bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expert System to Detect the Level of Parental Stress in Online Learning by Using Forward Chaining Method
Authors: M. Kom Susi Erlinda , Rika Desmalita  , Liya Astarilla Dede Warman
Published: July 2023

This research was aimed to make an expert system application to detect and identify the parental stress level in online learning by using the Forward Chaining method. The system was designed and implemented based on Desktop by using basic programming language. The data were collected through questionnaire consisted of 30 questions. The final score would determine the stress level of the respondents. The respondents were chosen by using random sampling technique. XAMPP data with the results obtained from 150 respondents who have educational backgrounds; elementary school (4 respondents), junior high school (6 respondents), high school (120 respondents), associate degree (11 respondents), bachelor degree (9 respondents).There were 123 respondents do not work, and 27 respondents were working parents. The findings showed that from 150 respondents there were 22% or 33 respondents were at normal level, 6% or 9 respondents were at mild level of stress, 8% or 12 respondents were at moderate level of stress, and 64% or 96 respondents were at severe level of stress. It was concluded that this application can be used to detect the parental stress level in online learning. It was also expected through the use of this application can help parents to detect their stress level earlier and find solution of it in order to avoid the negative impact of their problems.
Analisis Variasi Mata Pisau Pada Mesin Pencacah Kulit Kelapa
Authors: Rahmadsyah  , Saktisahdan Tengku Jukdin , Pane Ali Hasimi , Saputra Dani , Hasanah Moraida
Published: July 2023

Pengolahan kulit kelapa menjadi media tanam adalah usaha untuk meningkatkan nilai jual kulit kelapa itu sendiri. Untuk membuat kulit kelapa menjadi media tanam dibutuhkan mesin pencacah agar dapat menghancurkan kulit kelapa tersebut agar lebih halus dan efektif dalam penggunaannya. Dalam proses pencacahan, jumlah mata pisau mempunyai peranan yang sangat penting. Mesin pencacah yang digunakan mempunyai variasi jumlah mata pisau sebanyak 12, 15, dan 18. Serta daya motor penggerak yang digunakan sebesar 5,5 Hp dan putaran 3600 rpm. Penggunaan 18 mata pisau mendapatkan hasil yang terbaik dibandingkan jumlah mata pisau yang lain. Dari jumlah mata pisau 18 mendapatkan  rata-rata hasil cacahan terbanyak yaitu 1,78 kg untuk setiap 2 kg yang dicacah dengan waktu tercepat selama 12 menit 27 detik atau 747 detik.
Pemanfaatan Limbah Delignifikasi Bioethanol dari Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit Menjadi Surfaktan Natrium Lignosulfonat
Authors: Hartari Widia Rini , Undadraja Bigi , Delvitasari Febrina , Maryanti  , Ersan  , Sarono
Published: July 2023

Surfaktan (Surface active agent) merupakan senyawa yang bersifat ampipilik (hidropilik dan hidropobik dalam satu molekul), sehingga dapat diaplikasikan sebagai defoaming, emulsifier, detergency, emuliency, dan lainnya. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mendapatkan Surfaktan Natrium Lignosulfonat dari limbah proses delignifikasi bioethanol. Metode penelitian dilakukan 2 tahap yaitu delignifikasi TKKS dengan NaOH yang memiliki konsentrasi 10, 20, dan 30%. Tahap kedua analisis rendemen lignin, TSS (total padatan), dan konsentrasi surfaktan natrium lignosulfonat menggunakan spektrofotometer UV-Vis, pH. Data yang diperoleh kemudian dianalisis secara Deskriptif. Hasil surfaktan dengan pengujian Spektrofotometer UV-Vis adalah kandungan surfaktan yang tinggi dan stabil adalah pada konsentrasi NaOH 10% baik dalam waktu 30 menit yaitu 2,480; 2,360; 2,679 dan 60 menit yaitu 2,768; 2,812; 2,878 ppm.
Detritivores and exogenous nitrogen influence litter microbial communities in coastal salt marshes
Authors: Rippel TM , DeCandia AL , Tomasula J , McIntosh CL , Murphy SM , Wimp GM
Published: July 2023

Saprotrophic fungal communities and animal detritivores are known to regulate litter decomposition, yet their interaction has seldom been examined in coastal salt marshes. Such studies are important because salt marshes have some of the highest carbon storage rates of any ecosystem, and litter plays an important role in carbon cycling. Furthermore, it is currently unknown how species loss and nitrogen (N) pollution will impact the detritivore-fungi or detritivore-algae interactions that occur on litter. To test for changes in the microbial community of decaying Spartina alterniflora Loisel litter, we factorially altered the N concentrations of sediment surrounding the litter as well as the densities of Melampus bidentatus Say, 1822, an abundant but declining detritivorous snail that increases fungal abundance and litter decomposition rates. In each of 36 experimental plots, we analyzed the fungal and algal community composition of litter bundles (collected after 50 and 100 d, respectively) along with detritivore densities, plant traits, sediment and litter N, sediment chemistry, and microclimate. Notably, the densities of snails and isopods were associated with changes in the evenness and relative abundances of fungi in the litter, while amphipods influenced both fungal and algal communities. N additions further altered fungal community structure and increased the dominant saprotroph Natantispora retorquens at both timepoints. In sum, our novel field study revealed that N pollution and the loss of key detritivores, both of which are expected to increase in the future, will likely impact salt marsh fungi. Therefore, global change may impact the animal-microbial dynamics that influence above-ground carbon cycling.
THE PERCEIVED ATTRACTIVENESS OF SEXUAL DIMORPHIC FEATURES IN MALE FACES ACROSS THE LIFESPAN OF A WOMAN
Authors: DEMUTHOVA SLAVKA
Published: July 2023

