bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percentage of giblets of Several Types of Ducks in Semi-Intensive Maintenance
Authors: Hafid Harapin , Muntia La Ode , Napirah Astriana
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the carcass composition of several different types of ducks in a semi-intensive maintenance system. There were 16 ducks used with 3 months of age based on a complete randomized design (CRD) with 4 different duck treatments and 4 replications. Based on the results and discussion, it can be concluded that at the same age, Peking duck, alabio duck, manila duck and mojosari duck were significantly different (P <0.01) in cutting weight, carcass percentage, thigh percentage, back percentage, gizzard percentage and fat percentage abdominal. Meanwhile, the different types of ducks did not affect (P> 0.05) chest percentage, wing percentage, neck percentage and heart percentage. In general, live weight, percentage of carcasses and parts of carcasses of manila ducks were superior to mojosari ducks, alabio ducks and Peking ducks. The alabio duck is superior to the Peking duck and the mojosari duck. In terms of non-carcass organs, mojosari ducks had a percentage of gizzard superior to Peking, alabio and manila ducks, while the percentage of liver was significantly different (P <0.05) and the percentage of heart was not significantly different (P> 0.05). The abdominal fat content of alabio duck is very different from that of Peking duck, mojsari duck and manila duck.
Analisis Pengaruh Bauran Pemasaran Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Kopi Instan Merek Kopi Tolaki di Kota Kendari
Authors: Nurnaningsi Nurnaningsi , Bahari Bahari , Budiyanto Budiyanto
Published: November 2022

This study aims to analyze the effect of the marketing mix on purchasing decisions for instant coffee of the Kopi Tolaki brand in Kendari city. The sample was determined using the formula Hair et al (2010) so that a sample of 80 respondents who were consumers of Kopi Tolaki was obtained by using accidental sampling technique. Descriptive analysis is used to determine the description of the marketing mix and purchasing decisions according to the perceptions of respondents (consumers), while path analisis is used to determine the direct and indirect effects simultaneously on several independent variables (X), is product (X1), price (X2), location/distribution (X3) and promotion (X4) on the dependent variable, is the purchase decision (Y)T. The result showed that the description of the implementation of the marketing mix and purchasing decisions for Kopi Tolaki in Kendari city according to consumer perceptions was in the high category, meaning that the implementation was quite good. The marketing mix (X) simultaneously has a significant positive effect on purchasing decisions (Y). Partially product (X1), price (X2) and promotion (X4) have a significant positive effect on purchasing decisions with the total direct and indirect effects of each produk (X1) being 8,63%, price (X2) 2,25% and promotion (X4) 7,52%, while the location/distribution (X3) variable has no effect significantly negative on purchasing decisions (Y) with a total direct and indirect effect of -0,06%. Of all the marketing mix research variables, the product (X1) is the variable that has the most significant effect on purchasing decisions (Y).Keywords: mixed marketing; purchasing decisions; path analysis; Kopi Tolaki
DAMPAK COVID-19 TERHADAP EFEKTIVITAS PEMBELAJARAN ONLINE PADA PELAJARAN EKONOMI (STUDI KASUS DI SMA NEGERI 2 KENDARI)
Authors: Saripa Amelia Nova , Karno Edy , T Mursidin
Published: November 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisi pelaksanaan pembelajaran daring, dampak positif dan negatif pembelajaran daring di masa pandemi covid 19 pada mata pelajaran ekonomi di SMAN 2 Kendari. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan jenis penelitian adalah fenomenologi data yang dikumpulkan dengan observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Subjek penelitian ini terdiri dari 2 guru ekonomi, dan 10 siswa. Hasil penelitian ditemukan bahwa Sistem pelaksanaan pembelajaran daring pada mata pelajaran Ekonomi di SMA Negeri 2 Kendari yaitu dengan memanfaatkan aplikasi seperti zoom meeting, geoggle meet, geogle classroom, WA, dan email yang digunakan dalam proses pembelajaran ekonomi. Dalam pelaksanaan pembelajaran daring di SMA Negeri 2 Kendari menunjukan bahwa terdapat dampak positif pembelajaran daring, yaitu: mengurangi penyebaran virus Covid-19, pembelajaran daring lebih parktis dan santai, menghemat waktu dan dapat dilakukan kapan saja, guru dan siswa memperoleh pengalaman baru terkait pembelajaran daring. Sedangkan dampak negatif dari pembelajaran daring yaitu: lokasi rumah tidak terjangkau jaringan internet, kuota internet siswa, karakter ataupun perilaku para murid sulit dipantau, penyerapan materi pelajaran rendah, faktor ekonomi orang tua.Kata Kunci: covid 19; pembelajaran daring
PERANAN ORGANISASI KEPRAMUKAAN DALAM MENGEMBANGKAN KARAKTER, SEMANGAT KEBANGSAAN DAN KETERAMPILAN HIDUP SISWA DI SMA NEGERI 1 KULISUSU
Authors: Nurlaila Nurlaila
Published: November 2022

Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mendeskripsikan dan menganalisis Peran organisasi kepramukaan dalam mengembangan semagat kebangsaan siswa SMA Negeri 1 Kulisusu di Kabupaten Buton Utara. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif dengan desain studi kasus. Penentuan subjek penelitian menggunakan teknik purposive yaiatu kepala sekolah, guru, para pembina pramuka, dan siswa di SMAN 1 Kulisusu. Pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik observasi, wawancara, dan dokumen. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) Peran organisasi kepramukaan dalam mengembangkan karakter siswa SMA Negeri 1 Kulisusu, yaitu (a) sebagai ekstrakulikuler wajib. (b) Golongan Pramuka Penegak dijalankan dengan fokus penempuhan SKU dan (c) Kegiatan Pramuka sebagai sarana pembentukan karakter. (2) Peran organisasi kepramukaan mengembangan semagat kebangsaan siswa SMA Negeri 1 Kulisusu di Kabupaten Buton Utara dilakukan melalui keteladanan, penegakan kedisiplinan, penugasan, pembiasaan, ceramah, dan permainan edukatif.  (3) Peran organisasi kepramukaan membekali keterampilan hidup siswa SMA Negeri 1 Kulisusu di Kabupaten Buton Utara yaitu: (a) Pengamalan kode kehormatan gerakan pramuka. Kode kehormatan pramuka untuk golongan penegak terdiri atas janji yang disebut Tri Satya dan ketentuan moral yang disebut Dasa Dharma. (b) Belajar sambil melakukan (learning by doing). (c) Sistem beregu (patrol system). (d) Kegiatan di alam terbuka. (e) Kemitraan dengan anggota dewasa dalam setiap kegiatan. (f) Sistem satuan terpisah untuk putra dan putri. (f) Sistem among. (g) Rekreasi dan mengisi waktu dengan kegiatan yang positif.Kata Kunci: Kepramukaan; Pengembangan Karakter
Marketing Strategy Analysis Jambu Mete Using Analytical Hierarchy Procces (AHP) Approach (Case Study: UD. Azwan In Matano Oe Village Tongkuno District, Muna District)
Authors: Safar Muhamad , Sarinah Sarinah , Syukri Muhammad
Published: November 2022

This study aims to determine the objectives of UD's cashew marketing strategy. Azwan uses the AHP method. Determination of stakeholders from the marketing strategy using the AHP method and to determine the alternative of the marketing strategy in the cashew business using the AHP method. Data was collected using the following methods: (a) interviews, (b) questionnaire/questionnaire techniques, and (c) documentation. The results showed that the cashew marketing strategy of the importance of each goal was an increase in income with a weighted value of (0.488), an increase in demand with a weighted value of (0.292); an increase in product quality with a weighted value of (0.118), and a price increase. Competing with a weighted value of (0.102). The selection of the stakeholder with the highest weight as a reference recommendation that underlies the selection of the cashew marketing strategy of the importance of each stakeholder, namely farmers with a weight value of (0.360), the government with a weight value of (0.145), companies with a weighting value of (0.255), academics with a weighted value of (0.112), and finance with a value of (0.129). The assessment of alternative strategies resulted in the highest weighting successively for the design of increasing and utilizing existing resources with a weighted value of (0.223), product development strategies with a weighted value of (0.357), and the need for market share strategies with a weighting of (0.311).
Effect of Mulch Type on Plant Growth and Production Shallots (Allium Fistulusum L.)
Authors: Anti Wa Ode , Sonsoso Lisman , Samiati Samiati , Angrasari Fifi
Published: November 2022

This research aimed to study the mulch's effect on the growth and yield of onion leaves plants. The research at held for three months, from June to September 2020. The research at Lasalepa village, Lasalepa District, Muna Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province. The materials used in this study were scallion seeds, cow manure, rice straw mulch, reed mulch, corn litter mulch, and krinyuh mulch. The tools used consisted of a machete, hoe, tape measure, cheerful, bucket, raffia rope, scissors, sprayer, camera, digital scales, and writing instruments. The research was arranged base on randomized block design (RBD) consisting of 5 (five) treatment levels, namely without mulch as control (M0), rice straw mulch (M1), reed mulch (M2), corn litter mulch (M3) and krinyuh mulch (M4). Variable observed there was plants height (cm), number of leaves (strands), number of tillers, and production (g/ plant). All data were analyzed based on Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 95% confidence level. The insignificant difference, followed by the Honestly Significant Different (HSD) test at a 95% confidence level. The research showed that the treatment of different types of mulch had a significant effect on plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, and production. Krinyuh mulch type with a rate of 90 g plant-1 or 10 t ha-1 gave the best growth and production of scallions with an average production of 131.8 g plant-1 or 32.95 ha-1.
Cover dan Daftar ISI
Authors: Editor Editor
Published: November 2022

CDI
How does the period of oscillation of a cantilever relate with its mass?
Authors: Kurapati Hemasai
Published: November 2022

The aim of this investigation is to determine the relationship between the period of oscillation of an oscillating cantilever and the weight of the said cantilever. Experimentally, this will be accomplished by measuring the period of oscillation of a chosen cantilever as added masses are incremented. The frequency of the cantilever will then be determined through its period of oscillation.
VIRUS TROPICALES EMERGENTES: ZIKA, DENGUE Y CHIKUNGUNYA, UNA REVISIÓN ENFOCADA EN INMUNOLOGÍA Y EL DESARROLLO DE VACUNAS
Authors:   Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Valdivieso Rivera Fernando Vladimir , Palma Patiño Ricardo Sebastián ,   Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Peña Carillo María Sol ,   Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tacuri Ramón Leny Enmanuel ,   Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Pazmiño Viteri Michelle Carolina ,   Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Vera Palacios Antonio Leonel ,   Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Rojas de Hidalgo Yeimy Marlene ,   Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam
Published: November 2022

