bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model Pembelajaran Creative Problem Solving Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Penalaran Dan Komunikasi Matematis
Authors: Tambunan Lois Oinike
Published: May 2022

Abstrak. Kemampuan penalaran dan komunikasi mahasiswa yang rendah melatarbelakangi dilaksanakannya penelitian ini. Creative Problem Solving (CPS) membantu mahasiswa yang sulit untuk mengembangkan ide-ide yang dimilikinya serta dalam penyampaian secara matematis suatu persoalan yang dihadapi yang dapat mempengaruhi kualitas belajar mahasiswa yang berdampak pada prestasi belajarnya. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuasi eksperimen. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat peningkatan kemampuan penalaran dan komunikasi matematis dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran CPS. Subjek penelitian ini yaitu Mahasiswa Program Studi Pendidikan Matematika Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar. Pengumpulan data penelitian yaitu berupa instrumen tes untuk kemampuan penalaran dan komunikasi matematik yang dibuat dalam bentuk uraian. Tes tertulis ini terdiri dari tes awal (Pre-test) dan tes akhir (Post-test). Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa model pembelajaran CPS mempengaruhi kemampuan penalaran dan komunikasi matematik mahasiswa.Kata Kunci: CPS, Kemampuan Penalaran, Kemampuan Komunikasi
Pengembangan E-Modul BERANI Berbasis Android Pada Materi Perbandingan Berbalik Nilai
Authors: Intan Ninda Alya Ratu , Mampouw Helti Lygia
Published: May 2022

Abstrak. Perkembangan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi di era revolusi industri 4.0 diimplementasikan di bidang pendidikan dengan menghasilkan media-media pembelajaran berbasis digital, salah satunya adalah e-modul. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan media pembelajaran BERANI berbentuk e-modul pada materi perbandingan berbalik nilai. Penelitian ini menggunakan model ADDIE dengan tahapan pengembangan media yang terdiri dari analisis, desain, pengembangan, implementasi, dan evaluasi. E-modul BERANI adalah media pembelajaran perbandingan berbalik nilai yang dikembangkan dengan menggunakan software Adobe Animate untuk dijalankan pada smartphone berbasis Android 7. E-modul BERANI dikemas untuk pembelajaran interaktif yang dilengkapi LKS untuk dipelajari siswa secara asinkronous. E-modul BERANI yang valid diimplementasikan kepada 30 siswa kelas VIIA SMP Negeri 2 Salatiga. Uji coba ini menghasilkan e-modul BERANI yang praktis dan direspons positif oleh siswa. Hasil dari LKS mampu mengungkap kesalahan siswa dalam meyelesaikan permasalahan perbandingan berbalik nilai yang kemudian direspons oleh guru pada jam belajar reguler. Hasil ini memberikan informasi bahwa e-modul BERANI dapat digunakan secara luas dan LKS dapat berfungsi sebagai kontrol kemajuan belajar siswa dan sebagai alat evaluasi.Kata Kunci: ADDIE, e-modul, BERANI, perbandingan berbalik nilai.
Validasi Modul “FOPS” untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Pemecahan Soal Cerita Matematika
Authors: Siregar Nani Restati
Published: May 2022

Abstrak. Kesulitan melakukan pemecahan soal cerita bagi siswa sekolah dasar dapat menjadi kendala untuk menguasai domain matematika lainnya. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah melakukan validasi modul “FOPS’ untuk meningkatkan kemampuan pemecahan soal cerita matematika. Subjek penelitian ini terdiri dari 9 guru sekolah dasar yang memberikan penilaian terhadap validitas isi modul serta 53 siswa sekolah dasar di Yogyakarta. Hasil uji validitas isi modul dengan menggunakan Aiken’s V berada pada rentang nilai 0,889-0,962 pada sesi pembelajaran yang mengindikasikan memiliki validitas isi yang baik. Hasil uji empirik menunjukkan terdapat perbedaan skor perolehan posttest antara kelompok eksperimen dan kelompok kontrol (z= -3,735 ; p<0,001 ; <0,05). Hasil penelitian membuktikan bahwa modul “FOPS” valid untuk meningkatkan kemampuan pemecahan soal cerita pada siswa sekolah dasar.Kata Kunci: Validasi Modul “FOPS”, Pemecahan Soal Cerita Matematika, Siswa.
Analisis Kemampuan Representasi Matematika Siswa SMA Dalam Menyelesaikan Soal Geometri Berdasarkan Level Berpikir Van Hiele
Authors: Wulandari Tia Ayu , Ishartono Naufal
Published: May 2022

