bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Improved Local Time Stepping with the Leapfrog Scheme for Transient 3-D Electromagnetic Analyses
Authors: Li Minxuan , Wu Qingkai , Lin Zhongchao , Zhang Yu , Zhao Xunwang
Published: February 2024

An alternate boundary local time stepping (ABLTS) method is proposed for the discontinuous Galerkin time domain method for transient electromagnetic simulations to reduce the computation complexity of the local time stepping (LTS) method. The proposed method exhibites lower storage and time complexity than the conventional LF-LTS method . The stability, accuracy, and effectiveness of the ABLTS method are verified by applying it to the simulation of a resonator cavity and multi-layer microstrip antenna. The numerical results revealed that the developed method is effective for the transient electromagnetic simulation of antennas.
Evaluation of proximate analysis and yield production of watermelon in Lampung, Indonesia
Authors: WAHYUDI ANUNG , SARI MIRANDA FERWITA , RAJAMIN IRSAN , ARSRI MUSTIKA
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Wahyudi A, Sari MF, Rajamin I, Arsri M. 2023. Evaluation of proximate analysis and yield production of watermelon in Lampung, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6010-6015. The breeding of watermelon plants is carried out to produce new superior varieties. This study aimed to test the moisture, fat, carbohydrate, ash, and vitamin contents, and the yield potential of a hybrid watermelon line (F1). The materials used were 6 hybrid watermelon and 2 commercial lines as control varieties. A randomized block design was adopted in this study and was analyzed by LSD test, dendrogram, and proximate analysis. The result showed that the 6 hybrid watermelon lines had high yield potential. Furthermore, the moisture content of the fruit of the WM 2110-1204 lines (92.24%) was higher than other lines. Proximate data analysis showed that the WM 2110-0616 line had a higher ash content (0.16%), and the carbohydrate content of the fruit of the WM 2110-0806 line (3.64%) was also higher. The vitamin C-vitamin content of the fruit of the WM 2110-0308 line (0.36 mg.g-1) was higher, while the 4 watermelon lines, namely WM 2110-0308, WM 2110-204, WM 2110-0806, and WM 2110-1606 had advantages in terms of skin color and striation, fruit sweetness level and weight. In a dendrogram analysis, qualitative characters were divided into two clusters, with clusters I and II containing 8 and 1 lines, respectively.
Species richness pattern of aquatic vascular macrophytes along elevation gradients in Nepal Himalayas
Authors: SIWAKOTI ELIZA ACHARYA , NEPALI BABURAM , MANDAL TEJ NARAYAN , BANIYA CHITRA BAHADUR
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Siwakoti EA, Nepali B, Mandal TN, Baniya CB. 2023. Species richness pattern of aquatic vascular macrophytes along elevation gradients in Nepal Himalayas. Biodiversitas 24: 5179-5190. Aquatic vascular macrophytes constitute an important component of aquatic ecosystems. This study aims to determine the species richness pattern of aquatic vascular macrophytes along elevation gradients (100-4900 m asl) in the Nepal Himalayas. We used available published literature on elevational ranges of aquatic vascular macrophytes in Nepal to interpolate the species elevational ranges, thereby providing species richness estimates for 100 m elevational bands. A total of 113 species of aquatic vascular macrophytes belonging to 66 genera under 35 families were recorded from Nepal. Among these macrophytes, dicots were represented by 21 families, monocots with 10 families and pteridophytes with 4 families. Regarding the geographical divisions, the total number of aquatic vascular macrophytes recorded was 76 from the east, 90 from the central and 67 from the west, conclusively central Nepal showed the maximum number of macrophytes. The highest species richness was contributed by Hydrocharitaceae followed by Potamogetonaceae, Plantaginaceae, Lentibulariaceae and Nymphaeaceae. So far, the functional types of macrophytes are concerned, free-floating species were 15, submerged species were 36, floating-leaved species were 18 and emergent species were 44 along elevation gradients in the three geographical divisions in Nepal. The Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was applied to find out the relation between the species richness of aquatic vascular macrophytes with elevation. It showed a statistically significant monotonic declining pattern with increasing elevation. The occurrence of this model was further verified by aquatic vascular macrophyte richness at every 200 m elevation which converged with the general pattern. The study conducted along one of the world’s longest bioclimatic elevational gradients led to support the monotonic declining pattern of aquatic vascular macrophytes richness indicating the difference in richness pattern among aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. It also emphasizes the importance of conserving aquatic ecosystems with their vegetation.
Morphometric and molecular identification, domestication, and potentials of stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) in Mount Halimun Salak National Park, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: PRATAMA MUHAMMAD NABIL , AGUS ALI , UMAMI NAFIATUL , AGUSSALIM AGUSSALIM , PURWANTO HARI
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Pratama MN, Agus A, Umami N, Agussalim, Purwanto H. 2023. Morphometric and molecular identification, domestication, and potentials of stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) in Mount Halimun Salak National Park, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6107-6118. The purpose of this study is to identify the stingless bee species found in Mount Halimun Salak National Park, Sukabumi, and investigate the potential for its domestication. Four resorts within the Park, Cimantaja, Mount Koneng, Mount Bodas, and Kawah Ratu, were chosen as the sampling sites. The random sampling method was used to collect samples of stingless bees by working with locals. The collected bees were subsequently identified using their morphological and morphometrics features. Two species of stingless bees, Tetragonula laeviceps and Heterotrigona itama were found in the Park. The results of the 16S rRNA mtDNA gene sequencing confirmed the identity of the specimen of the stingless bees. Moreover, 37 colonies of T. laeviceps and 7 of H. itama were collected. The T. laeviceps were found in all four resorts, but the H. itama were only successfully collected from Kawah Ratu resort. The possibility for domestication and meliponiculture was investigated through observation and interviews with locals who shared their knowledge and the meliponiculture practices surrounding the Park. The study showed that T. laeviceps has more potential to be utilized in meliponiculture in the surrounding area of the Park.
Phytochemical analysis of Indonesian gadung mango leaf (Mangifera indica L. var. gadung) and their antibacterial activity
Authors: SULISTYARSI ANI , RAHAYU TRI , PRIMIANI CICILIA NOVI , PUJIATI PUJIATI