La presente revisión detalla los mecanismos de virulencia de tres virus tropicales emergentes: Zika, dengue y chikungunya, y los asocia o enlaza o vincula con el desarrollo de la respuesta inmune del hospedador ante cada uno de estos, para posteriormente mostrar los avances tecnológicos y las dificultades a las que se enfrentan los estudios de vacunas contra dichos virus. Además, se mencionan los principales países involucrados activamente en las diferentes fases de investigación de vacunas, refiriéndose adicionalmente, a las dificultades que tienen los países más afectados por estas infecciones para participar en el desarrollo de vacunas que puedan implementarse y mejorar la calidad de vida de la población.
RECUPERACIÓN DE POLIFENOLES A PARTIR DE RESIDUOS DEL PROCESO DE FABRICACIÓN DE PULPA DE MORTIÑO
Authors:   Universidad Técnica de Ambato, López Hernández Orestes Darío , Silva Ordoñez Mónica Del Pilar ,   Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Hernández Navarro Yoel ,   Universidad Técnica de Ambato
Published: November 2022

El mortiño (Vaccinium meridionale) es un fruto andino de interés comercial debido a su alto contenido en compuestos polifenólicos. El procesamiento de la fruta para obtener pulpas y jugos genera un residual semisólido húmedo, que aún contiene una importante cantidad de polifenoles. El objetivo del trabajo fue recuperar de este residual sus compuestos para aprovechar al máximo los antioxidantes que brinda la naturaleza a través de estos frutos. Se evaluaron mediante un diseño experimental diferentes parámetros que influyen en la extracción, siendo los adecuados, una relación residual/disolvente 1:10 y 45 minutos de tiempo de extracción a ebullición. Utilizando como disolvente agua, se obtuvo un extracto líquido rico en polifenoles, que se microencapsuló con maltodextrina mediante secado por aspersión. Posteriormente, se evaluó el producto microencapsulado, encontrándose un contenido de antocianinas de 122,95 ± 4,50 mg/100 g, un contenido de polifenoles totales de 616,44 ± 17,30 mg GAE/g. El producto obtenido posee un alto potencial como ingrediente funcional por su elevado contenido en antioxidantes naturales
DEGRADABILIDAD RUMINAL IN VITRO DE Zea mays
Authors:   Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo, Barrera Álvarez Alexandra Elizabeth , Espinoza Guerra Italo Fernando ,   Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo, Alvarez Perdomo Guido Rodolfo ,   Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo, Medina Villacis Marlene Luzmila ,   Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo
Published: November 2022

La degradabilidad de los forrajes o subproductos agrícolas pueden ser estimados por simuladores de proceso de digestión permitiendo obtener la degradabilidad de los alimentos incubados dentro de frascos cuya fermentación ruminal corresponde a una cierta cantidad de degradación de los sustratos. La investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la degradabilidad ruminal de los residuos de la cosecha de maíz (cáscara, pelusa, tusa y panca). Se utilizó un diseño completamente al Azar (DCA) con cuatro tratamientos (100% cáscara de maíz, 100% pelusa de maíz, 100% panca de maíz y 100% tusa de maíz), tres repeticiones y 7 tiempos de incubación (0,3,6,12,24,48 y 72 horas) y para las diferencias entre las medias Tukey (p<0,05). Se evaluó la degradabilidad ruminal in vitro de la materia seca de residuos agroindustriales de maíz (Zea mays) y tuvo mayor aporte la pelusa (68.96%), seguido de la cáscara (49%), panca (42.82%) y tusa (27.78%), por tanto, pueden ser utilizadas con suplementos para el ganado bovino, para la mejora de su calidad nutricional.
ELACIÓN ENTRE EL CLIMA SOCIAL FAMILIAR Y LA AUTOESTIMA EN LOS ADOLESCENTES
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Cando Tiñe Nancy Janneth , Ortiz Granja Dorys Noemy ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador
Published: November 2022

La presente investigación nace de la pregunta: ¿Influye el clima social familiar en la autoestima de los adolescentes? Para contestar esta interrogante se plantea un estudio no experimental, de enfoque cuantitativo, alcance correlacional y corte transversal. Esta metodología se aplica a una población de 350 personas (47,1% hombres y 52,9% mujeres) seleccionadas de forma no probabilística, y, caracterizadas por pertenecer a tres grupos etarios, establecidos por jóvenes de 12 a 14 años (36,0%), 15 a 16 años (46,0%) y 17 a 18 años (18,0%). Para la ejecución del estudio, en campo, se utiliza la Escala de Clima social Familiar (FES; Family Environment Scale) y la Escala de Autoestima de Rosenberg (RSE; Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale). El resultado obtenido con la aplicación de estos instrumentos revela que, cuando los elementos de la muestra tienden a subir en la escala de clima social familiar su nivel de autoestima baja. Esto se comprueba con análisis estadístico de correlación y de asociación.
Colon cancer exosome-derived biomimetic nanoplatform for curcumin-mediated sonodynamic therapy and calcium overload
Authors: Li Yang , Huang Chunyu , Xu Youhua
Published: November 2022

