bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Buku Ajar Asuhan Kebidanan Kehamilan
Authors: Cholifah Siti , Rinata Evi
Published: July 2023

Puji syukur kepada Tuhan Yang Maha Esa, sehingga Buku Ajar Asuhan KebidananKehamilan ini dapat disusun dengan baik meskipun masih perlu disempurnakan kedepannya. Mata Kuliah Asuhan Kebidanan kehamilan merupakan mata kuliah inti dari Program Studi Pendidikan Profesi Bidan Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo. Buku ajar ini digunakan sebagai pegangan bagi mahasiswa pendidikan Profesi Bidan. Mata Kuliah prasyarat yang harus diselesaikan sebelum mengambil mata kuliah ini adalah mata kuliah Genetika dan Biologi Reproduksi. Sampai saat ini angka kematian ibu dan bayi masih tinggi di Indonesia, hal ini disebabkan karena adanya komplikasi dalam kehamilan, mahasiswa pendidikan profesi bidan sebagai calon bidan harus menguasai teori asuhan kebidanan kehamilan sebagai dasar dalam memberikan asuhan pada ibu hamil sehingga dapat memberikan pelanyan antenatal secara tepat sesuai dengan standar asuhan.
Notaries at Risk: Urgent Need for Legal Protection Against Criminal Acts
Authors: Setiawati Yuni , Salim Lendra Akbar , Melati Ayu Sekar , Chesar Wery
Published: July 2023

This study aims to address the legal protection issues faced by notaries in relation to potential criminal acts and proposes ideas for regulating legal protection. Utilizing a normative legal research approach, data was collected through literature reviews, document analysis, and legal interviews, with conceptual and legal framework analysis conducted. The results reveal a lack of legal harmonization between notarial law and criminal law, which challenges the provision of adequate legal protection for notaries. Harmonization of legal provisions is critical to ensure optimal notarial services and protect against potential criminal acts. The findings emphasize the urgency of implementing legal provisions for notaries' adequate protection and offer valuable insights for policymakers and legal practitioners in crafting effective legal frameworks.

Highlights:

Legal harmonization between notarial and criminal law is needed for adequate protection of notaries.

Protection is necessary for optimal services and protection against criminal acts.

Harmonizing legal provisions is critical for effective protection.

Keywords: Notarial Law, Legal Protection, Criminal Acts, Harmonization, Professional Duties
Enhancing Legal Protection for Digital Transactions: Addressing Fraudulent QRIS System in Indonesia
Authors: Herryani Mas Rara Tri Retno
Published: July 2023

This study examined the legal safeguards necessary to combat fraudulent QRIS systems in digital transactions, focusing on the imperative need to protect consumers who are often more vulnerable than business entities in the digital transaction process. Employing a normative legal research methodology, the study utilized a legislative approach and concept analysis to deliver its findings. The study revealed that preventive legal protection, manifesting as increased public awareness and understanding of the QRIS system, its use, and associated criminal potentials, is essential. Repressive legal protection should be implemented by enhancing the capacity and infrastructure of law enforcement agencies. In cases of internal issues with the QRIS system, the liability of the system's creator or issuer must be clearly defined. The electronic system's execution can be managed by the electronic system provider or delegated to e-business agent operators, underlined by good faith, transparency, accountability, fairness, and prudence. This research underscores the importance of extensive public socialization and training on the use and risks of the QRIS system, providing implications for bolstering consumer protection laws, enhancing law enforcement capacity and infrastructure, and refining electronic transaction regulations in Indonesia. Highlights: The vulnerability of consumers in digital transactions necessitates robust legal safeguards, particularly regarding the use of the QRIS system. Both preventive (educational) and repressive (enforcement) legal protections are vital to combat fraudulent digital transactions and enhance consumer confidence. Enhancing law enforcement capabilities and infrastructure, as well as clearly defining the liability of QRIS system issuers, is imperative for maintaining the integrity of digital transactions. Keywords: Legal protection, digital transactions, fraudulent QRIS, consumer protection, law enforcement capacity.
Legal Protection Mechanisms and Consequences for Medical Negligence in Healthcare Services
Authors: Njoto Harsono
Published: July 2023

This study critically examines the role of legal safeguards in enhancing healthcare service quality. Utilizing normative legal research methods, the study employs legislative and conceptual approaches to explore the dual nature of legal protection: preventive and repressive, in the context of healthcare professionals adhering to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The findings suggest that healthcare practitioners' negligence level and the resultant harm to patients or the public determines the legal implications. Such implications range from allegations of SOP and ethical code violations, to civil litigation for damages, and even criminal charges if medical actions endanger lives, potentially causing patient mortality. Therefore, the study highlights the necessity for legal accountability for healthcare practitioners, emphasizing that their service delivery must align with the set SOPs. These findings have profound implications for policy-making, emphasizing the need for robust legal protection for both healthcare practitioners and service recipients, thereby ensuring improved healthcare service quality.Highlights: Dual nature of legal protection in healthcare. Negligence level dictates legal consequences. Emphasis on healthcare practitioners' legal accountability. Keywords: Legal Protection, Healthcare Services, Medical Negligence, Standard Operating Procedures, Legal Consequences
Preferences for coordinated care for rare diseases: discrete choice experiment
Authors: Morris Stephen , Walton Holly , Simpson Amy , Leeson-Beevers Kerry , Bloom Lara , Hunter Amy , Ramsay Angus I G , Fulop Naomi J , Chitty Lyn S , Kai Joe , Sutcliffe Alastair G , Kokocinska Maria , Kerecuk Larissa , Taylor Christine A , Ng Pei Li
Published: July 2023

