bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEVELOPMENT OF LEARNING DEVICES BASED ON PBL OF SETS MATERIAL TO FACILITATE MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITY FOR STUDENTS IN SMP/MTs
Authors: Khairunnisa Nur , Armis  , Heleni Susda
Published: August 2023

In the curriculum for 2013, it is proposed that one of the objectives of teaching mathematics: learners is expected to have problem-solving ability. The teacher is expected to increase the sudents activation in the learning process, especially the development of the ability to solve mathematical problems. In this context, the purpose of this study is to create produce of learning devices (syllabus, RPP and LKPD) of grade VII set material using model PBL to facilitate the ability to solve valid and practical criteria problems. The development model was used a model 4D (define, design, develop, desseminate). The research uses an instrument that is the learning device validation sheet (syllabus, RPP and LKPD). Based on data analysis, it was concluded that the problemb based mathematics learning model is valid. The results of  83% validation of the syllabus in valid categories, RPP 88% and LKPD 88% in highly valid categories. The LKPD developed was declared practical in a small group trials with an average student response 72% in practice.
THE USE OF LKPD BASED ON THE TPACK FRAMEWORK ON THE MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITY OF CLASS X MAN 4 AGAM STUDENTS
Authors: Aini Faizah Quratu , Sepriyanti Nana , Susanto Andi
Published: August 2023

This research is motivated by the lack of support for the media used for mathematical problem-solving skills and mathematical dispositions of students in MAN 4 Agam for the 2021/2022 academic year. One way that can be done is to use LKPD based on the TPACK framework. This study aims to find out the mathematical problem-solving ability of students who learn using LKPD based on the TPACK framework higher than the problem-solving ability of students who learn using ordinary LKPD in class X MAN 4 Agam. The results showed that the average value of mathematical problem-solving ability of experimental class students was 73.47 and the control class was 54.51. Hypothesis test using t-test with α = 0,05 at 95% confidence level obtained.
THE IMPACT OF SAVI TEACHING METHODOLOGY ON STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION TO LEARN MATHEMATICS IN SMPN 2 NAN SABARIS CLASS VIII IN THE 2021/2022 ACADEMIC YEAR
Authors: Sari Agustin Mayang , Aniswita
Published: August 2023

The lack of student interest in learning mathematics and the continued emphasis on the instructor as the primary source of instruction are the driving forces behind this study. Additionally, learning process is frequently carried out using traditional learning methods. This is evident in the learning process, where many students submit assignments late, students are less interested in learning mathematics because the focus is still on the teacher, and the classroom environment is less than ideal because so many students are still involved in their extracurricular activities. Using a somatic, auditory, visual, and intellectual learning approach is one way to solve this issue. There is a considerable impact of the somatic, auditory, visual, and intellectual learning approaches on students' motivation to learn mathematics in class VIII of SMPN 2 Nan Sabaris Academic Year 2021–2022, according to the study's premise. This research is an experimental research with the research design of The Static Group Comparison Design. The population in this study were all eighth grade students of SMPN 2 Nan ​​Sabaris. The data analysis technique used t-test. Based on the results of data analysis obtained tcount = 2.30 and t-table = 1.67 so that tcount > ttable with a confidence level of 0.05 and a P-value of 0.025. Thus, H1 is accepted and Ho is rejected. It can be concluded that "There is a Significant Influence of Somatic, Auditory, Visual and Intellectual Approaches on Students' Mathematics Learning Motivation in Grade VIII of SMPN 2 Nan ​​Sabaris Academic Year 2021/2022".
THE EFFECT OF ACCELERATED LEARNING MODEL ON MOTIVATION AND MATHEMATICS LEARNING OUTCOMES OF STUDENTS OF CLASS VII MTsN 1 PASAMAN BARAT
Authors: Yulia Rizka , Isnaniah
Published: August 2023

This research is motivated by the problems found in class VII MTsN 1 Pasaman Barat that students' motivation is low in learning, and student learning outcomes are still below the KKM.This study aims to determine whether the Accelerated Learning learning model has an effect on student motivation and learning outcomes in class VII MTsN 1 Pasaman Barat in the 2021/2022 school year. This research is a type of pre-experimental research with the research design of The Static Group Comparison Design. The results showed that the students' motivation to learn mathematics was processed using the t-test at a significant level = 0.05, the t-count t-table value was 1.68 and using Minitab software the P-Value = 0.020 = 0.05 so that H0 was rejected. and H1 is accepted. So, it can be concluded that the Accelerated Learning learning model has a significant effect on the learning motivation of class VII MTsN 1 Pasaman Barat students in the 2021/2022 academic year. Students' mathematics learning outcomes were processed using the t-test at a real level = 0.05, the value of tcount ttable was 1.68 and from Minitab Software calculations obtained P-Value = 0.010 = 0.05 so that H0 was rejected and H1 was accepted. So, it can be concluded that the Accelerated Learning learning model has a significant effect on the learning outcomes of class VII MTsN 1 Pasaman Barat students in the 2021/2022 academic year.
D DEVELOPMENT OF MATHEMATICS LEARNING MEDIA BECA GAME MATERIAL FRACTURES
Authors: Febriyanti Ririn , Arianti Ayu Triska
Published: August 2023

