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Abstract People with diabetes are at risk of chronic complications and novel biomarkers, such as Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) may help stratify this risk. We assessed whether plasma low-molecular weight AGEs, also known as LMW-fluorophores (LMW-F), are associated with risk factors, predict complications, and are altered by fenofibrate in adults with type 2 diabetes. Plasma LMW-F were quantified at baseline, after six weeks fenofibrate, and one year post-randomisation to fenofibrate or placebo. LMW-F associations with existing and new composite vascular complications were determined, and effects of fenofibrate assessed. LMW-F correlated positively with age, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), pulse pressure, kidney dysfunction and inflammation; and negatively with urate, body mass index, oxidative stress and leptin, albeit weakly (r = 0.04–0.16, all p

Mangrove ecosystem Segara Anakan Lagoon (SAL), is the largest mangrove ecosystem in Java that is occupied by various types of mangroves. Several studies have shown the deforestation of mangrove in SAL which caused the decrease of mangrove biodiversity and species density. This study aims to obtain updated information on the distribution and density of two mangrove species found in SAL that are listed in the IUCN, which are Ceriops decandra (Threatened) and Merope angulata (Least Concerned). This research was conducted with the stages of literature study and analysis of satellite imagery using Sentinel 2 and the NDVI equation to obtain the change of mangrove cover and density. The literature study found that C. decandra was mostly distributed in the eastern and central sites of the Lagoon, while M. angulata was distributed in the center site. According to the spatial analysis, the density of Ceriops decandra was found >0,5 while Merope angulata is distributed in the center site with a medium density categorized. The degradation of the mangrove ecosystem in 2023 was estimated to be 10.493,64 ha. The information provided in this study is expected to improve conservation and protection actions for the sustainability of the threatened mangroves species in SAL.

Increasing globalization of the world economy has placed disruptive demands on management education. No longer is it sufficient for B-schools to focus only on developing the traditional, disciplined-based knowledge, abilities, and skills of graduates. For today's global economy, B-schools must also assure that graduates acquire what is commonly referred to as "cultural intelligence," possessing the attitude and skills to work productively and profitably across a wide range of cultural boundaries. Consequently, B-schools are enhancing their curricula--an important part of which involves developing methods to assess the impact of curricular enhancements on students' cultural intelligence. This exploratory research note reports the efforts of the School of Business & Industry to develop an innovative method to assess the effect of its curriculum on MBA students' cultural intelligence--referred to in this study as "cross-cultural intelligence" (CCI). The movie "Crash" is used to measure CCI at two progressive levels: 1) "basic cross-cultural understanding" (i.e., understanding of cross-cultural concepts) and 2) "advanced cross-cultural understanding" (i.e., ability to explain why cross-cultural misunderstandings or conflicts occur). Using student input, an assessment instrument was developed, including the rubric, to assess students' CCI. Then, the assessment results were used to evaluate students' CCI. As a final reflective exercise, participating students evaluated the assessment instrument, process, and their CCI performance to identify areas for improvement. The assessment results show that students performed well in understanding the causes of cross-cultural problems whereas their performance involving basic understanding (i.e., "foundational knowledge") of cross-cultural concepts did not fare as well.

Marine debris pollution can threaten the sustainability of natural resources in coastal regions ecosystem. Marine debris is worldwide issue now and Indonesia considered as a second biggest polluter of plastic to the world ocean. Massive efforts have been applied to tackle marine debris, both by the central government and provincial level, to manage these problems and minimize the impact on the coastal ecosystem. Various types of marine debris threaten the mangrove and seagrass ecosystem by covering its roots and leaves, slowing down its growth rate, and even killing them. The aim of this research is to identify the composition of marine debris in estuary waters and mangrove ecosystem. The research activity was conducted in Muaragembong, Bekasi Regency, which is considered part of Jakarta Bay as the source of the marine debris site. The result showed that the marine debris composition during the east monsoon (July) was dominated by plastic with 71%, while during the transition east-to-west monsoon (November) ranged from 59% and equally distributed surrounding estuary waters and mangrove ecosystem. Fifteen types of macro plastic were found in waters in July, larger than those found in November (13 types). The predominant type of macro plastic is Styrofoam, followed by crackle plastic, sachets, and straws, most of which are single-use plastics that are transported to the estuary and then trapped in the mangrove ecosystem.

No abstract available. Article truncated after first 150 words. History of Present Illness: A 50-year-old African American woman presented with weakness, altered mental status and constipation of 12 days duration. She was complaining of abdominal distension with diffuse pain and bloating. She denied melena, hematochezia or hematemesis. She had a history weight loss, anorexia and fatigue which had evolved over the past few months leading to recent severe weakness and inability to get out of bed. Past Medical History, Social History and Family History: Her past medical history included HIV infection with AIDS and noncompliance with her antiretroviral medications. Her most recent CD4 count was