According to evolutionary psychology, the presence of masculine sexual dimorphic traits is an indicator of the hidden qualities of the organism. On the other hand, it is also characteristic of men with low levels of warmth, honesty, and a reluctance to invest in offspring. As female reproductive goals vary across a woman’s lifespan, changing from finding the best donor of “good genes” to a commitment to a “selfless caregiver”, it is probable that the attractiveness of masculine/feminine facial features in male faces changes across a lifespan. The results of the study indicate that the degree of preference for masculine male faces increases from their teens, reaches a maximum during the period of reproduction before marriage and decreases in older age, with a statistically significant decrease in the postmenopausal period.
INTERPRETATION OF A MUSICAL TEXT: TO THE QUESTION OF UNDERSTANDING THE AUTHOR'S INTENTION
Authors: HRIBINIENKO YULIIA , MATUSHCHAK TETIANA , SHPYTALNA IRYNA , RUI SU , ZEYU ZHANG
Published: July 2023

The article deals with the phenomenon of musical text in the aspect of interpretation. The main idea of the study is the assertion that musical interpretation is the art of embodying the author's thought in sounds, reproducing the performer's own concept. Being a category of art history, this phenomenon implies not only a variety of performing schools, but also the aesthetic principles of performance, technological problems of approaches to the musical text, its understanding. The field of interpretation in the sense of performance realization has a completely unique dimension in music. However, the theoretical foundations on which the transformations of the author's text are based do not fully reveal the artistic meanings, their cognitive significance. Thus, the relevance of the issues under study is determined by the need for a theoretical study of the specifics of the interaction of the interpretive form (the author's text) and the ability to form images through the performer's sensory cognition as a product of new semantic contexts.
INTERNATIONAL LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY OF PUTIN AND THE AGGRESSOR RUSSIAN STATE FOR COMMITTED WAR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY, TERROR AND GENOCIDE AGAINST UKRAINE AND THE WORLD
Authors: BILAS IVAN , POPKO VADYM
Published: July 2023

In the article, the author traces the fates of individual dictators and analyses the norms of international law, laws of war, and national legislation, which should be applied to putin to stop his international terrorist activities and the wars he unleashed, to save the world from a “madman with a nuclear button”. The history of the last hundred years shows that dictators' fates, like their characters, are very similar, and they usually end their lives tragically. Based on the analysis of the criminal activities of moscow aggressor state current political leadership, the author argues that the irreversibility of the punishment for war crimes, crimes against humanity, terror and genocide and that putin will inevitably appear before the Hague International Military Tribunal and will be justly sentenced to life imprisonment. On the basis of the analysis carried out and the given factual circumstances, the author ascertains the purposeful, deliberate, and systematic criminal activities of the current political leadership of the russian aggressor state against Ukraine and the civilized world, which are carried out in the form of war crimes, crimes against humanity, terror and genocide. It is stated that to effectively neutralize these international terrorists as soon as possible and to prevent further harmful and irreversible consequences of their criminal activities, the civilized world society should immediately apply against them the irreversibility of punishment, which is determined by the norms of both international and national law.
WAYS OF FORMING PERFORMING STYLISTICS IN THE HISTORICAL DYNAMICS OF CHINESE PIANO ART
Authors: CHERNYAVSKA MARIANNA , MEIXUAN SONG , RUI PENG
Published: July 2023

The article is devoted to the understanding of the problems faced by the performer of the works of Chinese composers. The lack of performance analysis of such works complicates their understanding and full implementation on stage. The purpose of this study is to identify the universal mechanism of piano interpretation of program pieces by Chinese composers, which functions in the entire variety of author's styles. At the same time, the issue of performance stylistics of piano works by Chinese composers appears in all its problem complexity: from understanding the figurative sphere, issues of pianistic implementation to the stylistic authenticity of performance. The process of formation of performance style in the works laid down by composers during the development of piano art in China is considered. A key role in the formation of the performance style of Chinese pianists was played by the activities of luminaries musicians who demonstrated the universality of musical creativity. The creative-aesthetic and didactic principles acquired by these musicians in different schools affected the manner of their individual writing, which, in turn, influenced the performance style of their works. Specific performance formulas of playing, uncharacteristic for European art sound coloristic techniques on the piano require the pianist to be able to choose a fingering that provides pianistic comfort and contributes to actual intonation and construction of melodic lines. The constant updating of the musical language of many piano works by Chinese authors allows talking about the continuous process of evolution of the national performing style.
INTERPRETIVE INNOVATIONS OF THE OPERA IMAGE IN THE CREATIVE DIALOGUE M. CALLAS - L. VISCONTI
Authors: OSTROUKHOVA NATALIA , XIAOWEN LIU , JING LYU , TAN KONGBO , XINYA YU
Published: July 2023