The learning process cannot be separated from learning media. One of the functions and benefits of learning media is to convey information on subject matter, evaluation questions, increase student motivation, and present material in an interesting form. Current learning media can be in the form of applications whose use is based on an Android smartphone. The purpose of this research is to produce and test the feasibility of BeCa game-based mathematics learning media for elementary students. This research is included in research and development or Research and Development (R&D). The research design refers to the Thiagarajan research model which has 4 steps (4D), namely define, design, development, and dissemination. The instrument used was a questionnaire for material experts, media experts, and students. According to the results of the development of learning media, it has five components, namely the home page, the concept map page for fraction material, the material list page for fractions, the KD & indicators page, the evaluation play list page (game). There are 2 stages of learning media trials in this research, namely small group trials and large group trials. The results of the small group trials obtained an average value for each aspect in the range of 3.4<X≤4.2 with a good category. While the results of the large group trial obtained an average value for each aspect of 3.4<X≤4.2 in the good category. The conclusion from the study is that the Beca Game learning media can be used.
Kinerja Manajerial FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI KINERJA MANAJERIAL
Authors: RMD Romandhon Rom , ‘Avia Khikmatul
Published: August 2023

Abstract.This study aims to determine the effect of accounting knowledge, budgetary participation and entrepreneurial personality and level of education on the managerial performance of a case study on UMKM processed palm sugar, Limbangan District, Kendal Regency. The population in this study were all 107 small and medium-sized micro, small and medium-sized enterprises of palm sugar processing located in Limbangan District. The research sample was determined using simple random sampling method and obtained a sample of 85 using the Slovin formula. Data were collected through questionnaires and the analytical method used in this study was multiple linear regression analysis with the help of statistical software SPSS version 24. The results showed that accounting knowledge has a positive effect on managerial performance, budgetary participation has no effect on managerial performance, entrepreneurial personality has a positive effect on managerial performance and level of education affects managerial performance in UMKM processed palm sugar, Limbangan district, Kendal district.

Keywords: accounting knowledge, budgeting participation, entrepreneurial personality, managerial performance.

Abstraksi.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh dari pengetahuan akuntansi, partisipasi penyusunan anggaran dan kepribadian kewirausahaan dan tingkat pendidikan terhadap kinerja manajerial studi kasus pada UMKM olahan gula aren Kecamatan Limbangan Kabupaten Kendal. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah semua Usaha Mikro Kecil dan Menengah olahan gula aren yang berada di Kecamatan Limbangan sejumlah 107 buah. Penentuan sampel penelitian menggunakan metode simple random sampling dan memperoleh sampel sebanyak 85 buah dengan menggunakan rumus slovin. Data dikumpulkan melalui kuisioner dan metode analisis yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis regresi linier berganda dengan bantuan perangkat lunak statistik SPSS versi 24. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengetahuan akuntansi berpengaruh positif terhadap kinerja manajerial, partisipasi penyusunan anggaran tidak berpengaruh terhadap kinerja manajerial, kepribadian kewirausahaan berpengaruh positif terhadap kinerja manajerial berpengaruh terhadap kinerja manajerial pada UMKM olahan gula aren kecamatan Limbangan kabupaten Kendal.

Kata Kunci: kepribadian kewirausahaan, kinerja manajerial, partisipasi penyusunan anggaran, pengetahuan akuntansi.
Um Um algoritmo alternativo para o mapeamento de parâmetros estáveis em modelos Stock-Flow Consistent (SFC)
Authors: Costa Santos Júlio Fernando , Costa da Silva Guilherme Jonas
Published: August 2023

O presente artigo desenvolve um algoritmo de análise de estabilidade através da junção das técnicas de simulação de Monte Carlo, Gauss-Seidel/Newton e Filtros de Variação. Para a comparação de resultados, utiliza-se tanto o algoritmo desenvolvido como uma solução numérico-analítica para o modelo Benchmark de Dos Santos e Zezza (2008).  Os resultados mostram que há uma sobreposição entre os dois métodos de análise. Tendo em vista que nem sempre é possível ou viável a análise da estabilidade do sistema através de uma solução analítica, o algoritmo apresentado inova ao fornecer uma rota de fuga para o mapeamento de parâmetros estáveis em modelos dinâmicos SFC.
Editorial
Authors: Carcanholo Hugo
Published: August 2023

Editorial
O DEBATE SOBRE DESENVOLVIMENTO NA AMÉRICA LATINA NA ÓTICA DOS REGIMES DE CRESCIMENTO WAGE-LED E PROFIT-LED
Authors: Fonseca Pedro Celso Rodrigues , Araújo Ricardo
Published: August 2023

