bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender in Problem Based Learning: Curiosity Analysis, Problem Understanding, and Problem Solving Ability
Authors: Yusuf Yusuf
Published: May 2023

Research objectives This is analyze the effect of problem-based learning and gender on students' curiosity, problem understanding, and problem-solving abilities. This research was conducted on two classes of Mataram Model X Madrasah Aliyah students who were selected using cluster random sampling technique. Student curiosity data was measured using a questionnaire instrument, while problem understanding and students' problem solving abilities were measured using a question test instrument. Then, the data were analyzed by MANOVA at a significance level of 5%. The results showed that problem-based learning had a significant effect on curiosity and problem solving abilities, but did not have a significant effect on problem understanding. . The curiosity of male students is higher than that of female students, but the opposite occurs in the conventional group in classes taught with problem-based learning. The problem comprehension of male students was lower than that of female students in both study groups. problem solving of female students is higher than the group of male students. However, gender has no significant effect on curiousity, problem comprehension , and problem solving ability. The interaction of problem-based learning and gender has no significant effect on curiousity problem comprehension and problem solving abilities.
Characteristics of Extreme Rainfall Events in North Sumatra
Authors: Pakpahan Sahata , Nasution Tulus Ikhsan , Sinambela Marzuki
Published: May 2023

Extreme rain is an event that has an impact on various sectors of life. Therefore, this study aims to determine the spatial and temporal characteristics of extreme rain events in North Sumatra Province in the time period between 1991-2020. In accordance with the WMO recommended rain index, the frequency and intensity of rain were calculated using 50 rain stations spread across North Sumatra where the data had passed the quality control test for empty data. Spatial patterns were analyzed by mapping the climatological mean of the indices then for trend patterns were tested using the Mann-Kendal non-parametric test. The results showed that extreme rainfall events with low frequency and intensity occurred on the east coast while high frequency and intensity occurred in mountainous areas. Based on the temporal trend test, it shows that in general an insignificant trend dominates in this area. Significant and consistently increasing trends are only found at several points, namely in the districts of Deli Serdang (5 station), Batu Bara (1 station), Humbang Hasundutan (1 station), Langkat (2 station), Labuhan Batu Utara (1 station), Medan (1 station), Pematang Siantar (1 station) and Serdang Bedagai (1 station). Meanwhile, a significant and consistently decreasing trend was found in Asahan Regency (1 station), Simalungun (2 station), North Tapanuli (1 station), and North Labuhan Batu (1 station).
Psychological Well-Being in Broken Home Students
Authors: Ilhamuddin Muhammad Farid
Published: May 2023

Disharmony in a family, which is the result of a broken home, can have an impact on the level of individual psychological well-being. This study aims to describe the psychological well-being of students who experience broken homes. This study uses a qualitative method with a case study design. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique with the characteristics of students being male and coming from broken home families. There were three participants, namely BO, LC and STW. Collecting research data by means of in-depth interviews and participant observation. The results showed that the three participants had different aspects of subjective well-being. Psychological well-being BO is less positive while LC and STW are positive. The results of this study can be used as a reference regarding the development of effective inventions by taking into account the characteristics of the participants found.
Analysis of Interaction Between Atmosphere and Sea Using The Delft3D Hydrodynamics Model for Mapping Coastal Flood Zone at Belawan Port and Coastal
Authors: Putra Rizki Fadhillah Pratama , Nasution Tulus Ikhsan , Humaidi Syahrul , Darmawan Yahya
Published: May 2023

Belawan port and coastal areas were also not spared from the impact of the tidal flood. This study aims to determine the performance of the Delft3D hydrodynamic model in simulating sea level and waves in tidal floods at Belawan port and coastal area. Final operational global analysis data, MSLP data from NOAA/NCEP, and tidal data from ECMWF were used to run the Delft3D model. The model output was verified by using tide gauge observation data from BIG (Geospatial Information Agency). This research resulted in a mapping of areas affected by tidal flooding in the Belawan port and coastal area by analyzing the interaction between atmosphere, consisting of wind speed and direction parameters and sea parameters in the form of significant wave height. Based on the results of the Delft3D verification with observation data, the average error value is 23.5 cm and the coefficient of correlation is 0.93. This shows that the Delft3D model is quite good at simulating tidal flood heights in the Belawan port and coastal area. Based on atmospheric analysis, it does not really affect the increasing wave height. The influence is given by significant sea wave height, which can increase the height of tidal floods.
The Effect of Resistivity of Used Cooking Oil on The Quality of Palm Cooking Oil
Authors: Masherlina Masherlina , Tarigan Kerista , Humaidi Syahrul
Published: May 2023

