bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STUDI EXPERIMENTAL PEMBUATAN BATAKO MENGGUNAKAN LIMBAH BOTOL PLASTIK (PET)
Authors: Kadirun Kadirun , Masdiana Masdiana , Sulha Silha
Published: June 2023

Pemanfaatan limbah plastik sebagai bahan campuran batako adalah salah satu solusi untuk mengurangi dampak penggunaan limbah botol plastik yang semakin besar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perbandingan hasil kuat tekan dan daya serap air pada batako normal tanpa menggunakan limbah botol plastik polyethylene (PET) dan menggunakan limbah botol plastik polyethylene (PET) sebagai komposisi campuran batako serta menciptakan inovasi pemanfaatan limbah botol plastik polyethylene (PET) sebagai bahan campuran batako, dengan cara menguji kuat tekan dan daya serap air setiap 7 hari, 14 hari dan 28 hari. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kuat tekan dan daya serap air batako dengan limbah botol plastik umur 7 hari, 14 dan 28 hari lebih rendah dibandingkan dengan kuat tekan batako tanpa limbah plastik, sehingga batako dengan limbah botol plastik memiliki ketahanan yang cukup baik.
Perencanaan Plumbing Instalasi Air Bersih Pada Gedung Kantor Perwakilan Bank Indonesia Di Kota Kendari Sulawesi Tenggara
Authors: Rahmawati Ikra , Rachman Ranno Marlany , Sarita Umran , Arsyad La Ode Muhamad Nurrakhmad , Talanipa Romy
Published: June 2023

Bangunan Gedung Kantor Perwakilan Bank Indonesia di Kota Kendari Sulawesi Tenggara yang dibangun pada tanggal 23 November 2018 yang terdiri dari 4 lantai dan mempunyai luas ± 1.920 m2 perlantainya. Demi mendukung kapasitas serta fungsinya, maka persediaan air dengan kualitas dan kuantitas yang baik, pembuangan air kotor dan air hujan yang tidak ada hambatan, serta sistem pencegah kebakaran yang memadai mutlak di perlukan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui jumlah kebutuhan air bersih yang diperlukan penghuni Gedung Kantor Perwakilan Bank Indonesia di Kota Kendari Sulawesi Tenggara yang dihitung dengan menggunakan tiga metode yaitu berdasarkan jumlah penghuni, jenis dan jumlah alat plumbing, berdasarkan unit beban alat plumbing dengan menggunakan data prime dan sekunder. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa kebutuhan air bersih pada Gedung Kantor Perwakilan Bank Indonesia berdasarkan jumlah penghuni rata- rata perhari sebesar 53,8 m3/hari. Perhitungan kebutuhan air bersih berdasarkan jumlah alat plumbing pada gedung kantor pemakaian air perhari sebesar 303,4 m3/hari. Perhitungan kebutuhan air bersih berdasarkan unit beban alat plumbing pada gedung kantor pemakaian air perhari sebesar 69 m3/hari.
PENGEMBANGAN KURIKULUM PAI BERBASIS PENDIDIKAN MULTIKULTURAL PERSPEKTIF ISLAM
Authors: Muslim Ahmad Buchori
Published: June 2023

The condition of education in Indonesia includes inadequate education for people in Indonesia who are more than one and have a cultural diversity. Therefore, it is necessary to transform in educational knowledge in Indonesia. Multicultural education knowledge as a substitute for monocultural educational knowledge. The importance of education in multiculturalism is to some extent and get a positive response from the relevant parties and authorities. This is evidenced by the Law of the Republic of Indonesia No. 20 of 2003 concerning the National Education System which provides human rights values. So these values are used as one of the implementation of National Education, as education is held in a fair nature and does not discriminate by upholding human rights, religious values, cultural values and national diversity. Therefore, the implementation of education requires a curriculum, and multicultural values must be used as a basis for planning, implementing and evaluating the curriculum to an educational institution either in the form of schools, madrassas, and pesantren. Islamic religious education learning also has a very important role in instilling the values of multiculturalism to learners derived from the teachings of the Qur'an and hadith that are able to create learners who believe in and fear the almighty God. In addition, the purpose of implementation and values in the learning of Islamic religious education is so that learners can become people who have charitable competence in personal and social life.
PERAN GURU PENDIDIKAN AGAMA ISLAM DALAM MEMBENTUK AKHLAKUL KARIMAH SISWA PADA MASA PANDEMI COVID-19
Authors: Nakmah Elin , Al Mubarok Fauzi
Published: June 2023

