bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‑frequency skin ultrasound possibilities in terms of diagnosing liver cirrhosis
Authors: Shestakova D. Yu. , Borsukov A. V. 
Published: December 2024

Liver cirrhosis is a serious disease that is accompanied by microcirculatory disorders. High‑frequency ultrasound examination of the skin allows for the detection of changes in its structure and blood supply, which can be used as a non‑invasive method for additional diagnosis of liver cirrhosis. Purpose of the study. To assess the potential of using high‑frequency ultrasound examination of the palm skin in a comprehensive diagnostic algorithm for patients with liver cirrhosis. Patients and methods. The study was conducted involving 216 gastroenterology patients with liver cirrhosis in 2019–2024. The control group included 204 patients without liver cirrhosis, the comparison group included 50 patients without liver cirrhosis and fibrosis. All patients were examined according to a unified diagnostic algorithm consisting of 2 stages – clinical and laboratory, multiparametric ultrasound (including liver parenchyma examination in B‑mode, two‑dimensional shear‑wave elastography, and high‑frequency skin examination using 24 and 48 MHz probes). The following parameters were evaluated: epidermal thickness, dermal thickness, pixel‑ index. Artificial intelligence was used for additional semi‑quantitative assessment of echograms. Results. According to shear wave elastography data, the percentage of color impulses from the vascular bed in patients without liver cirrhosis was 7.4 times higher than in patients with cirrhosis during skin examination with a 24 MHz probe. In patients with‑out liver cirrhosis, the Pixel‑index was higher in most skin layers, suggesting the absence of microcirculatory disturbances. This is especially evident in the layers that include the epidermis, where the average values were higher, and the variability of the results was greater compared to patients with cirrhosis. Patients with liver cirrhosis demonstrated lower and more unstable Pixel‑index values, with greater variability between measurements, especially in the dermis (papillary and reticular layers), which may indicate predominant microcirculatory disorders in this area. Conclusion. High‑frequency ultrasound examination of the skin in the thenar region (region with the most significant differences in qualitative, semi‑quantitative, and quantitative parameters) can be used as a main method in the comprehensive diagnosis of liver cirrhosis, considering the Pixel‑index in the dermal area (papillary and reticular layers) with a probe of 48 MHz or higher, and an additional method with qualitative analysis of the microcirculatory bed using a probe of 24 MHz or higher and artificial intelligence.
Pengaruh Penerapan Model Discovery Learning pada Pembelajaran Bermuatan IPA Terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa Kelas III SDN 1 Ploso
Authors: Kartika Rizki Setya , Sukamti Sukamti , Untari Esti 
Published: December 2024

Abstract: This research was conducted to determine whether or not the implementation of the Discovery Learning model had an influence on the learning outcomes of the cognitive aspects of class III students at SDN 1 Ploso, Pacitan District. A quantitative approach using the experimental method is used in this study. The population and sample in this study were 42 students where class IIIA was the control class and IIIB was the experimental class. Tests and documentation are data collection techniques in this study. Instrument testing techniques include validity test, reliability test, level of difficulty and differential power. Prerequisite test t-test and hypothetical test are the data analysis techniques used. Prerequisite test through normality test, linearity test and homogeneity test. In order to find out whether there is a difference in the pretest-posttest average scores of the two classes, a t-test is carried out. The hypothesis test is in the form of a simple linear regression test where the result is a significance value of 0.000 <0.05, so it can be concluded that the application of the Discovery Learning model has an effect on the learning outcomes of the cognitive aspects of class III students at SDN 1 Ploso.