O presente estudo teve por objetivo identificar referências aos conceitos de regime de crescimento wage-led e profit-led no pensamento estruturalista latino-americano. Para tanto, inicialmente apresenta-se os modelos de crescimento kaleckianos. Em seguida, discute-se as seguintes teses estruturalistas: a crítica à teoria das vantagens comparativas de Prebisch, o estagnacionismo de Furtado e a crítica ao estagnacionismo de Tavares e Serra. Após a análise destas, foi possível perceber que apesar de não explicitarem formalmente, identifica-se nos estruturalistas referências aos regimes de crescimento provenientes dos modelos kaleckianos.
BUEN VIVIR IN ECUADOR: HAS THE CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLE BEEN REFLECTED IN STRUCTURAL CHANGE FOR DEVELOPMENT?
Authors: Aguiar Rodolfo , Fróes de Borja Reis Cristina
Published: August 2023

This paper aims to investigate the economic dynamics between 2007 and 2017 in Ecuador considering the adoption — as a constitutional principle — of an ecological ideal, which emerged from the indigenous peoples of Latin America: Buen Vivir. The historical process that enshrined this concept made the Ecuadorian experience stand out in the recent history of South America. Economic planning was defined as a fundamental dimension to diversifying the productive structure. However, the dependence on oil extraction represented major obstacles to Buen Vivir, since its funding was based on fiscal policies enabled by resources from a non-sustainable activity. We analyze this process based on a theoretical background from Latin-American structuralism to Buen Vivir, examining the Ecuadorian economic plans and actual dynamics during Rafael Correa's administration, considering the following relevant macroeconomic variables: industrial composition of value-added, exports profile, public investment, foreign direct investment, energetic matrix, and structure of employment. The conclusion is that the evolution of the Ecuadorian economy has not allowed for development strictly according to the parameters of Buen Vivir.
A COMMENT ON THE US STUDENT LOAN SITUATION FROM A POST-KEYNESIAN PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Pereira Serra Gustavo
Published: August 2023

This paper aims to contribute to the debate on the US student debt situation. First, it highlights the determination of labor earnings and economic activity as a function of macroeconomic conditions and the relevance of considering this endogeneity to analyzing student debt sustainability. Next, I present a background on student loans and the labor market in the US. Moreover, using a Minskyian framework, I argue that the current student debt situation can have adverse results on economic activity, although not leading to financial instability. Last, I comment on the student debt cancellation debate, proposing alternative policies with more progressive and lasting effects.
DÍVIDA PÚBLICA E FALTA DE SINERGIA ENTRE O TESOURO E O BANCO CENTRAL NO BRASIL NO PERÍODO 2004/16
Authors: Marques Vieira Filho Luiz Alberto , Rossi Pedro
Published: August 2023

Este artigo analisa a relação entre as políticas fiscal e monetária ou ainda, sob a ótica institucional, a relação entre o Tesouro Nacional e o Banco Central no Brasil. A hipótese defendida é a de que a relação recente entre o Banco Central do Brasil e o Tesouro Nacional foi marcada pela falta de sinergia no período 2004/2015. Para isso, mostra-se que a tentativa de melhorar o perfil de dívida pública pelo Tesouro com a redução da oferta de LFTs foi contraposta pelo aumento das operações compromissadas do Banco Central. Argumenta-se que a concorrência das compromissadas aos títulos públicos do Tesouro Nacional implica uma dificuldade na estratégia de prefixação e alongamento da dívida pública.
Pain control due to botulinum toxin therapy in cervical dystonia relates to the sensorimotor integration process
Authors: Wagle Shukla Aparna , Chen Robert , Hu Wei
Published: August 2023

Background: Botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections have been found to improve pain symptoms of isolated cervical dystonia (CD). In addition to muscle relaxation at the peripheral level, few studies suggest that BoNT has effects on the central brain circuitries. The effects of BoNT on central circuitries that may be pain-related have not been examined. We probed these central effects with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) techniques in a CD cohort presenting with significant pain.

Methods: TMS-based measures of sensorimotor integration that are mediated through central processes, such as the short and long latency afferent inhibition (SAI and LAI) and measures for motor cortical excitability including short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) were recorded. These measures were recorded at specific interstimulus intervals (ISI) using paired-pulse paradigms before and after the peak effects of BoNT injections. Normative TMS data from age-matched healthy controls were collected for comparisons. Clinical pain symptoms were recorded with Toronto Western spasmodic rating scale (TWSTRS)-pain and a visual analog scale (VAS).

Results: Eleven CD subjects (mean age ±SD, 53.1 ± 6.3 years) and 10 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled. SAI was found to be increased in CD patients at baseline, however at the time of peak BoNT effects, it revealed a significant change with normalization to healthy control data (SAI ISI 20 ms, p = 0.001; SAI ISI 30 ms, p = 0.03). The change in SAI correlated with improvements in pain levels assessed with TWSTRS-pain and VAS and the total dose of BoNT injected (corrected for multiple correlations). LAI, SICI, and ICF measures were similar to the healthy controls and remained unchanged with BoNT therapy.

Conclusion: Pain control in CD from BoNT therapy relates to modulation of sensorimotor integration at the cortical level.
Prognostic value of quantitative flow ratio in patients with coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention therapy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Huaigang , Hong Lang , Xi Gang , Wang Hong , Hu Jing , Liu Qi , Yang Liu
Published: August 2023

Background

Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease is one of the most serious health and life-threatening diseases. There is no doubt that despite the increasing number of assessment methods used clinically, the prognosis assessment is still not ideal, and newer assessment methods are needed.

