bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of bullying and cyberbullying on mental health: a systematic review
Authors: Agustiningsih Nia , Yusuf Ah , Ahsan Ahsan , Fanani Qori
Published: February 2024

Bullying, including cyberbullying, has a devastating impact on mental health, particularly among adolescents. This literature study aims to identify mental health issues caused by bullying and cyberbullying. A systematic review was conducted in the last five years using the keywords "bullying, cyberbullying, mental health, adolescent" and the population, intervention, comparison, outcome, study design (PICOS) framework within Scopus (29 articles), ProQuest (187 articles), Science Direct (193 articles), and SAGE (58 articles) published databases in the last five years using the keywords of “bullying, cyberbullying, mental health, adolescent”. The selected articles are those applying quantitative and longitudinal studies published in 2018-2022 in which study participants were adolescents who had experiences as victims of bullying and cyberbullying. The 25 articles met the inclusion criteria for review. Based on the results of the review of the article, it was found that mental health problems can occur in all roles in bullying and cyberbullying, but the highest is in the role of victim. Mental health problems that occur in victims include anxiety, stress, depression, low self-esteem, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Based on these results, different interventions are needed for the roles involved in bullying and cyberbullying, especially for victims, because psychological problems are more common in victims.
Adverse events following immunization of mRNA-1273 (Moderna) booster vaccine in clerkship students
Authors: Hendarto Hari , Akbar Femmy Nurul , Nasir Narila Mutia , Wulandari Endah , Adlani Hadianti
Published: February 2024

Two-dose primary vaccine administration was the best strategy to reduce the prevalence and severity of COVID-19. Improved immunity and antibody response to the new variant virus by administering a booster vaccine is needed. Health workers are the main priority for administering the mRNA-1273 (Moderna) booster vaccination in Indonesia. This vaccine has high effectiveness, and safety, however, data and evaluation of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) is required. This study aimed to determine the AEFIs of mRNA-1273 booster vaccination in clinical clerkship students as an early adult age group. The research design was a repeated cross-sectional study using purposive sampling technique. There were 214 subjects who met the requirements. Subject filled out an online questionnaire containing evaluation of AEFIs. The most local AEFIs symptoms were pain at the injection site (79.0%), while the common systemic symptoms were headache, drowsiness, weakness, and fever (37.4%; 26.2%; 9.8%; 9.3%). Most AEFIs were felt within 30 minutes to three days. No respondents required hospitalization, experienced anaphylactic shock, became disabled, or died. The AEFIs did not have a significant relationship with gender, history of allergies, co-morbidities, or history of COVID-19. This information is used as a preventive or educational effort to support implementation vaccine in Indonesia.
The implementation of a caring safety model to decrease adverse events
Authors: Menap Menap , Putra Made Mahaguna
Published: February 2024

Patient safety is the most crucial health service orientation. An appropriate clinical risk management system is needed to sustain the safety culture in the hospital. This study aimed to examine the implementation of the caring safety model (CSM) in reducing the adverse events (AEs) in patients. A quasi-experimental design (pretest-posttest control group design) was conducted, involving samples in two hospitals in Indonesia. Nurses in the experimental group followed the CSM training and applied it to nursing care, while nurses in the control group followed the standard care. AEs were assessed on indicators of medication error, patient falls, phlebitis, decubitus, and surgical site infection. The implementation of CSM was evaluated for it is impact on AEs reduction. CSM-based care could reduce AEs in patients better than standard care. The final observation variable of the experimental and the control groups resulted in a value of sig of
Determinants of sexual and reproductive health concerns among youngsters in Albania during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gjebrea Elona , Mali Juna , Hoxha Livia
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all communities, including youngsters. Our aim was to assess the key sexual and reproductive health (SRH) concerns of young people in Albania during the pandemic as well as the factors associated with the main health concern. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Albania in 2021. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of being concerned about mental health & psychological well-being, urgency for mental health information, and difficulty in getting mental health information with independent variables. In total 340 youngsters aged 14-30 years participated (66% female, 89% Albanian ethnicity, about 20% belonging to the LGBT community). Mental health & psychological well-being were the main SRH topics youngsters were concerned about, reported by 48% of them. About 37% of youngsters had an urgent need for mental health information during the pandemic and 18% experienced difficulty in getting this information. Being part of the LGBT community was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of being concerned about mental health (OR=3.15;95%CI:1.36-7.33), being in urgent need of mental health information (OR=3.68;95%, CI:1.63-8.32) and experiencing difficulties in getting mental health information (OR=3.48;95% CI:1.49-8.13). Higher household income levels also increased the likelihood of being concerned about mental health (OR=4.28;95%CI:1.55-11.77) and being in urgent need of mental health information (OR=4.15;95%CI:1.43- 12.01). In conclusion, young people in Albania have been concerned about various SRH topics during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the major concern was mental health & psychological well-being, especially for the LGBT community. The findings should guide future interventions for addressing youth mental health concerns in emergency situation.
Factors affecting family planning behavior among women in Samarinda, Indonesia
Authors: Feriani Pipit , Yunitasari Esti , Efendi Ferry , Krisnana Ilya , Ernawati Rini , Sari Reny Mareta , Tianingrum Niken Agus , Safaah Nurus
Published: February 2024