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) possesses unique properties such as being minimally invasive, exhibiting low toxicity, as well as ability to impart the treatment in the deep tissues, and hence has been extensively used. However, inherent defects such as low water-soluble sonosensitizers can limit the clinical application of SDT, and tumor microenvironment (TME) can further compromise the effect of a single SDT. To overcome these challenges, we have designed a bionic nano-system (ECaC) by coating mesoporous calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO3 NPs) and sonosensitizer curcumin (Cur) into tumor-derived exosomes for developing enhanced SDT. Exosome membrane could endow CaCO3 NPs with homologous targeting abilities. In addition, compared with the bare CaCO3 NPs, ECaC showed significant accumulation in the tumor cell species. Subsequently, CaCO3 NPs upon reaching the tumor site can be degraded into Ca2+ in response to the acidic microenvironment of the tumor to destroy the cellular mitochondria. Hence, the cellular respiration could be destroyed to be a vulnerable state, causing oxidative stress, enhancing Cur-mediated chemotherapy/SDT. This synergistically dynamic therapy has demonstrated significant anti-tumor effects under in vitro and in vivo settings without exhibiting any toxic side effects. Our prepared biomimetic nano-system can effectively deliver the hydrophobic Cur to the tumor sites, which holds great promise in field of drug delivery and can broaden the application of exosomes, as this method has a certain enlightenment effect on the subsequent development of exosomes.
Non-thermal plasma activated CO2 hydrogenation over K- and La- promoted layered-double hydroxide supported Ni catalysts
Authors: Charalambous Christina , Xu Shanshan , Ding Shengzhe , Chansai Sarayute , Asuquo Edidiong , Torres Lopez Antonio , Parlett Christopher M. A. , Gilmour Jamie D. , Garforth Arthur , Hardacre Christopher
Published: November 2022

The catalytic conversion of CO2 to CH4 and CO over nickel particles supported on layered-double hydroxide (MgAl) with different metal promoters was investigated under non-thermal plasma (NTP) conditions. It has been shown that lanthanum-promoted Ni catalysts significantly enhanced the CO2 conversion in comparison to the 10Ni/MgAl catalyst (33.4% vs. 89.3%). In comparison, for the potassium-promoted catalysts, CO2 conversion is similar to that of 10Ni/MgAl but the CO selectivity increased significantly (35.7% vs. 62.0%). The introduction of La and K to Ni catalysts increased the Ni dispersion and improved the reducibility of Ni species, thus affecting CO2 conversion and product selectivity. In situ DRIFTS showed similar reaction pathways for La- and K- promoted catalysts with Ni catalysts. However, the La and K promoters significantly improved the formation of formate species on the Ni surface, facilitating CO2 conversion to useful products.
Synthesis of activity evaluation of flavonoid derivatives as ɑ-glucosidase inhibitors
Authors: Zhu Hua , Zhong Xin
Published: November 2022

Six flavonoid derivatives were synthesized and tested for anti-α-glucosidase activities. All derivatives were confirmed using NMR and HRMS and exhibited excellent inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase. Derivative four exhibited the highest anti-α-glucosidase activity (IC50: 15.71 ± 0.21 μM). Structure-activity relationship results showed that bromine group would be the most beneficial group to anti-α-glucosidase activity. Inhibitory mechnism and inhibition kinetics results showed derivative four was a reversible and mixed-type inhibitor. Molecular docking revealed that derivative four was tightly bind to the amino acid residues of active pocket of α-glucosidase and formed hydrogen bond, π-π stacking, and Pi-Donor hydrogen with α-glucosidase. Moreover, the physicochemical parameters of all derivatives were assessed using SwissADME software. This results also showed that the hybridization of flavonoid and phenylpropionic acid would be a useful strategy for the development of α-glucosidase inhibitors.
Clinical features and metabolic reprogramming of atherosclerotic lesions in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Liu Jixiang , Chang Ziyi , Zhang Zhu , Wang Bei , Xie Wanmu , Gao Qian , Zhang Shuai , Zhang Yunxia , Tian Han , Fu Zhihui , Li Yishan , Zhen Kaiyuan , Ma Shuangshuang , Zhong Dingrong , Yang Peiran , Zhai Zhenguo
Published: November 2022

Background

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients may present with atherosclerotic lesions in their pulmonary arteries, but their clinical characteristics remain unclear. The metabolic pathways associated with the atherosclerotic lesions may explain their occurrence and have implications for interventions, but they have not been investigated.

Methods

We collected pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) samples of CTEPH patients from December 2016 to August 2021. Following a detailed pathological examination of the PEA specimen, the patients were divided into those with and without lesions, and age- and sex matching were performed subsequently using propensity score matching (n = 25 each). Metabolomic profiling was used to investigate the metabolites of the proximal lesions in the PEA specimens.

Results

In our study population, 27.2% of all PEA specimens were found to contain atherosclerotic lesions. CTEPH patients with atherosclerotic lesions were more likely to have a history of symptomatic embolism and had a longer timespan between embolism and surgery, whereas the classic risk factors of systemic and coronary circulation could not distinguish CTEPH patients with or without atherosclerotic lesions. Metabolomic profiling revealed that the formation of atherosclerotic lesions in CTEPH was closely related to altered glycine, serine, and threonine metabolic axes, possibly involved in cellular senescence, energy metabolism, and a proinflammatory microenvironment.