Abstrak. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan kemampuan siswa dalam mengilustrasi sebagai langkah dalam menyelesaikan soal yang berkaitan dengan geometri bidang datar berdasarkan level berpikir Van Hiele pada siswa SMA. Metode deskriptif kualitatif digunakan dalam penelitian ini dengan melibatkan 36 siswa dari salah satu SMA Negeri di kota Magetan. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan yaitu tes, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Data dianalisis secara kualitatif melalui reduksi data, penyajian data, penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa: 1) Siswa dengan kategori level berpikir Van Hiele tinggi mampu memenuhi level pengenalan, level analisis, dan level pengurutan, namun belum cukup mampu memenuhi level deduksi dan level keakuratan. 2) Siswa dengan kategori level berpikir Van Hiele sedang tergolong mampu memenuhi level pengenalan, dan level pengurutan, akan tetapi belum dapat memenuhi level analisis, level deduksi dan level keakuratan. 3) Sedangkan untuk siswa dengan kategori level berpikir Van Hiele rendah hanya dapat memenuhi level pengurutan. Hasil dari penelitian ini dapat digunakan sebagai gambaran bagi praktisi di dunia pendidikan matematika dalam memetakan kemampuan representatif matematis siswa dalam pembelajaran geometri.Kata Kunci: Ilustrasi, Geometri Bidang, Level Berpikir Van Hiele
Mixed Reality Based User Acceptance Measurement on Primary School Age Children (Case Study: Introduction to Indonesian Native Fauna)
Authors: Wibowo Dimas Wahyu , Khairy Muhammad Shulhan , Sukmana Septian Enggar
Published: May 2022

One aspect of learning media technology sustainability is the level of user acceptance of the learning media itself. It is related to the user loyalty or willingness to continuously use the learning media application. For primary school age children, analyzing the level of acceptance of learning media using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) is challenging. In its application, the formulation of the questions is carried out in a simple way therefore children can understand each meaning of the questions. In this study, the object of technology used is a mixed reality-based learning application, which contains introduction to Indonesia Native fauna material. To ensure that the inter-view questions meet the children’s psychological, the reliability and validity measure were taken as the initial step. Secondly, hypothesis testing was carried out to analyze the children behavioral intentions based on the variables contained in UTAUT. The results of this study indicate that students do not find difficulties in using this mixed reality-based learning media application, both on the technical and psychological (techno-stress) sides.
New Image Texture Feature for Chest X-Ray Classification
Authors: Adi Prajanto Wahyu , Nugroho Fajar Agung , Astuti Yani Parti
Published: May 2022

This study proposes a new feature extraction model to identify CXR images of covid-19 and pneumonia has a high visual resemblance. The feature extraction model starts by using histogram equalization and average filters as lowpass features and high pass features obtained through Laplacian and LoG filters. In the next step, covariance matrix of image along with the entire features are used to produce an eigen vector that will be used as a feature vector in the classification process. The final stage is the process of testing features on the classification algorithms KNN, SVM, LDA, Naïve Bayes, and Decision Tree through a 10-foldcross validation scheme with 0.9 training data and 0.1 test data. The first experiment for the Covid-19 and normal classes shows that the proposed model is able to produce an accuracy of 96% as the comparison model with GLCM texture extraction have an accuracy value of 91%. The second test is conducted for the class Covid-19 and pneumonia and obtained an accuracy value of 89% for the proposed model and 73% for the GLCM texture extraction. Experiments proved that the proposed model successfully outperformed the GLCM texture extraction model in all of classification algorithms used.
An E-Library System Integrated with Bookshelf and Recommendation Components
Authors: Isinkaye Folasade Olubusola , Fred-Yusuff Tomiwa John
Published: May 2022

Apparently, most students in Nigeria are facing challenges as regards to the lack of portability, stress, time wastage and inadequate resources in terms of accessing the school libraries, as well as the inefficiency of the existing e-library, leading to the reduction in the number of students that do access the libraries. Research has shown that most students no longer believe in the physical libraries and have developed interest in electronic resources. Hence, an e-library system enhanced with book recommendation component could serve as a solution to these problems. Several researchers have repeatedly attempted to develop various solutions to this problem using various methodologies and approaches in order to provide a digital library that could address the aforementioned problems. In this work, an e-library system integrated with recommendation component was designed and implemented to help students locate relevant books. Also, an additional feature which adds books to the shelf for future reference was included to enhance accessibility and efficiency of the system. The web application was implemented on a live server (Namecheap) which is one of the most effective live servers in Nigeria. Furthermore, the system was evaluated with one hundred and fourteen (114) students, and the results of the evaluation carried out on the system emphasized its usefulness in terms user friendliness (77%), user experience (86%), interface appearance (75%), system loading speed (82%), platform compatibility (78%), recommendation accuracy (80%) and recommendation reliability (84%). Therefore, the system could be used to solve students’ problems with regards to the challenges faced with the use of physical and conventional e-libraries.
The Effect of School Principles Motivation in Efforts to Improve Teacher Performance at Integrated Islamic Elementary School
Authors: Dian Dian , Trisna Muhammad Yogi , Huda Nenden Najiatul
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to determine the effect of the principal's motivation on teacher performance at Integrated Islamic elementary school Matahati Bandung. The method used in this research is a quantitative approach with the associative method. The population in this study amounted to 30 teachers and was taken as a sample of 30 teachers with the research instrument in the form of a questionnaire. The result of this study; 1) the regression coefficient value is 1.006. So every one percent of motivation from the principal will improve teacher performance by 1,006. Thus the motivation of the principal has a positive effect on the teacher's performance. Square R-value = 0.610, hence the effect value is 61%. Thus, the provision of motivation from the principal can improve teacher performance by 60%; 2) the principal is significantly influential in efforts to improve teacher performance in SDIT Matahati with the magnitude of the influence by 90.6%; 3) Principals on teacher influence by 88.6%. The study results imply that the principal's motivation is a factor that can affect teacher performance.
Service Orientation, Integrity and Commitment to Students; Administrative Performance Management in Madrasah
Authors: Gidayani Gidayani , Kholid Idham , Meriyati Meriyati , Septuri Septuri , Koderi Koderi
Published: May 2022

