bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contextualising access to essential medicines: Lessons learned from East and Southern Africa
Authors:   , Ooms Gaby Isabelle
Published: November 2023

Worldwide, more than 2 billion people lack access to medicines, leading to more than 10 million people dying needlessly as a result of this lack of access. Most of these deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. To gain a deeper understanding of how barriers at different levels of the health system influence access in the region, and what lessons might be learned, this thesis focussed on three distinct cases: internationally controlled essential medicines (medicines listed on WHO’s Essential Medicines List and one of three international drug control conventions, such as morphine and phenobarbital), the treatment of snakebite envenoming, and commodities for sexual and reproductive health (SRH).

Using these three cases, this thesis demonstrated that access to medicines remains a critical issue for the majority of people living in Sub-Saharan Africa. It shows that while access to essential medicines for specific care fields or diseases may be subject to topic-specific barriers, many of the barriers are transcendent and are the result of an interplay of conditions across the health system that affect all areas of access. By looking at the similarities between care fields and diseases, and not the dissimilarities, this thesis has shown that a system-wide approach is needed to strengthen health systems in the Sub-Saharan region. Such an approach should be targeted at individuals, households and the community, the delivery of health services, and governance at the health sector, national and international level. A complex issue such as this needs active involvement from all actors, including patients and communities, community- and faith leaders, healthcare workers, civil society, governments, researchers, and international actors.
Pengembangan Soal Matematika Kontekstual Tipe HOTS untuk Mengukur Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Kelas IV SD
Authors: Oktiningrum Wuli
Published: November 2023

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh keterbatasan guru dalam pengembangan soal HOTS sehingga siswa kurang berpengalaman dalam mengerjakan soal berbasis HOTS. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuat seperangkat soal matematika kontektual tipe HOTS yang valid dan praktis untuk mengukur kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa kelas IV Sekolah Dasar, serta untuk mengetahui apakah seperangkat soal tersebut dapat mengukur kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa. Analisis, desain, evaluasi dan revisi merupakan metode yang digunakan dalam pengembangan ini. Tahapan yang digunakan yaitu tahap preliminary dan prototyping dengan alur formative evaluation. Sebanyak 28 siswa kelas IV SD Negeri 2 Tlogorejo serta 2 pakar ahli terlibat dalam tahap prototyping. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah wawancara, angket, dan hasil tes. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah seperangkat soal matematika kontekstua tipe HOTS sebanyak 6 butir soal yang valid, serta dapat mengukur kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa. Valid dan praktis dapat dilihat dari hasil validasi dengan rata-rata 95,5%, dan hasil reliabilitas 0,878 dengan interpretasi reliabilitas sangat tinggi. Hasil analisis mengungkapkan, terdapat 11,11% siswa memiliki kemampuan berpikir kritis dengan kategori baik, sedangkan siswa yang memiliki kemampuan
The Effect of Project Based Learning (PjBL) Model on Creative Thinking Ability of Class V Students on Theme 8 Sub-Theme 1 Learning 1 at SDN Kedungotok
Authors: Azzahra Galuh Fatimah , Rochmania Desty Dwi
Published: November 2023

The main problem in this study is how the influence of the project based learning model on the creative thinking skills of fifth grade students on theme 8 sub-theme 1 learning 1 at SD Negeri Kedungotok. This research is an experimental research. The experimental design used in this study is a pre-experimental design with one group pretest-posttest design. The population in this study was the fifth grade students of SD Negeri Kedungotok which consisted of 1 class consisting of 15 students, 11 women and 4 men. The sampling technique used purposive sampling method which consisted of 15 students, 11 female students and 4 male students. The data collection technique was carried out using the test method (Essay Test) to obtain data on students' creative thinking skills and the observation method to determine student activities during the study. The results of descriptive statistical analysis show that the ability to think creatively is better than before the project based learning model was applied. Based on the students' average scores, the pre-test was 57.5 and the post-test was 84.16. The results of inferential statistical analysis using the t test formula with a significant level = 5% obtained t_hitung = 8.66 and t_table at = 5% and db = (15 â€“1) = 14 in the t_table = 1.76. Because t count > t table, this shows that Ho is rejected and H1 is accepted. Based on the results of the research above, it was concluded that the project-based learning model had an effect on the creative thinking skills of fifth grade students on theme 8 sub-theme 1 learning 1 at SD Negeri Kedungotok in the 2022 school year.
Pengembangan Media Tubokas (Tutup Botol Bekas) untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Membaca Siswa Kelas 1 SD
Authors: Fitriani Normalia , Edi Siswanto M. Bambang
Published: November 2023