Abstrak: Penelitian ini dilakukan guna mengetahui terdapat pengaruh atau tidak pelaksanaan model Discovery Learning terhadap hasil belajar aspek kognitif siswa kelas III SDN 1 Ploso, Kecamatan Pacitan. Pendekatan kuantitatif bermetode eksperimen digunakan di penelitian ini. Populasi dan sampel pada penelitian ini yakni sebanyak 42 siswa dimana kelas IIIA merupakan kelas kontrol dan IIIB merupakan kelas eksperimen. Tes serta dokumentasi merupakan teknik pengumpulan data pada penelitian ini. Teknik pengujian instrumen diantaranya uji validitas, uji reliabilitas, tingkat kesukaran dan daya beda. Uji prasyarat uji-t, dan uji hipotesis merupakan teknik analisis data yang dipakai. Uji prasyarat melalui uji normalitas, uji linearitas dan uji homogenitas. Guna mengetahui ada tidaknya beda nilai rata-rata pretest-posttest kedua kelas dilaksanakan uji-t. Uji hipotesis berupa uji regresi linear sederhana dimana hasil nilai signifikansi sebesar 0,000 < 0,05 maka bisa diambil kesimpulan jika penerapan model Discovery Learning berpengaruh terhadap hasil belajar aspek kognitif siswa kelas III SDN 1 Ploso.
Pengembangan Model Pembelajaran Blended Learning Berbantuan Bahan Ajar Elektronik Berbasis Budaya Lokal Pesisir Pada Pembelajaran Tematik Di Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Agusdianita Neza , Yusnia Yusnia 
Published: December 2024

Abstrak:Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menghasilkan model pembelajaran Blended Learning berbantukan bahan ajar elektronik berbasis budaya lokal pesisir pada pembelajaran tematik untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa sekolah dasar dimasa pandemi covid 19 ini. Kegiatan penelitian ini melalui beberapa tahapan yaitu: (1) Memetakan sub tema dan kompetensi dasar pada tema peduli terhadap makhluk hidup pada kelas IV, (2) Mengidentifikasi indikator yang terintegrasi dengan budaya lokal pesisir pada setiap kompetensi dasar, (3) Menyusun satu perangkat silabus dan Rencana Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran (RPP) dengan model pembelajaran Blended Learning berbantukan bahan ajar elektronik berbasis budaya lokal pesisir, (4) Mengembangkan bahan ajar elektronik berupa bahan tayang yang berbasis budaya lokal pesisir, (5) Menyusun penilaian elektronik dengan menggunakan google form, (5) Melakukan validasi model, bahan ajar dan instrumen oleh ahli teknologi dan strategi pembelajaran, (6) Merevisi model, bahan ajar dan instrumen. Hasil penelitian ini adalah telah dihasilkan satu perangkat model pembelajaran model pembelajaran Blended Learning berbantukan bahan ajar elektronik berbasis budaya lokal pesisir.
The incidence of balanitis xerotica obliterans in patients surgically treated for phimosis
Authors: Pobudejski Paweł , Meier Bartłomiej , Migas Mateusz , Korlacki Wojciech , Grabowski Andrzej 
Published: December 2024

WstępStulejka jest jednostką chorobową, której społeczeństwo nadało negatywne konotacje. Dyskusje dotyczące napletka, zarówno w kontekście jego stanów patologicznych, jak i fizjologicznych, toczą się od wieków i obejmują zagadnienia związane z religią, higieną, estetyką oraz tradycją. W 2002 r. londyńscy badacze zidentyfikowali stulejkę wtórną jako odpowiadającą liszajowi twardzinowemu i zanikowemu (<i>lichen sclerosus et atrophicus</i>), znanemu również jako <i>balanitis xerotica obliterans</i> (BXO), który jest jedynym bezwzględnym wskazaniem do obrzezania
u chłopców. Niniejsze badanie ma na celu ocenę badań histopatologicznych pacjentów po chirurgicznym leczeniu stulejki, aby ustalić związek między BXO i klinicznie rozpoznaną stulejką.Materiał i metodyW niniejszym badaniu przeanalizowano wyniki badań histopatologicznych u pacjentów poddanych chirurgicznym metodom leczenia stulejki w okresie od stycznia 2014 r. do marca 2020 r. Kryterium włączenia do badania było chirurgiczne leczenie stulejki z towarzyszącym badaniem histopatologicznym próbek pobranych podczas operacji. Dane zostały zebrane prospektywnie i losowo.WynikiW badaniu wzięło udział 106 pacjentów, u których przeprowadzono zabieg chirurgiczny, a uzyskane próbki poddano badaniu histopatologicznemu. Średni wiek pacjentów wynosił 9,41 ± 3,82 roku. W całej grupie pacjentów rozpoznanie BXO (w tym BXO <i>focalis</i>) wynosiło 59% (n = 63).WnioskiNajczęstszą przyczyną stulejki wtórnej po leczeniu operacyjnym jest BXO, którego częstość występowania u pacjentów wynosi od 5,5% do 84%. Wyniki niniejszego badania mieszczą się w tym zakresie. Widoczne bliznowacenie napletka może być również spowodowane innymi czynnikami, takimi jak przewlekły stan zapalny napletka, ale też niewłaściwą higieną czy zakażeniami tej okolicy.
