bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Students’ numerical ability on minimum competency assessment in junior high school
Authors: Susanto Edi , Fransiska Herlin , Susanta Agus
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to describe the numeracy abilities of junior high school students in Bengkulu City in solving math problems based on minimum competency assessment questions. The results of this study for the long term can be used to prepare students’ abilities to face the minimum competency assessment test. The research method used is survey research with a qualitative descriptive approach. The population in this study were all Class VIII students from the State and Private junior high schools of Bengkulu City, namely 40 schools. Sample selection was done in two stages: stratified random sampling and simple random sampling. The research sample consisted of 8 junior high schools in Bengkulu City that met the sample criteria. Data was collected using the minimum competency assessment level 4 math test instrument with 8 items based on the minimum competency assessment grid. Data analysis was carried out with descriptive statistics to describe students' abilities, and prediction tests were conducted using regression tests to describe students' readiness to take the minimum competency assessment test. The results of the study based on the material aspect showed that: (1) students' mastery of number material was 54.47%, (2) algebraic material mastery was 46.44%, (3) students' mastery of geometry material was 33.15%, and (4) material data and opportunities of 18.81%. The analysis results of the level of student knowledge about implementing minimum competency assessment are, on average, in the less category with a percentage of 48.42%. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that there be the socialization of the application of minimum competency assessment to teachers and students as well as the preparation of special questions so that students are accustomed to solving minimum competency assessment-based questions.
Analysis of Offline and Online Learning Processes During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fatimah Fatimah , Susiati Susiati , Suherman La Ode Achmad , Tinggapy Hasanudin , Goa Ivana , Yulismayanti Yulismayanti
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study is to assess the offline and online learning process at Namlea State Primary School 5 (SDN 5 Namlea) during the Covid-19 pandemic and to identify the teacher's approach for integrating offline and online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic at SDN 5 Namlea. This study employed a qualitative descriptive methodology with a phenomenological approach. Principals, instructors, students in Classes I, III, IV, and VI, and students in Classes III, IV, and V served as data sources for both primary and secondary data. This research employs nonparticipant observation employing field survey techniques (field study), interviews (interviews), documentary studies, and literature studies as its methodology. During the Covid-19 epidemic, the results of the study demonstrate that the offline and online learning processes at SDN 5 Namlea are very efficient and effective. The school incorporates offline learning through 1) shift (alternating teaching and learning), 2) television, 3) study groups, and 4) home visits. In the process of online education, teachers utilize two media platforms, namely WhatsApp and YouTube. During the Covid-19 pandemic, SDN 5 Namlea implemented offline and online learning strategies by 1) conducting learning activities (Blended Learning, Offline, Online); 2) using technological facilities such as gadgets, laptops, internet, and wifi; and 3) utilizing application media, namely WhatsApp and YouTube.
Investment management and financial development in infrastructure renovation of a sustainable-built environment
Authors: Koval V , Mikhno I , Zharikova O , Tsvirko O , Metil T , Nitsenko V
Published: April 2023

Purpose. The paper substantiates the approach to managing the renewal of ecosystems of territories and the renovation of infrastructure using investment support and resource rationalization based on the financial development of a sustainable built environment. Methodology. The methodology is based on a study of the investment and financial resources that can be used to rebuild destroyed infrastructure, and it was carried out using analytical methods to assess infrastructure renovation costs, statistical methods of data analysis on the state of the environmental and economic systems, as well as mathematical modeling and balance methods for the formation of a green city model. Findings. The investment potential of Ukraine was analyzed, and a conclusion was made about the feasibility of implementing the project, increasing the economic efficiency of smart green cities, which creates prerequisites for further infrastructure renovation in Ukraine. The study reveals the key economic and environmental problems of Ukraine, suggests ways of overcoming them, and offers a model for developing the territories destroyed by military action. An approach to the renovation of the territory based on the restoration of the ecosystems of the regions and cities and the creation of comfortable conditions for the return of citizens to their homeland is proposed. Originality. The article outlines the basic principles for renovating a destroyed infrastructure based on energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. The possibilities of financing environmental projects in the post-war restoration of the national economy are considered. Practical value. The proposed approach makes it possible to evaluate investments in infrastructure renovation and ensure effective management of financial development in a sustainable-built environment.
Mối quan hệ giữa hoạt động môi trường, xã hội và hiệu quả tài chính trong lĩnh vực ngân
hàng: Nghiên cứu các ngân hàng Châu Á
Authors: Đỗ Thị Mộng Thường
Published: April 2023

Bài báo này xem xét mối quan hệ giữa hoạt động môi trường, xã hội và hiệu quả tài chính trong lĩnh vực ngân hàng thông qua nghiên cứu các ngân hàng thương mại niêm yết trong giai đoạn 2009-2021 tại khu vực Châu Á. Nghiên cứu này chỉ ra rằng các hoạt động môi trường, xã hội và quản trị tác động tích cực với hiệu quả tài chính ngay tức thì và các ngân hàng có quy mô tài sản càng lớn thì các tác động càng tích cực đến hiệu quả tài chính. Đối với các ngân hàng có quy mô tài sản nhỏ hơn mức trung bình, chúng tôi vẫn chưa tìm ra được mối quan hệ giữa môi trường, xã hội và hiệu quả tài chính. Hơn nữa, các hoạt động liên quan đến môi trường, đặc biệt là việc sử dụng tài nguyên liên quan đến môi trường có tác động tiêu cực với hiệu quả tài chính và các hoạt động liên quan đến xã hội và quản trị có tác động tích cực với hiệu quả tài chính.
Tác động của tạo thanh khoản đến ổn định tài chính của các ngân hàng thương mại tại Việt
Nam – Tiếp cận theo phương pháp hồi quy phân vị
Authors: Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Linh
Published: April 2023