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Sulistyarsi A, Rahayu T, Primiani CN, Pujiati. 2023. Phytochemical analysis of Indonesian gadung mango leaf (Mangifera indica L. var. gadung) and their antibacterial activity. Biodiversitas 24: 6295-6304. The study was carried out to find out the secondary metabolite compounds in mango leaf extract (Mangifera indica L. var. gadung) using qualitative, quantitative, LC-MS and antibacterial activity with well diffusion method in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Research used a quantitative approach of randomized block design with variations of concentrations of 60, 80, and 100%, K- (aquadest), and K+ (chloramphenicol) in three times repeated groups. The results of qualitative and quantitative phytochemical tests show that mango leaf extract contains flavonoids (63408.464 mg/kg), saponins 3212.942 mg/kg), tannins (1050.191 mg/kg), alkaloids (605.123 mg/kg) and steroid (1050.191 mg/kg). Test of flavonoid derivat extract using LC-MS shows apigenin, kaempferol, fisetin, catechins, quercetin, ramnetin, astragalin, hirsutrin, isocercitrin, hyperin, rhamnetin 3-glucoside, rhamnetin 3-o-?galactopyranoside, isorhamnetin 3-galactoside, amentoflavone, routine, hyperin-6-gallate, epigallocycin (4??8) epigallocycin-3-ogalate ester. Antibacterial testing on S. aureus forms an average clear zone diameter of 30.46, 31.43, 32.81 mm furthermor in E.coli is 23.23, 23.84, 24.23 mm. Data of clear zone diameter was analyzed using ANOVA two-way and showed a value of sg. 0,001<0,05. It can be concluded that Indonesian gadung mango leaf extract contains secondary metabolites which have the potential to be an antibacterial agent.
Effectiveness of potassium humate and endophytic bacteria from Serratia marcescens strain NPKC3_2_21 in increasing root weight of paddy cultivation in acidic soil
Authors: SUTIO GUNAWAN , ISKANDAR ISKANDAR , INDRIYATI LILIK T. , DJAJAKIRANA GUNAWAN
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Sutio G, Iskandar, Indriyati LT, Djajakirana G. 2023. Effectiveness of potassium humate and endophytic bacteria from Serratia marcescens strain NPKC3_2_21 in increasing root weight of paddy cultivation in acidic soil. Biodiversitas 24: 6316-6322. Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a significant factor limiting rice agricultural production in acidic soil. The availability of P in acidic soil is generally insufficient because a substantial portion of P is absorbed by Al³? and Fe²?, rendering it inaccessible to plants. This P deficiency in acidic soil hampers proper root growth. However, this limitation can be overcome by the application of potassium humate and endophytic bacteria. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of phosphate fertilizer with and without potassium humate and/or endophytic bacteria on root growth in acidic fields. The research involved two treatment factors. The first factor comprised four levels of ex-madura phosphate rock fertilizer: 100% (1), 75% (2), 50% (3), 25% (4), and no application of phosphate rock fertilizer (5) and the second factor included potassium humate (A), endophytic bacteria from Serratia marcescens strain NPKC3_2_21 (B), a combination of potassium humate and S. marcescens endophytic bacteria (C), and the absence of both potassium humate and S. marcescens endophytic bacteria (D). The results revealed a positive interaction between phosphate fertilizer, the combination of potassium humate, and S. marcescens endophytic bacteria. Therefore, utilizing endophytic bacteria from S. marcescens and potassium humate could be an effective strategy for increasing root biomass in rice plants grown in acidic soil with a deficiency in available P.
Inbred-hybrid relationship and heterosis on agronomic traits in bi-color sweet and waxy corn
Authors: PATTHAWARO PATCHARIN , DERMAIL ABIL , CHANKAEW SOMPONG , SIMLA SAKUNKAN , LOMTHAISONG KHOMSORN , LERTRAT KAMOL , SURIHARN KHUNDEJ
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Patthawaro P, Dermail A, Chankaew S, Simla S, Lomthaisong K, Lertrat K, Suriharn K. 2023. Inbred-hybrid relationship and heterosis on agronomic traits in bi-color sweet and waxy corn. Biodiversitas 24: 6351-6359. Maize hybrids become more acceptable than other cultivar types since they promise high yield and uniformity by exploiting the heterosis advantages. Numerous lines are to be crossed to obtain the promising hybrids, and the progenies must be tested in multi-environment trials. Handling large number of genotypes in routine work is resource intensive; thus, the question arises if hybrid prediction based on the mid-parent (MP) value is feasible to reduce the workload. This study aimed to investigate the reliability of MP values in hybrid prediction through simple linear correlation and to estimate the magnitude of heterosis on given traits in sweet-waxy corn. Six parental lines and 10 F1 hybrids were evaluated in Khon Kaen in the dry and rainy seasons (2021/2022). Genotype and the interaction between genotype and season were significant for all observed traits. Waxy corn genotype 8A3-B was a good combiner for yield and yield components. Heterosis was trait-dependent, and it could imply parental adaptation when the estimation was done in contrasting environments. We found that the MP value can be used to predict the hybrid performance for flowering times only, but this approach was not effective for the rest agronomic traits. Since commonly, maize improvements are regarding multiple favorable traits, the strategy to use MP as single factor in hybrid prediction was not reliable. Other approaches, either SCA alone or the sum of mid-parent GCA and SCA, could be implemented for hybrid prediction in future studies.
Co-occurrence of ectoparasites on wild rodents in Sipora Island, Mentawai, Indonesia with the zoonotic potential review
Authors: MAIRAWITA MAIRAWITA , MURSYID AHMAD , DAHELMI DAHELMI , DINIYATI FITHRIA , LIDIA DELA , PUTRI NOVIKA , ARIFA MARSHA M. , JEFRIAL JEFRIAL , MAULANA RYAN M.
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Mairawita, Mursyid A, Dahelmi, Diniyati F, Lidia D, Putri N, Arifa MM, Jefrial, Maulana RM. 2023. Co-occurrence of ectoparasites on wild rodents in Sipora Island, Mentawai, Indonesia with the zoonotic potential review. Biodiversitas 24: 6369-6376. A complex interaction between human existence and synanthropic rodents can facilitate the spillover of zoonotic diseases. This research provides valuable data regarding Rodentia species distribution, ectoparasites, and the potential for zoonotic transmission. In linked habitats, rodents were collected systematically using 70 live traps over 3 days. A total of 54 Rodentia individuals were assessed, belonging to 7 species: Mus musculus, Rattus tanezumi, R. tiomanicus, R. rattus, R. argentiventer, R. norvegicus, and Leopoldamys siporanus. Additionally, 7 species of ectoparasites (mites, ticks, and fleas) were identified, including Laelaps echidninus, Leptotrombidium delicense, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Ornithonyssus bacoti, Culicoides sp., Hoplopleura pasifica, and Polyplax spinulosa. Various ectoparasites infested all the captured rats. Laelaps echidninus showed the highest prevalence and relative abundance in plantation habitats (81.25% and 68.81) and human dwellings (72.73% and 89.73). Spearman correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between prevalence-abundance of species ectoparasite (?. 0.955; p-value <0.01), while positive correlations between habitat types-prevalence (?. 0.439; p-value <0.01) and habitat types-abundance of species ectoparasite (?. 0.426; p-value <0.01). Negative correlations between ectoparasites species-prevalence (?. -0.273; p-value <0.05) and ectoparasites species-abundance of species ectoparasites (?. -0.309; p-value <0.05). These findings emphasize the need to assess zoonotic risks and take effective control measures in island regions for public health and conservation.
February 2024 Medical Image of the Month: Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis in Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors:   Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ USA, Brown Parker , Jokerst Clint , Gotway Michael , Stib Matthew
Published: February 2024

