bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of ATPase and GTPase levels in Fibrotic Lung Disease with and without COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Al-Azawee Raed M. , Al-Rubaei Zeinab M. 
Published: July 2024

Background: In eukaryotic cells, the acidification of intracellular compartments is the responsibility of vacuolar H+ ATPase, a family of proton pumps, sometimes known as V-ATPases. Small GTPases are signaling molecules that regulate important cellular processes as well as subcellular activities making them essential players, particularly in a wide variety of coronavirus infection processes.
Objectives: The purpose of this research was to assess the levels of ATPase and GTPase in fibrotic lung disease patients who had received or had not received the COVID-19 vaccination, and then to compare these levels with those of the control group.
Methods: A total of 150 individuals participated in this study, divided into three groups. The first group was the control group (N=50). In the second group (N=50) patients with fibrotic lung disease () who did not get the COVID-19 vaccination. Fifty patients who had received the COVID-19 vaccination made up the third group ()(N=50). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was the method that was used to determine the amounts of ATPase and GTPase. The P- P-value of 0.05 or less is considered statistically significant. ROC tests were examined for ATPase and GTPase.
Results: The data analysis reported a significant rise in alkaline phosphatase, Alanine aminotransferase, and Aspartate-aminotransferase () among the three groups. Both ATPase and GTPase levels were shown to have significantly increased in Groups 3 and 2 as compared to Group 1 levels. Moreover, a substantial rise was discovered in Group 3 in comparison to Group 2 which was detected.
Conclusion: ATPase and GTPase levels are increased in patients with fibrotic lung disease regardless of the COVID-19 vaccination state.
Penguatan Layanan Pendidikan Berbasis Kebutuhan Masyarakat
Authors: Rachmawaty Febryany , Nudiati Deti , Saputri Ayu , Mutiara Senja Tazkia , Adhira  Fauzi Fatia 
Published: June 2024

Pendidikan berbasis kebutuhan masyarakat merupakan perkembangan yang dilakukan lebih lanjut dari pendidikan yang berbasis sekolah formal. Salah satu bentuk pelaksanaan pengabdian tersebut yakni dapat memberikan pelayanan pendidikan bagi masyarakat. Desa Lamajang ini memiliki karakteristik masyarakat yang cenderung homogen. Berdasarkan data tersebut juga ditemukan bahwa kebutuhan dari tiga Dusun yang berbeda yakni Dusun Cikajang, Dusun Karang Tengah, dan Dusun Cikondang membutuhkan penguatan layanan pendidikan yang hampir sama pula. Masyarakatnya terindikasi mengalami kekurangan penguatan dalam pendidikan. Misalnya kekurangan dalam penguatan pendidikan umum dan keagamaan dari segi membaca (literasi) serta menghafal Al-Qur’an. Tujuan pengabdian pada masyarakat dimaksudkan untuk memberikan penguatan dalam memenuhi pelayanan sesuai dengan kebutuhan masyarakat di setiap Dusunnya. Berdasarkan kegiatan dan data sekunder yang tersedia, layanan pendidikan di Desa Lamajang dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation). Hasilnya terdapat perkembangan yang diperoleh masyarakat dari setiap Dusunnya. Seperti peningkatan anak-anak dalam membaca Al-Qur’an dan menghafalnya. Kemudian peningkatan kebiasaan literasi pada anak, serta meningkatnya keberanian anak- anak untuk mampu berbicara dan tampil di depan umum.