Women are considered to be the most common recipients of contraceptive methods. This study aimed to determine the most influential factors in family planning behavior among women in Samarinda, Indonesia. This study used a cross-sectional design and involved 384 women of childbearing age in the area of Samarinda Primary Health Care. Data were collected using a questionnaire to measure education, income, culture, parity, health workers, and family support for family planning. All variables were categorized and the data were analyzed using binary logistic regression. The significance level was set at 0.05. The study showed that generally respondents have good family planning behaviour (228 respondents; 59.4%) while parity, family support and culture are good in contraceptive use. It is presented that culture support (p=0.004; OR=2.081) become the most dominant factor of contraceptive use behaviour after controlled by education (p=0.047; OR=1.574), income (p=0.043; OR=0.632), parity (p=0.011; OR=0.575) and family support (p=0.025; OR=0.518). Women with a supporting culture will have better contraceptive use behavior than women who do not after controlling for education, income, parity, and family support. It is expected that harmonizing culture with health programs can encourage people to improve their health behaviors.
The relation of clinical governance climate on quality of care mediated by patient safety culture
Authors: Fitriani Reni , Antonio Ferdi , Wuisan Dewi Sri Surya
Published: February 2024

The hospital organization determines quality of care (QOC) from health services; however, there are many challenges due to the different backgrounds of healthcare workers. Essentially, governance is needed to guarantee a process oriented toward clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, research on clinical management with dimensional measurements conducted in private hospitals is still scanty. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between clinical governance climate (CGC) on QOC mediated by a patient safety culture (PSC) and the control variable adaptation to workload in relation to QOC. Participants were healthcare workers in two private hospitals that have been fully accredited; 416 participants met the requirements. Data were collected by distributing questionnaires in March 2023. Data were analyzed through partial least square – structural equation model (PLS-SEM). The study result indicated a significant positive relationship between CGC and PSC (β=0.851, p-value<0.05). Further, a positive relationship between PSC to QOC (β=0.654, p-value<0.05) was established. However, insufficient evidence indicates a direct relation between CGC on QOC (p-value>0.05). The role of PSC as a full mediating was confirmed (β=0.557, p-value<0.05, CI 95% 0.441-0.677). The finding of this study is the importance of CGC relation to QOC mediated by PSC in private hospitals.
Barriers in cancer risk reduction in community in Indonesia: a qualitative study
Authors: Tiranda Yulius , Nuntaboot Khanitta , Septiwi Cahyu , Agianto Agianto , Solikhah Solikhah
Published: February 2024

Integrated development post of non-communicable diseases (Posbindu penyakit tidak menular/PTM) is one of the strategies implemented by the MOH of Indonesia for prevention, screening, and early detection through community empowerment and community involvement in reducing the number of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer. This study aimed to explore the barriers to reducing the risk of cancer. Twelve participants were involved in this study using in-depth interviews and participant observations. All the interviews and discussions were recorded using an audio tape recorder and also using field notes, and then a transcript was transcribed verbatim. Five themes emerged namely providing funding for the program, obtaining appropriate support from the government based on the community’s needs and a health workforce shortage, sharing and discussing the health information, and cultural practices of the community as barriers to reducing the risk of cancer in the community. The study results can be used as evidence to develop and sustain effective strategies to address the barriers to reducing the risk of cancer in communities in Indonesia.
The correlation of breastfeeding support and preparation towards mother’s satisfaction on infant’s breastfeeding status
Authors: Widyaningrum Rachmawati , Ayuningtyas Cita Eri , Parisudha Annisa , Handayani Lina
Published: February 2024

Besides the benefits of breastfeeding, the number of children exclusively breastfed was still low. The mother's breastfeeding decision might be influenced by breastfeeding support and preparation. The decision also might influence the mother's satisfaction and the child's well-being. Thus, to minimize the adverse effect of the decision, it is essential to identify the factors associated with mother satisfaction on their breastfeeding status. This study aimed to understand the correlation between breastfeeding support and preparation on mother's satisfaction with the infant's breastfeeding status. This study was a cross-sectional, observational study held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The inclusion criteria were the mother of a baby aged 6 to 24 months who lived in Yogyakarta City and was willing to join the research. A total of 150 respondents, mostly aged 19-40 years, joined the study. Spouse support is most influential on breastfeeding (BF) status. Mother's satisfaction with infant feeding choices was influenced by BF status, husband's support, and healthcare support. Husband support is essential for the mother to achieve exclusive breastfeeding and meet maternal satisfaction. Appropriate healthcare personnel support positively impacts maternal satisfaction by providing information and encouraging mothers to make informed infant feeding decision-making.
Navigating the pandemic: an exploration of health behavioral dynamics among Asian Americans during COVID-19
Authors: Li Xiao , Mitchell Jordan , Decker Phillip , Park Jae Man
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic brought Asian Americans sharply into focus, revealing both the strengths and vulnerabilities within this community. Despite a myriad of studies on their experiences and health disparities during the outbreak, gaps persist in our understanding of their health literacy, beliefs, and healthcare behaviors. Leveraging the snowball sampling method, our study engaged 20 diverse Asian Americans, delving into facets ranging from English proficiency and health literacy to cultural health beliefs and preventive behaviors. Notably, participants exhibited high English proficiency and health literacy. Their health choices, shaped by their Asian heritage, showcased a proactive approach to combating COVID-19. Most did not defer or sidestep healthcare, underlining their commitment to well-being. These insights underscore the resilience and adaptability of the Asian American community. By decoding their health behaviors and beliefs, our study aims to refine public health strategies, ensuring they resonate not just with Asian Americans but potentially with other ethnic cohorts amidst global health crises.
Availability of Silica in Dusts at different operations locations in Limestone Quarry in Ewekoro, Nigeria
Authors: Olatunji Kayode
Published: February 2024