This study aims to understand service orientation, integrity, and commitment in the performance management system of the head of administration within the scope of students in Madrasah Aliyah Negeri in Lampung Province. This study uses a phenomenological qualitative approach, where the researcher uses interviews, observations, and documentation to obtain data. The data analysis refers to the interactive data analysis model from Milles & Huberman, namely data reduction, data presentation, conclusion drawing, and verification. The results showed that service orientation, integrity, and commitment in the administrative performance management system at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Lampung Province were carried out in a planned and systematic way through various varied activities to be able to provide good service to students. This research has implications for improving the quality of administrative resources in providing optimal services to students and stakeholders.
The Effect of Prophetic Leadership on Employee Work Motivation at The Islamic Higher Education
Authors: Yusuf Mahmud
Published: May 2022

This study aims to determine the positive and simultaneous influence between prophetic leadership and work motivation on employee performance. This study involved employees at the Faculty of Economics and Islamic Business UIN Antasari Banjarmasin. This study uses a pre-experimental one-shot case study research design. The data analyzed in this study were obtained from survey results distributed to respondents, with the validity and reliability of the instrument first being tested. The number of instruments distributed to respondents is 10 items, with the answer choices using a Likert scale. Based on the analysis results, it is shown that Prophetic Leadership has a significant effect on work motivation. Furthermore, the value of R. Square is 0.343, and 65.7% of employees' work motivation is influenced by other variables not examined in this study. This research has implications for the importance of leaders in giving great attention to their employees to produce optimal performance
Stress and Its Impact on Principal Performance: An Overview of Education Management
Authors: Ulfiah Ulfiah , Nurannisa Anti , Firdausi Fanida
Published: May 2022

This study aims to determine the impact of stress felt by school principals at the elementary school level in Bandung Regency. The research uses qualitative methods with a phenomenological approach. The research was conducted in January 2022 for three weeks through in-depth interviews with three informants. The purposive sampling technique selected informants. Data analysis was carried out by content analysis and triangulation of sources and methods. The results show that an unhealthy work environment pressure from teachers can affect the performance of school principals regardless of gender. Stress that can be felt in headaches, body aches, and hypertension are the main symptoms felt. This research implies that the principal looks moody or often emotional because he feels stressed at work and feels symptoms of illness. It is recommended that principals hire competent employees to assist in administration, delegate tasks, hold regular meetings and counseling, reduce their stress and create a supportive environment for a more efficient school administration.
Characteristics of Organizational Culture Based on Local Wisdom
Authors: Imam Junaris Imam Junaris , Wahid Abd Hamid , Atiqoh Dewi , Rohmatun Rohmatun
Published: May 2022

This study aims to understand the characteristics of organizational culture based on local wisdom in an early childhood education institution in Probolinggo Regency, East Java. The research method used is a qualitative case study type. In order to get an overview of the characteristics of the local wisdom-based organizational culture, the researchers conducted direct observations and documented activities at the institution. Interviews were conducted with principals, teachers, and guardians of students. The results showed that the characteristics of local wisdom-based organizational culture developed in schools include; child-friendly school-based women's leadership, the dual role of a teacher, strong work ethic, and religion. This study implies that developing organizational culture characteristics based on local wisdom can give complete trust to the community in these organizational institutions.
Analysis of Competence and Use of Information Technology and Its Effect on Teachers Performance
Authors: Asmarani Ayu , Widdah Minnah El , Putra Darma , Fadhil Muhammad
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to determine the effect of competence and use of information technology on teacher performance. This type of research is quantitative. The research population of teachers at SMP Negeri 21 Batang Hari was 32 people. The data collection technique used a questionnaire (questionnaire), and the data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and inferential analysis using multiple regression analysis. The results showed that; 1) there is a positive and significant influence between competence on teacher performance; 2) there is a positive and significant effect between the use of information technology on teacher performance; 3) Simultaneously there is a positive and significant influence between competence and the use of information technology on teacher performance. By obtaining the value of R Square (coefficient of determination) of 0.865, which means the magnitude of the role or contribution of the competence variable and the use of information technology can explain the teacher performance variable of 86.5%. Where if the competence and use of information technology are getting better, the teachers' performance at SMP N 21 Batang Hari will also be better.
Prophetic Leadership and Its Contribution to Building Religious Character
Authors: Purwanto Muhammad , Kholid Idham , Meriyati Meriyati , Septuri Septuri , Koderi Koderi
Published: May 2022