Nghiên cứu phân tích tác động của tạo thanh khoản, tốc độ tăng vốn chủ sở hữu và tương tác của chúng đối với sự ổn định tài chính của các ngân hàng thương mại Việt Nam bằng cách sử dụng phương pháp ước lượng hồi quy phân vị đối với mẫu gồm 25 ngân hàng thương mại trong giai đoạn 2007 – 2021. Kết quả cho thấy tạo thanh khoản và tăng trưởng vốn chủ sở hữu có ảnh hưởng tích cực đến ổn định tài chính của ngân hàng. Ngoài ra, tỷ lệ chi phí trên thu nhập, tỷ lệ thu nhập lãi ròng và lạm phát có tác động thuận chiều đến ổn định tài chính của ngân hàng. Hơn nữa, phương pháp hồi quy phân vị còn cho thấy tác động tích cực của tạo thanh khoản đến ổn định là không đồng nhất, nó có vai trò quan trọng hơn đối với ngân hàng có mức độ ổn định trung bình thấp. Từ đó, nghiên cứu đề xuất một số hàm ý đối với các nhà lập chính sách nhằm củng cố sự ổn định tài chính của hệ thống ngân hàng thương mại Việt Nam.
Những yếu tố tác động đến ý định sử dụng ví điện tử của người dân ở miền Bắc Việt Nam
Authors: Trần Văn Hùng , Lê Hồng Quyết
Published: April 2023

Bài viết nhằm xây dựng và kiểm định mô hình nghiên cứu những yếu tố tác động đến ý định sử dụng ví điện tử của người dân ở miền Bắc nước ta. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy có 4 yếu tố tác động, trong đó có 3 yếu tố “Sự tin tưởng”, “Nhận thức tính hữu ích”, “Nhận thức tính dễ sử dụng” có tác động tích cực đến ý định sử dụng ví điện tử của người dân miền Bắc nước ta. Yếu tố thứ tư “Nhận thức rủi ro” có tác động ngược đến ý định sử dụng ví điện tử của người dân miền Bắc nước ta. Công trình nghiên cứu đã cung cấp những minh chứng thực nghiệm trong bối cảnh của đại dịch Covid 19. Bài viết đề xuất các khuyến nghị cụ thể với các nhà phát hành ví điện tử và các tổ chức cung cấp dịch vụ ví điện tử để thúc đẩy người dân Việt Nam sử dụng chúng trong thời gian tới.
Thành viên hội đồng quản trị độc lập và hiệu quả tài chính của doanh nghiệp – nghiên cứu
trên sàn giao dịch chứng khoán
Authors: Nguyễn Văn Chiến , Trần Mạnh Dũng
Published: April 2023

Mục tiêu của nghiên cứu này nhằm đánh giá sự tham gia thành viên độc lập trong hội đồng quản trị độc lập đến hiệu quả tài chính của doanh nghiệp. Sử dụng dữ liệu bảng tại 48 doanh nghiệp niêm yết trên Sàn giao dịch chứng khoán giai đoạn 2008 đến 2020 và phương pháp hồi quy bình phương tối thiểu gộp, phương pháp tác động cố định, tác động ngẫu nhiên, và sử dụng phương pháp bình phương tối thiểu nhằm loại bỏ các khuyết tật xảy ra trong mô hình ước lượng, kết quả nghiên cứu cho rằng không có mối quan hệ giữa sự tham gia của thành viên độc lập trong hội đồng quản trị và hiệu quả tài chính của doanh nghiệp, điều này phản ánh sự tham gia của thành viên độc lập trong hội đồng quản trị tại các công ty Việt Nam chưa thực sự hiệu quả. Ngoài ra, doanh nghiệp có quy mô hội đồng quản trị lớn hơn thì thường có hiệu quả tài chính cao hơn. Nghiên cứu không tìm thấy bằng chứng tác động giữa tính thanh khoản, quy mô của doanh nghiệp và hiệu quả tài chính của doanh nghiệp, nhưng nghiên cứu khẳng định tác động tiêu cực của cấu trúc vốn đến hiệu quả tài chính của doanh nghiệp.
INTERVENTIONS IN INTERNAL MEDICINE WARDS WITH SCOPE OF CLINICAL PHARMACY RESIDENCY PROGRAM: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: AYHAN Yunus Emre , SANCAR Mesut
Published: April 2023

