bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Positive and Negative Components of Emotional-Expressive Meaning in Kyrgyz Complaint Songs
Authors: Nurmatova G.
Published: July 2024

This article provides a comprehensive and artistic description of Kyrgyz folk oral works in the genre of complaint songs expressing sadness and longing. The use of linguistic means in this genre is considered in accordance with the various features of the situation described in the complaint song. The use of positive and negative emotional-expressive means in their contrasting ratio in the context of the song is analyzed. Such comparisons perform a certain artistic and aesthetic function, figuratively expressing various situations, bringing sadness to listeners about unfulfilled dreams. Based on factual materials, the image of the lyrical character of the complaint song is investigated as an artistic narrator or indirect narrator, revealing the collisions of life through the song.
OPTIMALISASI FILING SYSTEM DOKUMEN REKAM MEDIS DI PUSKESMAS MADAPANGGA DAN BOLO TAHUN 2022
Authors: Syamsuriansyah Syamsuriansyah , Hizriansyah Hizriansyah , Adi Rizal Pratama
Published: July 2024

Semua fasilitas pelayanan kesehatan wajib menyelenggarakan rekam medis, termasuk puskesmas. Dengan pelayanan rekam medis yang berkualitas pasien akan merasa puas, khususnya karena pasien dilayani dengan cepat, tepat dan aman oleh pihak puskesmas. Permasalahan yang sering ditemui pada bagian penyimpanan rekam medis adalah terjadinya misfile maupun duplikasi nomor rekam medis. Akibatnya, berkas rekam medis pasien lama sulit ditemukan sehingga prosespencarian berkas rekam medis pasien di rak penyimpanan membutuhkan waktu yang cukup lama. Tujuan pelaksanaan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat (PKM) agar sistem penyimpanan rekam medis menjadi optimal dalam rangka peningkatan kualitas pelayanan rekam medis pasien rawat jalan di Puskesmas Madapangga. Metode yang digunakan berupa sosialisasi tentang optimalisasi sistem penyimpanan rekam medis di Puskesmas Madapangga dan Bolo. Sebelum sosialisasi, dilakukan pre-test dan setelah sosialisasi dilakukan kegiatan post-test dengan tujuan mengetahui tingkat pemahaman mitra tentang materi sosialisasi. PKM ini dilakukan pada bulan agustus di Puskesmas Madapangga. Peserta dari kegiatan PKM ini adalah semua petugas rekam medis di Puskesmas Madapangga. Madapangga sebanyak 6 (enam) orang dan Bolo sebanyak   orang. Hasil dari kegiatan PKM ini adalah adanya peningkatan pengetahuan mitra tentang penyimpanan rekam medis dari nilai rata-rata 45 menjadi 85 point.
SOSIALISASI PROGRAM BERSIH PANTAI DAN EDUKASI KEPADA MASYARAKAT LINGKUNGAN PANTAI LOANG BALOQ KOTA MATARAM
Authors: Junaidin Junaidin , Irawansyah Irawansyah , Sahbany Sri , Riscal Detty Agustin , Hadi Lalu Adiyatma Taopikul
Published: July 2024

Pantai loang baloq memiliki potensi yang sangat besar untuk dikembangkan jika program-program yang ada pada pemrintah dapat ditindak lanjuti secara bersama-sama oleh pemerintah, masyarakat dan perguruan tinggi. Pantai loang balloq memiliki letak demografi dan topografi yang strategis sangat mendukung aktivitas kepariwisataan, luas area dan kelengkapan sarana sanset yang menjadi minat utama soarang wisata sebagai pilihan berkunjung di pantai loang baloq. Kesadaran masyarakat khususnya pengunjung Pantai Loang Baloq akan pentingnya menjaga kebersihan lingkungan masih sangat kurang karena  masih ada masyarakat yang membuang sampah sembarangan terutama sampah plastik bekas pembungkus makanan yang dibiarkan berserakan di sekitar pantai. Pentingnya pemahaman konsep kebersihan bagi masyarakat sejak dini sehingga kebersihan lingkungan dapat dinikmati oleh semua masyarakat serta kemamfaatan umum dapat dicapai melalui sosialisasi dan aksi sosial kebersihan lingkungan. Hasil dari pengabdian masyarakat yang tim lakukan banyak sekali dampaknya. Pertama; selama berlangsungnya pengabdian, masyarakat sempat antusias berpartisipasi dalam pelaksanaan sosialisasi dan aksi social kebersihan pantai yang dilakukan oleh tim pelaksana pengabdian dari awal sampai berakhirnya acara. Pada dasarnya masyarakat menyadari akan pentingnya menjaga kebersihan pantai guna melestarikan lingkungan dan meningkatkan kualitas kesehatan. Namun dalam pelaksanaan meningkatkan pemahaman tersebut dibutuhkan motivasi lebih lanjut baik dari pemerintah maupun dari organisasi pecinta lingkungan.
ISpring-based instruction media that accommodate student’s learning style to support differentiated instruction
Authors: Mardiana Mardiana , Sukmawati R Ati , Juhairiah Juhairiah
Published: July 2024

