Alternative Activation Research Articles

Sosialisasi dan Pendampingan Anti Narkoba Karang Taruna di Dusun Clebung Bawah, Soronalan, Sawangan, Magelang

Clebung Bawah Hamlet is one of the developing areas, there are community organizations such as PKK RT, women's farmer group (KWT), posyandu cadres, youth organization (Karang Taruna), and TPQ children's association. However, there is one educational activity that has not been held in this hamlet, namely outreach about the dangers of drugs, and juvenile delinquency. Apart from that, it is also necessary to reactivate positive community activities, such as village cleaning. To overcome this problem, the methods used through PPMT activities are education through outreach about the dangers of drugs and juvenile delinquency, revitalization of the village cleaning, and greening. The result of PPMT activities is that before the activity, PPMT implementers approach residents by participating in routine community activities such as community service and reciting the Koran. The next activity is to conduct outreach with anti-drug and juvenile delinquency material from a health and legal perspective. The implementation of socialization went smoothly and well. The youth receive material from “Program Pengabdian Masyarakat Terpadu (PPMT)” implementers well. Socialization is one form of activity that can be carried out to educate residents about the dangers of drugs and juvenile delinquency. The next activity is the revitalization of village cleaning activities, which are carried out alongside reforestation and the provision of rubbish bins. Village cleaning and greening activities are positive activities that can be used as alternative activities for teenagers while preserving noble culture and protecting the environment.

Revisiting the intron hypothesis of QoI resistance in Phyllosticta ampelicida, the causal agent of grape black rot, and other Phyllosticta species

AbstractChemical control of grape black rot, caused by Phyllosticta ampelicida, relies mainly on the use of demethylation inhibitors (DMIs) and quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs). The effectiveness of QoI fungicides is influenced by alternative respiration activity, and the exon/intron structure and point mutations in the target protein's gene, the cytochrome b (cytb) gene. Our study aims to investigate the QoI fungicide sensitivity of 48 P. ampelicida isolates in vitro by measuring EC50 and the molecular characteristics of the cytb gene and its mRNA in P. ampelicida and other Phyllosticta species. Mycelial growth tests revealed that the P. ampelicida isolates were sensitive to both azoxystrobin and trifloxystrobin; baseline EC50 values were 0.029 and 0.022 μg/mL, respectively. Addition of salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) resulted in lower EC50 values (0.024 and 0.017 μg/mL, respectively). None of the typical point mutations conferring resistance to QoIs in some fungi were detected. A group I intron was present right after the 143rd codon in the cytb gene in four of the six Phyllosticta species examined. The sequence and exon/intron structure of the cytb gene of P. ampelicida isolated from Vitis vinifera is studied in detail and published here. Our results indicate a low risk of QoI resistance development via the G143A mutation in P. ampelicida.

Dietary lysophospholipid improves growth performance, antioxidant capacity and immunity response of red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × O. mossambicus)

Lysophospholipids (LPL) are usually used as emulsifiers in fish nutrition because of their ability to ameliorate nutrient digestibility and lipid metabolism. The present study aims to assess the effects of a commercial dietary lysophospholipid on growth performance, feed utilization, antioxidant activity, innate immunity and biochemical indices of red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. mosambicus) fingerlings. Five isonitrogenous (35.8% CP) and isocaloric (18.7 MJ kg−1) diets were prepared as follows: two control diets coded as C1 and C2, containing 2 and 1% soybean oil, respectively. The other three diets were coded as LPL1, LPL2 and LPL3, and were formulated by supplementing the C2 diet with 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% lysophospholipid. The fingerlings of red tilapia (2.13 ± 0.42 g fish−1) were fed the diets for 70 days. The highest significant (p < 0.05) final weight and weight gain were recorded in LPL2. The best values of feed efficiency and protein efficiency (PER)were in all fish groups fed LPL in their diets (p < 0.05). Protein productive value (PPV) showed the highest result in LPL3 (p < 0.05). Lysozyme activity showed the best result in LPL3 (p < 0.05). The highest values of alternative complement activity (ACH50) and total immunoglobulin (Ig) were in LPL3 and LPL2 (p < 0.05). The best results of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity were recorded in LPL3 (p < 0.05). The lowest values of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (CHO) were detected in LPL1 and LPL2 (p < 0.05). Thus, the inclusion of 0.2% of the commercial lysophospholipid in red tilapia diets enhanced the growth performance, feed utilization, innate immunity, antioxidant activity and lipase activity, and reduced CHO and TG of red tilapia fingerlings.