Indonesia is a country with a large area of oil palm plantations, so there are many factories for the production of cooking oil. Indonesian people use a lot of cooking oil because processed food in Indonesia is mostly fried which causes a lot of used cooking oil to be wasted. The purpose of this study was to determine the resistivity of used cooking oil on the quality of palm cooking oil which can be useful in the field of renewable energy and reduce environmental pollution due to excessive waste of palm cooking oil which can cause damage to aquatic ecosystems, pollute the soil, and cause health problems. Used cooking oil can be processed properly so it is not harmful to the environment and health. One of the steps in processing used cooking oil is to know its resistivity value as the beginning of the refining process. Used cooking oil has a resistivity value that contrasts with soil so it is easy to interpret. Thus it is expected to know the resistivity value of used palm cooking oil. The results of this test obtained the resistivity value of used cooking oil after frying five times, namely 13.320 Ohm meter.
Twitter Sentiment Analysis of Lagos State 2023 Gubernatorial Election Using BERT
Authors: Olabanjo Olusola , Wusu Ashiribo , Padonu Rebecca , AFISI Oseni , Mazzara Manuel
Published: May 2023

Many cutting-edge language models have been used in the past to forecast election results. Sentiment analysis aids in opinion mining – a common experiment used to detect public opinions – on a given topic. Twitter has gained popularity and established itself as a crucial instrument for analyzing public opinion on elections and other trending issues. The unexpected but interesting results of recently held Nigeria's presidential election shifted attention to the upcoming governorship race in Lagos State. In this work, we propose a Google’s Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) model for the sentiment analysis of governorship election in Lagos State, Nigeria, using Twitter data. A total of 800,000 personal and public tweets were scraped from twitter concerning the three prominent contesting Lagos State Gubernatorial candidates using carefully selected search queries. The tweets were preprocessed to avoid noise and inconsistencies and the preprocessed tweets were parsed into the pre-trained and finetuned BERT model. The result was analyzed to establish the sentiments of the public about the candidates. The social networks of the candidates were also presented and the effect of parameter using different learning rates (LR) was also considered. The BERT model achieved the maximum performance under varied learning rate and epoch sizes of 88% precision, 92% recall and 91% F1-Measure. Results also showed that the learning rate at 1e-7 gave the best performance. Also, the smaller the learning rate, the higher the accuracy but the larger the epoch size, the higher the accuracy. Applying the developed BERT model to the public’s tweet showed that the election will be a two-party race between the Labour Party and All Progressives Congress party, thereby challenging the status quo. The results of the experiment demonstrated that sentiment analysis and other Natural Language Processing activities can help with comprehension of the social media environment. Results also showed how much influence each candidate has over the outcome of the election. We come to the conclusion that estimating election results and providing insights for electoral parties can benefit from sentiment analysis and other language models.
Algodoeiro Sea Island (Gossypium barbadense) de fibra extralonga cultivado em Barbados do Caribe
Authors: Queiroga Vicente de Paula , Mendes Nouglas Veloso Barbosa , Lima Denise de Castro
Published: May 2023

Por ser uma proposta de emprego e renda para a região semiárida do Nordeste, a Embrapa Algodão identificou importantes processos tecnológicos referentes ao sistema de produção e à comercialização, que potencializam o rendimento e melhoram a qualidade do algodão Sea Island (Gossypium barbadense), variedade Monserrat, cuja fibra de 38 mm de comprimento consegue alcançar o mais alto preço do planeta. Este trabalho teve como objetivo apresentar o amplo panorama tecnológico utilizado no sistema produtivo do algodão de fibra extralonga produzido pelos produtores de Barbados, visando incentivar e expandir o seu cultivo no Semiárido brasileiro. O estudo baseia-se em uma revisão narrativa sobre o algodoeiro Sea Island (Gossypium barbadense) de fibra extralonga cultivado em Barbados do Caribe. Com base nos resultados obtidos em Barbados, a sua produtividade é de 2.250 Kg, sendo seu valor em quilo de algodão em rama pago ao produtor estimado acima de R$ 50,00.
Análise dos principais fármacos utilizados para tratamento da COVID-19 e sua correlação com as sequelas pós-vírus
Authors: Oliveira Marcos Jonnes Silva , Silva Semeone Lucindo da , Gontijo Érica Eugênio Lourenço
Published: May 2023

A presente pesquisa tem por obejtivo de analisar as medicações utilizadas no período da COVID-19 para o tratamento do vírus, bem como analisar as sequelas deixadas e sua relação com medicamentos utilizados para coibir a proliferação do vírus. Dessa forma, a metodologia adotada se vale de uma pesquisa bibliográfica e descritiva, elaborada através de materiais já publicados como artigos e periódicos, buscando respostas sem interferência direta dos autores desta pesquisa. Além de buscar estudar as medicações mais utilizadas durante período da pandemia, mensurando se existe ou não, interferência com as consequências deixadas pelo vírus. Apesar de variadas as reações adversas, os medicamentos do chamado “Kit-COVID” apresentam com frequência reações que agravam problemas cardíacos assim como episódios de cefaleia e tontura. Diante disso, a atuação do profissional farmacêutico se faz de suma importância, uma vez que os farmacêuticos podem aplicar ao máximo sua capacidade técnica no gerenciamento de medicamentos e doenças, orientações sobre automedicação garantindo que seja feita de forma correta e segura através do uso de MIPs, assim como garantir a promoção de saúde em meio à pandemia da COVID-19.
Antioxidant Properties of Lichen Extracts
Authors: Khramchankova V.
Published: May 2023