No abstract available. Manuscript truncated after 150 words. Lymphadenopathy decreased after initiation of coccidiomycosis treatment, but symptoms and crazy paving findings continued to worsen. Further workup revealed a new diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and subsequent bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and histology results were consistent with secondary PAP, likely due to patient’s underlying hematologic disease. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disease characterized by the accumulation of lipoproteinaceous material in the lung alveoli. There are two types of PAP that occur in adults: Idiopathic/ autoimmune and Secondary PAP. Idiopathic/autoimmune PAP is more common and is thought to result from antibody production against granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) that regulates surfactant homeostasis. Secondary PAP results from a precipitating condition, often inhalation exposure, underlying malignancy, or immunocompromise. The clinical manifestations of PAP are nonspecific and includes dyspnea, nonproductive cough, fatigue, and weight loss. CT may show nonspecific findings of smooth, bilateral interlobular septal thickening superimposed on a background of ground-glass opacification (crazy-paving). Diagnosis is confirmed with …
Marek Edelman's Bundist Humanitarianism: Theme and Variations from the Warsaw Uprising to Solidarity
Authors: Rice Monika
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT: This article discusses the multivalent identities of Dr. Marek Edelman—the last surviving commandant of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and its only leader to remain in Poland after the war. Imbued with the values of the Bund, especially its insistence on the primacy of human dignity, Edelman continued living by the Bundist ethos, pursuing his medical work and humanitarian activities, eventually translating this ethos into the values of Polish anti-communist dissidents embodied by the Solidarity movement. Based on multiple primary sources, this essay analyzes key aspects of Edelman's performed identities, such as his concept of patriotism (originating in the concept of doikayt or here and now ), his reinterpretations of the particular vs. universal significance of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, his contextualization and minimization of antisemitism in Poland, and his contentious and demonstrative relation to religion. It traces the development of these self-expressions within shifting political exigencies and implied expectations of Polish audiences for whom Edelman became a symbol of the Polish insurrectionary tradition. While Edelman's social and political activism was deeply rooted in his Bundist formation, he was also not immune from modifying his expressions of identity and his (re-)interpretations of historical events in the direction of more patriotic, "Polish" narratives that resonated with the Solidarity movement activists, who formed Edelman's milieu in his later life.
D'Aulnoy's Histoire d'Hypolite : A Manifesto for the Subversive Power of Music
Authors: Stedman Allison
Published: February 2024