Conclusion

The occurrence of atherosclerotic lesions in the pulmonary arteries of CTEPH was associated with symptomatic thromboembolic history and prolonged disease duration. The results revealed a new link between atherosclerotic lesions and aberrant amino acid metabolism in the context of CTEPH for the first time. This study has characterized the clinical and metabolic profiles of this distinct group of CTEPH patients, providing new insights into disease pathogenesis and potential interventions.
Development of a 3D printed surgical guide for Brugada syndrome substrate ablation
Authors: Talevi Giacomo , Pannone Luigi , Monaco Cinzia , Bori Edoardo , Cappello Ida Anna , Candelari Mara , Ramak Robbert , La Meir Mark , Gharaviri Ali , Chierchia Gian Battista , Innocenti Bernardo , de Asmundis Carlo
Published: November 2022

Background

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a disease associated with ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Epicardial ablation has demonstrated high therapeutic efficacy in preventing ventricular arrhythmias. The purpose of this research is to define a workflow to create a patient-specific 3D-printed tool to be used as a surgical guide for epicardial ablation in BrS.

Methods

Due to their mechanical properties and biocompatibility, the MED625FLX and TPU95A were used for cardiac 3D surgical guide printing. ECG imaging was used to define the target region on the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). CT scan imaging was used to design the model based on patient anatomy. A 3D patient-specific heart phantom was also printed for fitting test. Sterilization test was finally performed.

Results

3D printed surgical models with both TPU95A and MED625FLX models were in agreement with pre-specified imputed measurements. The phantom test showed retention of shape and correct fitting of the surgical tool to the reproduced phantom anatomy, as expected, for both materials. The surgical guide adapted to both the RVOT and the left anterior descending artery. Two of the 3D models produced in MED265FLX showed damage due to the sterilization process.

Conclusions

A 3D printed patient-specific surgical guide for epicardial substrate ablation in BrS is feasible if a specific workflow is followed. The design of the 3D surgical guide ensures proper fitting on the heart phantom with good stability. Further investigations for clinical use are eagerly awaited.
Intestinal microbiota: A promising therapeutic target for hypertension
Authors: Sun Dating , Xiang Hui , Yan Jiangtao , He Liqun
Published: November 2022

Hypertension has developed into an escalating serious global public health problem with multiple and unclear pathophysiological mechanisms. Recent studies have identified intestinal microbiota as a key perpetrator of hypertension through a variety of mechanisms. In this review, we highlight the potential roles of the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites in the development of hypertension, as well as the therapeutic potential for targeting intestinal microbiomes. We also shed light on the main limitations and challenges of the current research and suggest directions for future investigations. Finally, we discuss the development of accurate and personalized preventive and therapeutic strategies for hypotension by the modulation of intestinal microbes and metabolites.
Increasing students’ engagement: The use of new instructional designs in English literature online courses during COVID-19
Authors: Awajan Nasaybah
Published: November 2022

The explores the impact of using both ADDIE Model, which stands for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation, as an instructional design and UDL in planning for English Literature Online courses during COVID-19 in higher education from the perspective of the students. Up to the researcher’s knowledge, no prior studies have been conducted to explore the effect of the use of ADDIE model and UDL in online English Literature courses for graduate students in universities or other forms of higher education from the perspective of the students. A quantitative approach was used for collecting the data, where a four-part questionnaire was distributed to 90 students, who were randomly chosen from the students of a group of English Literature professors from different public and private universities in Jordan, who were asked to plan for their online English Literature courses through integrating both the ADDIE model, with its principles of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) with its principles of Engagement, Representation, Action and Expression. As a conclusion, the study shows the positive impact of using both ADDIE Instructional Design Model and UDL in English Literature Online courses on the students’ performance from the perspective of the students.
Gamified flipped learning in a French foreign language class: Efficiency and student perception
Authors: Anane Chiraz
Published: November 2022

To enhance student engagement in a French foreign language course, two active learning methods were combined: Flipped learning and gamification. This study aimed to explore the efficiency of these teaching methods in a foreign language course with beginner learners and to assess student's perception of the experience. A total of 215 students were enrolled in this university elective course. All sections were taught by the same instructor during one semester. All students experienced both the flipped learning methodology and a traditional teaching approach. The results indicate that students' scores in the gamified quizzes were better when they prepared in advance for the sessions and had a flipped learning session. Moreover, in a questionnaire that was completed at the end of the term, students reported that they preferred the flipped learning sessions because such sessions helped them to better understand and memorize the textual material. Students also appreciated the use of gamification tools to help them learn with interest.
Is there a secular trend regarding puberty in children with down syndrome?
Authors: Erdoğan Furkan , Güven Ayla
Published: November 2022

Introduction

There are very few studies on the age of onset and end of puberty in children with Down syndrome (DS). Also, data regarding the course of puberty in these children compared to their healthy peers is limited. Moreover, there is limited information regarding the effects of factors such as obesity and hypothyroidism on the puberty process in children with DS. Our aim in our study is to determine whether the pubertal development of children with DS differs from their healthy peers and from previous studies conducted with DS children.

Methods

The medical records of DS children were examined retrospectively. The anthropometric measurements and the age of onset of pubertal stages, and menarche were recorded. The patients’ age at puberty onset, the puberty processes, and age at menarche were compared with their healthy peers and previously published data on children with DS.

Results

Of the 140 Down syndrome patients followed in our clinic, 51 of whom with puberty constituted the study group. The mean age of onset of puberty was 10.3 ± 1.0 years in our group (10.0 ± 0.8 years for girls, 10.6 ± 1.2 years for boys, respectively). Obesity occurred in 46% of pubertal girls with DS. The age of menarche in girls with DS was 11.8 ± 0.7 years. The menarche age of girls with DS was significantly different from healthy girls. In the DS boys, only the Tanner V stage ages were different from the healthy children. True- precocious-puberty was detected in three children.