In the article, on the example of the performing arts of Maria Callas, it is shown that the so-called personification of the musical images of the opera, their visualization and their transition from the world of “pure music” to the stage space occurs through the phenomenon of combining melody and poetic text. It is logical to assume that such a change in the “proposed circumstances” in the opera in relation to the drama entails a transformation or, at least, an adjustment in the mechanism for bringing the actor's imagination to the state necessary for stage creativity. The research presents a singer-actor as part of the operatic text.
A széklettranszplantáció aktuális hazai helyzete
Authors: Péterfi Zoltán , Varga Adorján , Vigvári Szabolcs , Sipos Dávid
Published: July 2023

Az elhúzódó hasmenéses kórképek gyógyítására már a negyedik században is alkalmazott eljárás az utóbbi időben került ismét a figyelem központjába, ami a refrakter Clostridioides difficile fertőzések alternatív, hatékony kezelési lehetőségeként vált ismertté. A széklet komplex összetétele miatt nehezen vizsgálható, és nincs összhangban a napjainkban divatos precíziós medicinával. Ennek ellenére egyre több adat áll rendelkezésünkre a hatékonyságáról, és egyre több, a minőségirányítási rendszerrel kompatibilis technológiák kifejlesztése és elterjedése válik ismertté. Közleményünkben röviden összefoglaljuk a jelen hazai fejlesztéseket, irányokat a széklettranszplantációban.
Духоборцы в Лифляндии: путь на остров Эзель и поселение
DOUKHOBORS IN LIVONIA: THE WAY TO THE EZEL ISLAND AND SETTLING
Authors: Inikova S. A.
Published: July 2023

Статья посвящена изучению истории ссылки представителей секты духоборцев в Лифляндскую губернию на о. Эзель и в Динаминдскую крепость в конце XVIII в. Документы, извлеченные из архивов России, Эстонии и Украины, позволяют всесторонне показать ссылку как репрессивную меру, широко использовавшуюся государством в XVIII в. для решения проблем, связанных с религиозным инакомыслием. На примере духоборцев рассмотрены все этапы применения ссылки, начиная от совершения преступления, которое заключалось в антицерковных и антигосударственных высказываниях, в организации «сборищ», совращении в духоборческую веру православных, и последующей деятельности российской пенитенциарной системы. В статье показаны экономические и бытовые стороны жизни ссыльных духоборцев, особенности их поведения, взаимоотношения с местным начальством. Автор обратил внимание на те аспекты законодательства и правоприменительной практики, которые были нацелены не только на наказание, но и на исправление и возвращение вероотступников в лоно православной церкви, игравшей важную роль в этом процессе.

The article is devoted to the history of the Doukhobor sect members’ exile to Livonian province, to the Ezel island (nowadays Saaremaa) and to the Dynamind Fortress in the late 18th century. The documents from the archives of Russia, Estonia and Ukraine comprehensively show exile as a repressive measure, widely used by the state in the 18th century to solve problems related to religious dissidents. The study uses the example of the Doukhobors to examine all stages of exile, starting with the crime itself, which consisted in anti‑church and anti‑state statements, organization of gatherings, seduction of Orthodox Christians into the Doukhobor faith, and then subsequent activities of the Russian penitentiary system. The article describes the economic and daily life of the exiled Doukhobors, their behavior, and their relations with the local authorities. The author highlights those aspects of legislation and law enforcement practices, which were aimed not only at punishment, but also at the reformation and return of apostates to the bosom of the Orthodox Church, which played an important role in this process.
Социоантропологические подходы к исследованию школьного буллинга
SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO SCHOOL BULLYING RESEARCH
Authors: Filatova V. O.
Published: July 2023

В статье рассматриваются проблемы и перспективы применения антропологических и социологических подходов к исследованию школьного буллинга. Проводя критический обзор теоретических концепций и методологических принципов, разработанных в рамках социокультурных исследований детства, социологии и антропологии насилия, автор статьи выносит на обсуждение вопросы о том, чем опыт социологов и антропологов может быть полезен и важен для развития научного знания о школьном буллинге. В частности, сравниваются такие подходы к изучению насилия, которые рассматривают насилие либо как девиацию, либо как структурно значимое для культуры явление. Также рассматриваются подходы к исследованиям детства, «детств» и взаимоотношений между поколениями, которые разрабатывались антропологами и социологами в течение XX и в начале XXI вв. Особое внимание уделено вопросам о том, как определяются и переосмысляются понятия «буллинг», «насилие» и «детство» в различных дисциплинах и социокультурных контекстах, и как разница в возрасте между исследуемыми (детьми, подростками, взрослыми) и исследователями (как правило, взрослыми) влияет на цели, задачи, методы исследований и на эмпирические материалы, на которых базируется экспертное/научное знание о школьном буллинге. На основании проведенного аналитического обзора сформулирован ряд теоретических и методологических принципов, которые могут быть полезны для преодоления организационных сложностей и решения этических проблем, возникающих при проведении социокультурных исследований буллинга в школах.