Abstract: It is well known that Marie-Catherine d'Aulnoy's historical novel, Histoire d'Hypolite, comte de Duglas contains the first literary fairy tale in the French tradition and that the dynamic between novel and fairy tale in this work provided French readers with a model of production and reception for the publication of future tales. However, in creating a manifesto for the fairy tale as a new literary genre, Histoire d'Hypolite also provided a model for the ways in which the incorporation of music in fairy tales could advance the socio-political agendas of authors interested in subverting Louis XIV's absolutism while simultaneously avoiding censorship. This essay examines how the model that the novel's main character Hypolite advances for incorporating music into fairy tales was reprised in the fairy tales and frame novels that d'Aulnoy composed over the course of the decade that followed the publication of Histoire d'Hypolite . Although musical interventions in literary texts are more commonly known for distilling the particularities of fictional and dramatic works into aphorism and for transforming the diegetic universe of the text into the universal appeal of a social or emotional lesson, in Hypolite's model, the musical interventions do not refer back to the diegesis of the tale. Rather, they comment directly on the teller's reality, serving as a means of communication with the tale's intended audience and encouraging cooperation from that audience in a collective endeavor to resist patriarchal oppression and the political systems that sustain it.
Foldy: An open-source web application for interactive protein structure analysis
Authors: Roberts Jacob B. , Nava Alberto A. , Pearson Allison N. , Incha Matthew R. , Valencia Luis E. , Ma Melody , Rao Abhay , Keasling Jay D.
Published: February 2024

Foldy is a cloud-based application that allows non-computational biologists to easily utilize advanced AI-based structural biology tools, including AlphaFold and DiffDock. With many deployment options, it can be employed by individuals, labs, universities, and companies in the cloud without requiring hardware resources, but it can also be configured to utilize locally available computers. Foldy enables scientists to predict the structure of proteins and complexes up to 6000 amino acids with AlphaFold, visualize Pfam annotations, and dock ligands with AutoDock Vina and DiffDock.

In our manuscript, we detail Foldy’s interface design, deployment strategies, and optimization for various user scenarios. We demonstrate its application through case studies including rational enzyme design and analyzing proteins with domains of unknown function. Furthermore, we compare Foldy’s interface and management capabilities with other open and closed source tools in the field, illustrating its practicality in managing complex data and computation tasks. Our manuscript underlines the benefits of Foldy as a day-to-day tool for life science researchers, and shows how Foldy can make modern tools more accessible and efficient.
Use of mHealth in promoting maternal and child health in “BIMARU” states of India “A health system strengthening strategy”: Systematic literature review
Authors: Singh Khushbu , Walters Matthew R.
Published: February 2024

Low-middle income countries like India bear a heavier burden of maternal, childcare, and child mortality rates when compared with high-income countries, which highlights the disparity in global health. Numerous societal, geopolitical, economic, and institutional issues have been linked to this inequality. mHealth has the potential to ameliorate these challenges by providing health services and health-related information with the assistance of frontline workers in the provision of prepartum, delivery, and postnatal care to improve maternal and child health outcomes in hard-to-reach areas in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, there is limited evidence to support how mHealth can strengthen maternal and child health in India. The scoping review guideline in the Cochrane Handbook was used to retrieve studies from 4 international databases: CINAHL, Embase, Medline Ovid, and PubMed. This search strategy used combined keywords (MeSH terms) related to maternal and child healthcare, mHealth, and BIMARU in conjunction with database-controlled vocabulary. Out of 278 records, 8 publications were included in the review. The included articles used mHealth for data collection, eLearning, communication, patient monitoring, or tracking to deliver maternal and neonatal care. The results of these papers reflected a favourable effect of mHealth on the target population and found that it altered their attitudes and behaviours about healthcare. Higher job satisfaction and self-efficiency were reported by mHealth user care providers. Multiple barriers to the acceptance of mHealth exist, but the majority of the evidence points towards the feasibility of the intervention in a clinical setting. The mHealth has positive potential for improving maternal and child health outcomes in low-resource settings in India’s BIMARU states by strengthening the healthcare system. The results of the study could be used in the tailoring of an effective mHealth intervention and implementation strategy in a similar context. However, there is a need for economic evaluation in the future to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the cost-effectiveness of mHealth interventions.
Tissue-specific and cis-regulatory changes underlie parallel, adaptive gene expression evolution in house mice
Authors: Durkin Sylvia M. , Ballinger Mallory A. , Nachman Michael W.
Published: February 2024