This study aims to understand how village heads apply prophetic leadership in building religious character in Panca Jaya District, Mesuji Regency, Lampung. To understand the phenomena in the field, the researcher uses a qualitative case study approach. The data collection technique is done through interviews, observation, and documentation. Since being in the field, the data analysis was conducted concerning the Milles and Huberman concept. The results showed that the prophetic leadership applied by the village head was displayed through humanist leadership through amar ma’ruf nahi munkar, liberation leadership, and transcendence leadership. This study implies the importance of leaders to have the ability to interact, communicate and socialize in carrying out a clear vision to gain the trust of the community.
Internal Quality Assurance Management as a Strategy for Achieving National Education Standards through The Principle of Continuous Improvement
Authors: Habibi Habibi , Arismunandar Arismunandar , Rahman Abdul , Darmawangsa Andi
Published: May 2022

This study aims to understand the implementation of internal quality assurance management in achieving national education standards through continuous improvement at MAN Insan Cendikia Gowa and SMA Islam Athira Makassar. This research uses a qualitative research approach with a case study approach. The results showed that the implementation of internal quality assurance management on the principle of continuous improvement at MAN Insan Cendikia Gowa and SMA Islam Athirah Makassar was carried out based on the fulfillment of the Eight National Education Standards by conducting continuous evaluations through school self-evaluation involving all parties to move towards achieving quality higher education is not surprising that the two institutions are one of the only secondary education institutions and have become the educational institution of choice for the community.
Apparently identical verbs can be represented differently: comparing L1–L2 inflection with contingency-based measure ΔP
Authors: Rastelli Stefano , Murakami Akira
Published: May 2022

We propose a method that models unidirectional, contingency-based association scale ΔP in order to analyse the different degrees of morpheme productivity in apparently identical L1–L2 inflected pairs. The method has the potential to uncover differences in how in L1–L2 inflected items are represented by L2 learners and native speakers. Such differences are at risk of remaining invisible if one considers only frequency, distribution and rank of predicates.
Botulinum therapy in treatment of patients with rosacea
Authors: Verbovaya E. D. , Rodina A. L.
Published: May 2022

The article deals epidemiology, pathomorphological picture, trigger factors of development, peculiarities of treatment with the use of botulinum therapy for rosacea. A clinical case is presented.

Purpose of the article. Consider the pathogenesis of rosacea, investigate the molecular mechanism by which botulinum toxin improves the condition in rosacea.

Material and methods. The article presents clinical examples of botulinum therapy in the treatment of patients with rosacea. The epidemiology, pathomorphological picture, developmental trigger factors, diagnostic features and approaches to the treatment of rosacea in modern conditions are considered.

Results. Case study results show that intradermal botulinum toxin injections are safe and effective in reducing erythema and ﬂushing in rosacea.

Conclusions. Botulinum therapy – may be an alternative therapy for patients with refractory to standard treatment of persistent erythema. The effect after botulinum therapy lasts for 2–4 months. Further research is needed on the effcacy and safety of this technique in patients with different subtypes of rosacea, including those with a combination of subtypes.
Selective inhibition of JAK1 in treatment of atopic dermatitis: Prescription features and experience with upadacitinib
Authors: Kruglova L. S. , Michenko A. V. , Lvov A. N. , Hotko A. A.
Published: May 2022

Therapy of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with a number of diffculties due to the propensity of the disease to a chronic relapsing course, the tendency to develop in childhood and young age. However, a new selective JAK1 inhibitor, which suppresses cytokineinduced inﬂammation in the skin, has been added to the arsenal of AD systemic therapy.

Objective. To evaluate the effcacy, antipruritic activity, impact on quality of life, levels of anxiety and depression, and safety of upadacitinib treatment of moderate-to-severe AD in adult patients.

Material and methods. The inclusion criteria were the presence of moderate-to-severe AD, age over 18 years, signed informed consent of the patient to participate in the study. Effcacy was assessed based on clinical indices. All patients received upadacitinib (RANVEK) 15 mg once daily with or without food, topical corticosteroids (if needed), and emollients.

Results. The number of patients with an IGA score of 0 or 1 was 50%. The dynamics of the maximum intensity of pruritus according to NRS during 16 weeks of therapy was 56.4%. The proportion of patients with an improvement in the assessment of the maximum severity of itching according to NRS ≥3 points at week 16 relative to the baseline was 77.8%. The dynamics of the EASI index in percent was 65.3%, and the number of patients who achieved an EASI-50 response at week 16 was 83.3%, EASI-75 was 61.1%. The dynamics of the overall SCORAD index as a percentage of the initial value for 16 weeks was 76.9%. The DLQI decreased by 68.9%. The number of patients with HADS less than 7 points on a scale of both anxiety and depression was 88.9%.