The article aims to unfold the discussion about the problems and perspectives of socio‑anthropological school bullying research. Through the critical review of several theoretical concepts and methodological principles developed in sociology and anthropology of violence, and sociocultural studies of childhood, the author wonders how such concepts might be useful and applicable in the academic research of school bullying. In particular, the review is focused, first, on such theoretical frameworks which consider violence as a deviation, or as a structurally important cultural phenomenon, and second, on the different conceptualisations of childhood, “childhoods” and generations’ relations, elaborated in anthropology and sociology throughout XX and early XXI centuries. Special attention is given to the issue of defining and re‑defining concepts of bullying, violence, childhood in various academic discourses, cultural and political contexts. Age and cultural difference between participants of a school bullying research (children, adolescents, adults) and researchers (usually, only adults) is addressed in the light of how it affects research aims, objectives, methods and data, constituting basis of expert/academic knowledge on school bullying. In conclusion, author articulates several theoretical and methodological principles which might be used to approach ethical problems and overcome some organizational difficulties in sociocultural research of school bullying.
Review of synergy between machine learning and first principles models for asset integrity management
Authors: Cai Tianxing , Fang Jian , Daida Sharath , Lou Helen H.
Published: July 2023

The chemical process industry (CPI) accumulated a rich data asset through industrial 4.0. There is a strong drive to develop and utilize effective approaches for process performance prediction and improvement, process control, sensor development, asset management, etc. The synergy between machine learning and first principles models can bring new insights and add tremendous value to the CPI. This paper reviews various applications of the synergies towards asset integrity management. An overview of some related commercial software packages are also provided.
Antibacterial activity mechanism of coptisine against Pasteurella multocida
Authors: Zhang Rui , Tian Shuo , Zhang Tengfei , Zhang Wenting , Lu Qin , Hu Qiao , Shao Huabin , Guo Yunqing , Luo Qingping
Published: July 2023

Objective

Pasteurella multocida is a widespread zoonotic pathogen that causes severe damage to the poultry industry. This study focused on the antibacterial effects and mechanism of action of coptisine against P. multocida.

Methods

The minimum inhibitory concentration and half maximal inhibitory concentration of coptisine against P. multocida was measured. Additionally, the effect of coptisine on growth, cell wall, activity of respiratory enzymes, soluble protein content and DNA synthesis were also analyzed. Finally, the effect of coptisine on gene transcription was determined using RNA sequencing.

Results

We demonstrated that coptisine has a strong antibacterial effect against P. multocida, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.125 mg/mL. Moreover, the measurement of the half maximal inhibitory concentration confirmed that coptisine was safe for the pathogen. The growth curve showed that coptisine inhibited bacterial growth. Measurement of alkaline phosphatase activity in the culture solution showed that coptisine affected cell wall permeability. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that coptisine chloride destroyed the cell structure. In addition, coptisine blocked the respiratory system, as measured by the levels of critical enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and glycolysis, succinate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase, respectively. Similarly, coptisine inhibited the synthesis of soluble proteins and genomic DNA. The KEGG pathway analysis of the differentially expressed genes showed that they were associated with cellular, respiratory, and amino acid metabolism, which were downregulated after coptisine treatment. Additionally, genes related to RNA degradation and the aminoacyl-tRNA pathway were upregulated.

Conclusion

In this study, we demonstrated that coptisine exerts an antibacterial effect on P. multocida. These findings suggest that coptisine has a multifaceted impact on various pathways, resulting in the inhibition of P. multocida. Thus, coptisine is a potential alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of P. multocida infections in a clinical setting.
FAIR data management: what does it mean for drug discovery?
Authors: Gadiya Yojana , Ioannidis Vassilios , Henderson David , Gribbon Philip , Rocca-Serra Philippe , Satagopam Venkata , Sansone Susanna-Assunta , Gu Wei
Published: July 2023

The drug discovery community faces high costs in bringing safe and effective medicines to market, in part due to the rising volume and complexity of data which must be generated during the research and development process. Fully utilising these expensively created experimental and computational data resources has become a key aim of scientists due to the clear imperative to leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning-based analyses to solve the complex problems inherent in drug discovery. In turn, AI methods heavily rely on the quantity, quality, consistency, and scope of underlying training data. While pre-existing preclinical and clinical data cannot fully replace the need for de novo data generation in a project, having access to relevant historical data represents a valuable asset, as its reuse can reduce the need to perform similar experiments, therefore avoiding a “reinventing the wheel” scenario. Unfortunately, most suitable data resources are often archived within institutes, companies, or individual research groups and hence unavailable to the wider community. Hence, enabling the data to be Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) is crucial for the wider community of drug discovery and development scientists to learn from the work performed and utilise the findings to enhance comprehension of their own research outcomes. In this mini-review, we elucidate the utility of FAIR data management across the drug discovery pipeline and assess the impact such FAIR data has made on the drug development process.
Markers of the ageing macrophage: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Moss Charlotte E. , Phipps Hew , Wilson Heather L. , Kiss-Toth Endre
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Ageing research is establishing macrophages as key immune system regulators that undergo functional decline. Due to heterogeneity between species and tissue populations, a plethora of data exist and the power of scientific conclusions can vary substantially. This meta-analysis by information content (MAIC) and systematic literature review (SLR) aims to determine overall changes in macrophage gene and protein expression, as well as function, with age.