The antioxidant properties of acetone, methanol, and ethanol extracts from the lichens Cladonia furcata, Cladonia rangiferina, Evernia mesomorpha, Hypogymnia tubulosa, and Parmelia sulcata were studied. The methods used were total flavonoids content determination, PFRAP, phosphomolybdenum assay, CUPRAC, DPPH, β-carotene bleaching assay, and lipid peroxidation by the thiocyanate method. Most of the analyzed extracts showed weak and moderate antioxidant activity. For methanolic and ethanolic extracts from H. tubulosaand P. sulcata, a high activity with respect to linoleic acid radicals generated in the analytical system was found.
Bioecological Features and Breeding of Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) for Biological Control Against Scale Insects in Azerbaijan
Authors: Mustafaeva G.
Published: May 2023

The scientific basis for the study of two species of coccinellid Rhyzobius lophanthae, Chilocorus bipustulatus for the purpose of their use in biological control against round scale insects has been developed. These coccinellids have been found on potato tubers infected with oleander and mulberry protection. These species can be used in biological control against scale insects.
Biochemical Composition of the Introduced Morus Varieties Leaves in the Silkworm Nutrition Under the Conditions of Azerbaijan
Authors: Seyidova Z.
Published: May 2023

The studies were carried out in 2013-2014 and in 2021. The conditions for feeding the China-21 silkworm did not change in these years. The biochemical composition of Morus leaves, the food of these animals, was studied. The method of work is developed and approbated by the author. The dependence of the cocoon on the quality of the feed of introduced Morus varieties was determined. It has been proven that the biochemical composition of the leaves of various mulberry varieties affects the quality of cocoons.
Walnut Crops in the North-East of Azerbaijan and Their Importance in Food Security
Authors: Bayramova D.
Published: May 2023

The article presents the results of the study of nut crops common in the north-eastern region of Azerbaijan. As a result of scientific expeditions carried out in the north-eastern — Kuba-Khachmaz Economic Region of Azerbaijan, the areas of distribution of nut crops have been identified. It has been established that Corylus ranks first in this region in terms of distribution area. Kuba, Khachmaz, Kusar Districts are rich in wild forms of Corylus. According to the distribution area, the Juglans regia occupies the second place after the Corylus.
The Variability Role of the Membrane of Spicular Sheath in Identification of Trichocephalus Species
Authors: Akberova R.
Published: May 2023

In Azerbaijan, previously reported species Trichocephalus globulosa, T. infundibulus, T. baskakowi, T. indicus were not confirmed. Upon comprehensive research, frequent variability of the membrane of spicular sheath was detected and it was assumed that these indicated species are just different forms of T. ovis. It was also established that distal end of the membrane of specular vagina of T. ovis T. skrjabini change its forms depending on the degree of protrusion and extrusion. Due to reduction and expansion, transformation of various forms (globe-shaped, funnel-shaped, glass-shaped, etc.) in membrane of distal end of the specular vagina T. ovis takes place. Form of end of spicule changes (ends sharply, bluntly or with rounded ends). It again serves as a proof that membrane of distal end of specular vagina and form of end of spicules are volatile. In the process of microscopy study of separate body parts of the T. skrjabini, the membrane of spicule vagina in the form of light bulbs, vase and pomegranate seeds were detected. Based on numerous studies of Trichocephalus, it was concluded that in Azerbaijan two species of Trichocephalus are existed: T. ovis and T. skrjabini. Accordingly, on the basis of aforementioned, it is considered important to provide a more comprehensive image and description of morphological structure of helminths studied. The presented images allow you to easily determine the species and achieve an accurate diagnosis of the highlighted helminths.
PENGARUH KONSUMSI BAWANG PUTIH (Allium sativum) TERHADAP TEKANAN DARAH PADA WANITA LANJUT USIA DENGAN HIPERTENSI DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS TAKTAKAN KOTA SERANG
Authors: Siti rochmah Siti rochmah , Suprihatin  , Jenny Anna Siauta
Published: May 2023

Hipertensi mempunyai dampak lanjut Penyakit Jantung Koroner (PJK) serta dapat menimbulkan komplikasi penyakit lain yang berbahaya jika dibiarkan tanpa perawatan yang tepat. Penanganan hipertensi dapat dilakukan dengan teknik farmakologi dan non farmakologi salah satunya dengan pemberian air perasan bawang putih.

Dalam penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh konsumsi bawang putih terhadap tekanan darah pada lansia dengan hipertensi di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Taktakan Kota Serang. Desain penelitian menggunakan metode penelitian quasy experimental design ini menggunakan pendekatan one group pretest-postest design. Sampel dikumpulkan menggunakan quota sampling berjumlah 22 lansia wanita dengan hipertensi. Lembar observasi yang digunakan untuk mengukur penurunan tekanan darah lansia sebelum dan sesudah pemberian bawang putih. Analisa data dilakukan dengan uji non-parametrik yaitu uji wilcoxon dan uji Mann Whitney. Hasil Penelitian diperoleh Rata-rata tekanan darah sistolik pada penderita hipertensi sebelum mengkonsumsi bawang putih 169,55 mmHg dan sesudah mengkonsumsi bawang putih 136,82 mmHg. Sedangkan Rata-rata tekanan darah diastolik pada penderita hipertensi sebelum mengkonsumsi bawang putih 99,55 mmHg dan sesudah mengkonsumsi bawang putih 85,00 mmHg. Kesimpulan penelitian ini konsumsi bawang putih berpengaruh terhadap penurunan tekanan darah pada lansia dengan hipertensi. Diharapkan kepada masyarakat agar mampu memanfaatkan bawang putih sebagai salah satu obat herbal yang bermanfaat bagi kesehatan khususnya untuk penurunan tekanan darah bagi penderita hipertensi