Kurikulum merdeka menuntut peran guru untuk mengimplementasikan pembelajaran yang berdiferensiasi. Pembelajaran berdiferensiasi dapat dilakukan dengan 4 cara, salah satunya adalah dengan diferensiasi konten. Diferensiasi konten dapat dilakukan dengan menyesuaikan bagaimana materi akan diajarkan atau dipelajari siswa berdasarkan gaya belajarnya. Untuk melakukannya, guru dapat menyajikan media pembelajaran interaktif yang mengakomodasi gaya belajar siswa. Untuk menyajikan media pembelajaran tersebut diperlukan bantuan teknologi yang memadai, seperti iSpring. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan media pembelajaran yang mengakomodasi gaya belajar siswa untuk menunjang pembelajaran berdiferensiasi pada materi perbandingan trigonometri dengan menggunakan iSpring. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode R&D dengan model pengembangan ADDIE. Uji coba peneltian pengembangan ini dilakukan di kelas X RPL 2 SMKN 4 Banjarmasin, yang terdiri dari 36 siswa dengan dominan gaya belajar visual dan audiotori. Dari hasil penelitian didapatkan bahwa media pembelajaran yang dikembangkan telah dikategorikan valid dan sangat praktis untuk siswa visual dan siswa audiotori.
Studi etnomatematika: Konsep graf pada permainan dam-daman di kabupaten Pasuruan
Authors: Salsabila Anisah , Marhayati Marhayati
Published: July 2024

Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan etnografi karena untuk mendeskripsikan gambaran tentang objek yang terdapat pada budaya masyarakat. Objek dalam penelitian ini adalah permainan dam-daman yang meliputi papan permainan dan aturan bermain. Penelitian dilakukan di Desa Gempeng, Kecamatan Bangil, Kabupaten Pasuruan. Peneliti sebagai instrumen utama dalam menghimpun informasi. Sumber data dalam penelitian ini meliputi data hasil observasi, pengukuran, wawancara, studi literatur, dan dokumentasi. Teknik keabsahan data menggunakan kecermatan pengamat kemudian diverifikasi melalui teman sejawat. Adapun analisis data menggunakan tiga tahapan, yaitu reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa bentuk papan dam-daman memiliki keterkaitan dengan berbagai konsep matematika, salah satunya adalah graf. Pada dam-daman, ditemukan adanya titik, (vertex), sisi (edge), orde, ukuran, sub graf, jalan (walk), jejak (trail), lintasan (path), dan siklus (cycle). Derajat pada graf dam-daman di antaranya 2, 3, 4, 5, dan 8. Adapun jenis graf merupakan graf terhubung, sederhana, non Euler, semi Hamilton, berkromatik-3, dan berkromatik sisi-8.
Mathematics module on relations and function material for MTs class VIII students based on contextual and integrated Islamic values
Authors: Atsnan Muh. Fajaruddin
Published: July 2024

This research aims to describe the development of mathematics teaching materials in the form of modules based on a contextual approach integrated with Islamic values for relationship and function material, and to obtain information on the quality of the modules created. This module covers Islamic values, such as prayer, almsgiving, the good qualities of the Prophet, as well as good habits dictated by religion. This research and development model follows the ADDIE reference. The research results explain that (1) the validity of the module is in the "Good" criteria according to the validation results from 2 expert lecturers (material experts and media experts), (2) the practicality of the module gets the "Good" criteria, with 50 out of 57 students or 87.72 % answered that they strongly agreed that the module was easy to understand in terms of material and its content had an Islamic content, (3) the effectiveness of the module based on the learning outcomes test showed that 52 out of 57 students achieved the minimum ability criteria (KKM) set by the school, namely 68, with a completion percentage of 91.23% and the average value is 81.04.
The Challenges of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Leadership in the Restoration of Peace and Stability in Ethiopia
Authors:   Anonymous
Published: July 2024

The war in Ethiopia is ongoing, causing immense bloodshed, destruction of infrastructure and displacement of people. Communities involved in war that experience gross violations of human rights and excessive violence are likely to experience long-term trauma and deep psychological consequences. Religious leaders could support conflict-affected communities by facilitating peacebuilding activities and trauma-healing. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC), as a country-wide and prominent religious institution, would be in position to play such a role had it made efforts to promote dialogue and peace at the peak of the conflict and openly condemned the violence in Tigray. Instead, the inactivity of the Church leadership resulted in the Diocese in Tigray declaring its separation from the EOTC. The current paper seeks to examine the challenges that the Church leadership faces in encouraging dialogue and reconciliation in the country given the rifts it has experienced within. It also explores the ability of the Church leadership to influence state actors to make peace and to rehumanise those dehumanised by the politics of war.
The Russian Orthodox Church in Africa – For Political or Ecclesial Reasons?
Authors: Thiani Evangelos
Published: July 2024

Since 1921, the See of Saint Mark has been the sole canonical Eastern Orthodox Church serving the African continent. Alexandria allows presbyters from other Orthodox jurisdictions to serve immigrants of their nations, but under local Alexandrian jurisdictions. This practice of not having other Orthodox jurisdictional dioceses or bishops in Africa has helped eliminate the so-called ‘diaspora problem’ ( Holy and Great Council 2016 ) in Africa. That was until December 2021, when the Patriarchate of Moscow created two dioceses in Africa, after Alexandria supported the 2019 autocephaly of Ukraine awarded by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Was this invasion done for ecclesiastical reasons or state politics? What caused Alexandrian clerics to leave their mother Church? Did the Moscow–Ukrainian war, schism and autocephaly cause this? Using textual and oral evidence, this study unveils the Russian state using their inherent religious-state model as the reason for Moscow's invasion of Alexandria, and the Alexandrian clerics having joined Moscow because of administrative challenges of their dioceses, long before the Ukrainian autocephaly and war.
Tradisi Buwuh Pernikahan Di Desa Panjang Jiwo
Authors: Husain Muhammad Ilham Nur Hasan , Afif Abdullah
Published: July 2024