The dusts from mines and quarries have been reported to induce respiratory problems among mineral workers. This study was carried out to investigate the availability of free silica in the dust from different parts of the quarry with different activities. The blasted, boreholes and stacked sites were investigated. The collected dust was analyzed using an X-Ray analyzer. The result shows that the highest free silica content (mean of 22.279%) was found in dusts from borehole, followed by blasted parts (17.195%). The stacked shows the least mean (7.566%). The statistical analysis carried out on the result using SPSS software shows that there is statistical independence of the dust from different sections of the quarry, meanwhile the values of the means are environmentally significant. The recommendations were made on how to control the negative effect of the free silica in every aspect of the quarry with emphasis on borehole drilling section.
Control System for Swerve Drive Wheeled Automated Guided Vehicle with Ultra-Wide Band Local Positioning System
Authors: Arifianto Mada Jimmy Fonda , Afianto  , Suhendra
Published: February 2024

Control system for Automates Guided Vehicle (AGV) is used to control the motor movement so that the AGV can go to a position in certain speed and orientation.  Discussion in this paper is about how to control 4-wheel swerve drive-based AGV.  Mechanical structure of each wheel is built in such a way that the wheel can move forward / backward and the orientation can be adjusted while moving.  Each wheel requires two BLDC motors to drive and to steer the AGV. In this project, the power each motor is 200W which is drove and controlled by Syntron LS20530G motor driver that connected to a computer via CAN-bus.  An Ultra-Wide Band (UWB)-based Local Positioning System (LPS) is used to monitor the position of the AGV as well as a guide for non-physical paths so that AGV moves according to a given path virtually.  The experimental results show that AGV can move in a straight line with a speed of 50m/min. Wheels can also be steered according to a certain angle so that the AGV can move towards the destination point. The steering angle of each wheel is between -135 degrees to 135 degrees.
SELECTION OF ZEELAND’S MUNICIPAL EFFLUENT REUSE TECHNOLOGY FOR AGRICULTURE: PERSPECTIVE FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRY
Authors: Disrinama Am Maisarah
Published: February 2024

The water demands for agricultural purposes are increasing along with the population growth. Unfortunately, the water source is not sufficiently available nowadays. Furthermore, the quality of available water is more deteriorated due to the contamination from many sources such as households, industrial areas and other activities. Water board Scheldestromen handles 16 wastewater treatment plants located in Province of Zeeland in The Netherlands. The total production of treated effluent water from 16 wastewater treatment plants is 50 million annually. Quality of the effluent is relatively good, however, some potential risks related to the number of pathogenic microorganism and some trace metals are still there. The treated effluent is mostly discharged to river near to the treatment plant. The high amount of effluent discharge would potentially to be re-used for fulfill the demand for agricultural water. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the feasibility of treated effluent from one of Walcheren wastewater treatment plants located in Ritthem, Province of Zeeland. This study uses the method of Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA) for looking the best way to reuse the effluent for agricultural purposes. The MCA questionnaire was developed based on the thorough literature review of effluent reuse. There are 6 criteria that need to be weighted and 6 scenario alternatives that need to be scored for the MCA questionnaire. The result show that the effluent water contained pathogenic bacteria (E.Coli) and some trace metals (Ni and Cu) more than suggested by FAO standard. Hence the most preferred technology is combination between closed conduits and UV system, with weighted score 0.78 while others had less weighted score compared to the selected one.

