions, application of DC bias voltage, and synergy of foam structure and ferroelectric effect are illustrated. A variety of applications of ferroelectret films in acoustic devices, wearable monitors, pressure sensors, and energy harvesters are presented. Finally, the future development trends of ferroelectrets toward fabrication and performance optimization are summarized along with its potential for integration with intelligent systems and large‐scale preparation.
Nonequivalent Atomic Vibrations at Interfaces in a Polar Superlattice
Authors: Hoglund Eric R. , Walker Harrison A. , Hussain Kamal , Bao De‐Liang , Ni Haoyang , Mamun Abdullah , Baxter Jefferey , Caldwell Joshua D. , Khan Asif , Pantelides Sokrates T. , Hopkins Patrick E. , Hachtel Jordan A.
Published: May 2024

In heterostructures made from polar materials, e.g., AlN–GaN–AlN, the nonequivalence of the two interfaces is long recognized as a critical aspect of their electronic properties; in that, they host different 2D carrier gases. Interfaces play an important role in the vibrational properties of materials, where interface states enhance thermal conductivity and can generate unique infrared‐optical activity. The nonequivalence of the corresponding interface atomic vibrations, however, is not investigated so far due to a lack of experimental techniques with both high spatial and high spectral resolution. Herein, the nonequivalence of AlN–(Al0.65Ga0.35)N and (Al0.65Ga0.35)N–AlN interface vibrations is experimentally demonstrated using monochromated electron energy‐loss spectroscopy in the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM‐EELS) and density‐functional‐theory (DFT) calculations are employed to gain insights in the physical origins of observations. It is demonstrated that STEM‐EELS possesses sensitivity to the displacement vector of the vibrational modes as well as the frequency, which is as critical to understanding vibrations as polarization in optical spectroscopies. The combination enables direct mapping of the nonequivalent interface phonons between materials with different phonon polarizations. The results demonstrate the capacity to carefully assess the vibrational properties of complex heterostructures where interface states dominate the functional properties.
Societal and community factors facilitating cultural adaptation and mental health of North Korean refugee women in South Korea
Authors: Nam Boyoung , Han Sangyoon , Hong Ijun
Published: May 2024

North Korean (NK) refugee women face unique challenges in their acculturation process in South Korea (SK), often leading to higher rates of depression among them. This study uses the Multidimensional Individual Difference Acculturation (MIDA) model to examine the role of societal and local community factors in facilitating cultural adaptation and influencing mental health issues, such as depression, among NK refugee women. The study focuses on three predictors from the MIDA model: out‐group social support, attachment to NK culture, and daily life experience of discrimination. Data from a sample of 212 NK refugee women in SK were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings highlight the crucial role of the social and community environment in attaining a balance between embracing a new culture and preserving one's connection to one's heritage culture. This balance is essential for promoting stable cultural adaptation, sound mental health, and overall well‐being, so as to reduce the incidence of depression among NK refugee women. Based on the results, specific intervention strategies are proposed to support the acculturation journey of NK refugee women in SK.
A simple assay for measuring tannin‐protein precipitation capacity offers insights into the diet and food choice of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra)
Authors: Alvarez‐Velazquez María Fernanda , Espinosa‐Gómez Fabiola Carolina , Aristizabal John F. , Garber Paul A. , Serio‐Silva Juan Carlos
Published: May 2024

Phenolics, like tannins, are plant‐specialized metabolites that play a protective role against herbivory. Tannins can reduce palatability and bind with proteins to reduce digestibility, acting as deterrents to feeding and impacting nutrient extraction by herbivores. Some assays measure tannin and total phenolics content in plants but lack determination of their biological effects, hindering the interpretation of tannin function in herbivory and its impacts on animal behavior and ecology. In this study, we successfully applied the radial diffusion assay to assess tannin protein precipitation (PP) capacity and evaluate the anti‐nutritional effects of tannins in food plants (n = 24) consumed by free‐ranging black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in Tabasco, Mexico. We found PP rings in five plant species consumed by the monkeys. The mature fruit of Inga edulis was the most consumed food plant, despite having a high tannin PP capacity (56.66 mg tannic acid equivalent/g dry matter). These findings highlight the presence of tannins in the black howler diet and provide insight into the primates' resilience and potential strategies for coping with anti‐nutritional aspects of the diet.
Identifying beliefs about the gender gap in engineering professions among university students using community detection algorithms and statistical analysis
Authors: Merayo Noemi , Ayuso Alba
Published: May 2024