Objective

To investigate the predictive value of quantitative flow ratio (QFR) for adverse events (vessel-oriented composite endpoint events/target lesion failure) in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Method

Eight studies involving 4,173 patients (5,688 vascular lesions) were included. These are studies on the relationship between QFR values and prognosis of adverse cardiac events after PCI. This meta-analysis was performed after quality assessment and data extraction of clinical trials data that met the inclusion criteria.

Result

Each of the eight studies described the cut-off values for the best predictive ability of post-PCI QFR and the hazard ratio (HR) between QFR values and adverse events, respectively. The pooled HR of these studies was 4.72 (95% CI: 3.29–6.75). Concurrently, lower post-PCI QFR values were associated with the occurrence of individual clinical events (cardiac death/myocardial infarction/target vessel revascularization), with relative risk values of 6.51 (95% CI: 4.96–8.53), 4.83 (95% CI: 3.08–7.57), and 4.21 (95% CI: 2.66–6.68), respectively.

Conclusion

QFR may have great potential in the assessment of prognosis. It is necessary to measure QFR value after PCI. A lower QFR value after PCI was an important predictor for experiencing adverse events.
Deterioration mechanism of physical and mechanical properties of phosphate rock under seismic disturbance and saturation
Authors: Li Shujian , Wang Hao , Wang Chongyang , Zhang Bin , Zhang Dongming
Published: August 2023

Introduction: To explore the influence of seismic disturbance and saturation on the mechanical properties of phosphate rock, the paper divided phosphorus rock into natural group, water-saturated Group and “earthquake and water-saturated” group.

Methods: Fatigue loading and conventional triaxial compression tests were carried out to study the physical characteristics, degeneration characteristics, strength characteristics and failure characteristics of the samples.

Results: The conclusions are as follows: The average wave velocity of samples of water-saturated group and “earthquake and saturation” group is 29.7% and 52.9% lower than that in natural group, respectively, and the average peak strength under various confining pressure conditions is 32.2% and 48.3% lower than that in natural group, respectively, indicating that both seismic stress loading and saturation have deterioration effects on the samples.

Discussion: Compared with natural group and watersaturated group, after simulated seismic stress loading, the stress-strain curve of “earthquake and water-saturated” group shakes obviously after the peak, and the steps appear frequently, showing obvious plastic characteristics. Due to the different deterioration degree of the samples, the samples of the natural group were in the overall state of compression during the triaxial test, while the samples of the water-saturated group were compressed before failure and expanded after failure. The sample of earthquake and water-saturated group is in the whole state of expansion. The failure characteristics of natural samples and water-saturated samples are shear or shear failure. The shear plane starts from the edge of sample end face and presents typical diagonal shear failure. The failure characteristics of “earthquake and water-saturated” group samples are heavy shear and through failure. There are several fracture zones extending inward from the end of the sample, resulting in obvious transverse expansion.
Droplet digital PCR vs. quantitative real time-PCR for diagnosis of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Meregildo-Rodriguez Edinson Dante , Asmat-Rubio Martha Genara , Vásquez-Tirado Gustavo Adolfo
Published: August 2023

Tuberculosis is a rising global public health emergency. Then, it is a priority to undertake innovations in preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic methods. Improved diagnostic methods for tuberculosis are urgently needed to address this global epidemic. These methods should be rapid, accurate, affordable, and able to detect drug-resistant tuberculosis. The benefits of these new diagnostic technics include earlier diagnosis and treatment, improved patient outcomes, and reduced economic burden. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the diagnostic performance of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR)—a third-generation PCR—compared with quantitative Real Time-PCR (qPCR) for diagnosing pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis. We included 14 diagnostic accuracy test studies performed in Asia, Europe, and Latin America, 1,672 participants or biological samples, and 975 events (pulmonary or extrapulmonary tuberculosis). Most of the included studies had a low risk of bias (QUADAS-C tool). Sensitivity and specificity were lower for ddPCR [0.56 (95% CI 0.53–0.58) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.96–0.98), respectively] than for qPCR [0.66 (95% CI 0.60–0.71) and 0.98 (95% CI 0.97–0.99), respectively]. However, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was higher for ddPCR than for qPCR (0.97 and 0.94, respectively). Comparing both AUCs using the Hanley & McNeil method, we found statistically significant differences (AUC difference of 4.40%, p = 0.0020). In the heterogeneity analysis, we found significant differences between both techniques according to the continent of origin of the study and the location of tuberculosis (pulmonary or extrapulmonary disease). The AUCs of both methods were similar in pulmonary tuberculosis. However, for extrapulmonary tuberculosis, the AUC was higher for ddPCR. We found some limitations: (1) significant heterogeneity of the studies, and (2) we could not perform subgroup analyses according to other relevant variables, such as the age and sex of the participants. Nonetheless, this study is the first meta-analysis that shows that ddPCR has a comparable diagnostic performance than qPCR for pulmonary tuberculosis. However, for extrapulmonary tuberculosis, ddPCR has a better discriminant capacity to differentiate between patients with and without extrapulmonary tuberculosis. We conclude that ddPCR is likely the best diagnostic technic for tuberculosis diagnosis, especially for extrapulmonary tuberculosis. More studies are still needed yet.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022382768, CRD42022382768.
Development of a rapid detection method for Karenia mikimotoi by using CRISPR-Cas12a
Authors: Wang Lu , Chen Xiaoyao , Pan Feifei , Yao Guangshan , Chen Jianming
Published: August 2023