This research aims to obtain data on the role of Islamic religious education teachers in shaping students' morality during the Covid-19 pandemic at SMK Al-Hikmah Curug Tangerang and to find out the obstacles faced by the role of Islamic religious education teachers in shaping students' morality during the Covid-19 pandemic. 19 at SMK Al-Hikmah Curug Tangerang. This study uses qualitative research to obtain the required research data. Data collection techniques using the method of observation, interviews and documentation. The technique of testing the validity of the data is through Credibility, Transferability, Dependability, Confirmability. Data analysis techniques through data collection, data reduction, data presentation and verification. The results of this study indicate that the role of Islamic religious education teachers in shaping the morality of students during the Covid-19 pandemic at SMK Al-Hikmah Curug Tangerang is using online learning. The type of education used is formal and informal. The learning process of Islamic religious education teachers relates the material to the character values and daily worship of students. The media used are Zoom, Google From, Class Room and Whatsapp applications. In giving advice the teacher uses flyers that the teacher distributes to students, quotes from the Qur'an and hadith. While the obstacles in conducting the assessment are internet connections, lack of control over student behavior while at home, students' laziness in doing assignments and collecting assignments not on time, delivering material to different students' admissions.Â
MENINGKATKAN KEAKTIFAN DAN HASIL BELAJAR MATA PELAJARAN IPS MELALUI PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN MASTERY LEARNING
Authors: Uswah Alia
Published: June 2023

Based on the analysis of daily repeat results or midterm and semester repeats, it is known that the learning outcomes of students in MTs.N 3 Rembang Class VIII for the 2019/2020 school year in IPS subjects are low.Â  This is shown by the following facts: Learners who get grades below KKM there are 50%, students who get the same value as KKM there are 35% and students who get a score above KKM there is 15%. It is expected that from the learning carried out is the learning outcome of learners in IPS subjects at least 30% of learners achieve grades above KKM, 50% of learners achieve the same value as KKM, and 20% of learners achieve grades below KKM. This research includes a type of classroom action research (PTK), with its main characteristic being repeated actions and the main method is self-reflection aimed at improving learning. PTK is a problem-solving activity characterized by cyclic and reflection that starts from: a) planning, b) actions, c) observing, d) analyzing data/information to decide the extent of the advantages and disadvantages of such actions (reflecting). PTK is characterized by continuous improvement so that research satisfaction is often the benchmark of the cycle. From the analysis of the causes of the problem, the efforts that are expected to improve the learning outcomes of Class VIII learners in IPS subjects are the application of the right model, namely a learning model that allows students to conduct exercises, discussions, direct guidance of teachers until learners can solve IPS subject problems. The model that is suspected to be right is the Mastery Learning model. The steps of this model are (1) Orientation, (2) Presentation, (3) Structured exercises, (4) Guided exercises, (5) and Self-Training. This class action research is to find out the increase in the activeness and learning outcomes of class VIII MTs Negeri 3 Rembang odd students in 2019/2020 in the IPS through the application of the Mastery Learning model.
PENINGKATKAN KEAKTIFAN DAN HASIL BELAJAR MATEMATIKA SISWA KELAS 8 A MTS NEGERI 1 PATI MELALUI PEMBELAJARAN DENGAN MEDIA GEOGEBRA
Authors: Salim Mohamad
Published: June 2023

Classroom action research in general aims to improve the quality of learning of 8th grade MTs N 1 Pati learners. Research is carried out in two cycles, where each cycle consists of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection stages. Cycle I and cycle 2 each consist of two encounters. Student activity data is dug up with a Learner's Liveliness Observation Sheet, while the student's learning outcome data is dug up with the Learning Outcome Test. This research includes a type of classroom action research (PTK), with its main characteristic being repeated actions and the main method is self-reflection aimed at improving learning. PTK is a problem-solving activity characterized by cyclic and reflection that starts from: a) planning, b) actions, c) observing, d) analyzing data/information to decide the extent of the advantages and disadvantages of such actions (reflecting). PTK is characterized by continuous improvement so that research satisfaction is often the benchmark of the cycle. The use of the right media in mathematics learning will be able to change students' attitudes and behaviors to be more active in participating in mathematics lessons while making it easier for students to find their own problem solving results. In this case the medium used is Geogebra to help explain the material of the Circle. The results of the study turned out that with geogebra media can increase the activeness and learning outcomes of students. This can be seen from the percentage increase in the results of observations of activeness learning from all aspects from pre-cycle to cycle 2 experienced an increase of 32.45% and the increase in the average score of the replay value from the initial condition to cycle 2 increased by 19.65%.
Relationships between quantitative retinal microvascular characteristics and cognitive function based on automated artificial intelligence measurements
Authors: Shi Xu Han , Dong Li , Zhang Rui Heng , Zhou Deng Ji , Ling Sai Guang , Shao Lei , Yan Yan Ni , Wang Ya Xing , Wei Wen Bin
Published: June 2023

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between retinal vascular characteristics and cognitive function using artificial intelligence techniques to obtain fully automated quantitative measurements of retinal vascular morphological parameters.