Changes in gene regulation have long been appreciated as a driving force of adaptive evolution, however the relative contributions of cis- and trans-acting changes to gene regulation over short evolutionary timescales remain unclear. Instances of recent, parallel phenotypic evolution provide an opportunity to assess whether parallel patterns are seen at the level of gene expression, and to assess the relative contribution of cis- and trans- changes to gene regulation in the early stages of divergence. Here, we studied gene expression in liver and brown adipose tissue in two wild-derived strains of house mice that independently adapted to cold, northern environments, and we compared them to a strain of house mice from a warm, tropical environment. To investigate gene regulatory evolution, we studied expression in parents and allele-specific expression in F1 hybrids of crosses between warm-adapted and cold-adapted strains. First, we found that the different cold-adapted mice showed both unique and shared changes in expression, but that the proportion of shared changes (i.e. parallelism) was greater than expected by chance. Second, we discovered that expression evolution occurred largely at tissue-specific and cis-regulated genes, and that these genes were over-represented in parallel cases of evolution. Finally, we integrated the expression data with scans for selection in natural populations and found substantial parallelism in the two northern populations for genes under selection. Furthermore, selection outliers were associated with cis-regulated genes more than expected by chance; cis-regulated genes under selection influenced phenotypes such as body size, immune functioning, and activity level. These results demonstrate that parallel patterns of gene expression in mice that have independently adapted to cold environments are driven largely by tissue-specific and cis-regulatory changes, providing insight into the mechanisms of adaptive gene regulatory evolution at the earliest stages of divergence.
Molecular signature of stem-like glioma cells (SLGCs) from human glioblastoma and gliosarcoma
Authors: Zechel Christina , Loy Mira , Wegner Christiane , Dahlke Eileen , Soetje Birga , Baehr Laura , Leppert Jan , Ostermaier Johannes J. , Lueg Thorben , Nielsen Jana , Elßner Julia , Willeke Viktoria , Marzahl Svenja , Tronnier Volker , Madany Mamlouk Amir
Published: February 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and the GBM variant gliosarcoma (GS) are among the tumors with the highest morbidity and mortality, providing only palliation. Stem-like glioma cells (SLGCs) are involved in tumor initiation, progression, therapy resistance, and relapse. The identification of general features of SLGCs could contribute to the development of more efficient therapies. Commercially available protein arrays were used to determine the cell surface signature of eight SLGC lines from GBMs, one SLGC line obtained from a xenotransplanted GBM-derived SLGC line, and three SLGC lines from GSs. By means of non-negative matrix factorization expression metaprofiles were calculated. Using the cophenetic correlation coefficient (CCC) five metaprofiles (MPs) were identified, which are characterized by specific combinations of 7–12 factors. Furthermore, the expression of several factors, that are associated with GBM prognosis, GBM subtypes, SLGC differentiation stages, or neural identity was evaluated. The investigation encompassed 24 distinct SLGC lines, four of which were derived from xenotransplanted SLGCs, and included the SLGC lines characterized by the metaprofiles. It turned out that all SLGC lines expressed the epidermal growth factor EGFR and EGFR ligands, often in the presence of additional receptor tyrosine kinases. Moreover, all SLGC lines displayed a neural signature and the IDH1 wildtype, but differed in their p53 and PTEN status. Pearson Correlation analysis identified a positive association between the pluripotency factor Sox2 and the expression of FABP7, Musashi, CD133, GFAP, but not with MGMT or Hif1α. Spherical growth, however, was positively correlated with high levels of Hif1α, CDK4, PTEN, and PDGFRβ, whereas correlations with stemness factors or MGMT (MGMT expression and promoter methylation) were low or missing. Factors highly expressed by all SLGC lines, irrespective of their degree of stemness and growth behavior, are Cathepsin-D, CD99, EMMPRIN/CD147, Intβ1, the Galectins 3 and 3b, and N-Cadherin.
Predicting the main pollen season of Broussonetia Papyrifera (paper mulberry) tree
Authors: Kakakhail Ahmad , Rextin Aimal , Buters Jeroen , Lin Chun , Maya-Manzano José M. , Nasim Mehwish , Oteros Jose , Picornell Antonio , Pinnock Hillary , Schwarze Jurgen , Yusuf Osman
Published: February 2024

Paper mulberry pollen, declared a pest in several countries including Pakistan, can trigger severe allergies and cause asthma attacks. We aimed to develop an algorithm that could accurately predict high pollen days to underpin an alert system that would allow patients to take timely precautionary measures. We developed and validated two prediction models that take historical pollen and weather data as their input to predict the start date and peak date of the pollen season in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. The first model is based on linear regression and the second one is based on phenological modelling. We tested our models on an original and comprehensive dataset from Islamabad. The mean absolute errors (MAEs) for the start day are 2.3 and 3.7 days for the linear and phenological models, respectively, while for the peak day, the MAEs are 3.3 and 4.0 days, respectively. These encouraging results could be used in a website or app to notify patients and healthcare providers to start preparing for the paper mulberry pollen season. Timely action could reduce the burden of symptoms, mitigate the risk of acute attacks and potentially prevent deaths due to acute pollen-induced allergy.
Pharmacokinetic and safety profiles of mesalazine enema in healthy Chinese subjects: A single- and multiple-dose study
Authors: Cao Yuran , Wang Jingjing , Tang Xingyu , Tian Yan , Yu Jicheng , Liang Hong , Wu Jufang , Chen Yuancheng , Cao Guoying , Zhang Jing
Published: February 2024