Key words : Agriculture, Effluent, Environment, Water Treatment, Zeeland.
Development of Fish Distribution Information System for Digital Virtual Assitant based on Harvesine with LoRA Node
Authors: Dwi Sasmita Aji Pambudi  , Afif Zuhri Arfianto  , Muhammad Khoirul Hasin  , Dimas Pritovani Riananda
Published: February 2024

The pressing issue of suboptimal and inefficient traditional fishing practices among local communities. Traditional fishermen often operate with inadequate equipment, resulting in less-than-optimal fishing outcomes. In this context, the lack of modern tools and techniques hinders the effectiveness of fish capture. Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of traditional fishing practices. The study aims to develop an advanced Fish Distribution Information System tailored for a Digital Virtual Assistant using the Haversine method and LoRA nodes. This system provide instantaneous, location-specific details about fish distribution and involves designing a data logger serving as repository for travel histories, utilizing a website as the user interface interfacing with a Leaflet map in a Geographic Information System (GIS). The Haversine method is employed for precise distance computations between LoRA Gateway, information about fish distribution, and unfavorable weather conditions within the specified area. the resukt show that The distance displayed on the website with the haversine method with excel calculation comparison produces an error calculation of 0.157%, while the percentage error for GPS latitude accuracy is 0.000116% and longitude percentage is 0.000002%. RSSI performance at LoRA ranges from -57dBM at a distance of 50m and -121dBM at a distance of 1500m.
Acute Adenoviral Infection Elicits an Arrhythmogenic Substrate Prior to Myocarditis
Authors: Padget Rachel L. , Zeitz Michael J. , Blair Grace A. , Wu Xiaobo , North Michael D. , Tanenbaum Mira T. , Stanley Kari E. , Phillips Chelsea M. , King D. Ryan , Lamouille Samy , Gourdie Robert G. , Hoeker Gregory S. , Swanger Sharon A. , Poelzing Steven , Smyth James W.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Viral cardiac infection represents a significant clinical challenge encompassing several etiological agents, disease stages, complex presentation, and a resulting lack of mechanistic understanding. Myocarditis is a major cause of sudden cardiac death in young adults, where current knowledge in the field is dominated by later disease phases and pathological immune responses. However, little is known regarding how infection can acutely induce an arrhythmogenic substrate before significant immune responses. Adenovirus is a leading cause of myocarditis, but due to species specificity, models of infection are lacking, and it is not understood how adenoviral infection may underlie sudden cardiac arrest. Mouse adenovirus type-3 was previously reported as cardiotropic, yet it has not been utilized to understand the mechanisms of cardiac infection and pathology.

METHODS:

We have developed mouse adenovirus type-3 infection as a model to investigate acute cardiac infection and molecular alterations to the infected heart before an appreciable immune response or gross cardiomyopathy.

RESULTS:

Optical mapping of infected hearts exposes decreases in conduction velocity concomitant with increased Cx43
Ser368
phosphorylation, a residue known to regulate gap junction function. Hearts from animals harboring a phospho-null mutation at Cx43
Ser368
are protected against mouse adenovirus type-3–induced conduction velocity slowing. Additional to gap junction alterations, patch clamping of mouse adenovirus type-3–infected adult mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes reveals prolonged action potential duration as a result of decreased
I
K1
and
I
Ks
current density. Turning to human systems, we find human adenovirus type-5 increases phosphorylation of Cx43
Ser368
and disrupts synchrony in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, indicating common mechanisms with our mouse whole heart and adult cardiomyocyte data.

CONCLUSIONS:

Together, these findings demonstrate that adenoviral infection creates an arrhythmogenic substrate through direct targeting of gap junction and ion channel function in the heart. Such alterations are known to precipitate arrhythmias and likely contribute to sudden cardiac death in acutely infected patients.
Association of Cannabis Use With Cardiovascular Outcomes Among US Adults
Authors: Jeffers Abra M. , Glantz Stanton , Byers Amy L. , Keyhani Salomeh
Published: February 2024

Background

We examined the association between cannabis use and cardiovascular outcomes among the general population, among never‐tobacco smokers, and among younger individuals.

Methods and Results

This is a population‐based, cross‐sectional study of 2016 to 2020 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey from 27 American states and 2 territories. We assessed the association of cannabis use (number of days of cannabis use in the past 30 days) with self‐reported cardiovascular outcomes (coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and a composite measure of all 3) in multivariable regression models, adjusting for tobacco use and other characteristics in adults 18 to 74 years old. We repeated this analysis among nontobacco smokers, and among men <55 years old and women <65 years old who are at risk of premature cardiovascular disease. Among the 434 104 respondents, the prevalence of daily and nondaily cannabis use was 4% and 7.1%, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for the association of daily cannabis use and coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and the composite outcome (coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke) was 1.16 (95% CI, 0.98–1.38), 1.25 (95% CI, 1.07–1.46), 1.42 (95% CI, 1.20–1.68), and 1.28 (95% CI, 1.13–1.44), respectively, with proportionally lower log odds for days of use between 0 and 30 days per month. Among never‐tobacco smokers, daily cannabis use was also associated with myocardial infarction (aOR, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.03–2.15]), stroke (aOR, 2.16 [95% CI, 1.43–3.25]), and the composite of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke (aOR, 1.77 [95% CI, 1.31–2.40]). Relationships between cannabis use and cardiovascular outcomes were similar for men <55 years old and women <65 years old.