Harmful algal blooms (HABs), mainly formed by dinoflagellates, have detrimental effects on marine ecosystems and public health. Therefore, detecting HABs is crucial for early warning and prevention of HABs as well as the mitigation of their adverse effects. Although various methods, such as light microscopy, electron microscopy, real-time PCR, and microarrays, have already been established for the detection of HABs, they are still cumbersome to be exploited in the field. Therefore, rapid nucleic detection methods such as recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-lateral flow dipstick (LFD) have been developed for monitoring bloom-forming algae. However, the CRISPR/Cas-based detection of HABs has yet to be applied to this field. In this study, we developed a method for detecting Karenia mikimotoi (K. mikimotoi), a typical ichthyotoxic dinoflagellate responsible for global blooms. Our method utilized Cas12a from Lachnospiraceae bacterium ND2006 (LbCas12a) to target and cleave the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of K. mikimotoi, guided by RNA. We leveraged the target-activated non-specific single-stranded deoxyribonuclease cleavage activity of LbCas12a to generate signals that can be detected using fluorescence-read machines or LFDs. By combining RPA and LbCas12a with reporters, we significantly enhanced the sensitivity, enabling the detection of ITS-harboring plasmids at concentrations as low as 9.8 aM and genomic DNA of K. mikimotoi at levels as low as 3.6 × 10−5 ng/μl. Moreover, we simplified the genomic DNA extraction method using cellulose filter paper (CFP) by directly eluting the DNA into RPA reactions, reducing the extraction time to < 30 s. The entire process, from genomic DNA extraction to result reporting, takes less than an hour, enabling the identification of nearly a single cell. In conclusion, our method provided an easy, specific, and sensitive approach for detecting K. mikimotoi, offering the potential for efficient monitoring and management of K. mikimotoi blooms.
Efficacy and functionality of sugarcane original vinegar on mice
Authors: Zheng Feng-Jin , Lin Bo , Yang Yu-Xia , Fang Xiao-Chun , Verma Krishan K. , Chen Gan-Lin
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Due to their bioactive compounds and beneficial health effects, functional foods and plant-based natural medicines are widely consumed. Due to its bioactivities, vinegar is one of them that helps humans. Sugarcane original vinegar (SOV) is a special vinegar made from sugarcane as a raw material through biological fermentation processes.

Methods

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of sugarcane original vinegar on growth performance, immune response, acute oral toxicity, bacterial reverse mutation, mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus, mouse spermatogonial chromosome aberration, mammalian bone marrow cell chromosome aberration changes, and serum characteristics in mice. Distortion parameters were used to assess its safety, and at the same time, the functionality of SOV was monitored during experimentation.

Results

The results show that the SOV has no damage or inhibitory effect on the bone marrow red blood cells of mice and no mutagenic or distortion-inducing effects on the bone marrow cell chromosomes or spermatogonia chromosomes, so it is safe to eat. SOV can improve blood lipids and reduce blood lipid content.

Discussion

The study results provide data basis for the intensive processing of sugarcane and the development of high-value SOV products. Sugarcane original vinegar has a beneficial impact on performance, immune response, and chromosomal aberration. The production application influences the vinegar's quality and, consequently, its health benefits.
Advanced applications of DNA nanostructures dominated by DNA origami in antitumor drug delivery
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Tian Xinchen , Wang Zijian , Wang Haochen , Liu Fen , Long Qipeng , Jiang Shulong
Published: August 2023

DNA origami is a cutting-edge DNA self-assembly technique that neatly folds DNA strands and creates specific structures based on the complementary base pairing principle. These innovative DNA origami nanostructures provide numerous benefits, including lower biotoxicity, increased stability, and superior adaptability, making them an excellent choice for transporting anti-tumor agents. Furthermore, they can considerably reduce side effects and improve therapy success by offering precise, targeted, and multifunctional drug delivery system. This comprehensive review looks into the principles and design strategies of DNA origami, providing valuable insights into this technology’s latest research achievements and development trends in the field of anti-tumor drug delivery. Additionally, we review the key function and major benefits of DNA origami in cancer treatment, some of these approaches also involve aspects related to DNA tetrahedra, aiming to provide novel ideas and effective solutions to address drug delivery challenges in cancer therapy.
Development, validation, and visualization of a novel nomogram to predict stroke risk in patients
Authors: Wu Chunxiao , Xu Zhirui , Wang Qizhang , Zhu Shuping , Li Mengzhu , Tang Chunzhi
Published: August 2023

Background

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and a major cause of long-term neurological disability, imposing an enormous financial burden on families and society. This study aimed to identify the predictors in stroke patients and construct a nomogram prediction model based on these predictors.