Teaching Digital Competence in Greece according to DigCompEdu Framework
Authors: Chondrogiannis Vasileios , Gutiérrez-Castillo Juan Jesús 
Published: December 2024

Over the past decade, in the field of education have been introduced innovative teaching approaches as a consequence of the advent of new technological developments. These require further development of Teaching Digital Competence (TDC) which in the case of European Union countries have been regulated by the DigCompEdu framework. The aim of the study is to determine and compare the level of teachers’ self-perception of Teaching Digital Competence (TDC) in Greece according to DigCompEdu framework. A total of 1420 teachers participated from all specialties that teach in both primary and secondary education from different regions of Greece.
For this purpose, this article presents the results of an ex post facto research with a cross sectional design, based on a descriptive and hypothesis testing approach. Additionally, the study examines the relationship between teaching digital competence and a number of factors, including the teachers' demographic characteristic and their professional background (region of teaching, specialization, time of use ICT in classroom and primary and secondary level of education).
The results show that the majority of the survey participants were found to have a medium to high level of TDC per specialty. The gender factor was not found to be related to the level of TDC. Furthermore, the examination of the aforementioned factors revealed significant findings affecting specific areas of teachers' digital competence. The present study is one of the first to be conducted in Greece according to the most recent revision of the DigCompEdu framework and seeks to contribute to further enrichment of the available data on the TDC of teachers in Greek primary and secondary schools.
Keywords: Digital competence in teaching, teachers training, ICT, DigCompEdu
Loss of H3K9 trimethylation leads to premature aging
Authors: Ocampo Alejandro , Mrabti Calida , Yang Na , Desdín-Micó Gabriela , Alonso-Calleja Alejandro , Vílchez-Acosta Alba , Pico Sara , Parras Alberto , Piao Yulan , Schoenfeldt Lucas , Luo Siyuan , Haghani Amin , Brooke Robert T. , Maza María del Carmen , Branchina Clémence , Maroun Céline Yacoub , von Meyenn Ferdinand , Naveiras Olaia , Horvath Steve , Sen Payel , Bignon Yohan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Aging is the major risk factor for most human diseases and represents a major socio-economical challenge for modern societies. Despite its importance, the process of aging remains poorly understood. Epigenetic dysregulation has been proposed as a key driver of the aging process. Alterations in transcriptional networks and chromatin structure might be central to age-related functional decline. A prevalent feature described during aging is the overall reduction in heterochromatin, specifically marked by the loss of the repressive histone modification, histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3). However, the role of H3K9me3 in aging, especially in mammals, remains unclear. Here we show using a novel mouse strain, “TKOc”, carrying a triple knockout of three methyltransferases responsible for H3K9me3 deposition, that the inducible loss of H3K9me3 in adulthood results in premature aging. TKOc mice exhibit reduced lifespan, lower body weight, increased frailty index, multi-organ degeneration, transcriptional changes with significant upregulation of transposable elements, and accelerated epigenetic age. Our data strongly supports the concept that the loss of epigenetic information might directly drives the aging process. These findings reveal the importance of epigenetic regulation in aging and suggest that interventions targeting epigenetic modifications could potentially slow down or reverse age-related decline. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the process of aging will be crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies that can delay the onset of age-associated diseases and preserve human health at old age specially in rapidly aging societies.