 

Kata Kunci     : lansia, hipertensi, bawang putih
PENGARUH REBUSAN CACING AFRICAN NIGHT CRAWLER TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN BAKTERI SALMONELLA THYPI
Authors: Aini
Published: May 2023

Previous studies have conducted experiments using earthworms. The results showed that earthworms were able to inhibit the growth of Salmonella typhi bacteria. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different concentrations of boiled water for African night crawler earthworms on the resulting inhibition zone.

The type of research used is experimental research. The population of this study was the African night crawler worm in Narmada District. The sample of this study was the African night crawler worm in Batu Kantar Hamlet, Narmada Village, Narmada District.The conclusion of this study was that there was no effect of different concentrations of boiled water for African night crawler earthworms on the inhibition zone including the medium inhibition zone formed in the first treatment until the fifth treatment was different, this happened because of the difference in thickness and thickness of the pure strain of Salmonella typhosa on the media. Muller Hinton Agar (MHA).
ESTRATÉGIAS METODOLÓGICAS DO PROJETO DE EXTENSÃO UNIVERSITÁRIA CAPACITAÇÃO ENTRE OS ANOS DE 2019 E 2021: DAS AÇÕES PRESENCIAIS ÀS ATIVIDADES REMOTAS DURANTE A PANDEMIA SARS-COV-2 NA UEMG – FRUTAL
Authors:   UEMG - Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal, SOUZA Marcela Fernanda da Paz de , MEIRELES Eduardo ,   Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal, PEREIRA Jackeline de Sousa ,   Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal, SALLES Maria Eduarda de Campos ,   Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal, SANTANA Valquíria Pessoa ,   Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal, MARTINS Mariana Silva ,   Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal, FONTES Thais Silva ,   Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal, JÚNIOR Domingues Heitor Silva ,   Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal
Published: May 2023

The Capacitation Project understands strategic communication (in the concept of KUNSCH, 2003), as a motivating factor for regional development. It focuses, in this extensionist activity, the role of the transversal, extensive and directed content with potential for the generation of employment, income, professional training and access to tenders, covering urban-rural relations. Chronologically, the project developed in two stages, between 2019 and 2020-2021. Methodologically, at the beginning, the Project was carried out on an itinerant basis, outlining methodological strategies for the development of activities planned during the period of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The actions took place at UEMG – Frutal, and in municipal schools, using technological platforms such as Google meet in a combined way. Through Facebook and Instagram, courses, competitions, job selections and videos on human rights were disseminated. Among the results achieved, it is worth mentioning the fact that the actions encouraged self-esteem and the development of individual confidence.
COVID-19 Implications on Oral Health and Emerging Preventive and InnovativeTreatment
Approaches in Children: Literature Review
Authors: Raje Yashoradha , Jamwal Vishwajeet Singh
Published: May 2023

Emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome COV-2 (SARS COV-2) causing COVID-19 has led to a global pandemic. The virus is highly infectious causing severe infection of airways. However,COVID-19 seems to affect children less severely as compared to adults,yet they remain vulnerable to infection and pose a substantial transmission risk. Currently, there is no active treatment and diagnosis is still a challenge. This puts the dental offices at a risk of cross infection between the children and the dentists. The impact of the coronavirus on the oral health care of children and their families is significant and will have long term ramifications for health outcomes. Current restrictions on aerosol generating procedures provide an opportunity to re-orientate dental care towards less invasive and more preventive approach. In the current pandemic scenarios apart from various infection control measures and preventive approaches, innovative concepts like tele-dentistry and dental home, too,are acting as a great tool providing additional solutions for prevention of infection transmission.
Aim:- The aim of this article is to analyze the implications of COVID-19 on the oral health of children and to provide specific modifications for preventive treatment approach along with use of innovative interventions in management of paediatric patientsin the pandemic.

KeyWords: -COVID-19, preventive oral health, tele-dentistry,paediatric dentistry.
The Comparative Plaque Removal Efficacy of Charcoal Based and Non Charcoal Based Manual Toothbrushes: A Clinical Study
Authors: Janakiram Srihari , Muthuraj Maria Subash Aaron , Chithresan Koshy , Maddur Praveen Krishna , Madhusoodanan Megha
Published: May 2023

Background: The studyaimed to compare the plaque removal efficacy of a novel- charcoal-based and a non-charcoal-based manual toothbrush of standardised toothbrush design.