Methods

This retrospective study included 11,435 participants aged >20 years who were selected from the NHANES 2011–2018. Randomly selected subjects (n = 8531; 75%) and the remaining subjects comprised the development and validation groups, respectively. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) binomial and logistic regression models were used to select the optimal predictive variables. The stroke probability was calculated using a predictor-based nomogram. Nomogram performance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the calibration curve with 1000 bootstrap resample validations. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to evaluate the clinical utility of the nomogram.

Results

According to the minimum criteria of non-zero coefficients of Lasso and logistic regression screening, older age, lower education level, lower family income, hypertension, depression status, diabetes, heavy smoking, heavy drinking, trouble sleeping, congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary heart disease (CHD), angina pectoris and myocardial infarction were independently associated with a higher stroke risk. A nomogram model for stroke patient risk was established based on these predictors. The AUC (C statistic) of the nomogram was 0.843 (95% CI: 0.8186–0.8430) in the development group and 0.826 (95% CI: 0.7811, 0.8716) in the validation group. The calibration curves after 1000 bootstraps displayed a good fit between the actual and predicted probabilities in both the development and validation groups. DCA showed that the model in the development and validation groups had a net benefit when the risk thresholds were 0–0.2 and 0–0.25, respectively.

Discussion

This study effectively established a nomogram including demographic characteristics, vascular risk factors, emotional factors and lifestyle behaviors to predict stroke risk. This nomogram is helpful for screening high-risk stroke individuals and could assist physicians in making better treatment decisions to reduce stroke occurrence.
Aging deteriorates the ability to discriminate the weight of an object during an action observation task
Authors: Albergoni Andrea , Biggio Monica , Faelli Emanuela , Ruggeri Piero , Avanzino Laura , Bove Marco , Bisio Ambra
Published: August 2023

The ability to predict the weight of objects is important for skilled and dexterous manipulation during activities of daily living. The observation of other people moving objects might represent an important source of information on object features and help to plan the correct motor interaction with it. In aging, an impaired ability to evaluate the object weight might have negative drawbacks in term of the safety of the person. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of aging in the ability to discriminate the object weight during action observation. Twenty older adults (Old) and twenty young subjects (Young) performed a two-interval forced-choice task consisting in the observation of a couple of videos showing an actor moving a box of different weights. The observer had to evaluate which video showed the heavier box. Handgrip strength was acquired from all subjects. Sensitivity analysis was performed and psychometric curves were built on participants’ responses. The results showed a diminished sensitivity in the object weight discrimination in Old than in Young group. The analysis of the psychometric curves revealed that this impairment pertained both the light and heavy boxes and the minimum difference to discriminate different weights was greater in Old than in Young. At last, the sensitivity and the discrimination ability significantly correlated with individuals’ handgrip strength. These findings allow us to deeply characterize the impairments older adults have in discriminating the weight of an object moved by another individual.
Meningeal T cells function in the central nervous system homeostasis and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Abbaoui Abdellatif , Fatoba Oluwaseun , Yamashita Toshihide
Published: August 2023

Recently, a rising interest is given to neuroimmune communication in physiological and neuropathological conditions. Meningeal immunity is a complex immune environment housing different types of immune cells. Here, we focus on meningeal T cells, possibly the most explored aspect of neuro-immune cell interactions. Emerging data have shown that meningeal T cells play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. This review highlights how meningeal T cells may contribute to immune surveillance of the central nervous system (CNS) and regulate neurobehavioral functions through the secretion of cytokines. Overall, this review assesses the recent knowledge of meningeal T cells and their effects on CNS functioning in both health and disease conditions and the underlying mechanisms.
Case report: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease presenting with anxiety symptoms in a COVID-19 post-infection patient
Authors: Yong Christl S. K. , Maniam Ethan Jian-Hui , Chang Cheryl W. L. , Lai Jonathan Yexian , Ho Cyrus Su Hui
Published: August 2023

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a rare, rapidly progressive, and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. We describe a man whose initial manifestations of CJD occurred shortly after contracting Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). He first developed anxiety and short-term memory loss a few weeks after a mild COVID-19 infection. He subsequently developed parkinsonism, eventually progressed to akinetic mutism, and passed away 5 months after symptom onset. This case highlights a potential temporal relationship between COVID-19 infection and the onset of neurodegenerative symptoms. Microglia and astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) and ‘S1’ spike proteins on SARS-CoV-2 are potential mediators in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
Plasticity of face–hand sensorimotor circuits after a traumatic brachial plexus injury
Authors: Torres Fernanda de Figueiredo , Ramalho Bia Lima , Rodrigues Marcelle Ribeiro , Schmaedeke Ana Carolina , Moraes Victor Hugo , Reilly Karen T. , Carvalho Raquel de Paula , Vargas Claudia D.
Published: August 2023

Background

Interactions between the somatosensory and motor cortices are of fundamental importance for motor control. Although physically distant, face and hand representations are side by side in the sensorimotor cortex and interact functionally. Traumatic brachial plexus injury (TBPI) interferes with upper limb sensorimotor function, causes bilateral cortical reorganization, and is associated with chronic pain. Thus, TBPI may affect sensorimotor interactions between face and hand representations.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in hand–hand and face–hand sensorimotor integration in TBPI patients using an afferent inhibition (AI) paradigm.