Generating AI Alternatives

May 2024 finds us eighteen months on since the release into the wild of unregulated generative AI models and their chatbot front-ends. While Higher Education (HE) has been playing catch-up in terms of policy and regulation (e.g. Russell Group 2023, Conrad 2023, EU 2022), those who work in higher education have been grappling with the consequences for learning, teaching, assessment, and research on the ground. Between the hype from big tech on the one hand, and a sense of despair on the other, alternative, critical and ethical activities have begun to emerge (Bender et al., 2021; Bozkurt, A. et al., 2023; Conrad, 2023; Fischer et al., 2023; Nerantzi et al., 2023; Rahm, 2023). This workshop explores these alternatives both as concept and method.

Endothelial dysfunction and complement activation are independently associated with disease duration in patients with systemic vasculitis

ObjectivesSystemic vasculitis is a heterogenous group of autoimmune diseases characterized by enhanced cardiovascular mortality. Endothelial dysfunction is associated with accelerated vascular damage, representing a core pathophysiologic mechanism contributing to excess CV risk. Recent studies have also shown that complement activation holds significant role in the pathogenesis of Anti-Neutrophilic Cytoplasmic Autoantibody (ANCA) -associated vasculitis (AAV). Given the potential crosstalk between the endothelium and complement, we aimed to assess, for the first time simultaneously, easily accessible biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and complement activation in SV. MethodsWe measured circulating endothelial microvesicles (EMVs) and soluble complement components representative of alternative, classical and terminal activation (C5b-9, C1q, Bb fragments, respectively) in a meticulously selected group of patients with systemic vasculitis, but without cardiovascular disease. Individuals free from systemic diseases, who were matched with patients for cardiovascular risk factors(hypertension, diabetes, smoking, dyslipidemia), comprised the control group. ResultsWe studied 60 individuals (30 in each group). Patients with systemic vasculitis had elevated EMVs, higher levels of C5b-9 [536.4(463.4) vs 1200.94457.3), p = 0.003] and C1q [136.2(146.5 vs 204.2(232.9), p = 0.0129], compared to controls [232.0 (243.5) vs 139.3(52.1), p < 0.001]. In multivariate analysis both EMVs and C5b-9 were independently associated with disease duration (p = 0.005 and p = 0.004 respectively), yet not with disease activity. ConclusionPatients with systemic vasculitis exhibit impaired endothelial function and complement activation, both assessed by easily accessible biomarkers, even in the absence of cardiovascular disease manifestations. EMVs and soluble complement components such as C5b-9 and C1q could be used as early biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and complement activation, respectively, in clinical practice during the course of SV, yet their predictive value in terms of future cardiovascular disease warrants further verification in appropriately designed studies.

Synthesis of solid sodium silicate from waste glass and utilization on one-part alkali-activated materials based on spent oil filtering earth.

Alkali activated materials (AAMs) commonly known as geopolymers are considered ecofriendly substitutes for Portland cement. However, these materials still have a significant environmental impact, owing mainly to the use of activators based on commercial chemical products. In this sense, this research focuses on the production and use of waste glass-derived activators AAMs as an alternative to commercial activators. Using a thermochemical synthesis method, activator compositions were systematically designed to achieve predefined activator modulus (Ms = SiO2/Na2O = 0.5; 1.0 and 1.5). These alternative activators were studied by XRD, FTIR and SEM techniques. Additionally, one-part AAMs were manufactured using spent oil filtration earth (SOFE) as precursor and activator with optimum modulus Ms = 1.0. The influence of the Na2O dosage was studied (10; 20 and 30g of Na2O per every 100g of SOFE) as well as the influence of the activator modulus maintaining the optimum dosage of 20g Na2O per 100g of SOFE. As a control, two-part AAMs were also synthetized with the optimum dosage and modulus employing commercial activators (NaOH + Na2SiO3 solution). Results indicate that the modulus of the alternative activator and especially the Na2O dosage have a significant influence on the technological properties of AAMs based in SOFE, with an optimum compressive strength (35.8MPa) for the addition of 20g of Na2O per every 100g of SOFE using activator with modulus Ms = 1.0. This research embodies a sustainable approach to AAM production and suggests waste glass as a valuable raw material for sodium silicate synthesis intended for the one-part activation of spent filtering earth from the agri-food industry, aligning with the principles of circular economy and sustainable development goals.