Tradisi Buwuh di beberapa daerah memiliki cara penyebutan yang berbeda-beda. Sebagian masyarakat jawa menyebutnya dengan nyumbang yang bertujuan untuk membantu tetangga yang mempunyai hajat. Meskipun pada akhirnya dikembalikan ketika si buwuh memiliki hajat. Hal ini seperti pada masyarakat Desa Panjang Jiwo, Kecamatan Tenggilis Mejoyo, Kota Surabaya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana praktek tradisi buwuh dalam walimah al-ursy di masyarakat Desa Panjang Jiwo serta pandangannya dalam hukum Islam. Penelitian ini ialah penelitian lapangan dengan analisis deskriptif dan pengumpulan data dengan menggunakan observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Sedangkan pendekatannya menggunakan antropologi hukum. Adapun hasil penelitian ini yaitu tradisi buwuh ini terjadi karena landasan sikap ingin tolong menolong pada masyarakat, naik berupa materi atau non materi. Adat yang terjadi di Desa Panjang Jiwo Kota Surabaya perihal buwuhan pada walimatul ‘ursy adalah ‘urf yang telah menjadi kebiasaan. Sehingga tidaklah bertentangan dengan hukum Islam, karena hal tersebut tidak ada yang merugikan dan yang dirugikan.
Development of systemic and mucosal immune responses against gut microbiota in early life and implications for the onset of allergies
Authors: Pirker Anna-Lena , Vogl Thomas
Published: July 2024

The early microbial colonization of human mucosal surfaces is essential for the development of the host immune system. Already during pregnancy, the unborn child is prepared for the postnatal influx of commensals and pathogens via maternal antibodies, and after birth this protection is continued with antibodies in breast milk. During this critical window of time, which extends from pregnancy to the first year of life, each encounter with a microorganism can influence children's immune response and can have a lifelong impact on their life. For example, there are numerous links between the development of allergies and an altered gut microbiome. However, the exact mechanisms behind microbial influences, also extending to how viruses influence host-microbe interactions, are incompletely understood. In this review, we address the impact of infants’ first microbial encounters, how the immune system develops to interact with gut microbiota, and summarize how an altered immune response could be implied in allergies.
Load-bearing furniture modules for fast deployable and reusable systems
Authors: Riggio Mariapaola , Dalle Vedove Alberto , Piazza Maurizio
Published: July 2024

The urgent need to reduce carbon emissions in the construction sector has driven the exploration of circular economy practices in the built environment. Nevertheless, the implementation of circular economy principles in projects remains limited. This research contributes to bridging this gap by introducing a project proposal that establishes a typology of modular systems designed for easy assembly, disassembly, and reuse. Specifically, the proposal focuses on load-bearing wood furniture modules (FMs) as an intermediate solution between planar and volumetric modules. These FMs expand the structural wall’s volume, facilitating the integration of services, storage, and appliances. This addresses scenarios where swift building deployment is required. The proposed modular dimension enhances transportation efficiency compared to volumetric solutions and simplifies construction by eliminating the need for temporary stabilization, as seen in planar systems. Standardization and “separability” of each component within the FM allows for easy integration and maintenance. Special attention is paid to the timber connection systems within and between FMs facilitating easy assembly, and disassembly for future reuse. The adaptability of the FM concept is demonstrated through versatile compositions and layouts, facilitating space reconfiguration. While the technical feasibility of the FM-based system is demonstrated, further research is needed to address regional and cultural variations and customize the system to different contexts. The study emphasizes the potential of FMs as a solution for buildings aligned with circular economy principles and highlights the importance of continued research and development in this field.
Ribosome heterogeneity in development and disease
Authors: Gao Yuen , Wang Hongbing
Published: July 2024

Traditionally viewed as a fixed and homogeneous machinery for protein synthesis, the ribosome is increasingly recognized for its heterogeneity, as indicated by emerging studies highlighting the functional relevance of specialized ribosomes. However, whether ribosome heterogeneity is merely an outcome limited to specific conditions or a pervasive cellular phenomenon remains unclear, and existing evidence on the extensive existence of ribosome heterogeneity is scant. Here, we leveraged existing proteomic data and employed ribosome ratio-omics (RibosomeR), which comprehensively analyzes ribosome protein stoichiometry across various biological samples exhibiting distinct functions, developmental stages, and pathological states. Using the 80S monosome proteomic data, RibosomeR analysis unveils significant ribosome heterogeneity across different tissues, including fat, spleen, liver, kidney, heart, and skeletal muscles. Furthermore, examination of testes at various stages of spermatogenesis reveals distinct RibosomeR signatures during tissue development. Analysis of the whole cell proteomic data finds that RibosomeR undergoes dynamic changes during in vitro neuronal maturation, indicating functional associations with specific molecular aspects of neurodevelopment. In pathological contexts, RibosomeR signatures in gastric tumors demonstrate functional links to pathways associated with tumorigenesis. Additionally, dynamic alterations in RibosomeR are observed in macrophages following immune challenges. Collectively, our investigation across a diverse array of biological samples underscores the presence of ribosome heterogeneity, while previous studies observed functional aspects of ribosome specialization, in cellular function, development, and disease. The RibosomeR barcode serves as a valuable tool for elucidating these complexities.
Associations between contextual factors and school engagement: a longitudinal study of profiles
Authors: Saracostti Mahia , de Toro Ximena , Miranda Horacio , Miranda-Zapara Edgardo , Lara Laura , Hernández María Teresa
Published: July 2024