Permasalahan yang dihadapi dalam pelaksanaan kegiatan pembelajaran yang terjadi Sekolah dasar yaitu kurangnyaimedia pembelajaran yangimendukung, selain ituuguru masihhmenggunakan bukuusebagai sumber belajari, dan masihhmenggunakan media yang seadanya sebagai media pembelajaran. Hal ini menyebabkan kurang menarik perhatian siswa, sehingga siswa mudahilupa dan bosan untukkbelajar membaca, sehingga potensi siswa kurang berkembang secara optimal dan berimbas pada hasil belajar siswa yang rendah. Penelitian ini dilakukan bertujuan untuk  mengetahui proses pengembangan, Mengetahui Implementasi media tubokas, dan untuk mengetahuiikendala yangidihadapi dalam penerapan media tubokas. Jenisspenelitian yanggdigunakan adalah penelitiannpengembangan. Model pengembangannyang digunakan untuk pengembangan media pembelajaran tubokas adalah model ADDIE. Terdapat lima tahapan pada model ADDIE ini yaitu: Analyze, Design, Develpoment, Implementation, Evaluation.  Hasilipenelitian yanggtelah dilakukanimenunjukkan bahwa mediaipembelajaran tubokas ini sangat layakidigunakan dalam kegatan pembelajaran. Dari hasil validasi, media pembelajaran tubokas draf I memperoleh persentase  94,11%, dan hasil validasi, media pembelajaran tubokas draf II memperoleh persentase  97,5%,. Dari hasil pre-testtdan  post-testthasil belajar siswaimengalami peningkatan setelah diuji cobakan produk pengembangan. Dari angket aktivitas guru memperoleh persentase 97% , dan angket aktivitas siswa memperoleh persentase 92,5%
Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar IPS Materi Interaksi Manusia Dengan Lingkungan Melalui Media Smart Board Kelas V SDN Punten 1
Authors: Leni Irmawati
Published: November 2023

Rendahnya hasil belajar materi interaksi manusia dengan lingkungan serta pengaruhnya terhadap pembangunan sosial, budaya, dan ekonomi masyarakat Indonesia kelas V membuat pembelajaran tidak efektif. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dalam dua siklus dengan media pembelajaran smart board (papan pintar), pada pembelajaran awal rata-rata nilai 69, meningkat 71 pada siklus 1, dan siklus II naik sebesar 80. presentase ketuntasan pada pembelajaran awal 29% kemudian pada siklus I naik menjadi 55% dan siklus II naik 81%. Presentase ketidak tuntasan sebelum siklus 71%, kemudian siklus I turun 45%, dan siklus II turun lagi 19%. Kesimpulan penerapan media pembelajaran smart board (papan pintar) mampu meningkatkan hasil belajar mata pelajaran IPS Kelas V SDN Punten 01 Kota Batu.
Kepatuhan Konsumsi Tablet Tambah Darah Pada Ibu Hamil Di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Mamboro
Authors: Adhyanti  , Nurtiansi  , Bahja
Published: November 2023

Meskipun telah terdapat program pemberian tablet tambah darah, anemia pada ibu hamil masih banyak terjadi. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui gambaran kepatuhan konsumsi tablet tambah darah (TTD) pada ibu hamil di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Mamboro. Jenis penelitian adalah penelitian deskriptif pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui wawancara menggunakan kuesioner. Sampel adalah 59 ibu hamil yang berada pada wilayah kerja Puskesmas Mamboro Kota Palu Sulawesi Tengah. Pengambilan Sampel dari penelitian menggunakan Systematic Random Sampling dan data dianalisis secara univariat menggunakan SPSS. Hasil penelitian menunjukan sebagian besar responden berada pada rentang usia 26 sampai dengan 30 tahun (64,4%), riwayat  pendidikan responden SMA  sebanyak 26 orang (44,1%) dan pekerjaan sebagai ibu rumah tangga (IRT) sebanyak 38 orang (64,4%). Kepatuhan ibu hamil yang mengkonsumsi tablet tambah darah dalam kategori patuh sebanyak 32 ibu hamil (54,2%) sedangkan dalam kategori tidak patuh sebanyak 27 ibu hamil (45,8%). Kesimpulan sebagian besar ibu hamil di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Mamboro patuh mengkonsumsi tablet tambah darah. Perlunya kegiatan penyuluhan yang lebih intersif terkait manfaat konsumsi TTD selama kehamilan.
Faktor Perilaku Yang Mempengaruhi Pemberian Susu Formula Pada Bayi 0-6 bulan
Authors: Pani Widya
Published: November 2023

Latar Belakang: Pemberian susu formula untuk bayi 0-6 bulan dapat berpengaruh karena menggantikan ASI untuk makanan bayi yang pertama  maka mungkin saja bayi akan terkena diare,peradangan dan flu. Tujuan: Untuk mengetahui faktor perilaku  yang mempengaruhi pemberian susu formulapada bayi usia 0-6 bulan di Desa Wani II  Kecamatan Tanantovea. Metode: Jenis penelitian adalah survei analitik dengan pendekatan cross sectional. populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh ibu yang mempunyai Bayi 0-6 Bulan di Desa Wani II Kecamatan Tanantovea  sebanyak 35 orang. Sampel berjumlah 35 orang,  dengan teknik sampling total cara pengumpulan data Penelitian ini adalah analisis univariat dan bivariat menggunakan Chi  Square. Hasil: penelitian ini menunjukkan dari 35 responden,  memiliki pengetahuan baik  51,4%, dan pengetahuan kurang baik 48,6%, hasil uji “chi square” nilai p: 0,000 (p value ≤ 0,05), ada pengaruh pengetahuan dengan  pemberian susu formula pada bayi usia 0-6 bulan. Sikap positif  60% dan sikap negatif  40%, uji “chi square” nilai p: 0,002 (p value ≤ 0,05), ada pengaruh sikap dengan tindakan pemberian susu formula pada bayi usia 0-6 bulan. Kesimpulan: ada pengaruh pengetahuan, sikap dan tindakan dengan pemberian susu formula pada bayi usia 0-6 bulan di Desa Wani II  Kecamatan Tanantovea. Saran bagi Puskesmas Wani agar lebih meningkatkan lagi pelayanan kesehatan dengan memberikan penyuluhan tentang ASI Eksklusif dengan metode yang menarik
Coal efficiency, carbon reduction, and future policy perspective in Pakistan’s economic growth: a decomposition and decoupling approach
Authors: Raza Muhammad Yousaf , Lin Boqiang
Published: November 2023