Sustainable alternative activators from the textile mercerizing water for the durable and cost-effective flyash-GGBS based geopolymer concrete

By considering the current global challenges such as greenhouse gas emission and waste disposal management, the exploration of geopolymer concrete is highly focused now-a-days. On the other hand, the use of costlier commercial activators acted as the major drawback for the practical existence. Although the recent geopolymer researchers suggested the use of alternative activators from various resources such as palm oil ash, olive ash etc, the application of which are not appreciably promoted due to the complex derivation process. To overcome these effects, in this paper, first time, an attempt is initiated to develop a cost-effective geopolymer concrete by using textile mercerizing water as an alternate activator system. The viability of using mercerizing water instead of commercial sodium hydroxide activator was studied initially. By conducting the pH electrode test and Infrared Analysis, the alkalinity and the presence of sodium metal cations responsible for the reaction kinematics were confirmed. Also, the molar concentration of sodium cations in the mercerizing water was quantified using chemical titration analysis. The feasibility of using mercerizing water in the preparation of geopolymer was assessed using workability, mechanical strength and sustainability. From the results, it was inferred that the developed geopolymer concrete with 100 % textile mercerizing water exhibited the maximum strength of 46.9 MPa, 5.16 MPa and 5.81 MPa respectively under compression, tension and flexure which are almost equivalent and slightly better than the control geopolymer concrete. Also, the developed geopolymer concrete using 100 % textile mercerizing water and the combined flyash-GGBS binder system showcases the highest post-fire residual strength and 48 % reduced water absorption. The cost of construction of geopolymer concrete was significantly reduced by 58.43 % and showed 10.28 % reduced carbon footprint due to the complete replacement of sodium hydroxide solution using textile mercerizing water. The findings of this research work will lead to the development of equivalent molar sustainable activator from the textile mercerizing water and the exploration of eco-friendly and durable geopolymer concrete in an affordable price.

Activation of the Human Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC) by the Peptidomimetic S3969 Involves a Specific Binding Pocket in the Channel’s β-Subunit

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) mediates Na+ absorption in several epithelia. Its impaired function leads to severe disorders, like pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 and respiratory distress. Interestingly, a small molecule ENaC activator, the peptidomimetic S3969, stimulates human but not mouse αβγ-ENaC (Lu et al. 2008, J Biol Chem). Our aim was to identify and characterize the S3969 binding site in human ENaC. ENaC was heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, amiloride-sensitive whole-cell currents (ΔIami) were measured using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique. A putative S3969 binding site was predicted by using molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations based on a recently published ENaC structure (Noreng et al. 2020, Elife). In addition, the effect of S3969 on endogenously expressed ENaC was studied in human airway epithelial cells (H441) using transepithelial measurements in Ussing chambers. We confirmed that in oocytes S3969 activated human αβγ-ENaC by ~2-fold with an EC50 of ~0.3 μM (n=25). As reported, murine αβγ-ENaC was insensitive to S3969 in concentrations up to 10 μM (n=19). Using mouse-human chimeric ENaC, we found that a portion of the extracellular loop of the β-subunit (residues 256-404), which includes parts of the thumb, palm and β-ball domains, is critical for channel stimulation by S3969. Computer simulations predicted a putative S3969 binding pocket in this area, with βR388, βF391, and βY406 as key residues coordinating S3969. Mutating these residues strongly reduced (βR388A) or nearly abolished (βY406A; βF391G) the stimulatory effect of S3969 on ΔIami (n=12-18), without altering the effect of an alternative ENaC activator chymotrypsin (n=5). MD simulations also suggested that the binding of S3969 to ENaC increased the distance between the β-thumb and the γ-palm domain. Consistent with this, the stimulatory effect of S3969 was abolished when the β-thumb domain was covalently attached to the γ-palm domain following the introduction of two cysteine residues (βR437C, γS298C) to form a disulfide bridge (n=15). Importantly, reducing the disulfide bond with DTT partially rescued the effect of S3969 on ΔIami (relative stimulation 31±1%, n=15, p&lt;0.001). We also showed that S3969 stimulated endogenously expressed human ENaC in H441 cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that S3969 activates ENaC by interacting with a specific binding pocket in β-ENaC which probably increases the β-γ-intersubunit distance. These results may help to identify novel ENaC modulators with potential physiological or therapeutic implications. Funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation), project number 509149993, TRR 374 (subproject A4 to A.I. and C.K.). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Single-cell transcriptomics of colorectal cancer metastases identifies enrichment for a therapeutically targetable population of TREM2+ macrophages in peritoneal metastases.