Background
Evidence suggests that coordination of care for people affected by rare diseases is poor. In order to improve the way that care is coordinated it is necessary to understand the preferences of people affected by these conditions, and providers. The aim of this study was to examine patient, parent and carer, and health care professional preferences for different attributes of care coordination for people affected by rare diseases. We conducted a discrete choice experiment using online surveys. There were no restrictions on participants in terms of rare conditions, demographic factors other than age, or geographical location within the UK. Choice scenarios were based on the following attributes: annual cost of attending appointments; access to health records; access to clinical expertise; support of a care coordinator; access to a specialist centre; and, the existence of a documented plan for emergency care. Data were analysed using alternative-specific conditional logit regression models.
Results
Valid responses were obtained from 996 individuals (528 patients, 280 carers, 188 health care professionals) between August and December 2019. All attributes significantly influenced the type of service respondents preferred. Patients, carers and health professionals’ preferences for care coordination were influenced by: the cost of attending appointments; access to health records; clinical expertise; role of care coordinators; access to specialist centres; and the existence of plan for emergency care. There were no statistically significant differences in the preferences between patients and carers. Preferences of health professionals differed to those of patients and carers. Both patients and carers selected responses which granted them a greater degree of autonomy in relation to the role of care coordinators, whereas health professionals preferred services where care coordinators had more autonomy. Health care professionals also expressed a stronger preference for a documented formal emergency plan to be in place.
Conclusions
The findings highlight that people value better coordinated care, in line with policy documents emphasising commitments to coordinated care for people affected by rare diseases. This study highlights the factors that could be included in service provision as ways of improving the coordination of care for people affected by rare diseases.
Molecular Aggregates Associated THz Coherent Vibrations Contribute to Enhancements of Emission Efficiencies
Authors: Wei Yu-Chen , Chen Bo-Han , Ye Ren-Siang , Huang Hsing-Wei , Su Jia-Xuan , Chen Kai , Hsu Liang-Yan , Chi Yun , Lu Chih-Hsuan , Yang Shang-Da , Chou Pi-Tai
Published: July 2023

The control of excited-state vibrational and electronic energy flows in molecular solids has a considerable impact on the performance of optoelectronic devices. In this study, we applied a novel ultrafast pump-probe system with 3.2 fs resolution to demonstrate that the aggregated Pt(II) complex 4H, an efficient near-infrared emitter, exhibits prominent single-mode vibrational coherence (VC) with a frequency of 32 cm−1 (~ 0.96 THz) in the excited state. This single-mode VC is associated with the collective out-of-plane motions induced by intermolecular metal-metal-to-ligand charge transfer transitions, which occur through ultrafast intersystem crossings with lifetimes of 150 fs. Similar single-mode VC characteristics were observed in analogues of 4H and other Pt(II) complexes with intense NIR emission. The conservation of single-mode VC enables excited-state deactivation to proceed along low-frequency coordinates, which contributes to the suppression of nonradiative decay rates and causes highly intense near-infrared emission in aggregated Pt(II) complexes. These novel results highlight the importance of VC in understanding nonradiative processes, elucidating the foundations of VC in molecular solid, which serve as a benchmark for evolving the device performance.
The Piezo channel is central to the mechano-sensitive channel complex in the mammalian inner ear.
Authors: Lee Jeong-Han , Perez-Flores Cristina , Park Seojin , Kim Hyo J , Chen Yingying , Kang Mincheol , Kersigo Jennifer , Choi Jinsil , Thai Phung , Woltz Ryan , Perkins Guy , Sihn Choong-Ryoul , Fritzsch Bernd , Trinh Pauline , Zhang Xiao-Dong , Chiamvimonvat Nipavan , Perez-Flores Dolores , Sirish Padmini , Dong Yao , Pessah Isaac , Wei Feng , Dixon Rose , Sokolowski Bernd , Yamoah Ebenezer
Published: July 2023

