bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning as a Downscaling Approach for Prediction of Wind Characteristics under Future Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: Yeganeh-Bakhtiary Abbas , EyvazOghli Hossein , Shabakhty Naser , Kamranzad Bahareh , Abolfathi Soroush
Published: July 2024

Assessment of climate change impacts on wind characteristics is crucial for the design, operation, and maintenance of coastal and offshore infrastructures. In the present study, the Model Output Statistics (MOS) method was used to downscale a Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) with General Circulation Model (GCM) results for a case study in the North Atlantic Ocean, and a supervised machine learning method (M5’ Decision Tree model) was developed for the first time to establish a statistical relationship between predicator and predicant. To do so, the GCM simulation results and altimeter remote sensing data were employed to examine the capabilities of the M5’DT model in predicting future wind speed and identifying spatiotemporal trends in wind characteristics. For this purpose, three classes of M5′ models were developed to study the annual, seasonal, and monthly variations of wind characteristics. The developed decision tree (DT) models were employed to statistically downscale the Beijing Normal University Earth System Model (BNU‐ESM) global climate model output. The M5′ models are calibrated and successfully validated against the GCM simulation results and altimeter remote sensing data. All the proposed models showed firm outputs in the training section. Predictions from the monthly model with a 70/30 training to test ratio demonstrated the best model performance. The monthly prediction model highlighted the decreasing trend in wind speed relative to the control period in 2030 to 2040 for the case study location and across all three future climate change scenarios tested within this study. This reduction in wind speed reduces wind energy by 13% to 19%.
Thermal and Nonthermal Effects of 5 G Radio‐Waves on Human’s Tissue
Authors: Jazyah Yahia Hasan
Published: July 2024

The deployment of 5 G wireless technology has generated considerable interest and debate regarding its potential effects on human health. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the current scientific understanding of the potential health implications associated with 5 G technology. Drawing upon a wide range of research studies, reviews, and expert opinions, we explore the implications through which 5 G signals interact with the human body. This work presents a balanced perspective, summarizing both the potential benefits of 5 G technology, such as improved data transfer speeds, reduced latency, and enhanced connectivity, as well as concerns that have been raised about its effects on human’s tissues. We discuss various aspects of health impacts, including thermal and nonthermal effects, focusing on the existing research on radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and their potential to cause adverse health outcomes. Simulation results show the negative effect of radio waves on human’s tissues.
Ingestion Rate, Prey Selectivity, and Growth of Larval Vieja zonata (Teleostei: Cichlidae) Co‐Fed Rotifers with Cladocerans
Authors: Contreras-Tapia Rubén Alonso , Garza-Mouriño Gabriela , Castellanos-Páez María Elena , Castillo-Rivera Manuel , S. Nandini , Mirón Marcela Ivonne Benítez-Díaz
Published: July 2024

The study of fish larval nutrition is important as dietary requirements change significantly with growth. Vieja zonata is a cichlid species that is endemic to Mexico. In this study, we investigated the ingestion rate, prey selectivity, and growth of V. zonata larvae that were fed on prey cultured with and without probiotics. We conducted three experiments to test the acceptability of the prey offered, determine the optimal density of the prey items, and observe the effect of probiotics on the larvae’s growth. The first experiment tested the acceptability of the prey offered to 5 days post‐hatched (dph) V. zonata larvae, and the second experiment determined the optimal density of the prey items. In the third experiment, we individually placed 5 dph larvae (SL = 5.97 ± 0.13 mm; 8.5 ± 0.25 mg) and fed them for 10 days with three different prey items: two rotifer species (Brachionus angularis and Plationus patulus at a density of 20 ind/mL) and a cladoceran species (Moina cf. macrocopa at 1 ind/mL), both cultures with and without probiotics. We counted the prey items consumed daily and provided fresh media with new prey at the above density. We determined the total counts, ingestion rates, and Manly’s selectivity index (αi) and measured and weighed the larvae at the beginning and end of the experiment. The endogenous feeding period with the yolk sac lasted until 5 dph, a mixed period with endogenous and exogenous feeding occurred from 5 to 7 dph, and an exogenous feeding period in which they fed on zooplankton was observed from day 7 to 15 dph. Brachionus angularis and Plationus patulus were accepted as prey after 5 dph, and Moina cf. macrocopa was accepted on 11 dph. During the first days of feeding, the preferred prey item was P. patulus, which later switched to M. cf. macrocopa on day 11. We found that the use of prey produced with NanoCrusta probiotics resulted in a significant increase in the somatic growth and weight of V. zonata. Our findings suggest that probiotics may potentially enhance the nutritional value of prey items and promote the growth of V. zonata larvae.
The Mediating Effect of Nurses’ Emotional Intelligence in the Relationship between Moral Sensitivity and Communication Ability with Angry Patients
Authors: Guo Si-Yan , Wang Xiao-Kai , Zhang Zhen-Xiang , Zhang Qiu-Jun , Pan Xue , Li Cai-Xia , Ke Dan-Dan
Published: July 2024