Conclusions

Cannabis use is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, with heavier use (more days per month) associated with higher odds of adverse outcomes.
White matter microstructural plasticity associated with educational intervention in reading disability
Authors: Meisler Steven L. , Gabrieli John D. E. , Christodoulou Joanna A.
Published: February 2024

Children’s reading progress typically slows during extended breaks in formal education, such as summer vacations. This stagnation can be especially concerning for children with reading difficulties or disabilities, such as dyslexia, because of the potential to exacerbate the skills gap between them and their peers. Reading interventions can prevent skill loss and even lead to appreciable gains in reading ability during the summer. Longitudinal studies relating intervention response to brain changes can reveal educationally relevant insights into rapid learning-driven brain plasticity. The current work focused on reading outcomes and white matter connections, which enable communication among the brain regions required for proficient reading. We collected reading scores and diffusion-weighted images at the beginning and end of summer for 41 children with reading difficulties who had completed either 1st or 2nd grade. Children were randomly assigned to either receive an intensive reading intervention (n = 26; Seeing Stars from Lindamood-Bell which emphasizes orthographic fluency) or be deferred to a wait-list group (n = 15), enabling us to analyze how white matter properties varied across a wide spectrum of skill development and regression trajectories. On average, the intervention group had larger gains in reading compared to the non-intervention group, who declined in reading scores. Improvements on a proximal measure of orthographic processing (but not other more distal reading measures) were associated with decreases in mean diffusivity within core reading brain circuitry (left arcuate fasciculus and left inferior longitudinal fasciculus) and increases in fractional anisotropy in the left corticospinal tract. Our findings suggest that responses to intensive reading instruction are related predominantly to white matter plasticity in tracts most associated with reading.
Previous motor task performance impacts phase-based EEG resting-state connectivity states
Authors: Rosjat Nils , Hommelsen Maximilian , Fink Gereon R. , Daun Silvia
Published: February 2024

The resting human brain cycles through distinct states that can be analyzed using microstate analysis and electroencephalography (EEG) data. This approach classifies multichannel EEG data into spontaneously interchanging microstates based on topographic features. These microstates may be valuable biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases since they reflect the resting brain’s state. However, microstates do not provide information about the active neural networks during the resting state. This article presents an alternative and complementary method for analyzing resting-state EEG data and demonstrates its reproducibility and reliability. This method considers cerebral connectivity states defined by phase synchronization and measured using the corrected imaginary phase-locking value (ciPLV) based on source-reconstructed EEG recordings. We analyzed resting-state EEG data from young, healthy participants acquired on five consecutive days before and after a motor task. We show that our data reproduce microstates previously reported. Further, we reveal four stable topographic patterns over the multiple recording sessions in the source connectivity space. While the classical microstates were unaffected by a preceding motor task, the connectivity states were altered, reflecting the suppression of frontal activity in the post-movement resting state.
Effect of the Combined Treatment of Taoren Chengqi Decoction with Laser Photocoagulation on Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Li Shuyan , Li Bingqing , Liu Tao , Du Jialun , Zhang Lei , Wu Ziwen , Tian Tian , Wang Lei
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the therapeutic effect of the combined treatment of Taoren Chengqi decoction with laser photocoagulation on DR. In animal experiments, A total of 18 rats were used and randomly divided into blank groups, model groups, and treatment groups. The rats in the model group and treatment group were intraperitoneally injected with 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. Moreover, the TCT group was gavaged with Tao-ren Cheng-qi decoction, while the other groups received an equivalent volume of normal saline once daily for 8 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and serum interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1βwere determined. In the clinical trial, a total of 80 patients with DR were divided into a laser group (treated with laser photocoagulation) and a combination group (treated with laser photocoagulation+Taoren Chengqi decoction). The central macular thickness (CMT), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, glycated hemoglobin, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1αwere measured in the patients. In animal experiments, we observe that Tao-ren Cheng-qi decoction can effectively reduce the levels of FBG, IL-6, and IL-1βin rats models with DR. Clinical studies revealed that the combination of Taoren Chengqi decoction with laser photocoagulation reduced the levels of blood glucose and lipid-related indices, and improved the inflammatory state, BCVA, and CMT. Therefore, this study suggests that the combined treatment of laser surgery and Taoren Chengqi decoction can be considered an optimal therapeutic approach for patients with DR.
Identification of Cortex Cercis chinensis Decoction Pieces from Different Growth Origins Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhou Jia , Qiu Zhidong , Duan Minghua , Lin Zhe , Huang Xiaowei
Published: February 2024