Peningkatan Kompetensi Asesor Assessment Center Dinas Pendidikan Kota Bandung Untuk Mendukung Percepatan Peningkatan Rata-Rata Lama Sekolah (RLS)
Authors: Saepudin Asep , Rusmiati Hasanah Viena , Rindiani Ani 
Published: June 2024

Hasil belajar pendidikan nonformal dapat dihargai setara dengan hasil program pendidikan formal setelah melalui proses penilaian penyetaraan oleh lembaga yang ditunjuk oleh pemerintah atau pemerintah daerah dengan mengacu pada standar nasional pendidikan. Untuk itu, unit pelaksana penilaian pendidikan atau Assessment Center pendidikan sebagai metode sekaligus wadah yang bertugas melakukan pengukuran atas kemampuan dan atau hasil belajar seseorang posisinya menjadi sangat strategis. Asesor sebagai bagian integral dari Assessment Center pendidikan perlu memiliki kompetensi yang memadai sebagai pihak yang bertugas melakukan proses penilaian. Berdasarkan alur pemikiran tersebut, maka diperlukan kegiatan rekruitmen dan pelatihan peningkatan kompetensi Asesor Assessment Center untuk mendukung percepatan peningkatan Rata-rata Lama Sekolah (RLS) khususnya bagi masyarakat di Kota Bandung. Kegiatan pelatihan dilakukan melalui tahapan perencanaan, pengorganisasian, pelaksanaan, evaluasi, dan pelaporan. Hasil akhir dari kegiatan pelatihan adalah adanya peningkatan kompetensi Asesor Assessment Center pada tiga ranah yakni pertama, ranah cognitive (pengetahuan) berupa pemahaman peserta pelatihan kaitannya dengan konsep dan prosedur penilaian Assessment Center menggunakan instrumen placement test, instrumen portofolio dan instrumen pindah jalur. Kedua, peningkatan afektif (sikap) peserta pelatihan dalam kapasitasnya sebagai Asesor Assessment Center Dinas Pendidikan Kota Bandung yang selayaknya memiliki kode etik dan etos kerja sebagai Asesor. Ketiga, peningkatan psikomotor (skill/keterampilan) peserta pelatihan assessment center Dinas Pendidikan Kota Bandung berupa kemampuan keterampilan mengidentifikasi, menilai, menganalisis data dan melaporkan hasil penilaian secara terukur, terstruktur dan teratur sesuai pedoman penyelenggaraan Assessment Center.
Nature Conservation in Brazil in the 20th Century
Authors: Franco José Luiz de Andrade , Drummond José Augusto 
Published: June 2024

The text explores actors and institutions involved in the conservation of nature in Brazil during the 20th century. It seeks to understand their ideas, themes and proposals while also focusing on their activism. It deals with convergences and divergences between activists and organizations considering the political contexts in which they operated. We conclude that the continuity among actors was difficult but highly important and that it led to the development of integrated public policies that conserve biodiversity and promote the controlled and equitable use of natural resources. We also identified the relevance of ecocentric environmental ethics, focused on the notion that all species have an intrinsic value.
Exploring the role of endogenous retroviruses in seasonal reproductive cycles: a case study of the ERV-V envelope gene in mink
Authors: Zhang Yufei , Wang Gaofeng , Zhu Yanzhu , Cao Xiaodong , Liu Fang , Li Huiping , Liu Shuying 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionEndogenous retroviruses (ERVs), which originated from exogenous retroviral infections of germline cells millions of years ago and were inherited by subsequent generations as per Mendelian inheritance patterns, predominantly comprise non-protein-coding sequences due to the accumulation of mutations, insertions, deletions, and truncations. Nevertheless, recent studies have revealed that ERVs play a crucial role in diverse biological processes by encoding various proteins.MethodsIn this study, we successfully identified an ERV envelope (env) gene in a mink species. A phylogenetic tree of mink ERV-V env and reference sequences was constructed using Bayesian methods and maximum-likelihood inference.ResultsPhylogenetic analyses indicated a significant degree of sequence conservation and positive selection within the env-surface open reading frame. Additionally, qRT-PCR revealed diverse patterns of mink ERV-V env expression in various tissues. The expression of mink ERV-V env gene in testicular tissue strongly correlated with the seasonal reproductive cycles of minks.DiscussionOur study suggests that the ERV-V env gene in mink may have been repurposed for host functions.