Aims. To test whether emotional intelligence plays a mediating role in the process by which moral sensitivity affects nurses’ ability to communicate with angry patients. Background. Hospital workplace violence is a global problem that disrupts the normal work order of healthcare, undermines trust between nurses and patients, and threatens the physical and mental health of nurses. Improving nurses’ ability to communicate with angry patients to identify and diffuse patients’ anger is critical to reducing the nurse‐patient conflict and avoiding violence in the hospital workplace. Methods. The data were collected in China. A sample of 212 nurses completed measures of moral sensitivity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to communicate with angry patients. Structural equation modeling was used to test the study’ hypothesis. Results. Our results suggest that nurses’ emotional intelligence mediates the relationship between nurses’ moral sensitivity and nurses’ ability to communicate with angry patients, with a positive correlation between nurses’ moral sensitivity, emotional intelligence, and ability to communicate with angry patients. Conclusions. The findings showed that nurses’ moral sensitivity indirectly influenced nurses’ ability to communicate with angry patients by directly influencing emotional intelligence. This study provides a theoretical and methodological approach to mitigate nurse‐patient conflict and reduce violence in the hospital workplace through a moral perspective. Implications for Nursing Management. Nursing managers should pay attention to the moral sensitivity and emotional intelligence of nurses and promote their moral development and emotional intelligence by strengthening moral education in hospitals, utilizing emotional intelligence training courses and narrative nursing, ultimately promoting nurses’ ability to communicate with angry patients, further contributing to the reduction of nurse‐patient conflict, avoiding violence in the hospital workplace, building a safer hospital environment, promoting the overall development of nurses, and contributing to the development of global health and wellness.
Preductal Hemodynamic Redistribution in Preterm Infants with Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Authors: Surak Aimann
Published: July 2024

A patent ductus arteriosus is a common entity in preterm infants. Literature is lacking regarding physiological effects on preductal circulation. This report describes 3 patients with abnormal flow Doppler pattern in brachiocephalic artery. Further research is warranted to better understand the impact of PDA on preductal circulation.
Amperometric Biosensor Detecting Dopamine Based on Polypyrrole/Reduced Graphene Oxide/Nickel Oxide/Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Priyanto Shindy Ayu Netania , Yulianti Elly Septia , Zakiyuddin Ahmad , Rahman Siti Fauziyah
Published: July 2024

Dopamine (3,4‐dihydroxyphenethylamine) (DA) plays an important role in influencing emotions, pleasure sensations, concentration, pain, and coordination of body movements. However, abnormal levels of DA in the brain can lead to Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or schizophrenia diseases. A biosensor is defined as an analytical tool that combines certain biological recognition components with a physical transducer. A comprehensive study was conducted to enhance the performance of DA detection by incorporating reduced graphene oxide (rGO), polypyrrole (PPy), and nickel oxide (NiO) into the glassy carbon electrode (GCE). DA levels were measured using cyclic voltammetry (CV) with a three‐electrode configuration. Material characterization was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results obtained indicate that PPy/rGO/NiO/GCE has a detection limit of 0.195 mM and a sensitivity of 25.887 A mM−1 cm−2 for a linear range of 0.01–1 mM.
Exploring the Potential of Isalo Scorpion Cytotoxic Peptide in Enhancing Gill Barrier Function and Immunity in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Infected with Flavobacterium columnare
Authors: Chen Qiu-Yan , Hu Qi-Yu , Jiang Wei-Dan , Wu Pei , Liu Yang , Ren Hong-Mei , Jin Xiao-Wan , Feng Lin , Zhou Xiao-Qiu
Published: July 2024

The objective of this research was to investigate how dietary antimicrobial peptides (AMP), namely, Isalo scorpion cytotoxic peptide (IsCT), affect the gill physical barrier function and immune function of grass carp challenged with Flavobacterium columnare (F. columnare). Five hundred forty grass carp were randomly allocated to six groups and fed to varying levels of IsCT in the diet (0, 0.6, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4, and 3.0 mg/kg diet) for a duration of 60 days. Afterward, the grass carps faced a challenge from F. columnare. The results revealed that the use of optimal IsCT dramatically mitigated gill damage in grass carp that were infected with F. columnare. Additionally, IsCT exhibited a notable enhancement in gill antioxidant capabilities, as evidenced by a significant reduction in ROS, MDA, and PC levels, an elevation in antioxidant enzyme activities, and an upregulation of antioxidant‐related genes and Nrf2 mRNA levels. Conversely, the expression of Keap1a and Keap1b mRNA was decreased. Besides, IsCT exhibited its capability to inhibit apoptosis via downregulating the mRNA levels of caspase-2, caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-8, caspase-9, Apaf1, Fasl, Bax, and JNK while concurrently increasing the mRNA levels of Bcl-2, Mcl-1, and IAP in fish gills. Additionally, IsCT promoted the integrity of tight junction barrier by increasing the gene expression of claudin-b, claudin-c, claudin-3c, ZO-1, ZO-2b, occludin, and JAM while suppressing MLCK signaling. Additionally, optimal dietary IsCT improved antibacterial ability, as evidenced by heightened LZ, ACP activities, and elevated levels of C3, C4, and IgM. Additionally, there was an upregulation in β-defensin-1, LEAP-2A, LEAP-2B, hepcidin, and mucin-2 mRNA expression in the gills. Simultaneously, the inclusion of optimal dietary IsCT in the diet resulted in improved gill immunity barriers through the reduction of proinflammatory cytokine mRNA levels and the increase in the expression of anti‐inflammatory cytokine mRNA levels. This was partly facilitated by the IκBa/NF‐κB p65 signaling pathway and TOR/S6K1 signaling pathways in the gills of grass carp. Therefore, supplementing the diet with IsCT has potential advantages in enhancing gill health by improved physical barriers and immunity in grass carp. Based on LZ activity and against lipid peroxidation, optimum IsCT concentrations in on‐growing grass carp (136.88 ± 0.72 g) were found to be 1.68 and 1.54 mg/kg diet, respectively.
Supplementary Video S1 from The Cancer Genomics Cloud: Collaborative, Reproducible, and Democratized—A New Paradigm in Large-Scale Computational Research
Authors: Lau Jessica W. , Lehnert Erik , Sethi Anurag , Malhotra Raunaq , Kaushik Gaurav , Onder Zeynep , Groves-Kirkby Nick , Mihajlovic Aleksandar , DiGiovanna Jack , Srdic Mladen , Bajcic Dragan , Radenkovic Jelena , Mladenovic Vladimir , Krstanovic Damir , Arsenijevic Vladan , Klisic Djordje , Mitrovic Milan , Bogicevic Igor , Kural Deniz , Davis-Dusenbery Brandi
Published: July 2024