Objective: Drug-related problems are a common health problem in hospitalized patients, affecting optimal patient outcomes. The aim of the study is to classify the drug-related problems detected by clinical pharmacy resident in hospitalized patients during their rotations and evaluate their interventions to the healthcare team.
Material and Method: This is a retrospective study in which the drug-related problems of the patients hospitalized in the internal medicine wards between April and November 2018 were examined during the rotations of the clinical pharmacy resident. Patients’ demographics, prescribed medicine, laboratory findings were recorded. Drug-related problems are classified with the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe Version 9.1 system.
Result and Discussion: Ninety-two patients were included in the study. The median age of patients was 60.5 years and 59.8% of them were female. Most of the patients (63%) had three or more comorbidities. The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension (21.70%) and diabetes mellitus (10.64%). One hundred forty-seven drug-related problems were detected in 57 patients (62%). Potential drug-drug interactions (55.78%), errors in dosing timing instructions (9.52%), and inappropriate drug use according to guidelines (8.16%) were the most common causes of drug-related problems. The acceptance rate of interventions for resolving drug-related problems was 65%. The most common drug-related problems in this study were due to drug selection. The acceptance rate of recommendations for drug-related problems was lower than in the literature. However, this initial acceptance rate can be considered successful in a center where clinical pharmacy services have not been established.
Comportamiento epidemiológico de la tuberculosis, Colombia, 2019
Authors: Bermúdez Pinzón Lissete Andrea
Published: April 2023

Introducción: la tuberculosis es un problema de salud pública por la morbimortalidad a nivel mundial, en la Región de las Américas y Colombia. Por su contexto causal, esta enfermedad requiere un análisis interinstitucional y desde los determinantes sociales que permita generar intervenciones efectivas para su control. Objetivo: describir el comportamiento epidemiológico de tuberculosis en Colombia en 2019. Materiales y métodos: estudio transversal descriptivo. La fuente de información es la notificación por tuberculosis al Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública Sivigila. Los datos fueron procesados en Excel. Se realizó análisis univariado con medidas de frecuencia absoluta y relativa, y tasas por departamento de residencia. Según lo establecido en la Resolución 08430 de 1993 este estudio no representó riesgo. Resultados: en la tendencia del 2013 a 2019, la incidencia de tuberculosis presentó una variación al aumento, comparando el año 2013 con 24,46 casos por 100 000 habitantes y el año 2019 con 27,7 casos por 100 000 habitantes. La mayor proporción (64,7 %) de casos corresponden al sexo masculino y el grupo de edad más afectado es el de 25 a 34 años con 21,8 %. La forma pulmonar aporta el mayor porcentaje (83,3 %) de los casos. Las comorbilidades más frecuentes son desnutrición (14,4 %), coinfección TBVIH (11,9 %) y diabetes (8,0 %). Conclusión: el aumento de tuberculosis puede estar asociado al fortalecimiento en la detección bacteriológica de casos y la implementación del Plan Estratégico Colombia Hacia el Fin de la Tuberculosis (articulación de programa, laboratorio y vigilancia).
The Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA), the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc), the Caudate Nucleus (CN) and the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) role in the Response to Acute and Chronic Methylphenidate
Authors: King Nicholas , Dafny Nachum
Published: April 2023

Methylphenidate (MPD) is psychostimulant, similar to cocaine and amphetamine, that is commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and is increasingly being abused by healthy subjects for its psychoactive effects such as memory retention cognitive enhancement for young, adult and the elderly and recreation. MPD’s action on the brain reward/motive circuit is still under investigation, however it is known that in animals chronic use of MPD leads to behavioral sensitization, an experimental indicator associated with dependence. To investigate this neural circuit’s role in response to acute and chronic MPD, three different lesions (non-specific, dopaminergic specific, and glutaminergic specific lesions) have been conducted at the nucleus accumbens (NAc), the ventral tegmental area (VTA), the caudate nucleus (CN), and the prefrontal cortex (PFC), to assess the structure, dopaminergic signaling, and glutaminergic signaling roles in response to MPD. The three types of lesions show that each one of the above four brain areas participate differently in the acute and chronic effect of MPD and have helped determine which type of signaling is critical for the acute and/or chronic behavioral adaptions to MPD.
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AND WATER ABSORPTION OF CEMENT-LOCUST BEAN WASTE ASH BLEND FOR LATCRETE BLOCKS PRODUCTION
Authors: Ibedu Kenneth Ejike , Duru Paul Paulinus , Akin Oluwatobi Olufemi , Egwa Egwa Adah
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates the compressive strength and water absorption properties of cement-locust bean waste ash blend for latcrete block production. Locust bean waste was burned in the open air and later calcined at a temperature of 600°C for 3 hours to activate the amorphous content of the ash produced. The locust bean ash was used to replace cement at 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% by weight of cement in the production of 9” hollow latcrete blocks. A mix ratio of 1:6 was adopted in the block making. Various tests were carried out on the materials used for the block production to make sure it is up to the required standard. Compressive strength test and water absorption test were carried out on the latcrete blocks. The compressive strength result of the latcrete block with LBWA and the water absorption test conducted gave a promising enhancement after 28 days of curing. This research concludes that latcrete blocks with locust bean waste ash could be utilized in the construction industries for building purposes with better strength and durability properties.
The Effect of Phase I of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Length of Stay for Coronary Heart Disease Patients at Mardi Waluyo Hospital, Blitar City
Authors: Cholis Eko Prastyo , Nurachmah Elly , Adam Muhamad
Published: April 2023