Conclusions. Thus, upadacitinib demonstrates high effcacy in terms of the effect on rashes and pruritus, favorably affects the quality of life and psychosomatic characteristics of patients, and has a favorable safety profle in the treatment of moderate and severe AD in adults.
Choice of frst drug of genetically engineered therapy: Benefts of guselcumab
Authors: Kruglova L. S. , Shatokhina E. A. , Polonskaya A. S. , Syryseva A. Yu.
Published: May 2022

When choosing the frst drug for genetically engineered biological therapy (GEBT), the following are taken into account: the psoriasis phenotype, diagnosed PsA or predictors of its development, the presence of comorbid pathology, contraindications, dosing regimen, the rate of onset of the effect, and the ‘survival rate’. With the advent of new classes of GEBT-drugs, the concept of ‘treat to target’ has been formed, in accordance with which the importance of achieving clear or almost clear skin as a goal of psoriasis therapy has been noted, since studies have shown that achieving clear or almost clear skin (PASI 90, 100) correlates with higher indicators of health-related quality of life. The concept is reduced to the long-term prescription of highly effective and safe therapies (methods) with a high level of evidence in medicine (A, B). The evolution of GIBT has led to the emergence of a new class of anti-IL-23 drugs. The article presents data from clinical studies on the effcacy and safety of the use of the interleukin-23 blocker guselcumab. Own clinical cases are presented with a discussion of the choice made in favor of guselcumab as the frst genetically engineered drug.

Conclusions. Data from clinical trials on the high effcacy, ‘survival rate’ and safety of guselcumab in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis allows, including those with comorbid pathology, to consider it as a starting therapy using genetically engineered drugs. The data of our own results of observation allow us to conclude that guselkumab is highly effective in psoriasis of smooth skin, as well as in lesions of the scalp, anogenital area, with involvement of the nail plates in the process, which justifes its appointment as the frst GIBT drug.
Effectiveness of laser therapy in correction of cytokine status and skin barrier function in children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Dontsova E. V. , Ivanova I. I. , Novikova L. A. , Dontsov V. G. , Borzunova L. N. , Koroleva T. V.
Published: May 2022

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of low-intensity laser blood irradiation for the correction of the cytokine profle and violations of the skin barrier function in the complex treatment of children with atopic dermatitis.

Material and methods. The study included 65 children with atopic dermatitis (AtD) (mean age 8 ± 2,9 years) and 30 healthy children (control group). The patients were divided into two groups depending on the treatment: group 1 – basic drug therapy (BDT), group 2 – BDT in combination with supravenous laser blood irradiation (NLBI). Blood cytokine status indicators were assessed – levels of interleukins (IL) -4,-10,-13,-18, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), indicators of skin barrier function (skin pH, skin moisture, transepidermal water loss – TEWL) before treatment, after 1 and 3 months from the start of treatment.

Results. Basic drug therapy had the least effect on the cytokine profle of the blood of patients and parameters characterizing the barrier function of the skin. The inclusion of NLBI was accompanied by an anti-inﬂammatory effect, signifcantly enhanced the regulatory effect on blood cytokine activity, signifcantly improved the barrier function parameters studied (skin pH, skin moisture, TEWL) and reduced the frequency of disease relapses.

Conclusions. Basic drug therapy did not have a statistically signifcant corrective effect on the parameters of the immune status and skin barrier function in children with AtD. The combined use of NLBI and BDT increases the effciency of correction of the blood cytokine profle and violations of the skin barrier function in children with AtD, leads to a decrease in the frequency of disease relapses, which indicates the advantage of this method compared to monotherapy with basic drugs.
Recent Advances in the Prediction of Subcellular Localization of Proteins and Related Topics
Authors: Nakai Kenta , Wei Leyi
Published: May 2022

Prediction of subcellular localization of proteins from their amino acid sequences has a long history in bioinformatics and is still actively developing, incorporating the latest advances in machine learning and proteomics. Notably, deep learning-based methods for natural language processing have made great contributions. Here, we review recent advances in the field as well as its related fields, such as subcellular proteomics and the prediction/recognition of subcellular localization from image data.
AgNPs Aggravated Hepatic Steatosis, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Epigenetic Changes in Mice With NAFLD Induced by HFD
Authors: Wen Ling , Li Minyan , Lin Xiaojun , Li Yan , Song Huidong , Chen Hanqing
Published: May 2022

The recent development of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has sparked increased interest in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, leading to the possibility of human exposure. The liver is the primary target organ in the metabolism and transport of nanoparticles. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common and leading cause of hepatic metabolic syndrome with approximately 15% of patients will develop into non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, the potential hepatotoxicity of AgNPs on NAFLD development and progression should be of great concern. Herein, we explored the potential hepatic effect of a single intravenously injected dose of 0.5, 2.5, and 12.5 mg/kg BW on the liver function of high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed mice for 7 days. AgNP treatment increased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, triglycerides and cholesterols, the number of lipid droplets, and the contents of triglycerides and cholesterols in NAFLD mice livers compared to HFD-fed mice. The mechanism of AgNP-induced worsen hepatotoxicity in mice is associated with hyperactivation of SREBP-1c-mediated de novo lipogenesis and liver inflammation. Additionally, HFD-fed mice treated with AgNPs had significantly higher oxidative damage and lower global DNA methylation and DNA hydroxymethylation than NAFLD mice. This study suggests that AgNP treatment exacerbated HFD-induced hepatic steatosis, liver inflammation, oxidative stress, and epigenetic changes in mice, which is relevant to the risk of AgNP exposure on NAFLD development and progression.
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: A Review on Its Applications in Dentistry
Authors: Pushpalatha C , Suresh Jithya , Gayathri VS , Sowmya SV , Augustine Dominic , Alamoudi Ahmed , Zidane Bassam , Mohammad Albar Nassreen Hassan , Patil Shankargouda
Published: May 2022