Pakistan is moving toward the large-scale use of coal. Coal plays a dominant role in Pakistan’s energy mix and is estimated to reach 30% by 2030. The purpose of this study is to analyze coal imports and indigenous reserves in relation to CO2 emissions. In particular, this study constructs the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) method to see the impact of the factors, decoupling index for the economic relationship, and pollution from coal-fired power plants from 1986 to 2019. The empirical results show that 1) coal consumption and imports are interrelated, while coal production has had the lowest production level since 1986; 2) the energy intensity impact plays a medium role in decreasing coal utilization, followed by the coal share effect; however, the aggregated impact accounts for 0.023% of the total coal use; 3) the economic and population activity effects progressively increase with coal consumption by 0.25% and 0.35%, respectively, with the annual average growth; 4) only “three” decoupling states were observed: expansive coupling, expansive negative decoupling, and weak decoupling. Expansive negative decoupling occurred due to high energy share and energy intensity. Expansive coupling occurred only in 2001 due to rapid growth in coal proportion and a sluggish decrease in energy intensity, and weak decoupling showed a decoupling association between economic growth and coal utilization; and 5) the various coal compositions, such as moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash, and sulfur, can be evaded by 1.82, 4.83, 5.16, 1.43, and 0.39 Mt currently. Finally, environmental analysis recognized that implementing clean coal technologies significantly saves fuel and, consequently, reduces emissions. This study also discusses further policies.
A preliminary view of the CYGNSS soil moisture-vegetation activity linkage
Authors: Yang Ting , Cong Nan
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Soil moisture (SM) is crucial for regulating vegetation productivity and sustaining plant growth. Understanding the linkage between SM and vegetation activity is paramount in eco-hydrology modeling and meteorological applications. CYGNSS, one of the most commonly spaceborne GNSS-R missions with publicly available data, has the advantage of retrieving SM with high accuracy and high temporal resolution.

Methods

This paper describes the linkage between the CYGNSS SM and vegetation activity. The CYGNSS SM from 2019.01 to 2022.12 with system error and land surface calibration is first retrieved. The linkages between the CYGNSS SM and two key vegetation activity indexes, i.e., NDVI and the start of the growing season (SOS), are then investigated.

Results

The findings and conclusions mainly include: (1) The CYGNSS SM with system error and land surface error calibration shows a good correlation with the SMAP SM, i.e., R = 0.693 vs. ubRMSE = 0.054 m3m−3. Long time-series CYGNSS SM can be useful data for large-scale terrestrial ecosystems and global change studies. (2) The NDVI shows a negative correlation with SM in most pan-tropical areas, whereas a positive correlation with SM in Africa. The response of NDVI to SM is more significant in shrublands and grasslands. (3) The link between the CYGNSS SM and SOS displays strong annual variations, and the SM has generally experienced a significant negative effect on SOS. SM advances the vegetation green-up in arid and semi-arid areas.
Sustained spike-specific IgG antibodies following CoronaVac (Sinovac) vaccination in sub-Saharan Africa, but increased breakthrough infections in baseline spike-naive individuals
Authors: Sembera Jackson , Baine Claire , Ankunda Violet , Katende Joseph Ssebwana , Oluka Gerald Kevin , Akoli Christine Hermilia , Kato Laban , Odoch Geoffrey , Ejou Peter , Opio Solomon , Musenero Monica ,   The COVID-19 Immunoprofiling Team, Kaleebu Pontiano , Serwanga Jennifer
Published: November 2023

Introduction

This study investigated the antibody responses to the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, CoronaVac (Sinovac Biotech) in the African population to provide valuable insights into long-term immunity and breakthrough infections against SARS-CoV-2 in individuals with varying prior IgG seropositivity.

Methods

Real-life cohorts were used to longitudinally track antibody levels against the SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleoprotein in 60 participants over 12 months to examine the levels of multiple antibody isotypes (S-IgG, S-IgM, S-IgA, N-IgG, and N-IgM).

Results

Throughout the 12 months, we observed consistently high and stable seropositivity rates for spike-IgG antibodies, spike-IgM antibodies showed a decline in frequencies over time, and spike-IgA levels remained moderate and stable. Vaccinated individuals previously positive for spike-IgG antibodies demonstrated strong and persistent seropositivity, while those initially negative experienced a gradual and delayed increase in seropositivity rates. The fold change analysis of S- and N- antibody responses demonstrated a consistently stable and comparable profile over time, indicating that vaccine-induced antibody responses remain constant and lack significant fluctuations beyond the initial boost. The study emphasized that individuals lacking previous IgG positivity showed reduced vaccine-induced spike-IgG antibodies and were more susceptible to breakthrough infections, highlighting their higher vulnerability. All cases of breakthrough infections were asymptomatic, indicating the conferred protection to the vaccinated individuals.