Method

The experimental design consisted of electrical stimulation (ES) applied to the hand or face followed by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the primary motor cortex to activate a hand muscle representation. In the AI paradigm, the motor evoked potential (MEP) in a target muscle is significantly reduced when preceded by an ES at short-latency (SAI) or long-latency (LAI) interstimulus intervals. We tested 18 healthy adults (control group, CG), evaluated on the dominant upper limb, and nine TBPI patients, evaluated on the injured or the uninjured limb. A detailed clinical evaluation complemented the physiological investigation.

Results

Although hand–hand SAI was present in both the CG and the TBPI groups, hand–hand LAI was present in the CG only. Moreover, less AI was observed in TBPI patients than the CG both for face–hand SAI and LAI.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that sensorimotor integration involving both hand and face sensorimotor representations is affected by TBPI.
Psychosocial interventions for autistic children and adolescents delivered by non-specialists in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review
Authors: Cherewick Megan , Daniel Christina , Shrestha Catherine Canavan , Giri Priscilla , Dukpa Choden , Cruz Christina M. , Rai Roshan P. , Matergia Michael
Published: August 2023

Background

Most autistic individuals reside in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and have limited access to medical providers and specialists. Support for delivery of psychosocial interventions by non-specialists is growing to address this mental health care gap. This scoping review involved a systematic analysis of studies of non-specialist delivered psychosocial interventions for children and adolescents diagnosed with autism and living in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

The primary objective of this review was to identify psychosocial interventions for autistic children and adolescents in LMIC delivered by non-specialists (parent, teacher, peer, community, multi-level) and to summarize resulting effects on targeted outcomes. The search strategy was completed in four databases with predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The systematic search generated 3,601 articles. A total of 18 studies met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Data extraction was completed, and results summarized by; (1) participant sample; (2) intervention procedures; (3) implementation by non-specialists; (4) effect on evaluated outcomes; and (5) assessment of risk of bias. Studies examined a range of child and adolescent outcomes including assessment of communication skills, social skills, motor skills, functional and adaptive behaviors, emotional regulation, attention and engagement, sensory challenges, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Several studies also evaluated intervention effects on family relationships, parent/caregiver stress and parent/caregiver mental health.

Results

Collectively, the 18 studies included a total of 952 ASC participants ranging in age from 2 to 16 years. Of the included studies, 8 studies were parent/caregiver-mediated, 1 study was peer-mediated, 2 studies were teacher-mediated, and 7 studies included multi-level non-specialist mediated components. Effects on evaluated outcomes are reported.

Conclusion

Non-specialist delivered interventions for autistic children and adolescents are effective for an array of outcomes and are particularly well suited for low- and middle-income countries. Implications for future research are discussed.
Effects of Tai Chi combined with tDCS on cognitive function in patients with MCI: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xu Ying , Zhu Jingfang , Liu Hong , Qiu Zhijie , Wu Mengyuan , Liu Jiao , Wu Jingsong , Huang Jia , Liu Zhizhen , Liu Weilin , Tao Jing
Published: August 2023

Background

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a critical stage of dementia. Previous reviews have suggested that physical exercise combined with non-invasive brain stimulation is more beneficial for improving cognitive function. However, no targeted studies have confirmed the effect of Tai Chi combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the improvement of cognitive function in patients with MCI. Thus, this randomized trial was conducted to assess the effect of Tai Chi combined with tDCS on the cognitive performance of patients with MCI.

Methods

From April 2018 to February 2020, a randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted, involving 180 participants with MCI who were divided into four intervention groups: Tai Chi combined with tDCS (TCT), Tai Chi combined with sham tDCS (TCS), walking combined with tDCS (WAT), and walking combined with sham tDCS (WAS). All participants were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks for global cognitive function, memory, attention, and executive function.

Results

At baseline, there were no significant differences in age, gender, education duration, body mass index, or the Baker Depression Inventory among the four groups (P ≥ 0.05). After 12 weeks of intervention, the TCT group showed greater improvements in MOCA scores, memory quotient scores, and digit-symbol coding task reaction time compared to the TCS, WAS, and WAT groups (P < 0.05). The TCT group also had a shorter Stroop test color reaction time compared to the WAS and WAT groups (P < 0.05), a higher increase in Auditory Verbal Learning Test-immediate recall than the TCS and WAT groups (P < 0.05), a shorter visual reaction time than the TCS group (P < 0.05), and a shorter sustained attention time compared to the WAT group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Tai Chi combined with tDCS effectively improves global cognitive performance, memory, execution function, and attention in patients with MCI. These findings suggest the potential clinical use of Tai Chi combined with tDCS as a physical exercise combined with a non-invasive brain stimulation intervention to improve cognitive function in older adults with MCI.