Mesalazine is a well-established treatment for ulcerative colitis by oral or topical administration. However, the pharmacokinetic (PK) and safety profiles of mesalazine administered by an enema has not been clarified in Chinese population. We conducted an open-label study to assess the PK and safety profiles of mesalazine in 11 healthy Chinese subjects after receiving mesalazine enema (1 g/100 mL) once daily for 7 consecutive days. Blood and urine samples were collected for assay of mesalazine and N-acetyl mesalazine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The PK and safety data were summarized using descriptive statistics. The mean (standard deviation) maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), area under plasma drug concentration-time curve from time 0 to the last measurable plasma concentration time point (AUC0-t) and elimination half-life (t1/2) of mesalazine were 1007.64 (369.00) ng/mL, 9608.59 (3533.08) h·ng/mL and 3.33 (1.99) h, respectively after the first dose administration. In multiple-dose study, the estimated accumulation factor of mesalazine was 1.09. The cumulative urinary excretion rate of parent and major metabolite of mesalazine was 27.77%. After the last doe administration, 2.21% of the administered dose was excreted as mesalazine and 24.47% as N-acetyl mesalazine in urine within 24 h. Overall, 9 adverse events (AEs) were reported in 4 of the 11 subjects (36.4%), including oral ulcer, toothache, upper respiratory tract infection (1 each) and laboratory abnormalities (6 cases). All AEs were mild and recovered spontaneously without treatment, and were not considered as related to mesalazine. Mesalazine enema (1 g/100 mL) was safe and well tolerated in healthy Chinese subjects. These findings support further clinical trials in Chinese patients.

Trial registration: This trial was registered to Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) at https://www.chictr.org.cn (registration number: ChiCTR2300073148).
Agreement between arterial and end-tidal carbon dioxide in adult patients admitted with serious traumatic brain injury
Authors: Sardesai Neil , Hibberd Owen , Price James , Ercole Ari , Barnard Ed B. G.
Published: February 2024

Background

Low-normal levels of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) are recommended in the acute phase of traumatic brain injury (TBI) to optimize oxygen and CO2 tension, and to maintain cerebral perfusion. End-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) may be used as a surrogate for PaCO2 when arterial sampling is less readily available. ETCO2 may not be an adequate proxy to guide ventilation and the effects on concomitant injury, time, and the impact of ventilatory strategies on the PaCO2-ETCO2 gradient are not well understood. The primary objective of this study was to describe the correlation and agreement between PaCO2 and ETCO2 in intubated adult trauma patients with TBI.

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively-collected data of intubated adult major trauma patients with serious TBI, admitted to the East of England regional major trauma centre; 2015–2019. Linear regression and Welch’s test were performed on each cohort to assess correlation between paired PaCO2 and ETCO2 at 24-hour epochs for 120 hours after admission. Bland-Altman plots were constructed at 24-hour epochs to assess the PaCO2-ETCO2 agreement.

Results

695 patients were included, with 3812 paired PaCO2 and ETCO2 data points. The median PaCO2-ETCO2 gradient on admission was 0.8 [0.4–1.4] kPa, Bland Altman Bias of 0.96, upper (+2.93) and lower (-1.00), and correlation R2 0.149. The gradient was significantly greater in patients with TBI plus concomitant injury, compared to those with isolated TBI (0.9 [0.4–1.5] kPa vs. 0.7 [0.3–1.1] kPa, p<0.05). Across all groups the gradient reduced over time. Patients who died within 30 days had a larger gradient on admission compared to those who survived; 1.2 [0.7–1.9] kPa and 0.7 [0.3–1.2] kPa, p<0.005.

Conclusions

Amongst adult patients with TBI, the PaCO2-ETCO2 gradient was greater than previously reported values, particularly early in the patient journey, and when associated with concomitant chest injury. An increased PaCO2-ETCO2 gradient on admission was associated with increased mortality.
In vitro immune-enhancing effects of Platycodon grandiflorum combined with Salvia plebeian via MAPK and NF-κB signaling in RAW264.7 cells
Authors: Jang A-yeong , Kim Minji , Rod-in Weerawan , Nam Yu Suk , Yoo Tae Young , Park Woo Jung
Published: February 2024

The immune-enhancing activity of the combination of Platycodon grandiflorum and Salvia plebeian extracts (PGSP) was evaluated through macrophage activation using RAW264.7 cells. PGSP (250–1000 μg/mL) showed a higher release of NO in a dose-dependent manner. The results showed that PGSP could significantly stimulate the production of PGE2, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in RAW264.7 cells and promote iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-6 mRNA expression. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 and the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, p38, and NF-κB p65 were greatly increased in PGSP-treated cells. PGSP also promoted the phagocytic activity of RAW264.7 cells. All these results indicated that PGSP might activate macrophages through MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Taken together, PGSP may be considered to have immune-enhancing activity and might be used as a potential immune-enhancing agent.
Block mapping and dual-matrix-based watermarking for image authentication with self-recovery capability
Authors: Li Xuejing , Chen Qiancheng , Chu Runfu , Wang Wei
Published: February 2024