Materials And Methods: Sixteen undergraduate students of Sri Ramakrishna Dental College and hospital, Coimbatore, were included in this clinical study. This is a randomised clinical trial with a split-mouth design in which the quadrants that undergo tooth brushing using charcoal-based (test) and non-charcoal-based (control) toothbrushes are randomly selected by tossing a coin. The subjects were asked to refrain from all kinds of oral hygiene practices for 48 hours, following which pre-brushing and post-brushing plaque scores were evaluated by Turesky Gilmore modification of Quigley-Hein plaque index using a two-tone disclosing solution. Tooth brushing was performed by the examiner for a standard time (45sec/quadrant) using the Modified Bass brushing technique with fluoridated toothpaste.

Results: The study's results showed no statistical significance between the values. However, the correlation between the total plaque scores and the assigned toothbrushes was also analysed, and a positive correlation was observed between the total plaque score and the test toothbrush.

Conclusion:
The plaque removal efficacy of charcoal bristled manual toothbrushes with 0.01mm diameter was found to be more or less the same compared with the similar non-charcoal-based counterpoint (1.89,1.39) respectively.

Key-words: Charcoal-based toothbrush, Modified Bass brushing technique
Developmentally regulated expression of integrin alpha-6 distinguishes neural crest derivatives in the skin
Authors: Ma Shize , Li Xiu , Cao Rui , Zhan Guoqin , Fu Xin , Xiao Ran , Yang Zhigang
Published: May 2023

Neural crest-derived cells play essential roles in skin function and homeostasis. However, how they interact with environmental cues and differentiate into functional skin cells remains unclear. Using a combination of single-cell data analysis, neural crest lineage tracing, and flow cytometry, we found that the expression of integrin α6 (ITGA6) in neural crest and its derivatives was developmentally regulated and that ITGA6 could serve as a functional surface marker for distinguishing neural crest derivatives in the skin. Based on the expression of ITGA6, Wnt1-Cre lineage neural crest derivatives in the skin could be categorized into three subpopulations, namely, ITGA6bright, ITGA6dim, and ITGA6neg, which were found to be Schwann cells, melanocytes, and fibroblasts, respectively. We further analyzed the signature genes and transcription factors that specifically enriched in each cell subpopulation, as well as the ligand or receptor molecules, mediating the potential interaction with other cells of the skin. Additionally, we found that Hmx1 and Lhx8 are specifically expressed in neural crest-derived fibroblasts, while Zic1 and homeobox family genes are expressed in mesoderm-derived fibroblasts, indicating the distinct development pathways of fibroblasts of different origins. Our study provides insights into the regulatory landscape of neural crest cell development and identifies potential markers that facilitate the isolation of different neural crest derivatives in the skin.
A high ratio of linoleic acid (n-6 PUFA) to alpha-linolenic acid (n-3 PUFA) adversely affects early stage of human neuronal differentiation and electrophysiological activity of glutamatergic neurons in vitro
Authors: Dec Karolina , Alsaqati Mouhamed , Morgan Joanne , Deshpande Sumukh , Wood Jamie , Hall Jeremy , Harwood Adrian J.
Published: May 2023

Introduction: There is a growing interest in the possibility of dietary supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for treatment and prevention of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Studies have suggested that of the two important classes of polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3), n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids support brain development and function, and when used as a dietary supplement may have beneficial effects for maintenance of a healthy brain. However, to date epidemiological studies and clinical trials on children and adults have been inconclusive regarding treatment length, dosage and use of specific n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The aim of this study is to generate a simplified in vitro cell-based model system to test how different n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratios affect human-derived neurons activity as a cellular correlate for brain function and to probe the mechanism of their action.

Methods: All experiments were performed by use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In this study, we examined the effect of different ratios of linoleic acid (n-6) to alpha-linolenic acid in cell growth medium on induced pluripotent stem cell proliferation, generation of neuronal precursors and electrophysiology of cortical glutamatergic neurons by multielectrode array (MEA) analysis.

Results: This study shows that at a n-6:n-3 ratio of 5:1 polyunsaturated fatty acids induce stem cell proliferation, generating a large increase in number of cells after 72 h treatment; suppress generation of neuronal progenitor cells, as measured by decreased expression of FOXG1 and Nestin in neuronal precursor cells (NPC) after 20 days of development; and disrupt neuronal activity in vitro, increasing spontaneous neuronal firing, reducing synchronized bursting receptor subunits. We observed no significant differences for neuronal precursor cells treated with ratios 1:3 and 3:1, in comparison to 1:1 control ratio, but higher ratios of n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids adversely affect early stages of neuronal differentiation. Moreover, a 5:1 ratio in cortical glutamatergic neurons induce expression of GABA receptors which may explain the observed abnormal electrophysiological activity.
Activation of Kupffer cells in NAFLD and NASH: mechanisms and therapeutic interventions
Authors: Xu Gao-Xin , Wei Song , Yu Chao , Zhao Si-Qi , Yang Wei-Jun , Feng Yong-Heng , Pan Chao , Yang Kun-Xing , Ma Yong
Published: May 2023