Discussion

The findings corroborated earlier studies on the effectiveness of the CoronaVac vaccine and emphasized the significance of accounting for pre-existing seropositivity in vaccine assessments. This study effectively demonstrated durable antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 in the African population following the CoronaVac vaccination, providing crucial insights for informing vaccination strategies and safeguarding vulnerable populations. Continuous surveillance is imperative for tracking breakthrough infections and monitoring waning immunity. The insights gained offer crucial direction for public health strategies and enhance comprehension of vaccine effectiveness in sub-Saharan Africa. Further research should explore functional outcomes, cellular immune responses, and the vaccine’s effectiveness against different variants to enhance our understanding and optimize vaccine strategies.
Comparative effects of two in situ hybridization methods for the pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus)
Authors: Wang Chunyu , Zhuge Junhao , Tang Siqi , Zhou Xiang , Zhou Lifeng , Guo Kai
Published: November 2023

The gene localization technique of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (pinewood nematode, PWN) is used for study gene expression in PWNs. Two in situ hybridization methods, namely, whole-mount in situ hybridization and the cut-off method are used widely. To compare the effects of these two in situ hybridization methods, the present study investigated the patterns of two functional genes expression in PWNs. The Bx-vap-2 gene (GenBank accession number: OR228482), related to pathogenicity, and the fem-2 gene (GenBank accession number: OR228481), related to sex determination, were selected to map related genes in the whole-mount and amputated PWNs at different ages using these in situ hybridization methods. Based on the overall statistical comparison, we found that compared to the cut-off method, the whole-mount method exhibited higher staining rates and correct staining rates for the fem-2 gene and Bx-vap-2 gene. However, considering the correct staining aspect, the cut-off method yielded better staining effects on pinewood nematode sections than the whole-mount method, with clearer hybridization signal locations and less non-specific staining. In other words, the cut-off method demonstrated more precise gene localization. Both methods are applicable for gene localization, but considering the overall staining pattern, analysis of experimental results, and comprehensive experimental operations, we believe that the whole-mount method is more suitable for gene localization and expression analysis of development-related genes in pinewood nematodes. This is because intact pinewood nematodes are better suited for showcasing the continuous developmental process of development-related genes. On the other hand, considering the experimental time, accuracy of staining site, and the amount of non-specific staining, the cut-off method is more suitable for disease-related genes. Additionally, to achieve better performance, the cut-off method can be selectively applied to samples during the experimental process.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites in goats (Capra hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries) from three provinces of China
Authors: Cai Weimin , Cheng Cheng , Feng Qianqian , Ma Yifei , Hua Enyu , Jiang Shimin , Hou Zhaofeng , Liu Dandan , Yang Anlong , Cheng Darong , Xu Jinjun , Tao Jianping
Published: November 2023

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in small ruminants, especially goats and sheep, have caused significant socio-economic and public health challenges worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diversity and prevalence of GI parasites in goats and sheep in Jiangsu, Shaanxi and Hunan provinces of China, and to assess whether the age of animals, sampling season and feeding mode influence the distribution and infection of GI parasites. A total of 1,081 fecal samples collected from goats (n = 835) and sheep (n = 246) were detected by saturated saline flotation technique and nylon sifter elutriation and sieving method for eggs/oocysts, respectively. Based on the morphological observation of eggs and oocysts, one tapeworm, five nematodes, three trematodes and nineteen coccidia were identified, of which seven helminths belong to zoonotic parasites. The infection rate of parasites was 83.4% (902/1081) in total samples, 91.6% (765/835) in goats, and 55.7% (137/246) in sheep. The infection rate of coccidia was 71.0% (767/1081), and that of helminths was 56.2% (607/1081). The dominant species was E. alijeri (67.3%, 562/835) in goats, E. parva (30.1%, 74/246) in sheep. The highest prevalent helminths were Trichostrongylidae spp. in goats (58.3%, 487/835), and Moniezia spp. in sheep (22.76%, 56/246). Of 902 positive samples, 825 (91.5%, 825/902) contained multiple (2–10) parasites. The feeding mode, sampling season and regions were relevant risk factors which have significant influence on the occurrence of GI parasites in goats and sheep. The risk coefficient of parasite infection in autumn was 2.49 times higher than spring (Odds ratio = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.51–4.09, p < 0.001). Compared to raising on the high beds, the goats and sheep raising on the ground had the higher risk of parasite infection (OR = 3.91, 95% CI = 2.07–7.40, p < 0.001). The risk coefficient of parasite infection in Shaanxi and Hunan was 3.78 and 1.25 times higher than that in Jiangsu (OR = 3.78, 95% CI = 2.01–7.12, p < 0.001; OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.21–1.29, p < 0.001). These data are significant for the development of prevention strategies to minimise economic losses from small ruminant production and to reduce the risk of water and food infecting humans as vectors of zoonotic parasitic diseases.
Case report: Invasive neuromonitoring in status epilepticus induced hypoxic ischemic brain injury
Authors: Bhatti Karandeep Singh , Rajagopalan Swarna
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Literature on invasive neuromonitoring and bilateral decompressive craniectomies (BDC) in patients with refractory status epilepticus (RSE)-mediated hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) is limited. Neuromonitoring can guide decision making and treatment escalation.