Digital societies require professionals in the Technology and Engineering sectors, but their lack, particularly of women, requires a thorough understanding of this gender gap. This research analyzes the beliefs and opinions of university engineering students about the gender gap in their professional fields by means of a community detection algorithm to identify groups of students with similar belief patterns. This study leverages a community detection algorithm to analyze the beliefs of 590 engineering students regarding the gender gap in their field, together with a correlational and explanatory design using a quantitative paradigm. A validated questionnaire focusing on the professional dimension was used. The algorithm identified three student communities, two gender‐sensitive and one gender‐insensitive. The study uncovered a concerning lack of awareness regarding the gender gap among engineering students. Many participants did not recognize the importance of increasing the representation of professional women, maintained the belief that the gender gap affects only women, and assumed that men and women are equally paid. However, women show a higher level of awareness, while men perceive the gender gap as a passing trend, which is worrying. Students recognize the importance of integrating a gender perspective into university and engineering curricula. It is worrying that many students doubt the existence of the gender gap and that both genders lack knowledge about gender gap issues. Finally, community detection algorithms could efficiently and automatically analyze gender gap issues or other unrelated topics.
‘My recovery is in English’: Clients' language choices in multilingual psychotherapy
Authors: Verkerk Leila , Fuller Janet M. , Huiskes Mike , Schüppert Anja
Published: May 2024

Background

Psychotherapy is constituted through language. Due to voluntary migration or forced mobility, many people do not have access to therapy in their first language (L1). How multilingual clients manage their languages in therapy is an issue many therapists need to address in their practice. Psychotherapy is about trauma, emotions and identity, and when a multilingual client chooses a particular language, it may influence their emotional expression, cause a cultural misunderstanding, and a distorted presentation of who they are.

Aims

In this study, we investigated how clients perceive psychotherapy in a foreign language (LX). We also aimed to provide psychotherapists with more insights into the effect of language choices on the course and outcome of therapy.

Methods

We conducted 30 semi‐structured interviews with multilingual clients who had experience with therapy in LX. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The data revealed that there is not one correlation between language and emotion, and that different backgrounds may lead to different preferences for the language of therapy; for some, LX may be preferred because it provides emotional distance necessary for discussing past trauma; for others, LX feels inadequate for expressing themselves fully.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that there is a need for multilingual psychotherapists to learn more about their clients' linguistic and cultural profiles and how they play a role in emotion communication to facilitate a smoother therapeutic process and a more beneficial outcome.
Overview of clinical, molecular, and therapeutic features of Niemann–Pick disease (types A, B, and C): Focus on therapeutic approaches
Authors: Hosseini Kamran , Fallahi Jafar , Razban Vahid , Sirat Reyhaneh Zayyani , Varasteh Mahnaz , Tarhriz Vahideh
Published: May 2024

Niemann–Pick disease (NPD) is another type of metabolic disorder that is classified as lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). The main cause of the disease is mutation in the SMPD1 (type A and B) or NPC1 or NPC2 (type C) genes, which lead to the accumulation of lipid substrates in the lysosomes of the liver, brain, spleen, lung, and bone marrow cells. This is followed by multiple cell damage, dysfunction of lysosomes, and finally dysfunction of body organs. So far, about 346, 575, and 30 mutations have been reported in SMPD1, NPC1, and NPC2 genes, respectively. Depending on the type of mutation and the clinical symptoms of the disease, the treatment will be different. The general aim of the current study is to review the clinical and molecular characteristics of patients with NPD and study various treatment methods for this disease with a focus on gene therapy approaches.
Functional study of a rare L1CAM gene c.1759G>C variant prove its pathogenicity
Authors: Yao Yuqing , Qiu Liyan , Wei Xingyu , Chen Jianping , Choy Kwong Wai , Zheng Guiyun , Yang Tuyin , Li Sisi , Yang Fang
Published: May 2024