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is recognized as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. The primary driver behind this mortality is metastatic disease, which significantly worsens the prognosis for CRC patients. Over the past decade, there has been a modest improvement of only 2% in the 5-year survival rate for metastatic CRC (mCRC). To improve our understanding of the cellular composition in mCRC tumors, we performed single-cell RNAseq (scRNAseq) on matched primary colorectal tumors, metastases to the lung, liver, and peritoneum, and malignant ascites from 14 patients. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were found to be one of the most abundant populations across all samples and TAMs from metastases had increased expression of M2-like alternative activation markers relative to primary tumors, suggesting that TAMs in mCRC are immunosuppressive. Gene co-expression analysis identified a signature of lipid handling containing genes linked to lipid transport, such as APOE, FABP5, PLTP, and CD9, and genes coding for the scavenger receptors CD36, MSR1, MARCO, and TREM2. Consistent with transcriptomics, the majority of CD11b+CD68+ TAMs from resected liver and peritoneal metastases had high TREM2 expression by flow cytometry. In a mouse model of peritoneal mCRC, treatment with anti-TREM2 decreased CD11b+F4/80+ TAMs and increased CD8+ effector T cells, suggesting that TREM2 may be an effective target for immunotherapy in mCRC.

Activation Effect of 2-β-hydroxy Manoyl Oxide Isolated from Sideritis perfoliata on Carbonic Anhydrase Isoenzymes I and II

Background: Sideritis species were used for the treatment of mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia traditionally in Turkey. Several in vivo studies report that the mid-polar extract of Sideritis species can develop the brain functions of mice. 2-β-hydroxy manoyl oxide, isolated from ethyl acetate extract of Sideritis perfoliata, was assayed in vitro and in silico on human erythrocytes CA I and CA II. The compound was found to be an activator on two isoenzymes. It has been reported that activators of carbonic anhydrases may be used as a novel approach to treating disorders such as Alzheimer’s and age-related diseases. This study aimed to investigate the activity effect of 2-β-hydroxy manoyl oxide in vitro and in silico on human erythrocytes CA I and CA II (hCA I and hCA II) and to elucidate its pharmacokinetic and physicochemical characteristics. Methods: The test compound was isolated from ethyl acetate extract of Sideritis perfoliata using chromatographic techniques and identified with spectroscopic evidence. Carbonic anhydrase activities were assayed using CO2 substrates. Docking studies were carried out with Molegro Virtual Docker. The compound underwent ADME-Tox prediction by using AdmetSAR and SwissADME software. Results: 2-β-hydroxy manoyl oxide was found to increase the hCA-l and hCAII activity with AC50 values 9 and 19 μM, respectively. These results were further confirmed in silico molecular modeling. It showed favorable pharmacokinetic and physicochemical characteristics as a new drug candidate. Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that 2-β-hydroxy manoyl oxide activated the hCA-l and hCA II. These results provide a novel and alternative activator for the carbonic anhydrase and confirm the traditional usage of the Sideritis perfoliata.

Pembuatan Hidroponik Sistem Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) dengan Memanfaatkan Limbah Botol Plastik untuk Tanaman Pakcoy di Dusun Nunggal II Desa Dakung Kabupaten Lombok Tengah

Packaging waste for products or goods that are no longer used can still be recycled into goods that are useful and economically valuable. In general, inorganic waste is very difficult to decompose naturally. The problem of increasing waste volumes needs to be handled wisely so that environmental pollution can be avoided, especially inorganic waste in the form of plastic bottles. The state of society in handling waste, especially plastic bottles, is still very low. One way that can be done is by providing education and direct assistance to the public regarding techniques for managing inorganic waste, especially used bottles or other plastic containers into more useful products. Utilizing used bottles as a medium for hydroponic plants is an effective way to raise public interest and awareness about the importance of managing plastic bottle waste. This activity is also a means of learning and motivating the community about hydroponic business opportunities using plastic bottles. Apart from that, this can be a very productive alternative activity for society.

CFH Haploinsufficiency and Complement Alterations in Early-Onset Macular Degeneration.