Methods and results

We report a case of a 17 years-old male who was admitted to our hospital’s intensive care unit for RSE. HIBI was detected on neuroimaging on this patient’s second day of admission after he developed central diabetes insipidus (DI). Invasive neuromonitoring revealed raised intracranial pressure (ICP) and brain hypoxia as measured by reduced brain tissue oxygen tension (PbtO2). Treatments were escalated in a tiered fashion, including administration of hyperosmolar agents, analgesics, sedatives, and a neuromuscular blocking drug. Eventually, BDC was performed as a salvage therapy as a means of controlling refractory ICP crisis in the setting of diffuse cerebral edema (DCE) following HIBI.

Discussion

SE-mediated HIBI can result in refractory ICP crisis. Neuromonitoring can help identify secondary brain injury (SBI), guide treatment strategies, including surgical interventions, and may lead to better outcomes.
Construction and evaluation of a prognostic prediction model based on the mEGOS score for patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome
Authors: Xue Gaojie , Zhang Yani , Wang Ruochen , Yang Yue , Wang Huihui , Li Jiangping , He Xuexian , Zhang Qing , Yang Xiao
Published: November 2023

Background

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated acute peripheral neuropathy in which up to 20% patients remain unable to walk independently after 6 months of onset. This study aimed to develop a clinical prognostic model based on the modified Erasmus GBS Outcome Score (mEGOS) for predicting the prognosis of GBS patients at 6 months of onset.

Methods

The clinical data of 201 GBS patients were retrospectively analyzed. According to the GBS disability score (GBS-DS) at 6 months of onset, patients were divided into a good prognosis group (GBS-DS <3 points) and a poor prognosis group (GBS-DS≥3 points). Univariate and multivariate analysis was used to screen out independent risk factors for poor prognosis, and a prediction model was accordingly constructed for GBS prognosis.

Results

The mEGOS score, serum albumin (ALB) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with GBS, and the above risk factors were used to construct a prognostic model of mEGOS-I and a nomogram. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the area under curve (AUC) of mEGOS-I at admission and at 7 days of admission to predict poor prognosis at 6 months of GBS onset was 0.891 and 0.916, respectively, with sensitivities of 82.7% and 82.6% and specificities of 86.5% and 86.6%, respectively. Decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram had a very high clinical benefit.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first report of the construction of a prognostic prediction model based on the mEGOS score, ALB, and FPG that can accurately and stably predict the prognosis of GBS patients at 6 months of onset.
Identification of a venetoclax-resistance prognostic signature base on 6-senescence genes and its clinical significance for acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Ke Peng , Xie Jundan , Xu Ting , Chen Meiyu , Guo Yusha , Wang Ying , Qiu Huiying , Wu Depei , Zeng Zhao , Chen Suning , Bao Xiebing
Published: November 2023

Background

Satisfactory responses can be obtained for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated by Venetoclax (VEN)-based therapy. However, there are still quite a few AML patients (AMLs) resistant to VEN, and it is critical to understand whether VEN-resistance is regulated by senescence.

Methods

Here, we established and validated a signature for predicting AML prognosis based on VEN resistance-related senescence genes (VRSGs). In this study, 51 senescence genes were identified with VEN-resistance in AML. Using LASSO algorithms and multiple AML cohorts, a VEN-resistance senescence prognostic model (VRSP-M) was developed and validated based on 6-senescence genes.

Results

According to the median score of the signature, AMLs were classified into two subtypes. A worse prognosis and more adverse features occurred in the high-risk subtype, including older patients, non-de novo AML, poor cytogenetics, adverse risk of European LeukemiaNet (ELN) 2017 recommendation, and TP53 mutation. Patients in the high-risk subtype were mainly involved in monocyte differentiation, senescence, NADPH oxidases, and PD1 signaling pathway. The model’s risk score was significantly associated with VEN-resistance, immune features, and immunotherapy response in AML. In vitro, the IC50 values of ABT-199 (VEN) rose progressively with increasing expression of G6PD and BAG3 in AML cell lines.

Conclusions

The 6-senescence genes prognostic model has significant meaning for the prediction of VEN-resistance, guiding personalized molecularly targeted therapies, and improving AML prognosis.
Are the first 1,000 days of life a neglected vital period to prevent the impact on maternal and infant morbimortality of infectious diseases in Latin America? Proceedings of a workshop of experts from the Latin American Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, SLIPE
Authors: Debbag Roberto , Torres Jaime R. , Falleiros-Arlant Luiza H. , Avila-Aguero Maria L. , Brea-del Castillo Jose , Gentile Angela , Saez-Llorens Xavier , Mascarenas Abiel , Munoz Flor M. , Torres Juan P. , Vazquez Liliana , Safadi Marco A. , Espinal Carlos , Ulloa-Gutierrez Rolando , Pujadas Monica , Lopez Pio , López-Medina Eduardo , Ramilo Octavio
Published: November 2023