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is a specific term for a cardiovascular disease characterized by narrowing coronary artery tissue mainly due to atherosclerosis that causes microangiopathy. CHD patients in the treatment, in addition to receiving treatment, also receive rehabilitation to help speed up the recovery from physical, psychological, and social conditions. The rehabilitation program should be given since admission to the hospital, known as phase I of Cardiac Rehabilitation. One of the components of phase I of Cardiac Rehabilitation is a physical activity aimed at speeding up the recovery of the patient's condition to return to regular activities. This study aims to determine the relationship between cardiac phase I rehabilitation for the length of patient care for CHD in Mardi Waluyo Hospital Blitar City. This study used a quasi-experimental design with the post-test only non-equivalent group. The sample in this study consisted of 14 respondents from the intervention group and 14 patients for the control group respondents who were diagnosed with CHD in Mardi Waluyo Hospital, Blitar City, matching the specified inclusion criteria. The results showed a significant correlation between heart phase I rehabilitation on the duration of care (p-value = 0.007). The statistical test used a bivariate correlation test with the Mann-Whitney Test. This result yielded that it needs to be given early on to CHD patients as it can help the healing process and shorten hospitalization. Furthermore, the shorter length of care will further save the operational costs of CHD patient care.
Application of annotation-agnostic RNA sequencing data analysis tools for biomarker discovery in liquid biopsy
Authors: Wajnberg Gabriel , Allain Eric P. , Roy Jeremy W. , Srivastava Shruti , Saucier Daniel , Morin Pier , Marrero Alier , O’Connell Colleen , Ghosh Anirban , Lewis Stephen M. , Ouellette Rodney J. , Crapoulet Nicolas
Published: April 2023

RNA sequencing analysis is an important field in the study of extracellular vesicles (EVs), as these particles contain a variety of RNA species that may have diagnostic, prognostic and predictive value. Many of the bioinformatics tools currently used to analyze EV cargo rely on third-party annotations. Recently, analysis of unannotated expressed RNAs has become of interest, since these may provide complementary information to traditional annotated biomarkers or may help refine biological signatures used in machine learning by including unknown regions. Here we perform a comparative analysis of annotation-free and classical read-summarization tools for the analysis of RNA sequencing data generated for EVs isolated from persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and healthy donors. Differential expression analysis and digital-droplet PCR validation of unannotated RNAs also confirmed their existence and demonstrates the usefulness of including such potential biomarkers in transcriptome analysis. We show that find-then-annotate methods perform similarly to standard tools for the analysis of known features, and can also identify unannotated expressed RNAs, two of which were validated as overexpressed in ALS samples. We demonstrate that these tools can therefore be used for a stand-alone analysis or easily integrated into current workflows and may be useful for re-analysis as annotations can be integrated post hoc.
Bioprospecting microbes and enzymes for the production of pterocarpans and coumestans
Authors: Perez Rojo Fernando , Pillow J. Jane , Kaur Parwinder
Published: April 2023

The isoflavonoid derivatives, pterocarpans and coumestans, are explored for multiple clinical applications as osteo-regenerative, neuroprotective and anti-cancer agents. The use of plant-based systems to produce isoflavonoid derivatives is limited due to cost, scalability, and sustainability constraints. Microbial cell factories overcome these limitations in which model organisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae offer an efficient platform to produce isoflavonoids. Bioprospecting microbes and enzymes can provide an array of tools to enhance the production of these molecules. Other microbes that naturally produce isoflavonoids present a novel alternative as production chassis and as a source of novel enzymes. Enzyme bioprospecting allows the complete identification of the pterocarpans and coumestans biosynthetic pathway, and the selection of the best enzymes based on activity and docking parameters. These enzymes consolidate an improved biosynthetic pathway for microbial-based production systems. In this review, we report the state-of-the-art for the production of key pterocarpans and coumestans, describing the enzymes already identified and the current gaps. We report available databases and tools for microbial bioprospecting to select the best production chassis. We propose the use of a holistic and multidisciplinary bioprospecting approach as the first step to identify the biosynthetic gaps, select the best microbial chassis, and increase productivity. We propose the use of microalgal species as microbial cell factories to produce pterocarpans and coumestans. The application of bioprospecting tools provides an exciting field to produce plant compounds such as isoflavonoid derivatives, efficiently and sustainably.
Fabrication and optimization of 3D printed gelatin methacryloyl microneedle arrays based on vat photopolymerization
Authors: Baykara Dilruba , Bedir Tuba , Ilhan Elif , Mutlu Mehmet Eren , Gunduz Oguzhan , Narayan Roger , Ustundag Cem Bulent
Published: April 2023