Video 1. Narrated screencast highlighting the major features of the CGC. For additional videos, tutorials and user guides, visit the knowledge center (docs.cancergenomicscloud.org)
Biomarker Analyses Investigating Disease Biology and Associations with Outcomes in the JAVELIN Merkel 200 Trial of Avelumab in Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: D’Angelo Sandra P. , Lebbé Céleste , Nghiem Paul , Brohl Andrew S. , Mrowiec Thomas , Leslie Trent , Georges Sara , Güzel Gülseren , Shah Parantu
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

Avelumab (anti–PD-L1) became the first approved treatment for metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) based on results from the phase II JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial. In this study, we report exploratory biomarker analyses from the trial.

Patients and Methods:

Patients with mMCC (n = 88) with or without prior first-line chemotherapy received avelumab 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks. We conducted analyses on somatic mutations, mutational signatures, and tumor mutational burden using paired whole-exome sequencing. Additionally, we examined gene and gene set expression, immune content from RNA sequencing profiles, as well as tumor PD-L1 and CD8 statuses from IHC and CD8 status from digital pathology.

Results:

Tumors positive for Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) were characterized by an absence of driver mutations and a low tumor mutational burden, consistent with previous studies. A novel MCPyV-specific host gene expression signature was identified. MCPyV+ tumors had increased levels of immunosuppressive M2 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment, which seemed to correlate with PD-L1 expression; high CD8+ T-cell density in these tumors did not predict response to avelumab. Conversely, in patients with MCPyV− tumors, higher CD8+ T-cell density seemed to be associated with response to avelumab. Mutations in several genes were associated with treatment outcomes. Compared with tumors sampled before chemotherapy, tumors sampled after chemotherapy had downregulated gene signatures for immune responses, including reduced expression of IFNγ-related pathways. Levels of activated dendritic cells in responding patients were higher in patients assessed after versus before chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

Exploratory analyses provide insights into mMCC biology and potential associations with response to avelumab. Chemotherapy seems to negatively modulate the immune microenvironment.
Supplementary Table 1 from Generation, Transcriptomic States, and Clinical Relevance of CX3CR1+ CD8 T Cells in Melanoma
Authors: Ishigaki Hirohito , Yamauchi Takayoshi , Long Mark D. , Hoki Toshifumi , Yamamoto Yuta , Oba Takaaki , Ito Fumito
Published: July 2024

Supplementary Table 1
Supplementary Figure 4 from Generation, Transcriptomic States, and Clinical Relevance of CX3CR1+ CD8 T Cells in Melanoma
Authors: Ishigaki Hirohito , Yamauchi Takayoshi , Long Mark D. , Hoki Toshifumi , Yamamoto Yuta , Oba Takaaki , Ito Fumito
Published: July 2024