Methods: A deep learning-based semantic segmentation network ResNet101-UNet was used to construct a vascular segmentation model for fully automated quantitative measurement of retinal vascular parameters on fundus photographs. Retinal photographs centered on the optic disc of 3107 participants (aged 50–93 years) from the Beijing Eye Study 2011, a population-based cross-sectional study, were analyzed. The main parameters included the retinal vascular branching angle, vascular fractal dimension, vascular diameter, vascular tortuosity, and vascular density. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

Results: The results showed that the mean MMSE score was 26.34 ± 3.64 (median: 27; range: 2–30). Among the participants, 414 (13.3%) were classified as having cognitive impairment (MMSE score < 24), 296 (9.5%) were classified as mild cognitive impairment (MMSE: 19–23), 98 (3.2%) were classified as moderate cognitive impairment (MMSE: 10–18), and 20 (0.6%) were classified as severe cognitive impairment (MMSE < 10). Compared with the normal cognitive function group, the retinal venular average diameter was significantly larger (p = 0.013), and the retinal vascular fractal dimension and vascular density were significantly smaller (both p < 0.001) in the mild cognitive impairment group. The retinal arteriole-to-venular ratio (p = 0.003) and vascular fractal dimension (p = 0.033) were significantly decreased in the severe cognitive impairment group compared to the mild cognitive impairment group. In the multivariate analysis, better cognition (i.e., higher MMSE score) was significantly associated with higher retinal vascular fractal dimension (b = 0.134, p = 0.043) and higher retinal vascular density (b = 0.152, p = 0.023) after adjustment for age, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (logMAR) and education level.

Discussion: In conclusion, our findings derived from an artificial intelligence-based fully automated retinal vascular parameter measurement method showed that several retinal vascular morphological parameters were correlated with cognitive impairment. The decrease in retinal vascular fractal dimension and decreased vascular density may serve as candidate biomarkers for early identification of cognitive impairment. The observed reduction in the retinal arteriole-to-venular ratio occurs in the late stages of cognitive impairment.
Literacy at play: an analysis of media literacy games used to foster media literacy competencies
Authors: Glas René , van Vught Jasper , Fluitsma Timo , De La Hera Teresa , Gómez-García Salvador
Published: June 2023

Media literacy is considered one of the key competencies to acquire in the 21st century. With games being recognized as having a large potential to train and educate, a wide range of games focusing on media literacy related topics such as fake news games, digital privacy, personal media habits, and practical media skills have sprung up over the years. All claim to foster media literacy skills and competencies. This begs the question how these games generally frame and understand media literacy, what competencies and skills they actually focus on, and through which game design choices. This paper thus asks: how media literacy games are designed to foster media literacy? Taking the Dutch Media Literacy Competencies Model as a departure point, we answer this question using a thematic analysis of 100 media literacy games and formal analysis of a smaller heterogeneous sample consisting of 12 games. We present a series of key findings involving the prominent presence of certain topics and competencies in the dataset, as well as prevalent design choices, allowing for a discussion of the current landscape of literacy games and underlying competencies and future potential for development.
Gender and perceived organizational support as moderators in the relationship between role stressors and workplace bullying of targets
Authors: Harlos Karen , Gulseren Duygu , O'Farrell Grace , Josephson Wendy , Axelrod Larry , Hinds Aynslie , Montanino Cassandra
Published: June 2023

Previous research suggests that role stressors (role ambiguity, role conflict, role overload) are risk factors for workplace bullying, but little is known about when and for whom role stressors affect the risk of being bullied at work. These studies provide a first empirical examination of gender and perceived organizational support (POS) as moderators among targets in role stressor–bullying relationships. We propose that each role stressor relates positively to workplace bullying. We also propose that women experience higher levels of workplace bullying than men and that role stressors relate to workplace bullying more strongly for women than men. We hypothesize that POS relates negatively to workplace bullying and further, that POS has a buffering effect with role stressor–bullying relationships being weaker when POS is high. We propose that the two-way interaction of role conflict and POS is further moderated by gender; specifically, women experiencing high role conflict and low POS are especially likely to be bullied. Data collected in two cross-sectional surveys 3 years apart from a Canadian provincial education association (Study 1; n = 2,142; Study 2, n = 2,008) showed across both studies that role conflict was the strongest predictor of workplace bullying, followed by role ambiguity, and that POS was negatively related to bullying. Results partially supported gender moderation of the role conflict–bullying relationship; both studies showed higher bullying of both women and men under high role conflict, and in Study 1 women were targeted most but in Study 2 men were targeted most. POS moderated role stressor–workplace bullying relationships across both studies. High POS had its strongest buffering effects for role ambiguity and role conflict across both studies, with partial support for role overload in Study 2. Although the three-way interaction was not supported, Study 2 demonstrated higher bullying for both genders under high role conflict and low POS; however, bullying was highest for men, not women. Results affirm the importance of moderators in role stressor–bullying relationships, suggesting that POS can offset negative impacts of these stressors and that gendered bullying risk in stressful work environments warrants closer scrutiny.
The role of retinal vessel geometry as an indicator of systemic arterial stiffness assessed by cardio-ankle vascular index
Authors: Ma Dae Joong , Lee Heesun , Choi Ji Min , Park Hyo Eun , Choi Su-Yeon , Choi Hyuk Jin
Published: June 2023

Objective

To determine whether retinal vessel geometry is associated with systemic arterial stiffness, as determined by the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI).