Methods

PubMed was utilized to collate peer-reviewed literature relating to macrophage ageing. Primary studies comparing macrophages in at least two age groups were included. Data pertaining to gene or protein expression alongside method used were extracted for MAIC analysis. For SLR analysis, data included all macrophage-specific changes with age, as well as species, ontogeny and age of groups assessed.

Results

A total of 240 studies were included; 122 of which qualified for MAIC. The majority of papers focussed on changes in macrophage count/infiltration as a function of age, followed by gene and protein expression. The MAIC found iNOS and TNF to be the most commonly investigated entities, with 328 genes and 175 proteins showing consistent dysregulation with age across the literature. Overall findings indicate that cytokine secretion and phagocytosis are reduced and reactive oxygen species production is increased in the ageing macrophage.

Discussion

Collectively, our analysis identifies critical regulators in macrophage ageing that are consistently dysregulated, highlighting a plethora of targets for further investigation. Consistent functional changes with age found here can be used to confirm an ageing macrophage phenotype in specific studies and experimental models.
Case Report: Resolution of Lichen Planus Pemphigoides as an unexpected outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Ruffo di Calabria Valentina , Verdelli Alice , Quintarelli Lavinia , Corrà Alberto , Mariotti Elena Biancamaria , Aimo Cristina , Del Bianco Elena , Bianchi Beatrice , Maio Vincenza , Massi Daniela , Caproni Marzia
Published: July 2023

It is well known that viral infections play a relevant role in inducing or protecting from autoimmune diseases, thus representing a major environmental factor in the disruption of the immune system in genetically susceptible individuals. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic a great number of clinical and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 infection is no exception to the rule by interfering on many different levels in the normal functioning of our immune system. Even though a growing number of case series and case reports has been cited in the literature linking the infection to the new onset of autoimmune diseases, to date very little has been reported concerning a possible correlation between the virus and the clinical resolution of any kind of autoimmune pathology. Here we describe an interesting case of abrupt and unexpected resolution of Lichen planus pemphigoides mucocutaneous lesions in a fully vaccinated patient after a mildly symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 respiratory infection and we speculate on the possible underlying mechanisms correlating the two events.
Moderate hypoxia induces metabolic divergence in circulating monocytes and tissue resident macrophages from Berkeley sickle cell anemia mice
Authors: Lisk Christina , Cendali Francesca , Pak David I. , Swindle Delaney , Hassell Kathryn , Nuss Rachelle , George Gemlyn , Davizon-Castillo Pavel , Buehler Paul W. , D’Alessandro Angelo , Irwin David C.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Human and murine sickle cell disease (SCD) associated pulmonary hypertension (PH) is defined by hemolysis, nitric oxide depletion, inflammation, and thrombosis. Further, hemoglobin (Hb), heme, and iron accumulation are consistently observed in pulmonary adventitial macrophages at autopsy and in hypoxia driven rodent models of SCD, which show distribution of ferric and ferrous Hb as well as HO-1 and ferritin heavy chain. The anatomic localization of these macrophages is consistent with areas of significant vascular remodeling. However, their contributions toward progressive disease may include unique, but also common mechanisms, that overlap with idiopathic and other forms of pulmonary hypertension. These processes likely extend to the vasculature of other organs that are consistently impaired in advanced SCD.

Methods

To date, limited information is available on the metabolism of macrophages or monocytes isolated from lung, spleen, and peripheral blood in humans or murine models of SCD.

Results

Here we hypothesize that metabolism of macrophages and monocytes isolated from this triad of tissue differs between Berkley SCD mice exposed for ten weeks to moderate hypobaric hypoxia (simulated 8,000 ft, 15.4% O2) or normoxia (Denver altitude, 5000 ft) with normoxia exposed wild type mice evaluated as controls.