The inner ear is the hub where hair cells transduce sound, gravity, and head acceleration stimuli carried by neural codes to the brain. Of all the senses, hearing and balance, which rely on mechanosensation, are the fastest sensory signals transmitted to the central nervous system. The mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) channel in hair cells is the entryway for the sound-balance-brain interface, but the channel's composition has eluded biologists due to its complexity. Here, we report that the mouse utilizes Piezo1 (Pz1) and Piezo2 (Pz2) isoforms as central components of the MET complex. The Pz channel subunits are expressed in hair-cell stereocilia, are co-localized and co-assembled, and are essential components of the MET complex in vitro and in situ, including integration with the transmembrane channel (Tmc1/2) protein. Mice expressing non-functional Pz1 and Pz2, but not functional Pz1 at the ROSA26 locus under the control of hair-cell promoters, have impaired auditory and vestibular traits that can only be explained if Pz channel multimers are integral to the MET complex. We affirm that Pz protein subunits constitute MET channels and that functional interactions with components of the MET complex yield current properties resembling hair-cell MET currents. Our results demonstrate Pz is a MET channel component central to interacting with MET complex proteins. Results account for the MET channel pore and complex.
Efficacy of Dry Cupping versus Counselling with Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy Approach (MBCT) on Fertility Quality of Life and Conception Success in Infertile Women due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Baghbani Fahimeh , Alidousti Katayoun , Parvizi Mohammad Mahdi , Ahmadi Atefeh , Alamdarloo Shaghayegh Moradi , Jaladat Amir Mohammad , Atarzadeh Fatemeh
Published: July 2023

Background
Infertility is a common problem in the world that can have devastating effects on women’s quality of life. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent causes of female infertility. There is still no definitive treatment for infertility due to PCOS. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the effectiveness of dry cupping and counselling with the Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) approach on the fertility quality of life and conception success in infertile women due to PCOS, referring to health centers of Shiraz, Iran, 2021–2022.
METHODS
This study was a randomized pilot clinical trial. After assessing 350 infertile women referred to health centers of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from 21 Dec 2021 to 21 Apr 2022, 19 people fulfilling the inclusion criteria, were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups (10 in the counselling group and 9 in the cupping group). Counselling group received eight weekly sessions/ 90 minutes of MBCT at one week and in the cupping group, dry cupping was performed twice/per week during non-menstrual days for two months by a traditional medicine expert. All participants completed the FertiQol questionnaire before the intervention and three months after the end of the intervention. In addition, during three months after the end of the intervention, a pregnancy test was performed every month for all of them. Data were analyzed by Stata 14.2.
RESULTS
Based on the result of this study, after the intervention the mean overall scores of FertiQol in the counselling group were significantly higher than the cupping group (P = 0.091, MD = 11.1) and after adjusting the results, the difference between the average scores of the two groups increased after the interventions (P = 0.030, MD = 11.66). Also, the evaluation of the conception rate in the two groups didn’t show any significant difference.
CONCLUSION
Results showed the effectiveness of MBCT on fertility quality of life in infertility caused by PCOS. Due to the lack of significant difference between the conception rate between the two groups, studies with larger sample size and a control group are recommended to obtain more generalizable results.
Trial registration:
The trial protocol was registered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial on 05/11/2021, IRCT Id: IRCT201706110334452N13 (https://www.irct.ir/trial/55048).
Assessing the synergistic reduction effects of Environmental Protection Tax and Environmental Protection Subsidy in China
Authors: Duan Shu , Zhang Xinyuan , Lu Yuzhong
Published: July 2023

Under the goal of achieving green transformation and upgrading the economy and society, it is of great practical significance to study environmental protection tax, environmental protection subsidy and carbon emission intensity of enterprises. Based on the data of A-share listed companies in China from 2009 to 2020, this paper empirically investigates the impact of environmental taxes and subsidies on the carbon emission intensity of enterprises. The results show that: (i) The single effect of environmental protection tax, and the synergistic effect with environmental subsidies effectively curb the carbon emission intensity of enterprises. (ii) The synergistic effect can suppress the carbon emission intensity of enterprises by enhancing the level of green innovation. (iii) The synergistic effect effectively suppresses the carbon emission intensity of non-high-tech industries, large enterprises, and east-central enterprises. The above findings not only enrich the literature related to carbon emission intensity but also provide useful insights for the government to study how to use environmental protection tax and environmental protection subsidy to curb carbon intensity and provide references on how to implement policies.
Transcriptomic comparison of the royal jelly proteins coded in the hypopharyngeal glands of Apis mellifera and Geotrigona acapulconis
Authors: Corzo Erika , Clement Herlinda , Corzo Gerardo , Peña Guadalupe , Cid-Uribe Jimena I
Published: July 2023