Numerous image authentication techniques have been devised to address the potential security issue of malicious tampering with image content since digital images can be easily duplicated, modified, transformed and diffused via the Internet transmission. However, the existing works still remain many shortcomings in terms of the recovery incapability and detection accuracy with extensive tampering. To improve the performance of tamper detection and image recovery, we present a block mapping and dual-matrix-based watermarking scheme for image authentication with self-recovery capability in this paper. The to-be-embedded watermark information is composed of the authentication data and recovery data. The Authentication Feature Composition Calculation algorithm is proposed to generate the authentication data for image tamper detection and localization. Furthermore, the recovery data for tampered region recovery is comprised of self-recovery bits and mapped-recovery bits. The Set Partition in Hierarchical Trees encoding algorithm is applied to obtain the self-recovery bits, whereas the Rehashing Model-based Block Mapping algorithm is proposed to obtain the mapped-recovery bits for retrieving the damaged codes caused by tampering. Subsequently, the watermark information is embedded into the original image as digital watermarking with the guidance of a dual-matrix. The experimental results demonstrate that comparing with other state-of-the-art works, our proposed scheme not only improves the performance in recovery, but also extends the limitation of tampering rate up to 90%. Furthermore, it obtains a desirable image quality above 40 dB, large watermark payload up to 3.169 bpp, and the effective resistance to malicious attack, such as copy-move and collage attacks.
Presentación: Autocartografías de autoras judeo-latinoamericanas de la segunda y tercera generación: hacia una definición
Authors: Houvenaghel Helena , Castilleja Diana
Published: February 2024

Presentación del n.º 30 de la revista titulado: "Mapear el yo: autoconstrucción y espacio en autoras judeo-latinoamericanas".
Variações de pH e CE na hidroquímica das águas minerais do Sistema Aquífero Serra Geral (SASG) envasadas no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Reginato Pedro Antonio Roehe , Pletsch Jéssica Sindiana , Vargas Tiago de , Carlos Franciéle Schwanck
Published: February 2024

A água mineral é um recurso de grande importância econômica, sendo caracterizada por parâmetros físico-químicos que são informados nos rótulos das marcas comercializadas. No entanto a água subterrânea pode apresentar alterações nas suas características físico-químicas sendo as mesmas provocadas por diferentes fatores. Neste estudo foi realizada uma avaliação das características hidroquímicas e das variações dos parâmetros pH e CE em águas minerais do SASG, no estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Essa avaliação envolveu a análise de dados físico-químicos de diferentes marcas de água, bem como avaliações dos parâmetros pH e CE em amostras de águas envasadas, que foram medidos em laboratório. Os resultados indicaram que as águas minerais do SASG são classificadas como “fluoretadas” sendo caracterizadas por pH médios próximo do neutro (7,10), condutividades elétricas baixas (média de 185,2 uS/cm) e classificadas como dos tipos bicarbonatadas cálcicas ou magnesianas. Além disso foram identificadas variações (positivas e negativas) nos valores de pH e CE medidos, quando comparados com os valores informados nos rótulos. O pH apresentou menores variações (-4,34 a 17,61%), enquanto a CE apresentou variações mais significativas (-13,79 a 50,91%). Essas variações são explicadas em função da renovação da água provocada pelos processos de recarga e pela explotação contínua.
Factors Influencing Sri Lankan Doctors’ Behavior to Recommend Online Purchase of Medical Nutrition Products
Authors:   i3L School of Business, Indonesia, Karnadi Lydia , Budisantoso Tjong ,   i3L School of Business, Indonesia, Pradipta Andamar
Published: February 2024

Online purchase is becoming an increasingly viable alternative to in-store transactions due to constraints on in-person interaction. However, medical nutrition customers, mostly healthcare patients in Sri Lanka, are still apprehensive about purchasing products online. Doctors’ recommendations can positively influence patients’ decisions to buy medical nutrition online, but few researchers have studied this. This study incorporated the Unified Theory of Acceptance and User of Technology (UTAUT) to assess what influences doctors to recommend online medical nutrition purchases to their patients. This study utilized a quantitative survey involving 64 medical doctors in Sri Lanka and used partial least squares structural equation modeling for data analysis. The results showed that Performance Expectancy (PE), Social Influence (SI), and Effort Expectancy (EE) affect doctors’ Behavior Intention (BI) in recommending online purchasing for medical nutrition. This study will benefit the pharmaceutical industry in accelerating medical nutrition online purchases in Sri Lanka by leveraging doctors as social influencers to recommend online purchases and extend the application of UTAUT in the field.
A latent class analysis of non-suicidal self-injury and associations with constructs from the interpersonal theory of suicide in a sample of sexual minority young adults
Authors: Chang Cindy J. , Nobles Matt R. , Cramer Robert J. , Robertson Ryan A. , Hill Ryan M. , Feinstein Brian A.
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Self-directed violence (SDV), comprising both non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide, is elevated among sexual minority populations. NSSI age of onset has been shown to impact severity of SDV outcomes. Components of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (ITS), which includes perceived burdensomeness (PB), thwarted belongingness (TB), and acquired capability for suicide (ACS), may be useful to understanding NSSI subgroups, especially among under-researched groups such as sexual minority persons. Methods: This study examined subtypes of NSSI and associations with constructs from the ITS. A sample of 473 sexual minority young adults with a history of NSSI completed self-report measures assessing demographics, SDV, and ITS constructs. More than half of the sample (59.7%) reported engaging in NSSI during their lifetime. For suicidal thoughts and behaviors, a majority of the sample reported having thoughts of suicide in their lifetime (87.3%), and one-third reported a lifetime suicide attempt (33.0%). Results: Latent class analysis revealed three classes: (1) lower NSSI, (2) moderate NSSI, and (3) higher NSSI. NSSI age of onset, intensity of suicidal thoughts, suicide plan likelihood, duration of NSSI, and number of NSSI methods differentiated groups. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) revealed that the lower NSSI group reported lower PB and TB than the moderate NSSI group. No differences were found for ACS across NSSI classes. Discussion: Results are discussed in terms of their theoretical implications and application for counseling at-risk sexual minority young adults. This study identifies factors associated with subgroups of self-directed violence among sexual minority young adults. Such findings inform gaps in self-directed violence prevention research and clinical practice for sexual minority persons.
Acceptance of Illness and Life Satisfaction in Patients after Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Bąk Ewelina , Żywczak Magdalena , Krzemińska Sylwia
Published: February 2024