Single-cell profiling of melanoma-infiltrating cells from patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in the Sade-Feldman et al. data
The Two Fundamental Shapes of Sleep Heart Rate Dynamics and Their Connection to Mental Health in College Students
Authors: Fudolig Mikaela Irene , Bloomfield Laura S.P. , Price Matthew , Bird Yoshi M. , Hidalgo Johanna E. , Kim Julia N. , Llorin Jordan , Lovato Juniper , McGinnis Ellen W. , McGinnis Ryan S. , Ricketts Taylor , Stanton Kathryn , Dodds Peter Sheridan , Danforth Christopher M.
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Wearable devices are rapidly improving our ability to observe health-related processes for extended durations in an unintrusive manner. In this study, we use wearable devices to understand how the shape of the heart rate curve during sleep relates to mental health. Methods: As part of the Lived Experiences Measured Using Rings Study (LEMURS), we collected heart rate measurements using the Oura ring (Gen3) for over 25,000 sleep periods and self-reported mental health indicators from roughly 600 first-year university students in the USA during the fall semester of 2022. Using clustering techniques, we find that the sleeping heart rate curves can be broadly separated into two categories that are mainly differentiated by how far along the sleep period the lowest heart rate is reached. Results: Sleep periods characterized by reaching the lowest heart rate later during sleep are also associated with shorter deep and REM sleep and longer light sleep, but not a difference in total sleep duration. Aggregating sleep periods at the individual level, we find that consistently reaching the lowest heart rate later during sleep is a significant predictor of (1) self-reported impairment due to anxiety or depression, (2) a prior mental health diagnosis, and (3) firsthand experience in traumatic events. This association is more pronounced among females. Conclusion: Our results show that the shape of the sleeping heart rate curve, which is only weakly correlated with descriptive statistics such as the average or the minimum heart rate, is a viable but mostly overlooked metric that can help quantify the relationship between sleep and mental health.
A Novel Quality Control Strategy for the Preparation of High-Quality Recombinant Allergens in Escherichia coli: A Case Study of Der f 2
Authors: Tang Jian , Yang De-Zheng , Lu Chen , Zheng Wei , Hu Zhi-Ming , Xu Yi-Fei , Li Ke , Wei Ji-Fu , Xu Zhi-Qiang
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Recombinant allergens produced by Escherichia coli (E. coli) system play an important role in the component-resolved diagnostics of allergy and vaccine development. However, incorrect folding of recombinant allergens may affect their application. Therefore, it is very important to monitor the correct folding of recombinant allergens. Currently, there is still a lack of a quality control strategy to solve this problem. In this study, a mite allergen, Der f 2, was taken as an example to establish a novel quality control strategy, which was based on chromatography to isolate the allergen, and on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to verify the IgE reactivity of the isolated allergen. Methods: The nucleotide sequence encoding Der f 2 was codon-optimized and cloned into pET-28a (+) plasmid. Best conditions for the expression of Der f 2 in E. coli were sought. The inclusion body of Der f 2 was denatured and purified by nickel affinity chromatography. Refolding processes were compared using glutathione redox system. The fully and partially folded proteins were separated by anion exchange chromatography, and the IgE reactivity of the isolated proteins was verified by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: An optimized 387 bp segment of the Der f 2 coding gene was successfully expressed in E. coli. Best induction conditions included preinduction bacterial density with absorbance value at 600 nm was 0.6, 1 mM isopropyl beta-d-thiogalactopyranoside at 28°C for 4 h. The Der f 2 protein after refolding was separated by chromatography and two fractions were obtained. The first fraction was identified as monomer protein and the second as aggregate by size-exclusion chromatography. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay also confirmed that the first fraction showed higher IgE reactivity. Conclusion: In this study, a novel quality control strategy based on chromatographic separation and IgE reactivity monitoring was established in the case of mite Der f 2, which systematically evaluated the effectiveness of multiple preparation methods for the first time. It is faster and more convenient when compared with the existing methods such as size-exclusion chromatography. This strategy laid a foundation for the stable application of recombinant allergens produced by E. coli in component-resolved diagnostics and the development of molecular vaccines in the future.
Anemia, Iron Deficiency, and Cause-Specific Mortality: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Cannon Ethan J. , Misialek Jeffrey R. , Buckley Leo F. , Aboelsaad Iman A.F. , Ballantyne Christie M. , Leister John , Pankow James S. , Lutsey Pamela L.
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Anemia is a risk factor for all-cause mortality in older adults. Iron deficiency may also be associated with adverse outcomes, independent of its role in causing anemia. This study tested the hypotheses that anemia, and low ferritin among non-anemic participants, were associated with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a community-based cohort of older adults. Methods: Fasting blood was obtained from 5,070 ARIC participants (median age: 75 years) in 2011–2013. Anemia was defined by hemoglobin concentrations <12 g/dL in women and <13 g/dL in men. We classified 4,020 non-anemic participants by quartiles of plasma ferritin, measured by the SomaScan proteomics platform. Cox proportional hazards regression was used. Mortality was ascertained via phone calls with proxies as part of twice-yearly cohort follow-up, surveillance of local hospital discharge indexes, state death records, and linkage to the National Death Index. Results: Of the total participants, 21% had anemia at baseline. Over a median of 7.5 years, there were 1,147 deaths, including 357 due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), 302 to cancer, and 132 to respiratory disease. Compared to those with normal hemoglobin, participants with anemia had a higher risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 1.81 [95% CI: 1.60–2.06]), and mortality due to CVD (1.77 [1.41–2.22]), cancer (1.81 [1.41–2.33]), and respiratory disease (1.72 [1.18–2.52]) in demographics-adjusted models. In fully adjusted models, associations with all-cause mortality (1.37 [1.19–1.58]) and cause-specific mortality were attenuated. In non-anemic participants, lower ferritin levels were not associated with all-cause or cause-specific mortality, though associations were observed among participants with lesser evidence of inflammation (CRP below the median level of 1.9 mg/L) and for cancer mortality in men only. Conclusion: Anemia is common among older adults and is associated with all-cause mortality, as well as mortality due to CVD, cancer, and respiratory disease. Our results do not provide evidence that iron deficiency, independent of anemia, is associated with mortality in this population.
The Interaction Effect of Obesity with Sleep Duration on Urinary Incontinence in Adult Females: A Cross-Sectional Study of the NHANES Database
Authors: Nan Xingyu , Dai Shuqin , Zhao Shaojie , Tian Ting , Gu Rui
Published: July 2024