School engagement, encompassing affective, behavioral, and cognitive dimensions, is key to promoting school retention and preventing absenteeism. Previous research has shown that maintaining high engagement is crucial for a positive educational trajectory. This study investigates the individual contributions of contextual factors, including family, teacher, and peer support, on students who initially had a lower level of school engagement in one dimension and then advanced to a higher level in the same dimension over time. The study involved students enrolled in their first year of secondary education in public schools in Chile during 2021, with the same students being evaluated again the following year. We used means cluster analysis to identify a group of students who initially had low school engagement but showed high engagement by the second evaluation. This allowed us to identify profiles of school engagement longitudinally. Our results indicated that contextual factors had a stronger association with affective engagement, followed by cognitive and behavioral engagement, respectively. Among the contextual factors, family and teachers had a stronger impact compared to peers. These findings highlight the importance of adults, particularly family and teachers, in enhancing school engagement during secondary education.
Cognitive impairment and associated factors among patients with diabetes mellitus in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chekol Tassew Worku , Ferede Yeshiwas Ayal , Zeleke Agerie Mengistie
Published: July 2024

Background

Inappropriate management of blood sugar in patients with diabetes mellitus leads to micro-vascular and macro-vascular complications, subsequently leading to high morbidity and mortality rates. In addition, diabetes independently increases the occurrence of cognitive impairment complicated by dementia. Scientific evidence on the magnitude of cognitive impairment will provide a sound basis for the determination of healthcare needs and the planning of effective healthcare services. Despite this, there are no comprehensive data on the prevalence and associated factors of cognitive impairment among patients with diabetes in Africa.

Methods

To identify relevant articles for this review, we searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar. After extraction, the data were imported into Stata software version 11 (Stata Corp., TX, USA) for further analysis. The random-effects model, specifically the DerSimonian and Laird (D+L) pooled estimation method, was used due to the high heterogeneity between the included articles. Begg’s and Egger’s regression tests were used to determine the evidence of publication bias. Sub-group analyses and sensitivity analyses were also conducted to handle heterogeneity.

Results

The pooled prevalence of cognitive impairment among patients with diabetes in Africa is found to be 43.99% (95% CI: 30.15–57.83, p < 0.001). According to our analysis, primary level of education [pooled odds ratio (POR) = 6.08, 95% CI: 3.57–10.36, I2 = 40.7%], poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (POR = 5.85, 95% CI: 1.64–20.92, I2 = 87.8%), age above 60 years old (POR = 3.83, 95% 95% CI: 1.36–10.79, I2 = 63.7%), and diabetes duration greater than 10 years (POR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.07–1.19, I2 = 0.0%) were factors associated with cognitive impairment among patients with diabetes.

Conclusion

Based on our systematic review, individuals with diabetes mellitus exhibit a substantial prevalence rate (43.99%) of cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment was found to be associated with factors such as primary level of education, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, age above 60 years, and diabetes duration greater than 10 years. Developing suitable risk assessment tools is crucial to address uncontrolled hyperglycemia effectively.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42024561484.
Circulating miR-28-5p is overexpressed in patients with sarcopenia despite long-term remission of Cushing’s syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Seco-Cervera Marta , Ibáñez-Cabellos José Santiago , Pallardo Federico V. , García-Giménez José-Luis , Aulinas Anna , Martel-Duguech Luciana , Webb Susan M. , Valassi Elena
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Patients with Cushing’s syndrome (CS) in remission show sustained fatigue, myopathy, and an increased prevalence of sarcopenia. The mechanisms that determine these persistent muscle problems are not well known. We aimed to identify circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) with differential expression that could be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and/or prognosis in CS.

Patients and methods

Thirty-six women in sustained remission for 13 ± 7 years (mean ± SD) from CS, with a median age (IQ range) of 51 (45.2–60) years and mean ± SD BMI of 27 ± 4 Kg/m2, and 36 matched healthy controls were investigated. In 7 patients sarcopenia was present according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) criteria. Small RNA libraries were generated and indexed using a modified Illumina TruSeq small RNA-sequencing protocol. MiRNAs were identified in plasma using bioinformatic analysis, and validation was carried out using RT-qPCR. For the validation, Taqman probes were performed on QuantStudio 5 equipment (Applied Biosystems).