Apis mellifera and Geotrigona acapulconis are two members of Apidae family with large morphological differences; that is G. acapulconis is stingless, smaller in size, lack of yellow pigmentation, different nest building and hive structure, among other differences. We also suggest that there are biochemical differences between A. mellifera and G. acapulconis related to the composition of their Royal Jelly proteins (RJPs) and Yellow family proteins (YFPs). For instances, it has been reported that RJPs are involved in larval development of A. mellifera, and the YFPs play an important role in pigmentation in these arthropods. In this work, the protein composition of RJPs and YFPs were investigated indirectly by performing transcriptome analysis of the hypopharyngeal glands (HG), which are the RJP and YFPs producers. The results showed the presence of transcripts coding for RJPs in both bees. These proteins belonging to the Major Royal Jelly proteins (MRJPs) only recorded in A. mellifera and YFPs, which were identified here in both bees, but in different proportions. Additionally, MRJPs were only found in A. mellifera. Yet, coding sequences of these type proteins were found as Royal Jelly protein-like (RJPL) in G. acalpuconis, which are evolved from the MRJP. Furthermore, the differences found between yellow proteins (YPs) could be directly associated to the color of such bees, and the lack of MRJPs in G. acapulconis, that are important for larval nutrition and development, could be a consequence of a poor development of the larvae. On the other hand, some of the differences could be the result of their different behavior. Some MRJPs are required for defense of the larvae against pathogens, which are related to the differences in their biological cycle. Unfortunately, other functions of RJPs are not yet fully characterized; so, it is imperative to continue the research of the functions of RJPs in bees for a better understanding of their biological role.
Dedicated bacterial esterases reverse lipopolysaccharide ubiquitylation to block immune sensing
Authors: Szczesna Magdalena , Huang Yizhou , Lacoursiere Rachel , Bonini Francesca , Pol Vito , Koc Fulya , Ward Beatrice , Geurink Paul , Pruneda Jonathan , Thurston Teresa
Published: July 2023

Pathogenic bacteria have evolved diverse mechanisms to counteract cell-autonomous immunity, which otherwise guards both immune and non-immune cells from the onset of an infection1,2. The versatile immunity protein Ring finger protein 213 (RNF213)3–6 mediates the non-canonical ester-linked ubiquitylation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), marking bacteria that sporadically enter the cytosol for destruction by antibacterial autophagy4. However, whether cytosol-adapted pathogens are ubiquitylated on their LPS and whether they escape RNF213-mediated immunity, remains unknown. Here we show that Burkholderia deubiquitylase (DUB), TssM7–9, is a potent esterase that directly reverses the ubiquitylation of LPS. Without TssM, cytosolic Burkholderia became coated in polyubiquitin and autophagy receptors in an RNF213-dependent fashion. Whereas the expression of TssM was sufficient to enable the replication of the non-cytosol adapted pathogen Salmonella, we demonstrate that Burkholderia has evolved a multi-layered defence system to proliferate in the host cell cytosol, including a block in antibacterial autophagy10–12. Structural analysis provided insight into the molecular basis of TssM esterase activity, allowing it to be uncoupled from isopeptidase function. TssM homologs conserved in another Gram-negative pathogen also reversed non-canonical LPS ubiquitylation, establishing esterase activity as a bacterial virulence mechanism to subvert host cell-autonomous immunity.
How does blockchain technology affect the development of green finance? Theoretical analysis and empirical verification
Authors: Jiang Jinxing , Li Juncheng , Wang Wenwei
Published: July 2023

Facing the problem of a lack of endogenous incentive mechanisms for the development of green finance, we regard blockchain technology as an institutional technology and elevate it to the height of governance mechanisms. Using a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model framework, we compare and analyze its effects with traditional supportive policies such as fiscal subsidies. The modeling simulation results show that the blockchain green finance platform model is conducive to better promoting the development of green finance. Subsequently, we construct a financial technology development index centered on blockchain technology and empirically test the impact of blockchain financial technology on the level of green finance development from both the supply and demand sides. The results show that the development of blockchain financial technology has significantly increased the scale of green credit issuance and effectively eased the financing constraints of green enterprises, reducing financing costs. We conduct an economic analysis of the impact of blockchain financial technology on the development of green finance, providing a feasible path for the integration and development of green finance and financial technology.
Spin-polarized correlated insulator in monolayer MoTe2-x
Authors: Zhang Chendong , Pan Zemin , xiong wenqi , Dai Jiaqi , Wang Yunhua , Jian Tao , Cui Xingxia , Deng Jinghao , Lin Xiaoyu , Cheng Zhengbo , Bai Yusong , Zhu Chao , Huo Da , Li Geng , Feng Min , He Jun , Ji Wei , Yuan Shengjun , Wu Fengcheng , Gao Hong-Jun
Published: July 2023

Flat electronic bands near the Fermi level provide a fertile playground for realizing interaction-driven correlated physics. To date, related experiments have mostly been limited to engineered multilayer systems (e.g., moiré systems). Herein, we report an experimental realization of nearly flat bands across the Fermi level in monolayer MoTe2-x by fabricating a uniformly ordered mirror-twin boundary superlattice (corresponding to a stoichiometry of MoTe56/33). The kagome flat bands are discovered by combining scanning tunnelling microscopy and theoretical calculations. The partial filling nature of flat bands yields a correlated insulating state exhibiting a hard gap as large as 15 meV. Moreover, we observe pronounced responses of the correlated states to magnetic fields, providing evidence for a spin-polarized ground state. Our work introduces a monolayer platform that manifests strong correlation effects arising from flattened electronic bands.
Evaluating the effectiveness of Resilience and Coping psychosocial Intervention
Authors: Baguma Peter , Kajumba Mayanja , Ampaire Ann , Karugahe Wilber , Amongi Elizabeth
Published: July 2023