Nanotechnology in modern material science is a research hot spot due to its ability to provide novel applications in the field of dentistry. Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are metal oxide nanoparticles that open new opportunities for biomedical applications that range from diagnosis to treatment. The domains of these nanoparticles are wide and diverse and include the effects brought about due to the anti-microbial, regenerative, and mechanical properties. The applications include enhancing the anti-bacterial properties of existing restorative materials, as an anti-sensitivity agent in toothpastes, as an anti-microbial and anti-fungal agent against pathogenic oral microflora, as a dental implant coating, to improve the anti-fungal effect of denture bases in rehabilitative dentistry, remineralizing cervical dentinal lesions, increasing the stability of local drug delivery agents and other applications.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Type VII Secretion System in Streptococcus agalactiae Indicates Its Possible Sequence Type-Dependent Diversity
Authors: Zhou Kaixin , Xie Lianyan , Xu Xiaogang , Sun Jingyong
Published: May 2022

Streptococcus agalactiae causes sepsis and meningitis in neonates, presenting substantial clinical challenges. Type VII secretion system (T7SS), an important secretion system identified in Mycobacterium sp. and Gram-positive bacteria, was recently characterized in S. agalactiae and considered to contribute to its virulence and pathogenesis. In the present study, 128 complete genomic sequences of S. agalactiae were retrieved from GenBank to build a public dataset, and their sequences, capsular types, and clonal complexes were determined. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening and genomic sequencing were conducted in an additional clinical dataset. STs and capsular types were determined using PCR. Eleven different types of T7SS were detected with similarities in gene order but differences in gene content. Strains with incomplete T7SS or lack of T7SS were also identified. Deletion, insertion, and segmentation of T7SS might be related to insertion sequences. The genetic environment of T7SS in S. agalactiae was also investigated and different patterns were identified downstream the T7SS, which were related to the diversity of T7SS putative effectors. The T7SS demonstrated possible sequence type (ST)-dependent diversity in both datasets. This work elucidated detailed genetic characteristics of T7SS and its genetic environment in S. agalactiae and further identified its possible ST-dependent diversity, which gave a clue of its mode of transmission. Further investigations are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and its functions.
Effects of COVID-19 Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Dengue Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Qin , Dong Shuwen , Li Xiaokang , Yi Boyang , Hu Huan , Guo Zhongmin , Lu Jiahai
Published: May 2022

Non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) implemented during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have demonstrated significant positive effects on other communicable diseases. Nevertheless, the response for dengue fever has been mixed. To illustrate the real implications of NPIs on dengue transmission and to determine the effective measures for preventing and controlling dengue, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available global data to summarize the effects comprehensively. We searched Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science in line with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines from December 31, 2019, to March 30, 2022, for studies of NPI efficacy on dengue infection. We obtained the annual reported dengue cases from highly dengue-endemic countries in 2015–2021 from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to determine the actual change in dengue cases in 2020 and 2021, respectively. A random-effects estimate of the pooled odds was generated with the Mantel-Haenszel method. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using the inconsistency index (I2) and subgroup analysis according to country (dengue-endemic or non-endemic) was conducted. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021291487). A total of 17 articles covering 32 countries or regions were included in the review. Meta-analysis estimated a pooled relative risk of 0.39 (95% CI: 0.28–0.55), and subgroup revealed 0.06 (95% CI: 0.02-0.25) and 0.55 (95% CI: 0.44-0.68) in dengue non-endemic areas and dengue-endemic countries, respectively, in 2020. The majority of highly dengue-endemic countries in Asia and Americas reported 0–100% reductions in dengue cases in 2020 compared to previous years, while some countries (4/20) reported a dramatic increase, resulting in an overall increase of 11%. In contrast, there was an obvious reduction in dengue cases in 2021 in almost all countries (18/20) studied, with an overall 40% reduction rate. The overall effectiveness of NPIs on dengue varied with region and time due to multiple factors, but most countries reported significant reductions. Travel-related interventions demonstrated great effectiveness for reducing imported cases of dengue fever. Internal movement restrictions of constantly varying intensity and range are more likely to mitigate the entire level of dengue transmission by reducing the spread of dengue fever between regions within a country, which is useful for developing a more comprehensive and sustainable strategy for preventing and controlling dengue fever in the future.
Regulatory Preconditions for the Deployment of Bioenergy With Carbon Capture and Storage in Europe
Authors: Nehler Therese , Fridahl Mathias
Published: May 2022