Results

In a first discovery group using RNA-sequencing, plasma samples of 18 CS patients and 18 healthy subjects were investigated; circulating miR-28-5p, miR-495-3p and miR-654-5p were upregulated in CS patients as compared with controls (p<0.05). In a validation study of the 3 upregulated miRNAs in 36 patients and 26 controls, no differences were observed by RT-qPCR; however, the expression of circulating miR-28-5p was upregulated in CS patients with sarcopenia as compared with those without (AUC for fold-change in the ROC analysis, 0.798; p=0.0156). The optimized cut-off value for miR-28-5p to identify CS patients with sarcopenia was 3.80, which yielded a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 69%.

Conclusion

MiR-28-5p, a muscle-specific microRNA involved in myotube proliferation and differentiation in vivo, may serve as an independent non-invasive biomarker for identifying CS patients at high-risk of sarcopenia despite biochemical remission.
Modeling of a “Hydrogen Valley” to investigate the impact of a regional pipeline for hydrogen supply
Authors: Rosén Sofia , Göransson Lisa , Taljegård Maria , Lehtveer Mariliis
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The transition towards electrolysis-produced hydrogen in refineries and chemical industries is expected to have a potent impact on the local energy system of which these industries are part. In this study, three urban areas with hydrogen-intense industries are studied regarding how the energy system configuration is affected if the expected future hydrogen demand is met in each node individually, as compared to forming a “Hydrogen Valley,” in which a pipeline can be used to trade hydrogen between the nodes.

Method: A technoeconomic, mixed-integer, linear optimization model is used to study the investments in and dispatch of the included technologies with an hourly time resolution, while minimizing the total system cost. Four cases are investigated based on the availability of offshore wind power and the possibility to invest in a pipeline.

Results: The results show that investments in a pipeline reduces by 4%–7% the total system cost of meeting the demands for electricity, heating, and hydrogen in the cases investigated. Furthermore, investments in a pipeline result in greater utilization of local variable renewable electricity resources, as compared to the cases without the possibility to invest in a pipeline.

Discussion: The different characteristics of the local energy systems of the three nodes in local availability of variable renewable electricity, grid capacity and available storage options compared to local demands of electricity, heating and hydrogen, are found to be the driving forces for forming a Hydrogen Valley.
Effects of equivalent ratio and initial temperature on the explosion characteristics of ethanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate
Authors: Zhang Kai , Chen Sining , Li Yanchao , Duo Yingquan , Wei Lijun
Published: July 2024

In this paper, the effects of equivalence ratio (0.8–2.0) and temperature (30°C–120°C) on ethanol, acetone, and, ethyl acetate vapors explosion characteristics through experimental and numerical studies were investigated. The explosion overpressure and flame propagation velocity were recorded through the pressure transducer and high-speed camera. The results showed that the flame propagation velocity, peak explosion overpressure, and peak growth rate of explosion overpressure increased first and then decreased with the increase of equivalence ratio. The cracks on the flame surface enhanced with the increase of the equivalence ratio. As the initial temperature increased, peak explosion overpressure, the flame propagation velocity, and peak growth rate of explosion overpressure gradually increased. The sensitivity analysis of laminar burning velocity indicated that with the change of equivalence ratio and initial temperature, the shared elementary reactions that increased the reactivity were H + O2 <=> O + OH, HCO + M <=> H + CO + M, and CO + OH <=> CO2 + H, and the shared elementary reaction that reduced the reactivity was H + OH + M <=> H2O + M. The main factor affecting laminar burning velocity was the mole fraction of H and OH radicals.
Initial responses of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to removal of two dams on the Elwha River, Washington State, U.S.A.
Authors: Pess George R. , McHenry Michael L. , Denton Keith , Anderson Joseph H. , Liermann Martin C. , Peters Roger J. , McMillan John R. , Brenkman Samuel J. , Bennett Todd R. , Duda Jeffrey J. , Hanson Karrie M.
Published: July 2024

Large dam removal is being used to restore river systems, but questions remain regarding their outcomes. We examine how the removal of two large dams in the Elwha River, coupled with hatchery production and fishing closures, affected population attributes of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and steelhead (O. mykiss). Initial responses by returning adult Chinook salmon and steelhead was an increase in the number and spatial extent of natural and hatchery origin fish. Although few naturally produced juvenile Chinook salmon and steelhead outmigrants were observed prior to and during dam removal, abundances increased three years after adult fish passage was restored, suggesting that impacts due to downstream sedimentation after dam removal were reduced. The Chinook salmon population demographics remain dominated by hatchery production, while increases in winter steelhead abundance included both hatchery and natural-origin spawners. The spatial expansion of winter steelhead upstream of former dam sites was predominantly by natural-origin spawners. We also observed a natural “reawakening” of summer steelhead that were in part derived from an up-river resident population that returned to the Upper Elwha. Our results showed that a combination of habitat, hatchery, and harvest actions can result in positive responses for salmonid populations.
The taxonomic composition and chronology of a museum collection of Coleoptera revealed through large-scale digitisation
Authors: Garner Beulah H. , Creedy Thomas J. , Allan Elizabeth L. , Crowther Robyn , Devenish Elizabeth , Kokkini Phaedra , Livermore Laurence , Lohonya Krisztina , Lowndes Nicola , Wing Peter , Vogler Alfried P.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Historic museum collections hold a wealth of biodiversity data that are essential to our understanding of the rapidly changing natural world. Novel curatorial practices are needed to extract and digitise these data, especially for the innumerable pinned insects whose collecting information is held on small labels.