Microneedles (MNs) are micrometer-sized arrays that can penetrate the skin in a minimally invasive manner; these devices offer tremendous potential for the transdermal delivery of therapeutic molecules. Although there are many conventional techniques for manufacturing MNs, most of them are complicated and can only fabricate MNs with specific geometries, which restricts the ability to adjust the performance of the MNs. Herein, we present the fabrication of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) MN arrays using the vat photopolymerization 3D printing technique. This technique allows for the fabrication of high-resolution and smooth surface MNs with desired geometries. The existence of methacryloyl groups bonded to the GelMA was verified by 1H NMR and FTIR analysis. To examine the effects of varying needle heights (1000, 750, and 500 µm) and exposure times (30, 50, and 70 s) on GelMA MNs, the height, tip radius, and angle of the needles were measured; their morphological and mechanical properties were also characterized. It was observed that as the exposure time increased, the height of the MNs increased; moreover, sharper tips were obtained and tip angles decreased. In addition, GelMA MNs exhibited good mechanical performance with no breakage up to 0.3 mm displacement. These results indicate that 3D printed GelMA MNs have great potential for transdermal delivery of various therapeutics.
Wastewater and sludge valorisation: a novel approach for treatment and resource recovery to achieve circular economy concept
Authors: Kathi Srujana , Singh Siril , Yadav Rajni , Singh Anand Narain , Mahmoud Alaa El Din
Published: April 2023

Global demand for freshwater is rapidly escalating. It is highly essential to keep pace with the necessities of the increasing population. The effluents of wastewater are gradually identified as a reservoir of resources for energy generation and economic boom. Henceforth, most wastewater and sludge have great potential for reuse and recycling. The re-utilization and valorization of wastewater and sludge contribute to accomplishing sustainable development goals, combating water scarcity, and alleviating adverse environmental impacts of wastewater on the environmental components. The present article highlights the most novel approaches for wastewater treatment for the waste valorization of different industrial origins and the generation of value-added products and recovery of biopolymers, vitamins, enzymes, dyes, pigments, and phenolic compounds. We highlighted the life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis. In addition, we have addressed a critical overview of the barriers to the large-scale application of resource recovery strategies and economic, environmental, and social concerns associated with using waste-derived products.
Sphalerite as a non-traditional critical metal source: Correlative microscopy (EPMA, EBSD, and APT) of cobalt-enriched sulfides from the sediment-hosted copper-cobalt Dolostone Ore Formation deposit, Namibia
Authors: Bertrandsson Erlandsson Viktor , Gopon Phillip , Waldl Helene , Misch David , Ellmies Rainer , Melcher Frank
Published: April 2023

Sphalerite from the sediment-hosted Dolostone Ore Formation (DOF) Cu-Co-Zn deposit, in northwestern Namibia, has previously been shown to contain extremely high concentrations of the critical metal Co (up to 1 wt%). These concentrations are the highest reported in sphalerite to date, and the how and why of sphalerite being able to incorporate such high concentrations of Co are poorly understood. We use correlative electron probe microanalysis, electron backscattered diffraction, and atom probe to reconstruct the likely incorporation mechanisms and modes of occurrence of such high Co concentrations in natural sphalerite. While over twenty samples were studied, the comprehensive analytical workflow was executed on one representative sample to gain a detailed understanding of Co enrichment. The sulfides of the studied sample are Co-rich pyrite, chalcopyrite, Co-rich sphalerite, linnaeite, cobaltpentlandite, and cobaltite, mentioned in order of abundance. Detailed petrography of these sulfides indicates that they formed through three stages during the main Cu-Co-Zn ore stage of the DOF. Cobalt was initially contained in pyrite that grew during Ore Stage 1 and was later affected by oxidizing fluids (Ore Stage two). This led to remobilization and growth of linnaeite (Co2+Co3+2S4). A later change in fO2 (Ore Stage three) led to the breakdown of linnaeite and the further growth of accessory cobaltite along with the Co-rich sphalerite and chalcopyrite. The hyper-enriched Co-sphalerite then is the last major sink for Co in the DOF deposit. A low Fe and Co and high Zn sub-grain boundary network within the Co-rich sphalerite was identified by EPMA and EBSD. This sub-grain network is believed to have formed during a later, secondary metamorphic stage (Cu-Zn (-Pb) Ore Stage 4), which developed during ductile deformational mineralization styles such as pressure shadows and veins. Our APT data reconstructions show no evidence for Co-inclusions within the Co-sphalerite, and spatial ion correlation analyses of the data suggest that Co occurs in the sphalerite through simple substitution of Zn. This study demonstrates that sphalerite may contain significant concentrations of the Co through simple substitution, potentially representing an important non-traditional Co source in future critical metal exploration.
Morphological and osteological characterization of indigenous domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus): validation of Rensch’s, Bergmann’s and Allen’s rules
Authors: Gebru Gebreslassie , Belay Gurja , Dessie Tadelle , Zenebe Kelkay Mulalem , Birhanie Dagnhegn Minister , Hanotte Olivier
Published: April 2023