Conclusion

Although breast development begins later in females with DS than in their healthy peers; menarche is detected earlier than in their peers and a tendency towards obesity in the whole population. While the age of pubertal onset was similar to healthy children in male patients, our findings suggest that their puberty duration is longer.
Glutamatergic system components as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer in non-neural organs
Authors: García-Gaytán Ana Cristina , Hernández-Abrego Andy , Díaz-Muñoz Mauricio , Méndez Isabel
Published: November 2022

Glutamate is one of the most abundant amino acids in the blood. Besides its role as a neurotransmitter in the brain, it is a key substrate in several metabolic pathways and a primary messenger that acts through its receptors outside the central nervous system (CNS). The two main types of glutamate receptors, ionotropic and metabotropic, are well characterized in CNS and have been recently analyzed for their roles in non-neural organs. Glutamate receptor expression may be particularly important for tumor growth in organs with high concentrations of glutamate and might also influence the propensity of such tumors to set metastases in glutamate-rich organs, such as the liver. The study of glutamate transporters has also acquired relevance in the physiology and pathologies outside the CNS, especially in the field of cancer research. In this review, we address the recent findings about the expression of glutamatergic system components, such as receptors and transporters, their role in the physiology and pathology of cancer in non-neural organs, and their possible use as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Analysis of relative factors and prediction model for optimal ovarian response with gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol
Authors: Jiang Wenwen , Zheng Beihong , Liao Xiuhua , Chen Xiaojing , Zhu Suqin , Li Rongshan , Zhang Huale
Published: November 2022

Objective

To explore the relative factors for best ovarian response in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol and to establish a nomogram prediction model of ovarian response.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis of the clinical data of 1,944 patients who received assisted reproductive treatment in the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital from April 1, 2018, to June 30, 2020. According to the number of oocytes obtained, there were 659 cases in the low ovarian response group (no more than five oocytes were retrieved), 920 cases in the normal ovarian response group (the number of retrieved oocytes was >5 but ≤18), and 365 cases in the high ovarian response group (>18 oocytes retrieved). Independent factors affecting ovarian responsiveness were screened by logistic regression, which were the model entry variables, and a nomogram prediction model was established based on the regression coefficients.

Results

There were statistically significant differences in age, anti-Mullerian hormone, antral follicle count, the diagnosis of endometriosis, decreased ovarian reserve, polycystic ovary syndrome, basal follicle-stimulating hormone and basal luteinizing hormone among the three groups (P < 0.001). Multifactorial stepwise regression analysis showed that female age (0.95 [0.92–0.97], P = 0.000), decreased ovarian reserve (0.27 [0.19-0.38]), P = 0.000), endometriosis (0.81 [0.56-0.86], P = 0.000), antral follicle count (1.09 [1.06-1.12], P = 0.000), basal follicle-stimulating hormone (0.90 [0.85-0.96], P = 0.001), Anti-Mullerian hormone (1.19 [1.13–1.26], P= 0.000) and luteinizing hormone on trigger day (0.73 [0.66–0.80], P= 0.000), were independent factors for the occurrence of different ovarian responses during ovarian hyperstimulation. The predictive model of ovarian responsiveness was constructed based on the above factors, and the model was verified with 589 patients’ data from July 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, at this center. The predicted ovarian response (number of eggs obtained) of a total of 450 patients was consistent with the actual results, with a coincidence degree of 76.4%, and the consistency index of the model is 0.77.

Conclusion

The nomogram model was successfully developed to effectively, intuitively, and visually predict the ovary reactivity in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol and provide guidance for clinical practice.
Optimal decision-making model for selecting residential green building technologies in China
Authors: Lu Huimin , Juan Yi-Kai
Published: November 2022

China is expected to have an annual demand of 1 billion square meters of new residential floor areas in the next few years. Housing developers have adopted various green building technologies (GBTs) in building designs to meet the constantly rising green building (GB) standards. However, they often ignore users’ satisfaction and perception of these GBTs and doubt the cost-benefit assessment of GBTs. This study first constructed GBTs commonly used in residential construction in the Yangtze River Delta region, China. In particular, it adopted the Kano model and the Customer Satisfaction Coefficient (CSC) model to conduct questionnaire surveys on 171 Ningbo households to analyze the differences between developers’ and users’ perceptions of GBTs. Further, a zero-one integer programming (ZOIP) approach was used to build an optimal decision-making model for housing developers to select GBTs that take into account developers’ incremental cost and benefit assessment. The results showed that residents focus on technologies related to comfort and health issues, followed by energy-efficient technologies with lower costs. High-cost and low-scoring GBTs, such as new air systems and Low-E center louvered glass, will be excluded. The decision model clarifies the differences between developers’ and users’ perceptions of GBTs and effectively assists developers in rationalizing the selection of GBTs. Furthermore, it is suggested that the proposed model can be widely applied to other projects in different regions in the future to promote GB markets in China.
Evaluation of coupled model intercomparison project phase 6 models in simulating precipitation and its possible relationship with sea surface temperature over Myanmar
Authors: Sein Zin Mie Mie , Zhi Xiefei , Ogou Faustin Katchele , Nooni Isaac Kwesi , Paing Khant Hmu
Published: November 2022