Methods

We piloted semi-automated specimen imaging and digitisation of specimen labels for a collection of ~29,000 pinned insects of ground beetles (Carabidae: Lebiinae) held at the Natural History Museum, London. Raw transcription data were curated against literature sources and non-digital collection records. The primary data were subjected to statistical analyses to infer trends in collection activities and descriptive taxonomy over the past two centuries.

Results

This work produced research-ready digitised records for 2,546 species (40% of known species of Lebiinae). Label information was available on geography in 91% of identified specimens, and the time of collection in 39.8% of specimens and could be approximated for nearly all specimens. Label data revealed the great age of this collection (average age 91.4 years) and the peak period of specimen acquisition between 1880 and 1930, with little differences among continents. Specimen acquisition declined greatly after about 1950. Early detected species generally were present in numerous specimens but were missing records from recent decades, while more recently acquired species (after 1950) were represented mostly by singleton specimens only. The slowing collection growth was mirrored by the decreasing rate of species description, which was affected by huge time lags of several decades to formal description after the initial specimen acquisition.

Discussion

Historic label information provides a unique resource for assessing the state of biodiversity backwards to pre-industrial times. Many species held in historical collections especially from tropical super-diverse areas may not be discovered ever again, and if they do, their recognition requires access to digital resources and more complete levels of species description. A final challenge is to link the historical specimens to contemporary collections that are mostly conducted with mechanical trapping of specimens and DNA-based species recognition.
Distinct maturation, glucose metabolism, and inflammatory function of human monocytes-derived IDECs mediated by anti-IgE and Pam3CSK4 alone or in combination
Authors: Gao Cuie , Zhao Ying , Ge Lan , Liu Wenying , Zhang Mengjie , Ni Bing , Song Zhiqiang
Published: July 2024

Background

Cell energy metabolism controls the activation and function of dendritic cells (DCs). Inflammatory dendritic epidermal cells (IDECs) in skin lesions of atopic dermatitis (AD) express high-affinity IgE receptor (FcϵRI) and toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), which mediate the generation and maintenance of inflammation. However, cellular energy metabolism and effector function of IDECs mediated by FcϵRI and TLR2 have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

IDECs in vitro were treated with TLR2 agonist Pam3CSK4 and anti-IgE alone or in combination for 24 h. Further, we analyzed the expression of cell surface activation markers, production of inflammatory factors, and cellular energy metabolism profiles of IDECs by using flow cytometry, multiplex assay, RNA sequencing, targeted energy metabolism, and seahorse assays.

Results

Compared to the unstimulated or anti-IgE groups, Pam3CSK4 alone or combined with anti-IgE groups significantly increased the expression of CD80, CD83, and CD86 on IDECs, but did not affect the expression of the above markers in the anti-IgE group. The release of inflammatory cytokines increased in the Pam3CSK4 alone or combined with anti-IgE groups, while there was a weak increasing trend in the anti-IgE group. The glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway of carbon metabolism was affected in all treatment groups. Furthermore, compared to the control group, we found a decrease in pyruvic acid, upregulation of PFKM, downregulation of FBP1, and increase in extracellular lactate, glycolysis rate, and glycolysis capacity after all treatments, while there was no difference between each treatment group. However, there was no difference in glycolytic reserve and mitochondrial basic and maximum respiration among all groups.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that glycolysis of IDECs may be activated through FcϵRI and TLR2 to upregulate inflammatory factors, suggesting that danger signals from bacteria or allergens might evoke an inflammatory response from AD through the glycolysis pathway.
Structural, blood flow and functional changes in the macular area and the expression of aqueous humor factors in myopia
Authors: Yang Lu , Niu Honglei , Sun Wencui , Zhang Dongchang , Li Shuangnong , Hao Shaofeng , Wang Minting , Wang Chuan , Hu Junping , Li Xian
Published: July 2024

Objective

To compare the macular area parameters and aqueous humor factors between myopia and emmetropia.

Methods

Convenience sampling was used to select patients who visited the Changzhi Aier Eye Hospital’s department of ophthalmology from December 2018 to December 2022 as the study participants. They were divided into three groups according to whether they were diagnosed as mild myopia myopic, highly myopic or not as follows: the mild myopia group (60 cases, 108 eyes), the high myopia group (46 cases, 78 eyes) and the healthy emmetropia group (40 cases, 65 eyes). The differences in the macular integrity (MI) assessment, optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography parameters and aqueous humor factors were compared between the three groups.

Results

AL in high myopia group was the highest, and that in emmetropia group was the lowest. The BCVA of mild myopia group was the highest. The RS in the high myopia group were significantly lowest in the three groups (26.42 ± 1.04 vs. 28.34 ± 0.76 vs. 31.92 ± 0.77) (F = 5.374, p = 0.013). The 63% BCEA, 95% BCEA and MI in the high myopia group were significantly highest (p < 0.05). The mean RPE thickness, mean CT and mean RT in the high myopia group were lowest (p < 0.05). The blood flow density were lowest in the superficial fovea, paracentral fovea and different subdivisions of the paracentral fovea in the high myopia group (p < 0.05). The VEGF concentration in the aqueous humor of the high myopia group was lowest (25.62 ± 17.43 vs. 32.45 ± 24.67 vs. 64.37 ± 21.14) (F = 9.237, p < 0.001). The MMP-2 concentration was highest (483 ± 201.48 vs. 410 ± 142.37 vs. 386 ± 154.34) (F = 5.542, p = 0.018). The VEGF concentration in the aqueous humor factor was negatively correlated with the AL in the myopia group (r = −0.438, p = 0.002), the MMP-2 concentration was positively correlated with the AL (r = 0.484, p = 0.010).