The complexity of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) components and the time-consuming of traditional detection methods make it necessary and meaningful to establish rapid and efficient identification techniques. This study explores the potential of Raman spectroscopy, a non-destructive
technique offering details of molecular structure, for rapid and accurate identification. Cortex Cercis chinensis (CCC) decoction pieces from diverse geographical origins, Anhui, Sichuan, Zhejiang, and Hubei, were collected and analyzed using Raman spectroscopy at 785 nm, and the Raman
characteristic peaks were analyzed. MATLAB software was employed to analyze the similarity between the spectra of CCC decoction pieces, and the original Raman spectral data were transformed into first and second derivative spectra. The results revealed distinct Raman spectral characteristics
of carbohydrates and glycosidic bonds (characteristic peaks at 480, 531, 549, 873, 946 and 1086 cm−1). The correlation coefficients of the all the four samples from different origins ranged from 0.9625 to 0.9912, while the coincidence coefficients ranged from 0.9602 to 0.9934.
The first and second derivative demonstrated significantly different peaks within specific ranges, 180–200, 280–380, and 680–740 cm−1 for first derivatives, 160–300, 340–400 and 420–480 cm−1 for second derivatives. These
obvious differences in first and second derivative spectra of Raman spectra of CCC decoction pieces demonstrated the different growth origins. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the ability of Raman spectroscopy to accurately differentiate CCC decoction pieces from different geographical
growth origin. These findings provided a basis for further application of Raman spectra characteristic fingerprints to be used in quality control for rapid identification of the quality and origin of TCM raw materials.
Polydopamine Nanoparticles Activate Apelin/Apelin Receptor Signaling and Smad3 to Inhibit Tumor Cells in Lung Cancer
Authors: Yu Wuxin , Liu Yuxin , Lan Xiangning , Zhou Yanjuan , Wang Qiang
Published: February 2024

Lung cancer incidence is increasing and different concentrations of polydopamine nanoparticles may exert different anticancer effects. Apelin/APJ plays a certain role in lung cancer. This study focuses on the mechanism of polydopamine nanoparticles in Apelin/APJ signaling pathway activation
Smad3 on tumor cells in lung cancer rats. 40 rats were randomly assigned into blank group, model group, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of polydopamine nanoparticles followed by analysis of tumor weight, Apelin, APJ, Smad3 gene expression, tumor cell viability, cell apoptosis,
Apelin, APJ, and Smad3 level. Polydopamine nanoparticles were successfully prepared. The polydopamine nanoparticle groups significantly inhibited tumor weight, and the medium-dose group decreased the most. And the groups significantly inhibited the gene expression of Apelin and APJ, with more
inhibition in medium-dose group, P < 0.05. The polydopamine nanoparticle groups significantly up-regulated Smad3, inhibited tumor cell viability, and promoted apoptosis with significant changes in medium-dose group. In addition, the groups inhibited the protein expression of Apelin
and APJ, and up-regulated Smad3, with more increase of Smad3 in medium-dose group, P < 0.05. Polydopamine nanoparticles may block the combination of Apelin and APJ by inhibiting the activity of Apelin/APJ pathway, which leads to further activation of Smad3, therefore inhibiting proliferation
and promoting apoptosis of lung cancer cells. This process is related to down-regulation of Apelin expression.
Down-Regulation Assession of Methyl CpG Binding Protein 2 in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Li Yanyan , Huang Zugui , You Chaoqun , Chen Qiao , Kong Dezhi , Wei Qifeng , Deng Bin , Chen Ting , Liao Zhanlin , Huang Liangzhi
Published: February 2024

Diabetes nephropathy (DN) is the most significant microvascular complication of diabetes worldwide due to hyperglycemiainduced podocyte injury and apoptosis. The role of methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) has been observed, but its specific involvement in DN remains unclear. In this
study, an in vitro DN model was established using human glomerular podocytes exposed to high glucose (HG, 30 mM). MECP2 expression was assessed using qRT-PCR and Western Blot. Proliferation and migration were evaluated through CCK-8 and transwell assays in both the HG group and the HG + MECP2
knockdown group. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry and Western Blot. RNA-Sequencing identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HG and HG+MECP2 knockdown groups, with subsequent enrichment analysis using KEGG and GSEA databases. Our results revealed elevated MECP2 expression
in HG-treated podocytes compared to the control group. Podocytes with MECP2 knockdown displayed increased proliferation and migration compared to the HG group. MECP2 knockdown significantly inhibited HG-induced apoptosis in podocytes, with lower expression of pro-apoptotic protein (cleaved-caspase3,
Bax, BAD, Desmin) and higher expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 in the HG+MECP2 shRNA group. RNA sequencing identified 123 upregulated and 129 downregulated DEGs. Enrichment analysis highlighted apoptosis-related pathways like PPAR, TNF, p53, RELAXIN, WNT, and RAP1 signaling. Podocytes
with MECP2 knockdown showed reduced apoptosis upon HG treatment. In summary, downregulation of MECP2 in podocytes effectively mitigated apoptosis caused by high glucose, suggesting a potential strategy to improve diabetes nephropathy outcomes.
Minichromosome Maintenance Complex Component 5 Modified by Mettl3 Inhibits the Proliferation of Liver Cancer by Regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR Axis
Authors: Li Ang , Qin Chenglin , Chen Hefei , Zhou Yong , Xu Yonghua , Xu Min , Zha Wenzhang
Published: February 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major contributor to global cancer-related deaths. The chromatin binding protein MCM5, part of the MCM family, plays a crucial role in regulating DNA replication, a key driver of cancer. Database analysis revealed elevated MCM5 levels in HCC, associated
with shorter patient survival. Silencing MCM5 impedes liver cancer cell proliferation by halting the cell cycle at G1 phase. In vivo experiments confirm this effect, demonstrating that MCM5 knockdown suppresses HCC growth. Mechanistic studies unveil MCM5′s impact on HCC development
via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Reversing liver cancer growth is possible by adding AKT agonist SC79. Additionally, inhibiting mettl3 with stm2457 downregulates MCM5, further suppressing liver cancer growth. In summary, high MCM5 expression in liver cancer correlates with poor prognosis
and drives disease progression. Targeting MCM5 with mettl3 inhibitors presents a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC.
Looking Back: An Account of How Ice Nucleation by Bacteria Was Discovered (1963 to about Mid-1980s). Part I: The Basics
Authors: Vali Gabor , Schnell Russell C.
Published: February 2024