The study investigated the precipitation variability over Myanmar at the annual and seasonal scales by comparing 12 model outputs from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) with gridded observational data provided by the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) from 1970 to 2014. Using Mann–Kendall and Sen’s slope estimator, the trend analysis was assessed. Correlation analysis was also used to investigate the relationship of observational and Ensemble means precipitation with sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. Results show a better correlation pattern of ENS with observation precipitation than that of individual selected models during the May-October season than that of the annual scale. Meanwhile, UKESM1-0-LL, NESM3, and HadGEM3-CC31-LL show high correlation with a relatively low root-mean-square difference. A few models roughly capture the spatiotemporal patterns of precipitation during MJJASO over Myanmar. The root mean square errors (RMSEs) of MIROC6, CNRM-ESM2-1, CNRM-CM6, and NESM3 are lower than that of ENS, whereas the RMSEs of CESM2, GFDL-CM4, HadGEM3-CC31-LL, GFDL-ESM4, UKESM1-0-LL, MPI-ESM1-2-HR, MRI-ESM2-0, and IPSL-CM6A-LR are higher than that of ENS, for annual precipitation. Heterogeneous correlation coefficients and slope changes are evident within the country at both annual and seasonal periods. Overall, the ENS showed a long-term increasing annual trend. Most of the model exhibited increasing annual trends while some showed decreasing annual trends. The correlation between the annual series and SST anomalies shows stronger correlation coefficient than that of seasonal. Overall, the correlation analysis of the SST anomalies reveals significant positive and negative relationships with the ENS precipitation. We recommend considering future projections of precipitation changes over Myanmar in future work.
Case report: Autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy with macular cysts and MNV over 13-year follow-up
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wang Hai-Yan , Jia Wei , Wang Ru , Wang Yu-Sheng , Cui Yang-Yang
Published: November 2022

Purpose: To describe the phenotype and genotype of a patient with autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB) over a 13-year follow-up period.

Methods: The phenotype of the subject was described after a complete ophthalmological examination, which included fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), electroretinogram (EOG), electroretinography (ERG), and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG). Genetic analyses were carried out by screening the variations via whole-exome sequencing.

Results: This patient presented with retinoschisis and cystic changes when he was 7 years old and was diagnosed with X-linked retinoschisis. In the 13th year after the first presentation, enlarged macular cysts with retinoschisis, macular neovascularization (MNV), and subretinal fluid were displayed on OCT. Autofluorescence showed hyperfluorescence corresponding to the area of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) change. EOG showed no light peak, and the Arden ratio was less than 2.0. Whole-exome sequencing revealed compound heterozygous sequence variations (p. [Arg47Leu; Trp287*]) in the coding sequence of the BEST1 allele inherited from his parents. Thus, a diagnosis of ARB combined with secondary MNV was made.

Conclusion: Patients with compound heterozygous BEST1 mutations developed ARB, which could show significant retinoschisis at a young age. Genetic analyses, autofluorescence, and EOG are essential to diagnose ARB correctly in consequence of considerable phenotypic variations.
Comprehensive analyses of the microRNA–messenger RNA–transcription factor regulatory network in mouse and human renal fibrosis
Authors: Deng Le , Xu Gaosi , Huang Qipeng
Published: November 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to construct a microRNA (miRNA)–messenger RNA (mRNA)–transcription factor (TF) regulatory network and explore underlying molecular mechanisms, effective biomarkers, and drugs in renal fibrosis (RF).

Methods: A total of six datasets were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus. “Limma” and “DESeq2” packages in R software and GEO2R were applied to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs (DEmiRNAs and DEmRNAs, respectively). The determination and verification of DEmiRNAs and DEmRNAs were performed through the integrated analysis of datasets from five mouse 7 days of unilateral ureteral obstruction datasets and one human chronic kidney disease dataset and the Human Protein Atlas (http://www.proteinatlas.org). Target mRNAs of DEmiRNAs and TFs were predicted by prediction databases and the iRegulon plugin in Cytoscape, respectively. A protein–protein interaction network was constructed using STRING, Cytoscape v3.9.1, and CytoNCA. Functional enrichment analysis was performed by DIANA-miRPath v3.0 and R package “clusterProfiler.” A miRNA–mRNA–TF network was established using Cytoscape. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to examine the diagnostic value of the key hub genes. Finally, the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database and Drug-Gene Interaction database were applied to identify potential drugs.

Results: Here, 4 DEmiRNAs and 11 hub genes were determined and confirmed in five mouse datasets, of which Bckdha and Vegfa were further verified in one human dataset and HPA, respectively. Moreover, Bckdha and Vegfa were also predicted by miR-125a-3p and miR-199a-5p, respectively, in humans as in mice. The sequences of miR-125a-3p and miR-199a-5p in mice were identical to those in humans. A total of 6 TFs were predicted to regulate Bckdha and Vegfa across mice and humans; then, a miRNA–mRNA–TF regulatory network was built. Subsequently, ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve value of Vegfa was 0.825 (p = 0.002). Finally, enalapril was identified to target Vegfa for RF therapy.