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are emerging as the leading causes of liver disease worldwide. These conditions can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, and other related ailments. At present, liver transplantation remains the sole treatment option for end-stage NASH, leading to a rapidly growing socioeconomic burden. Kupffer cells (KCs) are a dominant population of macrophages that reside in the liver, playing a crucial role in innate immunity. Their primary function includes phagocytosing exogenous substances, presenting antigens, and triggering immune responses. Moreover, they interact with other liver cells during the pathogenesis of NAFLD, and this crosstalk may either delay or exacerbate disease progression. Stimulation by endogenous signals triggers the activation of KCs, resulting in the expression of various inflammatory factors and chemokines, such as NLRP3, TNF-α, IL-1B, and IL-6, and contributing to the inflammatory cascade. In the past 5 years, significant advances have been made in understanding the biological properties and immune functions of KCs in NAFLD, including their interactions with tissue molecules, underlying molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, and relevant therapeutic interventions. Having a comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms and characteristics can have enormous potential in guiding future strategies for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
Graphene nanoplatelets promoted CoO-based catalyst for low temperature CO2 methanation reaction
Authors: Zhong Liping , Pham Thi Ha My , Ko Youngdon , Züttel Andreas
Published: May 2023

Methanation of CO2 is an important reaction for reducing CO2 emissions in a power-to-gas system. Compared to cobalt supported on gamma-Al2O3, cobalt supported on graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) showed significantly better performance for CO2 methanation. Cobalt supported on GNPs was capable of 15% conversion of CO2 to CH4 at temperatures below 250°C, compared to 5% for cobalt supported on Al2O3. In situ thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that the Co/GNP catalyst was stable to 400°C. The maximum catalyst mass-specific CH4 yield was obtained at a Co loading of 5wt% on GNPs; however, high Co loading on GNPs deactivated the reactivity of the Co/GNP catalyst. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that 5wt% Co/GNPs had the smallest and most dispersed cobalt nanoparticles. Excessive loading of cobalt tended to form isolated large Co nanoparticles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectrometry revealed that more CoO phases were maintained on the surface of 5wt% Co/GNPs, indicating that the interaction between the Co and the GNPs had more of an impact on cobalt’s redox capacity than did particle size, which ultimately affected cobalt’s active phase during the CO2 reduction process. Furthermore, Raman spectrometry demonstrated that Co loading led to an increase in graphene defects. Higher Co loading on GNPs resulted in fewer interfaces between Co and GNPs due to the agglomeration of Co nanoparticles.
Roles of Streptococcus mutans-Candida albicans interaction in early childhood caries: a literature review
Authors: Lu Yifei , Lin Yifan , Li Mingyun , He Jinzhi
Published: May 2023

As one of the most common oral diseases in kids, early childhood caries affects the health of children throughout the world. Clinical investigations show the copresence of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans in ECC lesions, and mechanistic studies reveal co-existence of C. albicans and S. mutans affects both of their cariogenicity. Clearly a comprehensive understanding of the interkingdom interaction between these two microorganisms has important implications for ECC treatment and prevention. To this end, this review summarizes advances in our understanding of the virulence of both C. albicans and S. mutans. More importantly, the synergistic and antagonistic interactions between these two microbes are discussed.
Integrated microbiome and metabolome analysis reveals the interaction between intestinal flora and serum metabolites as potential biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Li Xiaoyue , Yi Yongxiang , Wu Tongxin , Chen Nan , Gu Xinyu , Xiang Liangliang , Jiang Zhaodi , Li Junwei , Jin Heiying
Published: May 2023

Globally, liver cancer poses a serious threat to human health and quality of life. Despite numerous studies on the microbial composition of the gut in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), little is known about the interactions of the gut microbiota and metabolites and their role in HCC. This study examined the composition of the gut microbiota and serum metabolic profiles in 68 patients with HCC, 33 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC), and 34 healthy individuals (NC) using a combination of metagenome sequencing and liquid chromatography−mass spectrometry (LC−MS). The composition of the serum metabolites and the structure of the intestinal microbiota were found to be significantly altered in HCC patients compared to non-HCC patients. LEfSe and metabolic pathway enrichment analysis were used to identify two key species (Odoribacter splanchnicus and Ruminococcus bicirculans) and five key metabolites (ouabain, taurochenodeoxycholic acid, glycochenodeoxycholate, theophylline, and xanthine) associated with HCC, which then were combined to create panels for HCC diagnosis. The study discovered that the diagnostic performance of the metabolome was superior to that of the microbiome, and a panel comprised of key species and key metabolites outperformed alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in terms of diagnostic value. Spearman’s rank correlation test was used to determine the relationship between the intestinal flora and serum metabolites and their impact on hepatocarcinogenesis and progression. A random forest model was used to assess the diagnostic performance of the different histologies alone and in combination. In summary, this study describes the characteristics of HCC patients’ intestinal flora and serum metabolism, demonstrates that HCC is caused by the interaction of intestinal flora and serum metabolites, and suggests that two key species and five key metabolites may be potential markers for the diagnosis of HCC.
Functional assays to evaluate antibody-mediated responses against Shigella: a review
Authors: Boero Elena , Vezzani Giacomo , Micoli Francesca , Pizza Mariagrazia , Rossi Omar
Published: May 2023