Complement dysregulation is a key component in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and related diseases such as early-onset macular drusen (EOMD). Although genetic variants of complement factor H (CFH) are associated with AMD risk, the impact of CFH and factor H-like protein 1 (FHL-1) expression on local complement activity in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) remains unclear. We identified a novel CFH variant in a family with EOMD and generated patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived RPE cells. We assessed CFH and FHL-1 co-factor activity through C3b breakdown assays and measured complement activation by immunostaining for membrane attack complex (MAC) formation. Expression of CFH, FHL-1, local alternative pathway (AP) components, and regulators of complement activation (RCA) in EOMD RPE cells was determined by quantitative PCR, western blot, and immunostaining. Isogenic EOMD (cEOMD) RPE was generated using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. The CFH variant (c.351-2A>G) resulted in loss of CFH and FHL-1 expression and significantly reduced CFH and FHL-1 protein expression (∼50%) in EOMD iPSC RPE cells. These cells exhibited increased MAC deposition upon exposure to normal human serum. Under inflammatory or oxidative stress conditions, CFH and FHL-1 expression in EOMD RPE cells paralleled that of controls, whereas RCA expression, including MAC formation inhibitors, was elevated. CRISPR/Cas9 correction restored CFH/FHL-1 expression and mitigated alternative pathway complement activity in cEOMD RPE cells. Identification of a novel CFH variant in patients with EOMD resulting in reduced CFH and FHL-1 and increased local complement activity in EOMD iPSC RPE supports the involvement of CFH haploinsufficiency in EOMD pathogenesis.

C3 Hypocomplementemia Predicts the Progression of CKD towards End-Stage Kidney Disease in IgA Nephropathy, Irrespective of Histological Evidence of Thrombotic Microangiopathy.

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. IgAN causes end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in 30-40% of all cases. The activation of the complement system by pathological circulating IgAs, which is often associated with low serum C3 levels (LowC3), seems to play a crucial role. Previous studies have shown an association between histological evidence of TMA, which is the result of alternative complement activation, and poor outcomes. However, it is not known to what extent the decrease in serum C3 levels reflects ongoing TMA injury. Our study aimed at assessing the association between LowC3 and ESKD and whether this association reflects ongoing TMA. Methods: We enrolled all patients with biopsy-proven IgAN and followed-up patients until their last visit, ESKD, or death. Results: Of the 56 patients included in the study, 12 (21%) presented low serum C3 (LowC3) at the time of renal biopsy. TMA was significantly more frequent in the LowC3 group [7/12 (58%) vs. 9/44 (20%), p = 0.02]. After adjusting for potential confounders, LowC3 was strongly associated with an increased hazard of ESKD (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.84 [95%CI: 1.69, 20.15; p = 0.005). The association was not affected by adjusting for TMA. The estimated overall proportion of the relation between C3 and ESKD mediated by TMA was low and not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that C3 hypocomplementemia is associated with an increased risk of ESKD through mechanisms that are largely independent from TMA.

Innovative use of hazelnut shell ash as an alkali activator: A comparative analysis with commercial activators

The selection of alkali activators is crucial in determining the characteristics of alkali-activated materials (AAMs). The activators are typically derived from commercial sources and significantly affect the ecological impact of AAMs across different life cycle categories. Hence, this study investigated the utilization of hazelnut shell ash (HNA) as an alternative activator in the synthesis of AAMs for the first time. HNA is evaluated as a green waste-derived option in place of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) in blast furnace slag (BFS) activation. A comparative investigation was conducted on the fresh, mechanical, and microstructural properties of AAMs activated with HNA, NaOH, or KOH. The experimental results showed that the compressive strength of HNA-activated AAM specimens can reach up to 26.8 MPa at 28th days, equivalent to mixtures activated with 2.0 M NaOH and 2.2 M KOH. It was observed that HNA alleviates the early-stage reactions by providing sufficient alkalinity due to its K2O content, contributes to gel formation with its calcium and silicon rich chemical composition, and also improves the compressive strength by acting as micro-aggregate.