Primary school learners with characteristics of dyslexia: auto-ethnographic approach to the effectiveness of the screening, identification, assessment, and support policy in South Africa
Authors: Kgatse Karabo Moses , Khanare Fumane , Adewuyi Habeeb Omoponle 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionThe implementation of the Screening Identification Assessment and Support (SIAS) policy has been ongoing for almost a decade to provide care and support to all learners, including those with neurodevelopmental challenges such as dyslexia. Despite these efforts, many primary school learners continue to experience barriers to learning associated with dyslexia. This phenomenon is of great concern in rural communities where dyslexia is generally ignored and misunderstood. On the other hand, there is a lack of research investigating the effectiveness of the SIAS policy in supporting learners with dyslexia. Existing studies often focus on dyslexia and the SIAS policy in isolation.MethodsThe ‘qualitative research’ approach was adopted. Autoethnography was employed as the study’s design, positioned within the interpretivism paradigm to investigate the effectiveness of the SIAS policy in supporting learners with dyslexia characteristics in Tlokweng village. The sample consists of (5) participants and Critical reflection and auto-interviewing methods were used to generate data, which was thematically analysed. Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory was used to understand the interaction between learners, their environment, and the SIAS policy.Results and discussionThe findings suggest that the SIAS policy is ineffective in its screening process. Also, learners’ perceptions indicate a gap in teachers’ readiness to address learning barriers associated with the characteristics of dyslexia. Lastly, there is a need for continuous monitoring of the SIAS implementation.
Decoding connections in the European population: serum uric acid, sex hormone-binding globulin, total testosterone, estradiol, and female infertility – advanced bidirectional and mediative Mendelian randomization
Authors: Tan Zilong , Shen Jianwu , Huang Yuxiao , Li Junru , Ding Mengdi , Sun Aochuan , Hong Jing , Yang Yan , He Sheng , Zhu Xueying , Luo Ran 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundDespite observational links between serum uric acid (SUA), sex hormone-related phenotypes, and female infertility, the causality behind these associations remains uncertain.ObjectiveThis study utilizes Bidirectional Two-Sample and Mediation Mendelian Randomization to explore the causal relationships and mediation effects of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), total testosterone (TT), and estradiol on these associations.MethodsWe analyzed single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with SUA and sex hormone levels using data from large-scale GWAS of European populations. Female infertility data were sourced from 6,481 cases and 75,450 controls in the FinnGen Consortium. We employed methods including Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW), Weighted Median, and MR-Egger regression to assess causality.ResultsWe found that elevated SUA levels causally increase the risk of female infertility (IVW OR: 1.13, P=0.047). Elevated SUA levels significantly decrease SHBG levels (β=-0.261; P=2.177e-04), with SHBG mediating 27.93% of the effect of SUA on infertility (OR=0.854; 95%CI, 0.793–0.920; P=2.853e-05). Additionally, elevated TT levels, which were associated with decreased SUA levels (β=-0.127), showed an indirect effect on infertility mediated by SUA (β=-0.0187; 95% CI, -0.041 to -0.003; P=0.046).ConclusionOur findings demonstrate causal links between high SUA and increased risk of female infertility mediated by hormonal factors such as SHBG and TT. These insights suggest new avenues for infertility treatment and highlight the need for further research into these mechanisms.
A new method for identifying key fossil species in the Miocene Calcareous Nannofossil Zone: insights from deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Zhang He , Yu Chonghan , Jiang Zhenglong , Zhao Xuqian 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundCalcareous nannofossils are minute microfossils widely present in marine strata. Their identification holds significant value in studies related to stratigraphic dating, paleo-environmental evolution, and paleoclimate reconstruction. However, the process of identifying these fossils is time consuming, and the discrepancies between the results obtained from different manual identification methods are substantial, hindering quantification efforts. Therefore, it is necessary to explore automated assisted identification of fossil species. This study mainly focused on 18 key fossil species from the Miocene era. Five convolutional neural network (CNN) models and 10 data augmentation techniques were compared. These models and techniques were employed to analyze and collectively train two- and three-dimensional fossil morphologies and structures obtained from three different fossils observed under single-polarized light microscopy, orthogonal polarized light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the model performance was evaluated based on the predictive outcomes on the test set, using metrics such as confusion matrix and top-k accuracy. ResultThe results indicate that, for the calcareous nannofossil images, the most effective data augmentation approach is a combination of four methods: random rotation, random mirroring, random brightness, and gamma correction. Among the CNN models, DenseNet121 exhibits the optimal performance, achieving an identification accuracy of 94.56%. Moreover, this model can distinguish other fossils beyond the 18 key fossil species and non-fossil debris. Based on the confusion matrix, the evaluation results reveal that the model has strong generalization capability and outputs highly credible identification results.ConclusionDrawing on the identification results from CNN, this study asserts a robust correlation among extinction photographs, planar images, and stereoscopic morphological images of fossil species. Collective training facilitates the joint extraction and analysis of fossil features under different imaging methods. CNN demonstrates many advantages in the identification of calcareous nannofossils, offering convenience to researchers in various fields, such as stratigraphy, paleo-ecology, paleoclimate, and paleo-environments of ancient oceans. It has great potential for advancing the development of marine surveys and stratigraphic recognition processes in the future.