An overview is given of the path of research that led from asking how hailstones originate to the discovery that ice nucleation can be initiated by bacteria and other microorganisms at temperatures as high as −2°C. The major steps along that path were finding exceptionally effective ice nucleators in soils with a high content of decayed vegetative matter, then in decaying tree leaves, and then in plankton-laden ocean water. Eventually, it was shown that Pseudomonas syringae bacteria were responsible for most of the observed activity. That identification coincided with the demonstration that the same bacteria cause frost damage on plants. Ice nucleation by bacteria meant an unexpected turn in the understanding of ice nucleation and of ice formation in the atmosphere. Subsequent research confirmed the unique effectiveness of ice nucleating particles (INP) of biological origin, referred to as bio-INPs, so that bio-INPs are now considered to be important elements of lower-tropospheric cloud processes. Nonetheless, some of the questions which originally motivated the research are still unresolved, so that revisiting the early work may be helpful to current endeavors. Part I of this manuscript summarizes how the discovery progressed. Part II (Schnell and Vali) shows the relationship between bio-INPs in soils and in precipitation with climate and other findings. The online supplemental material contains a bibliography of recent work about bio-INPs.
The Energetics of the Lagrangian Evolution of Tropical Convective Systems
Authors: Masunaga Hirohiko , Takahashi Hanii
Published: February 2024

The convective life cycle is often conceptualized to progress from congestus to deep convection and develop further to stratiform anvil clouds, accompanied by a systematic change in the vertical structure of vertical motion. This archetype scenario has been developed largely from the Eulerian viewpoint, and it has yet to be explored whether the same life cycle emerges itself in a moving system tracked in the Lagrangian manner. To address this question, Lagrangian tracking is applied to tropical convective systems in combination with a thermodynamic budget analysis forced by satellite-retrieved precipitation and radiation. A new method is devised to characterize the vertical motion profiles in terms of the column import or export of moisture and moist static energy (MSE). The bottom-heavy, midheavy, and top-heavy regimes are identified for every 1° × 1° grid pixel accompanying tracked precipitation systems, making use of the diagnosed column export/import of moisture and MSE. The major findings are as follows. The Lagrangian evolution of convective systems is dominated by a state of dynamic equilibrium among different convective regimes rather than a monotonic progress from one regime to the next. The transition from the bottom-heavy to midheavy regimes is fed with intensifying precipitation presumably owing to a negative gross moist stability (GMS) of the bottom-heavy regime, whereas the transition from the midheavy to top-heavy regimes dissipates the system. The bottom-heavy to midheavy transition takes a relaxation time of about 5 h in the equilibrating processes, whereas the relaxation time is estimated as roughly 20 h concerning the midheavy to top-heavy transition.
Assessment of the Decadal Prediction Skill of Sahel Rainfall in CMIP5 and CMIP6
Authors: He Yujun , Wang Bin , Liu Juanjuan , Wang Yong , Li Lijuan , Liu Li , Xu Shiming , Huang Wenyu , Lu Hui
Published: February 2024

Accurately predicting the decadal variations in Sahel rainfall has important implications for the lives and economy in the Sahel. Previous studies found that the decadal variations in sea surface temperature (SST) in the Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific contribute to those in Sahel rainfall. This study evaluates the decadal prediction skills of Sahel rainfall from all the available hindcasts contributing to phases 5 and 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5 and CMIP6), in comparison with the related uninitialized simulations. A majority of the prediction systems show high skill with regard to Sahel rainfall. The high skill may be partly attributed to external forcings, which are reflected in good performance of the respective uninitialized simulations. The decadal prediction skills of the key SST drivers and their relationships with the Sahel rainfall are also assessed. Both the hindcasts and the uninitialized simulations generally present high skill for the Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV) and Mediterranean Sea SST indices and low skill for the Indian Ocean basin mode (IOBM) and interdecadal Pacific variability (IPV) indices. The relationship between the Sahel rainfall and the AMV or Mediterranean Sea SST index is reasonably captured by most prediction systems and their uninitialized simulations, while that between the Sahel rainfall and the IOBM or IPV index is captured by only a few systems and their uninitialized simulations. The high skill of the AMV and Mediterranean Sea SST indices as well as the reasonable representations of their relationships with the Sahel rainfall by both the hindcasts and uninitialized simulations probably plays an important role in predicting the Sahel rainfall successfully.