Methods

This single-center retrospective cross-sectional study included 407 eyes of 407 subjects who underwent routine health exams, including CAVI and fundus photography. Retinal vessel geometry was measured using a computer-assisted program (Singapore “I” Vessel Assessment). Subjects were classified into two groups based on CAVI values: high CAVI (≥9) or low CAVI (<9). The main outcome measures included the association of retinal vessel geometry and CAVI value evaluated using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

Three hundred forty-three subjects (343, 84.3%) were in the low CAVI group, and 64 (15.7%) subjects were in the high CAVI group. Multivariable logistic linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, mean arterial pressure, and the presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia showed a significant association between high CAVI values and the following retinal vessel geometry parameters: central retinal arteriolar equivalent caliber (CRAE; adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89–1.00; P = 0.043), fractal dimension of arteriolar network (FDa; AOR, 4.21 × 10−4; 95% CI, 2.32 × 10−7−0.77; P = 0.042), and arteriolar branching angle (BAa; AOR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93–0.99; P = 0.007).

Conclusions

Increased systemic arterial stiffness had a significant association with retinal vessel geometry related to arterial narrowing (CRAE), less branching complexity of the arterial tree (FDa), and acute arteriolar bifurcation (BAa).
Clinical outcomes and predictors of success with Impella weaning in cardiogenic shock: a single-center experience
Authors: Matassini M. V. , Marini M. , Angelozzi A. , Angelini L. , Shkoza M. , Compagnucci P. , Falanga U. , Battistoni I. , Pongetti G. , Francioni M. , Piva T. , Mucaj A. , Nicolini E. , Maolo A. , Di Eusanio M. , Munch C. , Dello Russo A. , Perna G.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a severe syndrome with poor prognosis. Short-term mechanical circulatory support with Impella devices has emerged as an increasingly therapeutic option, unloading the failing left ventricle (LV) and improving hemodynamic status of affected patients. Impella devices should be used for the shortest time necessary to allow LV recovery because of time-dependent device-related adverse events. The weaning from Impella, however, is mostly performed in the absence of established guidelines, mainly based on the experience of the individual centres.

Methods

The aim of this single center study was to retrospectively evaluate whether a multiparametrical assessment before and during Impella weaning could predict successful weaning. The primary study outcome was death occurring during Impella weaning and secondary endpoints included assessment of in-hospital outcomes.

Results

Of a total of 45 patients (median age, 60 [51–66] years, 73% male) treated with an Impella device, 37 patients underwent impella weaning/removal and 9 patients (20%) died after the weaning. Non-survivors patients after impella weaning more commonly had a previous history of known heart failure (p = 0.054) and an implanted ICD-CRT (p = 0.01), and were more frequently treated with continuous renal replacement therapy (p = 0.02). In univariable logistic regression analysis, lactates variation (%) during the first 12–24 h of weaning, lactate value after 24 h of weaning, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at the beginning of weaning, and inotropic score after 24 h from weaning beginning were associated with death. Stepwise multivariable logistic regression identified LVEF at the beginning of weaning and lactates variation (%) in the first 12–24 h from weaning beginning as the most accurate predictors of death after weaning. The ROC analysis indicated 80% accuracy (95% confidence interval = 64%–96%) using the two variables in combination to predict death after weaning from Impella.

Conclusions

This single-center experience on Impella weaning in CS showed that two easily accessible parameters as LVEF at the beginning of weaning and lactates variation (%) in the first 12–24 h from weaning begin were the most accurate predictors of death after weaning.
Hydrogeochemical characteristic and recognization of saline groundwater formation and evolution in silty coast of the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea, Eastern China
Authors: Gao Maosheng , Sun Qiming , Dang Xianzhang , Hou Guohua , Guo Fei , Liu Zhenlin , Chang Xinyue , Zhao Guangming
Published: June 2023

Saline groundwater is a valuable unconventional water resource in silty coastal zone, which contain complex and fragile sedimentary and hydrological environments that are widely distributed and vulnerable to human activities. Coastal groundwater salinization along the eastern coast of China since the late Pleistocene is thought to be a response to global environmental change. Previous studies have shown a spatial and temporal link between the development of saline groundwater and deposition of marine strata. However, groundwater salinization is becoming an increasing problem in coastal zone, and the hydrogeochemical characteristics and cause of the groundwater salinization or desalinization remain poorly understood. In this study, we compared the hydrogeochemical characteristics and relationships between saline groundwater and the sedimentary environment in two representative, muddy coastal zone of the Yellow Sea coast (YSC) and Bohai Sea coast (BSC). Our monitoring results show that the groundwater varies from fresh water, to brackish water, saltwater, and brine moving offshore of the BSC, with total dissolved solid (TDS) concentrations of 203–184,196 mg/L. In contrast, brine is absent from the YSC, where the TDS concentrations range from 280 to 41,690 mg/L. The relationships between δ2H and δ18O values indicate that freshwater–seawater–brine and freshwater–seawater mixing are the main processes leading to enrichment in TDS in the BSC and YSC, respectively. Based on the relationship between the major cations, Cl−, and Cl/Br ratios, the results show that the groundwater salinity is primarily due to saltwater intrusion and secondly to water–rock interactions (i.e., evaporitic salt dissolution and cation exchange). The regression curves on plots of Na–Cl and (Ca+Mg)–(CO3+SO4) have negative slopes (−0.33 and −0.34, respectively) for the groundwater samples from the BSC and YSC, indicating the Na in groundwater exchange for Ca due to seawater or residual seawater intrusion. The saline groundwater (or brine) samples with reverse ion exchange indicate that seawater or residual seawater has invaded the aquifer, and in which Na+ is replacing Ca2+ and Mg2+. These results enhance our understanding of the formation and evolution of saline groundwater, and provide insights into groundwaters in other silty coastal zones.
Association between diabetes status and breast cancer in US adults: findings from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Sun Xingyu , Zhang Qiangsong , Kadier Kaisaierjiang , Hu Pengcheng , Liu Xiaozhu , Liu Jialing , Yan Yulu , Sun Chenyu , Yau Vicky , Lowe Scott , Meng Muzi , Liu Ziru , Zhou Meirong
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between diabetes status and the risk of breast cancer among adult Americans, exploring the impact of BMI, age, and race on this relationship.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis of 8,249 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was conducted. Diabetes was categorized as type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, with both conditions diagnosed according to the ADA 2014 guidelines. The association between diabetes status and breast cancer risk was explored using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