Modulation of cardiac resident macrophages immunometabolism upon high-fat-diet feeding in mice
Authors: Zhu Simeng , Liu Yujia , Xia Guofang , Wang Xiaoqing , Du Ailian , Wu Jin , Wang Yanpeng , Wang Yuanlong , Shen Chengxing , Wei Peng , Xu Congfeng 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundA high-fat diet (HFD) contributes to various metabolic disorders and obesity, which are major contributors to cardiovascular disease. As an essential regulator for heart homeostasis, cardiac resident macrophages may go awry and contribute to cardiac pathophysiology upon HFD. Thus, to better understand how HFD induced cardiac dysfunction, this study intends to explore the transcriptional and functional changes in cardiac resident macrophages of HFD mice.MethodsC57BL/6J female mice that were 6 weeks old were fed with HFD or normal chow diet (NCD) for 16 weeks. After an evaluation of cardiac functions by echocardiography, mouse hearts were harvested and cardiac resident CCR2- macrophages were sorted, followed by Smart sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis including GO, KEGG, and GSEA analyses were employed to elucidate transcriptional and functional changes.ResultsHyperlipidemia and obesity were observed easily upon HFD. The mouse hearts also displayed more severe fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction in HFD mice. Smart sequencing and functional analysis revealed metabolic dysfunctions, especially lipid-related genes and pathways. Besides this, antigen-presentation-related gene such as Ctsf and inflammation, particularly for NF-κB signaling and complement cascades, underwent drastic changes in cardiac resident macrophages. GO cellular compartment analysis was also performed and showed specific organelle enrichment trends of the involved genes.ConclusionDysregulated metabolism intertwines with inflammation in cardiac resident macrophages upon HFD feeding in mice, and further research on crosstalk among organelles could shed more light on potential mechanisms.
AGBL4 promotes malignant progression of glioblastoma via modulation of MMP-1 and inflammatory pathways
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Cheng Lilin , Su Yandong , Qian Zhongrun , Wang Zhen , Chen Chao , Li Rong , Zhang Aikang , He Jiawei , Mao Jiangxin , Wang Hongxiang , Chen Juxiang 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common primary malignant brain tumor, is notorious for its aggressive growth and dismal prognosis. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular underpinnings of GBM, particularly focusing on the role of AGBL4 and its connection to inflammatory pathways, to discover viable therapeutic targets.MethodsSingle-cell sequencing was utilized to examine the expression levels of AGBL4 and functional assays were performed to assess the effects of AGBL4 modulation.ResultsOur findings identified the significant upregulation of AGBL4 in GBM, which correlated with adverse clinical outcomes. Functional assays demonstrated that AGBL4 knockdown inhibited GBM cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and influenced inflammatory response pathways, while AGBL4 overexpression promoted these activities. Further investigation revealed that AGBL4 exerted its oncogenic effects through modulation of MMP-1, establishing a novel regulatory axis critical for GBM progression and inflammation.DiscussionBoth AGBL4 and MMP-1 may be pivotal molecular targets, offering new avenues for targeted therapy in GBM management.