Significance Statement

Predicting Sahel rainfall on the decadal time scale is of great importance. This study provides a thorough evaluation of the decadal prediction skills of Sahel rainfall in the current decadal prediction systems participating in phases 5 and 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5 and CMIP6). A majority of the systems achieve high prediction skill of Sahel rainfall, which probably results from the high prediction skill of some key sea surface temperature (SST) drivers, especially in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea SST, and their relationships with Sahel rainfall. This study provides a reference for better understanding the predictability of Sahel rainfall.
Quantification of Contributions from Different Dust Sources to the Distribution and the Variation of Spring Dust over the Tibetan Plateau and Corresponding Mechanisms since 2000
Authors: Zhu Qingzhe , Liu Yuzhi , Xiao Na
Published: February 2024

Dust is the predominant type of aerosol over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) due to the existence of surrounding significant dust sources. However, the contributions of different dust sources to the distribution and variation of dust over the TP and corresponding mechanisms are still being explored. By separating emissions from different dust sources in a numerical model, this study detected that dust originating from East Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa are the main contributors to spring dust over the TP, accounting for 42%–68%, 13%–27%, and 9%–25% of the total dust concentration, respectively. East Asian dust primarily affects the dust over the central and northern parts of the TP, whereas Middle Eastern and North African dust mainly contributes to the dust over the western and southern parts of the TP. Additionally, the variation in dust over the TP is related to East Asian and North African dust, which contribute 58% and 35% of the total variation, respectively. The mechanism underlying this association is attributable to the SST over the northern North Atlantic and updrafts over the northern slope of the TP: the increased SST enhances westerlies from North Africa to East Asia and northwesterly winds over the northern slope of the TP and combines with the stronger westerlies to promote the transport of East Asian and North African dust to the TP. Consequently, it is necessary to focus on the impact of multiple dust sources on the dust over the TP.
Transition Pains: Recognizing Employee Reactions to Organizational Realignment in a Disruptive Context
Authors: Johansen Françoise , Stoopendaal Annemiek , Loorbach Derk , de Koeijer Relinde
Published: February 2024

This paper introduces the use of a pain analogy in exploring employee reactions in organizational change processes. Perceiving the signaling function of an individual pain experience as a call to action, we present a conceptualization of transition pains: emotional pain experienced by organizational members related to processes of change in the context of disruptive external change (i.e., transition). The transition context leads to realignment of strategy, policies and work organization. When these are not aligned or even contradictory, this creates confusion and an individual can experience incongruences. Pain symptoms such as tension or stress may act as signals that there is an imbalance between job demands and resources. This perspective supports practitioners in the interpretation of responses during a change process and offers interventions focused on developing resources and reducing incongruences.
A novel algorithm to generate representative volume elements with cylindrical fibers and sphere particles
Authors: Li Ruoyu , Xu Zhonghai , Cai Chaocan , He Xiaodong
Published: February 2024

In the article, we propose a new method to generate representative volume element (RVE) of random spatial distributions with cylindrical fibers and spherical particles based on the Improved Artificial Bee Colony (IABC) algorithm. In this employed bee phase of IABC, the proposed algorithm adopts a new search strategy, which improves the computational efficiency. To analyze the differences between the fiber distribution generated by this algorithm and the actual fiber distribution, we conducted statistical analysis on the distribution of the generated RVE. The statistical analysis results of the nearest neighbor distance (NND), Second-order intensity function, and pair correlation function were in good agreement with the experiment and complete spatial randomness (CSR) patterns. In addition, the predicted elastic properties were compared with experimental measurements and theoretical prediction methods. The results demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed algorithm. This algorithm can quickly generate the RVE of cylindrical fibers and spherical particles with volume fractions of 80% and 62%, and the calculation time for generating the RVE of cylindrical fibers is about 17s.
The Drivers of Suicides in Turkey: An Econometric Approach
Authors: Karasoy Alper
Published: February 2024

This research examines the long-term drivers of suicides in Turkey, focusing on the effects of uncertainty and the Misery Index. In this regard, this study utilizes yearly data covering the 1980–2019 period. Additionally, it employs the augmented autoregressive distributed lag ( AARDL) approach to confirm the cointegrating relationships in the proposed models and estimate the long-term effects of selected determinants on suicides. The empirical analysis produced the following long-run findings: First, cointegration exists between suicide and its determinants in Turkey. Second, uncertainty and the Misery Index significantly increase suicides. Third, tobacco consumption is positively associated with suicides. Fourth, economic growth and industrial output significantly inhibit suicides in Turkey. These findings underline that in developing open economies like Turkey, improving socio-economic factors can play a significant role in curbing suicidal behavior.