Conclusion

Patients with high myopia showed decreased retinal light sensitivity, fixation stability, superficial blood flow density and retinal thickness compared with people with emmetropia. A decreased VEGF concentration and increased MMP-2 concentration in the aqueous humor factor have potential associations with the development of high myopia.
Nursing students’ work readiness and its influencing factors before participating in a nurse residency program: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Liping , Lin Qin , Xu Ye , Wu Liping
Published: July 2024

Background

Studies have shown that work readiness is closely related to nurses’ role adaptation, career development, and patient safety. However, we know little about the nursing students’ work readiness and its influencing factors before participating in a nurse residency program, and whether factors have changed from before.

Aim

(1) To investigate the work readiness of nursing students ready to engage in a nurse residency program; (2) to identify the factors affecting the nursing students’ work readiness and the associations between emotional intelligence and work readiness; and (3) to discuss the changes of factors affecting nursing students’ work readiness.

Design

An online, multicenter cross-sectional study.

Methods

878 nursing students from eight tertiary hospitals in Chongqing, China were recruited. The online investigation used the General Information Questionnaire, the Nursing Students’ Work Readiness Scale, and the Emotional Intelligence scale. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS V23.0.

Results

768 valid questionnaires were included in this study. The nurses obtained a work readiness score of 277.08 ± 44.39 and an emotional intelligence score of 89.57 ± 13.89. Univariate analysis revealed that the following factors affected work readiness: age, sex, family support for becoming a nurse, voluntary choice of nursing major, previous experience as a student cadre, scholarship recipient status, willingness to engage in nursing work during the COVID-19 pandemic and confidence in clinical nursing practice. Frequent incidents of violence, poor salary for nurses for the nurse residency program, and low social acceptance were the top three reasons for decreased confidence in clinical nursing among nursing students. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis indicated that age, voluntary choice of nursing major, student leadership experience, confidence in clinical nursing work, self-emotion, and emotional application significantly influenced nurses’ work readiness.

Conclusion

Clinical instructors and administrators should dynamically assess nurses’ work readiness, prioritize individuals aged ≤23, who have chosen the nursing profession involuntarily, lack prior experience as student cadres, and exhibit low confidence in clinical nursing work. This focus will enhance their emotional self-management skills and ability to apply emotions effectively, improving their work readiness and training efficacy.
Effects of acupuncture and nicotine patch on smoking: a multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial
Authors: Dai Runjing , Ren Dong , Li Binning , Zhang Yanfeng , Ma Xiaojing , Zhang Xiangrong , Zhang Hailiang , Zhang Lina , Zeng Chenchen , Jiang Xiaomei , Bao Shisan , Fan Jingchun
Published: July 2024

Aims

To evaluate the effects of acupuncture and/or nicotine patches on smoking cessation.

Methods

Eighty-eight participants were randomly allocated into four groups: acupuncture combined with nicotine patch (ACNP), acupuncture combined with sham nicotine patch (ACSNP), sham acupuncture combined with nicotine patch (SACNP), and sham acupuncture combined with sham nicotine patch (SACSNP). The primary outcome was self-reported smoking abstinence verified with expiratory Carbon Monoxide (CO) after 8 weeks of treatment. The modified Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) score, Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale (MNWS), and the Brief Questionnaire of Smoking Urge (QSU-Brief) score were used as secondary indicators. SPSS 26.0 and Prism 9 software were used for statistical analyses.

Results

Seventy-eight participants completed the study. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics at baseline across the four groups. At the end of treatment, there was a statistically significant difference (χ2 = 8.492, p = 0.037) in abstaining rates among the four groups. However, there were no significant differences in the reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked daily (p = 0.111), expiratory CO (p = 0.071), FTND score (p = 0.313), and MNWS score (p = 0.088) among the four groups. There was a statistically significant difference in QUS-Brief score changes among the four groups (p = 0.005). There was no statistically significant interaction between acupuncture and nicotine patch.

Conclusion

Acupuncture combined with nicotine replacement patch therapy was more effective for smoking cessation than acupuncture alone or nicotine replacement patch alone. No adverse reactions were found in the acupuncture treatment process.