While the first 1,000 days of life are a critical period in child's development, limited information on the main determinants affecting this period in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region is available. Therefore, the Latin American Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (SLIPE) held an ad hoc workshop in May 2022 with an expert panel designed to analyze the main factors impacting the development of childhood in the region during this period and the main causes of maternal infant morbimortality. The aim was to identify priorities, generate recommendations, and advise practical actions to improve this situation. Considerations were made about the challenges involved in bridging the gap that separates the region from more developed countries regarding an optimal early childhood and maternal care. Extensive discussion was conducted to reach consensus recommendations on general strategies intended to reduce maternal and infant mortality associated with infections and immune-preventable diseases during the first 1,000 days of life in LAC.
Distinct heat response molecular mechanisms emerge in cassava vasculature compared to leaf mesophyll tissue under high temperature stress
Authors: Wang Shujuan , Zhou Xincheng , Pan Kun , Zhang Huaifang , Shen Xu , Luo Jia , Li Yuanchao , Chen Yinhua , Wang Wenquan
Published: November 2023

With growing concerns over global warming, cultivating heat-tolerant crops has become paramount to prepare for the anticipated warmer climate. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), a vital tropical crop, demonstrates exceptional growth and productivity under high-temperature (HT) conditions. Yet, studies elucidating HT resistance mechanisms in cassava, particularly within vascular tissues, are rare. We dissected the leaf mid-vein from leaf, and did the comparative transcriptome profiling between mid-vein and leaf to figure out the cassava vasculature HT resistance molecular mechanism. Anatomical microscopy revealed that cassava leaf veins predominantly consisted of vasculature. A thermal imaging analysis indicated that cassava experienced elevated temperatures, coinciding with a reduction in photosynthesis. Transcriptome sequencing produced clean reads in total of 89.17G. Using Venn enrichment, there were 65 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 93 DEGs had been found highly specifically expressed in leaf and mid-vein. Further investigation disclosed that leaves enhanced pyruvate synthesis as a strategy to withstand high temperatures, while mid-veins fortified themselves by bolstering lignin synthesis by comprehensive GO and KEGG analysis of DEGs. The identified genes in these metabolic pathways were corroborated through quantity PCR (QPCR), with results aligning with the transcriptomic data. To verify the expression localization of DEGs, we used in situ hybridization experiments to identify the expression of MeCCoAMT(caffeoyl-coenzyme A-3-O-methyltransferase) in the lignin synthesis pathway in cassava leaf veins xylem. These findings unravel the disparate thermotolerance mechanisms exhibited by cassava leaves and mid-veins, offering insights that could potentially inform strategies for enhancing thermotolerance in other crops.
Long-term psychological intervention for parents of children with prolonged disorders of consciousness: a pilot study
Authors: Xu Gang , Hao Fuchun , Zhao Weiwei , Zhao Peng , Qiu Jiwen
Published: November 2023

Background

Children with prolonged disorders of consciousness experience severe intellectual and behavioral disabilities that will last for decades or even a lifetime. Parents generally experience severe anxiety, stress, sadness, or family conflicts, which can lead to abnormal parenting behavior and can, in turn, adversely affect the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral well-being of the children. This causes a serious burden on children, families, and society. Psychological interventions targeting parents using online conversations provide an opportunity to improve the overall well-being of the parents, their children, and the family as a whole.

Methods

A total of 13 patients completed the protocol. Six were girls (46.2%), the mean age was 4.5 ± 3.0 years, and the length of time before emergent from minimally consciousness state was 244 ± 235 days. A staff member with psychological counseling qualifications implemented all psychological interventions. Regular online psychological interventions were performed annually before and after discharge. Evaluation data were collected before discharge and at 1 and 3–5 years post-discharge.

Results

With the extension of intervention time, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21, and the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale scores showed significant improvement (p < 0.05), while the Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-Efficacy scores did not. With the extension of intervention time, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (Total Difficulties scores, TD) scores showed significant improvement (p < 0.05), while the scores did not after 1 year compared with before intervention. The Index of Child Care Environment evaluation scores declined significantly (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Psychological interventions aimed at the parents of children with prolonged disorders of consciousness performed at least once per year resulted in significant improvements in negative parental emotions, parental self-efficacy, and emotional and behavioral problems in their children. However, the childcare environment continued to decline.
Social Appearance Anxiety Scale: a psychometric investigation and evaluation of the influence of individual characteristics on social appearance anxiety in Brazilian adults who practice physical exercise
Authors: Donofre Giovanna Soler , Campos Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini , dos Santos Priscila Carvalho , Marôco João , Campos Lucas Arrais , da Silva Wanderson Roberto
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Evaluating signs of anxiety related to body appearance is becoming increasingly important in contemporary society and, in this sense, the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS) seems an interesting alternative of measurement.

Objectives

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the SAAS when applied to Brazilian adults who practice physical exercise and verify the influence of individual characteristics on participants’ social appearance anxiety.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted online. The participants completed the SAAS and a demographic questionnaire. The psychometric properties of the SAAS one-factor model were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis. A structural model was built for men and women to verify the influence of individual characteristics of the participants on social appearance anxiety.

Results

1,495 individuals participated in the study (70.8% women; mean age = 29.5, SD = 8.9 years). The data obtained with the SAAS presented good indicators of validity and reliability for both genders (CFI > 0.97, TLI > 0.97, SRMR = 0.04, α > 0.97, ω > 0.85). For both men and women, greater levels of social appearance anxiety were observed among younger participants, who had a higher body mass index, self-reported an eating disorder, and perceived a change in their body after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. For women specifically, higher income and having started physical exercise more recently were associated with greater levels of social appearance anxiety.