Patients with diabetes had higher odds of breast cancer (OR: 1.51; 95% CI 1.00 to 2.28), Using the two-piecewise linear regression model, it was observed that there is a threshold effect in the risk of breast cancer occurrence at the age of 52 years. Specifically, the risk of breast cancer is relatively low before the age of 52 but increases significantly after this age.

Conclusions

This study identified a significant association between diabetes status and breast cancer risk among adult Americans. We also found a threshold effect in breast cancer occurrence at the age of 52. Age was significantly associated with breast cancer risk in both Non-Hispanic White and Non-Hispanic Black individuals. These findings underscore the importance of diabetes management, maintaining a healthy BMI, and age-related risk considerations in reducing breast cancer risk.
The role of Elateriospermum tapos yoghurt in mitigating high-fat dietary cause of maternal obesity—an experimental study
Authors: Naomi Ruth , Rusli Rusydatul Nabila Mahmad , Othman Fezah , Balan Santhra Segaran , Abidin Azrina Zainal , Embong Hashim , Teoh Soo Huat , Jasni Azmiza Syawani , Jumidil Siti Hadizah , Bahari Hasnah , Yazid Muhammad Dain
Published: June 2023

Maternal obesity is the key predictor for childhood obesity and neurodevelopmental delay in the offspring. Medicinal plants are considered to be the safe and best option, and at the same time, probiotic consumption during pregnancy provides beneficial effects for both the mother and the child. Current research has shown that Elateriospermum tapos (E. tapos) yoghurt is safe to consume and consists of many bioactive compounds that can exert an anti-obesity effect. Thus, this study has been designed to study the role of E. tapos yoghurt in mitigating maternal obesity. In this study, a total of 48 female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were assigned to six groups, with eight rats per group, and obesity was induced over 16 weeks with a high-fat diet (HFD) pellet. On the 17th week, the rats were allowed to mate and pregnancy was confirmed through vaginal smear. The obese induced group was further divided into negative and positive control groups, followed by E. tapos yoghurt treatment groups with three different concentrations (5, 50, and 500 mg/kg). The changes in body weight, calorie intake, lipid profile, liver profile, renal profile, and histopathological analysis were measured on postnatal day (PND) 21. The results show that the group with the highest concentration of E. tapos yoghurt (HYT500) supplementation shows gradual reduction in body weight and calorie intake on PND 21 and modulates the lipid level, liver, and renal enzymes to a normal level similar to the normal group. In histological analysis, HYT500 reverses the damage caused by HFD in liver and colon, and reverses the adipocytes’ hypertrophy in retroperitoneal white adipose tissue and visceral fat. In conclusion, supplementation of E. tapos yoghurt during the gestational period up to weaning is effective in the gradual weight loss of maternal obese dams from the 500-mg/kg-supplemented group in this study.
Impaired mitochondrial dynamics and removal of the damaged mitochondria in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Alka Kumari , Kumar Jay , Kowluru Renu A.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Mitochondrial dynamic plays a major role in their quality control, and the damaged mitochondrial components are removed by autophagy. In diabetic retinopathy, mitochondrial fusion enzyme, mitofusin 2 (Mfn2), is downregulated and mitochondrial dynamic is disturbed resulting in depolarized and dysfunctional mitochondria. Our aim was to investigate the mechanism of inhibition of Mfn2, and its role in the removal of the damaged mitochondria, in diabetic retinopathy.

Methods

Using human retinal endothelial cells, effect of high glucose (20mM) on the GTPase activity of Mfn2 and its acetylation were determined. Role of Mfn2 in the removal of the damaged mitochondria was confirmed by regulating its acetylation, or by Mfn2 overexpression, on autophagosomes- autolysosomes formation and the mitophagy flux.

Results

High glucose inhibited GTPase activity and increased acetylation of Mfn2. Inhibition of acetylation, or Mfn2 overexpression, attenuated decrease in GTPase activity and mitochondrial fragmentation, and increased the removal of the damaged mitochondria. Similar phenomenon was observed in diabetic mice; overexpression of sirtuin 1 (a deacetylase) ameliorated diabetes-induced inhibition of retinal Mfn2 and facilitated the removal of the damaged mitochondria.