Introduction: This study aimed to explore the interaction between obesity and sleep duration on urinary incontinence (UI) in adult women. Methods: Data of adult females were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) database in 2005–2018 in this cross-sectional study. Weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were utilized to screen covariates and investigate the associations of obesity and sleep duration with 3 types of UI, including stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). In addition, the interaction effect between obesity and sleep duration on UI was assessed. The evaluation indexes were odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion of interaction (AP), and synergy index (S). Results: Among 13,692 eligible women, 6,063 had SUI, 4,370 had UUI, and 2,621 had MUI. After adjusting for the covariates, women with obesity had higher odds of SUI (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.59–2.00), UUI (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.63–2.06), and MUI (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.48–1.88), compared with those who without obesity. Similarly, comparing to adequate sleep, sleep deprivation and hypersomnia were both significantly linked to higher odds of all types of UI (all p < 0.05). The restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves showed that there is a U-shaped association of sleep duration with UUI and MUI, respectively (all non-line p < 0.05). In addition, there was a potential synergistic effect between obesity and hypersomnia on UUI (RERI = 0.576, AP = 0.243, and S = 1.729) and that on MUI (RERI = 0.821, AP = 0.339, and S = 2.373). Conclusions: Obesity and hypersomnia had a potential synergistic effect on UI, especially UUI and MUI. Adult women should adopt measures to keep BMI within normal range, and timely intervene hypersomnia to reduce the possible risk of UI.
“Why (Zebra)fish May Get Ulcers”: Cognitive and Social Modulation of Stress in Fish
Authors: Fusani Bianca , Oliveira Rui F.
Published: July 2024

Background: In the bestseller book “Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers”, Robert Sapolsky argues that animals do not suffer from stress-related diseases like humans because for them, stress is episodic, while humans in contrast suffer from chronic psychological stress. In particular, the idea that fish cannot experience psychological stress is still prevalent, partly due to the lack of a homologous brain area to the neocortex. However, emerging evidence suggests that teleosts can undergo psychological stress, defined as a subjective and perceptual experience of the stressor, and in recent years, the underlying mechanisms started to be unveiled. Summary: The occurrence of cognitive appraisal in the assessment of stressors has been demonstrated in fish, indicating that the subjective evaluation of stimulus valence and salience, rather than absolute intrinsic characteristics of the stimulus itself, play a key role in the activation of the stress response. Moreover, individual biases (i.e., cognitive bias) in the cognitive appraisal of stimuli have also been described in fish, with some individuals consistently evaluating ambiguous stimuli as positive (aka optimists) whereas other individuals (aka pessimists) appraise them as negative. As a result, optimists and pessimists show consistent differences in stress reactivity and susceptibility/resilience to disease. Finally, social context has also been shown to modulate the response to aversive stimuli with the behavior of conspecifics either buffering or enhancing the response (i.e., social buffering vs. social contagion). Key Messages: Cognitive appraisal of stressors occurs in fish, implying that the stress response is modulated by a subjective and perceptual experience of the stressor. Moreover, interindividual consistent cognitive biases in the appraisal of stressors are also present in fish making some individuals more susceptible to stress-related diseases. Therefore, psychological stress has a health toll in fish, and psychologically stressed fish can potentially have ulcers.
Protein-Bound Uremic Toxins and Inflammation Process in Hemodialysis Patients: Is There a Role for Adsorption Hemodiafiltration?
Authors: Fabbrini Paolo , Vergani Denise , Malinverno Anna , Pieruzzi Federico , Marengo Marita , Merlotti Guido , Medana Claudio , Quercia Alessandro Domenico , Cantaluppi Vincenzo
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Despite major advances in the field of dialysis, there are still some unmet needs such as reducing inflammation through adequate depuration. It is well known that the wide spectrum of pro-inflammatory and pro-atherosclerotic uremic toxins are inefficiently removed by current dialysis techniques. Adsorption seems to be an extra tool to remove toxins, but its effect and optimization have not been widely studied. The aim of this report was to present preliminary results regarding the possibility of performing hemodiafiltration with a highly adsorptive polymethylmethacrylate membrane. Methods: The study was first conducted in 10 patients in which the safety and feasibility of hemodiafiltration with PMMA BG-U 2.1 membrane were tested through measurement of hemolysis indices, transmembrane pressures, and dialysis adequacy. Twenty patients were prospectively observed for 18-month period in which they consecutively underwent standard hemodialysis, standard post-dilution hemodiafiltration, and polymethylmethacrylate-based post-dilution hemodiafiltration. Protein-bound uremic toxins concentrations and inflammatory markers were measured throughout the observed period. Results: HDF-PMMA was inferior to HDF in convective volume, but KT/V was similar, and no differences were noted in operating pressures during the two treatments. During HDF-PMMA period of treatment, we observed a significant reduction of CPR levels, and HDF-PMMA was superior to all other treatments in hepcidin removal even if this did not significantly affect hemoglobin levels. HDF-PMMA could significantly reduce indoxyl sulfate (indoxyl) concentration over a period of 6 months but not for p-cresyl sulfate (p-cresyl). Conclusion: PMMA BG-U 2.1 membrane can be safely and efficiently used in hemodiafiltration. Moreover, as these preliminary results show, adding adsorption properties to convection and diffusion enabled an increased removal of indoxyl uremic toxin associated to a reduction in inflammation markers as CRP and hepcidin without any negative impact on albumin levels.
Role and Mechanisms of Tyro3 in Podocyte Biology and Glomerular Disease
Authors: Min Lulin , Chen Yixin , Zhong Fang , Gu Leyi , Lee Kyung , He John Cijiang
Published: July 2024