Ecogeographical habitat heterogeneity in wild endotherm species results in morphological variability associated with physiological mechanisms for maintaining their body temperature at a thermoneutral state in different environments. This habitat-induced morphological variation has led to the proposal of three main ecogeographical and biological rules (Rensch, Bergmann, and Allen). Whether or not domesticated animal species, under the care and management of humans, follow the same rules has not yet been investigated in detail. In this study, we randomly sampled 333 adult indigenous chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) from three habitats representing the highland, midland and lowland agro-ecologies in the Tigray Region (Ethiopia). We aimed to assess the importance of Rensch’s, Bergmann’s, and Allen’s rules in shaping their morphology and osteology. For Bergmann’s and Allen’s rules, we analyzed the morphological characteristics of 297 (208 female, 89 male) and the osteological characteristics of 36 (19 female, 17 male) indigenous chickens. For the morphological validation of Rensch’s rule, we used 89 male chickens and randomly selected 89 female chickens, while for the osteological validation, 17 male and female chickens were analyzed. Chickens from the lowland agro-ecology (warm climate) had a smaller body mass index (BMI) and larger appendages, while chickens from the highland agro-ecology (cold climate) had a larger BMI and smaller appendages (Bergmann’s and Allen’s rules). Morphological and osteological sexual dimorphism were observed, with the male chickens being larger than the female chickens and with size differences proportional to the body size (Rensch’s rule). In both sexes, regression analysis showed a relationship between BMI and altitude as well as temperature. Shank length, wingspan, and the length and surface area (earlobe, wattle, and beak) of the appendages were significantly associated with climatic variables. Moreover, our regression model revealed that wingspan and shank length could be predicted from the greatest length of the humerus and tarsometatarsus. Our findings support the idea that indigenous chickens’ adaptation mechanisms to environmental challenges largely agree with the expectation of Rensch’s, Bergmann’s, and Allen’s biogeographical rules across the different altitudinal habitats of the Tigray Region.
Not so monochromatic: Size-dependency of both sex and color in the cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus
Authors: Trigo Sandra , Narvaez Pauline , Cardoso Gonçalo C. , Soares Marta C.
Published: April 2023

In marine interspecific cleaning mutualisms, small fish known as “cleaners” inspect the surface, gills and sometimes the mouth of “client” reef fish, eating ectoparasites, mucus, scales and dead or infected tissue. These cleaner fish species share similar vivid coloration that makes them recognizable by clients. To gain insight on additional communication roles of cleaner fish color, we tested if differences in color among cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus individuals captured from the wild are explained by sex, body size or parasite loads. We found that males were larger, heavier and tended to have more saturated blue tails than females. We also found blue color saturation to be positively correlated with size, and that this size-dependence explains the trend for the sexes to differ in color. Parasite loads did not predict individual differences in color, but fish in our sample were not heavily parasitized. Other color traits (including yellow color saturation and black color brightness) did not differ between the sexes and were associated with morphological differences. Size-dependence of blue color may thus suggest that it is a condition-dependent signal that could be used in various types of inter- and intraspecific social interactions.
The positive association between white blood cell count and metabolic syndrome is independent of insulin resistance among a Chinese population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ren ZhongYu , Luo Shi , Liu Lian
Published: April 2023

Background

The association between white blood cells (WBCs) and metabolic syndrome (MS) has been consistently reported in previous studies using regional samples. However, it remains unclear whether this relationship has urban–rural differences and is independent of insulin resistance using a large-scale representative sample. Additionally, accurate risk prediction in patients with MS is crucial for developing targeted interventions to enhance the quality of life and prognosis of patients.

Aims

The aims of this study were (1) to examine the cross-sectional association between WBCs and MS among the national population and analyze the urban–rural difference and whether insulin resistance plays a moderator effect in this association and (2) to describe the performance to predict MS using machine learning (ML) models.

Design

A cross-sectional study was performed using 7,014 data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS).

Methods

WBCs were analyzed using an automatic hematology analyzer and MS was defined according to the criteria of the American Heart Association scientific statements of 2009. Variables on sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, and residence), clinical laboratory (BMI and HOMA-IR), and lifestyle characteristics (smoking and drinking status) were used to construct ML models to predict MS [logistic regression (LR) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network].

Results

We found that 21.1% of participants (1,479/7,014) were classified as having MS. In multivariate logistic regression (including insulin resistance), the result revealed a significant positive association between WBCs and MS. The odds ratios (95% CI) for MS with increasing WBC level were 1.00 (reference), 1.65 (1.18, 2.31), and 2.18 (1.36, 3.50) (p for trend: 0.001). For two ML algorithms, two models showed adequate calibration and good discrimination, but the MLP showed better performance (AUC-ROC = 0.862 and 0.867).

Conclusion

With the aim of confirming the association between WBCs and MS, this cross-sectional study is the first to show that maintaining normal WBC count levels is helpful to prevent the development of MS, and this association is independent of insulin resistance. The results also showed that the MPL algorithm represented a more prominent predictive performance to predict MS.
Intersection of nanomaterials and organoids technology in biomedicine
Authors: Shen Chen , Zhang Zi-jian , Li Xiao-xue , Huang Yun-peng , Wang Yong-xiang , Zhou Hui , Xiong Li , Wen Yu , Zou Heng , Liu Zhong-tao
Published: April 2023

Organoids are stem cell-derived, self-organizing, 3D structures. Compared to the conventional 2D cell culture method, 3D cultured organoids contain a variety of cell types that can form functional “micro-organs” and can be used to simulate the occurrence process and physiological pathological state of organ tissues more effectively. Nanomaterials (NMs) are becoming indispensable in the development of novel organoids. Understanding the application of nanomaterials in organoid construction can, therefore, provide researchers with ideas for the development of novel organoids. Here, we discuss the application status of NMs in various organoid culture systems and the research direction of NMs combined with organoids in the biomedical field.
Primary Health Care in the Peruvian Amazon during COVID-19: perspectives from Indigenous nurse technicians
Authors: Pesantes M. Amalia , Cardenas Palacios Cynthia , Hewlett Christopher , Maake Caroline
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin, in Peru and elsewhere, suffered disproportionately from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In part, this was due to an initial lack of support by the Ministry of Health, who did not prioritize their care despite their vulnerable situation. Consequently, during the first wave of the pandemic, health professionals in public health facilities in Amazonian Indigenous communities had to handle the disease with limited information and resources. This article analyzes the actions carried out by Indigenous nurse technicians during the first wave of the pandemic.