Conclusions

Acetylation of Mfn2 has dual roles in mitochondrial homeostasis in diabetic retinopathy, it inhibits GTPase activity of Mfn2 and increases mitochondrial fragmentation, and also impairs removal of the damaged mitochondria. Thus, protecting Mfn2 activity should maintain mitochondrial homeostasis and inhibit the development/progression of diabetic retinopathy.
The value of conventional ultrasound combined with superb microvascular imaging and color Doppler flow imaging in the diagnosis of thyroid malignant nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Li , Zhang Dian , Chen Yue-Nan , Yu Xue-Juan , Pan Mei-Fang , Lian Lian
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To evaluate and compare the value of conventional ultrasound-based superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) in the diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodule by meta-analysis.

Methods

The literature included in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase were searched by using “ superb microvascular imaging (SMI), color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), ultrasound, thyroid nodules” as the keywords from inception through February 1, 2023. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the clinical studies using SMI and CDFI to diagnose thyroid nodules were selected, and histopathology of thyroid nodules was used as reference standard. The diagnostic accuracy research quality assessment tool (QUADAS-2) was used to evaluate the quality of included literature, and the Review Manager 5.4 was used to make the quality evaluation chart. The heterogeneity test was performed on the literature that met the requirements, the combined sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio were pooled, and a comprehensive ROC curve analysis was performed. Meta-DiSc version 1.4, StataSE 12, and Review Manager 5.4 software were used.

Results

Finally, 13 studies were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 815 thyroid malignant nodules were assessed. All thyroid nodules were histologically confirmed after SMI or CDFI. The combined sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, and area under the SROC curve of SMI for the diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules were 0.80(95%CI: 0.77-0.83), 0.79(95%CI: 0.77-0.82), 4.37(95%CI: 3.0-6.36), 0.23(95%CI: 0.15-0.35), 22.29(95%CI: 12.18-40.78), and 0.8944, respectively; the corresponding values of CDFI were 0.62(95%CI: 0.57-0.67), 0.81(95%CI: 0.78-0.85), 3.33(95%CI: 2.18-5.07), 0.41(95%CI: 0.27-0.64), 8.93(95%CI: 3.96-20.16), and 0.8498. Deek funnel pattern showed no significant publication bias.

Conclusion

The diagnostic efficiency of SMI for malignant thyroid nodules is better than CDFI, and SMI technology can provide significantly more information on vascularity, make up for the deficiency of CDFI, and has better clinical application value.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023402064.
Battery SOH estimation based on decision tree and improved support vector machine regression algorithm
Authors: Qian Lijun , Xuan Liang , Chen Jian
Published: June 2023

Battery state of health (SOH) estimation is crucial for the estimation of the remaining driving range of electric vehicles and is one of the core functions of the battery management system (BMS). The lithium battery feature sample data used in this paper is extracted from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States. Based on the obtained feature samples, a decision tree algorithm is used to analyze them and obtain the importance of each feature. Five groups of different feature inputs are constructed based on the cumulative feature importance, and the original support vector machine regression (SVR) algorithm is applied to perform SOH estimation simulation experiments on each group. The experimental results show that four battery features (voltage at SOC = 100%, voltage, discharge time, and SOC) can be used as input to achieve high estimation accuracy. To improve the training efficiency of the original SVR algorithm, an improved SVR algorithm is proposed, which optimizes the differentiability and solution method of the original SVR objective function. Since the loss function of the original SVR is non-differentiable, a smoothing function is introduced to approximate the loss function of the original SVR, and the original quadratic programming problem is transformed into a convex unconstrained minimization problem. The conjugate gradient algorithm is used to solve the smooth approximation objective function in a sequential minimal optimization manner. The improved SVR algorithm is applied to the simulation experiment with four battery feature inputs. The results show that the improved SVR algorithm significantly reduces the training time compared to the original SVR, with a slight trade-off in simulation accuracy.
Transoceanic migration network of dragonfly Pantala flavescens: origin, dispersal and timing
Authors: Ranjan Kumar Sanat , Pawar Amit A. , Roy Arnab , Saha Sandeep
Published: June 2023

The awe-inspiring multi-generational, transoceanic migration circuit of dragonfly species, Pantala flavescens stretches from India to Africa. Understanding the collective role of wind, precipitation, fuel, breeding, and life cycle driving the migration remains elusive. We identify the transoceanic migration route from years 2002 to 2007 by imposing an energetics-based time-constraint on a modified Dijkstra’s path-planning algorithm incorporating active wind compensation. The prevailing winds play a pivotal role; the Somali Jet enables migration across the Indian Ocean from Africa to India, whereas the return requires stopovers at the disappearing islands of the Maldives and Seychelles. The migration timing, identified using monthly-successful trajectories, life cycle, and precipitation data, corroborates sightings. A branched-network hypothesis connects our sighting in Cherrapunji (North-East India), the likely origin, to the known migration circuit.
Circulating corticosterone predicts near-term, while H/L ratio predicts long-term, survival in a long-lived seabird
Authors: Maness Terri J. , Grace Jacquelyn K. , Hirchak Michael R. , Tompkins Emily M. , Anderson David J.
Published: June 2023