Conclusion

The findings supported the validity and reliability of the data obtained with the SAAS and revealed that when investigating social appearance anxiety in future research and clinical protocols, specific individual characteristics should be considered.
Curriculum-based humanoid robot identification using large-scale human motion database
Authors: Kang Sunhwi , Ishihara Koji , Sugimoto Norikazu , Morimoto Jun
Published: November 2023

Identifying an accurate dynamics model remains challenging for humanoid robots. The difficulty is mainly due to the following two points. First, a good initial model is required to evaluate the feasibility of motions for data acquisition. Second, a highly nonlinear optimization problem needs to be solved to design movements to acquire the identification data. To cope with the first point, in this paper, we propose a curriculum of identification to gradually learn an accurate dynamics model from an unreliable initial model. For the second point, we propose using a large-scale human motion database to efficiently design the humanoid movements for the parameter identification. The contribution of our study is developing a humanoid identification method that does not require the good initial model and does not need to solve the highly nonlinear optimization problem. We showed that our curriculum-based approach was able to more efficiently identify humanoid model parameters than a method that just randomly picked reference motions for identification. We evaluated our proposed method in a simulation experiment and demonstrated that our curriculum was led to obtain a wide variety of motion data for efficient parameter estimation. Consequently, our approach successfully identified an accurate model of an 18-DoF, simulated upper-body humanoid robot.
Improved circuitry and post-processing for interleaved fast-scan cyclic voltammetry and electrophysiology measurements
Authors: Avula Ashwin K. , Goyal Abhinav , Rusheen Aaron E. , Yuen Jason , Dennis Warren O. , Eaker Diane R. , Boesche Joshua B. , Blaha Charles D. , Bennet Kevin E. , Lee Kendall H. , Shin Hojin , Oh Yoonbae
Published: November 2023

The combination of electrophysiology and electrochemistry acquisition methods using a single carbon fiber microelectrode (CFM) in the brain has enabled more extensive analysis of neurochemical release, neural activity, and animal behavior. Predominantly, analog CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) switches are used for these interleaved applications to alternate the CFM output between electrophysiology and electrochemistry acquisition circuitry. However, one underlying issue with analog CMOS switches is the introduction of transient voltage artifacts in recorded electrophysiology signals resulting from CMOS charge injection. These injected artifacts attenuate electrophysiology data and delay reliable signal observation after every switch actuation from electrochemistry acquisition. Previously published attempts at interleaved electrophysiology and electrochemistry were able to recover reliable electrophysiology data within approximately 10–50 ms after switch actuation by employing various high-pass filtering methods to mitigate the observed voltage artifacts. However, high-pass filtering of this nature also attenuates valuable portions of the local-field potential (LFP) frequency range, thus limiting the extent of network-level insights that can be derived from in vivo measurements. This paper proposes a solution to overcome the limitation of charge injection artifacts that affect electrophysiological data while preserving important lower-frequency LFP bands. A voltage follower operational amplifier was integrated before the CMOS switch to increase current flow to the switch and dissipate any injected charge. This hardware addition resulted in a 16.98% decrease in electrophysiology acquisition delay compared to circuitry without a voltage follower. Additionally, single-term exponential modeling was implemented in post-processing to characterize and subtract remaining transient voltage artifacts in recorded electrophysiology data. As a result, electrophysiology data was reliably recovered 3.26 ± 0.22 ms after the beginning of the acquisition period (a 60% decrease from previous studies), while also minimizing LFP attenuation. Through these advancements, coupled electrophysiology and electrochemistry measurements can be conducted at higher scan rates while retaining data integrity for a more comprehensive analysis of neural activity and neurochemical release.
An additively manufactured titanium tilting suture anchor: a biomechanical assessment on human and ovine bone specimens
Authors: Abedi Ali , Pourghazi Farzad , Eslami Maysa , Nabian Mohammad Hossein , Ali Mohammadi Ali Mohammad , Zanjani Leila Oryadi , Farahmand Farzam
Published: November 2023

Introduction

A novel titanium tilting suture anchor was designed and fabricated using additive manufacturing. The anchor enjoyed a nonsymmetrical structure to facilitate its insertion procedure through a weight-induced tilt, a saw-teeth penetrating edge to provide a strong initial fixation into cancellous bones of various densities, and an appropriate surface texture to enhance the longterm fixation strength through bone ingrowth.

Methods

Biomechanical tests were performed on 10 ovine and 10 human cadaveric humeri to examine the insertion procedure and assess the initial fixation strength of the anchor, in comparison with a standard screw-type anchor as control.

Results

This study indicated a simple yet reliable insertion procedure for the tilting anchor. All anchors survived after 400 cycles of cyclic loadings and failed in the load-to-failure step. There were no significant differences between the displacements and fixation stiffnesses of the anchors in either group. The ultimate failure load was significantly smaller (p<0.05) for tilting anchors in ovine group (273.7 ± 129.72 N vs. 375.6 ± 106.36 N), but not different in human group (311.8 ± 82.55 N vs. 281.9 ± 88.35). Also, a larger number of tilting anchors were pulled out in ovine group (6 vs. 3) but a smaller number in human group (4 vs. 6).