Background: Podocyte loss occurs in both primary and secondary glomerular diseases, leading to the progression of kidney disease. A large body of evidence suggests that apoptosis and detachment are the mechanisms mediating the reduction in podocyte numbers in glomerular diseases. Recent studies demonstrate a renal protective effect of protein S (PS) through the activation of Tyro3, one of the TAM receptors. Tyro3 is predominantly expressed in podocytes within the kidney, and its expression increases in early diabetic kidney disease (DKD) but decreases in patients with progressive DKD and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Glomerular expression of Tyro3 also correlates with the progression of DKD and predicts the progression of primary glomerular diseases. High glucose increases Tyro3 expression, while TNF-α suppresses the expression of PS and Tyro3. PS has anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects in podocytes, likely via the activation of the Akt pathway and the inhibition of NF-kB activation. In vivo, the knockout of PS or Tyro3 exacerbates podocyte loss and glomerular disease, while the overexpression of PS and Tyro3 attenuates the injury in mice with DKD and FSGS. Tyro3 agonists have also been shown to protect podocytes from injury in these animal models. Summary: Tyro3 plays a critical role in podocyte biology and glomerular disease. Tyro3 agonists could potentially be developed as a new therapy for glomerular disease. Key Message: The aim of this review article was to summarize the role and mechanisms mediating the protective effects of Tyro3 in podocyte biology and glomerular disease. Additionally, we discuss the possibility of developing Tyro3 agonists as potential treatment for glomerular diseases.
Multifaceted Dinoflagellates and the Marine Model Prorocentrum cordatum
Authors: Kalvelage Jana , Rabus Ralf
Published: July 2024

Background: Dinoflagellates are a monophyletic group within the taxon Alveolata, which comprises unicellular eukaryotes. Dinoflagellates have long been studied for their organismic and morphologic diversity as well as striking cellular features. They have a main size range of 10–100 µm, a complex “cell covering”, exceptionally large genomes (∼1–250 Gbp with a mean of 50,000 protein-encoding genes) spread over a variable number of highly condensed chromosomes, and perform a closed mitosis with extranuclear spindles (dinomitosis). Photosynthetic, marine, and free-living Prorocentrum cordatum is a ubiquitously occurring, bloom-forming dinoflagellate, and an emerging model system, particularly with respect to systems biology. Summary: Focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) analysis of P. cordatum recently revealed (i) a flattened nucleus with unusual structural features and a total of 62 tightly packed chromosomes, (ii) a single, barrel-shaped chloroplast devoid of grana and harboring multiple starch granules, (iii) a single, highly reticular mitochondrion, and (iv) multiple phosphate and lipid storage bodies. Comprehensive proteomics of subcellular fractions suggested (i) major basic nuclear proteins to participate in chromosome condensation, (ii) composition of nuclear pores to differ from standard knowledge, (iii) photosystems I and II, chloroplast complex I, and chlorophyll a–b binding light-harvesting complex to form a large megacomplex (>1.5 MDa), and (iv) an extraordinary richness in pigment-binding proteins. Systems biology-level investigation of heat stress response demonstrated a concerted down-regulation of CO2-concentrating mechanisms, CO2-fixation, central metabolism, and monomer biosynthesis, which agrees with reduced growth yields. Key Messages: FIB/SEM analysis revealed new insights into the remarkable subcellular architecture of P. cordatum, complemented by proteogenomic unraveling of novel nuclear structures and a photosynthetic megacomplex. These recent findings are put in the wider context of current understanding of dinoflagellates.
Effect of Dual Glucagon-Like Peptide 1/Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Receptor Agonist (Tirzepatide) versus Bariatric Surgery on Weight Loss and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Al-Sabah Salman , Al-Khairi Irina , Jamal Mohammad , Qaddoumi Mohammad , Alajmi Fahad , Kumar Jijin , Abukhalaf Nermeen , Cherian Preethi , Madhu Dhanya , Arefanian Hossein , Dsouza Carol , Alam-Eldin Nada , AlSabagh Abdullah , Al Madhoun Ashraf , Al-Sabah Suleiman , Al-Mulla Fahd , Abu-Farha Mohamed , Abubaker Jehad
Published: July 2024