Introduction. Stroke is a disease that ranks highest in terms of mortality worldwide. It is a chronic condition that affects functioning and social roles. Advanced diagnostic capabilities, appropriate care, and systematic and early rehabilitation significantly reduce mortality. The quality of life of stroke survivors changes as a result.

Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the acceptance and satisfaction of patients after an ischemic stroke.

Material and Methods. The study was conducted between September 2019 and December 2019 among 91 patients from the Outpatient Clinic of the Independent Municipal Health Care Facility in Zembrzyce, the Independent Public Health Care Facility in Mucharz, and patients hospitalized in the Beskid Rehabilitation and Medical Center in Jaworzno in the Neurological Rehabilitation Subunit. Two questionnaires were used for the study: the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS).

Results. In terms of life satisfaction, 56% of the participants had low levels of satisfaction, while only 25% reported high satisfaction. The average acceptance of illness score among patients aged 40–60 was 24.2, indicating a good level of acceptance. The average score for satisfaction with life was 17.19, reflecting low levels of satisfaction.

Conclusions. Higher levels of acceptance of illness were associated with increased satisfaction with life. Acceptance of illness significantly influenced life satisfaction. Chronic conditions such as stroke make acceptance of illness more challenging. (JNNN 2023;12(3):103–111)
Osteocalcin protects islet identity in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice on high-fat diet
Authors: Beamish Christine A , Lee Yoon K , Gaber A Osama , Chanana Priyanka , Graviss Edward A , Kloc Malgorzata , Gaber M Waleed , Hsueh Willa A , Sabek Omaima M
Published: February 2024

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an increasing global health threat and strong risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D). MetS causes both hyperinsulinemia and islet size overexpansion, and pancreatic β-cell failure impacts insulin and proinsulin secretion, mitochondrial density, and cellular identity loss. The low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLr−/−) model combined with high-fat diet (HFD) has been used to study alterations in multiple organs, but little is known about the changes to β-cell identity resulting from MetS. Osteocalcin (OC), an insulin-sensitizing protein secreted by bone, shows promising impact on β-cell identity and function. LDLr−/− mice at 12 months were fed chow or HFD for 3 months ± 4.5 ng/h OC. Islets were examined by immunofluorescence for alterations in nuclear Nkx6.1 and PDX1 presence, insulin–glucagon colocalization, islet size and %β-cell and islet area by insulin and synaptophysin, and mitochondria fluorescence intensity by Tomm20. Bone mineral density (BMD) and %fat changes were examined by Piximus Dexa scanning. HFD-fed mice showed fasting hyperglycemia by 15 months, increased weight gain, %fat, and fasting serum insulin and proinsulin; concurrent OC treatment mitigated weight increase and showed lower proinsulin-to-insulin ratio, and higher BMD. HFD increased %β and %islet area, while simultaneous OC-treatment with HFD was comparable to chow-fed mice. Significant reductions in nuclear PDX1 and Nkx6.1 expression, increased insulin–glucagon colocalization, and reduction in β-cell mitochondria fluorescence intensity were noted with HFD, but largely prevented with OC administration. OC supplementation here suggests a benefit to β-cell identity in LDLr−/− mice and offers intriguing clinical implications for countering metabolic syndrome.
Regulación emocional y habilidades sociales en estudiantes de quinto grado de una institución educativa del municipio de Caloto (Cauca)
Authors: Anchico Jojoa Ana Dolores , Menjura Escobar María Inés
Published: February 2024

The article is a synthesis of a study carried out with the objective of determining the relationship between emotional regulation and social skills of fifth grade students of an Educational Institution in the Municipality of Caloto (Cauca). From the methodological point of view, it is a study with a non-experimental descriptive-correlational scope. The sample consisted of 49 fifth grade students (19 girls and 30 boys). For the assessment of emotional regulation, the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnarie-Kids (CERQ-K) by Garnefski et al., (2007) was used, validated in Mexico by Reyes et al., (2021) and for Social Skills, Goldstein's checklist was used (1997).  The results showed a statistically significant relationship between the maladaptive dimensions of self-blame and blaming others emotion regulation *P<.05 with skills to cope with stress. At a general level, a high percentage of use of the maladaptive strategy of rumination was found (64.54%) and high percentages in the adaptive strategies of refocusing on the plans (63.00%) and positive reassessment (65.20%). Regarding social skills, it was found that students are located in an enneatype (7 and 8) that corresponds to a good level of social skills.