Paris-compatible climate scenarios often consider bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) as an important technology for carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Although the main barrier to BECCS deployment is often associated with lack of economic policy incentives, unfavorable regulations can also impede investments. Over the past decade, the regulatory conditions at the UN and on the EU level have developed to be more permissive toward BECCS. For instance, CDR accounting guidelines have been developed by the UN, and the EU CCS Directive regulates responsibilities regarding storage of CO2. However, several existing regulations still cause deployment hurdles. Taking a European viewpoint, this perspectives article takes stock of recent regulatory developments and provides a discussion on legal acts that need to be reformed in order to facilitate BECCS deployment. Although the European trend is characterized by developing a regulatory regime that is more supportive of BECCS, we identify three areas for further improvement: (1) allowing EU Member States to use negative emissions from BECCS to comply with their obligations under the legislative pillars that underpin the EU's climate objectives: (2) amending the CCS Directive to exempt physical leakage of biogenic CO2, attributable to sustainably sourced biomass, from the requirement to surrender emission allowances in the EU ETS or, if BECCS has been economically rewarded, the penalty for leakage should correspond to the level of the reward; and (3) pushing to erase the last few barriers due to multilateral regimes, such as clarifying whether BECCS is covered by the geoengineering moratorium maintained by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. These proposed reforms would further improve the regulatory preconditions for BECCS deployment in the EU.
Dispersion of Benthic Plumes in Deep-Sea Mining: What Lessons Can Be Learned From Dredging?
Authors: Helmons Rudy , de Wit Lynyrd , de Stigter Henko , Spearman Jeremy
Published: May 2022

Over the past decade, deep-sea mining (DSM) has received renewed interest due to scarcity of raw materials. Deep-sea mining has been spurred by the need for critical resources to support growing populations, urbanization, high-tech applications and the development of a green energy economy. Nevertheless, an improved understanding of how mining activities will affect the deep-sea environment is required to obtain more accurate assessment of the potential environmental impact. In that regard, the sediment plumes that are generated by the mining activity have received the highest concern, as these plumes might travel for several kilometers distance from the mining activity. Various plume sources are identified, of which the most profound are those generated by the excavation and collection process of the seafloor mining tool and the discharge flow to be released from the surface operation vessel after initial dewatering of the ore. In this review, we explore the physical processes that govern plume dispersion phenomena (focusing in the main on benthic plumes), discuss the state of the art in plume dispersion analysis and highlight what lessons can be learned from shallow water applications, such as dredging, to better predict and reduce the spread and impact of deep-sea mining plumes.
Impact Of Prepregnancy Overweight And Obesity On Treatment Modality And Pregnancy Outcome In Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Linder Tina , Eder Anna , Monod Cécile , Rosicky Ingo , Eppel Daniel , Redling Katharina , Geissler Franziska , Huhn Evelyn A. , Hösli Irene , Göbl Christian S.
Published: May 2022

Background

We aim to evaluate the impact of prepregnancy overweight on treatment modalities of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). We assessed the association of increased pregravid Body Mass Index (BMI) with dosing of basal and rapid acting insulin as well as pregnancy outcome.

Methods

We included 509 gestational diabetic women (normal weight: 200, overweight: 157, obese: 152), attending the pregnancy outpatient clinic at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, in this retrospective study. We used a prospectively compiled database to assess patient characteristics, treatment approaches – particularly maximum doses of basal and rapid acting insulin or metformin – and pregnancy outcome.

Results

Increased BMI was associated with the need of glucose lowering medication (odds ratio (OR): 1.08 for the increase of 1 kg/m² BMI, 95%CI 1.05–1.11, p<0.001). Mothers with pregestational obesity received the highest amount of insulin. Metformin was more often used in patients with obesity who also required higher daily doses. Maternal BMI was associated with increased risk of cesarean section (OR 1.04, 95%CI 1.01–1.07, p<0.001) and delivering large for gestational age offspring (OR 1.09, 95%CI 1.04–1.13, p<0.001). Birthweight percentiles were highest in patients with obesity who required glucose lowering therapy.

Conclusions

Treatment modalities and outcome in GDM pregnancies are closely related to the extent of maternal BMI. Patients with obesity required glucose lowering medication more often and were at higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. It is crucial to further explore the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms to optimize clinical management and individual treatment approaches.
High Prevalence of Cardiometabolic Comorbidities Among Children and Adolescents With Severe Obesity From a Large Metropolitan Centre (Hangzhou, China)
Authors: Wang Jinling , Lin Hu , Chiavaroli Valentina , Jin Binghan , Yuan Jinna , Huang Ke , Wu Wei , Dong Guanping , Derraik José G. B. , Fu Junfen
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of children and adolescents with obesity, and the prevalence of cardiometabolic comorbidities over 10 years in this population from a large metropolitan centre in China.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study (2008–2017) of patients aged <18 years with obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 95th percentile for age and sex] enrolled at the Department of Endocrinology, Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province). Clinical assessments included anthropometry, blood pressure, liver ultrasound, lipid profile, oral glucose tolerance test, and uric acid. For examination of outcomes, our study cohort was stratified by sex and age bands (<10 vs. ≥10 years), with the study period also split into two strata (2008–2012 and 2013–2017).