Clinical trial registration

ChiCTR1800015629.
Health seeking behavior of street connected children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Zewude Bewunetu , Siraw Getahun , Engdawork Kibur , Tadele Getnet
Published: August 2023

Background

Street children are the most neglected segments of the society with limited access to healthcare services. The vulnerability of street children to various health risks has been found by previous studies but little is known about their perceived susceptibility, preventive behavior and illness responses. Hence, the purpose of this study was to identify the health seeking behavior of street children in Addis Ababa. The study focuses on perceived susceptibility to various health risks, sources of health risks, and behaviors pertaining to responding to perceived risks and experienced health problems among the most marginalized groups in Addis Ababa.

Methods

Using a mixed research approach, quantitative and qualitative data were collected through survey and interview methods from selected street children. SPSS and NVivo software were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively.

Results

Whereas the street children perceive to be susceptible for ill-health risks related with their living situations, responding to the perceived susceptibility mainly by maintaining personal hygiene and undertaking physical exercises have been identified. The study also revealed that street children were found to be vulnerable for the situations affecting their health and wellbeing mainly due to self-reported engagements in risky behaviors such as smoking cigarette (67.3%), sniffing glue or benzene (68.2%), sharing of personal materials having the potential of transmitting diseases from one person to another (25.5%), and unprotected sexual activities (14.1%). Experiences of visiting healthcare facilities in response to illness symptoms have also constituted an aspect of the health seeking behavior of the street children.

Conclusion

Awareness of the presence of health risks and perceived susceptibility to the risks promoted both preventive behavior and positive compliance in relation to illness response among children of the street in Addis Ababa.
Systematic review of the association between talc and female reproductive tract cancers
Authors: Lynch Heather N. , Lauer Daniel J. , Leleck Olivia Messina , Freid Rachel D. , Collins Justin , Chen Kathleen , Thompson William J. , Ierardi A. Michael , Urban Ania , Boffetta Paolo , Mundt Kenneth A.
Published: August 2023

Talc is a hydrous magnesium sheet silicate used in cosmetic powders, ceramics, paints, rubber, and many other products. We conducted a systematic review of the potential carcinogenicity of genitally applied talc in humans. Our systematic review methods adhere to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and incorporated aspects from the US Institute of Medicine (IOM, now the National Academy of Medicine) and several US EPA frameworks for systematic reviews, evaluating and integrating the epidemiological, animal, and mechanistic literature on talc and cancer. We conducted a comprehensive literature search. Detailed data abstraction and study quality evaluation, adapting the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) framework, were central to our analysis. The literature search and selection process identified 40 primary studies that assessed exposure to talc and female reproductive cancer risks in humans (n = 36) and animals (n = 4). The results of our evaluation emphasize the importance of considering biological plausibility and study quality in systematic review. Integrating all streams of evidence according to the IOM framework yielded classifications of suggestive evidence of no association between perineal application of talcum powders and risk of ovarian cancer at human-relevant exposure levels. We also concluded that there is suggestive evidence of no association between genital talc application and endometrial cancer, and insufficient evidence to determine whether a causal association exists between genital talc application and cervical cancer based on a smaller but largely null body of literature.
First molecular detection of Babesia vulpes and Babesia capreoli in wild boars from southern Italy
Authors: Sgroi Giovanni , D’Alessio Nicola , Auriemma Clementina , Salant Harold , Gallo Amalia , Riccardi Marita Georgia , Alfano Flora , Rea Simona , Scarcelli Stefano , Ottaviano Martina , De Martinis Claudio , Fusco Giovanna , Lucibelli Maria Gabriella , Veneziano Vincenzo
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Following the increase of wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations in Europe, a potential risk of emerging infections by vector-borne pathogens may occur. Despite this, the circulation of piroplasmid species in these ungulates is still a neglected topic, particularly in the Mediterranean basin. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the presence of Babesia/Theileria spp. in wild boars from southern Italy to assess the epidemiological role of these ungulates in the circulation of piroplasmids.

Methods

By using a citizen science approach among hunters and veterinarians, wild boar spleen samples were collected in the Campania region (southern Italy) between 2016 and 2022. A combined semi-nested PCR/sequencing analysis targeting the V4 hyper-variable region of 18S rRNA was run to detect Babesia/Theileria spp. DNA.

Results

Out of 243 boars, 15 (i.e., 6.2, 95% CI: 3.4–9.9) tested positive to Babesia/Theileria spp., Babesia vulpes (n = 13, 5.3, 95% CI: 3.1–8.9) the most prevalent, followed by Babesia capreoli (n = 2, 0.8, 95% CI: 0.2–2.9). Three different B. vulpes sequence types were identified (i.e., ST1, ST2, ST3), with the most representative as ST1 (60%), and a single B. capreoli sequence type. No statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) were found between the presence of the pathogens and boar age, sex, province and sample collection year.

Discussion

Data demonstrate for the first time the occurrence of B. vulpes and B. capreoli in wild boars, which may play a role in the biological cycle of piroplasmids. We emphasize the importance of monitoring these ungulates to prevent potential foci of infection. The engagement of hunters in epidemiological scientifically based surveys can constitute a technically sound control strategy of piroplasmids in a One Health perspective.