Network analyses unraveled complex interactions in the rumen microbiome associated with methane emission in cattle
Authors: Ye Xiaoxing , Sahana Goutam , Lund Mogens , Li Bingjie , Cai Zexi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Methane emissions from livestock, particularly from dairy cattle, represent a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG), contributing to global climate crisis. This study employed Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to investigate the complex interactions within the rumen microbiome that influence methane emissions. By integrating rumen microbiome sequencing data with precise methane emission measurements in 750 Holstein dairy cattle, our research identifies distinct microbial communities and their associations with methane production. Key findings revealed that specific WGCNA modules (MEturquoise, MEbrown, MEblue, and MEgreen) with taxa (Prevotella, Clostridium, Anaeroplasma, YRC22, BF311, and Succinogenes), and complex network interactions are significantly correlated with methane emissions. The application of WGCNA provided a comprehensive understanding of the microbiome-methane emission and microbiome-microbiome relationship, serving as an innovative approach for microbiome-phenotype association studies in cattle.
Navigating the unknown: A qualitative analysis exploring patient experience in the Emergency Department
Authors: Carmel Moriah , Kaur Navneet , Strachan Christian , Alexander Andreia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Patient experience within healthcare is an increasingly pivotal area of exploration. The objective of this study was to use qualitative methods to elucidate the primary drivers shaping patients' ED experience and to discern how these factors diverge between the UAC and RCH environments.
Methods: Qualitative, semi-structured individual interviews with ED patients were conducted across two EDs, an urban academic center (UAC) and a rural community hospital (RCH). An inductive thematic analysis approach was used.
Results: Fifty-six participants were interviewed. Four major themes (attitudes of staff, showing concern, patient-centered communication, and frequent updates) emerged across six subthemes: what mattered most, wait time, rushed, end of visit, discrimination, and intent to return; with an overarching theme which encompasses all four major themes – empathy. Overall, positive experiences were associated with positive and empathetic attitudes of all staff, frequent updates along the spectrum of their ED visit, patient-centered communication particularly during the discharge process, and having the ability to ask questions without feeling rushed. A primary distinguishing feature between the UAC vs the RCH included confidence in care received and differences in the ED environment. Regardless of the patient’s experience, showing empathy, even in unfavorable situations, was identified as the most impactful part of their visit.
Conclusion: Patients’ perceptions of healthcare staff empathy is a critical driver in influencing overall ED patient experience. Future studies should include further characterization of patients’ perceptions of healthcare provider empathy and its impact on ED patient experience.
Serotonin-Induced Inhibition of HRP-Mediated Proximity Labelling
Authors: Chan Zora Chui-Kuen , Qi Cheng , Cai Yuanhong , Li Xin , Ren Jing 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Proximity-dependent biotinylation coupled with mass spectrometry enables the characterization of subcellular proteomes. This technique has significantly advanced neuroscience by revealing sub-synaptic protein networks, such as the synaptic cleft and post-synaptic density. Profiling proteins at this detailed level is essential for understanding the molecular mechanisms of neuronal connectivity and transmission. Despite its recent successful application to various neuronal types, proximity labelling has yet to be employed to study the serotonin system. In this study, we uncovered an unreported inhibitory mechanism of serotonin on horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-based biotinylation. Our result showed that serotonin significantly reduces biotinylation levels across various Biotin-XX-tyramide (BxxP) concentrations in HEK293T cells and primary neurons, whereas dopamine exerts minimal interference, highlighting the specificity of this inhibition. To counteract this inhibition, we demonstrated that Dz-PEG, an aryl diazonium compound that consumes serotonin through an azo-coupling reaction, restores biotinylation efficiency. Label-free quantitative proteomics confirmed that serotonin inhibits biotinylation, and that Dz-PEG effectively reverses this inhibition. These findings highlight the importance of accounting for neurotransmitter interference in proximity-dependent biotinylation studies, especially for cell-type specific profiling in neuroscience. Additionally, we provided a potential strategy to mitigate these challenges, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of such studies.
Blueberry genetic study reveals major loci controlling organic acid content and complex genetic control for texture and sugar content
Authors: Oh Heeduk , Mengist Molla F. , Ma Guoying , Giongo Lara , Pottorff Marti , Spencer Jessica A. , Perkins-Veazie Penelope , Iorizzo Massimo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Fruit quality traits, including taste, flavor, texture, and shelf-life, have emerged as important breeding priorities in blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). Organic acids and sugars play crucial roles in the perception of blueberry taste/flavor, where low and high consumer liking are correlated with high organic acids and high sugars, respectively. Blueberry texture and appearance are also critical for shelf-life quality and consumers’ willingness-to-pay. As the genetic mechanisms that determine these fruit quality traits remain largely unknown, in this study, an F1 mapping population was used to perform quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping for pH, titratable acidity (TA), organic acids, total soluble solids (TSS), sugars, fruit size, and texture at harvest and/or post-storage and weight loss.