Conclusion: Pax2, Pax5, Sp1, Sp2, Sp3, and Sp4 together with Bckdha-dependent miR-125a-3p/Vegfa-dependent miR-199a-5p formed a co-regulatory network enabling Bckdha/Vegfa to be tightly controlled in the underlying pathogenesis of RF across mice and humans. Vegfa could act as a potential novel diagnostic marker and might be targeted by enalapril for RF therapy.
Age-associated global DNA hypermethylation augments the sensitivity of hearts towards ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Boovarahan Sri Rahavi , Ali Nemat , AlAsmari Abdullah F. , Alameen Alaa Alnoor , Khan Rehan , Kurian Gino A.
Published: November 2022

Most pre-clinical studies in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) are carried out in young or old animals, which does not cater to the adult age in humans who encounter I/R. Not many studies in the literature are available that emphasize the sensitivity of the adult heart to injury from the young heart, where there exist distinct alterations in DNA methylation and mitochondrial function that contribute to injury. In the present study, we utilized young (8 weeks old) and adult (24 weeks old) rat hearts to evaluate distinct DNA methylation alterations that contribute to I/R injury. The cardiac basal physiological activities in young and adult rat hearts were insignificantly changed from normal. But the DNA hypermethylation and expression level of mitochondrial genes were slightly higher in adult rat hearts. The consequential effect of these changes was measured in the I/R heart to understand its response to additional stress. Accordingly, we noted an increase in global DNA hypermethylation levels by 40% and 62% in young and adult I/R hearts, respectively, from their respective control. Subsequently, a decline in mitochondrial genes (ND1, ND4L, ND6, Cyt B, COX1, COX2, and ATP8) that regulate cardiac contractility was observed in adult I/R hearts. These changes, in turn, reduced hemodynamics (Rate pressure product) by 51% and 32% in adult and young I/R hearts, respectively, from their controls. Besides, the I/R-linked infarct size was higher in adult hearts (58%) than in young hearts (37%). Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation of global DNA methylation with the MT-ND1 expression (r = −0.7591), MFN2 expression (r = −0.8561) and cardiac RPP (r = −0.8015) in adult I/R hearts. Based on the above observations, we concluded that age promoted DNA methylation and deteriorated cardiac responsive ability to resist I/R injury.
Mucosal-associated invariant T cells repress group 2 innate lymphoid cells in Alternaria alternata-induced model of allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Shimizu Yasuo , Horigane-Konakai Yukiko , Ishii Yoshii , Sugimoto Chie , Wakao Hiroshi
Published: November 2022

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, a blossoming member of the innate-like T cells, play a pivotal role in host defense through engaging the mucosal immunity. Although it has been suggested that MAIT cells are somehow implicated in the allergic airway inflammation mediated by group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) such as asthma, the precise role(s) of MAIT cells in such inflammation has remained elusive. To explore the possible roles of MAIT cells in the inflammation, we examined whether MAIT cells suppressed the production of T helper (Th) 2 and inflammatory cytokines from ILC2s, and constrained the proliferation of ILC2s, both of which are prerequisite for airway inflammation. Given that laboratory mice are poor at MAIT cells, a novel mouse line rich in MAIT cells was used. We found that mice rich in MAIT cells showed alleviated airway inflammation as evidenced by reduced infiltration of the immune cells and hyperplasia in goblet cells in the lung concomitant with compromised production of Th2 and inflammatory cytokines, while wild type mice exhibited severe inflammation upon challenge with the fungal extracts. In vitro coculture experiments using purified ILC2s and MAIT cells unrevealed that cytokine-stimulated MAIT cells suppressed ILC2s to produce the cytokines as well as to proliferate most likely via production of IFN-γ. Furthermore, reconstitution of the allergic airway inflammation in the highly immunocompromised mice showed that ILC2-mediated inflammation was alleviated in mice that received MAIT cells along with ILC2s. We concluded that MAIT cells played a crucial role in suppressing the cytokine-producing capacity of ILC2s and ILC2 proliferation, that ultimately led to decrease in the allergic airway inflammation.

The results open up a novel therapeutic horizon in ILC2-mediated inflammatory diseases by modulating MAIT cell activity.
Nectin4 is a potential therapeutic target for asthma
Authors: Lee Pureun-Haneul , Choi Seon Muk , An Min Hyeok , Hwang Da Yeon , Park Shinhee , Baek Ae Rin , Jang An-Soo
Published: November 2022

Background

Nectins comprise a family of cellular adhesion molecules involved in Ca2+-independent cellular adhesion. Neither the biological significance nor clinical potential of Nectin4 for asthma has been investigated.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to elucidate the role of Nectin4 in airway inflammation and to determine the relationship between Nectin4 and clinical variables in patients with asthma.

Methods

The relationship between Nectin4 levels in the blood of asthmatic patients and clinical variables was examined. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 1 (Der p1)-exposed normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells, and Nectin4-deficient (Nectin4−/−) and wild-type (WT) mice sensitized/challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), were used to investigate the involvement of Nectin4 in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma via the Src/Rac1 pathway.

Results

Plasma Nectin4 levels were significantly higher in asthmatic patients than controls and correlated with specific IgE D1, D2, lung function. The ROC curves for Nectin4 levels differed between asthma patients and controls. Nectin4/Afadin and Src/Rac1 levels were significantly increased in NHBE cells exposed to Der p1, but decreased in NHBE cells treated with Nectin4 siRNA. Airway obstruction and inflammation, as well as the levels of Th2 cytokines, Nectin4, and Src/Rac1, were increased in WT OVA/OVA mice compared with WT sham mice. Nectin4 knockdown resulted in lower levels of Afadin and Src/Rac1 in Nectin4−/−OVA/OVA than WT OVA/OVA mice.

Conclusion

These results suggest that Nectin4 is involved in airway inflammation and may be a therapeutic target in patients with asthma.