Efficacy of lumbar and abdominal muscle rehabilitation training on degree of osteoporosis, pain and anxiety in elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture after PKP and compliance analysis
Authors: Xu Yaqin , Li Dong , Zhang Qian , Tong Lulu 
Published: June 2024

PurposeTo explore the rehabilitation effect and compliance of lumbar and abdominal muscle rehabilitation training in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) after percutaneous balloon vertebroplasty (PKP).MethodsA total 177 elderly patients with OVCF were divided into rehabilitation group (n = 104) and control group (n = 73) according to whether they received psoas and abdominal muscle rehabilitation training for 3 months after PKP. The differences of general data, orthopaedic rehabilitation, prognosis and bone metabolism were compared between the two groups. All the patients were divided into compliance group (68 cases) and non-compliance group (36 cases) according to compliance. Orthopaedic rehabilitation indicators, prognostic indicators of PKP, and bone metabolism-related parameters were collected for analysis of Chi-square test and Logistic regression. ROC curve was used to analyze the predictive value of bone metabolism related indicators in the compliance of lumbar and abdominal muscle rehabilitation training.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the general data between the rehabilitation training group and the control group (Allp &gt; 0.05). Compared with the control group, the Berg balance scale score was significantly increased, while the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score and the proportion of new fractures were significantly decreased in the rehabilitation training group (Allp &lt; 0.05). Compared with the control group, the bone mineral density (BMD) T value, osteocalcin (OCN) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D) levels were significantly increased and the levels of type I N-propeptide (P1NP) and β-isomerized C-terminal telopeptides (β-CTX) were significantly decreased in the rehabilitation training group compared with the control group (Allp &lt; 0.05). Chi-square test and Logistic regression analysis showed that age &gt; 75 years, severe anxiety, severe pain and postoperative complications were significantly associated with the compliance of psoas and abdominal muscle rehabilitation training in patients with OVCF after PKP. ROC curve analysis showed that BMD T value, OCN, P1NP, β-CTX, or 25-OH-D levels predicted the AUC of rehabilitation training compliance in patients with OVCF after PKP were 0.821, 0.835, 0.736, 0.715, and 0.748, respectively.ConclusionRehabilitation training of lumbar and abdominal muscles can significantly improve the efficacy of PKP, reduce the degree of osteoporosis and improve the prognosis of patients with OVCF. Age, anxiety, pain and postoperative complications were independent risk factors affecting the compliance of psoas and abdominal rehabilitation training in patients with OVCF after PKP.
Re-telling the story of aminoglycoside ototoxicity: tales from sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Adeyemo Adebolajo A. , Adedokun Babatunde , Adeolu Josephine , Akinyemi Joshua O. , Omotade Olayemi O. , Oluwatosin Odunayo M. 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundAminoglycosides, such as Streptomycin, are cheap, potent antibiotics widely used Sub-Saharan Africa. However, aminoglycosides are the commonest cause of ototoxicity. The limited prospective epidemiological studies on aminoglycoside ototoxicity from Sub-Saharan Africa motivated this study to provide epidemiological information on Streptomycin-induced ototoxicity, identify risk factors and predictors of ototoxicity.MethodA longitudinal study of 153 adults receiving Streptomycin-based anti-tuberculous drugs was done. All participants underwent extended frequency audiometry and had normal hearing thresholds at baseline. Hearing thresholds were assessed weekly for 2 months, then monthly for the subsequent 6 months. Ototoxicity was determined using the ASHA criteria. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze socio-demographic variables. Ototoxicity incidence rate was calculated, and Kaplan–Meier estimate used to determine cumulative probability of ototoxicity. Chi-square test was done to determine parameters associated with ototoxicity and Cox regression models were used to choose the predictors of ototoxicity.ResultsAge of participants was 41.43 ± 12.66 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.6. Ototoxicity was found in 34.6% of the participants, giving an incidence of 17.26 per 1,000-person-week. The mean onset time to ototoxicity was 28.0 ± 0.47 weeks. By 28th week, risk of developing ototoxicity for respondents below 40 years of age was 0.29, and for those above 40 years was 0.77. At the end of the follow-up period, the overall probability of developing ototoxicity in the study population was 0.74. A significant difference in onset of ototoxicity was found between the age groups: the longest onset was seen in &lt;40 years, followed by 40–49 years, and shortest onset in ≥50 years. Hazard of ototoxicity was significantly higher in participants aged ≥50 years compared to participants aged ≤40 years (HR = 3.76, 95% CI = 1.84–7.65). The probability of ototoxicity at 40 g, 60 g and 80 g cumulative dose of Streptomycin was 0.08, 0.43 and 2.34, respectively. Age and cumulative dose were significant predictors of ototoxicity.ConclusionThe mean onset time to Streptomycin-induced ototoxicity was 28 weeks after commencement of therapy. Age and cumulative dose can reliably predict the onset of Streptomycin-induced ototoxicity. Medium to long term monitoring of hearing is advised for patients on aminoglycoside therapy.