Covid-19 related psychosocial stress, both in Uganda and internationally, is known to be a major public health burden at many levels including the family (Gordon, 2020). This study explores the effectiveness of the Family Resilience and Coping Intervention (fRCI) in Kampala city in Uganda. .The study employed a two-group randomized, matched subjects, pre-test post-test control group design, investigator-blind, with a baseline, midline and end line spells that lasted for 3 months. Randomization was by family unit, using a 1: 1 allocation. The experimental group received the fRCI and the control group did not. There were 81 participants in the control and 92 in the intervention group. Instruments included a questionnaire that assessed demographic; coping, strengths and difficulties, depression, generalized anxiety, hope, and general family functioning. Evaluation of fRCI, and session feedback was assessed using forms. Data was analyzed using factor analysis, t-test, panel regression and thematic analysis. Across the baseline, mid and end line, results showed that the fRCI was effective in reducing family psychosocial stress. Significant predictors of family psychosocial stress included age, education and coping strategy. The youths, parents and counselors positively evaluated the fRCI and its sessions. It was recommended that the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness adopt the fRCI. Teachers and community leaders and health and disaster workers be trained in implementing the fRCI so that they can help individuals and communities impacted by pandemics like Covid-19.
Exploring Action-Oriented Models via Active Inference for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Nozari Sheida , Krayani Ali , Marin Pablo , Marcenaro Lucio , Gomez David Martin , Regazzoni Carlo
Published: July 2023

Being able to robustly interact with and navigate a dynamic environment has been a long-standing challenge in intelligent transportation systems. Autonomous agents can use models that mimic the human brain to learn how to respond to other participants’ actions in the environment and proactively coordinate with the dynamics. Modeling brain learning procedures is challenging for multiple reasons, such as stochasticity, multi-modality, and unobservant intents. Active inference may be defined as the Bayesian modeling of a brain with a biologically plausible model of the agent. Its primary idea relies on the free energy principle and the prior preference of the agent. It enables the agent to choose an action that leads to its preferred future observations. An exploring actionoriented model is introduced to address the inference complexity and solve the exploration-exploitation dilemma in unobserved environments. It is conducted by adapting active inference to an imitation learning approach and finding a theoretical connection between them. We present a multi-modal self-awareness architecture for autonomous driving systems where the proposed techniques are evaluated on their ability to model proper driving behavior. Experimental results provide the basis for the intelligent driving system to make more human-like decisions and improve agent performance to avoid a collision.
Machine vs. Human, Who Makes A Better Judgment On Innovation?Take GPT-4 For Example
Authors: Du Mark
Published: July 2023

This essay explores the topic of human decision-making and the concept of noise, which refers to random and irrelevant factors that can affect decision-making. The essay argues that while humans are prone to noise in their decision-making processes, artificial intelligence (AI) can make less noise due to its ability to process large amounts of data and apply logical algorithms to make decisions. The essay examines examples and studies to demonstrate the impact of noise on human decision-making, including business idea. Additionally, the essay highlights the potential that machine intuition is doing better than human.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Nanoparticles on Dendritic Cells in a Model of Allergic Contact Dermatitis - Importance of PD-L2 Expression
Authors: Lau Angela Wong , Pineda Jessica Perez , DeLouise Lisa A.
Published: July 2023

Nanoparticle (NP) skin exposure is linked to the increased prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis. In prior studies using the mouse contact hypersensitivity (CHS) model, we reported that silica 20 nm (Si20nm) suppressed the allergic response and TiO2 doped with manganese (mTiO2) exacerbated it. In this work, we conducted in vitro experiments using bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) to study the combinatorial effect of the potent 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) hapten sensitizer with Si20nm and mTiO2 NPs on BMDC cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion and phenotype using the B7 family ligands. Results show that DNFB and mTiO2 behave similarly and exhibit proinflammatory characteristics while Si20nm promotes a naive phenotype. We observe that the B7-H3 (CD276) ligand is only expressed on CD80+ (B7-1) BMDC. Results from adoptive transfer CHS studies, combined with BMDC phenotype analysis, point to the importance of PD-L2 expression in modulating the adaptive immune response. This work identifies metrics that can be used to predict the effects of NPs on contact allergy and to guide efforts to engineer cell-based therapies to induce antigen specific immune tolerance.
Unbiased analysis of spatial learning strategies in a modified Barnes maze using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Illouz Tomer , Ascher Lyn Alice Becker , Madar Ravit , Okun Eitan
Published: July 2023