Methods

Recurrent semi-structured interviews with six Indigenous nurse technicians focusing on their measures toward disease prevention and caring during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Atalaya province, Ucayali region, in the Peruvian Amazon.

Results

Nurse technicians worked closely with local authorities and volunteer health promotors. The limited resources they had at the health facilities, coupled with no training about how to treat COVID-19 symptoms led them to resort to their knowledge of traditional Indigenous medicine in combination with biomedical approaches, and support from Indigenous healers. Our analyses shows that this approach proved essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications and new infections.

Conclusions

The actions implemented by the Indigenous nurse technicians strongly contributed to the management of COVID-19 in their Indigenous communities, being both effective and culturally appropriate. Our data is in support of a health provision concept that bridges medical knowledge systems in contexts of diversity, avoiding a view on Indigenous health practices as antagonistic or in competition with biomedical practices provided by public health services.
Diversity of Rickettsiales bacteria in five species of ticks collected from Jinzhai County, Anhui Province, China in 2021–2022
Authors: Jin Xiaojing , Liao Jiasheng , Chen Qingqing , Ding Junfei , Chang Hongwei , Lyu Yong , Yu Liang , Wen Bohai , Sun Yong , Qin Tian
Published: April 2023

The order Rickettsiales in the class Alphaproteobacteria comprises vector-borne pathogens of both medical and veterinary importance. Ticks, as a group, are second only to mosquitoes as vectors of pathogens to humans, playing a critical role in the transmission of rickettsiosis. In the present study, 880 ticks collected from Jinzhai County, Lu'an City, Anhui Province, China in 2021–2022 were identified as belonging to five species from three genera. DNA extracted from individual ticks was examined using nested polymerase chain reaction targeting the 16S rRNA gene (rrs), and the gene fragments amplified were sequenced to detect and identify Rickettsiales bacteria in the ticks. For further identification, the rrs-positive tick samples were further amplified by PCR targeting the gltA and groEL gene and sequenced. As a result, 13 Rickettsiales species belonging to the genera Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia were detected, including three tentative species of Ehrlichia. Our results reveal the extensive diversity of Rickettsiales bacteria in ticks from Jinzhai County, Anhui Province. There, emerging rickettsial species may be pathogenic and cause under-recognized diseases. Detection of several pathogens in ticks that are closely related to human diseases may indicate a potential risk of infection in humans. Therefore, additional studies to assess the potential public health risks of the Rickettsiales pathogens identified in the present study are warranted.
Decay of enveloped SARS-CoV-2 and non-enveloped PMMoV RNA in raw sewage from university dormitories
Authors: Li Ye , Ash K. T. , Joyner Dominique C. , Williams Daniel E. , Alamilla I. , McKay P. J. , Iler C. , Green B. M. , Kara-Murdoch F. , Swift C. M. , Hazen Terry C.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Although severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA has been frequently detected in sewage from many university dormitories to inform public health decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, a clear understanding of SARS-CoV-2 RNA persistence in site-specific raw sewage is still lacking. To investigate the SARS-CoV-2 RNA persistence, a field trial was conducted in the University of Tennessee dormitories raw sewage, similar to municipal wastewater.

Methods

The decay of enveloped SARS-CoV-2 RNA and non-enveloped Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) RNA was investigated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in raw sewage at 4°C and 20°C.

Results

Temperature, followed by the concentration level of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, was the most significant factors that influenced the first-order decay rate constants (k) of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The mean k values of SARS-CoV-2 RNA were 0.094 day−1 at 4°C and 0.261 day−1 at 20°C. At high-, medium-, and low-concentration levels of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, the mean k values were 0.367, 0.169, and 0.091 day−1, respectively. Furthermore, there was a statistical difference between the decay of enveloped SARS-CoV-2 and non-enveloped PMMoV RNA at different temperature conditions.

Discussion

The first decay rates for both temperatures were statistically comparable for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, which showed sensitivity to elevated temperatures but not for PMMoV RNA. This study provides evidence for the persistence of viral RNA in site-specific raw sewage at different temperature conditions and concentration levels.
Identification of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network in luminal breast cancers by integrated analysis of microarray datasets
Authors: Huang Yixiang , Qian Mingping , Chu Juhang , Chen Lei , Jian Wei , Wang Gang
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) regulatory network is important in human cancer. We, therefore, mapped the regulatory networks driven by circRNA in luminal-subtype breast cancer.