Evaluation of E-Complaints About Balloon Tours in Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is one of the most well-known balloon tourism destinations in the world. Besides its unique nature, recreational activities make a significant contribution to regional tourism. Taking a hot air balloon ride is an alternative tourism activity that is most preferred in Cappadocia. Satisfaction with the balloon rides is a very important factor in terms of tourists’ intention to revisit the region and recommend it to others, and the image perception of the destination. Therefore, this study aims to analyze e-complaints about businesses organizing balloon tours in Cappadocia and develop solutions for balloon tours specific to Cappadocia. The phenomenological design was preferred as the research design. In order to obtain data on the experience offered by balloon companies, a search was made within the location of "Nevşehir or Cappadocia" according to the "balloon" criterion on the Tripadvisor website, a widely used travel platform, and English comments were reached. According to these criteria, a total of 223 comments were obtained for 25 balloon companies operating in Cappadocia. For data analysis, six main themes and 16 sub-themes were defined in the code system. Content analysis was used as the analysis method. Word frequency, sub-theme frequency, and percentage results of the main and sub-themes were given from the descriptive analyzes carried out. In the analysis, which included 363 codings, it was determined that the most frequently repeated main theme was "Complaints About Flight Experience" and the most frequently repeated sub-theme was "Flight Personnel". As a result of this research on balloon tours, it was seen that the expectations of many tourists were not met and there are complaints at many stages, from reservation to post-flight services.

Evaluation of an automated von Willebrand factor glycoprotein IbM activity assay compared with 3 alternative von Willebrand factor activity assays

BackgroundTo overcome deficiencies of the traditional von Willebrand factor (VWF) ristocetin cofactor activity assay (VWF:RCo), several automated assays for VWF platelet-binding activity have been developed. Information on the performance of these assays and their diagnostic utility remains limited. ObjectivesTo validate the VWF:glycoprotein IbM assay INNOVANCE VWF Ac and compare it with an automated VWF:RCo assay as well as with an automated assay and a manual VWF:Ab assay and to generate reference ranges and analyze reproducibility of the VWF:glycoprotein IbM assay. MethodsClinical sites enrolled healthy subjects and patients representing the intended use population; VWF activity assays were performed, and results were analyzed. The performance of the INNOVANCE VWF Ac assay was also compared between the BCS XP System and the CS-2500 and CS-5100 analyzers. ResultsThe INNOVANCE VWF Ac assay correlated well with the VWF:RCo assay and the automated HemosIL VWF:Ab assay, with Pearson coefficients of >.9 and a predicted bias of ≤5.0 IU/dL at VWF levels of 30 IU/dL and ≤5.8 IU/dL at the levels of 50 IU/dL, but correlation and bias were not as good when compared with the REAADS manual VWF:Ab assay. Reference ranges observed for healthy subjects correlated well with previously published findings. Reproducibility of the INNOVANCE VWF Ac assay on the BCS XP System and the CS analyzers was excellent, as was correlation among devices. ConclusionThe characteristics of the INNOVANCE VWF Ac assay regarding comparability with other VWF activity assays, reference ranges, and precision support the use of this assay for evaluation of patients with concern for von Willebrand disease.

Prevalence and factors associated with digital addiction among students taking university entrance tests: a GIS-based study

BackgroundThe surge in digital media consumption, coupled with the ensuing consequences of digital addiction, has witnessed a rapid increase, particularly after the initiation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite some studies exploring specific technological addictions, such as internet or social media addiction, in Bangladesh, there is a noticeable gap in research focusing on digital addiction in a broader context. Thus, this study aims to investigate digital addiction among students taking the university entrance test, examining its prevalence, contributing factors, and geographical distribution using GIS techniques.MethodsData from a cross-sectional survey were collected from a total of 2,157 students who were taking the university entrance test at Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. A convenience sampling method was applied for data collection using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 25 Version and AMOS 23 Version, whereas ArcGIS 10.8 Version was used for the geographical distribution of digital addiction.ResultsThe prevalence of digital addiction was 33.1% (mean score: 16.05 ± 5.58). Those students who are attempting the test for a second time were more likely to be addicted (42.7% vs. 39.1%), but the difference was not statistically significant. Besides, the potential factors predicted for digital addiction were student status, satisfaction with previous mock tests, average monthly expenditure during the admission test preparation, and depression. No significant difference was found between digital addiction and districts. However, digital addiction was higher in the districts of Manikganj, Rajbari, Shariatpur, and Chittagong Hill Tract areas, including Rangamati, and Bandarban.ConclusionsThe study emphasizes the pressing need for collaborative efforts involving educational policymakers, institutions, and parents to address the growing digital addiction among university-bound students. The recommendations focus on promoting alternative activities, enhancing digital literacy, and imposing restrictions on digital device use, which are crucial steps toward fostering a healthier digital environment and balanced relationship with technology for students.