Discussion

This study represents an initial set of data that describes the metabolism in monocytes and macrophages isolated from moderately hypoxic SCD mice peripheral lung, spleen, and blood mononuclear cells.
16S microbiome analysis of microbial communities in distribution centers handling fresh produce
Authors: Townsend Anna , den Bakker Hendrik C. , Mann Amy , Murphy Claire M. , Strawn Laura K. , Dunn Laurel L.
Published: July 2023

Little is known about the microbial communities found in distribution centers (DCs), especially in those storing and handling food. As many foodborne bacteria are known to establish residence in food facilities, it is reasonable to assume that DCs handling foods are also susceptible to pathogen colonization. To investigate the microbial communities within DCs, 16S amplicon sequencing was completed on 317 environmental surface sponge swabs collected in DCs (n = 18) across the United States. An additional 317 swabs were collected in parallel to determine if any viable Listeria species were also present at each sampling site. There were significant differences in median diversity measures (observed, Shannon, and Chao1) across individual DCs, and top genera across all reads were Carnobacterium_A, Psychrobacter, Pseudomonas_E, Leaf454, and Staphylococcus based on taxonomic classifications using the Genome Taxonomy Database. Of the 39 16S samples containing Listeria ASVs, four of these samples had corresponding Listeria positive microbiological samples. Data indicated a predominance of ASVs identified as cold-tolerant bacteria in environmental samples collected in DCs. Differential abundance analysis identified Carnobacterium_A, Psychrobacter, and Pseudomonas_E present at a significantly greater abundance in Listeria positive microbiological compared to those negative for Listeria. Additionally, microbiome composition varied significantly across groupings within variables (e.g., DC, season, general sampling location).
Rapid and visual identification of HIV-1 using reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification integrated with a gold nanoparticle-based lateral flow assay platform
Authors: Chen Xu , Du Cheng , Zhao Qiang , Zhao Qi , Wan Yonghu , He Jun , Yuan Wei
Published: July 2023

Human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1) infection remains a major public health problem worldwide. Early diagnosis of HIV-1 is crucial to treat and control this infection effectively. Here, for the first time, we reported a novel molecular diagnostic assay called reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification combined with a visual gold nanoparticle-based lateral flow assay (RT-LAMP-AuNPs-LFA), which we devised for rapid, specific, sensitive, and visual identification of HIV-1. The unique LAMP primers were successfully designed based on the pol gene from the major HIV-1 genotypes CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC, CRF08_BC, and subtype B, which are prevalent in China. The optimal HIV-1-RT-LAMP-AuNPs-LFA reaction conditions were determined to be 68°C for 35 min. The detection procedure, including crude genomic RNA isolation (approximately 5 min), RT-LAMP amplification (35 min), and visual result readout (<2 min), can be completed within 45 min. Our assay has a detection limit of 20 copies per test, and we did not observe any cross-reactivity with any other pathogen in our testing. Hence, our preliminary results indicated that the HIV-1-RT-LAMP-AuNPs-LFA assay can potentially serve as a useful point-of-care diagnostic tool for HIV-1 detection in a clinical setting.
Intrafamilial variability in SLC6A1-related neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Kassabian Benedetta , Fenger Christina Dühring , Willems Marjolaine , Aledo-Serrano Angel , Linnankivi Tarja , McDonnell Pamela Pojomovsky , Lusk Laina , Jepsen Birgit Susanne , Bayat Michael , Kattentidt-Mouravieva Anja A. , Vidal Anna Abulí , Valero-Lopez Gabriel , Alarcon-Martinez Helena , Goodspeed Kimberly , van Slegtenhorst Marjon , Barakat Tahsin Stefan , Møller Rikke S. , Johannesen Katrine M. , Rubboli Guido
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Phenotypic spectrum of SLC6A1-related neurodevelopmental disorders (SLC6A1-NDD) includes intellectual disability (ID), autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), epilepsy, developmental delay, beginning from early infancy or after seizure onset, and other neurological features such as hypotonia and movement disorders. Data on familial phenotypic heterogeneity have been rarely reported, thus in our study we aimed to investigate intrafamilial phenotypic variability in families with SLC6A1 variants.

Methods

We collected clinical, laboratory and genetic data on 39 individuals, including 17 probands, belonging to 13 families harboring inherited variants of SLC6A1. Data were collected through an international network of Epilepsy and Genetic Centers.

Results

Main clinical findings in the whole cohort of 39 subjects were: (a) epilepsy, mainly presenting with generalized seizures, reported in 71% of probands and 36% of siblings or first/second-degree relatives. Within a family, the same epilepsy type (generalized or focal) was observed; (b) ID reported in 100% and in 13% of probands and siblings or first/second-degree relatives, respectively; (c) learning disabilities detected in 28% of the SLC6A1 carriers, all of them were relatives of a proband; (d) around 51% of the whole cohort presented with psychiatric symptoms or behavioral disorders, including 82% of the probands. Out of the 19 patients with psychiatric symptoms, ASD were diagnosed in 40% of them; (e) neurological findings (primarily tremor and speech difficulties) were observed 38.5% of the whole cohort, including 10 probands. Our families harbored 12 different SLC6A1 variants, one was a frameshift, two stop-gain, while the remaining were missense. No genotype–phenotype associations were identified.