Shigella is a major global pathogen and the etiological agent of shigellosis, a diarrheal disease that primarily affects low- and middle-income countries. Shigellosis is characterized by a complex, multistep pathogenesis during which bacteria use multiple invasion proteins to manipulate and invade the intestinal epithelium. Antibodies, especially against the O-antigen and some invasion proteins, play a protective role as titres against specific antigens inversely correlate with disease severity; however, the context of antibody action during pathogenesis remains to be elucidated, especially with Shigella being mostly an intracellular pathogen. In the absence of a correlate of protection, functional assays rebuilding salient moments of Shigella pathogenesis can improve our understanding of the role of protective antibodies in blocking infection and disease. In vitro assays are important tools to build correlates of protection. Only recently animal models to recapitulate human pathogenesis, often not in full, have been established. This review aims to discuss in vitro assays to evaluate the functionality of anti-Shigella antibodies in polyclonal sera in light of the multistep and multifaced Shigella infection process. Indeed, measurement of antibody level alone may limit the evaluation of full vaccine potential. Serum bactericidal assay (SBA), and other functional assays such as opsonophagocytic killing assays (OPKA), and adhesion/invasion inhibition assays (AIA), are instead physiologically relevant and may provide important information regarding the role played by these effector mechanisms in protective immunity. Ultimately, the review aims at providing scientists in the field with new points of view regarding the significance of functional assays of choice which may be more representative of immune-mediated protection mechanisms.
Evaluation of the relationship between left atrial strain and exercise tolerance in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by treadmill stress echocardiography
Authors: Su Ye , Li Chunmei , Yin Lixue
Published: May 2023

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the left atrial strain (LAS) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) by treadmill exercise stress echocardiography, combined with three-dimensional speckle tracking technology, for predicting exercise tolerance.

Methods

A total of 97 patients with HCM who underwent treadmill exercise stress echocardiography were recruited in Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital between January 2018 and January 2021, and 30 control subjects were selected to be included in the normal group. HCM patients with their metabolic equivalents (METS) ≤ 6.0 were included in the HCM-1 group, while those with METS > 6.0 were included in the HCM-2 group. The LAS and exercise tolerance were analyzed. The ultrasound parameters that could predict a decrease in exercise tolerance were screened, and a predictive model was constructed.

Results

It was found that METS, Rest-LASr, Rest-LAScd, and Rest-LASct were significantly lower in HCM patients than those in normal controls. There was a significant difference in age, Target_HR, LVMI, LAVI, E/e'-Rest, E/e'-Peak, Rest-LASr, Rest-LAScd, and Rest-LASct between the HCM-1 and the HCM-2 groups. LASr is an independent resting echocardiographic predictor of METS ≤ 6.0. LASr remained significant for predicting different subtypes (AHCM, asymmetric HCM, and obstructive HCM). Rest-LASr (AUC 0.990) was better at predicting METS ≤ 6.0 than Peak-E/e' (AUC 0.753). A multivariate model (LASr + Age + Target_HR) was established for METS prediction.

Conclusion

Left atrial reservoir strain (LASr) has the strongest association with METS ≤ 6.0. The LASr is an independent resting predictor of METS ≤ 6.0 and has a good performance record in predicting different subtypes of HCM. Compared with the traditional parameters, Peak-E/e' and Rest-E/e', Rest-LASr is the best predictor. Rest-LASr can serve as a reliable method for HCM patients who are unable to undergo exercise testing but require an urgent evaluation of their METS, which provides a basis for clinical treatment decision-making and treatment effect evaluation.
Characteristic identification of seismogenic electromagnetic anomalies based on station electromagnetic impedance
Authors: Fan Ye , Hu Wenbao , Han Bing , Tang Ji , Wang Xiao , Ye Qing
Published: May 2023

The main components of seismo-electromagnetic research are the deep underground electromagnetic seismogenic environment, electromagnetic field changes at different stages of the seismogenic process, and the physical mechanism and change rules of electromagnetic properties of the earth’s interior. Traditional electric and magnetic methods mainly analyze the single field change of the geoelectric field, geomagnetic field, or resistivity at frequencies less than 1 Hz. These do not include the extremely low-frequency band that is sensitive to seismic events, so it is difficult to obtain the characteristics of time-spatial variations and propagation characteristics precursors. In comparison, magnetotelluric stations observe magnetotelluric fields containing seismogenic-induced electromagnetic disturbances, and the observation frequency band is wide. In this paper, the three-dimensional numerical simulation method is used to calculate the magnetotelluric apparent resistivity anomaly generated by resistivity changes in the seismogenic zone, and the forward algorithm of arbitrarily orientated dipole source in layered earth is used to simulate the response of low-frequency pre-earthquake electromagnetic radiation. The magnetotelluric response including seismogenic resistivity anomaly and pre-earthquake electromagnetic radiation is obtained using the field component composition method. The frequency characteristics and spatial distribution characteristics of apparent resistivity anomalies are systematically analyzed, and the results are of important significance for the observation, data processing, and identification and analysis of seismic electromagnetic anomalies in different seismogenic processes.
Organic petrographic, geochemical, and sequence stratigraphic analyses for evaluating the hydrocarbon potential of Middle Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous rocks in Shushan Basin, northwestern Egypt
Authors: Aljahdali Mohammed H. , Deaf Amr S. , Gentzis Thomas , Bantan Rashad A. , Abu-Zied Ramadan H. , Carvajal-Ortiz Humberto , Khalaf Miran M.
Published: May 2023