Assessment of spatial learning abilities is central to behavioral neuroscience and a pillar of animal model validation and drug development. However, biases introduced by the apparatus, environment, or experimentalist represent a critical challenge to the test validity. We have recently developed the Modified Barnes Maze (MBM) task, a spatial learning paradigm that overcomes inherent behavioral biases of animals in the classical Barnes maze. The specific combination of spatial strategies employed by mice is often considered representative of the level of cognitive resources used. Herein, we have developed a convolutional neural network-based classifier of exploration strategies in the MBM that can effectively provide researchers with enhanced insights into cognitive traits in mice. Following validation, we compared the learning performance of female and male C57BL/6 mice, as well as that of Ts65Dn mice, a model of Down syndrome, and 5xFAD mice, a model of Alzheimer’s disease. Male mice exhibited more effective navigation abilities than female mice, reflected in higher utilization of effective spatial search strategies. Compared to wildtype controls, Ts65Dn mice exhibited reduced usage of spatial strategies despite similar success rates in completing this spatial task. These data exemplify the need for deeper strategy classification tools in dissecting complex cognitive traits. In sum, we provide a machine-learning-based strategy classifier that extends our understanding of mice’s spatial learning capabilities while enabling a more accurate cognitive assessment.
Effect of Phospholipid Head Group on Ultrasound-triggered Drug Release and Cellular Uptake of Immunoliposomes
Authors: Awad Nahid S. , Paul Vinod , AlSawaftah Nour M. , Husseini Ghaleb A.
Published: July 2023

Liposomes are the most successful nanoparticles used to date to load and deliver chemotherapeutic agents to cancer cells. They are nano-sized vesicles made up of phospholipids, and targeting moieties can be added to their surfaces for active targeting of specific tumors. Furthermore, Ultrasound can be used to trigger the release of the loaded drugs by disturbing their phospholipid bilayer structure. In this study, we have prepared pegylated liposomes using four types of phospholipids with similar saturated hydrocarbon tails and different head groups (DPPC and DPPA, DPPE, and DPPG). The prepared liposomes were conjugated to the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (TRA) to target the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpressed on HER2-positive cancer cells (HER2+). We have compared the response of the different formulations of liposomes when triggered with low-frequency ultrasound (LFUS) and their cellular uptake by the cancer cells. The results showed that the different formulations had similar size, polydispersity, and stability. TRA-conjugated DPPC liposomes showed the highest sensitivity to LFUS. On the other hand, incubating the cancer cells with TRA-conjugated DPPA liposomes triggered with LFUS showed the highest uptake of the loaded calcein by the HER2 + cells.
Research on the evolution mechanism and decoupling effect of China's carbon emissions from the perspective of green credit: Based on system dynamics model and tapio model
Authors: Cao Zhicheng , he Xinying , zhang Kaiwen
Published: July 2023

Green credit is an important topic in the study of green finance system, but it has not been combined with China's carbon emission reduction effect and industrial carbon emissions. This study takes different industries in China as research objects to explore the relationship between green credit and industrial carbon emissions. First, the LMDI decomposition model was used to decompose the driving factors of industrial carbon emissions, and the effects of green credit efficiency and scale on carbon emissions were obtained. Secondly, on this basis, a system dynamics model was established to predict the changing trend of carbon emissions in different industries. By setting different scenarios of green credit, the development and evolution trend of carbon emission system was simulated when parameters changed, and the Tapio decoupling model was further established to analyze the decoupling effect of green credit and carbon emissions under different scenarios. Finally, the research results show that the increase in the scale of green loans can effectively inhibit carbon emissions, and has the greatest effect on carbon emissions of the secondary industry. The incentive policy of green credit can effectively encourage industrial upgrading and development. With the growth of the balance of green credit, green credit and carbon emissions gradually reach the best decoupling state. This study provides empirical evidence for the objective evaluation of the implementation effect of China's green credit policy, and has important reference value for the improvement and development of future policies.
Piercing the veil on the functioning and effectiveness of district health system governance structures: Perspectives from a South African province
Authors: Tshabalala Khanyisile , Rispel Laetitia C.
Published: July 2023

Background

Leadership and governance are critical for achieving universal health coverage (UHC). In South Africa, aspirations for UHC are expressed through the National Health Insurance policy, which underscores the importance of primary health care, delivered through the district health system (DHS). In light of this, the aim of this study was to determine the existence of legislated District Health Councils (DHCs) in Gauteng Province, and the perceptions of members on the functioning and effectiveness of these structures.

Methods

The study was done in all five districts in Gauteng. The population of interest was members of existing governance structures. Members completed an electronic-self- administered questionnaire (SAQ), which collected perceptions on the functioning and effectiveness of the governance structures, using a seven-point Likert scale. STATA® 13 was used to analyze the survey data. In-depth interviews with the chairpersons of the DHCs and the District Health Council Technical Committees complemented the survey. Interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Results

Only three districts had constituted DHCs. The survey response rate was 73%. The mean score for perceived functioning of the structures was 4.5 (SD=0.7) and 4.8. (SD=0.7) for perceived effectiveness. The interviews found that a collaborative district health development approach facilitated governance. In contrast, fraught inter-governmental relations fueled by the complexity of governing across two spheres of government, exacerbated by political differences, and contestations over limited resources constrained DHS governance. Both the survey and interviews identified gaps in accountability to communities.