Objectives: Bariatric surgery is a well-established treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, has emerged as a promising therapy for type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to compare the effects of bariatric surgery, semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist), and tirzepatide in Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high-fat diet. Methods: Rats were divided into surgery, semaglutide, and tirzepatide treatment groups, along with a control group (sham). Weight, oral glucose tolerance, and levels of metabolic markers were assessed, along with adipose and liver tissue analysis. Results: Surgery led to a 15.5% weight reduction, while rats treated with semaglutide exhibited a 10.7% reduction. Tirzepatide treatment at various concentrations (10, 50, and 100 nmol/kg) resulted in weight reductions of 5.0%, 14.9%, and 17.7%, respectively, compared to the sham group. Metabolic analyte levels decreased in intervention groups compared to the sham group, indicating improved metabolic health and glucose tolerance. Adipose tissue weight and hepatic liver fat droplets decreased in the intervention groups. Conclusion: Bariatric surgery and tirzepatide treatment significantly improved metabolic parameters in obese rats. Tirzepatide, particularly at higher concentrations, showed pronounced improvements compared to surgery and semaglutide. These findings suggest that high doses of tirzepatide could be explored as an alternative to bariatric surgery for the treatment of obesity.
Factors Influencing Success Rate of Referral for Asphyxiated Newborns Before and After Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) Training
Authors: Yurico Ariq Azky Yurico , - Adhie Nur Radityo , Putri Sekar Wiyati  , Dimas Tri Anantyo
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Referral for asphyxia newborns is the process of transferring newborns with difficult breathing conditions from one health facility to another. Emergency management of asphyxia newborns must be handled properly; one of the examples is taught in a Helping Babies Breath (HBB) training. Other factors that influence the determinants of referral are positive-pressure ventilation action, the state of hypothermia, and the duration of referral.
Methods: The research design used in this study was cross-sectional. The samples were collected by purposive sampling from January 2019 to December 2020 from the medical records of Puskesmas Kabupaten Grobogan.
Results: There was no significant association between the success rate of referral for asphyxia newborns and the Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) training (p=0.213). Before the HBB was implemented, there was no significant association between the incident and positive-pressure ventilation action (p = 0.092). Still, there was a significant association between the incidence of hypothermia (p=<0.001) and referral duration (p=0.011). After the HBB was implemented, there was no significant association between the incident with positive-pressure ventilation action (p=0.758) and the duration of the referral (p=0.2). Still, there was a significant association with the incidence of hypothermia (p=0.002).
Conclusion: There is a significant association between the success rate of referral of asphyxia newborns and hypothermia before and after the HBB Program was implemented and the duration of referrals before the HBB Program was implemented.
Voyaging Through Uncharted Territories: A Phenomenological Study of Elementary Education Amidst the New Normal
Authors: Magbanua Yehlen S.
Published: July 2024

As the world slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that we will not be returning to the world we once knew. Instead, we are adapting to a "New Normal" - a world where we must learn to coexist with the virus. This new way of life vastly differs from what we were accustomed to, and every aspect of our lives has been impacted. Teachers have a significant role in shaping the future of education, and they, too, have been affected by the pandemic. In this study, we sought to understand the challenges and issues public elementary school teachers face in the Philippines due to the pandemic. We employed a qualitative phenomenological research design, selecting nine participants who shared their experiences. Through our analysis, we identified seven themes, including lack of communication, parents' low levels of education, insufficient time for printing modules, teachers' out-of-pocket expenses, difficulty in assessing learners' academic performance, the need for professional growth, and teachers' positive response to the changes. Despite their challenges, these teachers remain resilient and motivated to adapt to the new normal. Despite the difficulties, they continue to work hard to ensure their pupils receive quality education.
Server Room Temperature Remote Monitoring System
Authors: Tamayo Josan D. , Reyes Angelo M.
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic creates more significant opportunities to develop more Internet of Things-based systems. IoT has been helpful in remote monitoring and control of connected devices. This research aims to develop a Room Temperature Remote Monitoring System using an Arduino Board and Cloud storage. It provides remote room temperature monitoring, real-time reports and graphs, and a 3-way alert/alarm system when the observed temperature is out of range. The prototype developed is compared to the room thermometer and provides accurate results.
Awareness and Acceptability of Pre-Certified Halal Foods to Non-Muslim Students among Secondary Schools
Authors: Guiapal Fareed M. , Usop Annierah M. , Lumbu-an Jenevieve D.
Published: July 2024

Multiculturalism is increasingly shaping contemporary societies, yet food, a fundamental human necessity, often becomes a point of cultural and belief-based contention. The halal food industry has grown significantly, garnering support both locally and internationally. However, this burgeoning sector faces challenges related to establishing standardized regulations that acknowledge its role in nation-building and promote cultural diversity. This study aimed to assess the awareness and acceptance of pre-certified halal food among non-Muslim students across secondary schools in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat. Employing a descriptive survey research design, the study utilized a researcher-developed questionnaire administered to 350 students selected through simple random sampling from seven identified schools in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.
Findings indicated that despite Lambayong's diverse population, most respondents demonstrated awareness and positive perceptions of pre-certified halal food. However, some community elders and church leaders expressed reservations about allowing younger generations to consume such food. The study also observed that while many vendors and proprietors were Muslim, not all adhered to the practice of wearing hijab (for Muslim women), and some lacked necessary cooking equipment like gloves and hairnets. Furthermore, certain halal establishments were found to have inadequate sanitation and pest control measures. Ultimately, the study concluded that there exists a moderate relationship between respondents' awareness and their acceptance of halal food. Recommendations include schools collaborating with barangay and local government units to monitor the hygiene of nearby restaurants and canteens. Additionally, halal food establishments should prioritize enhancing their sanitation practices and hygiene protocols to ensure compliance and consumer confidence.
Exploring the Relationship Between Operations Management Practices and Students’ Satisfaction in the Canteen at Mabolo National High School
Authors: Medina April Princess , Aguilon Shaira Mae , Pepito Crisa Mae B. , Enopequez Avegail M. , Polinar Mark Anthony N. , Rabanes Bertella G. , Mahipos April Marie
Published: July 2024