Discussion

Our study showed that first-or second-degree relatives presented with a less severe phenotype, featuring mainly mild intellectual and/or learning disabilities, at variance with the probands who suffered from moderate to severe ID, generalized, sometimes intractable, epileptic seizures, behavioral and psychiatric disorders. These findings may suggest that a proportion of individuals with mild SLC6A1-NDD might be missed, in particular those with an older age where genetic testing is not performed. Further studies on intrafamilial phenotypic variability are needed to confirm our results and possibly to expand the phenotypic spectrum of these disorders and benefit genetic counseling.
The protective effect of serum carotenoids on cardiovascular disease: a cross-sectional study from the general US adult population
Authors: Wang Min , Tang Renzhe , Zhou Rui , Qian Yongxiang , Di Dongmei
Published: July 2023

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become a key global health issue. Serum carotenoids are associated with CVD, while their effects on different diseases remain unclear. Herein, the relationship between the concentration of serum carotenoid and the CVD risk was investigated using nationwide adult samples obtained from the USA.

Materials and methods

Data of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2001–2006 were employed. The association of serum carotenoids (total, lycopene, β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin) with CVD was explored by using multivariate logistic, linear and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression analyses. Eventually, data from 12,424 volunteers were analyzed for this study.

Results

Multivariate model data showed that lutein/zeaxanthin, α-carotene, lycopene, and β-cryptoxanthin were negatively associated with the prevalence of CVD (p < 0.05). In comparison with the first quartile, the fourth quartile was associated with α-carotene ([OR] = 0.61 [0.47–0.79]), β-cryptoxanthin (OR = 0.67 [0.50–0.89]), lutein (OR = 0.69 [0.54–0.86]), and lycopene (OR = 0.53 [0.41–0.67]). WQS analysis revealed that the combination of serum carotenoids had negative correlation with the prevalence of total CVD (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.85–0.92, p < 0.001). Additionally, dose–response analysis demonstrated a negative linear association of hypertension with all the carotenoids involved (p > 0.05 for non-linearity).

Conclusion

The concentration of serum carotenoids had negative correlation with the prevalence of CVD, with a more significant negative effect against heart attack and stroke.
Halal cultivated meat: an untapped opportunity
Authors: Attwood Sophie , Jameel Shahid , Fuseini Awal , AlKhalawi Eman , Hajat Cother
Published: July 2023

The global Halal food market is forecast to reach US$1.67 trillion by 2025, growing to meet the dietary demands of a rapidly increasing Muslim population, set to comprise 30% of the global population by mid-century. Meat consumption levels are increasing in many Muslim countries, with important implications for health and environmental sustainability. Alt protein products are currently being manufactured and positioned as one possible solution to reduce the environmental impact of meat consumption, yet, little is currently known about the Halal status of these products, nor the extent to which they appeal to Muslim consumers in emerging markets in Asia and Africa. Here, we explore key considerations regarding the acceptability of alt protein products for Muslim consumers, explore Halal certification requirements in the context of cultivated meat, and examine some unique beliefs within the Islamic faith that may support, as well as impede, widespread adoption of alt protein among the 2.8 billion Muslims of the future.
Undernutrition among rural school-age children: a major public health challenge for an aspirational district in Karnataka, India
Authors: Vastrad Phaniraj , Neelopant Sushrit , Prasad U. Venkateswara , Kirte Rahul , Chandan N. , Barvaliya Manish J. , Hatnoor Shivappa , Shashidhar S. B. , Roy Subarna
Published: July 2023

Background

For school-age children, a healthy transition from childhood to adolescence and adulthood depends on proper nutrition. Globally, most nutritional surveys focus on preschool and adolescents, neglecting school-age children. Recent studies have shown the prevalence of thinness among adolescents to be 26.5% in Karnataka. Similarly, among children aged < 5 years in the Raichur district, the prevalence of stunting, wasting, and being underweight was 39.8, 23.2, and 40.7%, respectively. The present study aimed to bridge the data gap between < 5 years of children and adolescents through a nutritional survey of school-going children in Raichur, one of the aspirational districts of India.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2020 among rural school-age children (n = 2700) in 30 villages of the Raichur district of Karnataka, India. The school children were selected through a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. The WHO Anthro-plus software was used for calculating the age and sex-specific Z-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and BMI-for-age (BAZ).

Results

Of the 2,700 school-age children surveyed, the mean weight and height were 22.2 kg (+5.8) and 124.9 cm (+11.6), respectively. The prevalence of children having weight-for-age Z-scores < −2 SD (Underweight) was 45.3% (95% CI: 42.7%−47.8%). The magnitude of stunting and severe stunting was 19.5% (95% CI: 18.0%−21.0%) and 7.6% (95% CI: 6.6%−8.6%), respectively. The proportion of children with BMI for age Z-scores < −2SD (thinness) was 43% (95% CI: 41.1%−44.9%), with sub-district Sindhanur having a dual burden of malnutrition.