Results
Twenty-eight QTLs were detected for acidity-related parameters (pH, TA, and organic acid content). Six QTLs for pH, TA, and citric acid, two for quinic acid, and two for shikimic acid with major effects were consistently detected across two years on the same genomic regions on chromosomes 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Candidate genes for these QTLs were identified using comparative transcriptomic analysis. No QTL was detected for malic acid content, TSS, and individual sugar content. A total of 146 QTLs with minor effects were identified for texture- and size-related parameters. With few exceptions, these QTLs were generally inconsistent across years and post-storage, indicating a highly quantitative nature.
Conclusions
Our findings enhance the understanding of the genetic basis underlying fruit quality traits in blueberry and guide future work to exploit marker- or genomic-assisted selection strategies in blueberry breeding programs.
Multi-Omics analysis to identify the metabolic mechanism of the ethanol extract of Gymnadenia Conopsea R.Br. in hyperuricemia treatment
Authors: CHEN Tianrong , LIU Jiale , NIE Chengling , YANG Siyuan , JIA Fuchen , ZHANG Yuhong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: The ethanol extract of Gymnadenia Conopsea R.Br. (Gym) has been shown to significantly lower uric acid levels. However, its uric acid reducing mechanism has not been studied from a multi-omics perspective.
Objective: By conducting multiple omics studies and analyzing the metabolic characteristics of the ethanol extract of Gym on zebrafish with hyperuricemia (HUA), we aimed to provide insights into its metabolic mechanism during HUA treatment.
Methods: Non-targeted metabolomics studies were conducted using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-Q-Exactive mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE MS). Samples were sequenced using second-generation sequencing technology on the Illumina sequencing platform, to perform paired-end sequencing of the gene library.
Results: Different concentrations and doses of ethanol extracts of Gym significantly reversed the levels of 33 common biomarkers, including sphingosine, plant sphingosine, unsaturated fatty acids, and amino acids. These biomarkers were mainly involved in phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, ABC transporter activity, PPAR signaling pathway, linoleic acid metabolism, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis.
Conclusion: The ethanol extract of Gym can exhibit therapeutic effects on HUA by participating in amino acid biosynthesis pathways, amino acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, ABC transport, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis. This result provides a reference for elucidating the metabolic mechanism of Gym for the treatment of HUA.
Sustainable and efficient delignification of Poplar and Chinese Fir wood using a peroxyacetic acid/ hydrogen peroxide system
Authors: Bao Xinde , Yang Meng , Zhu Junjie , Xu Hui , Dang Huiying , Guo Kai , Long Dingxing , Guan Xin , Chen Xiaoyun , Lin Jinguo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study explores a sustainable and eco-friendly approach for the rapid and uniform removal of lignin from poplar and Chinese fir wood. A comparative analysis of the chemical composition and structural properties before and after treatment was conducted. The results indicate that the mass loss rates were 30.72% for poplar and 31.30% for Chinese fir wood, with a corresponding decrease in relative lignin content by 95.46% and 88.40%, respectively. Additionally, the specific surface area increased by 6.37% for poplar and 30.85% for Chinese fir wood, while the pore size expanded by 3.50% and 19.50%, respectively. The relative crystallinity was increased by 31.51% for poplar and 16.41% for Chinese fir wood, and the O/C ratio rose by 19.65% and 29.54%. SEM images revealed that the cell walls of treated wood became noticeably thinner and slightly collapsed. The absence of characteristic lignin peaks at 1507 cm−1, 1460 cm−¹, and 1264 cm−¹ confirmed effective lignin removal. The removal of lignin also resulted in a lower pyrolysis temperature, increased surface brightness, and reduced color variation. Due to the distinct internal structures and chemical composition of poplar and Chinese fir wood, the impacts of lignin removal varied, demonstrating significant changes in their properties. These finding provide a theoretical foundational for lignin removal of from wood, and lay the groundwork for the further wood functionalization.