Conclusion

In light of South Africa’s move toward NHI, strengthening the governance of the DHS is imperative. The governance gaps identified need to be addressed to ensure the successful implementation of UHC reforms.
Adipocyte p53 coordinates the response to cyclic fasting by regulating adipose tissue immune cell landscape
Authors: Reinisch Isabel , Michenthaler Helene , Moyschewitz Elisabeth , Krstic Jelena , Galhuber Markus , Wang Tongtong , Vujic Nemanja , Amor Melina , Chiozzi Riccardo Zenezini , Wabitsch Martin , Kolb Dagmar , Georgiadi Anastasia , Glawitsch Lisa , Heitzer Ellen , Schulz Tim J. , Schupp Michael , Sun Wenfei , Dong Hua , Ghosh Adhideb , Hoffmann Anne , Kratky Dagmar , J.R. Albert , Sulaj Alba , Blüher Matthias , Herzig Stephan , Wolfrum Christian , Prokesch Andreas
Published: July 2023

In obesity, sustained adipose tissue (AT) inflammation constitutes a cellular memory that limits the effectiveness of weight loss interventions. Yet, the impact of fasting regimens on the regulation of AT immune infiltration is still elusive. Here, we show that cyclic intermittent fasting (IF) exacerbates the lipid-associated macrophage (LAM) inflammatory phenotype of visceral AT in obese mice. Importantly, this increase in LAM abundance is strongly p53 dependent and, at least in part, mediated by p53-driven adipocyte apoptosis. Adipocyte-specific deletion of p53 prevents LAM accumulation in AT during IF and increases the catabolic state of adipocytes, ameliorates metabolic flexibility, and insulin sensitivity. Finally, in cohorts of obese/diabetic patients, we describe a p53 polymorphism that links to long-term efficacy of a fasting-mimicking diet and that the expression of p53 and TREM2 in AT negatively correlates with maintaining weight loss after bariatric surgery. Overall, our results demonstrate that p53 signaling in adipocytes dictates LAM accumulation in AT under IF and that adipocyte p53 modulates fasting effectiveness in mice and humans.
Benralizumab treatment resulted in remission of conventional therapy-resistant eosinophilic esophagitis: a case report
Authors: Ishii Azusa , Shibata Tomofumi , Tsunoda Yohei , Kayukawa Takafumi , Kobayashi Masahiro , Orinaka Masami , Miyamatsu Shoko , Ryuge Yoshio , Asano Shuichi , Tanaka Ichidai Tanaka. Ichidai
Published: July 2023

Background
Interleukin-5 (IL-5) has recently been shown to play a crucial role in eosinophil-mediated diseases, implying that an IL-5 receptor alpha chain (IL-5Rα) antibody (benralizumab) can be effective against eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Here, we present a case in which benralizumab significantly improved the symptoms and signs of an elderly Asian woman with EoE who had become resistant to existing treatments.
Case presentation:
A 73-year-old woman with an 8-year history of asthma and a 7-year history of dysphagia presented to our hospital with worsening dysphagia and other digestive symptoms. Blood biochemical findings revealed an increase in the eosinophil fraction of white blood cells (42.2%), and a conventional chest computed tomography scan revealed esophageal wall thickening. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed mucosal edema as well as multiple esophageal rings, and esophageal biopsy specimens showed an eosinophilic infiltrate of more than 15 cells/ high power field (HPF). Based on these findings, she was diagnosed as EoE complicated by severe asthma. We firstly administrated 20 mg/day of prednisolone, rabeprazole sodium and budesonide oral therapy; however, they were ineffective and her dysphagia worsened over time. Then, benralizumab treatment in combination with these drugs was started. Her dysphagia completely disappeared 2 weeks after starting benralizumab, and an upper endoscopy showed that the clinical findings had completely disappeared. Benralizumab was then given to her for 41 months, and her symptoms remained in remission. In addition, she had no EoE recurrence for more than 6 months after discontinuing benralizumab.
Conclusions
Benralizumab in combination with other multiple drugs significantly improved the symptoms and examination findings of an elderly patients with EoE. Furthermore, she experienced no recurrence even after discontinuing benralizumab withdrawal, suggesting that benralizumab is an appropriate therapeutic option for EoE.
Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine(TCAM) Use Among PLHIV on Antiretroviral Medication.
Authors: Denu Mawulorm KI , Buadu Maame Araba E. , Adrah Frederick , Normeshie Cornelius A. , Berko Kofi Poku
Published: July 2023