Clinical trial registration

http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=61969, identifier ChiCTR2100042912.
The prognostic role of an optimal machine learning model based on clinical available indicators in HCC patients
Authors: Lou Xiaoying , Ma Shaohui , Ma Mingyuan , Wu Yue , Xuan Chengmei , Sun Yan , Liang Yue , Wang Zongdan , Gao Hongjun
Published: July 2024

Although methods in diagnosis and therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have made significant progress in the past decades, the overall survival (OS) of liver cancer is still disappointing. Machine learning models have several advantages over traditional cox models in prognostic prediction. This study aimed at designing an optimal panel and constructing an optimal machine learning model in predicting prognosis for HCC. A total of 941 HCC patients with completed survival data and preoperative clinical chemistry and immunology indicators from two medical centers were included. The OCC panel was designed by univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis. Subsequently, cox model and machine-learning models were established and assessed for predicting OS and PFS in discovery cohort and internal validation cohort. The best OCC model was validated in the external validation cohort and analyzed in different subgroups. In discovery, internal and external validation cohort, C-indexes of our optimal OCC model were 0.871 (95% CI, 0.863–0.878), 0.692 (95% CI, 0.667–0.717) and 0.648 (95% CI, 0.630–0.667), respectively; the 2-year AUCs of OCC model were 0.939 (95% CI, 0.920–0.959), 0.738 (95% CI, 0.667–0.809) and 0.725 (95% CI, 0.643–0.808), respectively. For subgroup analysis of HCC patients with HBV, aged less than 65, cirrhosis or resection as first therapy, C-indexes of our optimal OCC model were 0.772 (95% CI, 0.752–0.792), 0.769 (95% CI, 0.750–0.789), 0.855 (95% CI, 0.846–0.864) and 0.760 (95% CI, 0.741–0.778), respectively. In general, the optimal OCC model based on RSF algorithm shows prognostic guidance value in HCC patients undergoing individualized treatment.
Genomic profiling of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) isolates in Kuwait hospitals
Authors: Boswihi Samar S. , Alfouzan Wadha A. , Udo Edet E.
Published: July 2024

Background

Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen that causes mild to invasive infections in hospitals and the community. Although methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) isolates continue to cause different infections, there is no data on the genetic backgrounds of the MSSA colonizing or causing infections in Kuwait hospitals. This study aimed to investigate MSSA isolated from patients admitted to Kuwait hospitals for antibiotic resistance and genetic backgrounds to understand their clonal composition.

Methods

Consecutive MSSA isolates were collected from single patients during two surveillance periods in 2016 and 2021 in 13 public hospitals. The isolates were characterized using antibiogram, staphylococcal protein A (spa) typing, DNA microarray analysis, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) using standard protocols.

Results

A total of 446 MSSA was cultured from different clinical samples in 2016 (n = 240) and 2021 (n = 206). All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≤ 2 mg/L], teicoplanin (MIC ≤2 mg/L), linezolid (MIC ≤4 mg/L), ceftaroline (MIC ≤2 mg/L), rifampicin, and mupirocin but were resistant to erythromycin (21.3%), clindamycin (14.0%), gentamicin (3.8%), kanamycin (10.5%), fusidic acid (27.0%), tetracycline (6.9%), trimethoprim (23.1%), and ciprofloxacin (35.2%). Molecular typing identified 155 spa types, dominated by t127 (15.0%), t084 (5.4%), t3841 (5.4%), t267 (2.4%), t442 (2.2%), t091 (2.2%), t021 (2.2%), and t003 (2.2%); 31 clonal complexes (CCs); and 56 sequence types (STs). The majority of the isolates (n = 265; 59.4%) belonged to CC1 (20.6%), CC15 (10.9%), CC22 (5.1%), CC30 (7.6%), CC361 (10.1%), and CC398 (4.7%).

Discussion

The MSSA isolates belonged to diverse genetic backgrounds dominated by CC1, CC15, CC22, CC30, CC361, and CC398. The distribution of MSSA clones in 2016 and 2021 showed the stability of these clones over time. The study provides the first comprehensive data on the clonal distribution of MSSA in Kuwait hospitals.
Subinhibitory concentrations of glabridin from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. reduce Listeria monocytogenes motility and hemolytic activity but do not exhibit antimicrobial activity
Authors: Liao Chengshui , Yu Chuan , Guo Jinxiang , Guan Mengxiang
Published: July 2024

Increases in the virulence and survival of some pathogens in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics have been reported. However, research on the effects of subinhibitory concentrations of antimicrobial substances derived from traditional Chinese medicine on pathogens is still insufficient. Glabridin is a well-known active isoflavone found in licorice roots that possesses a wide range of biological activities. Therefore, in this study, Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) exposed to subinhibitory concentrations of glabridin was used as the research object. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for L. monocytogenes. We investigated the impacts of subinhibitory concentrations of glabridin on the morphology, motility, biofilm formation, adherence, and survival of L. monocytogenes. The results indicated that the MIC of glabridin for L. monocytogenes was 31.25 μg/mL. At 1/8, 1/4, or 1/2 of the MIC, glabridin did not affect the growth, morphology, flagellar production, or biofilm formation of L. monocytogenes. However, subinhibitory concentrations of glabridin inhibited bacterial swimming and swarming motility and decreased the hemolytic activity of L. monocytogenes. Glabridin reduced the hemolytic activity of L. monocytogenes culture supernatants. The results also showed that subinhibitory concentrations of glabridin had no toxic effect on RAW264.7 cells but decreased the intracellular growth of L. monocytogenes in RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, subinhibitory concentrations of glabridin triggered ROS production but did not induce MET formation in macrophages. In addition, glabridin did not enhance the capacity of L. monocytogenes to trigger METs or the extracellular killing of macrophages by METs. Thus, we conclude that subinhibitory concentrations of glabridin reduce L. monocytogenes motility and hemolytic activity but do not exhibit antimicrobial activity. Glabridin could be an interesting food additive as a bacteriostatic agent with anti-Listeria activity.