L1 syndrome, a neurological disorder with an X‐linked inheritance pattern, mainly results from mutations occurring in the L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) gene. The L1CAM molecule, belonging to the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily of neurocyte adhesion molecules, plays a pivotal role in facilitating intercellular signal transmission across membranes and is indispensable for proper neuronal development and function. This study identified a rare missense variant (c.1759G>C; p.G587R) in the L1CAM gene within a male fetus presenting with hydrocephalus. Due to a lack of functional analysis, the significance of the L1CAM mutation c.1759G>C (p.G587R) remains unknown. We aimed to perform further verification for its pathogenicity. Blood samples were obtained from the proband and his parents for trio clinical exome sequencing and mutation analysis. Expression level analysis was conducted using western blot techniques. Immunofluorescence was employed to investigate L1CAM subcellular localization, while cell aggregation and cell scratch assays were utilized to assess protein function. The study showed that the mutation (c.1759G>C; p.G587R) affected posttranslational glycosylation modification and induced alterations in the subcellular localization of L1‐G587R in the cells. It resulted in the diminished expression of L1CAM on the cell surface and accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum. The p.G587R altered the function of L1CAM protein and reduced homophilic adhesion capacity of proteins, leading to impaired adhesion and migration of proteins between cells. Our findings provide first biological evidence for the association between the missense mutation (c.1759G>c; p.G587R) in the L1CAM gene and L1 syndrome, confirming the pathogenicity of this missense mutation.
Myeloid sarcoma in brain and optic nerve presented as a relapse of acute myeloid leukemia: A case report
Authors: Musleh Mais , Musleh Samer , Sheikhi Manal
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical Message

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare extramedullary infiltration of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We present a case of 19‐year‐old male with AML‐M2 who relapse with AML sarcoma in brain and optic nerve. MS as AML extramedullary relapse had a poor prognosis.
Calcification within the urachus: A case report of rare presentation of urachal cyst with calculus formation
Authors: Mahat Mamata , Regmi Shiva , Thapa Niranjan , Shah Roshan , Lamichhane Bishesh , Bhugai Nabaraj , Mehta Bipin
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical Message

Urachal anomalies are rare congenital lesions of the genitourinary tract and are important causes of pediatric and adolescent hospital presentations. It can mimic many other causes of intraabdominal pathology and fever, and pose diagnostic challenges, often aided by imaging, is crucial to prevent complications such as infection and calculus formation. Surgical intervention, preferably laparoscopic, is the primary treatment, with complete excision necessary to avoid potential malignant transformation.
Rare pediatric tumors benefit from large clinical trials: The story of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver
Authors: van Noesel Max M.
Published: May 2024

This editorial provides a comprehensive summary of two clinical trials on undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver from the major sarcoma groups in the American Children’s Oncology Group and the European Paediatric Soft Tissue Sarcoma Study Group.
Developing Polymeric Carbon Nitrides for Photocatalytic H2O2 Production
Authors: Zheng Dandan , Wu Yahan , Yang Xintuo , Wang Sibo , Fang Yuanxing
Published: May 2024

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plays a crucial role in various applications, such as green oxidation processes and the production of high‐quality fuels. Currently, H2O2 is primarily manufactured using the indirect anthraquinone method, known for its significant energy consumption and the generation of intensive by‐products. Extensive research has been conducted on the photocatalytic production of H2O2 via oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), with polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) emerging as a promising catalyst for this conversion. This review article is organized around two approaches. The first part main consists of the chemical optimization of the PCN structure, while the second focuses on the physical integration of PCN with other functional materials. The objective is to clarify the correlation between the physicochemical properties of PCN photocatalysts and their effectiveness in H2O2 production. Through a thorough review and analysis of the findings, this article seeks to stimulate new insights and achievements, not only in the domain of H2O2 production via ORR but also in other redox reactions.