Conclusion

Despite many flagship programs, the prevalence of undernutrition in school-age children remains a considerable public health problem in the aspirational district of Raichur, India. Furthermore, exploratory studies are recommended to identify the factors associated with undernutrition among school-age children and strategize evidence-based intervention.
Predictive value of preoperative inflammatory indexes for postoperative early recurrence of hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wenpei Guo , Yuan Li , Liangbo Li , Jingjun Mu , Bo Wang , Zhiqiang Niu , Yijie Ning , Lixin Liu
Published: July 2023

Objective

To investigate the predictive value of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) for early recurrence after liver resection in patients with hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 162 patients who underwent hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) resection between January 2013 and April 2016. The Youden index was utilized to calculate the optimal cut-off value. The Pearson Chi-square test was applied to analyze the relationship between inflammatory indexes and common clinical and pathological features. The Kaplan-Meier method and Log-Rank test were implemented to compare the recurrence-free survival rate within 2 years of the population. The Cox regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for early postoperative recurrence.

Results

The best cut-off values of SIRI, PLR, NLR and SII were 0.785, 86.421, 2.231 and 353.64, respectively. Tumor diameter, degree of tumor differentiation, vascular invasion, SIRI>0.785, PLR>86.421, NLR>2.231 and SII>353.64 were risk factors for early recurrence. Combining the above seven risk factors to construct a joint index, the AUC of the joint prediction model was 0.804. The areas under the ROC curves of SIRI, PLR, NLR, and SII were 0.659, 0.725, 0.680, and 0.723, respectively. There was no significant difference in the predictive ability between the single inflammatory index models, but the predictive performance of the joint prediction model was significantly higher than that of the single inflammatory index models. The patients with lower SIRI, PLR, NLR, SII and joint index value had longer recurrence-free survival within 2 years.

Conclusion

The joint index CIP, constructed by combining preoperative SIRI, PLR, NLP and SII with pathological features, can better predict the early recurrence of HBV-related HCC patients after surgery, which is beneficial in identifying high-risk patients and assisting clinicians to make better clinical choices.
The causal associations between growth factors and constipation: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Jiachen , Yang Mingyi , Xu Ke , Wan Xianjie , Xie Jiale , Yu Hui , Fang Jiaxin , Wang Zehua , Xu Peng
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Certain growth factors (GFs) are associated with constipation, but few studies has analyzed the causal associations between the two. Therefore, this study used two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to systematically analyze the causal associations between GF levels and constipation based on data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS).

Methods: Both GF and constipation data were obtained from European populations. GFs, as an exposure variable, were obtained from a genetic map of the human plasma proteome containing 3,301 samples, another GWAS dataset on 90 circulating proteins containing 30,931 samples, and a GWAS dataset containing 3,788 samples. Constipation, as an outcome variable, was obtained from the FinnGen project containing 26,919 cases and 282,235 controls and another UK Biobank dataset containing 3,328 cases and 459,682 controls. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms strongly associated with GFs were regarded as instrumental variables. Inverse-variance weighting, MR–Egger regression, weight median, simple mode, and weight mode methods were used to determine genetic associations. Cochran’s Q test, Egger intercept, and Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier tests were used to analyze sensitivity.

Results: The IVW analysis based on FinnGen showed that NGFI-A-binding protein 2 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 were inversely associated with constipation, and that fibroblast growth factor 7 and transforming growth factor beta receptor II levels were positively associated with constipation. The IVW analysis based on UK Biobank showed that proheparin-binding epidermal growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor AA, and vascular endothelial growth factor121 were inversely associated with constipation.

Conclusion: This study showed that some GFs are genetically associated with the risk of constipation.
Ambition and extreme behavior: relative deprivation leads ambitious individuals to self-sacrifice
Authors: Resta Elena , Ellenberg Molly , Kruglanski Arie W. , Pierro Antonio
Published: July 2023

Ambitious people are characterized by strong motivation toward great and valuable objectives, with the superordinate goal to gain respect and recognition from others. Recent literature regarding ambition demonstrated that it leads individuals to engage in extreme behavior. However, no previous research has investigated under which conditions the relation between ambition and extremism is enhanced. Across two studies, we tested the hypothesis that ambitious individuals are more prone to engage in extreme behavior in the face of relative deprivation (i.e., justice sensitivity), than their less ambitious counterparts. We confirmed our predictions employing a cross-sectional design with an American sample (Study 1) and an experimental design with an Italian sample (Study 2). The present research adds theoretical knowledge and empirical support to the existing literature on ambition, extreme behavior, and relative deprivation, and provides fruitful insight into strategies for preventing extremism.
A meta-analysis of effects of blended learning on performance, attitude, achievement, and engagement across different countries
Authors: Cao Wenwen
Published: July 2023

While this special pandemic period has been seeing an increasing use of blended learning, few studies have meta-analytically reviewed the effectiveness of blended learning in different countries. This meta-analysis summarizes previous studies on blended learning effectiveness in different countries in terms of students' performance, students' attitudes toward blended learning, learning achievement, and student engagement in different countries. Through the meta-analysis via Stata/MP 14.0, it is concluded that blended learning can improve performance, attitude, and achievement in most countries. However, in both China and the USA, blended learning cannot significantly improve student engagement in academic activities. No significant differences were revealed in student performance in the USA between blended and non-blended learning. Future research can extend the research into blended learning to more countries and areas across the world.