Methods: Breast cancer-related microarray datasets from GEO database were analyzed for the differentially expressed circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs. The potential downstream RNAs were collected using Circular RNA Interactome or Targetscan database. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was performed for the filtered genes to identify hub genes. The functions were annotated by the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. CircRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks were mapped using Cytoscape software. Hsa_circ_0086735-miR-1296-5p-STAT1 axis was used for verification. The expression levels of hsa_circ_0086735, miR-1296-5p, and STAT1 mRNA were confirmed by qRT-PCR in luminal-subtype tissues and cell lines. The interactions among them were verified by Luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assayed. Overall and distant metastasis-free survival was analyzed.

Results: A total of 70 genes were finally targeted and enriched in multi-process and multi-pathway. Networks containing 96 circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axes were constructed. Hsa_circ_0086735 and STAT1 mRNA was upregulated in luminal breast cancer, while miR-1296-5p was downregulated. Hsa_circ_0086735-miR-1296-5p-STAT1 axis promotes breast cancer progression and contributes to tamoxifen resistance. High hsa_circ_0086735 was associated with poor overall and distant metastasis-free survival.

Discussion: This study identified the hsa_circ_0086735-miR-1296-5p-STAT1 as an important regulatory axis in luminal-subtype breast cancer, aiding to determine potential therapeutic targets.
Neuroendocrine neoplasm with metastasis to the thyroid: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Yu , Lin Bei , Lu Kai-ning , Teng Yue-ping , Zhou Tian-han , Da Jia-yang , Wu Fan , Pan Gang , Luo Ding-cun
Published: April 2023

Thyroid cancer can be divided into two types according to its cellular origin, i.e., malignant tumors originating from thyroid cells and cancers that metastasize to the thyroid from other sites, the latter of which are, clinically rare. This article reports the diagnosis and treatment of a rectal neuroendocrine neoplasm metastasis to the thyroid. No similar cases have been reported before. This case suggests that when evaluating thyroid tumors, clinicians should not only carefully identify the clinical features of the tumor but also pay special attention to the patient’s history of tumors, especially neuroendocrine neoplasms. For definite secondary thyroid malignancies, neck surgery is feasible if the thyroid is the only site of metastasis; otherwise, the subsequent diagnosis and treatment plan should be determined after a comprehensive evaluation of the primary tumor and patient’s general condition.
Tumor heterogeneity: preclinical models, emerging technologies, and future applications
Authors: Proietto Marco , Crippa Martina , Damiani Chiara , Pasquale Valentina , Sacco Elena , Vanoni Marco , Gilardi Mara
Published: April 2023

Heterogeneity describes the differences among cancer cells within and between tumors. It refers to cancer cells describing variations in morphology, transcriptional profiles, metabolism, and metastatic potential. More recently, the field has included the characterization of the tumor immune microenvironment and the depiction of the dynamics underlying the cellular interactions promoting the tumor ecosystem evolution. Heterogeneity has been found in most tumors representing one of the most challenging behaviors in cancer ecosystems. As one of the critical factors impairing the long-term efficacy of solid tumor therapy, heterogeneity leads to tumor resistance, more aggressive metastasizing, and recurrence. We review the role of the main models and the emerging single-cell and spatial genomic technologies in our understanding of tumor heterogeneity, its contribution to lethal cancer outcomes, and the physiological challenges to consider in designing cancer therapies. We highlight how tumor cells dynamically evolve because of the interactions within the tumor immune microenvironment and how to leverage this to unleash immune recognition through immunotherapy. A multidisciplinary approach grounded in novel bioinformatic and computational tools will allow reaching the integrated, multilayered knowledge of tumor heterogeneity required to implement personalized, more efficient therapies urgently required for cancer patients.
Seasonal differences in the effects of local concentrations of atmospheric substances and meteorological elements on asthma exacerbation of children in metropolitan area, Korea: A 13-year retrospective single-center study
Authors: Hwang Jae Kyoon , Na Jae Yoon , Lee Kyung Suk , Oh Jae-Won , Choi Young-Jin
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Air pollutants contribute to asthma exacerbation, and the types of air pollutants involved in acute asthma exacerbation may differ depending on climate and environmental conditions. This study aimed to identify factors affecting asthma exacerbation in each of the four seasons so that to prevent acute asthma exacerbation and to establish effective treatment strategies for each season.

Methods

Pediatric patients aged 0–18 years old hospitalized or admitted to the emergency room for asthma exacerbation at Hanyang University Guri Hospital between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2019 were recruited. The number of asthma exacerbations comprised the total number of patients admitted to the emergency room or hospitalized for asthma and treated with systemic steroids. The association between the number of asthma exacerbations/week and average concentrations of atmospheric substances and meteorological elements in that week were analyzed. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the association between various atmospheric variables and the number of asthma exacerbations.

Results

The number of asthma exacerbations was found to be associated with the concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤10 μm in that week in autumn. No atmospheric variables exhibited an association in other seasons.

Conclusions

Air pollutants and meteorological factors affecting asthma exacerbation vary by season. Moreover, their effects may change via their interaction with each other. The results of this study suggest that it will be helpful to establish differentiated measures for each season to prevent asthma exacerbation.