Vaccination with DC-SIGN-Targeting αGC Liposomes Leads to Tumor Control, Irrespective of Suboptimally Activated T-Cells.

Cancer vaccines have emerged as a potent strategy to improve cancer immunity, with or without the combination of checkpoint blockade. In our investigation, liposomal formulations containing synthetic long peptides and α-Galactosylceramide, along with a DC-SIGN-targeting ligand, Lewis Y (LeY), were studied for their anti-tumor potential. The formulated liposomes boosted with anti-CD40 adjuvant demonstrated robust invariant natural killer (iNKT), CD4+, and CD8+ T-cell activation in vivo. The incorporation of LeY facilitated the targeting of antigen-presenting cells expressing DC-SIGN in vitro and in vivo. Surprisingly, mice vaccinated with LeY-modified liposomes exhibited comparable tumor reduction and survival rates to those treated with untargeted counterparts despite a decrease in antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell responses. These results suggest that impaired induction of antigen-specific CD8+ T-cells via DC-SIGN targeting does not compromise anti-tumor potential, hinting at alternative immune activation routes beyond CD8+ T-cell activation.

Pasar Rebo Street Library Community Alternative Education Empowerment Model for School Out-of-School Children

The problem of dropping out of school experienced by students in Kampung Tengah, East Jakarta raised the social concern of the Pasar Rebo Street Library Community to Apply the concept of empowerment throught alternatie education activities as an effort to overcome the phenomenon of students dropping out of school. This research aims to describe the internal and external factors causing dropouts, the alternative education empowerment model and the supporting and inhibiting factors in its implementation. This research uses descriptive qualitative method with purposive sampling technique to determine informants. Data were collected throught interviews, observation and documentation. The data were analyzed using structural functionalism theory, specifically Talcott Parsons’ AGIL concept and Max Weber’s Social Action theory. The results show that the internal factor that causes children to drop out of school is the desire of children to help parents work, while the external factor is the lack of parental attention to children’s education. There are five alternative education empowerment models carried out by the Pasar Rebo Street Library Community, namely the history model of the formation of teaching staff, the book collection model for teaching materials, the student data colletction model, the student classification model and the altenative education learning model. Supporting factors in alternative education activites are motivation, commitment and a supportive environment, while the inhibiting factors are the time of organizing activities, the inconsistency of some teaching staff, and the lack of interest in learning from some students. Based on the results of the research, alternative education activities carried out by the Pasar Rebo Street Library Community for school dropouts in Kampung Tengah, East Jakarta are included in the concept of empowerment, where students are given learning, knowledge and knowledge like in formal education, and there are plans to create PKBM so that students get proof of learning or diplomas.

Nano-selenium (nano-Se) removes the detrimental impacts of plant-based diets on the production performance and well-being of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Fishmeal (FM) is not a sustainable source of nutrients due to the over-exploitation of fisheries resources and increasing aquafeed costs. Plant protein (PP) sources have been utilized as FM alternatives in diets. A 60-day nutritional experiment was conducted to study the effects of the complete replacement of FM with PP ingredients in diets supplemented with nano-Se on growth performance, plasma physiological and immunological parameters, and liver antioxidant capacity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Five experimental diets were prepared, where FM-Control contained 35 % FM, PP-Control contained complete PP ingredients, and NSe1, NSe2, and Nse3 contained complete PP ingredients supplemented with 1, 2, and 3 mg/kg nano-Se, respectively. The growth performance of fish fed the FM-Control and NSe3 diets was higher than in the PP-Control group (P < 0.05). The best feed conversion and protein efficiency ratios were detected in the NSe3 group but were not significantly different from the FM-Control group (P > 0.05). While the highest levels of antioxidant parameters, including reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, were detected in the liver of fish fed with the FM-Control diet, the lowest malondialdehyde concentration was measured in the NSe3 group (P < 0.05). Plasma levels of lysozyme activity, alternative complement activity, and total immunoglobulin of the FM-Control and NSe3 groups were significantly higher than in other groups (P < 0.05). The best plasma physiological parameters including the lowest levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein, and the highest levels of total protein, triiodothyronine (T3), and high-density lipoprotein were observed in fish fed with the FM-Control and NSe3 diets (P < 0.05). These results suggest that FM can be entirely substituted by PP in diets containing nano-Se at 3 mg/kg without harmful impacts on the performance and immunity of common carp.