This descriptive-correlational study scrutinized the operations management and senior high school students’ satisfaction with the canteen inside the Mabolo National High School. Also, the relationship between the two variables was explored. Four hundred eighty-nine (489) respondents were chosen conveniently to participate in the data gathering using a modified tool validated by the experts and obtained 0.7346 internal consistency. Weighted mean and Pearson correlation coefficient were employed to analyze the data and yield valuable findings. Findings unveiled that students were satisfied with the personnel's treatment, the proactive approach of the canteen to provide fresh and healthy products, the products being served, and the processes of the canteen to maintain a quality service. Also, the study found that the operations management practices of the canteen have a significant relationship to the students’ satisfaction. Improving operations management is critical in meeting customer needs and leading to satisfaction. Consequently, maintaining and enhancing customer satisfaction can be attained by ensuring that the quality of products, processes, employees, and proactive measures is exceptional. Furthermore, future researchers can pursue other variables, such as canteen facilities, food prices, food tastes, and food preferences, for future studies as they might influence overall customer satisfaction.
Evaluation of the MARPOL 73/78 Surveyor Training Course Towards its Enhancement
Authors: Sevilla II Anthony T.
Published: July 2024

This thesis investigated the effectiveness of the MARPOL 73/78 Surveyor Training Course offered by Oceanwide Maritime Services Corp. and identified potential areas for enhancement. The study assessed course content, instructor qualifications, delivery methods, facilities, equipment, and learning assessment using Kirkpatrick's Model. It engaged 110 maritime professionals through structured questionnaires and client satisfaction surveys. Findings indicated that the course was highly effective in terms of content, instructor qualifications, and assessment methods while teaching materials and course duration received lower scores. Recommendations included updating course content, increasing hands-on training, upgrading facilities, diversifying delivery methods, enhancing assessment techniques, extending course duration, and providing support for complex topics. In conclusion, the MARPOL 73/78 Surveyor’s Training Course is highly effective but needs improvements in teaching materials, course segments, and regular content updates to maintain training quality and relevance.
Outcome-Based Teaching and Learning (OBTL) Practices of the Coast Guard Special Operations Force (CGSOF) Specialization Courses
Authors: Torres Jr. Noli C
Published: July 2024

The goal of outcome-based teaching and learning, or OBTL, is to provide students with explicit instructions on what they are expected to learn and how to demonstrate that learning before any instruction even begins. While the idea behind OBTL has been around for a while, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has just lately included it in its training curriculum. The Coast Guard Special Operations Force (CGSOF), one of the PCG's operating units, is dedicated to integrating OBTL into its system through its training institute in order to address the current trend in education. Determining the degree of OBTL practice implementation in the CGSOF-led specialized courses is the primary goal of the research. This study used a mixed-methods research approach that used quantitative and qualitative techniques. mixed-methods research design where survey questionnaires and informal interviews were used in data gathering. There were 42 instructors and 130 trainees from the CGSOF included in the study. The findings revealed that both the instructors’ self-assessment and the trainees’ observation showed a significant extent in the implementation of OBTL practices. There is a substantial alignment between the measurable competencies that trainees should exhibit at the end of the course with respect to its three main components: the intended learning outcomes (ILOs), teaching and learning activities (TLAs), and assessment tasks (ATs). Despite several identified factors affecting the OBTL implementation, including the lack of equipment and training facilities that most affect the alignment of the ILOs, TLAs, and ATs, it was still indicated that the implementation of OBTL in the CGSOF specialization courses has been applied with a consistently high degree of satisfaction and efficacy, offering instructors and trainees a well-rounded education experience.
The Role of Maritime Intelligence Agency in Fostering the Basics of National Maritime Resilience in Indonesia
Authors: Kusumaningrum Adi , Moeljadi Moeljadi , P. Widyanto Pudyo , Wijaya Windu Wahyu
Published: July 2024

Excellent relations between the coordinator Ministry for maritime affairs and Investment as users with all stakeholders in the maritime domain as a collector of maritime intelligence data must be established so that users or decision-makers could make the right decisions promptly. Qualitative research is then conducted to find out what hindrances can impede the smooth supply of maritime intelligence data from collector to user and to look into requirements to produce good quality intelligence data for users. The research's data are obtained through library research and then analyzed through the data collection phase, data condensation phase, and data display phase. Finally, it ended by concluding that it is timely for the Indonesian government to create a maritime intelligence agency by grouping intelligence personnel from each maritime stakeholder, which performs maritime intelligence data gathering separately. The next new agency would serve as the only government body to supply maritime intelligence data for users. By doing so, sectoral ego and other hindrances, which often impede unity in serving the country, would be abolished. Additionally, maritime intelligence data sent to users must reflect the truth on the ground from several reliable intelligence sources.