Results

A total of 2,916 patients (1,954 boys and 962 girls) were assessed at a mean age of 10.5 years. Patients almost invariably presented severe obesity (median BMI SDS = 2.98; Q1 = 2.60, Q3 = 3.39). Obesity-related comorbidities were common among boys and girls, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (2.6% and 3.6%, respectively), abnormal glycaemia (33.6% and 35.5%, respectively), hypertension (33.9% and 32.0%, respectively), dyslipidaemia (35.2% and 39.6%, respectively), hyperuricaemia (16.2% and 8.3%, respectively), acanthosis nigricans (71.9% and 64.0%, respectively), abnormal liver function (66.9% and 47.0%, respectively), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (63.8% and 45.1%, respectively); 38.7% of boys and 44.4% of girls aged ≥10 years had metabolic syndrome. Notably, the incidence of many cardiometabolic comorbidities was in 2013–2017 compared to 2008–2012. For example, rates of hypertension among boys aged <10 years and aged ≥10 years rose from 28.4% and 26.5% to 48.0% and 35.8%, respectively, and in girls from 20.3% and 20.8% to 41.7% and 39.6%, respectively. In 2013–2017, 9.5% of girls in the older group had metabolic syndrome compared to 2.2% in 2008–2013.

Conclusions

We observed a high incidence of obesity-related cardiometabolic comorbidities among Chinese children and adolescents with severe obesity over 10 years. It was particularly concerning that rates of several comorbidities rose markedly over the study period, highlighting the need to address the obesity epidemic early in life (in China and elsewhere) to prevent the development of obesity-related comorbidities and, subsequently, of overt disease.
Survival-Associated Metabolic Genes and Risk Scoring System in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Gao Chundi , Li Huayao , Zhou Chao , Liu Cun , Zhuang Jing , Liu Lijuan , Sun Changgang
Published: May 2022

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer have their own genetic, epigenetic, and protein expression profiles. In the present study, based on bioinformatics techniques, we explored the prognostic targets of HER2-positive breast cancer from metabonomics perspective and developed a new risk score system to evaluate the prognosis of patients. By identifying the differences between HER2 positive and normal control tissues, and between triple negative breast cancer and normal control tissues, we found a large number of differentially expressed metabolic genes in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer. Importantly, in HER2-positive breast cancer, decreased expression of metabolism-related genes ATIC, HPRT1, ASNS, SULT1A2, and HAL was associated with increased survival. Interestingly, these five metabolism-related genes can be used to construct a risk score system to predict overall survival (OS) in HER2-positive patients. The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the predictive sensitivity of the risk scoring system was higher than that of other clinical factors, including age, stage, and tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage. This work shows that specific transcriptional changes in metabolic genes can be used as biomarkers to predict the prognosis of patients, which is helpful in implementing personalized treatment and evaluating patient prognosis.
The Role of Testosterone in Spermatogenesis: Lessons From Proteome Profiling of Human Spermatozoa in Testosterone Deficiency
Authors: Grande Giuseppe , Barrachina Ferran , Soler-Ventura Ada , Jodar Meritxell , Mancini Francesca , Marana Riccardo , Chiloiro Sabrina , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Oliva Rafael , Milardi Domenico
Published: May 2022

Testosterone is essential to maintain qualitative spermatogenesis. Nonetheless, no studies have been yet performed in humans to analyze the testosterone-mediated expression of sperm proteins and their importance in reproduction. Thus, this study aimed to identify sperm protein alterations in male hypogonadism using proteomic profiling. We have performed a comparative proteomic analysis comparing sperm from fertile controls (a pool of 5 normogonadic normozoospermic fertile men) versus sperm from patients with secondary hypogonadism (a pool of 5 oligozoospermic hypogonadic patients due to isolated LH deficiency). Sperm protein composition was analyzed, after peptide labelling with Isobaric Tags, via liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) on an LTQ Velos-Orbitrap mass spectrometer. LC-MS/MS data were analyzed using Proteome Discoverer. Criteria used to accept protein identification included a false discovery rate (FDR) of 1% and at least 1 peptide match per protein. Up to 986 proteins were identified and, of those, 43 proteins were differentially expressed: 32 proteins were under-expressed and 11 were over-expressed in the pool of hypogonadic patients compared to the controls. Bioinformatic analyses were performed using UniProt Knowledgebase, and the Gene Ontology Consortium database based on PANTHER. Notably, 13 of these 43 differentially expressed proteins have been previously reported to be related to sperm function and spermatogenesis. Western blot analyses for A-Kinase Anchoring Protein 3 (AKAP3) and the Prolactin Inducible Protein (PIP) were used to confirm the proteomics data. In summary, a high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomic approach was used for the first time to describe alterations of the sperm proteome in secondary male hypogonadism. Some of the differential sperm proteins described in this study, which include Prosaposin, SMOC-1, SERPINA5, SPANXB1, GSG1, ELSPBP1, fibronectin, 5-oxoprolinase, AKAP3, AKAP4, HYDIN, ROPN1B, ß-Microseminoprotein and Protein S100-A8, could represent new targets for the design of infertility treatments due to androgen deficiency.