Assessing stress in wild populations is important in many ecological and conservation contexts because the physiological responses of individuals to stressors can be used to identify at-risk populations and the ability to respond appropriately to stressors is related to individual quality and fitness. Yet, one of the great challenges in ecophysiology is linking physiological measures in wild animal populations with changes in individual fitness. Here, we examined two indices of stress, namely, circulating baseline corticosterone concentration ([Cort]) and the heterophil:lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, in a long-lived seabird, the Nazca booby (Sula granti) and their relationship with current individual state and subsequent survival and residual and lifetime reproductive success. [Cort] was related to sex, age, and current reproductive effort in in that males, older birds, and birds currently engaged in a breeding attempt birds had higher [Cort]. [Cort] was negatively associated with survival to the next breeding season. The H/L ratio was not associated with the current state of birds but predicted cohort-specific long-term survival. Lifespan and reproductive performance are correlated in Nazca boobies; therefore, our results suggest that the H/L ratio may be useful as an indicator of overall fitness, while [Cort] can be used to predict current or near-term fitness in this species. We further propose the H/L [or neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L)] Ratio-Fitness Hypothesis, which posits that this ratio is repeatable within individuals and are negatively associated with fitness. This hypothesis needs to be tested in Nazca boobies and other species, and when supported by empirical evidence, then these ratios could be a powerful monitoring tool for assessing population health or identifying at-risk populations.
Regulation and safety measures for nanotechnology-based agri-products
Authors: Kumari Ritika , Suman Kalpana , Karmakar Swagata , Mishra Vandana , Lakra Sameer Gunjan , Saurav Gunjan Kumar , Mahto Binod Kumar
Published: June 2023

There is a wide range of application for nanotechnology in agriculture, including fertilizers, aquaculture, irrigation, water filtration, animal feed, animal vaccines, food processing, and packaging. In recent decades, nanotechnology emerged as a prospective and promising approach for the advancement of Agri-sector such as pest/disease prevention, fertilizers, agrochemicals, biofertilizers, bio-stimulants, post-harvest storage, pheromones-, and nutrient-delivery, and genetic manipulation in plants for crop improvement by using nanomaterial as a carrier system. Exponential increase in global population has enhanced food demand, so to fulfil the demand markets already included nano-based product likewise nano-encapsulated nutrients/agrochemicals, antimicrobial and packaging of food. For the approval of nano-based product, applicants for a marketing approval must show that such novel items can be used safely without endangering the consumer and environment. Several nations throughout the world have been actively looking at whether their regulatory frameworks are suitable for handling nanotechnologies. As a result, many techniques to regulate nano-based products in agriculture, feed, and food have been used. Here, we have contextualized different regulatory measures of several countries for nano-based products in agriculture, from feed to food, including guidance and legislation for safety assessment worldwide.
Behavioral and neuropsychiatric challenges across the lifespan in individuals with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome
Authors: Qu’d Dima , Schmitt Lauren M. , Leston Amber , Harris Jacqueline R. , Slavotinek Anne , Riddle Ilka , Brightman Diana S. , Simpson Brittany N.
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by developmental and intellectual disability, broadening of thumbs and halluces, and characteristic facial features. Pathogenic variants in CREBBP lead to RSTS type 1 (RSTS1) and in EP300 lead to RSTS type 2 (RSTS2). Individuals with RSTS can demonstrate a variety of behavioral and neuropsychiatric challenges, including anxiety, hyperactivity/inattention, self-injury, repetitive behaviors, and aggression. Behavioral challenges are consistently reported as one of the primary factors impacting quality of life. Despite the high prevalence and morbidity of behavioral and neuropsychiatric features of RSTS, a paucity of data exists regarding its natural history.

Methods: To better understand the neurocognitive and behavioral challenges faced by individuals with RSTS, 71 caregivers of individuals with RSTS, ranging in age from one to 61 years, completed four questionnaires measuring obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)-like symptoms, anxiety, challenging behaviors, and adaptive behavior and living skills.

Results: Results revealed a high prevalence of neuropsychiatric and behavioral challenges across ages. We found specific challenging behaviors were worse in school age individuals. Scaled adaptive behavior and living skill scores differed across ages with an increased gap between typically developing peers becoming more apparent at older ages. Between types, individuals with RSTS2 had better adaptive behavior and living skills and less stereotypic behaviors but higher social phobia than individuals with RSTS1. Further, female individuals with RSTS1 appear to have increased hyperactivity. However, both groups had impairments in adaptive functioning compared to typically developing peers.