Integrated organic petrographic and geochemical analyses were made on organic-rich marine carbonate and mixed clastic-carbonate rocks of Middle–Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous age from the Shushan Basin, Egypt to evaluate their hydrocarbon potential. Analyses allowed the identification of depositional settings, paleoclimate, and three third order genetic stratigraphic sequences (SQ) with deposits assigned to highstand (HST), lowstand (LST) and transgressive systems tracts (TST). Deposition of the source rocks in the rifting Shushan Basin resulted from the interaction between Neotethyan sea level changes, tectonic, and climate. The good reducing conditions developed during the Neotethyan Middle–Late Jurassic (Bajocian–Kimmeridgian) second order sea level rises and the climatically induced carbonate sedimentation resulted in the deposition of the organic-rich carbonates of the Khatatba Formation (SQ 1, early–middle TST) in inner–middle shelf settings under anoxic–dysoxic conditions. The Late Jurassic (late Kimmeridgian) uplifting resulted in the deposition of the organic-lean mixed clastic–carbonate strata of the Masajid Formation (SQ 1, latest TST) in the same shelfal and reducing conditions, which experienced a notable dilution of organic matter. The late TST deposits of SQ 1 are good to very good oil-producing source rocks, where they show average good to very good generative potential of late mature (late oil-to early wet gas-window) highly oil-prone organic matter. The Early Cretaceous (Valanginian–Albian) uplifting associated with the rifting of the Shushan Basin overprinted the Neotethyan late Valanginian–Hauterivian second order sea level rises, Aptian second order highstand sea level, and Albian second order sea level rise. The coeval climatic shift toward more humid conditions resulted in the clastic-dominated deposition of the organic-lean regressive units of SQ 2 (HST and LST of Alam El Bueib, Alamein, and Dahab formations) and SQ 3 (HST and LST of the lower–upper Kharita Formation) in marginal marine settings under anoxic–dysoxic to oxic conditions. The HST and LST deposits of the SQ 2 and SQ 3 show poor to good organic richness of early–mid mature (early–peak oil-window) oil/gas-prone and gas/oil-prone organic matter, respectively and exhibit average fair oil source rock potential with no gas generation.
Testicular dysfunction at diagnosis in children and teenagers with haematopoietic malignancies improves after initial chemotherapy
Authors: Lopez Dacal Jimena , Prada Silvina , Correa Brito Lourdes , Ropelato Maria Gabriela , Ballerini Maria Gabriela , Rodriguez Maria Eugenia , Gutiérrez Marcela E. , Soria Marcela , Morán Lorena , Ferraro Cristina , Bedecarrás Patricia , Drelichman Guillermo , Aversa Luis , Bergadá Ignacio , Rey Rodolfo A. , Grinspon Romina P.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Hematopoietic malignancies are the most frequent type of cancer in childhood. Recent advances in cancer treatment have significantly improved survival until adulthood. There is an extensive literature on the effects of cancer treatment on the gonadal axis in adult survivors of childhood cancer mainly focused on sperm production, but scarce information exists on the immediate impact of cancer and its treatment in boys.

Objectives

In this work, we determined the status of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis function at diagnosis and the immediate impact of chemotherapy at the start of treatment in children and adolescents with hematopoietic malignancies.

Subjects and methods

In a prospective study of 94 boys and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), we determined serum AMH, inhibin B and FSH to assess the gonadotrophin-Sertoli cell component of the HPT axis, and testosterone and LH to evaluate the gonadotrophin-Leydig cell component, at diagnosis and after 3 months of chemotherapy. Secondarily, the general health state was evaluated.

Results

In prepubertal boys, at diagnosis, AMH, inhibin B and FSH were lower compared to the reference population, reflecting an FSH-Sertoli cell axis dysfunction. After 3 months of chemotherapy, all hormone concentrations increased. At pubertal age, at diagnosis, AMH and inhibin B were lower compared to the reference population for Tanner stage, with inappropriately normal FSH, suggesting a primary Sertoli cell dysfunction with insufficient gonadotrophin compensation. The LH-Leydig cell axis was mildly disrupted. After 3 months of chemotherapy, inhibin B and AMH were unchanged while median FSH levels rose to values that exceeded the reference range, indicating a significant impairment of Sertoli cell function. Testosterone normalized concomitantly with an abnormal LH elevation reflecting a compensated Leydig cell impairment. General health biomarkers were impaired at diagnosis and improved after 3 months.

Conclusion

The HPT axis function is impaired in boys with hematopoietic malignancies before the initiation of chemotherapy. There is a primary testicular dysfunction and a concomitant functional central hypogonadism that could be due to an impaired overall health. The HPT axis function improves during the initial 3 months of chemotherapy concomitantly with the general health state. However, in pubertal boys the dysfunction persists as shown by elevated gonadotropin levels after 3 months.