Background: Traditional complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) are products and practices that differ from conventional allopathic medicine. There continues to be an increase in the use of these methods of treatment in developed and developing countries worldwide. This often owes to the perceived ability of these treatment methods to cure chronic medical conditions like HIV. However, TCAM use may be associated with reduced compliance with antiretroviral medications, which leads to poor viral load suppression and increased risk for opportunistic infections. The concomitant use of antiretroviral drugs and TCAM practice may be influenced by some sociodemographic and health-related factors.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of TCAM use and examine the sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with its use among PLHIV on antiretroviral medications at the Infectious Disease unit of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among attendants at an adult HIV clinic. 420 study participants were selected by systematic sampling. Data related to TCAM use, sociodemographic and health-related factors were collected using a standardized questionnaire and patient chart review. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the association between TCAM use, sociodemographic and health-related factors.
Results: Majority of participants were female (76.2%) and had been diagnosed with HIV for ≥ 5 years (77.4%). The prevalence of TCAM use among PLHIV was 25.2%. No sociodemographic or health-related factor was significantly associated with TCAM use.
Conclusion: TCAM use was high among PLHIV. No sociodemographic or health-related factor was found to be associated with TCAM use. Further studies employing a qualitative approach using key informant interviews and focused group discussions are needed to explore reasons for its use. Care providers and policy-makers should look beyond sociodemographic and health-related factors in addressing TCAM use among PLHIV.
Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies, elevated homocysteine and their roles in the biochemical basis of neuropsychiatric diseases in children and adolescents: Case series, review and recommendations
Authors: Esnafoglu Erman
Published: July 2023

Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies can be frequently seen in children and adolescents and may manifest with neuropsychiatric symptoms. Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies and the associated increase in homocysteine are related to one-carbon metabolism (OCM) and may play a role in the pathogenesis of childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders. Here, twelve adolescent cases with vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies and homocysteine increase, diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder are presented. The possible biochemical roles of OCM in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders at these ages were explained. In addition, the diagnosis and treatment methods for vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies are summarized for clinicians.
Utilization of Health Service and Associated Factors Among Women in Child-bearing Age in Selected Internaly Displaced Persons Camps, Hargeisa – Somaliland
Authors: Nuh Abdulkadir Mohamed , Asker Isahaq Mohamoud
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The utilization of health care services is an important public health problem in developing countries for the accomplishment of global health coverage. Access to and use services in health care are significant to the development of health outcomes in many African countries. In most sub-Saharan countries, the utilization of health care services is very low. Reproductive health problems are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women of childbearing age in developing countries. Although global strategies have been planned to improve access to high-quality health services, there are still obstacles to attain. Women of child-bearing age usually need more health services than other age groups, and they are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth, which might result in increased morbidity and mortality.
Objective: To assess the utilization of health services and associated factors among women of childbearing age in internal displaced person (IDP) camps in Hargeisa, Somaliland.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed among women of childbearing age in the selected IDP camps in Hargeisa. Out of eight IDPs in Hargeisa, three were selected by the lottery method. A total of 402 women of childbearing age were selected using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. The data were cleaned, coded and entered into SPSS version 23 for further analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to analyse the data.
Results: The overall health service utilization among women of childbearing age in Hargeisa IDPs was found to be 61.5%.The age groups of 23 – 27 years old and 33 – 37 years old were 5 times and 3 times more likely to utilize health services, respectively [AOR 5.2 (Cl: 2.1 – 13.0)] and [AOR 2.7 (Cl: 1.2 – 5.9)]. Married women had higher odds of utilizing health services than single women. (AOR: 0.23 (0.07 – 0.73).
Conclusion: The overall health service utilization among women in childbearing in IDPs in Hargeisa was found to be unsatisfactory. Respondents’ age group, marital status,and educational level were found to be significantly associated with health service utilization among mothers in childbearing in IDPs in Hargeisa Somaliland.
Fear of COVID-19 among caregivers of older people in southern Portugal: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mendes Felismina Rosa , Sim-Sim Margarida , Gemito Maria Laurência , Barros Maria da Luz , Serra Isaura da Conceição , Caldeira Ana Teresa
Published: July 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic infected many institutionalized older people in its first and second waves. Workers at homes for older people, were in the first line of contact. In Portugal, the level of pandemic fear among these workers is unknown, as are its predictive factors. This study aimed to identify predictors of fear of COVID-19 in workers caring for institutionalized older people in homes. It's a quantitative, cross-sectional study using multiple linear regression applied in a population of 652 formal caregivers located in 14 municipalities at southern Portugal. The questionnaire contained questions on sociodemographic variables, occurrence of infection, occurrence of symptoms similar, to COVID-19, exposure to infection in the environment, occurrence of chronic disease, smoking habits, and knowledge about COVID-19. The criterion variable was the fear of COVID-19, an interval variable. The values of the non-standardized regression coefficients showed that the fear of COVID-19 infection increased when the educational level was lower (b=-2.599), and this variable was the most important predictor. For each additional symptom similar, to COVID-19 infection, a worker had in the last two weeks, fear of the disease increased 2.12-fold. Workers vaccinated against influenza had a 1.16-fold greater fear of COVID-19 infection.