Discussion: Our findings support and expand previous reports of a high prevalence of neuropsychiatric and behavioral challenges in individuals with RSTS. However, we are the first to report differences between types of RSTS. Further, age-related differences were seen with higher challenging behaviors within school-age individuals, which may improve over time, and lower adaptive behavioral skills compared to normative scales. Anticipation of these potential differential challenges across age is vital for proactive management for individuals with RSTS. Our study underscores the importance of enacting neuropsychiatric and behavioral screening earlier in childhood so appropriate management can be implemented. However, further longitudinal studies in larger cohorts are needed to understand better how behavioral and neuropsychiatric characteristics of RSTS evolve over the lifespan and differentially affect subpopulation groups.
Genotype and clinical characteristics of patients with Wolfram syndrome and WFS1-related disorders
Authors: Lee Evan M. , Verma Megha , Palaniappan Nila , Pope Emiko M. , Lee Sammie , Blacher Lindsey , Neerumalla Pooja , An William , Campbell Toko , Brown Cris , Hurst Stacy , Marshall Bess , Hershey Tamara , Nunes Virginia , López de Heredia Miguel , Urano Fumihiko
Published: June 2023

Objective: Wolfram syndrome (WFS) is an autosomal recessive disorder associated with juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, diabetes insipidus, and sensorineural hearing loss. We sought to elucidate the relationship between genotypic and phenotypic presentations of Wolfram syndrome which would assist clinicians in classifying the severity and prognosis of Wolfram syndrome more accurately.

Approach: Patient data from the Washington University International Registry and Clinical Study for Wolfram Syndrome and patient case reports were analyzed to select for patients with two recessive mutations in the WFS1 gene. Mutations were classified as being either nonsense/frameshift variants or missense/in-frame insertion/deletion variants. Missense/in-frame variants were further classified as transmembrane or non-transmembrane based on whether they affected amino acid residues predicted to be in transmembrane domains of WFS1. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests with multiple test adjustment applied via the Bonferonni correction.

Results: A greater number of genotype variants correlated with earlier onset and a more severe presentation of Wolfram syndrome. Secondly, non-sense and frameshift variants had more severe phenotypic presentations than missense variants, as evidenced by diabetes mellitus and optic atrophy emerging significantly earlier in patients with two nonsense/frameshift variants compared with zero or one nonsense/frameshift variants. In addition, the number of transmembrane in-frame variants demonstrated a statistically significant dose-effect on age of onset of diabetes mellitus and optic atrophy among patients with either one or two in-frame variants.

Summary/Conclusion: The results contribute to our current understanding of the genotype-phenotype relationship of Wolfram syndrome, suggesting that alterations in coding sequences result in significant changes in the presentation and severity of Wolfram. The impact of these findings is significant, as the results will aid clinicians in predicting more accurate prognoses and pave the way for personalized treatments for Wolfram syndrome.
Six long years: exploring resettlement as a durable solution for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh
Authors: Mithun Mahanam Bhattacharjee
Published: June 2023

Rohingya refugees from Myanmar have been living in Bangladesh since the 1970s. Although some successful negotiations with the Myanmar government resulted in repatriation in the 1970s and 1990s, some refugees remained in Bangladesh. In 2017, after their large-scale exodus from Myanmar, Rohingya refugees have been living in Bangladesh for nearly 6 years. So far, none of the refugees have had a chance to go back to their motherland. This study constitutes an exploratory research endeavor using qualitative research methodologies. It explores resettlement as a durable solution option and provides a set of recommendations for ensuring the protection and upholding the dignity of refugees. It argues that any solution options should be based on consultations with the refugee population. The findings of this research also illustrate why resettlement pathways for the vulnerable members of the refugee community should be open to ensure protection and for providing opportunities in a third country in the absence of a viable repatriation process.
MK2 drives progression of pancreas and colon cancers by suppressing CD8+ T cell cytotoxic function and is a potential immunotherapy target
Authors: Jacenik Damian , Lebish Eric J. , Beswick Ellen J.
Published: June 2023

Background

Immune cell composition is a critical and dynamic component of the tumor microenvironment, which has an impact on immunosuppression and progression of cancer. T cells, especially CD8+ T cells, are one of the major immune cell types responsible for tumor cell killing employing receptor-ligand mediated apoptosis and/or releasing lytic granules among others. Accumulating evidence highlighted that adoptive transfer of activated and/or modified immune cells can enhance anti-tumorigenic immune responses and serve as promising therapy approach for patients with cancers. The mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) is a serine/threonine protein kinase, which controls production and secretion of numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines involved in tumorigenesis. However, limited efforts have been made to learn how MK2 may affects CD8+ T cell action and function in the tumor microenvironment especially in gastrointestinal cancers.

Methods

To explore the therapeutic potential of MK2 in the immune response mediated by CD8+ T cells, RAG1 knockout mice with PK5L1940 and BRAF cells-derived allograft tumors were treated with WT or MK2 knockout CD8+ T cells. The phenotype of CD8+ T cells with MK2 depletion were evaluated in vitro. Immunofluorescence staining, real-time PCR and multiplex analysis were utilized to estimate the expression of apoptotic and lytic factors.

Results

Here, we show that CD8+ T cells with MK2 depletion prevent gastrointestinal cancer growth, which is accompanied by enhanced expression and secretion of factors related to apoptosis. Moreover, using in vitro and in vivo approaches, we found that depletion of MK2 lead to hyperactivation of CD8+ T cells and enhanced anti-tumor immunity.

Conclusion

Overall, we documented that MK2 drives the progression of gastrointestinal cancers and prevents immune response generated by CD8+ T cells suggesting potential implications of MK2 in the immunotherapy of gastrointestinal cancers.