Conclusion

It was concluded that the biomechanical performance of the designed tilting anchor is comparable with that of the standard screw-type anchors.
Quantitative analysis of endobronchial elastography combined with serum tumour markers of lung cancer in the diagnosis of benign and malignant mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes
Authors: Wang Zhen , Li Peng , Bai Jiayu , Liu Yujia , Jiao Guangyu
Published: November 2023

Purpose: In malignant tumours, elastography and serum tumour markers have shown high diagnostic efficacy. Therefore, we aimed to quantitatively analyse the results of endobronchial elastography combined with serum tumour markers of lung cancer to accurately distinguish benign and malignant mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes.

Methods: Data of patients who underwent endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration for mediastinal lymph node enlargement in our hospital between January 2018 and August 2022 were retrospectively collected. The characteristics of quantitative elastography and serum tumour markers were evaluated.

Results: We enrolled 197 patients (273 lymph nodes). In the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes, the stiffness area ratio (SAR), strain ratio (SR), and strain rate in lymph nodes were significant, among which SAR had the highest diagnostic value (cut-off value, 0.409). The combination of the four tumour markers had a high diagnostic value (AUC, 0.886). Three types of quantitative elastography indices combined with serum tumour markers for lung cancer showed a higher diagnostic value (AUC, 0.930; sensitivity, 83.5%; specificity, 89.3%; positive predictive value, 88.1%; negative predictive value, 85%) (p < 0.05). In the differential diagnosis of pathological types of lung cancer, different quantitative elastography indicators and serum tumour markers for lung cancer have different diagnostic significance for the differential diagnosis of lung cancer pathological types.

Conclusion: The quantitative analysis of endobronchial ultrasound elastography combined with tumour markers can improve the diagnosis rate of benign and malignant mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes, help guide the puncture of false negative lymph nodes, and reduce the misdiagnosis rate.
Polysaccharides from Radix Peucedani: Extraction, Structural Characterization and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Zhang Jie , Wang Chenyue , Li Qian , Liang Wei
Published: November 2023

In this study, an ultrasound-assisted green extraction method was applied for the extraction of polysaccharides from Radix Peucedani based on deep eutectic solvents (DESs), and the result showed that a DES system composed of betaine and 1,2-propylene glycol with a molar ratio of 1:2 possessed the optimal extraction efficiency for polysaccharides. Single-factor and Box–Behnken designs were used to determine the optimum extraction conditions for the maximum yields of polysaccharides from Radix Peucedani by using DESs. The maximum yields of polysaccharides attained 11.372% within a DES water content of 19%, an extraction time of 36 min, an extraction temperature of 54 °C, a solid–liquid ratio of 1:30 and an ultrasonic irradiation power of 420 W. The physicochemical properties of polysaccharides were analyzed using ICS and FT-IR, and the structure morphology was observed by SEM. The polysaccharides extracted from Radix Peucedani exhibited general antioxidant activities in vitro including DPPH, Hydroxyl and ABTS+ radical-scavenging activity. The antioxidant mechanism of Radix Peucedani polysaccharides was investigated using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods. The result showed that the high binding activity of glucose and IL1B, galactose and CASP3 was recognized as a potential mechanism for the antioxidant effects of Radix Peucedani polysaccharides.
On the Nature of the Rotational Energy Barrier of Atropisomeric Hydrazides
Authors: Pellegrini Andrea , Marcon Laura , Righi Paolo , Centonze Giovanni , Portolani Chiara , Capodiferro Marco , Oljira Shilashi Badasa , Manetto Simone , Ciogli Alessia , Bencivenni Giorgio
Published: November 2023

N-N atropisomers represent a useful class of compounds that has recently received important attention from many research groups. This article presents an in-depth analysis of the energy barrier needed for the racemization process of atropoisomeric hydrazides, combining an experimental and computational approach. The focus is on examining how electronic and steric factors impact the racemization process. The results obtained indicate that the barrier observed during the racemization process mainly arises from an increase in the p-orbital character of the nitrogen atoms.
Acidity Quantification and Structure Analysis of Amide-AlCl3 Liquid Coordination Complexes for C4 Alkylation Catalysis
Authors: Li Hao , Wu Qiong , Liu Ying , Bao Jinrong
Published: November 2023

Liquid coordination complexes (LCCs), which are formed between metal halides and donor molecules, represent promising catalysts. Six amide-AlCl3 LCCs were successfully synthesized, followed by their characterization through NMR, Raman, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The acidity of these LCCs was quantified by performing computational modelling of fluoride ion affinities (FIA) and experimental Gutmann–Beckett measurements. Spectroscopic analysis indicated bidentate coordination between amide ligands and Al, which induced asymmetric splitting of Al2Cl6 into diverse ions such as [AlCl2L2]+, [AlCl4]−, [AlCl3L], and [Al2Cl6L]. The computed FIA was found to align well with the experimental acidity trends, thereby confirming the proposed structure of the LCC. In the alkylation tests, the LCC with a high acidity demonstrated an increase in the yields of C5-C7 alkylates. These results provide an in-depth understanding of the tuneable structures of amide-AlCl3 LCCs. The acidity of LCCs can be controlled by tuning the ratio of the organic ligand to AlCl3, which allows bidentate coordination to facilitate asymmetric splitting of Al2Cl6. The LCCs demonstrate a high degree of potential as versatile and sustainable acid catalysts in alkylation reactions. These findings may advance the foundational knowledge of LCCs for the purpose of targeted acid catalyst design.